Around these parts, we still believe in Joe Hendry… even if NXT management doesn’t… so his mug stays on the banner.
After all, what scream AMERICA better than Joe Hendry?
Kurt Angle?
Okay… maybe… but he’s not as good as Joe Hendry.
It says so in the song…
Okay, I’ll stop now.
In all seriousness, though, having Joe Hemdry on the banner actually makes sense this time around since he was featured in a qualifying match for the 6-Man World title bout at the upcoming Slammiversary show and wouldn’t you know it? Joe won his spot by defeating Jake Something. It was a fine match for what it was and given that it was the main event of the show, it’s nice to see a show end on a high note instead of… oh wait, we need to find out who attacked Nic Nemeth backstage, which was a recurring thing. Everyone assumes it’s the System – Moose’s faction for those who don’t know – but in actuality, it’s Kazarian, the other guy who appeared on NXT.
But enough about that. After the match, Joe Hendry grabs the mic, thanks the fans for the support, and gives the usual inspiring speech about how all is possible if you just believe. See, if Bo Dallas was this inspiring the first time around, he wouldn’t be doing a tribute act to his late brother today in a vain attempt to get people to care… though to be fair, it seems to be working, so… yeah… marks.
In other news, the opening match between Trey Miguel and Leon Slater went to a no-contest – it was fun while it lasted, but this was not without its own excitement, as NXT’s own Charlie Dempsey (who I would learn is actually William Regal’s kid) got involved and interfered in the match, causing a commotion from the security guys. Miguel’s partner, Wentz, challenges Dempsey to a match for next week, which should happen since it’s part of the taping cycle, ya? Honestly… I want to be excited about this, but so far this WWE/TNA relationship is somewhat unbalanced. TNA sends NXT their Knockouts Champion and two of their notable stars over and what do they get in return? A couple minor names from NXT at most… can we not send over someone with a little more significance over to the TNA side for a one-shot… like Saree?
Wait, what’s that? Saree’s no longer with WWE?
So, who’s left in NXT?
A bunch of interchangeable blonds?
Oh… never mind.
Also, they follow this match up with a 10-minute Jodi Threat/Dani Luna that ends in a draw. And when they restart the match for sudden rules, out comes Slammovich and Alisha Edwards for the run-in to throw the match out. Who’s booking this shit and why are they allowed to be employed?
So, I’ll admit that I missed an episode or two last month, but apparently, AJ Francis (the former Top Dolla, current Flop Dolla) is not only the Digital Media champion, but he has also “bought” the old Lutte International Heavyweight championship for himself to further his feud with PCO, who used to be a great Quebec wrestler until they turned him into a pirate and eventually a monster-zombie. I don’t know how much that’s going to add to the feud and also, I stopped watching AEW because they kept focusing on talent and titles from other promotions rather than their own. Please don’t let this be a trend where TNA is bringing back defunct titles from dead promotions, especially those that the kids have no clue what they are… unless they intend on bringing back Lutte International somewhere down the road, in which case… why?
There is a match with Matt and Reby Hardy vs. Eddie and Alisha Edwards in there that’s largely a trainwreck, but not one of those fun trainwrecks, but the “why am I watching this” trainwreck. Is this what I get for missing a show or two? Do we really need to go back to the usual TNA bullshit? I thought we were past that point?
Also, on a side note, did Reby Hardy get around to fucking that owl like she threatened ages ago or did they make up?
Oh, shut up. I’m not the one who made a T-Shirt out of it.
I’ll be honest here; this show was a bit of a mixed bag. Mind you; there’s stuff I liked. The main event was fine, the opening match was alright. Kazarian/Santana was quite a bit of fun for what was basically a throwback match of sorts. And I even enjoyed the women’s match… minus the finish. The first two matches ending in no contests soured me a bit and the less said about the Hardys/Edwards affair, the better off we’ll be. All in all, this wasn’t the total trainwreck that I’ve seen from ages past and Impact continues to be a good weekly show, but it’s starting to push buttons it shouldn’t be pushing and I’m not liking that.
Do better, Impact. You’ve been good so far and I’d hate to see you go back to your old, slimy ways.
dtm666 