I’m as simple as it gets when it comes to what I need to feel fulfilled. When my partner asked what I wanted to do for my birthday, I can easily say I’d already decided on taking it easy, and watching something on my shelf I’ve set aside for a rainy day.
I’ll always be proud that I watched TNA like a helpless addict when it FINALLY provided an alternative. It wasn’t perfect, but when John Cena and the world of PG practically transformed the experience of pro wrestling for so many longtime fans, having ANY viable source of solid wrestling was a Godsend.
I wasn’t expecting TNA to include the pre-show and promotional matches alongside commercials for the company and event itself, but kudos for knowing how to include the total package.
Jeremy Borash has QUITE the tan tonight, and it’s staring me in the face.
I don’t care who you are, I’m a mark for Don West, I appreciate his energy, and I’m lucky enough to say his autograph is one of the many in my collection. I’m glad to have Mike Tenay and West once again in my ear for the evening.
(As I finished this piece, I realized how much editing may have gone on into the version I was watching, so it’s worth noting I watched the 2005 TNA Home Video DVD.)
PRE-SHOW
Cassidy Riley Vs. Jerrelle Clark
Going off of attires, you’d be quick to think there’s a difference of styles here, but the cleanliness of the opening series of off-the-ropes strikes and kicks set a good pace for a show opener..
My mind is screaming POOOOOOOOUNCE!, as we Have Monty Brown coming down for a DQ finish at 1:56, and I’m reminded of how much TNA had to squeeze into every spare minute of programming back of the day, and to their credit, I haven’t forgotten much of what I saw.
Brown calls out Larry Zbyszko, declares his place at the top of the food chain in the Serengeti, and challenges the winner of the main event for the evening, throwing his hat in the ring, as Tenay states, for Bound For Glory..
And then we get the sweet first few notes of My World, as Double J, ready for action, wastes no time in squeezing himself into the programming. (It’s like it was a contest between him and WCW Hogan to see who could be more unavoidable.)
We’ve got more unemployed wrestlers hanging around the back than we have wrestlers on the entire TNA roster!
Jeff, I feel that doesn’t make any sense..
Jarrett claims everything Monty has is because of good ol’ Double J, and I admit, it’s a clever promo when you factor in its true purpose is putting over how much the company has achieved, in noting every new show it’s managed to feature talent on.
Kip James (Mr. Ass/Billy Gunn) of all people comes out to cool down Brown, followed by Jeff Hardy, because if we’ve lost the plot so far into such an overbooked opening, we may as well make sure everyone gets a payday.
If I’m following the stories right, Jarrett has beef with a newly arrived Hardy taking the spotlight, and James/Brown are partners, so Kip’s on the scene to keep his friend level headed for a tag title four-way later in the evening…
It’s worth noting all of this seems to be setting up main event storylines for the next month or so, and as much as I can appreciate running threads through all of your work, I only ask that it doesn’t overshadow the beats you’re attempting to hit for the night…
The pre-show fades into a series of packages highlighting the storylines getting us to the PPV, And 15 year old me sinks comfortably back into ancient gripes.
RHYNO DESERVED MORE WORLD TITLES GODDAMNIT.
Nobody ever kicked out of a Gore, if they did, it was just a spear.
Knowing what is in store for him in years to come, AJ Styles (teasing a triple threat later in the evening) looks like a fucking BABY here. Dear GOD time moves so fast when you’re not paying attention.
Shark Boy Vs. Mikey Batts
Oh SHEELLLLLL Yeah! It’s time for some Shark Boy.
Is it just me, or does the fin gesture with the hand on the head look borderline offensive? Why is my subconscious picking up on that?
As silly as the gimmick is, I love talent who have a solid game in ring, despite the fact their performances tend to lean over the top.
Solid in ring fare here, slower than what TNA is known for, but still moving at a clip that reminds you everybody has got shit to get in.
Shark Boy wins at 3:20 with a smooth Dead Sea Drop (What’d I call a Diamond Dust) and as quick as that was, I’m thankful that AGAIN, as much as TNA forces into as little time as they manage, everything I’ve seen thus far has gone off without a glitch, blown mic or slight hiccup.
