IMPACT Coverage: Match #2 of Tag Team Series, Knockout Calendar Cover Revealed, James Storm's...

[TNA]

IMPACT Coverage by Bobby James
September 10, 2014

Emanating from New York City, IMPACT Wrestling opens with a performance of the national anthem by the New York City Joint Service Color Guard. “The Star Spangled Banner” gives way to the debut of Sergeant Chris Melendez, a US war veteran, on the eve of September 11.

MATCH #1:
Chris Melendez vs. DJ Z​

The crowd vocally supports the debuting Chris Melendez against his opponent, DJ Z. Melendez gains commands an early advantage, drawing a loud “USA” chant from the crowd. From behind, DJ Z chop blocks Melendez’s leg.

DJ Z’s offense is short-lived, however, as Melendez valiantly fights back into the match, catching DJ Z with a Samoan drop to secure the victory in his debut match.

Winner: Chris Melendez

“The It Factor,” Bobby Roode addresses the fans while praising Eric Young. Roode claims to be ready to reclaim his spot atop TNA. MVP, Kenny King and Lashley interrupt. MVP says facing Lashley is a reality, not a movie that ends happily ever after. He claims that the best Bobby Roode can hope for is a short hospital stay.
Roode says he knows Lashley could destroy him, but that his heart and passion are enough to overcome “The Destroyer.” MVP, Kenny King and Lashley attack Bobby Roode. Samoa Joe and Eric Young clear the ring. Joe issues a challenge to Roode’s assailants; they accept.

MATCH #2:
Bobby Roode, Samoa Joe and Eric Young vs. Lashley, MVP and Kenny King​

Lashley, MVP and Kenny King stand grouped at the bottom of the ramp. Samoa Joe launches himself through the ropes with a suicide dive. Joe and Kenny King start the match, which the X-Division Champion dominates early.

King drops Joe’s throat across the top rope, then misses a springboard assault. Joe tags Eric Young as MVP enters the match. Young appears evenly matched against MVP, until Kenny King drops him with a cheap shot, allowing MVP to bring in the World Champion, Lashley.

Lashley proves to be a dominant opponent by keeping Eric Young grounded. Lashley, Kenny King and MVP exchange tags, isolating Eric Young. Lashley locks in a cross armbreaker, which Eric Young counters into a powerbomb!

The powerbomb creates enough separation to allow MVP and Bobby Roode to be tagged into the match. MVP attempts a Drive By but Bobby Roode counters and secures the win after a Roode Bomb!

Winners: Bobby Roode, Samoa Joe and Eric Young

Backstage: Brittany approaches Gunner, inquiring about Samuel Shaw’s relationship status.

The BroMans and The Beautiful People enter the arena, to face off against The Menagerie.

MATCH #3:
The BroMans and Velvet Sky vs. The Menagerie​

Crazy Steve and Jessie start the match. Crazy Steve blows a kiss to Velvet, to the dismay of Robbie E. Robbie E tags himself into the match, but runs in circles, trying to escape the Menagerie’s crazed clown.

Robbie E tags out to “Mr. Pectacular,” Jessie Godderz. Jessie poses in the ring and The Freak mockingly hops onto the apron. Crazy Steve jumps onto Jessie’s shoulders, biting Jessie in the head! Jessie stumbles toward his corner and Robbie E nails a cheap shot.

Robbie E and Jessie double team Crazy Steve. Crazy Steve counters a double suplex into a double DDT. Crazy Steve tags Rebel, who makes her in-ring debut. Rebel assumes control of Velvet Sky, but The BroMans interrupt her pin attempt.

Knux rushes into the ring and drops The BroMans with a cross-body. Crazy Steve stalks and grabs Velvet. Velvet screams, but she’s silenced by a kiss from the clown! Rebel takes advantage of a disoriented Velvet by slamming her down to the mat. Rebel climbs the turnbuckle only to find herself distracted by Angelina Love.

Rebel kicks Angelina in the head, but the distraction allows Velvet to grab a handful of tights to secure the pin.

Winners: The BroMans and Velvet Sky

Backstage: Kurt Angle addresses EC3’s criticism.

Backstage: Team 3D vows to become 24-time World Tag Team Champions!

Kurt Angle calls out EC3. EC3 says Kurt Angle has blood on his hands. A loud chorus of boos and “You can’t wrestle!” chants drowns out the voice of EC3 as he vows to exact his vengeance.

Angle says he hasn’t forgotten what EC3 did to him. He vows to beat EC3 when the time is right. Angle says EC3 is a wrestler, he can wrestle or leave. EC3 claims he’s not ready; Angle says he won’t book him in a wrestling match tonight.

EC3 appears relieved, but then Kurt Angle announces a street fight against Rhino!

MATCH #4:
Street Fight
EC3 vs. Rhino​

Rhino storms the ring and sends EC3 crashing into the guardrail. Rhino tosses an array of weaponry into the ring, but as he turns, EC3 meets him with a kick to the gut. EC3 throws Rhino into the guardrail.

Rhino delivers a suplex onto the ramp and then rolls EC3 into the ring. Rhino assaults EC3 with a Singapore cane. Rhino picks up a chair, but a low-blow by EC3 allows the momentum to shift. EC3 slams a trashcan and its lid across Rhino’s head!

