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Welcome to the first edition of TNAlt here at PWInsiderXtra.com. If you missed our introduction to this feature, you can read a little about it by clicking here
TNAlt #1 - Sunday, October 21
First show leading to November's PPV (available Wednesday, November 14)
Location: Orlando, FL
Announce team: Jeremy Borash & Kevin Nash
Angle starts by saying that even though he is no longer the champion, he is still the best wrestler in TNA and in the world. Sting may have the TNA Title, but he never won an Olympic gold medal. He adds that even though he lost last night, there's no doubt that he was the better wrestler in the match, going so far as to say Sting's win was a fluke, which draws a mixed reaction from the crowd.
Angle continues, saying that he's been in TNA for a year now, and he's seen that this company has a lot to offer. While the easy option would be to Sting for a rematch and beat him for the TNA World Title, he's keeping his options open. Angle says the entire TNA locker room is now on 'Kurt Alert', and again reiterates that he is the best wrestler in professional wrestling today before leaving the ring and heading to the back.
We cut to Jeremy Borash and Kevin Nash at ringside, with JB asking Nash what he made of Kurt's comments. Nash questioned Kurt's state of mind, and said that he has no idea what Angle will do next. Borash turned the attention to Sting, talking over the top brief highlights from the 'Fight For The Right Reverse Battle Royal' at last weekend's PPV. An 8-man tournament to determine the new number contender starts tonight. Chris Sabin vs Alex Shelley is up next.
Chris Sabin vs Alex Shelley - #1 Contender's Tournament, First Round Match (20 minute time limit)
The music of the Motor City Machine Guns music hits, as Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin come to the ring together for their match against each other, showing that they’re still a team and this isn’t some “tag partners go against each other for no reason and then they’ll end up feuding†that you always see in this situation. Jeremy Borash and Kevin Nash continuously put over the point throughout the match that while Sabin and Shelley are involved in a tournament for a title shot, they're still a team unit. They slowly make their way to the middle of the ring from opposite corners and get into a staredown as the bell rings. They’re reluctant to go at it with each other at first, and after backing off again they start wrestling. After a slow, cautious start that sees both Sabin and Shelley mat wrestling (which gets a great ovation), the pace quickens, but they’re still just running the ropes, trading headlock takedowns and nothing too spectacular at first.
The pace quickens at the eight minute park as Sabin hits the Cactus Jack Clothesline and sends both guys spilling outside. The camera zooms in on an irate Shelley on the outside, annoyed at his tag team partner. They get back into the ring and lay into each other with forearm shots. From here it’s stiff forearms and kicks, with neither going for the pinfall. Borash comments on how they're still a team unit but that the friendly rivalry has developed into a fight.
Shelley ducks a punch and gets a La Magistral cradle for a two count - the first near fall of the match. The situation changes again, as Sabin quickly answers with a headscissors takedown leading to a series of high flying nearfalls. The pace quickens and quickens as we get into the final five minutes of this twenty minute match, with ring announcer Dave Penzer announces how long remains as every five minute passes. As we pass the fifteen minute mark, Penzer makes an announcement every minute on how long is left in this match.
The pace is lightning quick as we enter the final two minutes. Sabin hits the Cradle Shock, but Shelley kicks out on two! The Impact Zone definitely thought that was the end of the match. Borash and Nash are enthusiastically pointing out how into the match the fans are. Shelley hits his Shellshock finisher, but Sabin kicks out on two as well! Penzer announces we're into the final minute, as both wrestlers look to grab a last minute win in fronting of a rabid crowd that are on their feet. They trade some more forearms in a desperate bid to knock each other out. Shelley gets the upper hand as Penzer announces there are just thirty seconds remaining. With just twenty seconds left on the clock, Shelley looks in control. He sets up for Sliced Bread #2 but Sabin counters and hits an enzuigiri with five seconds left, but immediately collapses unable to get the cover. The time expires and both men are laid out exhausted in the ring as the fans rise to their feet again and give both a standing ovation.
