TNA Impact Wrestling | Changing of the Guard 2.0

[Chosen One]

I was prepared to write that WWE was easily going to win this new war but my goodness I just read Bound for Glory. It's going to be a tight battle. I can't wait to see the next episode of Impact up against Raw!

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Jan 11, 2017 5:26:15 GMT -5 Chosen One said:

I was prepared to write that WWE was easily going to win this new war but my goodness I just read Bound for Glory. It's going to be a tight battle. I can't wait to see the next episode of Impact up against Raw!

That's actually the one episode I haven't written yet

If I'm alive tonight after Yoga I'll start on it

[blackHEART]

October 31 2016

Tonight's Impact began with the introduction of new commentators. James Storm showed up to the commentary table, confirming he's the new full-time color commentator, and then announced the new play-by-play commentator, Mauro Ranallo! Storm and Ranallo joined forces and mocked a "new era" in TNA, something WWE's been trying to get across with their recent brand split. We see John Hennigan head out and Hennigan mentions what an honor it was to be in the ring with Bobby Roode and Mr. Anderson last night in the main event, which one year ago he was competing for that world title at Bound for Glory and fell short. Hennigan says he's ready to capture the world title and become champion, but AJ Styles has a bone to pick with this, saying he wrestled in perhaps Match of the Year with EC3 and won. Styles said if there's anyone to be #1 contender, it is him! Shawn Michaels heads out and starts by calling Styles and Hennigan two of the best performers in the world today. Michaels commended Hennigan calling last night's match down the middle and preventing Jeff Jarrett from getting involved, while Michaels agreed that AJ versus Ethan was a shoe-in for Match of the Year. Shawn says he'd like to determine the new #1 contender as soon as tonight, letting them both know they're in the main event to determine just that!

After a commercial, the newest addition to TNA came to the ring and introduced himself as Andrew Everett, and recapped beating 5 other men in last night's gauntlet to earn him a rightful spot in the company. Everett says everyone will be amazed by what he can do, and by this time next year, he'll hold the prestigious X-Division Championship. Out came his opponent, Dasher Hatfield, who was ready to prove why he'll be X-Division Champion at this time next year.

Andrew Everett def. Dasher Hatfield via Disqualification
Andrew Everett was in control and was impressive, but out came free agent Johnny Gargano from last night who jumped the barricade and tackled Everett mid-match. The security team stormed to the ring and pulled Gargano away, dragging him out of the arena.

TNA World Heavyweight Champion Bobby Roode was interviewed by Jeremy Borash backstage about the announcement made by Shawn Michaels tonight. Roode said he has tremendous respect for both John Hennigan and AJ Styles, and says whoever wins tonight will have deserved a title opportunity. Roode then raises the stakes by issuing they have the world title match next week!

In the ring, X-Division Champion Shelton Benjamin heads out there and suddenly his gloom attitude displayed over the last few weeks now has a cocky and glowing attitude. Shelton says he'd be so glad to give Chris Jericho his rematch now, so to play his music. The music hit for Jericho and moments passed before he didn't show up. Mauro Ranallo is informed that Jericho isn't here tonight and is actually having surgery tomorrow morning in Charlotte. Benjamin insists on the referee ringing the bell and counting Jericho out, and when the ref refuses, Benjamin demands, so the bell is rung.

Shelton Benjamin(c) def. Chris Jericho via Count-Out to retain the TNA X-Division Championship
The official counted to ten without Jericho showing up, thus Benjamin retaining.

The X-Division Champion celebrated in the ring until Shawn Michaels came to spoil the party for Shelton Benjamin, reminding him that he was informed of Jericho's absence tonight from the Trump Plaza Hotel. Shawn says if Benjamin is so eager to defend his X-Division Championship tonight, he might as well do it against the fastest rising commodity in the X-Division today, the man who also won last night... Ricochet's music hits and Benjamin doesn't like where this is going, but we've got a title match next!

Ricochet def. Shelton Benjamin(c) to win the TNA X-Division Championship
One night after gaining the X-Division Championship, he coughs it up to Ricochet after a 630 Splash.

As Austin Aries was watching, Jeremy Borash asked Aries what he thought of Ricochet winning the X-Division Championship. Aries said it's good for Ricochet, and it's a nice compensatory prize for him. Aries says he's not focused on something as low as the X-Division Championship, he's won the title 6 times. Aries says his goal is to be a 2-time world champion here in TNA, and with his old pal Bobby Roode at the top, he'll have no problem accomplishing that goal. Borash asked what if AJ Styles or John Hennigan are world champions after next week, and Aries scoffed, asking Borash if he really believed Styles and Hennigan COMBINED would be better than the Greatest Man That Ever Lived. Aries shook his head and walked away.

