1.18 Impact Wrestling
by Jeff Hamlin ( hamlin37@hotmail.com) Twitter: @hamlin37
The Big News: The much-anticipated wedding between Bully Ray and Brooke Hogan ended without a Ray heel turn. Instead, it was Taz turning heel, which sparked Aces and Eights ruining the entire ceremony with an attack of everyone, including groomsmen Spike Dudley and Tommy Dreamer, as well as Sting and Hulk Hogan. The wedding was played up very well and everyone did well in their roles. But Taz as a choice of the man ruining the wedding was curious because he can't wrestle. And Taz isn't a good mouthpiece as a manager.
Ringside was adorned with bridal parents and other wedding paraphernalia. Bully Ray was backstage looking happy and nervous. Then Spike Dudley and Tommy Dreamer (one month after appearing on Raw) walked in as his groomsmen. Man alive has Spike aged. Brooke Hogan was getting made up in the other room, where Christy Hemme, Miss Tessmacher and Mickie James were going to be her bridesmaids. When Tessmacher asked if Hulk Hogan was going to be here tonight, Brooke said she wasn't sure. James and Hemme looked at Tessmacher liked she had brought up a taboo subject.
Jeff Hardy was out after retaining the TNA Heavyweight title at Genesis. He did a standard babyface interview when Kazarian and Christopher Daniels came out. Kazarian, who now has a Kazamania t-shirt in gold and red, said Daniels was going to take Hardy's championship last week. Daniels proclaimed himself the Thursday Night Delight, and bragged about beating James Storm on Sunday to earn the title shot. Daniels said Hardy's fans weren't Creatures of the Night, but Creatures of Losing, just like Storm, A.J. Styles and Hardy. Hardy challenged Daniels and it ended up in a brawl with Storm coming down to chase Bad Influence away. Storm proposed a tag team match, and they started a match even though Daniels and Kazarian didn't agree to it.
1. James Storm and Jeff Hardy defeated Bad Influence in 11:59. During the match, Mike Tenay and Taz were heavily promoting the Bellator event, where Taz mentioned how wearing a gi in a MMA fight could be a detriment. Too bad it's not 2000 anymore. Hardy got the hot tag and used the Whisper in the Wind, and used a jawbreaker on Kazarian. Daniels hit the STO on Hardy, but Storm hit Closing Time and a pescado on Daniels. Storm began selling his knee after the move. Hardy got the pin after a Twist of Fate on Kazarian. ***
Postmatch, Daniels jumped Hardy with the championship belt, and gave Hardy the Angel's Wings on the title belt.
Bruce Pritchard, Al Snow and Taz talked about Jay Bradley and Brian Cage wrestling last week. Taz preferred Bradley since he won the match.
Joseph Park walked into Ray's dressing room and handed him a box of cigars, wishing him luck on the nuptials. Park cautioned Ray the cigars weren't street legal, and told him to keep "kayfab."
Bradley and Cage came down for the Gut Check decision. Pritchard said Bradley was victorious, but it wasn't the only thing they were looking for. Pritchard put over Cage's performance, but said it wasn't enough, and he was eliminated. That didn't automatically mean that Bradley got a contract, and he had to go through the standard approval process. Taz, adorned in a tuxedo, voted no. Bradley, during his kick out interview, got booed. He brought up Taz saying that young guys need to hump the highways, and he's humped so many highways, he probably owes child support. Bradley brought up trending on Twitter after his match last week. Snow, whose disappearance a month ago has been forgotten, voted yes. And he got booed for it. Pritchard got to cast the deciding vote, and the fans pleaded with him to vote no. Pritchard said at least Bradley got the fans to care, and voted yes. Bradley got even more of a true heel reaction that Joey Ryan.
2. Kenny King defeated Christian York in 2:51. Everything was very rushed after the 12-minute opening match in order to make time for the wedding. Christian York came to the ring looking pissed after Kenny King screwed up his chances of winning the X Division title on Sunday, and gave King a tope before the bell. King recovered and went for the Royal Flush, but York reversed it into the Saito Suplex. York then attempted the Royal Flush, but King raked the eyes and rolled up York into a schoolboy cradle and held the trunks to get the three count. *1/2
Sting met Ray backstage. Ray told him that Sting was the only guy in the company that trusts him. He was concerned that Hulk wouldn't walk Brooke down the aisle for her wedding, because that was the only thing that would make her happy. Ray said Hulk wasn't returning any of his calls, and asked Sting to talk to Hulk. Sting said he would, but only because he respects Ray so much.
