411’s TNA Impact Wrestling Report 5.30.13

*****
“PREVIOUSLY ON IMPACT WRESTLING”: Bully Ray tells Brooke Hogan he will always love her, Sting asks Joseph Park to team with him this week, Gunner returns to team with James Storm, AJ Styles turns against TNA…and The Aces & Eights.

—–

We cut backstage where The Aces & Eights are having a meeting. Bully Ray says their only business tonight is AJ Styles. D-Lo Brown tells Mr. Anderson that he thought Styles was going to join for sure and Anderson attacks him as Ray and Devon watch.

—–

The Aces & Eights theme hits, bringing out TNA World Champion Bully Ray and his partner TNA Television Champion Devon to the ring for the opening match. Taz says AJ Styles made a big mistake last week and remarks on the pissed off mood of The Aces & Eights. Ray gets on the mic and says in three days Devon takes out Joseph Park for good then turns his attention to Sting. Ray hypes the Slammiversary XI and says that Sting wanted “No Holds Barred” and he gave it to him. Ray says he isn’t taking anything away from Sting as he’s beaten some of the greatest world champions to become “The ICON”. Ray namedrops Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, Kurt Angle, and Jeff Hardy as former Sting conquests en route to World Championship reigns. Ray says he also beat Hardy for the World Title but he’s the one who put him on the shelf. Ray says he can’t wait to beat Sting in three days to make sure he never gets to wrestle for the World Title ever again, but for now he’ll just have to be patient. Ray hypes the upcoming tag team match and tells Sting and Park to get out here and fight.

Their opponents, Sting and Joseph Park, make their way out second to Sting’s music.

• THOUGHTS: Excellent promo from Bully Ray that helped build his match with Sting on Sunday even more. This main event is still getting a ton of flack but it’s been built really well and I’m looking forward to seeing it.

—–

Match #1: Sting & Joseph Park Vs. *TNA World Champion* Bully Ray & *TNA TV Champion* Devon
All four immediately attack one another as the bell rings, the action quickly spilling outside, Park taking it to Ray and Sting sending Devon into the ring steps followed by the barricade. Ray fights back and chops Park, then sends him back first into the ring post as Sting rakes the eyes of Devon. Ray goes for a chair shot but Park rolls out of the way as Devon gains the advantage against Sting with a chop to the throat. The Sting/Devon fight moves to the entrance ramp as Ray sends Park face-first into the ring steps. Sting backdrops Devon into the ring as Park gets his arm slammed into the ring steps.

Sting and Devon make their way back outside as Ray rolls into the ring. Ray challenges Sting to meet him in the ring and “The ICON” obliges. Ray shoves Sting and they trade right hands. Both men hit the ropes and take one another down with a clothesline. Both men are down as we go to commercial.

-Commercial Break-

Devon works over Park in the ring as we return from commercial. Devon trash talks Park but runs right into a hip toss followed by a scoop slam. Park goes for the Closing Argument but Ray attacks him from behind to prevent it. Devon follows up with a clothesline sending Park to the mat. Ray tags in and connects with a clothesline, then pulls him into the center of the ring as he lays flat on his stomach. Park rolls around and Ray connects with a series of rights before knocking Sting off the apron. Ray gets a running head start and connects with an elbowdrop for 2.

Devon tags in and connects with a legdrop as a mockery of Hulk Hogan. Devon poses over the downed Park and goes for the cover but only gets 2. Devon applies a chinlock but the crowd wakes Park up and he fights out. Unfortunately his offense is short lived as he runs into a back elbow. Devon covers for 2 then tags Ray back in. Ray measures Park and connects with a dropkick. Ray clubs the fallen Park repeatedly then tags Devon back in. They go to opposite corners and attempt a double team but Park moves and they hit one another. Sting gets the hot tag and takes it to Ray and Devon, dropkicking the latter and kicking his leg out from under him. Sting locks Devon in the SCORPION DEATH LOCK and Ray tries to intercept but Park takes him down. Park goes for a Scorpion Death Lock of his own but Ray kicks him off and into Sting, sending both down.

