TNA iMPACT! Wrestling

I have to admit I did not start watching TNA until they debuted on Spike TV a few months ago, but I have been impressed. As a lifelong WWE fan and wrestiling fan, I have enjoyed different aspects of all different promotions throughout the years. WWE has excelled in the "larger than life" entertainment aspect of wrestling. WCW when it was successful featured what WWE was doing, just with different characters. ECW was of course the outlet for furstrated fans who were sick of what the big 2 were doing. Then you have TNA, which is building a grassroots organizations based on one thing, IN RING PERFORMANCE.

The bottom line with this business is that in the end, it all comes back to how you can perform in the ring. TNA is wisely signing younger, smaller wrestlers and featuring a different type of in ring style than what WWE is doing. At the same time, they are not trying to compete with WWE, which is extremely smart. TNA is akin to what ECW was in the 90s, not in terms of style, but in terms of its approach to its place in the world. What I mean by that is that even though TNA has people like Jeff Jarrett, Raven, Rhino among other WWE or WCW guys, they realize that they cannot be going head to head with WWE.

I certainly enjoy watching TNA though for the action and its unique in ring content.

TNA Wrestling is back with a bang, as the Hard To Kill pay-per-view event delivered a night of action-packed and high-octane wrestling. The event, which took place on January 13, 2024, at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, featured twelve matches, including three on the pre-show, and marked the first live broadcast under the TNA name since 2016.

The main event saw Moose dethrone Alex Shelley as the TNA World Champion, after a brutal and intense match that lasted over 30 minutes. Moose, who earned his title shot by winning the Feast or Fired briefcase, showed his strength and resilience, as he survived Shelley's signature moves, such as the Sliced Bread #2 and the Shell Shock. Moose finally put Shelley away with a devastating Spear, followed by a pinfall. Moose celebrated his victory by holding the TNA World Championship belt high in the air, as the crowd cheered and chanted his name.

The co-main event featured Jordynne Grace challenging Trinity for the TNA Knockouts World Championship, in what was rumored to be Trinity's final match with the promotion. Grace, who won the Call Your Shot Gauntlet at Bound for Glory, proved to be a worthy challenger, as she matched Trinity's speed and agility, and countered her aerial attacks with power moves. Grace eventually overcame Trinity's experience and resilience, and captured the Knockouts World Championship by making Trinity tap out to the Grace Driver. Grace and Trinity hugged and showed respect to each other after the match, as the fans gave them a standing ovation.

The opening match of the main card was a Knockouts Ultimate X match, where six women competed to grab the red X hanging above the ring, and earn a future title shot for the Knockouts World Championship. The match featured Alisha Edwards, Dani Luna, Jody Threat, Tasha Steelz, Xia Brookside, and the debuting Gisele Shaw. The match was a showcase of athleticism, innovation, and risk-taking, as the women used the ropes, ladders, and chairs to reach the X, and to prevent their opponents from doing so. The match ended when Shaw climbed the ladder and unhooked the X, securing her spot as the #1 contender for the Knockouts World Championship.

Other notable matches on the card included Josh Alexander defeating Alex Hammerstone in a hard-hitting and technical match, Chris Sabin retaining the X Division Championship in a triple threat match against El Hijo del Vikingo and Kushida, and ABC (Ace Austin, Brian Cage, and Chris Bey) retaining the TNA World Tag Team Championship in a six-man tag team match against The Rascalz (Dezmond Xavier, Trey Miguel, and Zachary Wentz).

The event also featured the debuts of A. J. Francis, Ash by Elegance and Nic Nemeth, who were previously known as Top Dolla, Dana Brooke and Dolph Ziggler respectively. Francis interfered in the match between Willie Mack and Rohit Raju, and attacked both men, causing a no-contest. Francis then cut a promo, declaring himself as the "Alpha Male" of TNA, and challenging anyone to face him. Elegance and Nemeth appeared on the pre-show, where they announced themselves as the newest additions to the Knockouts and X Division rosters, and expressed their excitement to compete in TNA.

Overall, Hard To Kill was a successful and entertaining event, that showcased the talent and diversity of TNA Wrestling. The event also set up several intriguing storylines and feuds for the future, such as Moose's reign as the TNA World Champion, Grace's first title defense against Shaw, and Francis' arrival as a dominant force. The event also marked the end of an era, as Trinity bid farewell to TNA and the fans, after a stellar career that spanned over two decades. Hard To Kill was a fitting name for the event, as it proved that TNA Wrestling is indeed hard to kill, and is ready to take on the wrestling world once again.

I hope you liked my review. 😊

TNA Impact! Review: TNA arrived on the scene in 2002 as the new wrestling alternative. At first it was horrid. 50$ a month for Russo-era WCW booking and writing, TNA stunk. After showing idiot Russo the door, They got Dusty Rhodes. Dusty was not better and TNA still stunk. TNA fired Dusty and finally TNA got their asses in gear in the spring of 2005. TNA stripped TNA tyrant Jeff Jarrett of the title and actually gave others the run with the title and booking was effective. Better yet, the company was intent on pushing the youngsters and TNA was becoming a force. With Samoa Joe, The Fallen Angel, Abyss, Alex Shelly, Chris Sabin, Petey Williams, and many other wrestlers, TNA delivered some incredible PPVs in the summer and fall of 2005. That finally got TNA a TV deal. Then they gave the title back to Jarrett. TNA suddenly started to lag a little. Then they signed Christian, as a face. Not good. Christian sucks as a face. Then TNA did the worst and signed Sting. Sting has not done anything for TNA other than to put himself over. Selfish. TNA is now losing direction. With enormous talent on the roster, TNA has a lot to push. Alas, TNA a-hole Jarrett has reclaimed the title and sting is #2 around here. TNA can be a great division but, when double J has top billing, TNA is doomed. Sting isn't helping either. TNA needs to dump the dinosaurs and stick to pushing the talent. They can do it. Double J needs to get his head out of his ass first. Also the booker needs to push the future of TNA and not just his pals. Especially the ones who can't wrestle.

