— Brian Kendrick has been removed from TNA Wrestling’s roster page on ImpactWrestling.com. This would indicate that he has parted ways with the company.

Kendrick’s second TNA run culminated with him capturing the X Division Championship from Abyss last July at Destination X. After dropping the title to Austin Aries at No Surrender, he failed in his attempt to regain the belt at Bound for Glory. He had only competed in one televised match since then.

— Sarita was sick during last week’s TNA live event tour of West Virginia; she did not miss any matches.

— Brooke Tessmacher has been announced to appear at Legends of the Ring 14, which takes place Saturday, June 2, 2012 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Monroe, New Jersey.

source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

TNA star Jesse Sorensen has issued his first public comments since suffering a serious neck injury at the recent TNA Against All Odds pay-per-view.

Serensen tweeted on Thursday:

Jesse Sorensen posted the following today, which are his first comments since suffering a serious neck injury at the TNA Against All Odds PPV…

“Thanks for all of your thoughts and prayers. I have a long road to recovery ahead, but your support means the world to me.”

Doctors have reportedly told Sorensen that he has a good chance of making a full recovery, which could take up to 12 months.

WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Hart appeared on Busted Open, which airs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday on Sirius 92 and XM 208 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Highlights from the interview are as follows:

WrestleReunion: “I jumped on about 5 or 6 years ago—it’s kind of a different type thing. I didn’t really know what to expect on anything, but you know once you get there, nobody rushes you through the line, it’s not like everybody’s sitting down and not paying any attention to the fans that come by to get their autograph or take pictures of everybody. And that’s what I love about it. They let the wrestlers know: Look, if you’re gonna be involved with this, then you’ve gotta definitely take your time with the fans because if it weren’t for them, we wouldn’t be doing what we’re doing now.”

WrestleMania coming to New Jersey: “When I heard about that I thought Holey moley! That might be a little chilly for a WrestleMania 29 coming up there around the Northern area. But we spent so much time back in the day up there, and I think for people in New York, they’re a different breed there, and New Jersey and that whole area up there. They’re more used to the cold than we are down here in Florida now. But I’ll tell you why I like it: because people ask me today ‘Jimmy, you’ve done so many things for the wrestling business.

“You hit the Hall of Fame ring in 2005, 93 thousand plus people in Detroit up there with the Honky Tonk Man… and of course the Harts against The Bulldogs.’ But WrestleMania I is still the most important thing to me because whoever was on WrestleMania I, we were kind of the pioneers back then because we didn’t know if this was gonna work or not. It was on closed-circuit TV’s and movie theaters, and if it had not been successful, we probably wouldn’t be talking on the phone now.”

WrestleMania being at stadiums instead of arenas: “Here’s what I think happens: We’re gonna be on course for Miami for this upcoming WrestleMania 28…65 or 70,000 have already been sold I think. So I think so many people (82 thousand) wanna go see this now you almost have to have it in the arenas outdoors that can hold that many because the pay-per-views do so well around the country and everything else, and—I don’t care where you go—if you drive by one of the local establishments, all the PPV’s are held there, the WrestleManias, they just have everything there. It’s such a big thing because a lot of people can’t drive down this year to Miami because I’m sure it’ll be sold out in no time.”

Vince Russo: “He was OK with me. When he first came to WCW he made an announcement, and said: “Hey look, you’re gonna see wrestling like you’ve never seen it before because I don’t think you really care too much about the wrestling part.” (Which if that’s the way you feel, that’s the way you feel) And so I think that’s what he really wrote about. I have nothing bad against him one way or another. I did my little stuff down there, he had set a few little matches this, that, and the other…

“I think it’s hard to be a writer, especially when you’re by yourself like that. You’ve gotta worry about people going and coming and quitting, and some of the bigger stars not wanting to do this thing, or not wantin’ to be part of this. Also, there’s always someone who’s got a friend of a friend who wants to be involved. Maybe a guy’s wife wants to be on TV or a girlfriend, and, if there’s enough pressure on you, then you gotta work them in because the strongest force in the world is a woman! I’m sure he had to run through a lot of things that went up against him. I guess they were successful all these years ‘cause, if not, I’m sure he would’ve been gone years and years ago, so I have nothing bad to say about him.”

Hulk Hogan and TNA: “I love Hulk Hogan. I spoke to him 3 days ago. I think he went up to do the Wendy Williams Show. He asked me: “Can you do me a favor? Can you watch the TNA show?” I said: ‘Sure.’ And so I watched the one from London and he said, ‘Give me your opinion.’ So I said, ‘You packed on a few pounds.’ He goes ‘Jimmy Hart you always tell me the truth. You were right, I gotta slim down a bit.’ He said, ‘What else?’ I said, ‘To me everybody wearing blue jeans and their t-shirts hanging out…this doesn’t look professional. If you’re a major company trying to get 50 or 60 bucks from your fans…’If you dress like the audience, one day you’re gonna wind up sitting in the audience!’ And so that’s why I still wear the crazy flashy jackets and carry the megaphone because you wanna stand out, and think that’s what’s helped me be around 30 years in this crazy business doing music and doing this. I told Hulk, I said, ‘AJ Styles and all these guys are phenomenal…and Christopher Daniels, I love those kids. For him to go out in blue jeans, it’s just not professional.’