Kimber Lee def. Madison Rayne w/Velvet Sky
Velvet Sky lost last week to Kimber Lee in the same way Madison Rayne would this week, by a Split-legged Jawbreaker.

We saw Brooke head out with her clients Drew Galloway and Carlito, after they made an emphatic comeback last night at Bound for Glory. Brooke boasted about Galloway and Carlito and promises her clients have been remodeled and refocused, and are gunning for the TNA World Tag Team Championships. The Wolves headed down, and as the tag team champions, blamed Galloway and Carlito for last night. They said they didn't want to win that way, and should keep their noses out of their business if they EVER want to be in the title picture again. Music of The Briscoes sounded and Brooke Enterprise got out of dodge as The Briscoes charged in with steel chairs. As they saw Brooke Enterprise cowardly keep a distance, they turned and hit Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards with the chairs. The Briscoes laid The Wolves out, and as Brooke Enterprise intriguingly watched, they saw Jay Briscoe hit a Jay-Driller on Davey onto the steel chair. After the assault, The Briscoes pointed at Brooke Enterprise and told them they've been warned.

Andrew Everett headed into the office of Shawn Michaels upset about being attacked by "a fan" and if that is how dangerous this environment is, he isn't quite sure TNA is the right place for him. Shawn corrected him saying it wasn't a fan, but who he beat last night, Johnny Gargano. Everett said he isn't under contract, and Michaels shot back because he was costed a contract last night. Shawn said in all honesty, the official made the mistake, and Johnny Gargano might be the newest TNA superstar today, not him. Michaels said he'll heighten security next week in his rematch versus Dasher Hatfield.

Patriot 2000 def. Crimson
After retiring Kurt Angle last night from the commentary table, he wasted no time by forcing Crimson to tap to the Patriot Lock.

Before the main event up next, Mauro Ranallo announces some matches for next week. It will be Andrew Everett versus Dasher Hatfield in a rematch from earlier tonight. Ranallo also refers to The Briscoes taking on Brooke Enterprise for the first time ever! James Storm then brings up they have a TNA World Heavyweight Championship match next week, when Bobby Roode defends his title against either AJ Styles or John Hennigan. Ranallo brought up there being a title change this week, and maybe next week as they commentate, there may be another!

AJ Styles vs. John Hennigan ends in a Double Count-Out
After exerting themselves, AJ Styles actually moonsaulted to the outside of the ring, him and Hennigan crashing through the announce table on Ranallo and Storm's first night. The two were both unable to make it back in before the count of 10, missing out.

As the two had rolled back in after the ten count, both disappointed by the referee's decision, TNA President Shawn Michaels headed out. Shawn Michaels said he's decided to make next week's title a match a triple threat! It'll be Bobby Roode defending against both AJ Styles and John Hennigan for the championship. The fans love the idea, while Hennigan and Styles can live with it, as Impact goes off the air one night after Bound for Glory.

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- TNA's Chris Jericho reportedly suffered a severe injury at Bound for Glory. Mauro Ranallo's commentary was not a storyline when they said he was in Charlotte for surgery. Jericho is expected to miss 4-6 months after sustaining this injury in a match with Shelton Benjamin.


- Ricochet captured the TNA X-Division Championship on the Halloween episode of Impact, defeating Shelton Benjamin to record his first title reign in the company. TNA has been hyping up Ricochet as part of the next X-Division generation, and it's no surprise the title win came this early, but it wasn't supposed to be. The decision to put the title on Ricochet now was made after learning Chris Jericho would be out of action for a long time. Reportedly, the original plans were to have Chris Jericho win the championship back from Shelton Benjamin and then pass the torch to Ricochet in early 2017. Obviously, the Jericho injury had plans take a detour.


- For those wondering, Eric Young is still under contract with TNA. Eric Young has not been seen since the Donald Trump purchase back in September of last year, which raises concern as to where Eric Young is and why he hasn't been featured on TNA programming. To answer this question what Eric Young has been doing, he's been mainly at home with personal family matters, while popping in from time to time to help the younger talent with development, training, and mic work. Eric Young's apparently chosen not to be featured on TNA programming because of his uncertain situation at home, while not wanting to be attached to a storyline.

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November 7 2016

Mr. Anderson began tonight's Impact, with everyone questioning why, as Mr. Anderson began with talking about his third reign as world champion that came to an end back in September at TNA Heartbreak, and where he lost at Bound for Glory because of John Hennigan and Shawn Michaels working together. Anderson recognized there was a world championship match tonight and wanted to be placed in it. Jeff Jarrett came out and asked Anderson where he's been, and Jarrett complained Anderson hadn't responded to his texts, calls, emails, since Bound for Glory. Anderson snapped and blamed his loss on Jeff Jarrett. Anderson blamed Hennigan's participation on Jarrett and Jarrett fought back with saying he wouldn't have been world champion in the first place if it wasn't for him, and said Anderson was minutes away from being unemployed and forgotten about until he came along. This enticed Shawn Michaels out to stir the pot and told Anderson if he wanted a match so bad, that he wrestle Jeff Jarrett right now! Michaels rushed a referee out there, as Anderson told Jarrett he'll show him why he was world champion.

