PWInsiderXTRA - WWE News, Wrestling News, WWE

THE LATEST EDITION OF TNAlt, AN ALTERNATIVE LOOK AT TNA BOOKING IS NOW ONLINE

Welcome to the 7th edition of TNAlt here at PWInsiderXtra.com. If you missed last week's show, or want to know more about this new feature, you can read a little about it by clicking here.  

For the second week in a row, last week's show did a 1.2 rating (based on "thumbs in the middle" getting the majority of the vote). As always, we'll be looking for your feedback on this week's show. Further details are available at the bottom of the page.

A video package opens the show, showing the final moments of last week's LAX vs. XXX match, and Senshi's shocking turn which led to him joining Homicide and Hernandez in LAX. We're then welcomed to the show by Jeremy Borash, who reminds us that tonight is the final show ahead of this month's PPV (available this Wednesday night) and that tonight we'll see Sting and Ron Killings forced to team up once again ahead of their World Title match this Wednesday. Sting and Killings will take on the TNA Tag Team Champions, AJ Styles and Tomko, in a non-title match, with Kevin Nash reminding us that all is not well with the champions, who have their own issues with Christian Cage. We're also told that X Division Champion Jay Lethal will be in action ahead of his PPV encounter against Kurt Angle this Wednesday, plus we'll see a special sit-down interview with Chris Harris, who will speak exclusively about the situation regarding James Storm.

As Borash and Nash discuss what's on tonight's show, an angry looking Christopher Daniels storms to the ring and grabs a microphone. He immediately calls out Senshi to ask him what kind of man turns on a friend, much less a friend and ally in battle when he was down injured.  Daniels says that he wants an explanation, that he wants revenge against Senshi, and he wants it tonight.  LAX’s music interrupts him as Homicide, Hernandez and Senshi make their way to the ring.  Hernandez stands tall as Homicide and Senshi stand in front of him and taunt Daniels.  Senshi picks up the mic...

“Well, well Christopher Daniels. You want to know why I turned on you and Elix? Well let me tell you...last week was a LONG TIME COMING. When I was in XXX with you, yeah we had a good run, but let’s be honest here: What have you and Elix Skipper done for me lately?  Who was it that REFUSED my help when he wanted to be the glory hound in a year-long feud with AJ Styles? Who was it that then teamed with AJ Styles; a former hated enemy, rather than ME, your decade-long close friend, when you had a chance to win the TNA World Tag Team Championship last year? And when you did hold the tag team championships, how many title shots went to your so-called friends Elix Skipper and me? I’ll tell you how many – NOT A SINGLE DAMN ONE. 

"Who was it that stole all the glory and reunited with us when it suited you in the Ultimate X Six-Way match? Who was it that ignored myself and Elix Skipper and straight up forgot about us when you wanted to be a glory hog and main event with Kurt Angle last month?

"Then, the final straw - XXX’s last big fight against these two men (he points to Homicide, who gets in Daniels’ face shouting, and to Hernandez, who stretches out his arms in a pose and smiles cockily). I think you’ll find it was ME and Elix Skipper who did all the work, yet when it came to the final match who wanted to be in there to steal all the glory once again? I think you know the answer.

Daniels says Senshi is deluded and jealous, and that he’d love to shut him up right now in a match.  Senshi responds to that, saying he’d be more than happy to beat the living hell out of Daniels, but that it won't happen tonight. Daniels accuses Senshi of being scared, and steps forward towards him, but Hernandez steps out in front of him.  Daniels slaps Hernandez but gets attacked from behind by Homicide, and all three members of LAX beat Daniels down before Homicide and Senshi team up to lay him out with a combination Gringo Killer Double Stomp.   Senshi then gets on the mic stating, “If you can make it to Wednesday night and the PPV, then you’ve got your match.  If you can’t, then your chance is gone, and I will NEVER face you.  You have one shot. One must-win match, not one shot then a million rematches like you and AJ Styles and Samoa Joe used to have when you were shutting me out of the top spots in the X Division. Can you handle that pressure?"　

We head backstage where Miss Valerie is talking with Crystal in the women's locker room. They're interrupted by Jay Lethal, who tells Valerie he told her to stay in the locker room and keep to herself. Crystal says they were just talking about nothing really, and says since Lethal is here, can she gets a few words with him about his match with Kurt Angle this Wednesday night. Lethal says that he's proud to be the X Division Champion and is determined to show Kurt Angle this Wednesday night that he can "hang with the best of them." He sends a message to Kurt, telling him to pay close attention to tonight's match, because he's about to give the whole world a preview of what they can expect to see him do to Angle on PPV this Wednesday.　