Ray and Devon attempt a double team but Sting takes both men down with a clothesline. He hits a Stinger Splash on Devon but misses on Ray and they hit an inverted 3D on “The ICON”. Ray slams Park to the mat and holds his legs as Devon climbs to the top for “WHAT’S UUUUUP?!?” Before they can connect the music of Abyss hits and Ray goes to the ramp to meet him head-on. Meanwhile Sting attacks Devon from behind and connects with the SCORPION DEATH DROP, covering for the 1…2…3 while pointing at Ray.

Winners [via Pinfall]: Sting & Joseph Park (13:22)

• MATCH THOUGHTS: An alright match action-wise but I loved Sting covering Devon while pointing at Bully Ray; that was a nice “SUCK IT!” gesture. Also props for Park getting super pumped at hearing his “brother’s” music. At least one of us is excited!

—–

TNA President Dixie Carter is shown walking backstage. We will hear from her next.

—–

-Commercial Break-

—–

Kurt Angle cuts a promo backstage about AJ Styles and says while there’s a mutual respect between the two Styles is going to have to pay the price for what he’s done on Sunday. Angle then says he’ll be watching Styles/Anderson closely…literally.

• THOUGHTS: Stop creepin’, Angle.

—–

Dixie Carter’s Announcement

Dixie Carter makes her way out to make an announcement as Tenay and company talk about how instrumental she’s been to the success of TNA. Carter says Sunday is a special night for TNA and they’ll be celebrating 11 years of being in business. Carter thanks the fans on behalf of everyone in TNA, then announces that this Sunday they’ll be unveiling the next inductee into the TNA Hall of Fame. Carter wishes last year’s Hall of Fame inductee, Sting, the best of luck in his match at Slammiversary XI.

Carter is then interrupted by D.O.C., Garett Bischoff, & Wes Brisco of The Aces & Eights. Bischoff grabs a mic from someone at ringside and makes his way into the ring as Brisco and D.O.C. hang ringside. Bischoff asks Carter where all the love for The Aces & Eights is and admonishes her for not wishing Bully Ray “good luck” on Sunday. Bischoff says Sunday is not going to feel like a celebration…it’s going to feel like a funeral. Brisco and D.O.C. make their way inside and corner Carter. Samoa Joe and Magnus run out to make the save, causing the trio to bail out of the ring. Joe grabs a mic and says for one month he sat at home waiting to get his hands on The Aces & Eights. He says tonight that wait is over. Joe tells Bischoff he gets real lippy when it comes to women, then challenges him to a match to see how lippy he will be towards him.

• THOUGHTS: The TNA Hall of Fame announcement was not a surprise, but Samoa Joe Vs. Garett Bischoff was. Whatever I did to cause this to happen, I’m sorry. Glad to see Joe back, but not against scrubs like that.

—–

Match #2: Samoa Joe [w/ Magnus] Vs. Garett Bischoff [w/ D.O.C. & Wes Brisco]

Bischoff attacks from behind but Joe easily gains the advantage with a corner splash followed by the standing enziguri. Joe closes in on his prey as we go to commercial.

-Commercial Break-

Joe goes for a splash as we come back from break but D.O.C. grabs his leg when he goes for a running start. Magnus runs over to attack him and Brisco but the numbers game is too much and Bischoff goes out to add some abuse of his own as the bell rings. No contest I guess?

Winner: No Contest? (5:40)

• MATCH THOUGHTS: Honestly? Nothing happened.

POST-MATCH: Samoa Joe gets a running head start and takes out The Aces & Eights trio with a between the ropes dive. Joe grabs a mic and says he made a contingency for their cowardice. Joe announces that D.O.C., Brisco, and Bischoff will face him, Magnus, and…JEFF HARDY. The Aces & Eights freak out at that announcement, D.O.C. jumping up and down comically and Bischoff kicking the ring steps.

• THOUGHTS: The crowd popped for Hardy and so did I a little bit; absence makes the heart grow fonder and such. D.O.C.’s reaction to the Hardy announcement also might end up being the best part of the show; that was just too hilarious.

