Ciocco’s TNA Impact Review 10.15.26

Impact Zone! It’s Thursday Night, which means are in for a brand-new edition of the delight known as Impact! Taking place from the Dothan Civic Center in Dothan, Alabama, tonight Matt and Jeff Hardy are going to have creative control over the show in honor of their 35th anniversary in the wrestling business. From the backyards of wrestling to OMEGA to superstardom in WWE, TNA, and ROH, the Hardy’s have done it all, except run the show. And that changes tonight.

The Hardys are going to focus on getting their recent rivals to go against one another. In that vein, there will be a Tables Match between syX and the Righteous, while Ryan and Nic Nemeth will face one another. And should they try to throw the match, they will be stripped of their tag team titles. There will also be a 6-woman tag, as the NEW Knockouts Champion Indi Hartwell, Gabby Forza, and Harley Hudson will take on former Knockouts World Champion Xia Brookside and Knockouts Tag Team Champions Zoey Serrano and Shayna Baszler. All of this and, of course, so much more in store for us tonight!

So how is everyone doing on this Thursday evening? As I previously mentioned, I have nothing good to say about any of my Philly teams, especially in light of the re-signing of Don Mattingly to the Phillies, Jalen Hurts having a blood clot in his calf, and the Flyers not knowing how to win. At least the Pacers aren’t offending me just yet anyway.

But enough about me and enough about you, let’s get ready to brace for Impact!

Bound for Glory highlights from this past Sunday! Very happy for Amazing Red winning the X-Division Title again, and of course, Leon Slater for winning the World Heavyweight Title, YA GET ME?

I’M READY FOR YOU aka the title sequence!

AHHHHHHHH YESSSSSSS! We’re kicking the show off with the GOATS and tonight’s authority figures, the Hardys! Matt has the mic. Bound for Glory was absolutely incredible, don’t you think? But tonight is going to be a very special night, especially for our DIEHARDYS! Jeff says they celebrate 35 years of being Extreme and being the Hardys! Matt says 35 years of tables, ladders, and chairs

Jeff: OH MY!

Matt adds cage matches, deletions, and compound matches. Santino Marella gave them authority tonight, and they are going to book matches to the Extreme! Jeff says they have booked Ryan Nemeth to face Nic Nemeth, and if they try to throw the match, then they will lose their tag team titles. He also says they tried to book Ryan and Nic in a bra and panties match, but he couldn’t get approved.

Matt says they booked two teams that have tried to kill them in hopes of them killing each other instead. The Righteous will face syX in a tables match, and they have a Trio’s Knockouts match, pitting Indi Hartwell, Harley Hudson, and Gabby Forza against Zoey Serrano, Shayna Baszler, and Xia Brookisde. Matt says tonight is not just about celebrating the past, but the future as well. Matt says that Amazing Red went into the Hall of Fame on Sunday and then hours later went on to win the X-Division Title. Matt welcomes out Red to grace them with his presence.

Here comes the four-time X-Division Champion! Matt says that Red accomplished something that had never been done before, and Red thanks them. However, they should be celebrating the Hardys, because there are wrestlers who are doing this because of Matt and Jeff. And one of them wrestlers is me. Red wants to thank the Hardys for everyone who has gotten into this business because of them.

Matt dotes on creating a legacy, and he wants to introduce someone who is just beginning to build their legacy here in TNA. He wants to bring out our boy, Leon Slater!

Here comes the Youngest TNA World Champion in history! Leon on the mic. MAN, MAN, MAN, 35 years in the business! All three of these men have been rocking it since before I was in the womb. Matt says that is crazy, and Slater says you all are rocking titles and created legacies. And long after Slater is gone, he wants his legacy to be remembered as well. He worked towards one of his goals on Sunday when he became the youngest ever to win the World Title. But Leon felt some doubt going into the match. So, he went home to talk to his mom, because she is his rock. Everything that we have been through, she really has been my rock. She tells me that everything will work out. Leon thinks people have their own doubts, but he wants to tell us that everything will be okay, everything will work out. If you keep believing in yourself, the World is yours! And now, NOW, I have the World in my hands, and I am not going to waste it. I will take on all challenges, so if you want me, then YA GET ME!