Jeremy Borash comments that this may well be the most exciting match we've seen on TNA television as Kevin Nash tells of how proud he is that two guys he mentored have stepped up and delivered a great match on a big stage.
With both Sabin and Shelly still in the ring and now on their feet, Jim Cornette makes his way out. Borash tells of how there has been talk backstage all day about Jim Cornette's announcement on tonight's show and speculates as to what that announcement could be, and if that’s why he’s here….
Cornette announces that last weekend in Atlanta, he gave his notice to TNA and that after lengthy discussions with senior members of management, they have agreed that as of this moment, he is no longer part of TNA management. Cornette tells the crowd that he is sick and tired of having to deal with ego's and politics, as well as being overruled by "people who think they know better but in all honesty have no place being in this company." The crowd are slowly warming to Cornette's comments. He adds that while the stress of being part of TNA management was his main reason for giving his notice, he also missed doing what he does best - managing wrestlers. He briefly runs through some of the great wrestlers he has managed over the years (namedropping The Midnight Express, Big Van Vader and the late Owen Hart & Davey Boy Smith) before stating that he has grown tired of seeing tag team wrestling treated like the ginger stepson of professional wrestling. In Sabin and Shelley he saw bags of potential before they came to TNA, and prior to handing in his notice to TNA management last weekend, he approached them about becoming their manager. Cornette revealed they agreed immediately after learning of Cornette's plans to help them reach their goals and fulfill their dreams, and as of tonight, The Motor City Machine Guns are under the management of Jim Cornette.
Backstage, Mike Tenay is with Gail Kim. The final moments of her win in the Women's Gauntlet match at last weekend's PPV are shown. Tenay congratulations Kim, who says she is proud to be the first ever TNA Knockouts Champion. They're quickly interrupted by Awesome Kong, who is restrained by security before she can get to the champion.
Still backstage, Leticia is with X Division Champion Jay Lethal in Lethal's own locker room. Lethal says that he and Christopher Daniels had a great match at last weekend's PPV, but since this is a night for announcements, he has one of his own to make later tonight. As he speaks, banging noises can be heard coming from inside one of the lockers. Leticia asks who or what is inside the locker, but Lethal gets defensive and chases her away, saying he'll make his announcement in the ring later tonight.
Jeremy Borash announces that TNA management have just informed him that as a result of the Chris Sabin vs Alex Shelley match going to a draw, there will not be a replacement entering the tournament, meaning that somebody will get a bye into the final if they win their first round match.
Samoa Joe vs Black Reign
Jeremy Borash and Kevin Nash discuss how both Joe and Black Reign fared at the PPV as both make their way to the ring. Reign jumps Joe before the bell, as we learn that the former Dustin Rhodes requested this match. Joe takes an early beating as Reign lands several right hands followed by a slingshot suplex for a near fall. With Joe still on the mat, Reign looks to get his rat out of its cage in the corner of the ring. Joe grabs Reign by the head and sends him into the turnbuckle before he can open the cage. He hits Reign with a headbutt that sends him out of the ring.
Joe follows Reign to the outside, sending him into the guard rails at ringside with an Irish Whip before tossing him back into the ring before the referee reaches the count of ten. Reign attempts a comeback but Joe ducks a clothesline and hits a Samoan Drop. He follows it up with a Muscle Buster and gets the pinfall win. Winner at 6:24 - Samoa Joe.
Borash puts over how Joe made easy work of Black Reign before recapping events from earlier tonight with Jim Cornette announcing he was back as a manager with Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin.
Backstage, Mike Tenay is with the new Tag Team Champions, AJ Styles and Tomko. Highlights of their win over Team Pacman at last weekend's PPV are shown before Christian Cage joins the interview, telling the champs they better be able to up their game as they'll have tag teams wanting a shot at their belts all the time. Tomko says tonight he and Styles can take it easy and celebrate last weekend's win, and tell Cage they'll catch up with him later. As they leave, Cage jokes that "at least they'll have to face two wrestlers from now on rather than the two jokes they beat last weekend". He turns round, where Ron Killings is stood right behind him. Cage tries to apologize, but is decked with a hard right hand, which knocks him to the floor. Killings stares at him before walking away.