—–

LAST THURSDAY ON IMPACT: Gunner returns, lays out Shark Boy and Robbie E, then is picked as James Storm’s partner for Slammiversary.

—–

James Storm is backstage with Gunner and says he chose him because he’s a beast. Gunner says Storm has picked a warrior and says it’s time for war. The eight man tag team match is next.

—–

-Commercial Break-

—–

Hulk Hogan is with Brooke Hogan last week and grills her about the “look in her eye” when she was confronted by Bully Ray. Hogan tells her that when Ray says he loves her it’s his permission slip to rape, pillage, and plunder TNA (heh?). Brooke says it’s hard to accept that because she once knew a good guy. Hogan tries to change subjects to the Knockouts division but Brooke says she can’t concentrate with Bully Ray still running around. Hogan says she believes Sting will win on Sunday and he has bet the farm on it.

• THOUGHTS: If that didn’t both set Sting’s loss and Brooke’s heel turn in stone then I’ll be very surprised.

—–

Bad Influence makes their way out for the eight man tag team match. Austin Aries & Bobby Roode make their way out second to Roode’s theme music. James Storm & Gunner, their first of four opponents, make their way out to Storm’s theme as we go to commercial.

—–

-Commercial Break-

—–

TNA World Tag Team Champions Chavo Guerrero Jr. & Hernandez make their way out as we return from commercial. This match will eventually happen, I promise.

—–

Match #3: Chavo Guerrero Jr., Hernandez, James Storm, & Gunner Vs. Bad Influence (Christopher Daniels & Frankie Kazarian), Austin Aries, & Bobby Roode

Gunner and Daniels start off for their respective teams. Daniels trash talks a bit as Gunner just stares daggers at him. They lock up and Gunner backs Daniels in the corner. Gunner breaks clean but Daniels hits a cheap shot. Gunner gets mad and takes Daniels down, connecting with a back bodydrop out of the corner. Daniels bails to the outside and asks for a time out as Kazarian checks on his partner/best friend.

Daniels gets back in and tags out to Aries who gives him a dirty look. Aries loosens up then tags out to Roode and bails to the floor. Roode steps into the ring as Aries vocalizes his support. They lock up and Roode applies a hammerlock. Gunner reverses into one of his own but eats an elbow. Roode sends Gunner head-first into the corner then connects with a couple of chops. Roode whips Gunner into the opposite corner but eats a kick during a corner splash attempt and is floored with a clothesline. Guerrero tags in and lays in with forearms to the back. Guerrero slams Roode to the mat then tags in Hernandez who scoop slams his own partner onto Roode. Hernandez follows up with a splash on Roode for the first 2-count of the match.

Guerrero tags in and hits a dropkick (sorta) on a seated Roode. Roode connects with a knee to the gut and a forearm to the back, but Guerrero escapes a slam and hits the Three Amigos. Guerrero heads to the top and kicks Kazarian and Daniels away when they try to interfere. This distracts the ref, allowing Aries to enter the ring and dropkick Guerrero off the top and onto the floor. Roode tags Aries, who hits a springboard spinning elbow on Guerrero who is laid out over Roode’s knees. Daniels tags himself in to take the glory and attacks before tagging Kazarian in. Kazarian connects with a neckbreaker for 2 then rolls Guerrero over to the heel corner. Roode tags himself in and stomps down Guerrero in the corner. Roode distracts the ref, allowing Aries to weaken Guerrero with a headlock.

Kazarian tags back in and applies a chinlock as the crowd tries to rev Guerrero up. Guerrero gets to his feet and elbows out but gets his eyes raked when he attempts to follow up. Guerrero however fights his way through Bad Influence and tags out to Hernandez. Hernandez takes out everyone in his path, dropping Roode with a springboard shoulderblock and dropping Aries face-first to the canvas with a gorilla press slam. Hernandez picks Roode up and connects with the over the shoulder backbreaker for the 1…2…Bad Influence breaks the count. Hernandez clotheslines Kazarian and bodyblocks Daniels halfway across the ring. Hernandez goes for the Border Toss but Kazarian pulls him out of his arms, allowing Aries to get in and connect with a running corner dropkick. Hernandez reverses a Brainbuster attempt with a front suplex. Gunner tags in and eats a rolling elbow but he feels nothing and drops Aries with a uringage backbreaker. He follows up by locking Aries in the TORTURE RACK and he quickly taps.