Matt stirs the pot a little bit, but Jeff says he has wanted to face Slater one-on-one, and it will happen soon. Matt says they aren’t booking themselves in title matches tonight, but they will decide his next challenger for the World Title at Destination-X. Elijah, Jason Hotch, Trey Miguel, Moose, and Ricky Sosa will climb the ladder to get the contract! So, everyone, enjoy the show, the HARDYS SHOW!

Ryan and Nic Nemeth are in the back. Ryan wants to know if this is even legal, and Nic says they will call their lawyer later. Nic complains that he isn’t even in the ladder match, but he will get his title shot after he beats Ryan. Ryan tells Nic he might win, and Nic says do the right thing and just lay down. Ryan repeats that he could win, and there is a pause before Nic laughs in his face. He says he is going to call mom and walks away, leaving Ryan to eat his apple like he was Carlito, or a horse.

BREAK IN PROGRESS!

Santino Marella is sitting in the back. SONOFAGUN! He says he is on vacation, so he has no responsibilities. It gets worse when we hear the shrill scream of DOYOUWANTTOKNOWSOMETHING? The System are here to complain. Cedric wants his X-Title back and he complains about a goof like Ricky Sosa being in the match. Eddie says he deserves to be in the match, and Santino says he is on vacation and leaves lol. Bronson calls out Eddie over his “little bonding moment” with Sosa on Sunday. There is some tension as Myers and Alexander break it up.

BROTHERS EXPLODE, BROTHER!

TNA World Tag Team Champion Nic Nemeth vs. Also, TNA World Tag Team Champion Ryan Nemeth

In the words of one Robert Winfree, “29 minutes without wrestling, no bueno.”

The brothers circle one another and decide to talk some. Nic whispers something to Ryan, who backs up to the corner and runs towards Nic. HE UNLEASHES THE ORANGE CASSIDY KICK! GOODNESS, NIC IS DEAD! Nic falls to the mat like he is dead, and Ryan moves into the pin.

But the Hardys are here! Matt told them that if they tried this carny stuff, then they will strip them of the tag team titles. So, FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT! Nic and Ryan argue over this, but Matt says he isn’t kidding, they are going to fight. Ryan tries to roll-up Nic with the tights for a two! Nic returns the favor for a two! Matt suggests moves like punching and SUPERKICKS.

Both brothers poke each other and start to shove one another. Matt leads a chant of BORING, so the fans join in. The shoving continues, and Ryan tries a clothesline, Nic with the SUPERKICK! He is beside himself right now. He goes to cover his brother, but he can’t do it. After Matt eggs them on some more, Nic hits the Fameasser and he pins his LITTLE BROTHER!
“WINNER:” Nic Nemeth
TIME: 4:55
THOUGHTS: Total and utter dog shit.
RATING: A metric ton of garbage bags

Nic has the mic post-match. He says he was supposed to get his World Title rematch tonight, but instead there is a number one contender match instead. He will have his eyes on the result of that match. Nic picks up Ryan and tries to fan him off lol.

The Hardys are walking in the back. Expressions and AJ Francis approach them, and Francis says he wants a World Title shot tonight. Matt instead offers him a match against the Goats, the Hardys! Francis says a handicap match would be unfair even if he is the best big man in wrestling, but Matt says Expressions is going to be his partner! They leave, and Expressions loses his mind.

Tom runs down the rest of the card for tonight. Hopefully, it has tangible wrestling on it.

BREAK IN PROGRESS!

Promo spot that they have been running for Tanea Brooks pops up.

