Ladies and gentlemen, Thursday night brought Total Nonstop Action to Dothan, Alabama, and the fine folks of the Yellowhammer State were treated to two championship defenses, a brewing faction rebellion, a guitar-assisted family dispute, and a visit to a slaughterhouse that probably should have been condemned by the local health department.
And I’m pleased to report that several of my predictions came true!
Amazing Red retained the X-Division Championship, M by Elegance kept her Knockouts Television Championship, AJ Francis defeated John Skyler, Elijah handled Ryan Nemeth, and syX emerged victorious against the Hardys.
Five correct predictions!
At this rate, ladies and gentlemen, I may have to start charging wrestling promoters for my expertise. Tony Khan has already benefited from my advice, and now TNA has apparently discovered the wisdom emanating from the rafters.
But enough about my extraordinary journalistic accomplishments. Let’s get to the wrestling!
Knockouts Television Championship: M by Elegance Defeats Jada Stone
Winner: M by Elegance — Still Knockouts Television Champion
TNA opened the evening with championship wrestling, as M by Elegance defended against Jada Stone in a match featuring plenty of athleticism and an increasingly dysfunctional collection of people calling themselves The Elegance Brand.
Stone came out aggressively, using her speed and aerial offense to keep the champion uncomfortable. M answered with her size and strength, slowing the challenger down whenever she could establish control.
Stone demonstrated some impressive athleticism, including a moonsault to the outside that unfortunately caught Mr. Elegance instead of its intended target.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is why standing at ringside can be hazardous to your health.
The match became increasingly chaotic as Heather by Elegance interfered to prevent a pinfall, and M demanded that Mr. Elegance hand her the championship belt.
But something remarkable happened.
Mr. Elegance refused!
Not only did he refuse, but he announced that he was quitting The Elegance Brand!
Now THAT’S what I call an unexpected development.
M ultimately recovered and defeated Stone with a powerful finishing maneuver, retaining the championship despite the turmoil surrounding her.
Stinger’s View: The champion retained, as I predicted, but the bigger story may be the disintegration of The Elegance Brand. Mr. Elegance finally decided he’d had enough, and I can’t say I blame him. If your employer expects you to get kicked in the face, interfere in championship matches, and surrender championship belts on command, perhaps it’s time to update your résumé.
And somebody should tell Heather that interfering in a championship match is still supposed to be illegal!
Special Agent Zer0 Defeats BDE — And Destroys Everybody Else
Winner: Special Agent Zer0
BDE came into this match with tremendous enthusiasm, immediately attacking Special Agent Zer0 and attempting to use his speed against the much larger opponent.
Unfortunately, enthusiasm only gets you so far when the man standing across from you appears capable of throwing you into the next county.
Zer0 eventually imposed his considerable physical advantage, overpowering BDE and securing the victory with a Chokebomb.
And apparently winning the match wasn’t enough.
Following the bell, Zer0 delivered another Chokebomb to BDE. Rich Swann attempted to intervene and received the same treatment, while two security guards subsequently discovered that their employment benefits probably don’t cover being thrown around by enormous professional wrestlers.
Now, I’m generally opposed to attacking people after the match has ended, but I must admit that Zer0 looked like a genuine monster.
Stinger’s View: An effective demonstration of Zer0’s power, although somebody needs to explain to him that the match ends when the referee counts three. The additional destruction made him look dangerous, but TNA security might want to reconsider its hiring requirements. Perhaps start with applicants who can survive a Chokebomb.
X-Division Championship: Amazing Red Defeats Cedric Alexander
Winner: Amazing Red — Still X-Division Champion
Ladies and gentlemen, this was the match I was most looking forward to, and it delivered exactly the sort of wrestling that made the X-Division famous.
Amazing Red defended his championship against Cedric Alexander, who entered with the backing of The System, although the faction’s internal disagreements suggested that things weren’t exactly harmonious backstage.
Alexander brought an aggressive, technically sound approach to the match, targeting Red’s body and attempting to neutralize the champion’s high-flying offense.
At one point, Cedric delivered a particularly nasty X-Plex onto the ring apron, and I was beginning to wonder whether Amazing Red would be able to continue.
But the champion demonstrated the resilience and creativity that made him one of the pioneers of TNA’s X-Division.
Red battled back with spectacular offense, including a diving attack to the outside and a beautiful DDT. Alexander answered with power moves and near falls of his own, but neither competitor could put the other away.
Eventually, Red connected with his signature finishing offense and secured the pinfall victory, successfully defending the X-Division Championship.
And would you believe it?
A championship match featuring two talented wrestlers, excellent action, and a decisive finish!
Somebody alert the wrestling industry. Apparently, it can still be done!