Taz left the live broadcast booth at this point to attend several segments with Ray that were taped hours earlier. Taz was Ray's best man.
Austin Aries was looking in the mirror when Bobby Roode stepped in front of him. That taunted each other for not winning the world title on Sunday. They stopped arguing and said they had been carrying the company for over a year. Aries said he was going to the wedding, and Roode joined him even though he wasn't invited.
Hogan walked into the building, ignoring all questions from the cameramen about whether he was there to attend the wedding.
Ray joked with Spike that he looked like 007 dressed in a tuxedo, and Dreamer looked like 009. Taz walked in and asked Ray if he had called "Paul," referring to Paul Heyman. They worked an inside joke that Ray did call him and Paul said he would call back "in five minutes." Everyone repeated the five minutes park and shared warm smiles. Dreamer asked if Hulk would show up. Ray said Brooke was a wreck, but he would marry Brooke regardless. Ray left to get dressed and again made some subtle facial expressions as he left.
Sting came down to the ring and wanted Hogan to come down. Hogan said they he and Sting have been in the business for years, and they've known people who have told them that they loved us, then walked away. He said they've both had people tell them they were their best friends, then stabbed them in the backs. Sting explained that Ray has come to his aid countless times, and has come to Brooke's aid countless times. Sting wondered how many more times does Ray have to prove himself. Hogan said he's received countless tweets and facebook messages telling him not to trust Ray. Hogan said when he gets around Ray, there's something that isn't right about him. He said he would never trust Bully Ray. Sting said he needs to be in Brooke's wedding for himself and for Brooke. Crowd chanted for Hogan to do it. Hogan told the fans he always does the right thing. Anyone who paid attention in 1999 would dispute that. Hogan walked out without giving an answer.
Gail Kim talked to referee Taryn Terrell. Kim showed Terrell iPad video of the call she missed during Sunday's gauntlet match of Velvet Sky pinning Kim even though her boot was under the ropes. Sky won the match on Sunday to earn the number one contender spot, but because of the referee screwup, Brooke Hogan had ordered a rematch between Sky and Kim tonight with the winner becoming the number one contender. How much you want to bet Johnny Hendricks wishes Dana White had such a policy? Kim warned Terrell that she better be neutral tonight.
There were clips of Bully Ray at his Bachelor Party at a local strip club, where Ray literally did curls with a girl who looked like she weighed about 95-pounds.
3. Velvet Sky defeated Gail Kim to retain the number one contender spot for the Knockouts title in 5L53. They botched a straight jacket neckbreaker spot like two indy workers. After a vertical suplex, Sky went for In Yo Face, but Kim rammed her into the corner. Kim hit a dropkick and hit Eat Defeat, but Sky got her foot under the ropes. Some fans actually yelled at Terrell for making that call. Then Sky made her comeback with a facebuster and flying head scissors. Sky got the In Yo Face to win. Looks like Terrell has her first program after six months as a referee. 1/2*
Dixie Carter met with Brooke and talked about how beautiful she looked. Carter reminded Brooke that no matter what happens tonight, Hulk loves her very much.
Roode and Aries came out and bemoaned the fact that the only celebration taking place tonight was the wedding between Ray and Hogan. Roode said the only celebration that should be going on tonight is a celebration for Roode and Aries. Roode bragged about being the longest reigning champion in TNA history, then Aries stepped in front of Roode and bragged about beating Roode to become TNA champion. Aries said the lack of respect the company has for Aries and Roode has spawned a mutual respect between them. Aries said the company has taken a step ten years in the past with Rob Van Dam as X Division champion, Hardy as world champ and Devon as TV champion. Roode objected to the wedding. Then Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez came out. I thought they were exhibit A in Aries' case. Guerrero said they objected to the statements that Aries and Roode had made. Aries started making crack about how Guerrero and Hernandez were the wedding caterers, and Roode started making the obligatory wedding jokes. The faces jumped them and Hernandez tried to give Aries a border toss before Roode pulled him to the floor. Aries and Roode are great together as a heel team that are still at odds because their egos won't stand for the other to be in the spotlight too long. It still takes them a step down to feud with Hernandez and Guerrero, but they should be tag team champions pronto.
Hogan met with Sting and showed her a picture of Brooke as a child. He said he wanted to protect her from the evils of this business, all of the bad stuff that he and Sting had been through. Hogan said that Ray wasn't a bad guy, but he wanted to protect Brooke. Sting agreed with everything Hogan said, but Hogan should think about how much he protected Brooke. And maybe she sees something in Ray that Hogan can't. Sting flat out told Hogan that he was wrong about Ray and he should walk Brooke down the aisle. Hogan said he was going to pack up his stuff and leave, but he always does the right thing for the business and the family.