Mr. Anderson def. Jeff Jarrett via Disqualification
Action spilled onto the outside when Jarrett would introduce a steel chair and wack Anderson with it.

A beatdown continued with a steel chair as Jeff Jarrett lashed out on Anderson, and when things turned to the ring, Jarrett was smashing the chair on Anderson's back several times before being content with his work. Jarrett told Anderson that he was through and walked out on his former best friend.

Andrew Everett got interview time with Jeremy Borash and when asked about tonight's match with Dasher Hatfield, Everett opted to speak about Johnny Gargano instead. Everett trashed Gargano by being childish of the referee's final decision and attacking him like a maniac. Everett said he'll beat Dasher Hatfield because Gargano isn't getting a mile close to him, and at this time, he's attacked from behind, by none other than free agent Johnny Gargano! Gargano unleashed on Everett until security saw this and rushed to separate the two.

To the ring came Knockouts Champion Jenny Thunnel to discuss what lies ahead next for her as the champion, but not before she bragged about beating Awesome Kong and Gail Kim in the same night. Thunnel said she proved her doubters wrong at Bound for Glory and it's clear sailing from this point unless Donald Trump spends his money on better competition. Kimber Lee's music hit and she came out, saying Trump doesn't need to spend the money, because her competition is already here. Thunnel laughed and asked Kimber Lee if she wanted to go, and Lee and the crowd were all for it, but Thunnel backed out. Thunnel demanded someone from the back to come out to wrestle Kimber Lee, because it wasn't going to be her tonight. As Thunnel exited the ring, Ivelisse came and answered the call.

Kimber Lee def. Ivelisse
Proving herself to be a worth contender, Kimber Lee ended Ivelisse with the Split-legged Jawbreaker to win.

Dasher Hatfield heads to the ring and awaits Andrew Everett, but he doesn't show. A second referee then comes and says after earlier, Andrew Everett won't be competing tonight. Dasher thinks he's declared the winner by forfeit, but Christy Hemme announces his alternate opponent. He's introduced as Agonia and comes out looking insane as Dasher Hatfield looks concerned.

SPOILER: Click to show

Agonia def. Dasher Hatfield
Not expecting to wrestle a brick wall tonight, Dasher was demolished and Agonia won his debut with a Spear.

TNA World Heavyweight Champion Bobby Roode is interviewed about his title defense tonight and said he could have had a match with AJ Styles tonight, or one with John Hennigan, but now he has both in one match. Roode said it's great for the fans but the champion's advantage is gone. Roode says tonight he'll prove if this title reign was worth anything at all.

The Briscoes def. Brooke Enterprise
Mark and Jay took their frustrations out on Carlito and Galloway, ending things with a Froggy-Bow to Carlito before Jay hit a Jay Driller on Carlito to win.

After their match, Jay Briscoe gets on the microphone and challenges The Wolves to a TNA World Tag Team Championship match next week!

Shawn Michaels is watching in his office, and nods at The Briscoes, but he turns around and sees Chris Sabin, Aiden O'Shea, and Cortez Castro walk in. Sabin overheard what Jay Briscoe said, and Sabin was about to come complain about being left off the card for a second week in a row, but they want that opportunity. Sabin says he wants the tag team championships, after all, being one of the best tag team wrestlers in the company's history. Shawn agreed with Sabin's success as a Machine Gun, but warned Sabin that The Briscoes are on a completely different level, but he'll make the match. It'll be Dirty Standards versus The Briscoes next week, and the winner receives a shot at The Wolves.

We then cut to the commentary team, stunned by that match, as they also announce X-Division Ricochet will be at the Trump Plaza Hotel next week for the first time since becoming champion. As we're gearing up for the main event, Austin Aries heads out and insists on joining Mauro Ranallo and James Storm on commentary to watch this upcoming match. Throughout, the affiliation of Bobby Roode between Aries and Storm came up several times as Aries hopes Roode is willing to give him a title opportunity.

SPOILER: Click to show

AJ Styles def. Bobby Roode(c) and John Hennigan to win the TNA World Heavyweight Championship
While Roode was outside the ring, Aries threw water in his face trying to startle the champ, and this upset Roode and the two got in a fist fight while in the ring, Styles hit a Pele Kick on Hennigan that rocked him and then hit Styles Clash to pin him.

The champion had a big celebration after his victory as Impact goes off the air with a big portion of the crowd applauding the way the match ended.

