Last night, TNA IMPACT presented their annual TNA Turkey Bowl, where a tournament took place, with the winner receiving a title shot for their respective division. I love one night tournaments, and I was very excited for this event!
Bobby Lashley vs. Abyss in a 1st round matchup
This was a standard, formula match, lasting only about 5 minutes. Although I’m not a huge Lashley fan, damn that man can jump! Lashley got the win with a spear, after Abyss was distracted by Crystal, who was inadvertently elbowed by him. Overall, an alright way to start off the night.
Desmond Wolfe vs. Suicide in another 1st round matchup
[adinserter block=”1″]This match was defiantly an oddly paired match, yet intriguing at the same time. These two put on a pretty good little match, which featured an interesting clash of styles, with Suicide bringing the ariel offense, and Wolfe grounding him with his British/Puro expertise. After about 5 minutes, Desmond Wolfe got the win with a Tower Of London, which was botched a bit by Suicide, but was executed fair enough.
“The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero vs. Kurt Angle in another 1st round matchup
Of all the unique matches booked for this show, this match was defiantly the one I was looking forward to the most. The two put on a really good match, going about 7 minutes. Even thought Angle picked up the win with an Angle Slam, this match really put “The Pope” at another level, in TNA’s roster status. I could defiantly see “The Pope” as a main event guy in the near future, and I think he’d make a great TNA World Heavyweight Champion some day.
Homicide vs. Robert Rude in another 1st round matchup
I am really glad that TNA decided to put Robert Rude in this tournament. If he had ended up winning the whole thing, he wouldn’t get a world title shot, but a tag title shot with fellow Beer Money Incorporated teammate James Storm. Rude us a TNA original, and a very promising individual in my eyes. As much as I love the team of Beer Money, I think the time has come for TNA to split Rude and Storm up, and push them as major singles stars. I could see both men, especially Robert Rude, as future TNA World Heavyweight Champions. Speaking of Rude, ever since the first day I laid eyes on this man, I knew that he’d be the future of TNA. He’s got the look, the ability, and charisma, and all the other tools it takes for a major professional wrestling star. This man is the future of this business, mark my words! As far as this match went, it was a solid 5 minutes of faced paced wrestling, with Rude getting the win, with a high angle spine buster.
Traci Brooks vs. Hamada vs. Alissa Flash vs. Velvet Sky vs. Lacey Von Erich vs. Madison Rayne vs. Sarita vs. Taylor Wilde vs. Tara vs. Daffney in a Knockouts Battle Royal with ODB as the special ref, where the winner receives a Knockout title shot at Final Resolution
This match went about 7 minutes, and was far more entertaining than the WWE Divas Mayflower Melee match on RAW this past week! When Traci Brooks and Alissa Flash were eliminated, they battled it out on the floor, eventually having to be separated. Why are these two feuding? It seems pointless. I’m a big fan of Flash, and would love to see her as the TNA knockouts Champion, but let’s be honest, Brooks has got to go! Anyway, Tara got the predictable win after eliminating Velvet Sky, who looked pretty bad in this one. No, I’m not talking about her appearance, I’m talking about her wrestling ability. Appearance wise, she looked great! Boy, I love her entrance. It’s got to be the highest rated segment of the show! LOL! After the match, tension slowly began to build between Tara and ODB, who should have a pretty good match for the title, at Final Resolution.
Desmond Wolfe vs. Bobby Lashley in a Semi-Final matchup
This was a decent match, with some very good submission wrestling put on display. Lashley’s MMA background really came in handy here. After about 5 minutes or so, Wolfe got himself disqualified, when he didn’t break the 5 count, as he had an arm bar on Lashley in the ropes. Despite what anyone says, this was a fine enough way to end this match. It gave Lashley the win, without hurting Wolfe’s status. After the match, Wolfe said that he’s see Angle at Final Resolution. I’m glad these two are having another match on Pay Per View, and It should be another classic.
Kurt Angle vs. Robert Rude in a Semi-Final matchup
Wow, what a match! These two put on a great 10 minute match, really putting Rude over as a big time player. At the conclusion of the match, Desmond Wolfe came out, causing Angle to charge and attack him. The ref reached the 10 count, and Angle lost the match via count out. This was a perfect way for Rude to advance, and a perfect way to further the feud between Wolfe and Angle.
Next, the TNA World Heavyweight Champion, AJ Styles, cam to the ring and cut a promo. He initially asked Sting to return his phone calls, but was immediately interrupted by Daniels, who will face AJ for the TNA title at Final Resolution. Daniels cut his typical heel promo he’s been doing as of late, and blamed AJ for his lack of success in TNA. The promo ended with AJ telling Daniels that he will find out what he’s all about, come Final Resolution! I’m really looking forward to this match at the Pay Per View, and I’m really glad to see TNA, putting these young guys out there in the main event. Keep it up TNA!
Throughout the entire evening, Mick Foley was shown backstage, frantically trying to figure out if Hulk Hogan is going to replace him, and who Hogan is going to bring with him. Over the past several weeks, Kevin Nash has hinted, that Hogan is not coming alone. I’m going to go out on a limb, and say he’s bringing Ric Flair with him. Lately, rumors have been circulating the net, that Flair is on his way to TNA, and that he desperately need the money. I think the mystery man, Hogan’s bringing in, is very realistically going to be Flair. Bringing in two 60 year olds is really going to assist with the new direction TNA is going in? Get real TNA!
Robert Rude vs. Bobby Lashley in the Finals
Although this wasn’t very long, it was a pretty decent match, with plenty of false finishes. Lashley ended up getting the win with a spear. Personally, I was really hoping Rude would go over here. Although I wouldn’t have had Lashley win here, he has been looking much better lately, and could possibly have some good matches with AJ or Daniels, whomever wins the title at Final Resolution. Personaly, I still would have put over a younger guy. I don’t particularly look forward to seeing Lashley in the main event scene, but I guess it’s better than someone like Kevin Nash or Hulk Hogan in the main event!
[adinserter block=”2″]Overall, this was a great addition of TNA IMPACt, with tons of great wrestling action, and story line advancement. If TNA keeps this up, they are definanlty moving in the right direction. Next week, it is announced that there will be an interview with TNA President Dixie Carter, on Hogan’s involvement in TNA. Should be interesting. Also, don’t forget to follow Dixie on Twitter! Wait, I thought she said that she wanted to stay off of television/ out of the limelight? Guess not! Overall, I would give this great addition of IMPACT an A-.
Don’t forget to check me out on blogtalkradio.com, for my daily wrestling news podcast! It’s called Elite All Pro Wrestling Radio, and I’m the host, Todd Frizzell. Check it out!
Todd Frizzell is from Columbus Ohio, and has been a huge professional wrestling fanatic for the last ten years. Todd is very interested in all aspects of pro wrestling, including what goes on when the cameras aren’t rolling. Todd is very excited to write about his passion, and will try his best to entertain and provoke the wrestling fans.
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