EC3 strips off his belt and uses it to lash Rhino! The crowd cringes with each thud. EC3 mounts a trashcan in the corner and then powers a chair down across Rhino’s back! EC3 drags Rhino to a trashcan and repeatedly slams his head into it. The crowd begins alternating “EC3” and “Gore! Gore! Gore!” chants.

Rhino gains some semblance of control, but EC3 sidesteps a Gore attempt, sending Rhino crashing into the trashcan mounted in the corner! “EC3” chants come again as he drops Rhino with a One Percenter on top of a chair in the center of the ring. EC3 makes the cover for the three!

Winner: EC3

The Knockouts surround JB in the ring while they await the announcement of which Knockout will grace the cover the 2015 TNA Knockouts Calendar! Angelina Love assumes she’s made the cover, but JB announces it’s Velvet Sky.

Havok interrupts the celebration. On her way to the ring, Gail Kim seeks retribution for last week, but Havok fights her off and powers her into the guardrail. Havok climbs onto the apron, grabs and chokeslams Brittany!

The other Knockouts look on cautiously as Havok takes possession of the Knockout’s Championship and leaves the IMPACT Zone!

Backstage: James Storm interrogates Manik and asks, “Why do you wear a mask when your awakening is upon you?” Storm instructs the camera crew to leave as he tears Manik’s mask from his face.

Video: Recap of Lashley’s fight on Bellator MMA last Friday.

Backstage: Gail Kim furiously storms through the arena calling for Havok.

James Storm and “The Great” Sanada make their way to the ring.

MATCH #5:
James Storm and Sanada vs. Austin Aries and Tajiri​

“The Great” Sanada circles “The Japanese Buzzsaw,” Tajiri. Sanada and Tajiri trade holds to get the match underway. Tajiri and Austin Aries exchange tags, allowing them to maintain control.

Storm breaks the hold Aries locks in on Sanada, but Aries regains control and soars with a suicide dive, catching both Storm and Sanada. Sanada distracts the referee, allowing James Storm to score a series of illegal chokes and shots to Aries.

Storm and Sanada change the pace and look of the match as they begin exchanging tags. James Storm tries for an Eye of the Storm, but Aries reverses, catching Storm with a discus forearm. Aries brings in Tajiri.

Sanada tries for the green mist, but Tajiri ducks and locks in the Tarantula! James Storm breaks the hold by spitting beer into Tajiri’s eyes and allowing Sanada to score a kick to the head and a pin.

Winners: “The Great” Sanada and James Storm

Backstage: The Hardys say they defeated Team 3D in the first Tables Match all those years ago and that tonight, history will be repeated.

Backstage: Gail Kim finds Havok. Gail attacks, but Havok dominates the Knockout’s Champion.

Havok and Gail fight into the arena! Havok mounts Gail Kim and lands a series of hard rights!

Security enters and is finally able to separate Havok and Gail Kim, but Havok tosses one of the men with ease and chokeslams the other! The crowd erupts into a chorus of boos as Havok stands over another pile of bodies while Gail Kim is dragged to the back.

MAIN EVENT:
Tag Team Championship Series – Match #2
Tables Match
Team 3D vs. The Hardys vs. The Wolves​

The Wolves enter following their iconic opponents, as Taz declares, “Let the hunt begin!”

All six men square off around the ring. Bodies fly and heads are bounced off of every surface including the ring apron, guardrail and steel steps. Matt Hardy and Bully Ray find themselves in the ring. Bully Ray commands the match and he and Devon nail “What’s up!” Bully and the crowd instruct Devon to “Get the tables!”

Team 3D pulls the first table from beneath the ring. The Wolves attempt a double suicide dive, but Team 3D dodges their assault and they use the table to clothesline the Tag Team Champions! As they turn, The Hardys dropkick the table into the faces of Team 3D!

The Hardys assume control by slamming Davey Richards’ throat across the leg of a table before dropping Eddie Edwards on the side of a table with a front suplex! Jeff positions the table, then he drapes Eddie on top of it. He climbs the turnbuckle, but Eddie counters with a superplex! Before Jeff crashes down, Devon moves the table to keep the match going.

The match breaks down into a chaotic scene as The Hardys gain control and a double-team advantage on Bully Ray. Bully moves just in time and Jeff Hardy drives his own feet through a table.

Team 3D sets up a table outside the ring and attempts to power Matt Hardy through it, but The Wolves fly with another suicide dive to prevent the attack. Meanwhile, Jeff Hardy unfolds a table and positions it between the ring apron and the steel stairs he’s tipped to their side!

Eddie Edwards leaps from the turnbuckle to the floor, taking out Jeff Hardy with a huge cross-body! The Wolves double team Matt Hardy, but before they can mount further offense, Team 3D clears the ring.

Team 3D dismantles Jeff Hardy’s creation and they set up the table in the center of the ring. Team 3D stalks Matt Hardy, calling for a 3D! The Wolves fly from the turnbuckle, thwarting the attack. They position Matt Hardy on the table and make the climb.

Bully Ray and Jeff Hardy make the save. Matt Hardy drops Eddie Edwards with a Twist of Fate from the turnbuckle! Matt drags Eddie Edwards from the ring and drapes him across another table. Jeff Hardy flies from the turnbuckle with a Swanton that sends Eddie crashing through the table – ending a spectacular encounter!

The Hardys take the second match and now choose the stipulation for the next match in the Tag Team Title Series!

Winners: The Hardys

Matt Hardy declares the next stipulation: A Ladder Match!

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