We head back to ringside as Jeremy Borash and Kevin Nash recap the events of the show so far for those who may have missed the first hour. A quick video recap of Kurt Angle putting the entire TNA roster on 'Kurt Alert' is shown, with Nash again putting over the unpredictability of Angle.
Ron Killings is shown warming up backstage, looking intense. He's in action next!
Ron Killings vs Shark Boy
Killings takes it straight to Shark Boy from the opening bell as Borash mentions how its been a while since we saw Killings focused on wrestling in singles competition. Killings beats Shark Boy down in a one-sided match, hitting a corkscrew axe kick and picking up the quick pinfall win. Winner at 3:01 - Ron Killings.
Post-match, Borash and Nash put over how Killings just showed incredible intensity and that perhaps he has found a street-fighting edge that some people may have forgotten he possessed.
Christian Cage appears at the top of the ramp. He says that he has a new DVD out full of classic moments, and that he's been stealing the show for years. Unlike Killings, who may have stolen plenty of things in his life, but never the show. He says that Killings had an opportunity to be a start when he first came to TNA, but realised he was out of his depth, which is why he's spent the past few years hiding behind others, and teaming with nobodies like Pacman Jones. He goes on to say that he's spoken to TNA management, and they've agreed to make Cage vs Killings at next month's PPV. However, since Killings punched him out earlier tonight, Cage has managed to convince management that he choose which type of match they compete in. Killings cuts him short and says "<i>any match, any time.</i>" Cage responds by saying "I'm glad you say that, Ron, because I've chosen the match that helped to put me on the map...something you're yet to do," before announcing that they'll face each other at next month's PPV in a ladder match. Killings smiles and stares at Christian, who points to the ceiling and motions climbing up a ladder.
A video showing highlights from LAX vs Triple X 'Ultimate X' match at last weekend's PPV is shown before Jeremy Borash informs us that all four participants wanted to be at tonight's show but were told to stay home due to the brutal beatings they took in that match. TNA management have confirmed that both tag teams will be here next week, with Homicide taking on Elix Skipper, and Hernadez facing Senshi.
Borash also announces that next week's show will feature Eric Young vs James Storm and Lance Hoyt vs Kaz in the final two first round matches in the #1 Contender's tournament. Borash brings up that Young won the Reverse Battle Royal match at last weekend's PPV and is the #1 seed going into the competition. Nash responds by saying that the seedings mean nothing when it comes down to a one-on-one match - and with a title shot on the line - Storm could go all the way and win the tournament. JB also announces that he's just been handed a note confirming that Jim Cornette's Motor City Machine Guns will be in action on next week's show.
Sting's music plays, and the new TNA World Champion makes his way to ringside to join Nash and JB ahead of the next match:
Junior Fatu vs Robert Roode (w/Ms Brooks) - #1 Contender's Tournament, First Round Match (20 minute time limit)
As both Fatu and Roode make their way to the ring, Borash asks Sting if he has a preference on who he faces of the six guys remaining in the #1 contender's tournament. He says he doesn't care who he faces, and that despite what Kurt Angle said, being the champion means you're the number one guy in the company. Nash comments on Angle's claim that Sting's win was a fluke. Sting fires back by saying that he pinned Angle in the middle of the ring, despite Nash's best efforts to cost him the match and that it may as well have been a handicap match. Borash turns the attention back to the ring as the match gets underway with Fatu dominating early, beating on Roode until he ducks to the outside. Fatu follows him outside the ring, but Roode grabs Ms Brooks and uses her to protect himself before finding an opportunity to cheap shot Fatu and taking control of the match.
