TNA Impact Wrestling | Changing of the Guard 2.0

[Chosen One]

Jul 12, 2016 14:00:24 GMT -5 blackHEART said:

A poll has been added to TNA's official website. The two men with the most votes will be inserted into a match at TNA Heartbreak on July 4th, Independence Day, and will fight for a contract with TNA:

Jake Manning
Marcellus King
Ricochet
Rocky Romero
Silas Young
Will Ospreay

Ricochet & Ospreay!!!!

[blackHEART]

July 4 2016

The commentary duo of Don West and Kurt Angle break down tonight's HUGE card on Independence Day, and send it to the ring for the first of three championship matches.

Two Cool Bucks def. John Hennigan and Robbie E(c) to win the TNA World Tag Team Championships
The Bucks begin their third reign as champions since returning last September, winning the titles back on numerous Superkicks in Stereo on Robbie before hitting a Meltzer Driver on Hennigan.

X-Division Champion AJ Styles is celebrating the Bucks winning the titles from backstage when Jeremy Borash comes to the champ, asking about tonight's match versus Chris Jericho, when he says it'll be amazing to get in the ring with an all-time great and calls this a dream match. Styles says he won't let him, his fans, or TNA down!

Bobby Roode def. Austin Aries in a Submission Match
Roode applied a Figure-4 Leg Lock in the center of the ring, something Aries couldn't tolerate, and reluctantly tapped to his former tag team partner.

Ethan Carter III was interviewed by Jeremy Borash about getting his championship back tonight, and it was unwisely interrupted by the presence of Patriot 2000. EC3 listened as Patriot 2000 explained it was funny that it was July 4th and he was left off the card, and EC3 asked what it had to do with him, when Patriot 2000 left him with "You'll see" before walking past him.

Jenny Thunnel(c) def. Awesome Kong to retain the TNA Knockouts Championship
Jenny Thunnel conquered Awesome Kong once more with the Kimura Lock, having Kong tap out to the move again for Thunnel to retain the title, but assert her dominance on this division.

Footage of the TNA World Heavyweight Champion arriving earlier today was shown, but Mr. Anderson wasn't alone as he came with his Global Force Wrestling buddies. Inside the ring, Jeremy Borash was explaining that in honor of July 4th and America's independence, they're giving two independent wrestlers an opportunity to gain their contract at TNA. JB announced who the fans voted here.. One was Will Ospreay, and the other, Ricochet!! The crowd went nuts as both men stood in the ring with each other, ready for a showdown!

Ricochet def. Will Ospreay in a Free Agent Match for a TNA Contract
An exciting fast-paced and high-octane match with two potential X-Division stars in the making came to an end after Ricochet landed a 630 Splash and pinned Ospreay, becoming the newest X-Division star!

Chris Jericho and TNA President Shawn Michaels are backstage conversing, right before Jericho's match with AJ Styles, when they begin to play a video package to prelude this dream match.

Chris Jericho def. AJ Styles in a non-title match
With a fantastic match to live up to the hype, fans witnessed a potential MOTY candidate, ending on a springboard attempt by Styles, into a Codebreaker, giving Jericho the win.

Jeremy Borash caught up to Ricochet in the backstage area, as Ricochet was stoked about earning his TNA contract, as Ricochet speaks excitingly about joining TNA, but more particularly about the X-Division. Ricochet said he was made for the X-Division and his goal is to beat the likes of Chris Sabin, Austin Aries, and AJ Styles, and more. Ricochet says he wants to be listed among that group in ten years when someone has the same opportunity as he had tonight.

Chris Sabin came to the ring for his match with Dirty Standards, but Sabin showed up in a wrist brace. Sabin had Cortez Castro hold the mic for him, as Sabin explained he suffered this injury at home and won't be able to compete tonight. Ciampa, his scheduled opponent, came to the ring and wouldn't accept it, as Sabin immediately volunteered Cortez Castro as his sacrifice, as Sabin and O'Shea got out of dodge. A referee ringed the bell, and Ciampa was on the attack before Cortez could form a sentence.

Ciampa def. Cortez Castro w/Dirty Standards
This match was done within 90 seconds, with Ciampa forcing Cortez Castro to tap at the Sicilian Stretch, sending a message to Chris Sabin.

Moments from the main event, Mr. Anderson is with GFW's Shelton Benjamin and Colt Cabana, along with Jeff Jarrett. TNA President Shawn Michaels came to them and broke the news that Mr. Anderson would have to go to the ring alone, citing that Benjamin and Cabana aren't contracted with TNA and can't dare a lawsuit. Jarrett says he's got a contract, and he's going. Michaels lets Cabana and Benjamin be escorted out by security, while Jarrett and Anderson head to the curtain.

Mr. Anderson(c) vs. Ethan Carter III for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship ends in a no contest
Jarrett was eventually caught cheating for Anderson, leading to his ejection, but the two men were fighting when Patriot 2000 came and crashed the party, locking them both in Patriotic Locks, as well as hitting a Gutwrench Powerbomb on both before going to the top of the ramp and lifting up the American Flag to end the Independence Day TNA Heartbreak.

[blackHEART]

July 11 2016

Impact began tonight with Ethan Carter III irate in the ring, calling out Patriot 2000 after last week's TNA Heartbreak, claiming he doesn't know who Patriot 2000 is, what his problem is, or why he did what he did, but wanted answers now! Patriot 2000 did come out, saying he told Ethan directly, and that it was nothing personal. Patriot 2000 said July 4th was his day, and to be left off the card was an injustice. EC3 said he strangely agrees, and said tonight should be made up for it, challenging Patriot 2000 to a match later on tonight, that Patriot 2000 said it wouldn't make up for it, but gladly will accept.

Ricochet def. Angelico
Ricochet's first official match as a contracted TNA talent, he ended Angelico with a 630 Splash and ended things there.

Bobby Roode is in the back, as he's getting interviewed by Jeremy Borash about last week. Roode says he's putting this feud with Aries behind him, and looks to beat Rey Mysterio later tonight.

