Archive for the ‘TNA’ Category

Hardcore Justice Main Event, Roode vs. Aries & OFN Next Week

– Next week’s live episode of Impact Wrestling on Spike TV will feature the return of Open Fight Night night – featuring the competitors of TNA’s ongoing Bound For Glory Series.

No word yet on whether TNA will hold a Gut Check challenge next week, which typically takes place the same week as Open Fight Night.

– The main event of next week’s Impact will Bobby Roode vs. new TNA World Champion Austin Aries in a non-title match.

– Bobby Roode will get a rematch at Austin Aries’ TNA World title at next month’s Hardcore Justice pay-per-view.

Hulk Hogan Undergoing Yet Another Back Surgery

TNA ran an angle at the conclusion of Thursday’s Impact Wrestling where the masked group of attackers known as “Aces & Eights” took out Hulk Hogan.

According to PWInsider.com, the reason behind the attack is that Hulk Hogan will be undergoing another back surgery in the coming weeks. Hogan has had upwards of 10 back surgeries in recent years to remove bone spurs and alleviate chronic pain.

Just this week, there was talk of Hogan wrestling at Bound For Glory in October, teaming up with Sting in a “special attraction” match against Aces and Eights. After his latest back surgery, it remains to be seen if Hogan will be physically able to ever “wrestle” again.

Here’s a video clip of the Hogan attack angle from Impact:

Angle Working On Comedy Movie, Masters-TNA, Wes Brisco

– Kurt Angle is working on a fictional comedy movie called “Singlet: The Dana Kelly Story” about a former Olympic boxer who is trying to make a return to the Olympics as a weightlifter. Angle is reaching out to TNA fans to help fund the project.

– There is some confusion surrounding WWE letting Wes Brisco leave and work for TNA. Brisco, 29, is the son of WWE Hall of Famer Gerald Brisco and had been getting rave reviews at WWE developmental before getting let go. He’s on the smaller side and a great athlete, which would have made him a good fit for WWE’s planned cruiserweights show. For whatever reason, WWE let him go and now he’s being considered for a regular spot on TNA’s roster.

– There has been talk of TNA bringing in Chris Masters as one of the masked men who attacked Sting, but he’s booked to wrestle in Russia the night before Bound for Glory. This would make wrestling in Phoenix the following night difficult, but not impossible.

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

Hogan & Sting Teaming At BFG, Dixie Carter On Real Housewives?

– TNA recently announced that Bound for Glory on October 14th will take place from Phoenix, Arizona at the Grand Canyon University Arena. The basketball arena typically holds 5,000 fans. Capacity will be closer to 3,500 when the stage is set up.

There is talk of Sting and Hulk Hogan teaming up against the new Aces & Eights mystery group that attacked Sting and have been taunting Hogan on Twitter. Even though Hogan is extremely limited in what he can do in the ring, Sting could work most of the match and Hogan could get in a few of his signature spots in what would be a “special attraction” match.

– TNA President Dixie Carter could be crossing over into the world of reality television. The production company behind “Real Housewives” of Beverly Hills and Orange County are working on a new “Real Housewives of Nashville” and Dixie Carter is one of the women under consideration for the show. Due to her high profile, she’s in the top tier of candidates and there’s a good chance she’ll be cast.

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

News On TNA’s New “Impact Rewind” Show & The 3-Hour Timeslot

Tonight on Spike TV, TNA’s weekly programming expands to 3 hours with the addition of the 1-hour “Impact Rewind” pre-show that will air at 7pm (ET), prior to Impact.

“Impact Rewind” originally started off as a post-game show and was the creation of Eric Bischoff and Jason Harvey. Despite critical acclaim, the show was cancelled after a few months due to low ratings. Now the show returns as a lead-in show for Impact with the hope that fans will get conditioned to tuning in earlier and the beginning of Impact at 8pm (ET) will have a solid wrestling lead-in.
Impact moving to 8pm in May was done to help offset the eventual competition from the NFL, which returns in the coming weeks.

One challenge facing Rewind is that it won’t have the benefit of airing right after Impact and the occasional Impact main event that ran long and into the Rewind timeslot, helping boost Rewind ratings.

The show that used to air before Impact, World’s Worst Tenants, drew approximately 650,000 viewers. Since networks typically have a harder time selling advertising during wrestling shows, the feeling is that TNA will have to produce higher ratings than “Worst Tenants.”