— Ric Flair did not appear as advertised for Sunday’s TNA Impact Wrestling World Tour event at Glenville State College’s Lilly Gymnasium in Glenville, West Virginia. “The Nature Boy” was featured on promotional posters and advertised on the Impact Wrestling website to accompany Gunner for a singles match against Garett Bischoff.

— According to the Broadcasters’ Audience Research Board, Impact Wrestling on Challenge TV drew 208,000 viewers. The previous week’s show drew 278,000 viewers.

— TNA Women’s Knockout Champion Gail Kim turns 35 years old Monday.

— ShopTNA.com has released a TNA Knockouts shirt.

source: ProWrestling.net

— TNA Knockouts Brooke Tessmacher, Gail Kim and Winter and former WWE Superstars Billy Gunn and Chavo Guerrero are slated to appear in a mixed martial arts themed independent film set for release in the summer 2013, according to a press release issued by SaintSinner Entertainment and Jaunted Productions.

The synopsis for Double Fury reads: “Double Fury is a martial arts action packed tale of two estranged brothers brought back together after their father is murdered by a megalomaniacal madman who’s looking for a volatile package in one of their possession that could destroy all that they hold dear.”

Details on the film are available here.

— With the retirement of Malia Hosaka, Traditional Championship Wrestling has announced that Mickie James’ replacement opponent at their April 7, 2012 show in Fort Smith, Arksansas will be Cheerleader Melissa (a/k/a Alissa Flash). It’s being promoted as the first time the two have wrestled a singles match against each other in the United States.

— Brooke Tessmacher has been announced to appear at WrestleReunion 8, which takes place April 13-15, 2012 at the Doubletree Toronto Airport 655 Dixon Rd. Toronto, Ontario Canada.

— Sting posted a cryptic message on Twitter Friday reading, “I’m done.”

The message was retweeted by the official Twitter feed of Impact Wrestling.

— Former TNA Women’s Knockout Champion Taylor Wilde, 26, stated on Twitter that she is getting married today.

— Christy Hemme is handling ring introductions for this week’s Impact Wrestling live event tour of West Virginia.

— James Storm is featured on the cover of the latest issue of Inside Wrestling.

TNA Knockout Tara recently spoke with SportsVibe.co.uk this week and talked about the differences between her time in WWE and TNA.

The Major Differences Between WWE & TNA: “Oh my gosh! the first thing that I realized straight away was that the ‘Knockouts’ were such a main part of the show. When I first arrived we were doing four segments with the girls on one episode. It was nice because we got to showcase not just being boobs and butt, we got to go out there and showcase our talent, what we train to do is wrestle, kick-butt and not just having five minute matches.”

“We were having 12 minute matches, cage matches, the full works. It was amazing and the girls were all shapes and sizes we had the likes of Awesome Kong and ODB and it was just exciting to be a part of.”

Working For Vince McMahon vs. Dixie Carter: “I rarely got to talk to Vince McMahon, I would always say hello if I walked passed him in the corridor but he was always really busy, and I can imagine he has a lot going on in his life.”

“On the other hand Dixie is always around backstage, we can approach her and she has a lot of meetings with us girls and tells us what an important role we have on the show, so that’s nice.”

“I respect Vince, he created a palace and I have learned a lot from both Vince and Dixie.”

— The #1 Contender’s Knockout Battle Royal featuring Angelina Love, Brooke Tessmacher, Madison Rayne, Mickie James, ODB, Rosita, Sarita, Tara, Velvet Sky and Winter prevented Thursday’s Impact Wrestling from garnering the show’s lowest rating of the year as the match outdrew the entire show by a sizable margin.

Thursday’s show garnered a 1.06 cable rating off hours of 1.02 and 1.10, flat with last week’s year-low 1.06. The #1 Contender’s Knockout Battle Royal, which kicked off the second hour, surged the rating from a 1.04 to a 1.23—an 18.3 percent increase. The subsequent quarter hour featuring Eric Bischoff’s celebratory promo plummeted to a 1.00.

Only the final quarter hour drew near the Knockouts, a 1.11 for a heavily publicized angle involving New York Giants player Brandon Jacobs and Sting confronting World Heavyweight Champion Bobby Roode.

— Motor City Machine Guns member Alex Shelley is now on Twitter at fakekinkade.