Jenny Thunnel def. Marti Belle in a non-title match
The Knockouts Champion made quick work of Marti Belle, making her submit to the Cross Armbreaker. Afterwards, Jenny declared nobody could stop the Era of Thunnel.

John Hennigan and Robbie E were interviewed and weren't pleased with losing the titles last week, but Hennigan claims they're not worthy of a rematch, as Two Cool Bucks are on another level right now. Hennigan and Robbie E say tonight they get back on track against LAX.

Bobby Roode vs. Rey Mysterio ends in a double count out
Both men couldn't get back in the ring before the 10 count. Afterwards, they shook hands as Bobby said "another time" while backpedaling out of the ring.

Tyrus def. Dasher Hatfield
Tyrus hit Squash on Dasher Hatfield after the commercial break, keeping Dasher out of the W column in his TNA career.

Backstage, Ricochet is face-to-face with TNA President Shawn Michaels who is in the process of congratulating Ricochet on this past week. Shawn lets Ricochet know what he's heard, and it was backed up the last two weeks. Michaels tells Ricochet he's booked for next week against former X-Division Champion Tigre Uno.

Two Cool Bucks, the TNA Tag Team Champions, come to the ring and reflect humbly since returning to TNA last September. They say they just began their third reign as champions last week, they've only let the titles slip from their grasp 48 days in the last year, and feel they've proven their spot as the best tag team in the world. The Bucks then say they have a proposition to challenge themselves, and would like The Wolves to come to the ring, in which Eddie Edwards and Davey Richards do so. Matt and Nick express their respect for The Wolves, having gone into war with and against each other. Two Cool Bucks propose a series beginning next week, a Best-of-7 series for the TNA World Tag Team Championships. The first team to 4 wins gets the belts, no rematches, as we declare a rightful winner. The only condition the Bucks lay out, is The Wolves have to accept NOW and start next week. The Wolves heed advice from the fans, and accept a groundbreaking challenge!

Latin American Xchange def. John Hennigan and Robbie E
Two struggling teams in this contest, but LAX came out on top after Hennigan and Robbie lost the straps last week, as Hernandez hit Border Toss on Robbie E to win the match.

The commentators run down the card for next week, including Ricochet versus Tigre Uno, Match 1 of the TNA Tag Team Championship Series, as well as X-Division Champion AJ Styles live at the Trump Plaza Hotel to speak about his loss to Jericho at TNA Heartbreak.

Ethan Carter III vs. Patriot 2000 ends in a no contest
After exhausting themselves, Colt Cabana, Shelton Benjamin, and Jeff Jarrett came out to call this match off by attacking both men.

After the damage was done, TNA World Heavyweight Champion Mr. Anderson came down to pick up the scraps, hitting a Mic Check on both men, then holding the title above his head as Global Force Wrestling celebrates another shot fired at TNA.

[blackHEART]

July 18 2016

AJ Styles came out to start Impact tonight to reflect on losing a couple weeks ago to Chris Jericho. The X-Division Champion reminded everyone of what was agreed upon before July 4th's TNA Heartbreak, and summoned Chris Jericho to the ring, which Jericho accepted. AJ called Chris Jericho the man, and he respects him immensely more now, and the two shook hands. Styles then proposed Jericho a shot at the X-Division Championship match on August 28th at Hardcore Justice. Jericho listened to the fans and accepted this match. This was interrupted by Chris Sabin and Dirty Standards, and while Sabin came out to suggest Jericho was not worthy of being X-Division Champion, Styles brought up Lockdown and said that was it between the two. Chris Sabin said he's not wanting the X-Division Championship, but is a pioneer of this division so he should have a say. Sabin then volunteers Cortez Castro for a shot at AJ's X-Division Championship. Jericho then holds off Styles and takes over, saying the match with AJ at Hardcore Justice has already been made. Jericho says if he wins the X-Division Championship, he needs to form a contender's line, so he's willing to wrestle Cortez Castro TONIGHT, and Jericho basically forces Sabin to accept on Castro's behalf.

Ricochet def. Tigre Uno
Ricochet put away one of the more successful X-Division Champions in TNA's history, with a 630 Splash.

Hiroyo is backstage getting her boots on when Ivelisse comes into the picture. Ivelisse mentions their careers have been connected since they arrived in TNA back in February, and a clean finish has been avoided. Ivelisse questions if tonight they can put it to rest. Hiroyo makes it clear, with poor English, she wants the Knockouts Championship, but accepts Ivelisse as a stepping stone.

Ethan Carter III came to the ring to try and book a rematch with Mr. Anderson for Hardcore Justice, and as he's thinking about extreme stipulations, Patriot 2000 came to the ring and struggled to say he wants a piece of Mr. Anderson after last week, and he'll make EC3 tap if he must. TNA President Shawn Michaels then appeared from the curtain and admitted both had good points. However, Shawn mentioned that Patriot 2000 is brand new to the company and has no significant victory here, while EC3 technically already cashed in his rematch. Shawn says he can fix this, by making a main event for later tonight, a #1 contender's match between Patriot 2000 and Ethan Carter III. Shawn challenged Patriot 2000 to score that monumental victory, challenged Ethan to prove he's still the best in TNA, and this gives each an opportunity to settle their personal differences. Patriot 2000 and EC3 didn't seem to be thrilled, but could accept Shawn's terms, as commercial comes up.

Latin American Xchange def. John Hennigan and Robbie E
Once more, LAX puts away the recent TNA Tag Team Champions, this with Homicide trapping Hennigan in a Gringo Killer, thanks to a miscue between he and Robbie.

Chris Sabin is in a locker room with Aiden O'Shea and Cortez Castro, speaking of Castro's match tonight and their strategy. Then Sabin silences as Ciampa swings in, and this gets Dirty Standards to rise to their feet. Sabin then pushes Cortez Castro into Ciampa, which Ciampa knocks Cortez down, and Aiden O'Shea then jumps in to brawl with Ciampa as Chris Sabin escapes the room without a scratch.