Winners [via Submission]: Chavo Guerrero Jr., Hernandez, James Storm, & Gunner (9:08)

• MATCH THOUGHTS: A chaotically fun eight man tag team match with some fun spots (corner dropkicks FOR LIFE) that also did a decent enough job making Gunner look like a force to be reckoned with. Should be a fun elimination tag on Sunday.

—–

AJ Styles arrives backstage via crotch rocket.

—–

Bully Ray is shown backstage giving The Aces & Eights a pep talk. He tells Mr. Anderson to take care of AJ Styles tonight. Devon says he’ll take care of Joseph Park Sunday and if Abyss shows up he’ll take him out. Ray says he better, and Devon guarantees it. Ray changes gears to Jeff Hardy, saying he should not be coming back after what he did to him. He tells D.O.C., Garett Bischoff, & Wes Brisco to take care of Hardy, Joe, and Magnus on Sunday. Ray then tells Knux he has a job for him (Knux responds with “FINALLY!”), and says tonight they declare war on TNA (again?). Ray says he wants victims, and if he doesn’t get said victims any one of them, or all of them, will end up like D-Lo Brown.

• THOUGHTS: The Aces & Eights have declared war on TNA like fifty times already so that was a bit eye-rolling but I like Bully Ray’s intensity and desire for blood. I also like he’s willing to kick anyone out who doesn’t meet his expectations, even his brother Devon.

—–

TNA Knockouts Champion Mickie James is shown heading to the ring. She celebrates her win from last week next!

—–

-Commercial Break-

—–

A video plays announcing the location for this year’s Bound For Glory. It’ll be held at the Viejas Arena in San Diego, California on October 20th.

• THOUGHTS: Cool. Bound For Glory is the one show a year that tends not to disappoint so I don’t doubt that’ll it be a good time. I won’t be attending live though; I refuse to ever go to California for any reason.

—–

LAST THURSDAY ON IMPACT: Mickie James capitalizes on Velvet Sky’s knee injury to become Knockouts Champion once again.

—–

Mickie James’ Championship Celebration

“Hardcore Country” kicks up, bringing out new Knockouts Champion Mickie James to the ring. James gets on the mic and opens with “it feels good to be champ!”. James says she wanted to come out and thank the fans for her success. She says it’s been almost two years since she’s been Knockouts Champion and it’s been a long time coming. James says she loves the fans who have stood behind her the entire time…but there have been a handful who have called the way she won last week into question. James says it’s not fair and she deserves the belt, so she calls out former champion Velvet Sky to discuss this.

Velvet Sky makes her way out, her left knee taped up. James says she came to her before the match and asked her if she was sure she wanted to defend the belt and Sky said yes because she’s a fighting champion. James says it was sad that Sky’s knee gave out, allowing her to become champion. James tells the crowd to give her a round of applause for how great she was as champion. Sky takes the mic and says while she appreciates the support, she wants her rematch. James says she’d love to give her a rematch…when her knee is better. Sky says she wants it at Slammiversary XI. James says Brooke Hogan already told her that there was already a Knockouts match on the show so they couldn’t…

Gail Kim marches out to interrupt the duo. Kim says James wouldn’t have won the title without her help (she attacked Sky a few weeks ago and softened up the knee). Kim says she has been so frustrated lately that she’s been taking people out, then says at Slammiversary XI she will be the last Knockout standing and will go after the belt. Sky grabs the mic from Kim and says she’s first in line for the rematch against she didn’t know. Kim kicks Sky in the knee and goes to work but Taryn Terrell runs out to prevent a ring post figure four. James leaves the ring, letting the trio jaw at each other.

TNA X-Division Champion Kenny King makes his way out to team with Kim for the next match. This happens after the break.