Jay Lethal (w/Miss Valerie) vs. Johnny Devine 

The match gets started after Jay Lethal makes his way to the ring along with Miss Valerie. Both guys lock up. Lethal takes Devine down with successive arm drags and a dropkick.  Then as Devine begs off in the corner and there is a break in the action, Kurt Angle’s music hits.  Jeremy Borash says Angle has obviously came to beat on Lethal, but instead, Kurt just stops half-way down the entrance ramp and stands to observe the match. A couple of times, Devine nearly sneaks the fluke victory by taking advantage of Lethal, who seems distracted by Angle being there, especially with Miss Valerie being at ringside.  Lethal runs through all the old Randy Savage spots, including the punches, the axhandle to the outside and the float over top rope neck snap.  He then he hits the Lethal Combination, before climbing to the top rope, dropping the big elbow and getting the win. Winner at 5:43 - Jay Lethal

After the match, Kurt Angle grabs a microphone from ringside and says to Jay Lethal that he might have won tonight, but asks, "Where are Johnny Devine’s gold medals? It’s an insult to me and everything I’ve accomplished that you’d even consider this guy to be a worthy warm-up for facing the greatest athlete alive today.”  Kurt says that in the past he might have ran in now to attack Lethal, but he wants Lethal at his absolute best come Wednesday night, so there are no excuses when Kurt proves that he is better than not just Lethal, but everybody in the X Division and everybody in the world. 　

A video promoting this coming Wednesday night's PPV airs.　

Rhino vs. Robert Roode (w/Miss Brooks)

We return from commercial with Rhino making his way to the ring. Jeremy Borash puts over tonight as being an action-packed show, before making note of the fact that Roode pinned Rhino in the big tag team match last week, and therefore Rhino will be looking for revenge tonight before he faces Matt Morgan this Wednesday night. Borash also notes that Roode will have his hands full this Wednesday night with Kaz, the man who Roode screwed out of a shot at the World Title. Rhino attacks early with several punches before clotheslining Roode out of the ring. Roode scrambles behind Ms. Brooks and takes a breather. 

As they get back into the ring, Roode is able to cheap shot Rhino by not breaking in the corner, instead delivering a knee and taking charge with clubbing blows and a chin lock, which Nash puts over as smart strategy in keeping his explosive opponent grounded. Roode dominates the match, showcasing his power and agility as he hits a standing dropkick for a near fall.  He goes for the Payoff, but Rhino escapes and hits the GORE on Roode. He makes the cover, but Ms. Brooks is able to grab Roode's foot and place it on the ropes before the referee can make the three count.　

After Jeremy Borash reminds us that an exclusive interview with Chris Harris will be on tonight's show, Kaz comes out to confront Ms. Brooks, as Borash reminds us that it was him coming out to confront Ms. Brooks that lead to Sting beating Roode at the last PPV.  The referee goes out to interject between their arguments, allowing Matt Morgan to interfere and lay out Rhino with a chair shot. Roode then picks up his opponent's limp body for The Payoff and makes the cover. Winner at 7:22 - Robert Roode　

After the match, Roode challenges Kaz to come back to the ring. Kaz takes him up on that, but Roode leaves the ring through the crowd, leaving Kaz to get into a short brawl with Matt Morgan, clearing him out of the ring also. 　

We remain at ringside, where Jeremy Borash reminds us that Samoa Joe will face Booker T this Wednesday night in their first ever match. Borash informs us that we'll see how Samoa Joe has been preparing for his match a little later tonight, before leading us into a video showing Booker T training for his PPV encounter with Joe. The video shows Booker at his wrestling school in Texas. Footage is shown of him training in the ring with his brother, former WCW star Stevie Ray. Booker says that even though he and his brother have had their differences, they're still family, and in preparation for his match with Samoa Joe, he couldn't think of anybody else he'd rather train with than Stevie. He puts over his brother as being one of the toughest people he's ever seen in wrestling, but admits he is preparing to meet the toughest person in the business in Samoa Joe. Photos are shown from throughout Booker T's career as he reveals, "I've come into TNA with a point to prove. Some people might see this as an easy schedule and an opportunity for me to make some good money. I'm out to prove them wrong. Joe might be a tough son of a *****, but he hasn't had half the career that Booker T has." We see Booker sat on the ring apron at his Texas training facility as he looks into the camera and adds, "I've come into TNA to make a statement. Don't tar me with the same brush that others have had stuck on them since they came to this company. I'm here to kick some ass, and that starts on Wednesday night with Joe."　

A video promoting next month's PPV airs.　

Footage of James Storm's alcoholism taking over his work in the last several weeks is shown, as well as former tag team partner Chris Harris' attempts to get him back on track.  They then go to a pre-recorded interview with Mike Tenay (who is behind the camera and not shown like a news interview) and Chris Harris. Tenay asks Harris why he's choosing to get involved with Storm, when Storm turned on him earlier this year.  Harris says that although professionally they've had differences recently, for five years they were as close as can be, and both made names for themsevles together in TNA.  He adds, "When you have that bond with someone, then when they're in trouble, all personal differences are put to one side."　