Hiroyo def. Ivelisse
Ivelisse and Hiroyo were even throughout, but the deciding factor in this match was Hiroyo Stone, putting Ivelisse's shoulders down for a 3 count.

Ricochet enters Shawn's office, to the President's request, and Shawn Michaels congratulated Ricochet on his victory against Tigre Uno, an impressive one at that. Michaels referred to Jericho's comments about lining up X-Division contenders, and Shawn feels Ricochet could be X-Division Champion by the end of 2016, at the very latest. Shawn lets him know he'll be wrestling a legend in this business, Paul London, next week. Ricochet thanks Shawn and as he exits, Michaels invites him to stay to watch the next match. We then go to the ringside area, where Cortez Castro comes out holding his back after Ciampa's attack, this Castro comes out alone.

Chris Jericho def. Cortez Castro
This match was an one-side affair, a match that Jericho seemed to take in a light manner, but when Cortez slapped Jericho in the face, this light mood stopped and Cortez soon after tapped to the Walls of Jericho.

John Hennigan is seen rolling his luggage out of the arena, as Robbie E is chasing after him. Hennigan's not in the mood, however, and says he'll see Robbie E next week, but until then, don't contact him. Hennigan gets in the taxi and gets out, as Robbie E looks hopelessly as the taxi leaves the parking lot.

Two Cool Bucks def. The Wolves in Match 1 in the 7-Game TNA Tag Team Championship Series
In Match 1, the champions take it, as Matt Jackson actually is satisfied with a schoolboy pin, grabbing the tights of Eddie Edwards, taking the advantage and shrugging the shoulders afterwards.

Bobby Roode is interviewed backstage by Jeremy Borash. Roode mentions Shawn Michaels making a rematch for next week, him versus Rey Mysterio. Bobby says he's grateful there's no count-outs next week, and so they should have a clean, definitive winner. JB then sends it to the commentary duo, who highlights that match for next week, Match 2 of the TNA Tag Team Championship Series, and Ricochet versus Paul London. Now, it's time for the main event to determine a #1 contender for Mr. Anderson's TNA World Heavyweight Championship!

Ethan Carter III vs. Patriot 2000 to determine a new #1 Contender ends in a no contest
Deja Vu from last week, Mr. Anderson jumped the barricade and blasted both with the championship, then Jeff Jarrett, Colt Cabana, and Shelton Benjamin rushed in to finish out the beatdown, leaving us without a #1 contender at the end of Impact.


HARDCORE JUSTICE
TNA X-Division Championship Match
AJ Styles(c) vs. Chris Jericho

[blackHEART]

July 25 2016

The show kicked off with Mr. Anderson, the champion already in the ring with Colt Cabana, Shelton Benjamin, and Jeff Jarrett. Jarrett is the mic piece, with Mr. Anderson oddly silent, as they talk about dominating and taking over TNA, and then Jeff mentions Ken not being under contract, so he doesn't have to defend a title belt if he doesn't want to. Shawn Michaels then comes out and brings up the fact GFW's interrupted back-to-back main events, and he won't tolerate it. Shawn says he can't continue to let non-contracted wrestlers invade the Trump Plaza Hotel with fear of lawsuits, so tonight, we'll see who gets to be apart of TNA. Jeff Jarrett mentions he's already got a TNA contract, and nobody in the ring wants to be an employee of Donald Trump. Shawn says he was talking about Benjamin, Cabana, and TNA World Heavyweight Champion Mr. Anderson. Michaels says they'll compete in singles action tonight, and if they win, they can remain as GFW contracted wrestlers, but if they lose, Jeff Jarrett must surrender their remaining contracts to TNA. Jeff asks if they refuse, in which Shawn says he'll make sure they leave in handcuffs for trespassing, in which Michaels wishes them luck before heading to the back.

After commercial, commentators Don West and Kurt Angle announce the matches tonight that just got handed down. Colt Cabana will wrestle Ethan Carter III, Shelton Benjamin will wrestle AJ Styles, and Mr. Anderson will wrestle Patriot 2000 in the main event. If the GFW guys win, they can remain at Global Force Wrestling. For those to lose, Jeff Jarrett must transfer the contracts to TNA.

Ricochet def. Paul London
Ricochet had a match with one of the more respected X-Division stars today, and won it with the much-impressive 630 Splash.

The Global Force Wrestling crew are talking backstage about having to wrestle tonight, as they send Colt Cabana out for his match first.

Colt Cabana def. Ethan Carter III via disqualification
EC3 actually had dominated the match, but grabbed a steel chair and whacked Cabana with it relentlessly, sending a statement to Anderson, but Cabana remains at GFW.

After commercial, Shawn Michaels is hollering down EC3's throat about getting intentionally disqualified, and at this time, Cabana and the rest of GFW's representatives laughed at Shawn Michaels and his plan backfiring, as they head off with Shawn fuming.

The Wolves def. Two Cool Bucks in Match 2 of the TNA Tag Team Championship Series
The Wolves redeemed themselves, tying it 1-1 after Davey Richards returning the favor with holding the tights of Nick Jackson, though Eddie didn't approve, they accept the W.

X-Division Champion AJ Styles is interviewed about his match against Shelton Benjamin, and Styles mentions he's familiar with Shelton Benjamin's work, but it's different than actually being in the ring with him. AJ Styles says he's conflicted because Shelton could gun for the X-Division Championship if signed here, but he's Team TNA and wants to show his love for the company. Jericho overhears this and comes by, saying he shouldn't worry about Shelton Benjamin getting the X-Division Championship from him, because Jericho says it'll be him.

AJ Styles def. Shelton Benjamin in a non-title match
Shelton fell to AJ with a springboard attack countered with a gut kick, then a Styles Clash to claim Benjamin's contract for TNA!