— Mexican America member Hernandez promotes independent promotion River City Wrestling on tonight’s KABB Fox San Antonio newscast in San Antonio, Texas. The program begins at 9:00 p.m. CST.

source: Pro Wrestling Torch

— TNA president Dixie Carter confirmed that Bobby Roode will defend the TNA World title against his former tag partner, James Storm, at TNA Lockdown in April:

“Couldn’t ask for a better Heavyweight title bout than Roode vs Storm at Lockdown in Nashville. Hometown advantage???? I CANNOT wait. 4/15.”

As it was announced on Impact, Roode will first have to get through Sting, when the two headline next month’s Victory Road pay-per-view.

— Former TNA Knockout Chelsea, formerly the valet of Desmond Wolfe, returned on last night’s episode of Impact. She was shown along side Eric Bischoff during his celebration segment.

— Mickie James is finishing up her second country CD, and plans to have it available for a spring release.

The following is a spoiler-free preview for tonight’s TNA Impact Wrestling on Spike TV, taped Monday night from Orlando:

– Super Bowl champion Brandon Jacobs of the New York Giants makes a special guest appearance.

• Pictures of BRANDON JACOBS At IMPACT: He Gets Physical!

– Austin Aries and Zema Ion will face Alex Shelly and Shannon Moore.

– A Knockouts Battle Royal will be held to determine the Number One Contender for the Knockout’s Championship.

– James Storm vs. Bully Ray to determine the Number One Contender for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.

– Bobby Roode vs. Jeff Hardy in a no-disqualification match for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.

• *SPOILERS* TNA Impact Tapings Results For Tonight

Kurt Angle, who has not competed in an amateur wrestling contest since winning the gold medal at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, admits it’s highly unlikely that he will make the United States team for the 2012 event.

“I had to give it a lot of thought, it didn’t just come out of my head and say I’m going to try for Olympics,” Angle told BBC Sport of his upcoming trial in April. “What are my chances of making the team? Slim to none, I’m not going to lie but, if I can look you in the eye and say I have a chance that’s more than enough. That’s worth training five hours a day to get ready for the trials and for the biggest event of all, the Olympics.”

He added that family members are concerned for his health.

“I’ve had my ex-wife Karen tell me you’re not fit for it. I’ve had family members say they’re concerned about my neck, my mother’s always worried and even some of my brothers aren’t taking me seriously.

“Last time they were with me everywhere I went, now they’re like ‘nah he’s not really doing it’. I’ve been doing it by the grace of God as I don’t have near the support I had back then.”

The full interview is available here.

— The Miz has as much heat as anyone in WWE, but it has little to do with him not catching R-Truth during the Six-Pack Challenge on last week’s Raw SuperShow. Rather, the animosity is being attributed to his obnoxious behavior as many of his co-workers are turned off by it.

“The feeling is he’s like a little frat boy who is loud and has to be the center of attention,” the Wrestling Observer says.

As reported last week, it is widely believed within WWE that his work has regressed, both in the squared circle and verbally. When he was low on the totem pole, he appeared motivated and forced management to make him a headliner. He is now back to mid-card status and isn’t giving WWE much reason to elevate him again.

— Ultimate Warrior has been announced to appear for Northeast Wrestling on March 23, 2012 at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center in Poughkeepsie, New York. He will sign autographs, cut a promo and it’s being teased that he will do something physical.

The show will also feature John Hennigan vs. Dave Finlay and the first-ever match between Melina and Velvet Sky. Matt Hardy, Tommy Dreamer and Jerry Lawler are scheduled to appear as well.

source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

TNA Impact Wrestling

TNA taped the February 23rd episode of Impact Wrestling on Monday and Tuesday night in Orlando at the Impact Zone. Thanks to reader Eric for the following spoilers that will air in two weeks on Spike:

Taped Monday:

* New York Giant Brandon Jacobs comes to the ring and talks about his friend James Storm. Jacobs calls out Bully Ray for spitting in his face last week. Ray does good mic work here but says he’s not going to waste his time on someone who barely got any yardage in the Super Bowl. Jacobs exits the ring and chases Ray off to the back.

* The main event of the show is taped – James Storm and Jeff Hardy beat Bully Ray and Kurt Angle in a No DQ Match. Brandon Jacobs was in the corner of Hardy and Storm for the match. Jacobs chokeslammed Ray through a table towards the end of the show. Jacobs and Storm celebrated to end it.

• Pictures of Brandon Jacbos At Monday’s IMPACT Tapings

Taped Tuesday:

* Bobby Roode opened the tapings and runs down Sting. Roode says he has forced Sting into retirement and everyone can say theirgoodbyes later tonight. Roode calls ending Sting’s career the best moment of his own career.

* Samoa Joe and Magnus defended the TNA Tag Team Titles successfully against Crimson and Matt Morgan when Crimson accidentally hit his partner. After the match, they argued and Crimson walked out.

* Zema Ion beat Alex Shelley while Austin Aries watched from ringside.

