TNA Genesis PPV Results
January 9, 2011
Orlando, Fla.
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor
TNA's first PPV of 2011 began with a video package hyping the main event of
Mr. Anderson vs. Matt Morgan in a #1 contender match for the TNA World
Title. Each man said he will be the next TNA World Hvt. champion.
Impact Zone: Fireworks shot off inside the Impact Zone as Mike Tenay
introduced the PPV. Tenay posed the question of whether Immortal will
capture all of the gold tonight. "The battle for power rages on tonight at
Genesis," he said. Tenay introduced the X Division Title match to begin the
PPV.
1 -- X Division champion JAY LETHAL vs. KAZARIAN -- X Division Title match
They didn't waste any time quickly going after it with Lethal the aggressor
looking for revenge on events that happened on Impact leading to the PPV.
Kazarian slipped to the outside looking for a breather, but Lethal caught
him with a suicide dive on the floor. Lethal delivered a chop, then came off
the apron with a splash onto Kazarian. Back in the ring, Lethal scored a two
count. Lethal scored a few more nearfalls before Kazarian went on the
offensive for a few minutes. Lethal came back with a handspring back elbow
smash and both men were down.
At 6:00, Lethal and Kazarian started trading bombs before Lethal landed a
chop and slingshot Kazarian across the top rope. Lethal randomly started
shaking out his right knee to sell an injury to give Kazarian an opening to
slingshot Lethal into the ring and execute mid-air cutter for a nearfall.
Nice. They went up top where Kazarian wanted the Flux Capacitor, but Lethal
elbowed out and landed a sunset flip powerbomb for a close two count. Lethal
sold frustration that he couldn't put away Kazarian while the announcers
noted Kazarian is feeling pressure to win for Immortal.
At 9:00, Kazarian sold frustration that he couldn't put away Lethal, then
slowly pulled up Lethal before shoving him down to the mat. Kazarian
followed with a hard slap to the face that caused Lethal to stand tall and
show fire. Lethal ducked a second slap, then ripped off a flurry of slaps
and chops capitalizing on being fired up. Lethal executed a suplex, then
played to the crowd to build toward a big move. Taz noted Lethal was wasting
time. Lethal went up top, but Kazarian smashed him with an enziguiri kick.
Kaz tried to follow with a reverse Tombstone from the top, but Lethal shoved
Kaz down and into the ref. Kaz sprung to life and crotched Lethal, then
caught Lethal with the reverse Tombstone. It was good for a pin and a new X
Division champion.
WINNER: Kazarian at 11:38 to capture the X Division Title. Hot potato with
the X Title continues, but this was a strong PPV opener. Right at that
three-star level with two good stories in-play for both men, strong
back-and-forth action, and enough time to tell a complete story. (***)
Announcers: Tenay and Taz talked on-camera about TNA finding out who the new
#1 contender for the TNA World Title will be tonight. Tenay said they have
news concerning Immortal right now.
Backstage: Ric Flair and A.J. Styles were in Eric Bischoff's office for a
pre-taped segment. Flair told Bischoff that Styles cannot wrestle tonight
(scheduled to challenge for the TV Title). Bischoff started talking up Hulk
Hogan toughing out back surgery, then knocked Styles not wrestling tonight
because of a "limp." Flair quietly said this isn't some little thing, and
it's coming from him. Styles blamed it on his kid. Bischoff went off on
Styles, calling him worthless for the next six-to-eight weeks. Styles had
enough of Bischoff and cleared his desk before limping off. Flair told
Bischoff he's clever enough to come up with something.
(We have confirmed that Styles is legitimately injured independent of
Styles's comment on Twitter after the segment: "Sorry guys it's true. I tore
me my hip flexor and hip labrum. I'll be back wrestling real soon.")