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November 14 2016

Bobby Roode came out seven nights after losing his TNA World Heavyweight Championship in a triple threat, and he's hot, not about being out of the decision, but with the involvement of Austin Aries. Bobby Roode was going off until Austin's music hit and Aries came out trying to calm him down. Aries explained he was in Bobby's corner and was just trying to get him back in the ring, and Roode jumped down his throat and got nose-to-nose with Aries, before he stepped back and recollected himself. Roode said there's only one way to finish things, and he won't like them, before bumping shoulders with Aries and leaving the ring, saying nothing more. Then, as Aries stood in the ring, out came TNA X-Division Champion Ricochet. Ricochet made light of the situation and Aries ended up saying Ricochet is beneath him and to get out of his business, and when Ricochet grabs at Austin's arm, Aries demands for a referee to come and start a match.

Ricochet def. Austin Aries in a non-title match
Bobby Roode came back out and exacted revenge, throwing water into Austin's face before he got hit with a Superkick and then a 630 by Ricochet.

After the match was over, Ricochet left with his title as Bobby Roode stepped inside and stalked his prey before pouncing like an unleashed animal on Austin Aries. Bobby was beating Aries down and hammering fierce rights to the skull, and by the time security came down and a few officials, Bobby Roode had busted Aries open bad. Medical attention was required as Bobby left with no facial expression.

After a commercial to settle down, Andrew Everett headed to the ring as Everett mentioned he had been around less than a month and has already lost faith in TNA's security team. Everett said he went out and got his own, that being Tyrus! Tyrus heads out and remains ringside as Dasher Hatfield comes to the ring and Hatfield's intimidated by the presence of Tyrus at ringside.

Andrew Everett w/Tyrus def. Dasher Hatfield
Everett used a Double Rotation Moonsault to pick up the win against Dasher Hatfield with the third attempt being the charm.

As Andrew Everett headed up the ramp, he allowed bodyguard Tyrus in front of him. As Tyrus made it through the curtain, Everett turned back to the crowd to taunt once more, and when he turned around and looked up, he freaked out after seeing Johnny Gargano up on the structure!! The crowd rose as Johnny Gargano hit a crossbody down from the structure and everyone went nuts! Gargano scrambled to get a few punches in on Everett, with Tyrus long gone, as security came out and got Gargano off, with the crowd bought in and wanting them to let Gargano go for a fight, but to no prevail, as they even placed handcuffs on Gargano and escorted him out.

The Briscoes got interview time with Jeremy Borash about a #1 contenders match tonight, and Jay spoke about them thinking they're already #1 contenders because they haven't had a fair opportunity yet. Mark said if Dirty Standards wants to fight tonight, they'll fight em alright! Jay said he thinks Chris Sabin is a coward, so it shocks him he's stupid enough to get in the ring with the most dangerous team in the world and the team with most to fight for.

Jenny Thunnel def. Hiroyo in a non-title match
The Knockouts Champion ended Hiroyo's chances of an upset with a Cross Armbreaker.

The commentators confirm TNA World Heavyweight Champion AJ Styles is in the building and will address everyone tonight.

Patriot 2000 def. Robbie E
The same vicious side of Patriot 2000 was shown as he finished Robbie E with a Patriot Lock.

Backstage, Andrew Everett is explaining to Tyrus why he needs him around him at all costs, and makes a big deal about it, forcing Tyrus to hold hands against his will. Everett commands Tyrus not to let go as Tyrus shrugged and said as long as he gets paid...

The Briscoes def. Dirty Standards w/Chris Sabin
With an opportunity at the tag titles next week on the line, Sabin chickened out at the last minute and put Castro in, who lost with a Froggy Bow.

Shawn Michaels is in his office when Agonia steps in, the newest addition to TNA's roster. Agonia doesn't say anything, but Michaels would catch on and ask Agonia if he wants in the ring next week. Michaels then made the match for Agonia to wrestle, but not naming an opponent right off bat. Mauro Ranallo and James Storm take over to also confirm a TNA Tag Team Championships Match next week between The Briscoes and The Wolves while they send it to the ring.

TNA World Heavyweight Champion AJ Styles heads out and starts off by saying it's great to be on top of the mountain again. Styles said that was his goal after reviving the X-Division, and applauds Ricochet and promises that man is going to take the X-Division to heights he himself can't fathom. Styles then mentioned the controversy about Austin Aries and Bobby Roode, saying he looked back and watched and didn't like how that turned out, so he's offering a match with Bobby Roode at the next TNA Heartbreak on December 12th, sincerely hoping he accepts. Then TNA President Shawn Michaels came to the stage and told Styles that he can have Bobby Roode on December 12th, thinking that is a great idea. Michaels then informs AJ Styles that he's already looking ahead, and is making an 8-man tournament that starts next week. Michaels promises the winner of the tournament will be the next in line for the world title, no matter who wins December 12th. AJ Styles nods and seems ready for competition as he begins his reign hot.