Jenny Thunnel is giving a State of the Knockouts Address to the locker room, though Awesome Kong, Gail Kim, and Madison Rayne are absent, which Thunnel takes credit for (also Angelina Love absent due to maternity leave). Thunnel lets them know the Knockouts division will be taken to new heights because of her, and urges them to fight through broken bones, especially arms. Hiroyo is the only to speak up and challenge Thunnel, warning Jenny she's after the Knockouts Championship and to watch her next week versus Taryn Terrell, before walking out.

Bobby Roode vs. Rey Mysterio ends in a no contest
This epic match is interrupted by an emerging Austin Aries, who hasn't been seen since TNA Heartbreak, and he threw Mysterio out before going after Roode and locking in the Last Chancery, before officials pried it apart.

Dasher Hatfield comes into the office of Shawn Michaels, asking for a match next week, but Shawn doesn't have time for this, as it's time for the main event, and Michaels wants an up-close look.

Don West and Kurt Angle advertise next week's card, that includes Hiroyo versus Taryn Terrell, Match 3 of the TNA Tag Team Championship Series, and Chris Jericho versus Shelton Benjamin. They turn their attention to the ring as Shawn Michaels heads down before Patriot 2000 and then TNA World Heavyweight Champion Mr. Anderson, with the rest of GFW. Michaels sends Jarrett, Benjamin, and Cabana to the back however, not letting them influence tonight's main event.

Patriot 2000 def. Mr. Anderson in a non-title match
Patriot 2000 gained that first big win, forcing the world champion to tap to the Patriotic Lock, and bringing the world champion back home to TNA.

Impact Wrestling ends with TNA President Shawn Michaels jumping for joy as he gets in the ring to raise Patriot 2000's hand, while Mr. Anderson looks on in frustration, as he's coming back to TNA, while the commentators (certainly Kurt Angle) are ecstatic as well with the result.


HARDCORE JUSTICE
TNA X-Division Championship Match
AJ Styles(c) vs. Chris Jericho

[blackHEART]

August 1 2016

The show began with TNA President Shawn Michaels addressing the TNA World Heavyweight Championship situation. He said he's made the executive decision, because of Mr. Anderson and the others involvements in main events, that Anderson must defend his championship against both Patriot 2000 and Ethan Carter III at Hardcore Justice. Mr. Anderson, Jeff Jarrett, and Shelton Benjamin head out, and Jarrett as the mic piece refers to them as "The Force". Michaels lets The Force know if they do anything to get involved in the main event at Hardcore Justice, Mr. Anderson will be immediately ejected from the match and it'll become a 1-on-1. Shawn also mentions tonight's main event will have the similar stipulation, Benjamin and Jarrett versus EC3 and Patriot 2000. Michaels calls for Mr. Anderson to stay away, or else, he'll be stripped of the championship and won't make it to Hardcore Justice. Anderson said this was fine, because he's leaving the Trump Plaza Hotel right now. As Mr. Anderson makes his grand exit, Chris Jericho heads down the ramp. When Jericho gets inside, he asks what's happened to his match against Shelton Benjamin tonight. Shawn Michaels says that match will start, RIGHT NOW! Benjamin and Jarrett are upset about Shelton pulling double duty tonight against his will, but there's nothing that can be done.

Chris Jericho def. Shelton Benjamin
Benjamin tried his best, but succumbed to the Walls of Jericho, and afterwards complained to the referee his back was bent out of shape.

Shawn Michaels has made it into his office when TNA Knockouts Champion Jenny Thunnel steps in. She mentions she doesn't have a challenger for Hardcore Justice, and when Shawn points out it's 4 weeks away, Thunnel says she prepares like a MMA fighter and wants to know who she's facing tonight. Shawn says he won't name a contender, but will let it be decided in the ring, and considering Hiroyo versus Taryn Terrell is the only knockouts bout on the card, says it's on!

Two Cool Bucks def. The Wolves in Match 3 of the TNA Tag Team Championship Series
The Bucks respond with a huge win tonight, More Bang For Your Buck on Davey Richards to take a 2-1 lead in the series.

John Hennigan and Robbie E are backstage, as they try to work through their recent issues since losing the TNA Tag Team Championships. Hennigan brings up their match later tonight against Chris Sabin and Cortez Castro, and there's bound to be Aiden O'Shea at ringside as well, so this will be a good test. Robbie E assures Hennigan they'll be tag team champions one day soon.

Austin Aries made his way to the ring and explained his actions against Bobby Roode, not only last week, but for the last long while. Aries says he's always been the best, and Bobby Roode is the one who has held him back. Aries recognizes himself as the best X-Division star in this company's history, yet he's not involved in the discussion with Styles, Sabin, Jericho, London, Mysterio, and yet he's left out of the discussion. Aries also recognizes himself as one of the best wrestlers in this company who should be main eventing, yet it's given to guys like Mr. Anderson who was MIA almost a year. Bobby Roode then came out and told Aries to stop hiding behind excuses, and it's not about business, but it's personal between them. Bobby then challenged Aries to a match at Hardcore Justice, but not just any match, an I Quit Match! Bobby tells Austin this will end one way or the other, and when someone says "I Quit", their rivalry is done!! Aries agrees, and when Bobby shakes Austin's hand, Aries attacks and the two have to be pulled apart.

In the back, Ethan Carter III is with Jeremy Borash, who asks about getting a title opportunity at Hardcore Justice. EC3 says he'd prefer a 1-on-1 match, but Patriot 2000 deserves it because he beat the champ last week, but his involvement won't matter because it'll be EC3 reigning as a two-time champion. JB then asks about teaming with Patriot 2000 tonight, and answers with he wants to destroy The Force and send a message to Mr. Anderson, and that he shall.

Hiroyo def. Taryn Terrell
With the champion at ringside watching the match to decide her next challenger, Hiroyo Stone decides that, as Hiroyo signals off at Thunnel to get ready, because she's coming!