* Gail Kim beat ODB in a non-title match. During the match, Madison Rayne came down to watch. She celebrated with Gail after the win but Gail was hesitant.

* AJ Styles bat Robbie E. with the TV Title on the line but by DQ. The DQ came when Kazarian and Daniels interfered.

* Sting comes out and says the job is too much for him and he’s finished. Roode comes out and plays the heel. Sting starts putting face paint on and says Roode has caused him to feel alive now. Sting says he is going to whoop Roode’s butt at Victory Road. Roode tries to get a cheap shot in but Sting blocks it. Sting drops Roode and tells him to get ready for Victory Road before tossing the microphone at him.

TNA President Dixie Carter just announced the following on Facebook and Twitter, confirming our weekend report that Vince Russo is in fact leaving the company:

“TNA and Vince Russo have mutually parted ways as of this week. The separation is amicable and professional. We are glad for the opportunity to have worked together and wish each other nothing but good luck and success in the future.”

Check out our exclusive report from the weekend regarding the backstage power struggle in TNA and details on what turned out to be Russo’s final days with the company

• Exclusive News On The Russo-Prichard TNA Power Struggle

Injured TNA wrestler Jesse Sorensen showed “significant improvement” on Monday after suffering a C1 vertebrae fracture with spinal cord edema at Sunday’s Against All Odds pay-per-view.

Sorensen is said to be slowly regaining the feeling back in his legs and doctors now expect a full recovery, according to a report by Jason Powell at prowrestling.net.

TNA President Dixie Carter flew Sorensen’s mother to Florida to be at this bedside.

The news that Sorensen is expected to fully recover after initially having no feeling in his arms and legs is phenomenal news for the young wrestler.

Super Bowl Champion New York Giants player Brandon Jacobs appeared at Monday night’s Impact Wrestling tapings and got physical with TNA Champion James Storm.

For a full recap of what went down at Monday night’s tapings (including segments taped for the next 2 weeks of Impact Wrestling), check out:

• *Spoilers* TNA Impact Tapings Results For Thursday
• *Spoilers* Partial Results For Next Thursday’s Impact

Here are pictures of Brandon Jacobs with TNA stars from Monday night:

On Monday night from Orlando, TNA taped this week’s episode of Impact Wrestling, as well as a few segments for net week’s show.

Super Bowl champion New York Giants player Brandon Jacobs as at Monday night’s tapings, so they also taped the segments for the 2/23 show that involved Jacobs.

• Complete *SPOILERS* For Thursday’s Impact

– Brandon Jacobs comes to the ring and congratulated James Storm on beating Bully Ray “last week” (earlier in the night). Jacobs says that Bully shouldn’t have spit beer in his face last week and he calls Bully out. Bully runs down Jacobs saying that he is a 23-time champion, compared to Jacobs 2 championship wins. Jacobs ends up chasing Bully to the back.

– James Storm and Jeff Hardy (with Brandon Jacobs) beat Kurt Angle and Bully Ray in a no DQ match. Jacobs gave Bully a chokeslam through a table allowing Storm to get the win.

TNA President Dixie Carter tweeted the following update on Monday regarding Jesse Sorensen’s condition:

“Jesse Sorensen has sustained a C1 vertebrae fracture with spinal cord edema. He is slowly regaining feeling and movement in his arms and legs. He wants to thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. Once we speak to the neurosurgeon, we will pass on more details.”

Sorensen was injured during his match with Zema Ion at Sunday’s Against All Odds pay-per-view

Keep Jesse Sorensen in your thoughts.

EXCLUSIVE: Key TNA Insider Discusses Prichard-Russo Tension

Despite TNA officials’ claims to the contrary, there is a very real power struggle going on behind the scenes at TNA Impact Wrestling, and the bad blood dates back many years.

When Vince Russo ascended to the top of the WWE creative power structure in the Attitude Era, he did it at the expense of Bruce Prichard and Pat Patterson, who were WWE Chairman Vince McMahon’s closest confidantes at the time.

Even Jim Ross, who was head of talent relations, found himself out in the cold when it came to creative pitches to McMahon, who used Russo to “fill in the blanks” (according to a well placed source who was in WWE at the time) as McMahon took total control of his product and went forward with the Stone Cold Era.

Now, Bruce Prichard seems to be in position to, as a key insider in TNA points out, “deliver one hell of a receipt to Russo,” as no one is alllowed to pitch directly to TNA President Dixie Carter anymore, everyone must go through Prichard.

“Russo is on the chopping block, no matter what anyone else says,” our key insider told us exclusively, “and Prichard is the one swinging the axe!”

— After a deal fell through for Jason Pierre-Paul of the Super Bowl champions New York Giants to appear on this Thursday’s episode of Impact Wrestling, TNA Wrestling has secured another player for the event.

TNA Wrestling president Dixie Carter announced this afternoon on Twitter, “New York Giants star running back and Super Bowl champion Brandon Jacobs will appear on Thursday’s IMPACT.”