Finally it was time for the wedding. Ray came out to a big ovation. He didn't even come out to his ring music and had a wide smile on his face. Tommy Dreamer walked arm in arm with Tessmacher, who looked drop dead gorgeous in a dress. Brother Runt (who was called Spike by Tenay) walked down with James. Taz walked the aisle with Hemme. Brooke came down the ramp, looked backstage. Then Hogan came out in a tuexdo and his trusty bandana to walk her down. It got a great pop. As much a fantasy this all is, Hogan looked a little emotional in this. Crowd even wanted Ray and Hogan to shake hands. The reverend refereed to Bully Ray as Mark. Hogan presented Brooke to Ray, but not without a stern look on his face. During her vows, Brooke said she feels safe around Mark, and he knows how to make her laugh. Crowd got a rise out of that, and Hogan rubbed his chin. Ray said from the moment he laid eyes on her, he knew she was the one. Mark said he frickin loves her. Then the reverend asked for speak now and forever hold your peace. No one said anything. Taz gave Ray the rings. Brooke said "I Do." Ray slipped on the finger. Ray said "I do." Just as the minister was about to pronounce them man and wife, Taz jumped in, grabbed the microphone and asked Ray if he really wanted to do this. They both said yes. Then Taz said "Is it just me or is it hot in here?" Taz took off his jacket, which uncovered an Aces and Eights vest. Then Aces and Eights hit the ring and a total melee erupted. Brooke wound up being strong armed by Doc and Mike Knox to watch the carnage, while Hogan and Sting were laid out and Devon hit Ray with a statue. Four weeks after being knocked out by the Shield, Dreamer was left for dead by Aces and Eights. Hogan told Brooke to check on Bully. And the show went off the air without Brooke and Ray officially tying the knot.
SUMMARY: The wedding was very well done. But the shock value of Taz as the unknown Aces and Eights member was a disappointment on some levels. Exactly what role will he have since he can't wrestle? The Aries and Roode partnership is a good idea for two guys who don't have anything else going on right now. They're like a better version of Kane and Daniel Bryan.
Sent from Rod's Pad.
by Jeff Hamlin ( hamlin37@hotmail.com) Twitter: @hamlin37
The Big News: The much-anticipated wedding between Bully Ray and Brooke Hogan ended without a Ray heel turn. Instead, it was Taz turning heel, which sparked Aces and Eights ruining the entire ceremony with an attack of everyone, including groomsmen Spike Dudley and Tommy Dreamer, as well as Sting and Hulk Hogan. The wedding was played up very well and everyone did well in their roles. But Taz as a choice of the man ruining the wedding was curious because he can't wrestle. And Taz isn't a good mouthpiece as a manager.
Ringside was adorned with bridal parents and other wedding paraphernalia. Bully Ray was backstage looking happy and nervous. Then Spike Dudley and Tommy Dreamer (one month after appearing on Raw) walked in as his groomsmen. Man alive has Spike aged. Brooke Hogan was getting made up in the other room, where Christy Hemme, Miss Tessmacher and Mickie James were going to be her bridesmaids. When Tessmacher asked if Hulk Hogan was going to be here tonight, Brooke said she wasn't sure. James and Hemme looked at Tessmacher liked she had brought up a taboo subject.
Jeff Hardy was out after retaining the TNA Heavyweight title at Genesis. He did a standard babyface interview when Kazarian and Christopher Daniels came out. Kazarian, who now has a Kazamania t-shirt in gold and red, said Daniels was going to take Hardy's championship last week. Daniels proclaimed himself the Thursday Night Delight, and bragged about beating James Storm on Sunday to earn the title shot. Daniels said Hardy's fans weren't Creatures of the Night, but Creatures of Losing, just like Storm, A.J. Styles and Hardy. Hardy challenged Daniels and it ended up in a brawl with Storm coming down to chase Bad Influence away. Storm proposed a tag team match, and they started a match even though Daniels and Kazarian didn't agree to it.
1. James Storm and Jeff Hardy defeated Bad Influence in 11:59. During the match, Mike Tenay and Taz were heavily promoting the Bellator event, where Taz mentioned how wearing a gi in a MMA fight could be a detriment. Too bad it's not 2000 anymore. Hardy got the hot tag and used the Whisper in the Wind, and used a jawbreaker on Kazarian. Daniels hit the STO on Hardy, but Storm hit Closing Time and a pescado on Daniels. Storm began selling his knee after the move. Hardy got the pin after a Twist of Fate on Kazarian. ***
Postmatch, Daniels jumped Hardy with the championship belt, and gave Hardy the Angel's Wings on the title belt.