Dasher Hatfield heads to Shawn Michaels and once again asks for a match. Shawn says he is reluctant to put Hatfield in a match, simply because he hasn't won yet. Shawn suggests he's the most disappointing signing TNA's ever had, and when Dasher looks down, Ricochet walks in. Michaels lets Ricochet know he's been superb his first month in TNA, letting him know he's opening next week's show against Angelico and Mandrews. Ricochet likes it, but Dasher Hatfield insists heavily to be put in this match, where he can prove he's better. Michaels is caught, and chooses to say why not, making next week's start a Fatal 4-Way.

Don West and Kurt Angle get Brooke on the phone, and ask where Brooke Enterprise has been. Brooke says she's got Drew Galloway and Carlito training at an undisclosed location, while she's browsing for a third client. She's asked if she can give any more details on a third client, but Brooke says she's still searching for the perfect fit, so she won't. Angle jokingly asks if there's any age requirement, but Brooke tells Angle to calm down, his prime is behind him, but Brooke does suggest she's looking for the future. They end the call there, thanking Brooke for her time to phone in.

John Hennigan and Robbie E def. Chris Sabin and Cortez Castro w/Aiden O'Shea
It didn't look good for Hennigan and Robbie until the lights went out and Ciampa came out. Sabin hopped down from the apron and took off, but Cortez was abandoned for Robbie to hit the Boom Drop and take the win!

EC3 and Patriot 2000 are seen meeting face-to-face in the back. After the commercial, Don West and Kurt Angle mention Shawn's plan as it pertains to adding depth to the tag team division, in which next week will begin a weekly gauntlet, where 2 free agent tag teams will compete, and if they win, they're offered TNA contracts and moved on to the next week. After mentioning it will end the night of Hardcore Justice, the remaining team will be the new #1 contenders for the TNA Tag Team Championships. They also highlight what we'll see next week on Impact, including the Fatal-4 Way and Match 4 of the TNA Tag Team Championship Series.

Jeff Jarrett heads to the ring in a poor mood, badmouthing Shawn Michaels for putting Benjamin in two matches tonight. Jarrett says he's forced to go at it alone, but he's ready to dismiss TNA's idea of "championship material".

Ethan Carter III and Patriot 2000 def. Jeff Jarrett in a 2-on-1 Handicap Match
With Shelton Benjamin hurt earlier in the night, Jeff Jarrett was locked in the Patriotic Lock, but EC3 tagged in and picked Jarrett up, pulled him to the center, and hit the One-Percenter to win.

EC3 and Patriot 2000 stayed in the ring afterwards not to celebrate, but to argue, when they're attacked by Mr. Anderson with the championship, as Don West exclaims he left the arena earlier tonight! However, the 2-on-1 numbers come back to haunt the champ as he's double-teamed, but Shelton Benjamin slides in the ring and smashes both in the back with chairs. Benjamin then twists, suggesting his back is just fine, as it becomes a 3-on-2 beatdown now, as Mr. Anderson holds the TNA World Heavyweight Championship in the air afterwards, keeping good on the stipulation not to come down during the match, and we end Impact this week just like the previous two.


HARDCORE JUSTICE
TNA World Heavyweight Championship Match
Mr. Anderson(c) vs. Ethan Carter III vs. Patriot 2000

TNA X-Division Championship Match
AJ Styles(c) vs. Chris Jericho

TNA Knockouts Championship Match
Jenny Thunnel(c) vs. Hiroyo

I Quit Match
Austin Aries vs. Bobby Roode

[blackHEART]

August 8 2016

Angelico def. Dasher Hatfield, Mandrews, and Ricochet in a Fatal-4 Way
Ricochet was too late to break up a London Bridging Pin on Dasher Hatfield by Angelico, but an exciting way to kickoff Impact this week.

Ethan Carter III came to the ring and spoke about it happening last week again, where The Force has trumped the main event. EC3 said, however, it was fun beating up Jeff Jarrett, so extended the invitation to Shelton Benjamin for later tonight. The Force then stepped out from the curtain, and before warning EC3 what Mr. Anderson will do at Hardcore Justice, Shelton accepts the challenge. Immediately after, all three are jumped by Patriot 2000, and EC3 exits the ring and grabs Christy Hemme's chair before rushing up and helping out, as The Force retreats. EC3 and Patriot 2000 then stare off, but elect not to fight just yet.

After the commercial, we're set for our first match in the tag team gauntlet of free agent teams, as Don West and Kurt Angle remind everyone of the rules, that the winning team will be rewarded TNA contracts, as well as advance to next week's gauntlet for a continued opportunity for the TNA Tag Team Championships. First up, are Irish Borne, brothers Jacob and Don Crist. The next team are another pair of brothers, the Thomaselli Brothers, Pauly and Vito.

Irish Borne def. Thomaselli Brothers in a Free Agent Match for TNA Contracts
Irish Borne earn themselves roster spots with Irish Coffee, while also moving on to next week's match against another free agent tag team.

The Knockouts Champion Jenny Thunnel is interviewed by Jeremy Borash about Hiroyo's recent efforts to put herself in the title picture, and Thunnel says it obviously worked, now that she's in the match at Hardcore Justice. Jenny says she's thought of a stipulation, so she'll run it by Hiroyo and see if she's still interested in her Knockouts Championship after she hears it.

John Hennigan and Robbie E def. Aiden O'Shea and Cortez Castro
After last week, Chris Sabin stayed away, but Hennigan hit Moonlight Drive on O'Shea to win, and afterwards, Ciampa came down looking for Sabin, yet took his anger out on Castro and O'Shea instead.

Jeremy Borash is backstage with Bobby Roode and Austin Aries, as Borash begins by saying Shawn Michaels has implemented a stipulation that if Aries or Roode lay hands on each other before Hardcore Justice, they'll be faced with hefty fines, a possible suspension, but also will forfeit their I Quit Match at Hardcore Justice. Roode and Aries each have their piece, and Roode gets really heated and the two get nose-to-nose before backing off without a punch thrown.

Hiroyo def. Marti Belle
The #1 contender made quick work of Marti, hitting Hiroyo Stone and putting Belle away.