— Jeremy Borash filled in for Taz on commentary at Sunday’s Against All Odds pay-per-view. Taz stated on Twitter that his wife’s brother passed away on Saturday.

He wrote, “My wifes brother passed on Sat’ night, great man. I wouldve NEVER had a career if it wasn’t for him. Gave me the $ to go to wrestling school when I had nothing. RIP Joe.”

— Gunner appears for Action Packed Wrestling on February 24, 2012 at the APW Arena in Chester, South Carolina. Click here for event information.

Christopher Daniels appeared on Busted Open with Doug Mortman and Dave LaGreca, which airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sirius 92 and XM 207. Highlights from his interview are as follows:

Wrestling in London: “When you get in front of a crowd that is pumped to see you, you can’t help but step up your game a notch. And for the last couple years when we’ve been going over to the UK, the London crowd has been one of the loudest crowds we’ve ever been in front of. We decided to make a gamble and put the television taping in London, and as you can see from the last two weeks of television, I think it’s paid off. I think it’s going to bring new eyes to the product, the fact that we’re taking it different places. And as often that we can tape outside of Orlando, I think it’s better for the product that makes us look bigger and bigger, and it’s just gonna widen that spotlight on us.”

Going from London back to the Impact Zone for a PPV: “It’s great to get out and tape our shows in different areas, but at the same time, we recognize the loyal fans that have been in Orlando ever since we started. We’re just looking to do what’s best for the company overall. And sometimes that means going and taping Impact! outside of Orlando. And at the same time, people have come to grow to love the Impact! show from the Impact Zone in Orlando. We’re also taking steps to save money in that respect as far as taping as much in Orlando as we can, but also branching out to bigger arenas in different places.”

The lineage of Ring of Honor: “The thing about Ring of Honor is that it was always populated with talent that was hungry for opportunity, that was hungry for a chance to show what they could do on a national level. And guys that loved wrestling from the very beginning. All of us who came up through Ring of Honor, the one thing that we had in common was the love of the business. When you get guys like that in a locker room, you can?t help but have great matches and that is what got the spotlight on that company in the beginning. And once the spotlight is on, once the fans are paying attention, you can’t help but for the other companies to start paying attention to the talent that’s there.”

Companies balancing ‘pure wrestling’ with sports entertainment: “Well I think it fluctuates from week to week. I feel like each television show (whether we’re talking about WWE or Impact! Wrestling or Ring of Honor), they’re looking to walk that balance between pure in-ring sports and the character development, the things that make an Austin Aries stand out from an Alex Shelley, or a Christopher Daniels that stands out from an A.J. Styles, or a CM Punk standing out from Dolph Ziggler. You’ve gotta be involved with these characters to ultimately care about how they do whether they win or lose inside for the wrestling ring. And it’s just a fine line. I mean, some weeks you?re going to get in-ring promos that seem to last a longer time than usual, and sometimes you’re going to get 20-minute matches on the television show. It just depends on that weekend and what the show and the people that are putting the show together, what they feel like is going to be the thing that draws the viewer in and makes them go, ‘I’ve gotta watch next week.'”

— TNA Wrestling official Earl Hebner’s daughter Katie Hebner has plans to enter the squared circle. She announced on her Twitter account that she begun wrestling training in January and has her sights set on being a TNA Knockout.

She tweeted Gail Kim’s husband Robert Irvine when asked if she’s the referee’s daughter, “Yes im his daughter and a knockout in training :) dad said that you are truly a great guy!”

Hebner portrayed the role of Gail Kim’s sister in 2008.

— TNA Television Champion Robbie E has been announced to appear at Battle of the Belts for NWA Ring Warriors on March 29, 2012 at the Fort Lauderdale National Guard Armory, 400 State Road 84. His opponent has not been disclosed.

The event will also feature Jesse Neal and Christina Von Eerie (a/k/a Toxxin) versus Chasyn Rance and Santana Garrett in a mixed tag team match with WWE Hall of Famer Tammy “Sunny” Sytch as the special guest referee. Event details are available here.

source: PWInsider.com

Don’t miss Thursday’s TNA IMPACT WRESTLING broadcast on SpikeTV at 9/8c – featuring the aftermath of the “Against All Odds” Pay-Per-View event! If you can’t watch it on Thursday night, make sure to set your DVR to record it so you don’t miss any of the Total Nonstop Action!

– At Sunday’s Pay-Per-View event, Bobby Roode beat the odds and retained the World Heavyweight Championship against Jeff Hardy, James Storm and Bully Ray. Now, the road begins to March’s “Victory Road” for the World Champ. The question is, what does GM “The Icon” Sting have to say about how Roode won on Sunday – and what does he has planned for Roode at Victory Road?