MAIN SHOW
Simon Diamond, Elix Skipper & David Young (Diamonds in the Rough) Vs. Ron The Truth Killings, B.G. James & Konnan (3 Live Kru)
Truth, Skipper AND Konnan? GIVE ME ALL OF THIS.
Skipper starts off against James with a series of strikes and after a few tags, watching Truth and James do their thing makes me yearn for a universe where we got more of this team than we did, but I’ll accept that it simply went further than a cup of coffee together in the WWF
The Diamonds isolate James, as Simon dictates marching orders.
Konnan grabs a tag and exemplifies the benefit of throwing in a few heavier set fellows in a match itching to see some acrobatics. When the big dog jumps in, he immediately is fed a few morsels to chew on as what little offense he provides is punctuated perfectly with foes who have the wind to provide a little extra in their selling.
A literal shoe to the collarbone of David Young and 3 Live Kru snag a quick win at 4:20. (Nice)
There’s still 2 hours and forty minutes left in the show, so as short as this one was, I’m certainly not thinking we’re going to be in the negative in terms of action by the time this is all over..
I love that TNA is replaying segments from the pre-show, but I yield not everyone who pays for the show sat through what is akin to a low grade Sunday Night HeAT..
Austin Aries Vs. Roderick Strong
(I knew this was a solid choice to watch today)
I’ve always wanted to love Aries, and he’s a damned WONDER in the ring, but that man’s ego cost him the opportunities he should’ve had across an entire career. The only person who ever shortchanged Austin Aries, was Austin Aries..
Strong came from the same universe as AJ Styles, Billy Gunn, Ron Killings, Bubba, D-Von, & Paul Rudd. AGE YOU BEAUTIFUL FUCK!
A tight chain wrestling roundabout of side head holds, wrist locks and ground work send the talent of both men over in a heartbeat as it’s demonstrated why each has their spot in tonight’s action.
(A quick nod to Don West referencing the pairs’ relationship in Ring of Honor. I can’t remember how common it was to do for them at this period, but positive inter-promotional relationships is always better for wrestling IMHO.)
We continue with more traditional sequences for this level of competition, slowing only for a bit of brief exchange on the mat, and it’s back to running ropes..
I feel as if the first big bump is a backbreaker into a pseudo-buckle bomb from Strong. (This following a beautiful toss over the ropes into a just-as-quick leap over the top into an elbow in the corner.)
High impacts won’t keep talent at bay, however as the two slow a bit into a similarly tight back and forth, ending in solid strikes, dropkicks and an eventual handful of chops ending in a smoooooooooth lariat by Aries.
I admire the abilities of Strong and Aries to remain so close and not become sloppy as fatigue begins to set in. Strong has a sound grapple game and looks exceptionally comfortable manipulating Austin into whatever hold he pleases.
A cradle by Aries leads to a near fall that beaks down into some corner work, a brain buster, 450 & three count for Austin Aries, handing him a well earned win at 8:00…
Clean work, no missteps, and a fine outing. I feel there was never really any story as far as one competitor ever being over the other, but I cannot deny the athleticism was A+ grade…
Monty Brown and Kip James cool down from earlier in the night and set the stage for their match against Apolo & Lance Hoyt which is what’s next on the docket.
Apolo, AKA we have Batista at home..
I said TNA gives you a mixture of talent in their matches, and damnit if they don’t want to follow up on my statements.
Kip starts out with Hoyt and it’s a fair opening giving us a few solid bumps to make up for the lack of impact in the prior contest. James makes an exit after taking a high hip toss & scoop slam, and I feel my own wind a little blown out..
Hoyt needs to learn how to sell and not stand so goddamned tall, other than that he keeps up his end as he tags in Apolo to tend to Monty Brown. The latter gets worked over for a bit before Kip snags a blind tag, and I feel there was a miscommunication at some point, because he seems to be a bit more than frustrated when tagging out.
I feel Hoyt doesn’t know what to do when left to his own devices. He can supplement someone else fairly well when it’s obvious they’re calling the shots, but in the corner, facing the crowd, he looks lost until Monty Brown serves up contact.
Apolo puts in solid work when brought in via hot-tag, but falls into the category of wrestler that has no personality shy of his size. He comes off as a talent that forgot to come with a character. I’d feel safe with him throwing me around, but I feel while on the apron, and when looking around the ring, he has little more than an expressionless gaze to accompany movement with no intent.