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November 21 2016

Impact kicks off tonight with Mauro Ranallo and James Storm running through the card for tonight, as they kick off with tournament action, which culminates in determining a #1 contender for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.

John Hennigan def. Robbie E in the Quarterfinals
The former partners squared off with world title aspirations and Hennigan used Robbie's finishing Boom Drop to advance.

Backstage in an interview with Jeremy Borash, the TNA World Tag Team Champions were being asked about their title defense against The Briscoes tonight. The Wolves spoke up about not forgetting the attack by The Briscoes and the Jay-Driller applied to Richards on the chair. Davey says it's revenge time tonight, and they won't be taking their title defense lightly.

Agonia heads to the ring, awaiting his opponent, in which it is Crimson that shows up to the Trump Plaza Hotel.

Agonia def. Crimson
Crimson tests Agonia's inexperience, but Agonia ends up winning with physical strength and finishes with a Spear.

Andrew Everett and Tyrus are walking backstage, holding hands in part of "heightened security" and crosses paths with TNA President Shawn Michaels. Michaels makes several jokes about the hand holding that infuriates Everett, and more so Tyrus. He digresses and mentions they'll need to stop the hand holding next week, because as a pre-Thanksgiving treat, he's invited someone to the Trump Plaza Hotel to have a match with. Shawn confirms that Johnny Gargano has been permitted to wrestle next week on Impact. Everett was upset until Michaels said if Everett wins, he won't have to see Gargano around ever again. Yet, there is the stipulation if Gargano comes up victorious, he will sign a contract and be officially apart of TNA.

Kimber Lee heads to the ring and declares she's ready for Jenny Thunnel and the Knockouts Championship. Velvet Sky and Madison Rayne came to refute that statement and said she had no idea what Thunnel is capable of. Lee then recalled beating Sky and Rayne last month in back-to-back weeks, in which Madison wanted the proper respect she felt to deserve as a 6-time Knockouts Champion. Rayne called for a referee to start a match.

Kimber Lee def. Madison Rayne w/Velvet Sky
When Sky got on the apron to distract Madison's opponent, Lee moved out of the way for Rayne to bump Sky off the apron and then for Kimber Lee to roll Rayne up for a win.

Ethan Carter III has an interview with Jeremy Borash, who breaks the news about his quarterfinals match tonight with Patriot 2000 in the main event. EC3 understands he fell short against AJ Styles at Bound for Glory, but makes the point that was Match of the Year. EC3 says he wants to avenge that loss and he knows he can beat Styles if given a second chance. EC3 wants to earn that second chance, and it begins with this tournament.

Ricochet def. Rockstar Spud in a non-title match
The X-Division Champion takes care of business pretty quickly with a 630 Splash.

A prerecorded sit-down interview conducted by James Storm was aired as he sat down with former Beer Money Inc. partner and #1 contender to the TNA World Heavyweight Championship, Bobby Roode. Storm and Roode began reminiscing as tag team champions, which leads into Storm asking about the Dirty Heels and his relationship with Aries. Roode says there is no relationship, and while he still considers Storm a close friend, he despises Austin Aries. Bobby said Aries has went too far, and had to be put in his place, and therefore shows no remorse. When Storm probed, Roode respectfully asked Storm for different questions. Storm asked Roode about his upcoming match at TNA Heartbreak on December 12th against AJ Styles. Roode says his focus is on regaining the world championship and starting his 4th reign. Roode admits his previous reign as too short, at 49 days, and in a blink of an eye it was gone. Roode says he's fighting for more than just number four, but that he's fighting for his legacy in TNA. Roode says the only people to hold that championship 4 times are Sting and Kurt Angle, and so he'll be in elite company.

The Briscoes def. The Wolves(c) via Disqualification for the TNA World Tag Team Championships
Moments away from becoming champions, setting up for a Spike Jay-Driller, Brooke Enterprise invades, attacking Mark and Jay, causing the DQ.

Brooke stood on the outside instructing Carlito and Drew Galloway, and they laid both out with their respective finishing moves, making a statement and once again costing The Briscoes their first taste of gold in TNA.

Backstage, Tigre Uno and Rey Mysterio were getting interviewed with Jeremy Borash who broke the news about them wrestling each other in the tournament. The two have gotten so close and have had battles before, and acknowledged that history as teacher and student. They made a pact to give it their all next week, that the best luchador wins, and they support each other moving forward no matter what.

Moments before the main event, Ranallo and Storm mention the rest of the quarterfinals wrap up next week, as well as reiterating the match made earlier by Michaels that free agent Johnny Gargano gets a fair opportunity to become a TNA wrestler against Andrew Everett next week.