– On Sunday at “Against All Odds”, Gail Kim successfully defended the Knockouts Title against Tara! On Thursday’s IMPACT on SpikeTV, a new #1 Contender will be determined in a 10-Knockout Battle Royal! The winner of the Battle Royal will get the next shot at the Knockouts gold. The participants are: Sarita, Rosita, Brooke Tessmacher, Winter, Tara, ODB, Mickie James, Velvet Sky, Madison Rayne and Angelina Love!

– Plus, what was the fallout from the Bischoff family feud at Against All Odds? Did Garett (with Hulk Hogan in his corner) overcome the assault from Gunner and his own father, Eric Bischoff? Tune in Thursday night!

All this and much more on Thursday’s broadcast as the road to the March “Victory Road” Pay-Per-View event begins!

source: ImpactWrestling.com

Against All Odds 2012

The 2012 TNA Against All Odds pay-per-view opens up with a camera crew greeting Jeff Hardy as he arrived earlier today. Hardy just smiles and enters the building.

– We go to a promo video for tonight’s pay-per-view.

– We’re live from the Impact Wrestling Zone in Orlando, Florida. Mike Tenay and Jeremy Borash are doing commentary tonight.

#1 Contender’s Match: Zema Ion vs. Jesse Sorensen

Zema Ion makes his way out first followed by Jesse Sorensen with his football.

Sorensen decks Ion to start the match and they go at it. Back and forth action to start. Sorensen hits a bridging suplex for a 2 count. Ion ends up on the floor and fights his way in. Ion flips into the ring but lands on his back. Sorensen with several pin attempts. They end up on the floor and Sorensen gets hit with a bad moonsault and knees to the face. Sorensen looks to be legitimately injured as Ion goes back in the ring. The referee checks on Sorensen and throws up the X and calls for the bell.

Winner and New #1 Contender: Zema Ion

– After the match, everyone looks worried as trainers come out and check on Sorensen. Ion plays it off and heads to the back as the new #1 contender.

– Christy Hemme is backstage with TNA World Heavyweight Champion Bobby Roode. Roode talks about his opponents tonight and says he will be the better man and walk out World Champ tonight. Roode says Sting will finally know why he is the IT factor of pro wrestling and the most dominant champion ever.

– We go to the ring and out comes TNA Television Champion Robbie E. with Rob Terry. Robbie issues an open challenge and it’s answered by Shannon Moore.

TNA TV Title Match: Robbie E. vs. Shannon Moore

The bell rings and they go at it with Moore sending Robbie out to the floor with a dropkick. Robbie tells Terry to lead the way with the TV Title and they go to walk out. Moore comes up the ramp and attacks Robbie from behind, bringing the fight back to the ringside area. Moore brings it back in the ring and they go at it in the corner. Moore with an atomic drop and a spin kick for a 2 count.

Robbie sends Moore to the apron and eventually knocks him back into the fan barrier. Robbie comes back and keeps Moore grounded on the mat now. Moore fights out but runs into a kick in the corner. Robbie with a back elbow knocking Moore to the mat. Robbie goes to the second rope and comes down with an elbow for another 2 count. Moore makes another comeback and hits a bulldog for 2.

Moore hits a dropkick that sends Robbie to the floor. Moore moonsaults from the apron to Robbie on the floor and takes him out. Moore brings it back in the ring for a 2 count. And another 2 count, and another. Moore misses a moonsault and Robbie clotheslines him for a close 2 count. Robbie goes to the top but Moore knocks him off his feet. Moore climbs up top and brings Robbie to the mat with a hurricanrana for 2. They trade holds and Moore rolls up for 2. Rob Terry gets a big right hand in on Moore. Robbie catches Moore and hits his finisher for the win.

Winner: Robbie E.

TNA Knockouts Title Match: Tara vs. Gail Kim

After a promo video, Tara makes her way out first. Out next is TNA Knockouts Champion Gail Kim and her Knockouts Tag Team Champion partner Madison Rayne. The match starts with Tara on the offense. Tara tosses Gail around by her hair.

Gail turns things around with a neckbreaker on the apron. Gail comes in with a boot to the face and right hands. Gail slams Tara into the corner face first and splashes her with a clothesline. Gail with a missile dropkick from the top. Madison gets pissed at something, tells Gail to screw herself and walks off.

Gail continues and hits a crossbody for 2. Gail with a submission on Tara’s leg now. Gail with another submission but Tara manages to get to the ropes and break the hold. Gail takes Tara to the top and brings her back to the mat with a hurricanrana. Gail turns around to a powerslam from Tara. Tara fights back and clotheslines Gail. Tara with the big sideslam for a 2 count. They end up back on the top and Gail gets backdropped to the mat. Tara hits the moonsault from the top but appears to have injured her knee. Tara crawls over and covers but Gail kicks out at 2. Tara limps to her feet and goes for her finisher but Gail counters. Gail works on the injured leg then hits Eat Defeat for the win.

Winner: Gail Kim

– Christy Hemme is backstage with James Storm. Storm is ready to win the World Heavyweight Title and party.