Coincidentally, TNA expanding it’s weekly programming to 3-hours comes just 11 days before WWE RAW does the same thing on July 23rd.

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

TNA & Hulk Hogan Urging Fans To Call DirecTV

TNA is encouraging fans to call DirecTV and demand that they keep SpikeTV and Impact Wrestling on the air. DirecTV and Viacom are in a dispute over money (what else) and all of Viacom’s channels are currently off the air on DirecTV.

Fans can call DirecTV now at 1-800-531-5000 and tell them to keep SpikeTV and Impact Wrestling on the air.

Hulk Hogan says issued the following statement: “I’ve had a world of piledriving punishment dished out to me, brother – but I’ve never been hurt like I am right now since I heard that DirecTV is dropping Spike, so you can’t see IMPACT! You’ll also be choked off from MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, VH1, BET – 26 channels in all! So, I need all my Hulkamaniacs to call DirecTV now and tell them you need your channels, brother! Otherwise, I might be runnin’ wild on you, brother!”

* Major Changes Behind The Scenes In TNA Regarding AUSTIN ARIES & The Company’s Top Feuds

Spike TV Goes Dark On DirecTV: Details

Wrestling fans with DirecTV might be out of luck this Thursday night if they’re expecting to watch Imact Wrestling on Spike TV.

DirecTV and Viacom (parent company of Spike TV, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, BET, VH1, CMT and others) have been unable to reach an agreement regarding carriage fees, so the channels have been pulled from the cable service. The previous contract expired over the weekend.

DirecTV EVP Derek Chang made the following statement on the matter:

“We have absolutely no problem compensating Viacom fairly, but they have now knowingly put our customers in the unreasonable position of either accepting their extravagant financial demands or losing some of their favorite TV shows.”

“We feel our customers should not have to pay more for these networks than the customers of any other TV provider. We reiterated this to Viacom today and have not heard back from them.”

“DirecTV added that Viacom demanded the channels get taken down and said, “We asked Viacom to allow us to keep the channels up while we continue to negotiate, but they refused. We’re working diligently on a new agreement to keep making these channels available at a fair price to our customers.”

We’ll post an update when this situation changes and if DirecTV & Viacom are able to come to terms on a new agreement.

Discussion: Austin Aries Wins The TNA World Championship

Austin Aries defied the odds at TNA’s Destination X pay-per-view by defeating Bobby Roode in a great match to win the TNA World Heavyweight title.

Austin Aries & Bobby Roode Comment On TNA World Title Change

We want to know what you think about Austin Aries’ move to forfeit the TNA X Division title to pursue and ultimately capture the TNA World Heavyweight title.

CM Punk, Dixie Carter & More Congratulate Austin Aries

Are you upset that Bobby Roode’s 8-month reign has come to an end?

Do you expect Austin Aries to get a long title run?

Is this a sign that TNA’s creative team is serious about getting behind Aries as the face of the company?

Hit up the comments below and share your thoughts on Aries’ title win.

Ausin Aries & Bobby Roode Comment On Last Night’s Title Change

New TNA Champion Austin Aries has issued his first public comments since capturing the title at Sunday night’s Destination X pay-per-view.

CM Punk, Seth Rollins, Nigel McGuiness & More Comment On Aries’ Title Win

Aries tweeted on Monday:

Bobby Roode, the former champion, offered his own thoughts on the events that transpired last night and says a “Big decision” lies ahead after the conclusion of his 8-month title reign:

Magnus Not Planning On Leave TNA, Knockout’s New Job, RVD

– Magnus denied an online report claiming that he said during a meet and greet this past weekend at the London Film and Comic Con that he had one year left on his contract with TNA Wrestling and would not be staying with the organization once it expires.

“Nope. Nonsense. Someone stirring up sh*t,” he wrote on Twitter regarding the legitimacy of the report.

Magnus stated earlier this year during an interview with Power Slam that he would consider leaving the promotion for WWE if the circumstances were great.”

– Sparingly used TNA Knockout Rosita announced on Twitter that she is now a certified instructor of Zumba, a fitness program involving dance and aerobic elements.

– Rob Van Dam is advertised to appear at the San Diego Comic Con this Saturday, which takes place at San Diego Convention Center 111 W Harbor Drive San Diego, California. He will appear from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Booth #3729.