Ethan Carter III def. Patriot 2000 in the Quarterfinals
One of the best Impact main events this year ends in epic fashion after EC3 hits Patriot 2000 with a One-Percenter to put this one away.

Both men exhausted, EC3 is the one barely standing and celebrating. EC3 gets out of the ring after a while of replays and celebrations, and he's walking up the ramp when he's blasted by Patriot 2000. Patriot 2000 takes out his frustration right at the curtain before putting the Patriot Lock and refusing to let go of the ankle he was picking at the entire match. Patriot 2000 finally decides to let go as security plead and pry at his grip. Patriot 2000 lets Impact end with him standing tall, despite the end result, and leaving the victor on the floor clutching at his ankle.

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November 28 2016

Tonight's show begins with The Briscoes pacing in the ring, upset at Brooke Enterprise for costing them once again the tag team titles. Jay lets out that they were offered a rematch for the titles at TNA Heartbreak, but have come to the realization that until Brooke Enterprise is behind them, they can't get the championships. The Briscoes challenged Brooke Enterprise to a fight right now, but the only one that came out was Brooke herself. Brooke said Galloway and Carlito simply have no interest in wrestling The Briscoes and that they should just leave TNA for good. Brooke says the Enterprise only has interest in the TNA World Tag Team Championships, which Brooke made the comment that The Briscoes would only win the titles before the Enterprise if it was over their dead bodies. Jay and Mark took it literally, and only spotting Brooke, they'd start with her. The Briscoes exited the ring and were going to get Brooke, and were feet away when Galloway and Carlito jumped The Briscoes from the side and a brawl ensued. The teams were nailing each other and The Briscoes were coming out on top as security rushed in to do the impossible and separate them.

Back from commercial, the fire had been contained and the two teams weren't around anymore. They break down the card for tonight's show, including the rest of the quarterfinals. But beginning tonight is X-Division Champion Ricochet.

Ricochet def. Mandrews in a non-title match
Mandrews was innovative and showcased his athleticism, but Ricochet came away with a 630 Splash and the win.

As the X-Division Champion celebrated, he was blasted from behind by a man in a hoodie, that was revealed to be Shelton Benjamin as he unveiled his face. Benjamin beat down on the champion who took his title last month after one whole day as champion. Benjamin pulled Ricochet to the corner and hit an Exploder T-Bone Suplex before grabbing the championship belt he once held and raised it high before laying it on Ricochet.

Madison Rayne and Velvet Sky are backstage and are arguing about last week, in which Rayne begs Sky to stay in the back for her rematch against Kimber Lee tonight.

After a commercial break, Andrew Everett is backstage with Tyrus as Everett begs for a pep talk, and Tyrus doesn't deliver Everett's high expectations, getting ready for his match later tonight with Johnny Gargano.

Kimber Lee def. Madison Rayne
Kimber Lee defeated the 6-time Knockouts Champion fair and square with a Split-legged Jawbreaker.

As Kimber Lee stood in the ring after her match, holding her ribs, Knockouts Champion Jenny Thunnel came down. Thunnel recognized Kimber Lee wanting in line for a shot at her title to which Lee nodded her head and looked at the crowd's approval. Thunnel said she didn't need the fans approval, but the champion's. The crowd booed in which Thunnel said it'd be a pleasure to not just beat Kimber Lee, but to look at the crowd's faces when she breaks her arm. Kimber Lee boiled with anger, in which Thunnel just pushed her down and turned around to walk out. When she did this, Kimber Lee popped up and dropkicked Thunnel to the outside. Kimber Lee got a roar from the crowd as Thunnel backed up with her championship in hand.

A prerecorded interview conducted by James Storm is aired, where he got a chance to interview TNA World Heavyweight Champion AJ Styles. Storm asked Styles about his match with Bobby Roode at TNA Heartbreak, in which Styles said he is looking forward to it. Styles understands that Roode has a legitimate gripe that he wasn't pinned in the triple threat, but that's how those matches go. AJ said he wants to prove he can beat Bobby Roode, and as two TNA Originals, that he can be world renown as Mr. TNA. Storm briefly brings up the tournament and who he wants to win the tournament. Styles said he would love Ethan Carter III to win it all because of their match at Bound for Glory, but would prefer someone like Rey Mysterio because of his legacy and it being a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete against Mysterio.

Johnny Gargano def. Andrew Everett w/Tyrus
Free agent Gargano defied all the odds and with the assistance of Angelico, who hadn't been seen in nearly 2 months, as Gargano forced Everett to tap to the Crosston Crab.

Immediately after Johnny Gargano's victory, he rolled out of the ring and celebrated with Angelico. Backing up the ramp, Angelico then pulled Gargano's head back and smashed it on the floor. Angelico stood tall in which security rushed out and demanded Angelico to get out of there, holding his hands up, hopping over the barricade, and leaving in the street clothes he came in with.