Stinger’s View: My match of the night. Amazing Red and Cedric Alexander delivered an excellent championship contest that reminded viewers what makes the X-Division special. Red’s victory was well deserved, and Alexander looked strong despite the defeat.
I predicted Amazing Red would retain, and he did.
Another successful investigation from the rafters!
AJ Francis Defeats John Skyler
Winner: AJ Francis
John Skyler entered his match against AJ Francis hoping to establish himself following his departure from Order 4, but he had a substantial obstacle standing in his way.
And that obstacle was AJ Francis.
Skyler attempted to use his speed and experience to counter Francis’ size, delivering some impressive offense and nearly catching the larger competitor off guard.
Unfortunately, the presence of Expressions at ringside created complications.
While the referee was distracted, Expressions attacked Skyler, and the situation became even more chaotic when Mila Moore got involved.
Francis ultimately knocked Skyler into Moore, sending her tumbling from the apron. Skyler became distracted checking on her, allowing Francis to capitalize and finish the match with Down Payment.
Now, I understand that Skyler was concerned about Mila. That’s perfectly reasonable.
But ladies and gentlemen, when you’re wrestling a man the size of AJ Francis, turning your back on him is generally not recommended.
Stinger’s View: Another correct prediction for yours truly, although I would’ve preferred a cleaner finish. Francis didn’t need all the ringside assistance to look dangerous, and Skyler’s defeat gives him another obstacle to overcome as he attempts to establish himself.
Perhaps TNA could consider banning unnecessary ringside personnel from certain matches. I realize I’m asking for miracles here.
Leon Slater and Trey Miguel Show Respect Ahead of Destination X
One of the evening’s most meaningful segments featured TNA World Heavyweight Champion Leon Slater addressing his upcoming championship defense against Trey Miguel.
Slater spoke about the sacrifices that brought him to the top of the company, expressing his pride in finally becoming World Champion.
He then invited Trey Miguel into the ring.
Rather than launching into the usual insults, accusations, and threats that accompany so many championship rivalries, the two men acknowledged their similarities and mutual respect.
Miguel explained that he’d waited years for another opportunity at the World Championship, and that he wanted to experience the same sense of accomplishment Slater enjoyed following Bound For Glory.
Slater made it clear that he respected Miguel’s journey, but he wasn’t prepared to surrender his championship.
The two shook hands, setting the stage for their encounter at Destination X on November 15.
And I have to say, I appreciated this.
Not every championship rivalry needs to involve somebody insulting another man’s family, stealing his championship belt, or putting him through a table.
Sometimes two talented competitors can simply want the same prize. Imagine that!
Stinger’s View: An effective segment that made both men look credible and sympathetic. Slater continues to grow into his role as champion, while Miguel’s determination gives their upcoming match genuine emotional stakes. I’m looking forward to seeing what they can accomplish when the bell rings.
Elijah Defeats Ryan Nemeth — And Nic Gets Involved
Winner: Elijah
Ryan Nemeth stepped into the ring against Elijah, continuing a rivalry that began when his brother Nic cost Elijah an opportunity at the TNA World Championship.
And Ryan apparently decided that the best way to handle the situation was to antagonize an already furious man.
An interesting strategy.
Nemeth attempted to control the match through shortcuts, including using clothing and accessories to choke Elijah while the referee struggled to maintain order.
Elijah eventually fought back, delivering a series of powerful strikes before finishing Ryan with Highwayman’s Farewell.
Another victory for the man with the guitar!
But naturally, the evening wasn’t over.
Nic Nemeth attacked Elijah after the match, attempting to get some revenge on behalf of his brother.
Unfortunately for Ryan, Elijah responded by smashing a guitar over his head!
Now THAT is what I call a memorable family reunion.
Nic managed to escape and pull his brother to safety, leaving Elijah standing tall.
Stinger’s View: I predicted Elijah would win, and he did. The post-match attack was predictable, but the guitar shot gave the segment a satisfying conclusion.
I do have one question, though. How many guitars does Elijah go through in a typical month? At some point, somebody in the accounting department has to be asking questions.
Slaughterhouse syX Match: syX Defeat The Hardys
Winners: Samuel Shaw & Joseph Sawyer — syX
Ladies and gentlemen, we have arrived at the evening’s main attraction.
The legendary Hardy brothers entered the mysterious territory of syX for a Slaughterhouse syX Match, and I must admit that the entire concept sounded like something somebody dreamed up after watching too many horror movies.
Naturally, Thalia would probably love it.
The Hardys arrived in an environment filled with weapons, obstacles, and enough potential hazards to make an insurance adjuster immediately resign.
Samuel Shaw and Joseph Sawyer wasted little time taking advantage of their surroundings, attacking Matt and Jeff with chains, ladders, trash cans, and whatever else happened to be within reach.