CM Punk, Dixie Carter & More Congratulate Austin Aries

CM Punk, Dixie Carter, Colt Cabana and others congratulated Austin Aries via Twitter on winning the TNA Title at Destination X last night. Their tweets are below.

Preview For Thursday’s Live Impact Wrestling

Here is the official preview for Thursday’s live Impact Wrestling, courtesy of ImpactWrestling.com:

Preview Thursday’s block of TNA IMPACT WRESTLING on SpikeTV

– Witness the aftermath of the “Destination X” Pay-Per-View event! NEW World Heavyweight Champion Austin Aries will be there! What will he have to say about his big win on Sunday night? How will former champion Bobby Roode react? Don’t miss it!

– Plus, the broadcast will feature the NEW X Division Champion, Zema Ion! Ion survived the X Division tournament and Ultimate X Match on Sunday night to claim the championship!

– In a huge Bound For Glory Series match on Thursday’s SpikeTV broadcast, Kurt Angle battles Mr. Anderson! Which superstar will pick up points in the ongoing competition for a shot at the World Title?

– The Knockouts Title will be on the line on Thursday as Miss Tessmacher defends the gold against former champion, Gail Kim

– Plus, Joseph Park goes to war with Bully Ray!

All this and much more on Thursday’s IMPACT WRESTLING broadcast LIVE at 8/7c on SpikeTV.

* News On The “ACES & EIGHTS” Mystery Group – What Do They Want?

New Champions At Destination X, Dutt Injury Note, Magnus Update

– Austin Aries defeated Bobby Roode in the main event of TNA Destination X to capture the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.

– Zema Ion also won the X-Division Championship Tournament at Destination X after winning the Ultimate X match that also featured Mason Andrews, Kenny King and Sonjay Dutt. They all won qualifying matches earlier in the show.

– Speaking of Sonjay Dutt, he suffered either a dislocated elbow or shoulder during the X Division match. He reportedly popped it back into place himself and continued working the match.

– There have been online reports in recent weeks that TNA star Magnus announced to fans during a recent meet and greet at the London Film and Comic Con that he would not be re-signing with TNA when his deal expires this year. Magnus has since addressed the rumor and denied that he has any intention of leaving TNA.

* News On The “ACES & EIGHTS” Mystery Group – What Do They Want?

Sting’s Mystery Attackers Taunting Hulk Hogan On Twitter

As previously reported the group that attacked Sting on Impact Wrestling several weeks ago have set up a Twitter account and are calling themselves “Aces and Eights.”

The group has been taunting Hulk Hogan on Twitter in recent days, including a countdown that culminates on Thursday:

They also tweeted a video clip from Impact when an unidentified person delivered the envelope containing the cards and a message to Hogan:

TNA Announces Details For Hardcore Justice (8/12)

TNA sent out the following press release and video for Hardcore Justice:

DIRECT AUTO INSURANCE PRESENTS HARDCORE JUSTICE SUNDAY AUGUST 12 LIVE ON PAY-PER-VIEW AND AT HTTP://TNAONDEMAND.COM

On Sunday, August 12, TNA IMPACT WRESTLING presents “Hardcore Justice” live on Pay-Per-View and online around the world at http://TNAOnDemand.com! The three-hour epic event will feature your favorite IMPACT Superstars, including Bobby Roode, Jeff Hardy, AJ Styles, Hulk Hogan, Kurt Angle, Mr. Anderson and many more! Plus, the Bound For Glory Series goes HARDCORE – 12 tortured souls in 3 hardcore matches! It’s not always about winning – it’s about surviving!

TNA Pay-Per-View events are available on InDemand, DirecTV, Dish Network, TVN, Viewer’s Choice and more!

Attending the PPV event in Orlando? Get the VIP Treatment with our Ultimate Fan Xperience Package and get exclusive access! Visit http://ShopTNA.com for details! Tune into TNA IMPACT WRESTLING every Thursday LIVE at 8/7c on Spike TV.

http://youtu.be/INmS2PGyTKI

TNA DESTINATION X RESULTS: Aries Wins TNA Championship

TNA Destination X opens with a video package looking back at the main event feud between TNA Champion Bobby Roode and Austin Aries and the X Division theme of tonight’s PPV.