Tenay asks if he knew Storm had a drinking problem. Harris responds that in TNA it's part of the culture - "you do the show, you kick some ass, then go drinking after the show," so from that perspective Storm was never that different from the rest of the guys he hung out with, but it's clear that because he's letting it affect his personal and professional life and that his problems are bigger than a couple of beers after work. Tenay asks if Storm ever showed up drunk for one of their matches during their tag team days. Harris says, "no, never...and that's the frustrating thing. It's clear that Storm could be one of the biggest stars in the company if he showed up straight for work."  Harris says that, by doing this interview, he hopes that he can see that Storm has people who care about him and just want to do the right thing by him and want to see him deliver on his potential.　

Tenay then turns the talk on to Harris, pointing out that since leaving the tag team ranks he hasn't reached the level of success he had before, and therefore could it be that he wants to get back in with Harris for selfish reasons. Harris gets angry at this suggestion and states that, yes, his career hasn't taken off to the point where it did the last time AMW had a small falling out and he was main eventing in a short singles run opposite the likes of AJ Styles and Jeff Jarrett. He adds that he wants to reach his potential too, but he's so cut up by seeing a friend waste his talent that he just wants to do the right thing, adding that, "in the locker room I'm always hearing stories of people who have lost friends because they let personal demons overshadow take over their lives," and that he doesn't want James Storm to be another statistic for people to throw out there as far as wasted careers go.　

He ends by saying "I'm not the only one saying this, but I am willing to come out and say it publicly. James, buddy, I'm just trying to help - and you know where I am if you want to talk about this in private too."  With that, Harris shakes hands with Tenay, thanks him for giving him the opportunity to speak his mind here, and leaves.

We return to ringside where Borash and Nash both compliment Harris on what it must have taken for him to talk so openly and so publicly about a close friend. Nash ends by saying he's been through a similar situation, and hopes Storm was listening and will take note of Harris' advice. 　

Awesome Kong vs. ODB　

ODB attacks Kong before the opening bell, as Jeremy Borash informs us that this match was made by TNA management as a result of their battle during last week's Thanksgiving Battle Royal. ODB lays into Kong with some seriously stiff forearms. She then climbs to the second rope and attempts a cross body, but Kong amazingly catches her and hits her with a massive spinebuster. She picks ODB back up, and then hits her with a sit out powerbomb before making the cover and getting the win. Winner at 4:21 - Awesome Kong　

Both Jeremy Borash and Kevin Nash put over ODB's efforts, saying that nobody has made Kong look human thus far in TNA, and that ODB has come the closest and could cause Kong more problems in the future. As they discuss what they've just witnessed, Gail Kim comes and stands at the top of the ramp. Kong stares at her from the ring, as Gail Kim proudly holds her TNA Knockouts title above her head. Borash reminds us that Kong gets her title shot this Wednesday night on PPV as they stare at each other.　

We head backstage where Mike Tenay is with a worked-up and angry looking Rhino. Rhino says that for the past two weeks, Matt Morgan has laid him out, and on Wednesday night, he's looking for revenge. Rhino says that since Morgan likes to involve hardware in his matches, we'll find out on Wednesday how Morgan can deal with it when he's on the receiving end as their match is now a no DQ match.

A video airs showing the badly maintained trailer that we've seen over the past month or so. In a repeat of last week's video, the camera pans around the darkened room before a light is switched on. The light from the single light bulb dangling from the ceiling reveals the number "35" written on a wall in what we learnt last week appeared to be blood.　

We return to ringside, where Jeremy Borash again reminds us that Samoa Joe will face Booker T this Wednesday night in their first ever match. As promised, we're shown a video showing how Joe is preparing for this Wednesday's match. The video shows Joe sparring in a gym as he talks about how he is the future of TNA and of this business. He talks about his career, saying that just because he and Booker haven't crossed paths before; it doesn't mean he is lacking experience. Joe says he's worked hard to get to where he is today, and that on Wednesday night, Booker is in for the fight of his life, as Joe has no plans to let anybody get in his way on his quest to become the very best that TNA and professional wrestling has to offer.　

A video showing how this Wednesday night's match between the Motor City Machine Guns and Team 3D airs before we return to ringside for our next match.　