Lance Hoyt hits a nearly perfect Moonsault (Deductions for imperfect rotation) but his knees will be feeling that about an hour from now.
A miscommunication leads to Kip booting Brown off the apron, but the Alpha Male is able to recover enough for a do-si-do with Apolo into a POOOOOOOOOOUNCE!!!, and win at 9:58..
TEAM CANADA!!!
I’m SO FUCKING GLAD I didn’t review the card before I popped this in. Eric Young is MY BOY!
Goddamnit this should have been one of the things that took WWE down a peg in the ratings, Everyone here is on point this faction IS hype.
The metal Canadian anthem deserves to be in the top 20 themes of all time conversation and I’ll fight people in defense of that stance.. (Edit: Apparently during the live event, production accidentally began to play Abyss’ theme, but this was edited for the DVD. I only noticed when re-watching on YouTube to nab screen grabs, and TNA chose to upload the original unedited footage.)
Petey Williams is set for action against Chris Sabin and sweet baby Jesus I’m not worthy of this majesty.
I love the variations we get in the opening salvo. There’s a moment of pause at the ropes, followed up by a quick elbow by Williams on the mat to break up what has been some snug catch wrestling. Everything here screams X division, and I pop inside every time Sabin tosses in a cartwheel.
It’s surreal watching so much of the backbone of this company elevate it in real time.
The beauty of these two is not necessarily in their sequences, but in how they’re segmented and broken apart. Sabin has deep pockets regarding strikes, so much of the offense in-between holds comes off as unique, and sets itself apart from other matches on the card that may set themselves at similar paces.
Williams, like Rob Van Dam, has the enviable ability to be the sort of rare heel that is so fucking inarguably incredible at what he does that minor rests to catch breath are always covered by smack talk centered around bragging to the crowd. I feel people don’t mind as much when you buy time if you just served up something nobody else can even dream of coming close to.
Petey continues a competent onslaught of elbows and tight pin attempts while maintaining control. A Tilt-A-Whirl DDT nets another near fall for Williams as he sinks in a Straight Jacket behind Sabin to catch a breath.
I’ll always die on the hill that as long as you’re clever enough to vary your submissions with a little effort, you’ll likely be able to get away with more rest holds simply because you’re not boring.
The two take their time getting back to a flurry of elbows by Sabin punctuated by a few exchanged chops ending with an explosive Fisherman’s Brainbuster onto Williams.
Petey taps into Canadian veins by slapping on a sharpshooter to slow it down a hair, but Sabin uses whatever energy he has saved to grab the bottom rope.
We reach critical mass as were treated to a slew of exhausted near falls led by solid last minute maneuvering by both men.
Sabin launches Williams into the corner with a Razor’s Edge buckle-bomb which leads Petey to find himself in a fireman’s carry for a near-finish, but a sharp Williams manages to blind Chris with an eye rake, which only delays the inevitable, as Chris reverses an attempted Canadian Destroyer into a Cradle Shock netting a victory at 12:34 for the future Motor City Machine Gun.
Matt Bentley arrives after the finish, delivering superkicks, and teasing Ultimate X at Bound For Glory.
People that are clever enough to book an legitimate finish BEFORE their dramatic story building bullshit get full marks from me.
(In short, never plan story bullfuckery that robs paying fans of a definitive conclusion to a match advertised.)
Some of these promotional packages look like they were made in Windows Movie Maker, and I’d love to know what the TNA production crew were working with.
Abyss w/James Mitchell Vs. Sabu (No Disqualification)
I’m not going to act like I know anywhere near as much as the best to ever talk about the business, but I always feel James Mitchell was somewhat underrated.
I don’t feel as if I’ve watched this match before, but something inside me tells me blood won’t be far off in this one.
This is an attraction match highlighting two freak characters, and as much as the audience knows what to expect, TNA knew how to book differing styles, or at least they seemed to fair better at slapping random mixtures together with a greater percentage of success than WWE.
The psychology of this will have all of the allure of a bowling shoe, but for me, what’s worthy of note is the professional ability of Abyss to both be a monster, and a sly worker. There’s something to the way Chris Parks works a match that makes me salivate, ready to point out every small detail that helps brings his matches together.