The pyro hits and Mike Tenay welcomes us to the show. He immediately begins hyping the fact that there will be a new X Division Champion crowned tonight before turning his attention to the main event. Tenay and JB run down the card, and it’s looking like it’s going to be a pretty good show on paper.

The Last Chance qualifying match for the Ultimate X match is going to open the show as Rubix is the first wrestler to make his way out for the match. Mason Andrews is the next man to the ring.

Dakota Darsow vs. Rubix vs. Lars Only vs. Mason Andrews

Lars Only is out next to a bit of heat, and Dakota Darsow is the final man to head to the ring, also getting a bit of heat from the crowd.

The bell rings and Darsow and Only are sent to the floor. Mason and Rubix square off in the ring with a bit of chain wrestling around on the mat. Rubix hits a low dropkick that sends Mason out to the floor. Only comes in from behind and hits a hurricanrana to send Rubix to the outside. Darsow is in and he eats a couple of arm drags from Only.

Darsow fights up and slams Only to the mat before sending Rubix and Andrews from the apron and turning back to Only with a series of elbow drops. Darsow takes Only into the corner, whipping him across the ring, but he’s rolled up. Only rolls from the ring and Rubix hits a top rope cross body to Darsow out of nowhere. Darsow is able to retaliate by throwing Rubix to the mat and hitting a sit out front suplex for two. Only pops into the match and gets caught in a submission from Darsow. Mason comes in and kicks him in the face. Only tries to spear Darsow through the ropes, but both men have a bit of a tough time and end up tangled in the ropes. Mason busts out a beautiful dive to the outside on top of Only and Darsow. Rubix, not to be outdone, does a nice flippy back dive.

Rubix rolls Andrews back into the ring, but he’s caught up in an arm bar. Rubix fights to the ropes, and Kid Kash is shown watching on in the back. Andrews transitions into a kimura but it’s broken up by Only. Only hits a stunner/neckbreaker combo on Andrews and Jigsaw with a kick to Darsow for good measure. Only locks Andrews in a front face lock, but it’s broken up by Darsow. Only sends Darsow from the ring, but he’s pushed into the corner by Mason. Mason runs into Only’s boot. Only heads to the top, but he’s stopped by Darsow.

Andrews kicks Darsow in the face and heads up after Only. Andrews hits a superplex and Darsow powerbombs them both. Rubix hits a coast to coast corner dropkick to Andrews, springboarding out of nowhere, and everyone is down.

Darsow hits Mason with a neckbreaker. Rubix hits Darsow with a kick. Only plants Rubix’s face into the canvas and Rubix falls to the outside. Only turns to Andrews, fighting off a move, but catching a knee to the face, and a big cutter. Andrews pins Only, and he gets the three.

Winner and Qualifier for Ultimate X later tonight: Mason Andrews

Kid Kash vs. Mason Andrews:

Kid Kash runs down to the ring and goes right to work on Andrews. Kash beats on Andrews around the ring before bringing Mason back into the ring and standing on his chest for a pin. Mason is able to kick out at two, but Kash mounts him and rains down punches. Kash goes for a couple more pins, but Mason won’t stay down. Kash sends Andrews into the ropes, but Andrews comes up with a couple of beautiful dropkicks. Andrews goes for a crucifix pin, but Kash kicks out. Kash hots shots Andrews on the top rope.

Kash slaps away at Andrews. Andrews tries to fight back, but Kash simply kicks him in the chest for another two count. Kash takes Andrews into the ropes and hits him with several clubbing blows across the face. Kash pulls Mason to his feet and suplexes him down hard for another near fall.

Kash puts Andrews down with a backbreaker before heading to the middle rope for a double sledge. Kash slams Mason to the mat, flips him off and slaps him, then pins him for two. Kash beats on Andrews, but Andrews tries to fight back, running right into a clothesline. Kash flips off the audience before dropping and elbow and burying more kicks in Andrews’ chest. Kash locks in a crazy key lock hold, but Mason won’t give up.

Mason goes for an opening, but catches a big kick to the face. Kash hits Andrews with a big chop to the chest before kicking him and sending him to the outside. Kash sends Andrews back into the ring, following and slamming him to the mat hard. Kash heads up to the middle rope and jumps to the top for a nice moonsault, but Andrews gets his knees up and Kash crashes and burns.