They head back to the ring where Roode makes the mistake of headbutting Fatu. Fatu no sells it, stares at Roode, and starts to lay into him with right hands and makes his comeback. He sets Roode up for a stinkface in the corner, but is distracted by Ms Brooks on the ring apron, who is in turn distracting the referee. Fatu goes over to get the referee’s attention and stop the interference, but in the confusion Roode grabs a chair and nails Fatu with a chairshot to the head. Fatu remains on his feet but is left wobbly as a result. Roode hits The Payoff and gets the three count to advance in the #1 Contender's Tournament. Winner at 12:31 - Robert Roode.
After the match, Fatu heads to the back and Roode and Ms Brooks remain in the ring. He grabs her by the arm and drags her towards the back, yelling at her as they leave. Borash is horrified by Roode's actions, calling him despicable, especially since Brooks helped Roode to get the win. Nash counters Borash, saying he didn’t see Brooks hit Fatu with the Payoff for the win.
A pre-taped segment with Don West airs to plug the TNA online store and his 'Deal of the Day'.
A video promo for next month's PPV airs.
Jeremy Borash again runs over matches announced for next week's show, before Jay Lethal's music starts to play, and 'Black Machismo' makes his way to the ring.
Lethal says that tonight has been a huge night in TNA, with announcements being made and people in the back making statements. Tonight, Lethal has an announcement of his own to be made, saying that even though he is X Division champion and represents everything TNA is about, he feels like something is missing. He's been searching high and low to find out what that something is, and finally he's worked it out. "Let me introduce you to......Miss Valerie, yeeeah!".
Machismo's music plays again, and the former So Cal Val appears at the top of the ramp, wearing a long, strapless white dress with matching long, white gloves. She slowly climbs into the ring, where Lethal hoists her up onto his shoulder, with his music still playing. After putting her down, she waves to the crowd as he poses on the turnbuckles with his belt held aloft, before both start to leave the ring. Just as Miss Valerie walks out of the ring, somebody wearing a hooded top jumps over the guardrail from the crowd and pushes past her, knocking her down in the process. Lethal's back is turned as he's still looking out into the crowd, allowing the unknown person to jump him from behind. He whips Lethal off the ropes and gives him a big backdrop as Borash repeatedly asks who this is. The camera cuts to Miss Valerie at ringside, who has hurt her ankle from the fall. Nash puts his headset down to attend to her as Borash shouts that they need a doctor out here to see to her. The unknown in the ring continues to attack Lethal, stomping on him repeatedly before picking him up...and hitting him with an Olympic Slam. Borash says "is this who I think it is?" as Nash rejoins him on commentary, with a doctor helping Miss Valerie to her feet.
The unknown wrestler removes his hood to confirm Borash's thoughts, revealing himself as Kurt Angle. He looks down at Miss Valerie on the outside of the ring, noticing she has hurt her ankle from being pushed over. He jumps out of the ring and stares at her. She's crying, scared of what he might do next. Nash says that he told Borash that Kurt was unpredictable right now, but shouts at Kurt not to hurt her. Angle then looks back at Lethal in the middle of the ring, and instead of doing anything to Miss Valerie, grabs a steel chair and returns to the ring. He nails Lethal across the head with the chair before hitting him several times across the ankle with it. With Lethal as good as motionless in the centre of the ring, Angle applies the ankle lock until referees and officials sprint into the ring and pull him off Lethal.
With Angle being restrained and pushed up the ramp to the back, Miss Valerie hobbles into the ring. Borash and Nash have gone silent as we fade to black with the image of Miss Valerie crying in the middle of the ring, sat on the canvas looking over a bloody and beaten Jay Lethal.
We're looking for your feedback on this week's show. To vote, simply email vote@tnalt.com with your thumbs up, down or in the middle. Votes will be accepted up until Saturday, October 27 at 12noon EST, with the "rating" being announced next Sunday at the start of TNAlt #2!
You can contact Phil Lowe at phil@tnalt.com or Mark Bright at mark@tnalt.com