Before Hiroyo could leave the ring, Jenny Thunnel emerged from the curtain and half-heartedly congratulated Hiroyo on her victory. Jenny recognized since the match was at Hardcore Justice, and she feels inclined to top the I Quit Match of Roode and Aries, or the world title match, or the X-Division Championship match, so she's chosen the stipulation. Thunnel says she'll defend her championship only in a Lion's Den Match, and if Hiroyo can't accept that, she can tuck her tail between her legs and they'll never speak of it again. Hiroyo nods in agreement, then slides her thumb across her throat as she then points to the champ.

Backstage, Angelico is glowing after his victory at the top of tonight's show, but he's approached by Ricochet. Ricochet congratulates Angelico, but brings up the fact it was against Dasher Hatfield, who's lost every match in TNA since his arrival. Ricochet, on the other hand, pointed out he's never been pinned. Angelico said he could change that if he wrestles him next week, when Ricochet chuckles and nods, then leaves Angelico to his own thoughts.

The Wolves def. Two Cool Bucks in Match 4 of the TNA Tag Team Championship Series
A Superkick and German Suplex combo on Nick Jackson was enough for The Wolves to tie this series up at 2 a piece.

X-Division Champion AJ Styles is backstage in street clothes with the championship on his shoulder, when Chris Jericho walks up to him. Jericho mentions the I Quit Match, and the Lion's Den, but wonders what they could do to spice things up. Before AJ could answer, Jericho pleads for him to think about it, brainstorm for a week, and see what they come up with, and Jericho walks off without letting Styles get in another word.

Don West and Kurt Angle, with hopes of a stipulation being named for Styles/Jericho II, hype up next week's show, that includes Ricochet versus Angelico, Match 5 of the TNA Tag Team Championship Series, Irish Borne facing another free agent tag team, and Knockouts Champion Jenny Thunnel in action. We then get set for our main event, Ethan Carter III versus Shelton Benjamin.

EC3 comes out to the ring first, and then Shelton Benjamin, but Benjamin brings backup in Mr. Anderson and Jeff Jarrett. Immediately after the bell sounds, the music of Patriot 2000 catches the attention of everyone, as he comes into Ethan's corner.

Ethan Carter III w/Patriot 2000 def. Shelton Benjamin w/The Force
With a lot of eyes on this match, EC3 blocks Paydirt and hits the One-Percenter on Shelton to win the match.

Instantly as the bell sounds, Patriot 2000 slides in the ring with a steel chair to backup EC3, having The Force think twice before coming in. They help Benjamin roll out of the ring, and as they begin to walk towards the back, EC3 then decides to try and hit a One-Percenter on Patriot 2000, but Patriot 2000 then swings the steel chair. This small lapse in judgement has The Force rush the ring and attack both men, as once again, both competitors fall victim to The Force at the end, as Benjamin, Jarrett, and TNA World Heavyweight Champion Mr. Anderson stand tall at the end.


HARDCORE JUSTICE
TNA World Heavyweight Championship Match
Mr. Anderson(c) vs. Ethan Carter III vs. Patriot 2000

TNA X-Division Championship Match
AJ Styles(c) vs. Chris Jericho

TNA Knockouts Championship Match in a Lion's Den
Jenny Thunnel(c) vs. Hiroyo

I Quit Match
Austin Aries vs. Bobby Roode

[blackHEART]

August 15 2016

Shawn Michaels begins tonight's show and he realizes The Force has been wanting to end each week on a high note, and now, he's giving in to their actions. Michaels makes a 6-man tag for the main event, where The Force will take on Ethan Carter III, Patriot 2000, and a partner of their choosing. Patriot 2000 would then come out, and before he could say a word, EC3's music hit and he stormed down. Ethan says he doesn't know about Patriot 2000, but he doesn't want to invite anyone into this mess, and The Force is their problem, not anyone else's. Shawn stops both men right there, saying they might change their mind, so to think of a potential partner tonight.

Ricochet def. Angelico
Ricochet lands a 630 Splash on Angelico to put away an incredible athletic match.

The Force responds to the main event tonight, and Jeff Jarrett says it's fine because they can dispose of Mr. Anderson's Hardcore Justice opponents two weeks early and give him the night off. Ken Anderson liked that idea, as we go back to the ring, this time for the next match in the tag team gauntlet, where newly-signed team Irish Borne will face a free agent tag team.

Irish Borne def. Bollywood Boyz in a Free Agent Match for TNA Contracts
Gurv and Harv Sihra continued the brotherly free agent teams, this time in a losing effort to the Crist brothers, falling victim to Irish Coffee and leaving Trump Plaza Hotel without a job.

Chris Jericho came to the ring and said he gave AJ Styles seven days to think of a stipulation for their Hardcore Justice match, when he called the X-Division Champion to the ring. Jericho says he'll let Styles have the spotlight, in which he asked for a Submission Match! The crowd applauded, but Jericho shot the idea down with Roode/Aries being in a similar I Quit Match. Jericho then said he has the perfect match for them at Hardcore Justice, and it's an oldie for TNA, but a 3 Degrees of Pain Match. Jericho says the first fall inside a steel cage will be pinfall, the second submission, and if a third fall's needed, it's whoever can escape the quickest. Styles then accepted after hearing the fans reaction.

Irish Borne was interviewed by Jeremy Borash about their win tonight, and they're convinced they'll run through this weekly gauntlet and be the only new tag team to join TNA this month, but more importantly, end it as the #1 contenders to the TNA World Tag Team Championships. Don and Jacob Crist wish both The Wolves and Two Cool Bucks luck in their Best-of-7 Series, because afterwards, the Crists will have their reign on top.

Rockstar Spud came to the ring, after commercial, and ran his mouth about the hype around new X-Division star Ricochet and the X-Division Championship Match between Jericho and Styles. Spud says he can save the X-Division, then Ciampa comes out, who has been aiming for former X-Division Champion Chris Sabin as of late, but Ciampa's set for one-on-one action next.