Andrews gets some offense going with a back elbow, clothesline and dropkick. Kash misses a charge in the corner and eats a hurricanrana. Andrews heads to the top and hits a missile dropkick, but it’s only good for two. Andrews hits a running high knee, but it’s still not enough to put away Kash. Andrews whips Kash across the ring. Kash goes for a sunset flip but Andrews rolls through. Neither man can get a roll up. Kash knees Andrews in the face. He goes to do it again, but Andrews surprises Kash with a roll up. He (really this time) qualifies for Ultimate X.

Winner and going on to Ultimate X: Mason Andrews

Knockout Says She’s Still With TNA, Update On Masters, Angle

– Rosita, who has not appeared on Impact Wrestling since April 17, says she is still affiliated with TNA Wrestling despite her lengthy absence.

“For those who keep asking, YES I am still with iMPACT Wrestling,” she wrote on Twitter. “And don’t you worry, I plan on returning and making an IMPACT ?#nevergiveup?.”

– Chris Masters was asked via Twitter whether he is joining TNA Wrestling after participating in a dark match prior to the June 14 Impact Wrestling broadcast. He responded, “Ask [Dixie Carter]. She said she would be in contact.”

The former WWE Superstar posted several more messages urging his followers to campaign for his employment to the TNA Wrestling President.

– Promoting his Bound For Glory Series Match against Samoa Joe tonight at TNA Destination X, Kurt Angle tweeted, “Angle vs. Samoa Joe on Ppv Destination X. Ther Old Rivalry Starts Again. BFG Series Match. Also to Claim ” the Baddest Wrestler On Planet!”

Christopher Daniels Talks TNA’s Presentation, Facing AJ Styles

Promoting tonight’s TNA Destination X pay-per-view, Christopher Daniels spoke to Scott Fishman of The Miami Herald to discuss his current role in TNA Wrestling, wrestling AJ Styles, the Claire Lynch storyline, Austin Aries and more. Highlights from the article are as follows:

Appearing on live episodes of Impact Wrestling: “For me personally, the fact that we are live, and that they have put me in the final segment the last couple of times, it’s a lot of pressure. It’s good pressure. It’s something I look forward to and something I am trying to excel at. I feel like when they put that microphone in my hand at the last possible second, I believe I have delivered. I plan on continuing to deliver. I want to keep being that guy for TNA. If we continue to be live after the summer, I feel like the company has proven we can do it. It’s just another step forward for the company.”

TNA’s presentation of its backstage segments, from traditional to more of a candid look: “Guys like Eric [Bischoff] and Jason Hervey have come to us with a more fresh and on-the-fly way of doing it, rather than just giving us a script. I feel like it has helped us sharpen our skills. I’ll be walking backstage, and all of a sudden, Jason will come up to me with a camera asking questions. You are answering right off the top of your head, and it’s a more realistic feeling. It’s a more honest answer that you are giving. It’s definitely different… There is a must-see sort of mentality to our television shows. The fact that we are going live and doing so much reality based or hidden camera based, there is an idea that the fans have to tune in. It’s not a matter of when we were taped where they could read spoilers on the Internet. They have to watch and see how it rolls. They are getting surprised and caught off guard with what we are doing. I think it’s awesome.”

AJ Styles’ grappling ability: “AJ is one of the best in the world. We have great chemistry together that the challenge for us after so many years of wrestling each other is somehow keeping it fresh. This particular match is a Last Man Standing match, so it will make that a little bit easier because it’s a completely different mindset. As far as getting in the ring with someone the caliber of AJ, I’m never bored with it. There is always the challenge to make it great and make it different for the fans. That is what I appreciate it.”

Facing AJ Styles this year compared to last year: “The truth of the matter is last year I was sort of treading water when the match came around. It didn’t seem like the company had a lot of plans for me or at least the plans that they had for me beginning with that match. There wasn’t a whole lot going on for me before Destination X. Now that we have had this sort of thing going on for pretty much the whole year, I feel like I am in a better position with the company. I feel like I contributed more this year than in the last. With the previous match, it was just a marquee matchup. It was a technical exhibition style match. This one is going to have a little bit more blood behind it.”