Jeremy Borash and Kevin Nash tell us how Team 3D have been in a bad mood all day backstage, and that they paid their two unknown opponents with the instruction that they were in for a rough ride. Borash questions why anybody would agree to that, but Nash says that Team 3D's opponents are, "on national TV and getting paid for it, so who cares?" The match gets underway, with Brother Ray laying into both of the two unknown and giving them the beating of a lifetime. Devon is quickly tagged in, before one of the unknowns is hit with a 3D for the quick win. Winners at 1:23 - Team 3D　

After the match, Brother Ray grabs a mic. He calls for Devon to "get the tables" as he issues a warning. "Machine Guns...this Wednesday, you punk kids are in for the beating of a lifetime. Want to see how your careers will end? Here's a sneak peak." Ray puts the mic down, as one of the beaten unknowns is then powerbombed through a table by him. Devon brings a second table into the ring, but pauses as Jim Cornette and the Machine Guns appear at the top of the ramp to get a closer look. Ray and Devon pause for a moment, then set the second table up in the ring and put the other beaten unknown through it with another 3D. The two tag teams stare at each other, with Cornette screaming at 3D that his boys are the future of tag team wrestling as Jeremy Borash reminds us that these two teams will square off on PPV this Wednesday night.　

A video showing Don West's Deal of the Day airs.　

Backstage we see Sting and Killings walking together down a corridor ahead of their match against AJ Styles and Tomko. There's obvious tension between them, but they give each other a nod of the head which appears to indicate they'll be on the same page tonight.

We return to ringside where Jeremy Borash and Kevin Nash run through the card for this coming Wednesday night's PPV. The full card being as follows:　

X Division Title Match
Jay Lethal (C) (w/Miss Valerie) vs. Kurt Angle

TNA World Heavyweight Title Match
Sting (C) vs. Ron 'The Truth' Killings

Samoa Joe vs. Booker T

TNA Knockouts Title Match
Gail Kim (C) vs. Awesome Kong

Senshi (w/Homicide & Hernandez) vs. Christopher Daniels

The Motor City Machine Guns (w/Jim Cornette) vs. Team 3D

Robert Roode vs. Kaz

Rhino vs. Matt Morgan　

After both teams make their way to the ring, Ron Killings and AJ Styles start the match, with AJ dancing around the ring and mocking Killings before they kick things into gear by running the ropes, leapfrogging each other and hitting each other with dropkicks and arm drags. Killings gets the advantage with a sidekick and a spinebuster. AJ rushes over to his own corner and hugs Tomko before tagging out. Tomko signals that he wants Sting. Killings is reluctant to make the tag at first, and hints at not doing it before eventually tagging out. Tomko goes for a test of strength, but Sting counters with a kick to the chest and punches away on Tomko, doing the ten punches in the corner spot and taking him down with a face plant bulldog for a two count. Tomko then hits a big boot as we go to the break.　

We return with AJ and Sting in the ring. Sting takes AJ down with a dropkick, and then tags Killings in. Killings works AJ over and signals for a running forearm, but as he backs up to the ropes, Tomko low bridges him and this leads to the heels working Killings over and keeping him isolated, cutting the ring in half, and using the illegal man to prevent Killings from making a tag whenever he starts a comeback. This frustrates Sting as well as the crowd. After the referee admonishes Sting for making a save following a spinebuster/clothesline combination from AJ and Tomko, Tomko holds Killings in order for AJ to deliver the Pele Kick, but Killings ducks and AJ wipes out Tomko, allowing Killings to make the hot tag.　

Sting gets in and cleans house with punches and karate chops to the neck, before whipping AJ and Tomko into opposite corners and hitting them both with a Stinger Splash. Killings then attempts to come off the top rope with a dropkick, but AJ is able to avoid contact. Killings crashes down to the canvas, clutching his leg as the announcers talk about how he could possibly be injured. Sting then hits Styles with a superplex and locks on the Scorpion Deathdrop. This brings out Christian Cage, who distracts Sting, causing him to release the hold. Tomko takes down Sting with a pump handle slam, but the referee is still with Christian and so can’t see AJ crawling over to make the cover. By the time the referee gets back to the ring, Sting is able to kick out at 2. Tomko goes mad about Cage's antics with the referee possibly costing them the match. He attempts to hit Sting with a running kick, but Sting ducks the boot, then grabs Tomko from behind and hits the Scorpion Deathdrop for the win. Winners at 16:38 - Sting and Ron 'The Truth' Killings　

After the match, Sting and Killings are left alone in the ring as Cage, Styles and Tomko head to the back, with some obvious tension between that trio. Sting pulls Killings up to his feet, and reaches out for a handshake. Killings eventually does it, but the camera zooms in on him, showing that he's obviously unhappy that he's injured ahead of his title match on Wednesday night. Killings hobbles to the back while Sting looks on from the ring as we close the show.　

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, December 8 at 12noon EST, with the "rating" being announced next Sunday at the start of TNAlt #8! Also, don't forget to join us here at PWInsiderXtra.com this Wednesday evening for this month's TNAlt PPV!  

You can contact Phil Lowe at phil@tnalt.com or Mark Bright at mark@tnalt.com