Abyss as a character is a large imposing figure with a masked face with an even more cryptic level of intention. As a PERFORMER, Parks has mastered the ability to effortlessly be where he needs to be and most importantly WHEN. With someone as unrestrained by form as Sabu, hardcore affairs have a dramatic potential to fall apart, but there’s a solid base of mat positioning in every spot.
Out of every Sabu/Abyss bout sitting on my shelf, this wasn’t their most barbaric by FAR, but I feel this is more to build the reputation of TNA’s heavy more than anything.
Three tables broken, a sack of tacks and Abyss wins after a Black Hole Slam on to an awaiting pile of silver goodies at 11:30…
Alex Shelley cuts an early TNA style promo surmising his successes in the Chris Candido cup, name dropping Sean Waltman, and West/Tenay pick up to fill us in on the remaining details on what’s coming later tonight…
Bobby Roode Vs. Jeff Hardy
Welp, I WAS excited, until I heard the first few notes of Hardy’s Modest TNA theme.
Jeff long before he was ever clean, and amidst some of the most hot garbage he’s ever put forward?
Woof this will be interesting…
Roode is clearly going to put the effort in to make Jeff look like a million bucks, as the offense the Glorious One receives during the beginning moments is sold with an appropriate enthusiasm. Bobby is the greenhorn in this bout, and he already has a mountain of talent to draw from to supplement the pacing here.
Not too long after the opening sequence, Hardy takes an awkward clothesline in the corner (standing nearly sideways) and he’s CLEARLY already gassed, handing the reigns to Roode to get some work in. Luckily Bobby has the charisma to carry Jeff through gasps of air.
Like my relationship with Nia Jax, I’d LOVE to appreciate Jeff Hardy more than I do, but when we’re likely less than several minutes into this stretch, and you barely keep up with footwork, I have to ask why any fan should appreciate what you’re providing over what Roode delivers.
Jeff is moving like he’s at the tail end of an Iron Man match and I feel we’re barely into Bobby getting some heat. No urgency or meaning behind Hardy’s movements, he’s here for the paycheck.
Roode feeds absurdly well, ready at a beat to take the next snappy bump, I feel if not for his constant vocalizations, the crowd may have died after the open.
Petey Williams is now at ringside as he hooks Hardy with a hockey stick, dropping him before a Swanton Bomb seals the deal.
An eventual Twist Of Fate sends Roode to the outside to tend to Williams, but as well as Hardy fares against the Canadian captain, Jeff Jarrett still manages to make the most of the situation, slipping in, sneaking in an assault on Jeff with the hockey stick as Roode capitalizes, stealing a victory at 9:07…
Eric Young & A-1 (Team Canada) Vs. Alex Shelley & Sean Waltman(?) Vs. Chris Harris & James Storm (America’s Most Wanted) Vs. Andy Douglas & Chase Stevens (The Naturals) w/Jimmy Hart (Champions)
I don’t know what I did to nab a PPV with seemingly every member of Team Canada in action, but sweet merciful GOD is this what I needed this week.
Shelly & Waltman made their way into this match after advancing through a tournament, but the story of the night is the absence of the master of the X-Factor. (In reality Sean Waltman no-showed the event, eventually admitting to being “A Mess” at the time.)
I’ll always love hearing the voice of Jimmy Hart, but he’s such a fish out of water in TNA. I love how unique this company feels in the history of wrestling. You can see the intentions here, even if they are a bit rough around the edges. The vision isn’t hard to grasp..
AMW brawls with The Naturals to start things, as we’re in an elimination situation with Shelly flying solo..
Eric Young tags in off of Chase Stevens, and I suppose we’re also going by four corners rules. (As I understand them) Opening psychology revolves around isolating Shelly who has no true “friend” in this match without Waltman.
Alex hits a clever stunner/DDT combo on A-1/EY and makes a surprise tag to Johnny Candido!, who’d been sitting at ringside prior, in recognition of the tournament bearing his brother’s namesake. It’s all for naught, however as Young rolls up Candido to send him and Shelly to the back.
James Storm delivers a highlight reel featuring a solid Powerslam, eventually sending Eric Young into an of Eye of the Storm, and I get chills watching the originals of this brand do their thing.
