Image Credit: ImpactWrestling.com
Impact Wrestling follows a solid Turning Point pay-per-view, and TNA has the opportunity to introduce new challengers to virtually every title in the company. Let’s start at the top.
The World Title Picture
TNA advertises that tonight we’ll hear from both the winner and the loser of the #1 Contender Triple Threat match; James Storm won, and will go on to challenge for the World Title. AJ Styles lost, and by stipulation will not receive another world title match until at least Bound For Glory 2013.
The Cowboy became the top contender to Jeff Hardy, who remains the Champ after retrieving his belt at the conclusion of an amazing ladder match with Austin Aries. In addition to hearing from Storm and Styles tonight, we should also hear from Hardy and Aries.
Second Tier Belts
Rob Van Dam is scheduled to defend his X-Division Title tonight, though an opponent has not been announced. He’s coming off a victory over Joey Ryan at Turning Point, but was once again on the receiving end of a Carbon Footprint from Matt Morgan. Perhaps Ryan will get one more chance tonight, as TNA seems to be building towards a match between RVD and the Blue Print.
Magnus has had multiple failed attempts to take the TV Title from Samoa Joe, who beat his former partner in convincing fashion on Sunday night. I think it’s time for Joe to move on to a new challenger, but he defends once again against Magnus tonight.
Speaking of which, Daniels & Kazarian were also unsuccessful in regaining their World Tag Team Championships (of the World) on Sunday, as Hernandez and Guerrero retained. The tag team division in TNA could use a little work. Perhaps Gunner & Kid Kash will be reintroduced into the title picture? Or, this could be the opportunity to pair Robbie E & Robbie T in a major program. I really hope TNA finds a way to keep Daniels & Kazarian relevant, though.
The new top contender to the Knockouts championship will be determined tonight. Impact Wrestling will feature a Knockouts battle royal to determine Tara’s next challenger. Noteworthy among the contestants are Madison Rayne and Mickie James, who haven’t been seen in a while. The smart money would be on ODB, Tessmacher, or Hardcore Country. An ODB win would be logical, as the ODB/Young vs. Tara/Jesse feud seems to be gaining steam. This feud could lead to a match which would see the Knockouts title and the tag titles on the line simultaneously.
The Eights Strike Back
The Aces & 8s were one-and-one at Turning Point; DOC was victorious over Joseph Park, but Devon fell prey to Kurt Angle’s anklelock. No new faces were unmasked at the pay-per-view, although the crowd chanted “Garrett Bischoff” at one particular masked man. DOC also made threats towards Angle, which suggests that the Olympic Gold Medalist is not yet out of the cross hairs.
Who do you think will be the next unmasked biker? Let us know at @DukesWrestling!
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