Austin Aries’ rise in TNA: “Austin Aries right now is on the top of his game. Everything he seems to be doing has been coming up aces, and he has parlayed that into a world title shot. If you watch even last week, we saw the appearance of Sonjay Dutt on our shows. I feel like he is going to be somebody in the next couple of months we will be talking about how good he is and start to show back up on our television. Rubix, Mason Andrews and Rashad Cameron, those guys last week also had opportunity and hit home runs in my opinion. I think they did great. Even in defeat, I think Rubix and Mason Andrews were great and hope they get an opportunity with the company to continue. Another good thing about Destination X is we always give X Division guys an opportunity. Last year where we had guys like Kid Kash returning to the company based on his performance at Destination X. I hope these guys get the same opportunity and if they do, I think they are going to do great things with it.”

Claire Lynch storyline: “As far as the story goes, we are right on track where we want to go. I think people who are upset with the storyline are assuming that they know the end or where this is going, and they don’t. So I just tell people who are upset to just wait and see what happens. I know there was a lot of speculation about the introduction of Claire, but that wasn’t a last minute decision. It’s something we thought about for a while. You just need to see where it goes. This is something that has been thought out. If the people give it the same amount of chance that we put into it, the amount of effort we put into it, I think they are going to be happy with the end result.”

TNA Destination X Live RESULTS Tonight

TONIGHT, TNA presents Destination X from Orlando, Florida. The following is the final card for the event:

TNA World Heavyweight Title Match
Bobby Roode (c) vs. Austin Aries

Last Man Standing Match
AJ Styles vs. Christopher Daniels

Bound For Glory Series Match
Kurt Angle vs. Samoa Joe

Fourway Match: Winner Enters X Tournament
Rubix vs. Mason Andrews vs. Dakota Darsow vs. Lars Only

X Division Title Quarter Finals
Kid Kash, Douglas Williams, Zema Ion, Sonjay Dutt, Kenny King, Rashad Cameron, Flip Cassanova and one more competitor TBA.

Ultimate X Match To Crown a New X Division Champion
Featuring the 4 winners of the Quarter Finals matches

TNA has released the following video which will open the show this Sunday:

* Big Changes Coming To Impact Wrestling This Fall, More New Talent Coming In

Sabin Undergoes ACL Surgery, Another BFG Series Match

– Chris Sabin underwent successful surgery on Friday to repair his torn ACL. He’s expected to be out of action for several months.

– The dark match that took place prior to Thursday’s Impact Wrestling show saw Crimson defeat independent worker Kenny Stigma.

– TNA taped a Bound For Glory Series match this week between AJ Styles and Robbie E. that will air on Xplosion.

Impact Rating, 3 Hours Of TNA On Spike TV Next Week

– Thursday’s live Impact Wrestling drew a 1.00 cable rating with 1.49 million viewers.

This is up from last week’s show, which did a 0.97 rating with 1.26 million viewers.

– Spike TV will be airing a one-hour “Impact Rewind” show next Thursday night prior to Impact Wrestling.

– Two Bound For Glory Series matches took place at Friday night’s TNA live event from Charleston, South Carolina. Kurt Angle defeated The Pope via submission to earn 10 points and Jeff Hardy defeated Daniels to earn 7 points.

More On Kenny King Wrestling For TNA & His Situation With ROH

As previously reported, Ring of Honor sent out a statement saying that ROH tag champion Kenny King had violated their agreement by appearing on Thursday’s episode of Impact Wrestling.

Kenny King was reportedly supposed to sign a contract extension with ROH several months while working on a new deal with the company. After verbally agreeing to sign an extension with ROH, he flew to Orlando and wrestled for TNA on Thursday night.

King has a young daughter and needs to make money for his family, so many people in ROH are happy for him that he’s getting a chance to work more. However, there’s also a feeling that he left ROH and his tag team partner Rhett Titus in a bad spot by leaving without giving the company sufficient notice and dropping the ROH Tag Team Titles.

(Source: PWInsider.com)

Destination X Results This Sunday (Updated Card)

Following Thursday’s Impact Wrestling, here is the updated card for Sunday’s TNA Destination X pay-per-view:

TNA World Heavyweight Title Match
Bobby Roode (c) vs. Austin Aries

Last Man Standing Match
AJ Styles vs. Christopher Daniels

Bound For Glory Series Match
Kurt Angle vs. Samoa Joe

Fourway Match: Winner Enters X Tournament
Rubix vs. Mason Andrews vs. Dakota Darsow vs. Lars Only

X Division Title Quarter Finals
Kid Kash, Douglas Williams, Zema Ion, Sonjay Dutt, Kenny King, Rashad Cameron, Flip Cassanova and one more competitor TBA.