• THOUGHTS: I don’t know why they’re slow burning Mickie James’ heel turn, but hey whatever works. James seems motivated and I enjoyed her mic work, southern accent and all (did she always have that?). Sky was a bit wonky on the mic though but I expected that. Also leading into the next match this quick is a bit jarring but I can jive with that. There’s only so much time to fit everything in.

—–

-Commercial Break-

—–

Chris Sabin, Terrell’s tag team partner, makes his way out as we come back from break. ODB is officiating.

—–

Match #4: Chris Sabin & Taryn Terrell Vs. *TNA X-Division Champion* Kenny King & Gail Kim

Terrell immediately attacks Kim, taking her to the mat with a jumping clothesline and following up with a running neckbreaker. Terrell slams the back of Kim’s head into the top turnbuckle and lays in with right forearms before ODB causes a separation. Kim bails to the apron but gets dropped by Terrell. Terrell suplexes Kim back into the ring then heads to the top, connecting with a crossbody for the 1…2…kickout.

King tags in, forcing Terrell to tag out to Sabin. Sabin takes King down with back to back armdrags, the latter turned into an armbar. Sabin slaps King’s hand repeatedly to get the crowd clapping along. King almost sends Sabin into Terrell but he puts the breaks on, allowing King to attack from behind. Sabin reverses an Irish whip but King ducks a clothesline and hits a standing enziguri. King jaws at Terrell then covers Sabin for 2. King locks on a submission to wear Sabin down. Sabin breaks out but Kim hits him from behind allowing King to hit a leg lariat for a 2-count. King slams Sabin to the canvas but misses the springboard legdrop. Sabin follows up with a running forearm and a corner clothesline. Sabin kicks King in the gut and hits a move for the 1…2…kickout.

Sabin measures King but Kim grabs his hair from behind. King clubs Sabin in the back as Terrell chases her into the ring. King gets in Terrell’s face and Sabin attacks from behind. Kim goes for a kick on Sabin but he blocks it and Terrell hits her with a spear. Sabin finishes King off with his finisher for the 1…2…3!

Winners [via Pinfall]: Chris Sabin & Taryn Terrell (4:59)

• MATCH THOUGHTS: I still maintain that Sabin’s still using the Cradle Shock but I’ve heard otherwise from some people. Fun match, despite all the “OH NO WOMEN, DON’T LET MEN HURT YOU!” talk on commentary. I’m pretty sure Kim could kick Sabin’s head off if given the shot. Also when did Terrell/Kim become a “Last Knockouts Standing” match? Did I miss something? I drink too much.

POST-MATCH: Chris Sabin gets on the mic and says after 2 years of torn ACLs and physical therapy he becomes a five-time X-Division Ch…King attacks him from behind mid-thought. He goes for the Royal Flush but out comes Suicide to break it up. He takes King out with a double underhook knee driver (that sounds made up, sorry) and grabs the X-Division belt like he wants it. Sabin and Suicide stare one another down.

• THOUGHTS: Oh my god does Suicide feels shoehorned into the upcoming Ultimate X match.

—–

A split-screen of AJ Styles and Mr. Anderson heading to the ring is shown. They go one on one soon.

—–

-Commercial Break-

—–

A video plays of Sting talking about the many times he’s been World Champion and how much it means to him as a wrestler. He brings up his many championship opponents, from Ric Flair to Hulk Hogan to Jeff Jarrett, then says his upcoming match with Bully Ray is different because it’s about taking away power in addition to taking the belt. Sting says he wants to strip Ray of his power and this is his one chance to take the stake and drive it through his heart.

• THOUGHTS: Damn good hype video.

—–

Keneley and company go through the big Slammiversary XI matches for Sunday as a final hard sell.

—–

Mr. Anderson makes his way out for tonight’s main event (sponsored by 5 Hour Energy) as Keneley and company talk about how embarrassed he was when his opponent didn’t join The Aces & Eights last week. His opponent, AJ Styles, makes his way out second.

—–

Main Event: AJ Styles Vs. Mr. Anderson

Anderson attacks Styles as soon as he enters the ring. Styles fights out of the corner and backs Anderson into the opposite one, laying into him with chops and rights. Anderson catches Styles with a headlock and takes him down with a shoulderblock. Styles trips Anderson and kicks him in the gut. Styles slams Anderson to the mat and follows up with a Muta elbow. Styles sends Anderson back to the canvas with a suplex and angrily covers for a 1-count.