Matt fought back with a shovel, while Jeff demonstrated his usual willingness to launch himself through the air despite being in a location where practically every landing surface looked dangerous.
At one point, syX managed to isolate Matt by locking him inside a room, leaving Jeff to deal with both opponents.
And then things got particularly unpleasant.
Shaw and Sawyer placed a trash can over Jeff’s head and attacked it with an axe.
AN AXE!
Ladies and gentlemen, I’ve seen some questionable stipulations in professional wrestling, but I’m beginning to think somebody needs to establish a list of objects that should never be permitted in a match.
Steel chairs? Fine.
Tables? Certainly.
Ladders? We’ve all accepted those by now.
An axe?
Perhaps we should draw the line somewhere!
The televised sequence ended amid the violence, with syX ultimately credited with the victory. The official recap didn’t establish a conventional pinfall or submission finish, so I won’t pretend this was an ordinary wrestling contest with an ordinary conclusion.
Stinger’s View: I predicted syX would win, largely because accepting an invitation to fight two dangerous men inside their own slaughterhouse seemed like a terrible idea.
And apparently, I was right!
The match was more of a horror-themed fight than a traditional wrestling contest, but that was clearly the intention. It certainly provided a memorable Halloween atmosphere, although I’d personally prefer my professional wrestling matches to involve fewer household tools capable of causing permanent dismemberment.
And Matt and Jeff Hardy deserve some credit. After everything those two have put their bodies through over the years, they’re still finding new and increasingly ridiculous ways to endanger themselves.
Other Major Developments
The evening also featured several developments that will shape TNA programming over the coming weeks.
The System continued falling apart. Bear Bronson confronted Eddie Edwards over the faction’s direction and challenged him to a match next week, with leadership implications if Bronson wins.
Shayna Baszler targeted Indi Hartwell. Following a retrospective on Hartwell’s journey to becoming Knockouts World Champion, Baszler announced that she’ll challenge her at Destination X.
Harley Hudson accepted an invitation from The Righteous. Vincent and Dutch finally received the answer they’d been seeking, opening another chapter in Hudson’s story.
The World X-Cup began taking shape. Ricky Sosa announced he’ll represent Belgium, while Fabian Aichner will represent Italy.
Fire N’ Flava reunited. Kiera Hogan and Tasha Steelz reunited and challenged Shotzi and Allie, adding another rivalry to the Knockouts division.
Daria Rae gained an unwanted observer. Brian Johnson arrived with instructions from TNA’s Board of Directors to monitor her activities. Apparently, even wrestling management can’t escape workplace supervision.
Stinger’s View
Ladies and gentlemen, TNA Impact delivered a solid evening of wrestling from Dothan, Alabama, with two successful championship defenses, several developing rivalries, and one of the strangest main events I’ve seen in quite some time.
Amazing Red versus Cedric Alexander was my favorite match of the evening, offering exactly the kind of athletic, competitive wrestling that made the X-Division an important part of TNA’s identity.
M by Elegance retained her championship, although the departure of Mr. Elegance may prove considerably more important than the victory itself.
Leon Slater and Trey Miguel delivered an effective championship confrontation without resorting to unnecessary violence, while Elijah finally got a measure of revenge against the Nemeth brothers.
And then there was the Slaughterhouse.
I suppose it was appropriate for Halloween week, although I sincerely hope TNA doesn’t decide that every holiday requires its own collection of dangerous power tools.
As for my predictions?
FIVE CORRECT PICKS OUT OF FIVE!
Amazing Red retained. M by Elegance retained. AJ Francis defeated John Skyler. Elijah defeated Ryan Nemeth. And syX defeated the Hardys.
Ladies and gentlemen, I don’t want to brag, but that’s the sort of performance that makes a wrestling journalist question whether he should be advising the companies directly.
Tony Khan apparently reads my Dynamite previews, and now TNA has followed my predictions with remarkable accuracy. It may have been taped, but I haven’t seen any spoilers.
Coincidence?
Theia says yes.
I say the evidence speaks for itself.
Of course, my colleague Maddie has informed me that predicting the outcome of a wrestling match doesn’t mean I personally influenced the booking.
She’s entitled to her opinion.
Meanwhile, I’ll continue doing what I do best: watching professional wrestling, calling out the nonsense, appreciating the good matches, and occasionally reminding the people in charge how this business is supposed to work.
And if somebody at TNA happens to be reading this, here’s a little free advice for next week.
Give the wrestlers time to wrestle, keep the referees alert, and please make sure the Hardys are nowhere near another axe.
Until next time, ladies and gentlemen, remember:
It may be shit sometimes, but Wrestling Matters.
— Stinger, reporting from the rafters of Titanquisitor Hall.