Harley Hudson is in the back walking around. The Righteous walk up to her. She thanks them for helping her on Sunday, and Vincent says he appreciates the love. But they think it is best if she stays in the back since they have tables and syX to deal with. They leave, and Harley looks conflicted.

We see guys thinking they are impersonating the Hardys. I think they failed the assignment.

It’s time for table match madness! In other news, it has only taken 46 minutes for some actual wrestling! Not bad!

Tag Team Table Match: syX vs. The Righteous

There is a lot of talking before the hands start to fly. Vincent and Sawyer fight to the floor, while Shaw gets thrown around by Dutch. syX head to the outside where they grab a table, so the Righteous bring out some more tables. syX attack the Righteous on the ramp as we head out to the break.

During the break on TNA+, guys beat up on guys. It was riveting, but much better than what we got before this point at least. In the ring, Sawyer looks to throw Vincent through a table in the corner, but Vincent counters with Sliced Bread. Shaw and Dutch are fighting around the ring post. Headbutt from Dutch, he grabs Shaw and looks to suplex him to the floor! Shaw escapes back into the ring and he hits a SUPERKICK to Dutch, Dutch holds on to the ropes, and switches to a table-less side. Shaw dropkicks Duch to the floor and then throws him into the ring steps.

Sawyer shows off athleticism and hits a springboard reverse elbow! Vincent is about to get put through the table on the floor, but he has Lily of the Valley! He tries to feed it to Sawyer, but Shaw is here and he saves his partner. Vincent gets thrown into the table, but I AM THE TABLE! Shaw powerbombs Vincent through the table proper, but when he goes to get back into the ring, Dutch rams him off the apron and through a table!

That leaves Dutch and Shaw, as Dutch hits Death Walks. He sets up a table and puts Shaw on it. Dutch heads to the top, Sawyer is back and he grabs a hold of the foot of Dutch. This allows Shaw to grab Dutch, and he throws him through the table for the win!
WINNERS: syX
TIME: 9:35
THOUGHTS: Compared to what came before this, it was a breath of fresh air. It wasn’t all that great, to be fair, but at least SOMETHING actually happened.
RATING: ***

The TNA injury report is brought to us by LaFrance.

Leon Slater is dealing with back issues. He is being held out of action tonight as a precaution.

Tasha Steelz is not cleared due to a knee injury that she suffered on Sunday.

Trey Miguel enters tonight’s main event after enduring over 30 minutes in the CYS gauntlet.

More Hardy walking, as they approach Frankie Kazarian (complete with trophy) and Avery Styles. Frankie says he is a man that appreciates longevity in wrestling, and when they call their shot for the tag team title match, he hopes the Hardys are the Champions. Matt says he appreciates the fact that Frankie has taken Avery under his wing and taught him what he knows. Matt also says when they win the tag titles back, they will give Avery and Frankie the first shot. Kind of defeats the purpose of the trophy, doesn’t it?

BREAK IN PROGRESS!

Allie and Rosemary promo. Rosemary looks happy, and it looks like Allie is going to going to go Evil Bunny route, hopefully.

It wouldn’t be Hardy Night without the GOATS in action. Tonight’s Matter of Fact claims, “Matt always carries pocket change.”

The Hardys vs. AJ Francis and Expressions

Francis and Jeff to start this one off. Side headlock from Jeff, Francis picks him up, but Jeff escapes. Francis runs into the corner, and Jeff brings Francis down to a knee. Tag to Matt, who hits the double axe from the top rope. Double team offense ensues and ends with the Poetry in Motion. Matt looks to delete the arm of Francis out of existence, and Jeff returns so they can hit a double suplex.

Expressions takes a cheap shot at Matt, and he gets hit for his troubles, but it allows Francis to hit a big boot. Matt goes to the corner, and Francis hits the Tennessee Whiskey. Expressions tags in, and he “chops” Matt and tries to punch Jeff. Matt has him cornered, but Francis tags in and he smashes Matt in the corner. Expressions tags in, IT’S TIME FOR THE EXPRESSIONS ELBOW! ELBOW, MEET MAT!