Ultimate X Match To Crown a New X Division Champion
Featuring the 4 winners of the Quarter Finals matches

TNA has released the following video which will open the show this Sunday:

http://youtu.be/_6UnnS_uk-A

Austin Aries On Trying Out For Tough Enough, Kevin Nash, TNA

Austin Aries took part in a media conference call on Thursday to promote Sunday’s Destination X pay-per-view. Here are some highlights of what Aries said about:

Auditioning for Tough Enough: “It was basically an audition for a television show. People kind of want to [make more if it] more than it is, but I was dealing with a talent agency. I wasn’t dealing directly with the company itself and the decisions that were made were made through them. I’ve done other stuff outside of wrestling where I’ve gone to auditions for different roles and parts and didn’t get them. It has nothing to do with acumen as an actor or, in this case, as a wrestler, but more or less what they are looking for to fill those roles.

“It was one of those situations where I was asked if I wanted to throw my hat in the ring. I had really nothing to lose, but it certainly wasn’t something I was pinning my hopes on or that devastated me. Anyone who is an actor in the entertainment business, you go out for a lot of different roles. Sometimes you get the part, and sometimes you don’t.”

Working with Kevin Nash during his first TNA run: “I have nothing but fond memories of Kevin the whole time we did the whole Paparazzi Production thing, and I was associated with him… I think Kevin is a great guy. I think he is very smart business-wise to what we do. I felt nothing but positive vibes from him. Honestly, I look back and a lot of the guys who were doing it with me at the same time would agree that those Paparazzi Production skits were some of the most fun I had doing wrestling.

“It was really just a bunch of guys going out and creating moments and having a good time playing off each other. I think Kevin was a big part of that. I think there was always the perception that he didn’t like smaller guys or used certain situations to better himself only, but I never got the sense of that. There were a couple of situations where he had our back and wanted to make sure that we were all doing the best we could, and the company was doing the best they could for us.”

Comparing his current stint in TNA with his first: “Comparing my two runs with TNA, maybe the first time around the timing wasn’t right or the opportunities weren’t quite what I was hoping for. On the second time around they gave me some rope either to climb the ladder or hang myself. So far I’ve been climbing…

“Honestly when I walked in, I didn’t have any expectations. I just knew I had opportunity and took it one step at a time. What I did try to have this time around was patience and let my work speak for itself. Let the opportunities present themselves and then take advantage of them. I don’t think I would have foreseen myself being in this situation after a year in the company, but I’ve always been confident in my abilities and appreciate the opportunity to prove my talent and that I belong at the top of the card.”

Being a champion: ” I think not everybody is equipped to be a titleholder or a champion. I like to think whatever belt I held throughout my career, I’ve carried professionally and with a certain amount of respect that people can look at it and say, ‘Well, all right, this title belt has worth. It means something.’ I had some issues with belts that I’ve held from the people who have held them before me, but what you go out there and do is put your best foot forward. You try to make sure every time you walk out that people feel like they are seeing the main event.

“Hopefully, we are going to do that again on July 8th at Destination X with Bobby Roode. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to be in the main event against the world heavyweight champion. I think that belt has a lot of worth right now. It should be a great match. Hopefully, the best man wins.”

* More Big Changes Coming To Impact Wrestling This Fall

New Destination X Match Announced, Identities Of New X Talent

– Dixie Carter announced on Twitter that the wrestlers that lost qualifying matches for the X Division tournament will wrestle at Destination X this Sunday for a chance to qualify for the 8th and final spot in the tournament.

– Dakota Darsow suffered a broken nose in his match against Flip Casanova on Thursday’s Impact. Flip Casanova was Flip Kendrick from DGUSA, Evolve and Chikara.

– X Division wrestler Lars Only was NWA Hollywood wrestler Johnny Yuma.

– The Twitter account belonging to Sting’s mystery attackers is reportedly legit (being handled by somebody through TNA). The attackers are teasing that they’ll be at Impact next week.

(Source: PWInsider.com)