2 -- Knockouts champion MADISON RAYNE vs. MICKIE JAMES -- Knockouts Title
match
Madison tried taunting Mickie early on, so Mickie caught her trying to run
away and dropped her to the mat for a quick nearfall. Madison then scampered
to the corner trying to slow down Mickie after agitating her. Madison
slipped to the floor, then tried to bait Mickie to the outside. Mickie
finally took the bait, allowing Madison to use a game of cat & mouse to take
control of the match back in the ring. Mickie teased a comeback with a small
package, but Madison kicked her in the head and started taunting the crowd.
Mickie suddenly caught Madison around the waist and swung her around before
landing a frontslam.
Mickie made her full comeback and wanted a DDT, but Madison slid to the
corner. Mickie followed with a seated sentaun from the top rope, then wanted
to finish it, but Tara came jogging down to ringside. Mickie took the bait
and started arguing with Tara ringside. Behind everyone's back, Madison
slapped on a loaded glove, then dropped to the mat to play opposum. Mickie
re-entered the ring, then Madison dropped her with a loaded punch. The ref
returned to the ring after trying to separate Tara and Mickie and counted to
three for Madison.
WINNER: Rayne at 10:27 to retain the Knockouts Title. Strong women's match
with plenty of time allotted to the match. Madison plays such a convincing
heel and Mickie's comebacks were set up nicely by Madison playing her role
well. The cheat-to-win finish was expected, not just because it's a TNA PPV,
but it keeps the program going with Mickie still chasing. (**)
Backstage: Kazarian was celebrating with Beer Money, Eric Bischoff, Ric
Flair. Christy Hemme asked Kazarian for a word on winning the X Title. Beer
Money faces the Machineguns for the Tag Titles later tonight. Bischoff said
he's found a replacement for Styles tonight: Abyss challenging for the TV
Title. Bischoff said RVD's opponent will remain a mystery. Bischoff then
looked into the camera and guaranteed Immortal will win all of the titles
tonight.
3 -- TNA tag champions MOTOR CITY MACHINEGUNS (ALEX SHELLEY & CHRIS SABIN)
vs. BEER MONEY (ROBERT ROODE & JAMES STORM) -- TNA Tag Title match
Shelley and Roode started things off with a mid-match stare down. Other than
a quick shove by Roode, no touching in the first minute to stretch out the
feeling-out process selling the importance of the match and how familiar the
teams are after being one of the top feuds of 2010. Shelley won the first
exchange of the match with an enziguiri kick for a nearfall. Storm then
tagged in, as did Sabin, who worked with Shelley for some double-team
offense on the heels. The Guns, with full crowd support, began tagging in
and out working on Storm before the Guns landed double suicide dives on the
floor sending Roode and Storm crashing into the guardrail.
Back in the ring, Shelley was blindsided by a double-team move, which set up
Beer Money on the offensive working over Shelley. Shelley then escaped the
attack by hitting Sliced Bread #2 on Storm. He tried to make a tag, but
Roode ran around the ring to yank Sabin off the ring apron to prevent the
tag. Beer Money then resumed the attack on Shelley. BM continued to score
nearfalls and Taz noted they should keep going for as many pinfalls as
possible trying to wear down the opponent and perhaps sneak out a win.
Shelley finally fought out of the heel corner and hot-tagged Sabin, who
entered the match with a flurry of offense at 12:00. Sabin stunned Roode
with a standing kick, then hung Roode upside down for a basement dropkick in
the corner. Sabin then suplexed Storm on top of Roode before chucking Storm
to the outside. Sabin followed with a huracanrana on Roode, then the Guns
set up for a double-team Tornado DDT for a nearfall. All four men were in
the ring at this point and there was a noticeable quiet in the arena as the
fans seemed to be anticipating a potential finish.
Storm and Sabin battled on the floor while Shelley and Roode battled in the
ring. All four men returned to the ring where high-impact moves were traded.
Roode then ducked an enziguiri kick by Sabin, but Sabin rolled up Roode for
a nearfall. Storm then spewed beer in Sabin's face and Roode hit a Double A
spinebuster, but Sabin kicked out to an "ooh and aww" reaction. Shelley and
Storm resumed their battle on the floor. In the ring, Sabin nailed a kick to
Roode in the corner and Sabin held the position to show the audience.