Ciampa def. Rockstar Spud
Ciampa locked in the Sicilian Stretch and Spud wisely taps quickly, but Ciampa keeps it locked in long enough to send a message to Chris Sabin.

Aiden O'Shea and Cortez Castro was backstage watching this match, when Shawn Michaels comes up from behind and asks where Chris Sabin was. O'Shea and Castro said he's on vacation, but Shawn says that vacation should do him some good, giving his body rest and time to heal, and also time to clear his head. Shawn would say he needs that, because at Hardcore Justice, he's letting Ciampa get his hands on Chris Sabin. O'Shea and Castro hated this, and were concerned for Sabin's health as the TNA President walks off.

Two Cool Bucks def. The Wolves in Match 5 of the TNA Tag Team Championship Series
Taking a commanding 3-2 lead in the series, the champions gave Davey and Eddie a Superkick Party, even hanging Eddie in the ropes for relentless Superkicks. They took Davey and hit Meltzer Driver to put The Wolves away.

Ethan Carter III was getting ready to go to war tonight against The Force when Patriot 2000 came in and said he's found them a partner. EC3 said he didn't want anyone, and quite frankly, didn't want Patriot 2000 as his partner tonight. However, Patriot promises their partner is going to give them an advantage, and as he heads out, EC3 shouts to find out who it is, but doesn't get a response.

Jenny Thunnel def. Kimber Lee in a non-title match
The Knockouts Champion tapped Kimber Lee to the Cross Armbreaker and wouldn't let go until Hiroyo came out and the two brawled to be separated.

Shawn Michaels approaches the hottest new talent to the X-Division, Ricochet, and lets him know who he's booked against at Hardcore Justice. Ricochet has been pitted against Angelico, Tigre Uno, Paul London, Mandrews, Rockstar Spud, and Shelton Benjamin in an Ultimate X Match. Michaels says the one who emerges from the seven will be named #1 contender to the X-Division Championship.

Don West and Kurt Angle have their time as they're excited about the Ultimate X Match, 3 Degrees of Pain, and the Ciampa/Sabin showdown announced tonight for Hardcore Justice. They also mention next week, we see Match 6, and potentially the final, in the TNA Tag Team Championship Series, we'll see Irish Borne back to compete against a free agent tag team, as well as "Pick Your Poison" returns for Jenny Thunnel and Hiroyo. They then turn attention to the ring as The Force comes out, followed by Ethan Carter III and Patriot 2000. We await the partner Patriot 2000 recruited, and it's Tyrus!! Tyrus has a past with EC3, and eventually betrayed Ethan for a title opportunity this spring.

Ethan Carter III, Patriot 2000, and Tyrus def. The Force
Patriot 2000's recruiting skills worked, and with Mr. Anderson retreating towards the end, Tyrus ended up closing the deal with Splat! on Jeff Jarrett.

The main event gave us a different outcome to this week's Impact, as EC3, Patriot 2000, and Tyrus celebrated, but Ethan Carter III and Patriot 2000 immediately went to a staring contest, ready for Hardcore Justice in two weeks.


HARDCORE JUSTICE
TNA World Heavyweight Championship Match
Mr. Anderson(c) vs. Ethan Carter III vs. Patriot 2000

3 Degrees of Pain Match for the TNA X-Division Championship
AJ Styles(c) vs. Chris Jericho

TNA Knockouts Championship Match in a Lion's Den
Jenny Thunnel(c) vs. Hiroyo

I Quit Match
Austin Aries vs. Bobby Roode

Ciampa vs. Chris Sabin

Ultimate X Match
Angelico vs. Mandrews vs. Paul London vs. Ricochet vs. Rockstar Spud vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. Tigre Uno

[blackHEART]

August 22 2016

TNA President Shawn Michaels begins this week's episode, in the ring with Tyrus. Michaels recalls last week when Patriot 2000 picked Tyrus to pair with him and EC3 in the main event 6-man tag, and it seemed to go well. Shawn says recently The Force has had their hand in every main event situation, so it must be stopped. Shawn goes on to name Tyrus as an enforcer outside the ring to make sure there's no interference in the triple threat match for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship this Sunday. EC3 then comes out and says he has no trust towards Tyrus, not forgetting what happened just a few months ago. Michaels says there's nothing for Ethan Carter III to fear, because tonight there'll be a contract signing involving everyone in the title match Sunday. Michaels calls for his music as he heads out of the ring, leaving EC3 reading Tyrus.

After the first commercial break, Irish Borne head out in their next gauntlet match to face a new free agent tag team. Introduced is Togi Makabe and Tomoaki Honma, a pair from Japan, who are looking to secure contracts in the states.

Tomoaki Honma and Togi Makabe def. Irish Borne in a Free Agent Match for TNA Contracts
Kokeshi Impact to Don Crist gives Honma and Makabe contracts in TNA, advancing to Hardcore Justice this Sunday.

Hiroyo is backstage loosening up when TNA Knockouts Champion Jenny Thunnel comes up, letting Hiroyo know her opponent in Pick Your Poison. She names Velvet Sky, a former Knockouts Champion. Hiroyo says it's fine, because she's never been pinned or submitted here in TNA, and won't be tonight or this Sunday! Hiroyo walks off to the ring comfortable she'll win.

Hiroyo def. Velvet Sky
Hiroyo's never-pinned, never-submitted streak in TNA continues after Hiroyo Stone on Sky.

Backstage, Austin Aries is interviewed by Jeremy Borash about this Sunday's I Quit match with Bobby Roode. Aries is very detailed how he'll pick Bobby apart, and when JB mentions sending it back to West and Angle for Bobby Roode's match next, Aries says he should get a ringside seat for that.

Bobby Roode def. Cortez Castro w/Aiden O'Shea
Roode not only had to watch out for O'Shea, but Austin Aries came down to watch, but it fueled the fire as he locked in a Crossface on Castro, forcing him to quit as Roode stared directly at Aries to send a message.