With confusion at the announce table, after the commercial break, Ranallo was informed during the break that Angelico is no longer under contract at TNA. Storm wonders how he got past security, in which they don't know, but are ready for their first amount of tournament action.

Chris Sabin w/Dirty Standards def. Ciampa in the Quarterfinals
Sabin didn't deserve to win, but O'Shea and Castro on the outside gave the referee too much to handle, allowing Sabin to hit a low-blow, a Cradle Shock, and a win.

Backstage, we see John Hennigan there and Robbie E comes up to him. Hennigan acts as if nothing is wrong, while Robbie E is taking offense to Hennigan using his own finisher to win the match last week. John threw up his hands and promised he meant nothing disrespectful by it, in which Robbie has a change of attitude, and forgives Hennigan for doing so. Robbie E then asks who Hennigan is facing in the semis next week, when Hennigan responds he'll find out tonight between Mysterio or Tigre Uno. Robbie E wishes him luck and decides to leave then.

Go to another part of the backstage area, TNA President Shawn Michaels is with the TNA World Tag Team Champions, Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards, The Wolves. Michaels informs them that The Briscoes would like to avenge Brooke Enterprise for last week, so that match will go down on December 12th at TNA Heartbreak. When they plead they had nothing to do with it, Michaels believes them, but wanted to discuss their title defense at TNA Heartbreak. Michaels says he has booked Makabe and Honma for a match next week against Irish Borne with the winners getting title opportunities at TNA Heartbreak. They nod in agreement, as Shawn lets them go on their way.

The commentators Ranallo and Storm talk about next week when we determine new #1 contenders for the TNA World Tag Team Championships and play out the semifinals, but they go to finish out the quarterfinal round next in the main event.

Rey Mysterio def. Tigre Uno in the Quarterfinals
A respectful match between the two who gave it their all, and at times got aggressive with each other, but it took two 619s and then a splash from the top rope to claim victory.

After Mysterio advanced to the semifinals next week, he helped his student Tigre Uno up. Tigre extended the handshake and Mysterio refused to, but instead hugged his protege. The two celebrated a great match together and Mysterio's advancement to the semifinals where he takes on John Hennigan. This is how Impact goes off the air tonight.

[blackHEART]

December 5 2016

Tonight's episode of Impact begins with Mauro Ranallo and James Storm running down tonight's card, one week before the final TNA Heartbreak of the 2016 calendar year. Storm also mentioned he risked his job and conducted an interview with Angelico and Michaels has fortunately granted that request, which Storm promises will be aired later on the broadcast. They then get ready for the first of two semifinal matches tonight, John Hennigan versus Rey Mysterio.

Rey Mysterio def. John Hennigan in the Semifinals
When Robbie E came out at Hennigan's desperation with a steel chair, Hennigan refused to use it, but was instead distracted, kicked into the ropes, hit with a 619 and Springboard Splash to win.

When Mysterio hit the 619, he gave a swift kick to Robbie E and hit the springboard splash for the win to advance. After the match was over, Robbie E got up holding his face, slid in with the steel chair and Mysterio avoided a bad situation. Robbie E held the chair and watched as Mysterio left, but Robbie E turned around and in one motion hit his former tag team partner across the skull. Robbie stood over Hennigan and waited until he began to get up again and laid him out with a shot across the back. Robbie E threw the chair down next to Hennigan as he exited, hearing boos from the crowd, while not giving too much as to why he did it. Storm takes a moment to speculate Robbie E being jealous of Hennigan's win a couple weeks back and the world title can make people lose sight of friendships, as Ranallo brings up Beer Money's demise.

Backstage, Chris Sabin is with Dirty Standards allies O'Shea and Castro, when he is barking orders about tonight when they are in his corner against EC3. Sabin promises if they help him tonight, it won't be long until they are all champions in TNA.

Agonia def. Mandrews
It didn't take much effort for Agonia to destroy Mandrews and end things with a Spear.

Breaking news come from Mauro Ranallo at the announce table that Bobby Roode and TNA World Heavyweight Champion AJ Styles will meet in the ring by the end of the night to sign a contract for next week's title match. They then turn their attention to inside the ring when EC3 heads to the ring with a limp from a couple weeks ago, ready to qualify for next week's tournament finals.

Chris Sabin w/Dirty Standards def. Ethan Carter III in the Semifinals
EC3 and Sabin had a terrific match that was tarnished by O'Shea hitting EC3 with a shillelagh as Castro distracted the ref and Sabin hit a Cradle Shock to advance.