You know who knows how to maintain a consistent character just in their eyes? Eric Young, and it’s odd that he’s contrasted so much by a wooden A-1.
Chris Harris gets the first hot-tag and sends strikes to everyone standing, including The Naturals, who’ve done little in this match outside of the initial scuffle.
The ref gets distracted as Storm runs interference on The Naturals, and A-1 is able to take advantage with a hockey stick shot on Harris, nixing AMW..
Of COURSE Young is pulled in to feed the fresh guys, the man is a FUCKING LEGEND. Say what you want about peculiar body times and gimmicks, but EY delivers reliable, PASSIONATE work.
Douglas is a solid worker, but I don’t see any particular personality in either him or Stevens that is supposed to set them apart. (A-1 is little different, but at least his body size serves as a heavy.)
Speaking of work ethic, Young drops Douglass with a Superplex, which nearly sets up a Doomsday Device, but Jimmy Hart proves his worth, crotching EY on the top rope, providing the opportunity for his team to take advantage and pick up the win at 18:01..
NWA World Heavyweight Championship Match: Raven (Champion) Vs. Rhino (Raven’s Rules/Falls count anywhere)
I don’t know how he managed it, but Rhyno feels like one of the only people to ever jump ship to bitch and have a fair chunk of it feel legitimate. Somehow the man beast never managed to come off as overly bitter.
It’d be easy to get that way when who you worked for failed to recognize you as one of the last world champions of a major company…
Gore me once, shame on me. Gore me twice shame on you.
When you have two men who once put on some of the greatest hardcore contests of all time, the only way to up the ante is to make it for a world championship, and that’s what you call logical fan service. As West says, it’s Raven’s Rules, meaning, there are none.
I’d love for this to be as much of a classic as their previous meetings, but as RVD/Jerry Lynn, I’m assuming TNA won’t be the peak of what can be offered in such a classic rivalry.
It’s the little things like Raven taking a bump and slightly adjusting to sell the best he could for a simple stomp. THAT’S what generates the aura about his level of psychology.
Rhyno blades early, And we take things outside the ring.
As the challenger wields a beer keg around in front of commentary, I have to admit the echoing sounds on contact ALONE make it such a solid choice for wrestling that I’m now surprised I haven’t seen more. As much clutter that is consistently filling the ring, I’ll give kudos for keeping the center clean for selling.
I wish there was a bit more to say, but there’s really no story to this one other than the history of both men. Random shots with all manner of hardware, but other than a clever one-off, there’s little separating movements from beat to beat.
The Man Beast eventually whips out one of two staple guns, peppering Raven’s head with a couple of clicks, but without a sign/ticket/document to staple, the gimmick comes off a bit weak.
Credit where credit is due, there hasn’t been much in the way of rest spots through what feels about the midway point.
Cassidy Riley shows up for a bit of help, but a DDT off of the distraction still ceases to be enough to seal the deal.
We get the umpteenth rehash of the infamous Gore-into-a-shopping-cart spot these two have run into the ground, and I’ll just include a gif of the best example I can find, because this wasn’t it.
Jeff Jarrett interferes, because it’s TNA so OF COURSE!.. Hardy makes the save as Raven reverses a DDT from Rhyno to retain at 14:28..
X Divison Championship Match: Samoa Joe (undefeated) Vs. AJ Styles Vs. The Fallen Angel Christopher Daniels (Champion)
I admit my knee almost jerked wondering what could be more important than the world champion, but I yield.
Fuck the NWA, all power to the X DIVISION!!!
Samoa Joe in one of the hottest runs of his career? I’ll take two thank you very much..
I’m sad that I reviewed Bad Blood 2024 a few days prior to today, because this will likely blow a good chunk of that card out of the water by itself.
Announcing Styles as TNA’s only two time triple crown winner is a great way to offset the predictability of Joe’s streak maintaining its momentum. Daniels in the midst of a record reign and FUCK ME RUNNING THIS IS HOW YOU BOOK GOOD WRESTLING.
Minus points for having to wrestle on the same canvas with gore from the match prior all over it.
Nasty…
We get an entertaining opening number with Joe/Styles literally kicking Daniels amongst his pleas to stop and we’re off to the races..