Shawn Michaels is standing by the printer as the contract prints for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship Match, when winless Dasher Hatfield comes to Michaels and asks why he's not in the Ultimate X Match this Sunday. Shawn says it's to determine a #1 contender for the X-Division Championship, and the winner will face either Chris Jericho or AJ Styles, while Michaels brings up Hatfield hasn't won yet and isn't ready. Hatfield says he could win this Sunday and that'd give him a win, as Hatfield also makes the case there's an odd 7 men in the match, so there needs to be an 8th. Shawn nods in agreement, saying there needs to be an 8th man this Sunday. Michaels budges just a little and tells Hatfield to go out to the ring, because he'll be wrestling Homicide to determine the final entrant. Dasher takes it, and takes off to prepare.

Jenny Thunnel heads to the ring and she begins by applauding Hiroyo with a victory over Velvet Sky, but it means nothing. Thunnel says Velvet Sky isn't on her level, but nobody in the division is. Jenny reminds the fans in the Lion's Den, Hiroyo doesn't have to be pinned, but when her arm's snapped like a twig, she'll beg for mercy and give up. Hiroyo then comes down to ringside with her music, but she points to the entrance ramp as the music of GAIL KIM hits!! Gail Kim, who hasn't been seen since May after Thunnel broke her arm, the 5-time Knockouts Champion heads down to the ring to avenge her broken arm, as Thunnel's in complete shock.

Gail Kim w/Hiroyo def. Jenny Thunnel via count out
Jenny focused on Gail's arm the entire match, but she went out of the ring to grab a steel chair and to re-injure Gail's arm, Hiroyo came in and rushed Thunnel out of the ring. Thunnel was long gone, losing the match by the 10 count rather than the DQ.

The Force is backstage trying to adjust their strategy headed into this Sunday with Tyrus added to the equation as an enforcer. Benjamin and Jarrett are going back and forth as to what they can do, when Mr. Anderson is tired of it and says enough. Anderson says he's defied the odds before, he can defy them again and beat EC3, Patriot 2000, and Tyrus with one arm behind his back if he has to.

X-Division Champion AJ Styles comes out to join Don West and Kurt Angle on commentary for this next match, to determine the eighth man in the Ultimate X Match this Sunday at Hardcore Justice, while the winner gets a shot at Styles or Jericho, whoever leaves with the belt this Sunday.

Homicide def. Dasher Hatfield
With Hernandez not at the Trump Plaza Hotel tonight, Homicide still ended things with the Gringo Killer, beating Hatfield and earning himself a big opportunity this Sunday.

After that, we now get ready for our last match of the evening, Match 6 of the TNA Tag Team Championship Series. If Two Cool Bucks win, they take the series and retain their championships. If The Wolves were to win, they'll force a deciding Match 7.

The Wolves def. Two Cool Bucks in Match 6 of the TNA Tag Team Championship Series
The Wolves hit diving double foot stomps in stereo on both Jacksons, before they went back up top on the legal man, Matt, to win this match and force a Match 7.

While The Wolves were celebrating, this gave the champions time enough to recover. They first shake hands with The Wolves, as the fans applaud while they recognize what a great series they've had. Matt and Nick said no matter the outcome, the first six matches have given them an undying respect for The Wolves, as the fans continue to applaud. Two Cool Bucks say that Match 7 can't happen anytime else but Hardcore Justice this Sunday, which everyone seems in agreement with. It immediately turns real as Two Cool Bucks say each time they've lost their belts the past year of dominance, they've immediately won it back, and also mention each match The Wolves have won this series, they've come back with an answer. The Bucks say it'll be no different this Sunday, beating The Wolves, and retaining the TNA Tag Team Championships, as both teams get in their face, but Two Cool Bucks raise the titles high to cue their music, leaving The Wolves in the ring. All of a sudden, Don West and Kurt Angle say they must take a commercial, but Shawn Michaels is coming down now to get the ring set up for the contract signing next.

Back from commercial, Shawn Michaels is in the ring hyping up this Sunday's card, and firstly applauding the TNA Tag Team Championship Series and its deciding factor this Sunday. Michaels then calls out, one-by-one, each man in the TNA World Heavyweight Championship match this Sunday, then introducing Tyrus. Shawn lays the rules down, as he gets each man to sign on the dotted line, but Mr. Anderson is the only one insisting on speaking before signing. Ken Anderson said he's the champion and will leave Hardcore Justice the champion because EC3's title reign didn't mean squat, Patriot 2000 is so new he can't get out diapers, and even big Tyrus can't stop The Force. Anderson signs, but then Shawn Michaels says he just signed a contract that if The Force does interfere, it'll become a 1-on-1 match between EC3 and Patriot 2000 while Mr. Anderson is stripped of the title. As Anderson fumes about the stipulation made weeks ago now official, Tyrus signs the contract and HBK closes the contract signing as The Force head out to attack Patriot 2000 and EC3, but Tyrus protects them both as Impact quickly goes off the air, running a little overtime.


HARDCORE JUSTICE
TNA World Heavyweight Championship Match (with Special Enforcer Tyrus)
Mr. Anderson(c) vs. Ethan Carter III vs. Patriot 2000

3 Degrees of Pain Match for the TNA X-Division Championship
AJ Styles(c) vs. Chris Jericho

TNA Tag Team Championships Match (Final Match in Series)
Two Cool Bucks(c) vs. The Wolves

TNA Knockouts Championship Match in a Lion's Den
Jenny Thunnel(c) vs. Hiroyo

I Quit Match
Austin Aries vs. Bobby Roode

Ciampa vs. Chris Sabin

Ultimate X Match
Angelico vs. Homicide vs. Mandrews vs. Paul London vs. Ricochet vs. Rockstar Spud vs. Shelton Benjamin vs. Tigre Uno

Free Agent Quantlet
Tomoaki Honma and Togi Makabe vs. ?

[Chosen One]

Man does your TNA kick ass!