Styles sends Anderson into the corner but Anderson fights back and kicks him down to the canvas. Anderson chokes Styles with his boot, and Styles bails to the apron. Styles catches Anderson, dropping his neck over the top rope. Anderson rolls to the apron himself and Styles slowly makes his way over to drag him back in. Styles throws Anderson out to the floor and takes off his shirt (FINALLY). Styles gets a running head start and hits a massive full speed baseball slide. This match continues next.

-Commercial Break-

Styles tries to suplex Anderson back into the ring, but Anderson blocks and attempts one of his own. He brings Styles to the apron but eats a series of rights. Anderson pokes Styles in the eye and hits a sort-of DDT on the apron. Anderson drives Styles back-first into the apron and jaws at a fan before rolling him back in for a 2-count. Styles starts fighting back but Anderson connects with a back bodydrop for another 2-count. Anderson applies an over the head hammerlock to wear Styles down, adding a body scissors for added punishment.

Anderson goes for a knee to the gut but Styles rolls him up for a 2-count. Anderson regains the advantage and covers for a 1-count. Styles and Anderson get to their feet and trade right hands, the former switching to a series of strikes and kicks and finishing up with a clothesline. Styles continues the offensive flurry and connects with a running splash for 2. Styles gets Anderson in a Fireman’s Carry but Anderson escapes and applies a waistlock. Styles escapes and goes for a Tornado DDT but Anderson holds on, puts him back on the top, and connects with a right. Anderson follows up with a rolling senton for the 1…2…kickout. Styles fights out of the Mic Check, ducks a clothesline, and crotches Anderson on the top turnbuckle. Styles puts Anderson in a tree of woe and follows up with a dropkick. Kurt Angle runs out and attacks Styles, causing a DQ.

Winner [via DQ]: AJ Styles (13:54)

• MATCH THOUGHTS: I love the fact that AJ Styles has changed his moveset to match his gimmick; instead of the flashy moves he’s out there to hurt people and it shows. I may like this version of Styles more than 2003-era NWA Champion which I never thought was possible. That being said…this match lost me about halfway through as it felt like it got slower and slower until Angle came out to cause the no contest (it’s a DQ, do your job ref). I don’t know what it was; as much as I enjoyed Styles, I just couldn’t get into this match.

POST-MATCH: Styles fights back against Angle and then The Aces & Eights all run out to beat everyone up. Sting and a bunch of TNA faces run out, leading to a giant brawl. Eventually the ring clears, leaving Sting and Bully Ray to face one another. The two trade rights and strikes, until Sting gets the adrenaline going. He trips Ray and applies the Scorpion Death Lock as the crowd cheers. Devon then attacks Sting from behind and they drop “The ICON” with a 3D. The rest of The Aces & Eights make their way into the ring and pose over the fallen Sting as their theme plays and we cut to whatever movie SpikeTV is showing this week.

• THOUGHTS: Hey look a TNA Vs. Aces & Eights brawl; all of you playing along at home, take a drink. The brawl itself was weak but I liked the Sting/Bully Ray fight and the 3D that took him out at the end. The Aces & Eights stand tall to end the show and fingers crossed times infinity that it remains this way on Sunday.

*****
RANDOM OVERALL SHOW THOUGHTS: While not necessarily a good episode of IMPACT Wrestling this week as it pertains episodically, it did a good job of acting as a two hour commercial for Slammiversary XI which they needed to do. It featured all the key players in matches to showcase their abilities, hyped the card, showed some video packages, and ended the night in a brawl featuring their central storylines, not to mention continued to build other storylines (Mickie James’ slow turn). All that plus the announcement of the return of Jeff Hardy and the BFG 2013 location? Not bad at all. The show flew by this week and it definitely earned my money for this Sunday. What about you?

—–

When not covering Impact (almost) every Thursday for 411, Jon can be found writing about professional wrestling on his own site Pro Wrestling Update as well as in bite-sized form on Twitter.