The Last Word: TNA was awesome in the summer and fall of 2005. TNA is now falling apart. Some matches are still good though. TNA also needs to branch out to other venues other than Orlando. Also, The TNA PPVs have no design. Looks just like another Impact taping than a PPV. TNA isn't bad, just has bad booking and ego maniacal old-timers. Hope 2007 is better than now.

Talent Roster, My take: Tag teams***

America's Most Wanted: Excellent tag team. From the look to the name, and are very talented workers. Should be booked as faces more often. Still, a great tag team.

The Naturals: Easily one of the best. Young and very experienced. The Naturals have a good look and give the tag team division something to enjoy. My pick for best of 2005.

Team 3D: Washed up. Brother Ray and Devon are living in the past. Still trying to cash in at the gimmick that Paul E. and Vinne Mac. made famous. Also 3D, even at their best, matches are mediocre. 3D also gets stale fast.

The James Ga..I mean the Voodoo Kin Mafia: First off, that name sucks. Second, we got two dinosaurs living in the past as well. They are not cool or fresh. The New Age Outlaws was their day. Now, It's a little sad. Also, what's with Kip's red hair??? Ick.

LAX: Great heel team. Lead by Konnan, LAX are a nasty group of people. Konnan has natural heel charisma. Like Jerry Lawler to Randy Orton, he comes of really unlikeable. That's good. Homicide and Hernandez are a good team. Konnan must be really banged up. He makes a good mouthpiece

Single wrestlers***

Sting: A known "icon". Sting as a stand alone wrestler was great. Everyone knows Sting. As of now, Sting should stay quiet. Having Sting say "It's Showtime!" is lame. Having Sting let his actions speak louder than his words, Cool. And let us forget about the Steve Borden crap.

Rhino: Still got it. Now the war machine, Rhino has led a path of destruction. He still got the attitude and intensity, more than ever. The booking of Rhino is great. Only flaw is that Rhino held the NWA title for TWO DAYS! The ultimate transitional champ. Next reign had better be much longer.

Christian: Although not as good as his previous days, Cage is still good at being a heel. He clearly is not as athletic as he used to be. He has a lame look, and has about 50% less charisma that he used to have in the WWE. The booking of Cage is much better here though. At least he isn't a joke.

Abyss: One of the best in TNA. Abyss is tough. Abyss would have been an excellent fit to the original ECW. He's got a cool look and has the same gimmick as WWE wrestler Kane(back when Kane was cool looking). TNA is booking Abyss correctly and all they really should NOT do is take his mask off. Abyss will be ruined if that happens.

Samoa Joe: Easily TNA's biggest success. Samoa Joe is despite his flabby appearance is TOUGH. Never has a guy this big been this MENACING. Unlike Goldberg, Samoa Joe WRESTLES his opponent to remain undefeated. From the Muscle Buster, to the rear naked choke, Joe is a wrestling machine in brutality and submission. Joe should remain undefeated for a long time. (Joe's streak is over to Kurt Angle at Genesis. So much for that.)

Petey Williams: All hail the Canadian Destroyer! Petey is awesome. With a cool look and lots of experience, Petey is a perfect fit in TNA. Did I mention The Canadian DESTROYER?! Possibly the best finisher of all time. I can watch that all day.

The Fallen Angel: Daniels is awesome. One of the most hardest workers in wrestling finally gets his credit where credit is due. Daniels also never gets stale and is hard to hate, even though he is an awesome heel. Daniels should get a title shot in the future.

Chris Sabin: Very Talented. Lousy haircut. His finisher is okay but nothing special. Sabin is however good for the business.

IMPACT on AXS is a consistent show, which is the best compliment I can say about it. It's a consistent show week to week, but there has not been a significant turnaround. Some of the content is derivative from the WWE. Tasha Steelz and Kiera Hogan are clearly a rip-off of Sasha Banks. Kylie Rae's happy-go-lucky gimmick is blatantly ripped-off from Bayley. And The Rascalz logo is derived from the New Day's logo and colors. IMPACT has given Ken Shamrock a second career as a wrestler and the creative team didn't tinker with Tenille Dashwood's gimmick too much; it's the same as her character in the WWE. But the fans who gush over IMPACT on Twitter and Freakin' Awesome Networks are paid IMPACT employees who aren't legitimate fans.

TNA Wrestling is currently in a state of confusion . The knockout wrestlers align themselves with WWE , but the men continue aligning with enemy ROH/AEW/REV PRO/NJPW. The wrestlers don't know if they should wrestle , or leap over the back and chest chop. The brightness of the cameras ruin the picture , and they are take shots at the ceiling lights. TNA Wrestling at their best includes their storylines , original talent , pay per views , and finishers.

The biggest mistake TNA Wrestling has going is this low quality look. To be successful in professional wrestling you have to fix the quality of the show. High definition 4k is a standard nowadays. TNA Wrestling takes a seat behind WWE and Aew , but they could outperform both. Champions like Moose , speedos , Jordynne Grace , Lucha Libre , Mustafa Ali , ROh , and Johnathon Gresham gives TNA Wrestling a confusing look. TNA Wrestling must stay consistent , focus on strengths , avoid filler content , avoid wasting pay per views , and avoid collaborating with Rival companies.