Props IMMEDIATLEY to Joe for tossing out Daniels as the Fallen Angel beats on Styles. It’d be EASY to settle into a rhythm of cycling men out, but breaking up a sequence to do your own thing in a three way feels a bit more natural than waiting for YOUR turn.
Having watched a seminar by both Joe and Daniels, it’s fun to spot the little details you know they sneak in by their own admission. Part of the magic of knowing the secrets is catching when the best pop them into the action.
Everything about every interaction between these three oozes trust and patience. This match is the epitome of taking your time and trusting who you’re working with. Watching this is what I imagine catching the heart brothers in the dungeon must of looked like, not a beat missed nor a toe slipping out of place. Moonsaults, Enzuigiris, and snappy springboards all with grace unparalleled.
The Fallen Angel is the first man to catch a breather as Styles and Joe exchange a bit by themselves. No sooner does either seem a bit winded when Daniels is whipped in to Monkey-Flip Styles, sending the latter into a Powerbomb by Joe, but PSYCH! That turns into a Hurricanrana by AJ, and even your mom got a little excited about that moment.
The fun in watching so many that know each other so well in TNA is that you KNOW a lot of what is delivered comes from a genuine love of providing THE BEST.
Eventually Daniels finds himself in a Coquina Clutch by Joe, but Styles sends a Spiral Tap courtesy of the top rope and this thing ain’t over yet.
Again, I LOVE watching how intense Joe can appear, when you know in the back of your mind, his feet are as light as feathers. A senton after a burst of energy still only catches a near fall.
Speaking of being light, all of this leads to Daniels dropping Joe with a Death Valley Driver, and given the stature of the former, that couldn’t have been easy.
In either case we get an amazing view of Joe pulling off an effortless corkscrew cross body over the top rope to the floor, and as much as I hate outside spots that project themselves, that was smooth as fuuuuuuuuuuuuuck.
After a gassed series of strikes, Joe pulls enough together to nail Styles with a Muscle Buster, but is distracted by Daniels who is back in the ring, championship in hand and in the ensuing response sends Joe outside with an Enzuigiri that catches the Samoan Submission Machine in the cranium, factoring him out for the moment.
We get some AJ highlights including a springboard reverse DDT, but the champion replies with a Superplex taking both out as Joe makes his return.
Side note, AJ’s Pele kick should’ve netted him more wins, just sayin..
Everyone gets a signature/finisher in without an ounce of overuse. Daniels goes for the Angels Wings and reversed with a back body, and with his arms pinned atop his own chest, The Fallen Angel loses the match and his X Division title at 22:50.
Joe remains unpinned/submitted and everyone goes home happy.
Overall thoughts?
Goddamn…
I’d completely put it out of my mind how much TNA worked in its first few years. Not a moment wasted in between matches and every word uttered is to put over the product and its potential future.
There were a few rough edges, surely and overall the experience felt like they weren’t allowed one minute over their allotted time, but no major hitch ever derailed presentation completely…
Events like Unbreakable 2005 seem like an origin point for the frustration that came with Hulk Hogan, Eric Bischoff & Crew.
The upward momentum, cohesion, mindset and goals seem clear at this juncture, and everyone seems relatively on the same page as far as who to focus on, push, elevate and support. The main event NEEDED to be in its place, and each competitor proved their worth by blowing the undercard far and away. Not arrogantly, but purposefully.
If you want to prove your faith in your newer talent, I can’t think of a better way than to trust three of the best in the world to come up with something worthy of the company name and main event.
Joe, Styles & Daniels put on a classic worthy of carrying the X Division and company itself, and I don’t say that lightly.
NOBODY missed a single beat in the main event. Not one.
Every person who would go on to make waves in TNA, and build reputations for themselves all have stellar nights. It’s not hard to see why Joe, Roode, Styles, Roderick Strong & Chris Sabin would all go on to accomplish what they did. It’s not just about work ethic, however.
There’s a love behind the work provided in early TNA and it stems from a childlike passion for the business that almost becomes more creative than athletic. It’s why the triple threat was the magic ingredient for this night.
It’s not about an individual or even a group identity per se, but how the unit works together. A well oiled clock is better than a loud one that’s clearly out of sync…
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