Shelley then came off the top with the Skull & Bones combo with Sabin. The
Guns had the win, but Storm pulled the ref out of the ring. Shelley then
splashed Storm on the floor. In the confusion, Roode executed a textbook
Northern Lights suplex on Sabin, who kicked out just in time.
Everyone was back in the ring at 17:00 setting up the finish. Beer Money hit
a superkick combo, then the DWI combination finisher on Sabin, but it still
wasn't good enough for a three count. Roode rolled his eyes back to sell
disbelief as Taz said Bischoff must be ripping his hair out backstage. Beer
Money went for the DWI again, but Sabin escaped. The Guns accidentally
collided in the corner when Sabin popped Shelley with a corner kick, then
Roode rolled up a stunned Sabin from behind and it was good for a three
count. Post-match: Sabin sold shock as Beer Money quickly scampered out of
the ring clutching the Tag Titles. Shelley sold he was completely KO'ed.
WINNERS: Beer Money at 17:59 to capture the TNA Tag Titles. Another day,
another excellent match between the Guns and Beer Money. The teams were on
the verge of over-doing the "all-four-men-in-the-ring" spots, but they
effectively switched it back to one-on-one sequences when they pushed the
limit. The finish sets up an easy re-match with the story that Beer Money
simply cannot beat the Guns and the Guns beat themselves in this match.
(***1/2)
Backstage: Hemme brought in Brother Devon to ask him about facing Bully Ray
tonight. Devon talked about the old days and brought it to the present about
Devon not having a partner to tag out to tonight.
4 -- BROTHER DEVON vs. "BULLY" BROTHER RAY
Ray was out first, then Devon charged the ring and Ray quickly left the
ring. Ray tried to bait Devon into fighting him on the floor, then Ray
pulled So Cal Val into harm's way. Val decided to slap Ray across the face,
then Devon capitalized by throwing Ray off the ramp to the floor. Devon
choked Ray with a TV cable before grabbing a bottle of water to smash across
Ray's face. Devon landed right hands as the crowd chanted for tables. The
referee tried to get them back in the ring to officially start the match,
but the fight continued on the floor, including Devon choking Ray with Ray's
new leather vest. Devon taunted Ray before finally rolling him into the ring
to officially start the match.
Devon dropped to his knees and begged off. "Brothers, man. We're brothers,"
Ray repeated over and over. Devon asked the crowd what he should do, then
Ray tried a low blow, but Devon saw it coming and landed a right hand punch
to the forehead followed by a leaping clothesline. Devon landed a scoop
slam, then went up top, but Ray rolled all the way across the ring to escape
to the floor. Devon tried to follow on the outside, but Ray clubbed him with
a forearm and tried to leave through the crowd. Devon gave chase and whipped
Ray into the base of the grandstands.
The walking brawl continued up the steps of the grandstands as the ref began
a count trying to encourage the wrestlers to get back into the ring. Devon
used a fan-supplied shoe as a weapon on Ray's forehead, then tossed it back
to the fan, who proceeded to bite his shoe like a dog. Taz noted that wasn't
very sanitary. Back in the ring, Ray cut off Devon, who no-sold momentarily
and hulked up in Ray's face before Ray smashed him in the lower region. Ray
taunted Devon, then missed with an elbow smash. Ray tried a Bubba Bomb, but
Devon countered with a modified uranage for a two count. Devon tried
following with a top rope move, but Ray crotched him and landed two
thunderous open-hand slaps across the chest. Ray followed with a superplex
and both men sold the effects before Ray drapped an arm over Devon for a
nearfall.
Ray proceeded to retrieve a chain, but he missed when Devon moved. The ref
tried to reprimand Ray, who then missed with a fist wrapped in a chain
before Devon back-dropped Ray to the mat. Devon picked up the chain and
teased using the chain, but the ref tried reprimanding him. Devon popped Ray
with the chain anyways, prompting a DQ.