TNA Tag Team Title Match: Magnus and Samoa Joe vs. Matt Morgan and Crimson

Out first comes the challengers Samoa Joe and Magnus followed by the TNA Tag Team Champions Matt Morgan and Crimson. Joe and Morgan start things off going back and forth. Joe backs Morgan in the corner and tags in Magnus. Morgan works on the arm and tags in Crimson. Crimson keeps in control of Magnus and hits a running knee for a pin attempt. Morgan comes back in and Crimson whips him into Magnus in the corner. Crimson suplexes Magnus and Morgan covers for 2.

Magnus turns it around on Crimson with the help of Joe and clotheslines him for a pin attempt. Joe gets tagged in and hits Crimson with a bunch of rights. Crimson fights back now but Joe runs over him with a forearm. Magnus comes back in and they double team Crimson for another 2 count. More tags and double teaming on Crimson. Magnus comes in but Crimson fights him off. Magnus stops the comeback with a back suplex and another 2 count. Joe comes in and works over Crimson. Joe hits a powerslam and another 2 count. More tags by the challengers. Morgan and Joe come in at the same time. Morgan cleans house and slams Magnus into Joe head first. Magnus leaps but Morgan catches him in mid-air and drops him with the big sideslam for 2 as Joe breaks the pin.

Crimson and Morgan double team Joe now. Magnus makes the sayve and takes out Crimson. The challengers double team Morgan in the corner now. Morgan shoves Joe into Magnus. Crimson comes in to help but accidentally spears Morgan. They send Crimson to the floor and hit the double team move on Morgan for the pinfall, the titles and the win.

Winner and New TNA Tag Team Champions: Samoa Joe and Magnus

– Christy Hemme is backstage with Bully Ray. He puts her down and says no matter what she does she won’t look good. He calls her a feeble woman and tells her to go away. Ray cuts a promo on tonight’s World Heavyweight Title match.

TNA X Division Title Match: Alex Shelley vs. Austin Aries

We go to the ring and out first comes Alex Shelley followed by the TNA X Division Champion Austin Aries. They trade holds to start and Aries goes to the corner to show off. Shelley attacks with chops and a knee to the gut. Shelley with kicks and a dropkick that sends Aries to the floor. Shelley leaps from the corner to the floor and takes Aries down again.

Shelley slingshots in and keeps control until Aries drops his neck over the top. Aries comes in with the ropes but Shelley puts his knees up. Shelley with a dropkick from the top now. Shelley clotheslines Aries to the floor. Aries goes under the ring and comes out from under the other side. Aries sends Shelley to the floor and suicide dives through the ropes, taking Shelley out. Aries brings it back in the ring and works Shelley over in the corners. Aries with a stomp on the face and an elbow to the back for 2.

Aries keeps control and calls for the swinging elbow drop but it’s countered. Aries hits Shelley with a rake to the eyes. Shelley with a kick to the head and chops. Shelley whips Aries hard into the corner and nails a big clothesline. Shelley continues the offense and hits a big knee to the back of the head, sending Aries out to the floor. Aries comes in from behind but Shelley dumps him over the top and back to the floor. Shelley runs the ropes and dives through the ropes, taking out Aries. More offense and another 2 count from Shelley.

The end comes when Aries hits knees to the head followed by the brainbuster. He turns that into Last Chancery and Shelley taps out for the win.

Winner: Austin Aries

– We get a promo video showing events leading up to tonight’s match between AJ Styles and Kazarian with Daniels’ involvement.

AJ Styles vs. Kazarian

We go to the ring and out first comes Kazarian with Daniels leading the way. Out next comes AJ Styles.

They lock up and have words. AJ rips off the Daniels t-shirt that Kazarian was wearing. They go to the mat and trade holds as Daniels looks on. The crowd chants Daniels sucks as AJ takes Kaz to the mat with a headlock.

A good solid match with lots of back and forth action and pin attempts. AJ hit the pele kick out of nowhere after several pin attempts by both men. AJ looked to springboard in the ring on Kaz but moonsaulted out onto Daniels and the floor. AJ came back in the ring but Kaz caught him with Fade to Black for the win.

Winner: Kazarian

– Christy Hemme is backstage with Eric Bischoff and Gunner. Bischoff talks about Hulk Hogan putting his nose in Bischoff’s family business. Bischoff says Hogan understands how dangerous this situation is and says Gunner is going to destroy Garett. Bischoff acts like he’s getting emotional. Gunner says he is going to finish what he started tonight. We go to a promo video for the match.

Gunner vs. Garett Bischoff

We go to the ring and out first comes Gunner with Eric Bischoff. Garett Bischoff is out next and he’s accompanied to the ring by Hulk Hogan.