Bruce Pritchard, Al Snow and Taz talked about Jay Bradley and Brian Cage wrestling last week. Taz preferred Bradley since he won the match.
Joseph Park walked into Ray's dressing room and handed him a box of cigars, wishing him luck on the nuptials. Park cautioned Ray the cigars weren't street legal, and told him to keep "kayfab."
Bradley and Cage came down for the Gut Check decision. Pritchard said Bradley was victorious, but it wasn't the only thing they were looking for. Pritchard put over Cage's performance, but said it wasn't enough, and he was eliminated. That didn't automatically mean that Bradley got a contract, and he had to go through the standard approval process. Taz, adorned in a tuxedo, voted no. Bradley, during his kick out interview, got booed. He brought up Taz saying that young guys need to hump the highways, and he's humped so many highways, he probably owes child support. Bradley brought up trending on Twitter after his match last week. Snow, whose disappearance a month ago has been forgotten, voted yes. And he got booed for it. Pritchard got to cast the deciding vote, and the fans pleaded with him to vote no. Pritchard said at least Bradley got the fans to care, and voted yes. Bradley got even more of a true heel reaction that Joey Ryan.
2. Kenny King defeated Christian York in 2:51. Everything was very rushed after the 12-minute opening match in order to make time for the wedding. Christian York came to the ring looking pissed after Kenny King screwed up his chances of winning the X Division title on Sunday, and gave King a tope before the bell. King recovered and went for the Royal Flush, but York reversed it into the Saito Suplex. York then attempted the Royal Flush, but King raked the eyes and rolled up York into a schoolboy cradle and held the trunks to get the three count. *1/2
Sting met Ray backstage. Ray told him that Sting was the only guy in the company that trusts him. He was concerned that Hulk wouldn't walk Brooke down the aisle for her wedding, because that was the only thing that would make her happy. Ray said Hulk wasn't returning any of his calls, and asked Sting to talk to Hulk. Sting said he would, but only because he respects Ray so much.
Taz left the live broadcast booth at this point to attend several segments with Ray that were taped hours earlier. Taz was Ray's best man.
Austin Aries was looking in the mirror when Bobby Roode stepped in front of him. That taunted each other for not winning the world title on Sunday. They stopped arguing and said they had been carrying the company for over a year. Aries said he was going to the wedding, and Roode joined him even though he wasn't invited.
Hogan walked into the building, ignoring all questions from the cameramen about whether he was there to attend the wedding.
Ray joked with Spike that he looked like 007 dressed in a tuxedo, and Dreamer looked like 009. Taz walked in and asked Ray if he had called "Paul," referring to Paul Heyman. They worked an inside joke that Ray did call him and Paul said he would call back "in five minutes." Everyone repeated the five minutes park and shared warm smiles. Dreamer asked if Hulk would show up. Ray said Brooke was a wreck, but he would marry Brooke regardless. Ray left to get dressed and again made some subtle facial expressions as he left.
Sting came down to the ring and wanted Hogan to come down. Hogan said they he and Sting have been in the business for years, and they've known people who have told them that they loved us, then walked away. He said they've both had people tell them they were their best friends, then stabbed them in the backs. Sting explained that Ray has come to his aid countless times, and has come to Brooke's aid countless times. Sting wondered how many more times does Ray have to prove himself. Hogan said he's received countless tweets and facebook messages telling him not to trust Ray. Hogan said when he gets around Ray, there's something that isn't right about him. He said he would never trust Bully Ray. Sting said he needs to be in Brooke's wedding for himself and for Brooke. Crowd chanted for Hogan to do it. Hogan told the fans he always does the right thing. Anyone who paid attention in 1999 would dispute that. Hogan walked out without giving an answer.
Gail Kim talked to referee Taryn Terrell. Kim showed Terrell iPad video of the call she missed during Sunday's gauntlet match of Velvet Sky pinning Kim even though her boot was under the ropes. Sky won the match on Sunday to earn the number one contender spot, but because of the referee screwup, Brooke Hogan had ordered a rematch between Sky and Kim tonight with the winner becoming the number one contender. How much you want to bet Johnny Hendricks wishes Dana White had such a policy? Kim warned Terrell that she better be neutral tonight.