Right before commercial, Velvet Sky and Madison Rayne are together and Rayne's mentioning the gameplan for tonight against Kimber Lee, as Sky takes Lee on. Sky then brings up last week where she stayed in the back, and feels she needs to do this on her own, insisting Rayne stay in the back. Rayne isn't so thrilled about this, but understands.

After commercial, a prerecorded interview conducted by James Storm is shown where he met up with former TNA wrestler Angelico. Storm asked if it was true that Angelico is no longer under contract with TNA, in which Angelico confirmed his contract won at Bound for Glory was only a 1-year deal and the company hasn't re-signed him. Storm asked why he came out, risking arrest, and got involved in the action with Everett, and then laid out Gargano. Angelico said he's a competitor, and first a wrestler, so he belongs in the action. Angelico addressed Everett and Gargano, saying Everett stole his $500,000 contract and a way to put food on the table, while attacking Gargano was nothing personal but to make a statement that he shouldn't be ignored. Angelico told Storm to go back to Trump Plaza Hotel and demand Trump sign him with the money everyone knows he can afford. Angelico was about to get physical when Storm decides to thank Angelico for his time and get out of dodge... Back ringside, James Storm mentions how uncomfortable it was to be in there and says in his time away, he could watch Angelico and know he was a special talent, but he's not sure if Donald Trump should re-sign Angelico because of the attitude.

Kimber Lee def. Velvet Sky
Kimber Lee had a good outing seven nights before her title opportunity, and struggled with giving up so much experience, but a Split-legged Jawbreaker gave her the win.

X-Division Champion Ricochet has an interview with Jeremy Borash, when it's made official that Shelton Benjamin is getting a rematch for the title next week at TNA Heartbreak. Ricochet said he is more than willing to give Benjamin a fair shot, but he didn't appreciate the attack. Ricochet says he believes he's earned respect by what he's done in the ring, but by how he has treated others. Ricochet said he still respects Benjamin for what he's done in the company, but he won't take next week lightly.

Irish Borne vs. Togi Makabe and Tomoaki Honma ends in a no contest
Wanting to become #1 contenders, the teams gave it their all, until Aiden O'Shea and Cortez Castro came out and attacked both teams, along with Sabin there to assist.

As Dirty Standards took over, Chris Sabin said if The Wolves are in need of #1 contenders, look no further than Dirty Standards! Shawn Michaels heads over infuriated, and got on Dirty Standards for ruining the semifinals match as well as the #1 contenders match, and they don't deserve anything! Michaels says that the team of Makabe and Honma as well as Irish Borne will be competing against The Wolves. This is when the champions came out beside the President and ask why. Before Michaels could respond, The Wolves responded that if they have to defend their titles against two other teams, they better make it three and put Dirty Standards in their place. Sabin and his two companions are begging for this, in which Michaels caves and makes it a 4-way next week for the titles.

Back from commercial, the commentators hype up next week's TNA Heartbreak, the final of 2016:
AJ Styles(c) vs Bobby Roode for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship
Chris Sabin vs Rey Mysterio - #1 Contenders Tournament Finals
Ricochet(c) vs Shelton Benjamin for the TNA X-Division Championship
The Briscoes vs Brooke Enterprise
Jenny Thunnel(c) vs Kimber Lee for the TNA Knockouts Championship
The Wolves(c) vs Irish Borne vs Makabe/Honma vs O'Shea/Castro for the TNA World Tag Team Championships

In the ring is Shawn Michaels ready to conduct the contract signing, and introduces Bobby Roode and AJ Styles. HBK reminds everyone of the match next week, as well as the contract stating no matter the result, there will be no rematch clause. Michaels says there's not too much time, so he asks the competitors to sign. Both sign, and then Roode grabs a microphone. Roode tells Styles that title was taken too soon from him, and that's alright, because he wants his 4th title reign to be longer than his career-high 256 days and next week is a better time to start. Styles then respects Roode of being one of the TNA Originals that are still here, but he attests that Roode is wanting to make his name off the name of AJ Styles, and he's not cool with that. Styles pointed at Storm when citing Roode's first reign and how that turned him in a monster, while saying that he won't let that happen. Styles promises he'll retain next week, and not only that, but go on to hold the belt 257 days. The two get face-to-face, as Michaels gets in between and this Impact ends with tension in the air.

[Chosen One]

AJ Styles(c) vs Bobby Roode for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship
Chris Sabin vs Rey Mysterio - #1 Contenders Tournament Finals
Ricochet(c) vs Shelton Benjamin for the TNA X-Division Championship
The Briscoes vs Brooke Enterprise
Jenny Thunnel(c) vs Kimber Lee for the TNA Knockouts Championship
The Wolves(c) vs Irish Borne vs Makabe/Honma vs O'Shea/Castro for the TNA World Tag Team Championships

AJ
Sabin
Ricochet
Brooke Enterprise
Thunnel
The Wolves