The bell rings and they trade shoves and words. Garett takes Gunner down with arm drags and a dropkick. They lock up again and Gunner goes behind and gets the offense this time. Garett takes Gunner to the corner but Gunner turns it around. Garett goes to work on the arm now. More back and forth action as Hogan cheers Garett on. Garett keeps coming back until Eric grabs his leg. Hogan comes over and the ref gets between he and Eric. Gunner takes control in the ring now until Garett slides out of a slam. Garett with a backslide for 2. Garrett drops Gunner on his face and goes back to a submission.

The match goes on with more of the same. Gunner beats Garett down in front of Hogan and stomps on him. Garett tries to come back again but Gunner stops him and puts a knee to the back of his neck. Eric gets a cheap shot in on Garett while the referee is distracted. Hogan comes over and lays Eric out with a right. In the ring, Garett rolls Gunner up but he kicks out at 2. Gunner hits another neckbreaker and Hogan tells the referee to check on Garett’s neck. Gunner continues the assault on Garett’s neck as Hogan tells Earl Hebner to check Garett’s neck again. Garett blocks another neckbreaker and this brings Hogan to the apron with the white towel. Garett tells Hogan not to throw it in but turns around to a big DDT from Gunner for the win.

Winner: Gunner

– Christy Hemme is backstage with Sting. He says he’s the special enforcer for tonight’s main event so we get a clear cut winner. Sting says it’s showtime and walks off.

– We get a video package for tonight’s main event.

TNA World Heavyweight Title Match: Bully Ray vs. Jeff Hardy vs. James Storm vs. Bobby Roode

We go to the ring ad out comes Sting, the special enforcer for tonight’s main event. Bully Ray is out first followed by James Storm, Jeff Hardy and then the TNA World Heavyweight Champion Bobby Roode.

Hemme does formal ring introductions and introduces Sting first. Bully Ray cuts her off next and does her own introductions. Roode tells Ray that they can work together like old times. The bell rings and Ray goes to the floor, allowing Roode to get double teamed by Hardy and Storm. Storm with a big neckbreaker on Roode. They beat up Roode in the corner as Ray looks on from the floor.

Ray finally comes in the ring and clotheslines Hardy and Storm at the same time. Roode cheers Ray on. Ray grabs him with a big slam for a 2 count as Storm breaks the pin up. Ray knocks Hardy off the apron and goes at it with Storm. Storm fights off Roode and Ray. Storm hits the backstabber on Roode for 2. Storm and Roode work together now to double team suplex Ray. They do the Beer Money taunt but Roode decks Storm. They trade right hands in the ring but Storm hit sa forearm and Roode goes down. Storm with a big back drop on Roode. Hardy comes back in and takes out Roode for 2. Ray also comes back in and takes out Hardy with a big boot.

Ray drops a series of elbows on Hardy for a 2 count. Ray keeps the attack on Hardy going and hits him with chops in the corner. Storm and Roode come in. All four men go down after a Tower of Doom in the corner. Ray with a 2 count on Roode, then Hardy. Ray with a sideslam for 2 on Storm now. Hardy hits Twist of Fate on Ray. Hardy turns around to a fight with Roode. Roode slams Hardy on his face. Roode charges Hardy but Ray knocks him out of stride. Ray accidentally splashes the referee in the corner and he goes down. Ray hits the Bubba Bomb on Hardy but the referee is down. Sting tries to revive the referee. Hardy lays out Ray and gets the pin but the referee is still down. Roode spears Hardy as the referee comes to. Storm hits the knees to the face on Roode. Storm hits the Last Call superkick on Roode but Ray pulls the referee out of the ring. This brings Stung over. Storm splashes over the top rope but takes out the referee instead of Ray. In the ring, Roode hits a spinebuster on Ray but Hardy hits Twist of Fate on Roode. Hardy goes up top but misses the Swanton as Roode rolls out of the ring. Roode grabs the World Title belt and brings it in the ring. Sting sees him and grabs it. Roode and Sting have words. Roode shoves Sting and spits on him. Roode dares him to hit back. Sting swings the title belt but Roode ducks and Sting nails Hardy with it. Roode covers Hardy and tells Sting to make the count. Sting hesitates but counts the pin.

Winner: Bobby Roode

– After the match, Roode tells Sting to pick up the World Title belt and give it to him, then raise his hand. After relays, Against All Odds goes off the air with Roode walking to the back with the World Title as Sting and Hardy are in the ring.

To update our earlier report about Vince Russo being removed as the head booker of TNA Wrestling, Dave Lagana is not taking over Russo’s role. Lagana was at Sunday’s Against All Odds pay-per-view helping out with backstage segments.

Russo is not at the pay-per-view tonight and while many believe he is gone, nothing has been announced to the TNA crew yet.

Bruce Prichard remains the head of TNA creative. Russo and Matt Conway have been writing the scripts for Impact in recent month,s with those scripts going to Prichard for edits and then Eric Bischoff for his own feedback in production meetings at TV tapings or pay-per-views.