There were clips of Bully Ray at his Bachelor Party at a local strip club, where Ray literally did curls with a girl who looked like she weighed about 95-pounds.
3. Velvet Sky defeated Gail Kim to retain the number one contender spot for the Knockouts title in 5L53. They botched a straight jacket neckbreaker spot like two indy workers. After a vertical suplex, Sky went for In Yo Face, but Kim rammed her into the corner. Kim hit a dropkick and hit Eat Defeat, but Sky got her foot under the ropes. Some fans actually yelled at Terrell for making that call. Then Sky made her comeback with a facebuster and flying head scissors. Sky got the In Yo Face to win. Looks like Terrell has her first program after six months as a referee. 1/2*
Dixie Carter met with Brooke and talked about how beautiful she looked. Carter reminded Brooke that no matter what happens tonight, Hulk loves her very much.
Roode and Aries came out and bemoaned the fact that the only celebration taking place tonight was the wedding between Ray and Hogan. Roode said the only celebration that should be going on tonight is a celebration for Roode and Aries. Roode bragged about being the longest reigning champion in TNA history, then Aries stepped in front of Roode and bragged about beating Roode to become TNA champion. Aries said the lack of respect the company has for Aries and Roode has spawned a mutual respect between them. Aries said the company has taken a step ten years in the past with Rob Van Dam as X Division champion, Hardy as world champ and Devon as TV champion. Roode objected to the wedding. Then Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez came out. I thought they were exhibit A in Aries' case. Guerrero said they objected to the statements that Aries and Roode had made. Aries started making crack about how Guerrero and Hernandez were the wedding caterers, and Roode started making the obligatory wedding jokes. The faces jumped them and Hernandez tried to give Aries a border toss before Roode pulled him to the floor. Aries and Roode are great together as a heel team that are still at odds because their egos won't stand for the other to be in the spotlight too long. It still takes them a step down to feud with Hernandez and Guerrero, but they should be tag team champions pronto.
Hogan met with Sting and showed her a picture of Brooke as a child. He said he wanted to protect her from the evils of this business, all of the bad stuff that he and Sting had been through. Hogan said that Ray wasn't a bad guy, but he wanted to protect Brooke. Sting agreed with everything Hogan said, but Hogan should think about how much he protected Brooke. And maybe she sees something in Ray that Hogan can't. Sting flat out told Hogan that he was wrong about Ray and he should walk Brooke down the aisle. Hogan said he was going to pack up his stuff and leave, but he always does the right thing for the business and the family.
Finally it was time for the wedding. Ray came out to a big ovation. He didn't even come out to his ring music and had a wide smile on his face. Tommy Dreamer walked arm in arm with Tessmacher, who looked drop dead gorgeous in a dress. Brother Runt (who was called Spike by Tenay) walked down with James. Taz walked the aisle with Hemme. Brooke came down the ramp, looked backstage. Then Hogan came out in a tuexdo and his trusty bandana to walk her down. It got a great pop. As much a fantasy this all is, Hogan looked a little emotional in this. Crowd even wanted Ray and Hogan to shake hands. The reverend refereed to Bully Ray as Mark. Hogan presented Brooke to Ray, but not without a stern look on his face. During her vows, Brooke said she feels safe around Mark, and he knows how to make her laugh. Crowd got a rise out of that, and Hogan rubbed his chin. Ray said from the moment he laid eyes on her, he knew she was the one. Mark said he frickin loves her. Then the reverend asked for speak now and forever hold your peace. No one said anything. Taz gave Ray the rings. Brooke said "I Do." Ray slipped on the finger. Ray said "I do." Just as the minister was about to pronounce them man and wife, Taz jumped in, grabbed the microphone and asked Ray if he really wanted to do this. They both said yes. Then Taz said "Is it just me or is it hot in here?" Taz took off his jacket, which uncovered an Aces and Eights vest. Then Aces and Eights hit the ring and a total melee erupted. Brooke wound up being strong armed by Doc and Mike Knox to watch the carnage, while Hogan and Sting were laid out and Devon hit Ray with a statue. Four weeks after being knocked out by the Shield, Dreamer was left for dead by Aces and Eights. Hogan told Brooke to check on Bully. And the show went off the air without Brooke and Ray officially tying the knot.
SUMMARY: The wedding was very well done. But the shock value of Taz as the unknown Aces and Eights member was a disappointment on some levels. Exactly what role will he have since he can't wrestle? The Aries and Roode partnership is a good idea for two guys who don't have anything else going on right now. They're like a better version of Kane and Daniel Bryan.
Sent from Rod's Pad.
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