Post-match: Devon continued to beat on Ray with the chain before Devon
shoved the ref away. The crowd chanted, "Let them fight," as more referees
spilled into the ring trying to calm down Devon. Devon pounded on Ray with
right hand blows before three refs pulled Devon away. Ray tried to jump
Devon, but Devon stood his ground and a brawl was on. The announcers said
they need more than three referees. Security and agents spilled into the
ring trying to separate them. Ray broke free and landed a big kick to the
groin before stomping out of the ring and throwing his arms in the air to
celebrate the "win." Ray disappeared to the back as Devon sold the low blow
in the ring.
WINNER: Ray via DQ at 8:48. Excellent story to the match. It felt like the
end of the first big chapter of the story building toward the next big
chapter in the feud. Ray and Devon held their own working as singles
wrestlers and everyone played their roles well: Devon as the sympathetic,
fighting babyface and Ray as the "bully," chicken heel. (**)
Backstage: Hemme brought in Jeff Jarrett to talk about his "exhibition" with
Kurt Angle tonight. Jarrett asked why Angle would be considered the favorite
when Angle's never even had an MMA match. "He's nothing compared to me when
it comes to the MMA world," Jarrett said. He said no one has beaten him, no
one has taken him off his feet, and he still has $100,000 of his own money.
Jarrett said the rules tonight: three two-minute rounds with grappling and
submission only. No punching, no striking. He confidently said he's in the
best condition of his life. Jarrett said he's going to "feel out" Angle in
the first round, then put Angle in a variety of submissions in the second
round, before leaving it up to everyone's imagination in the third round
when he takes him out.
5 -- TV champion DOUGLAS WILLIAMS vs. ABYSS -- TNA TV Title match
The announcers talked up the match story prior to the opening bell -
Williams is disadvantaged since it will be difficult for him to set up his
trademark suplexes with an injured wrist following an attack by Styles and
Kazarian on Impact leading to the PPV. Williams sold the left wrist injury
early on and tried wrestling with one hand before Abyss yanked Williams's
hand into the ringpost. Abyss followed by smashing Williams's hand into the
ring steps before Williams made a comeback with his right hand. Abyss cut
him off, then smashed Williams's left arm across the top rope. The crowd,
not buying into A.J. Styles as a heel, chanted they want to see Styles.
Abyss nearly DQ'ed himself trying to use the TV Title belt as a weapon, but
Williams ducked and the match returned to the ring.
Back in the ring, Williams showed fire making a comeback on Abyss with
consecutive offense. He teased a German Suplex, then ducked a clothesline,
and used Abyss's momentum to scoop him up for a belly-to-back side suplex.
Williams then went up top looking for a high-impact move (wasn't there an
anti-X Division program involving Williams as a heel six months ago?) and
connected with a flying knee on Abyss for a two count.
Abyss came up bleeding on his knuckles, then went to the floor and retrieved
Janice. The ref, distracted, missed Styles limping in the back door to drop
Williams with a belt shot. Styles hobbled out of the ring and Abyss
innocently dropped Janice on the ground to tell the ref he would agree not
to use it. Abyss re-entered the ring and dropped Williams with the Black
Hole Slam. It was good for the pin and the win. Tenay and Taz noted Bischoff
was correct on his prediction that Immortal would win all the belts.
WINNER: Abyss at 9:47 to capture the TV Title. Okay match playing off
Williams's pre-existing injury and giving Williams an "out" for his loss.
(*1/2)
Backstage: Rob Van Dam told Eric Bischoff that he wants "Hardy" tonight.
Bischoff told RVD to be careful what he wishes for because he might just get
it. "You want Hardy? You got Hardy!" RVD said it's about time, then walked
to the entrance ramp. After RVD entered the ring, Jeremy Borash ominously
announced the mystery opponent. Out came Matt Hardy looking like Tyler Reks
with the hair while sporting a long black trench coat. RVD tried to act
shocked that it's the other Hardy.
6 -- ROB VAN DAM vs. MATT HARDY
source: pwtorch.com
No comments:
Post a Comment