Francis and Jeff get the tag. Jeff with clotheslines to keep Francis on spaghetti legs. VINTAGE Jeff offense gets him a two. Expressions holds Matt in place for Francis to hit a top rope move, but Jeff ends up tripping up Francis and he is in the Tree of WOE! The Hardys stalk Expressions, who eats a Twist of Fate from Matt and the Swanton Bomb from Jeff and the Hardys win it.
WINNERS: The Hardys
TIME: 5:35
THOUGHTS: The Hardys get a win on the show celebrating their 35th anniversary by pinning a manager while his client was upside in the corner. Nothing to see here, just move along!
RATING: **

The Knockouts Trios match is coming up, next!

BREAK IN PROGRESS!

The Rock-Hard moment of the night is brought to us by Blue Chew, and it features the eliminations of both Dutch and Vincent through the table.

Darkside, here I come!

Xia Brookside and TNA Knockouts Tag Team Champions APEX vs. Harley Hudson, Gabby Forza, and TNA Knockouts World Champion Indi Hartwell

Hartwell and Brookside to start this one, until they don’t because Xia tags in Shayna. She gets chants for her from the Dothan faithful, and she squares up with Indi. Hartwell dropkicks her to the corner, and Zoey tags in. Hartwell takes her to their corner, and Hudson tags in. She gets the better of Zoey for a bit, Zoey looking scoop slam, but Hudson escapes and shoulders Stark into her own corner.

Hartwell and Baszler in now. Serrano with the blind tag, Indi leaps over Baszler only to eat a lariat from Stark. Shayna is in again as she rings the left arm of Hartwell. Xia wants in now as she torques the arm of Indi. Hartwell rolls through, Indi picks up Xia, Brookside screams, and she gets planted with the Spinebuster.

Forza and Baszler in, and Gabby runs over everyone. She grabs both tag team Champions and hits a double suplex! Gabby picks up Hudson and throws her on top of Xia and Shayna! Stark is back as she hits a big knee strike to the head of Forza and a release German. Harley is left alone in the ring with the tag champs and, despite how hard she tries, she ends up succumbing to the Cho-Ten-Choke and taps out.
WINNERS: Xia Brookside and APEX
TIME: 5:25
THOUGHTS: This match was pretty good, albeit with a very small amount of run time. But hey, I guess that’s what happens when you go 46 minutes to open the show without tangible wrestling.
RATING: ***

Our main event is coming to us, next!

BREAK IN PROGRESS!

Ad for Destination-X, coming to us live on PPV on November 15th in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada!

The Youngest World Champion of all-time is here to commentate on the main event, YA GET ME? The entrants make their way to the ring as we take our obligatory pre-main event break.

BREAK IN PROGRESS!

5-Way Ladder Match to determine the number one contender to the World Title: Moose vs. Ricky Sosa vs. Elijah vs. Jason Hotch vs. Trey Miguel

Everyone jaws at one another, and Miguel and Hotch try to gang up on Moose, but that doesn’t go well for them. Sosa steps to Moose, they do their poses, Moose wants to shake hands, Ricky accepts, and Moose lays in the strikes. Sosa with a big dropkick to Moose, but Moose ends up catching Sosa in the corner, and he dropkicks him to the floor. Elijah is in, and he takes out Moose, Hotch, and Miguel. Sosa is back with a dropkick to Elijah. Moose is back, Sosa with the Spanish Fly!

Here comes Miguel, but Sosa hits him with Blue Thunder Bang. Hotch with a flying head scissor to Sosa. He catches a charging Sosa with an enziguri and hits the rolling neckbreaker! Here comes Moose and Elijah, but Hotch hits a DDT and a reverse DDT! Miguel flies in over Hotch but scores with the Poison Rana. Elijah is back, he chops Trey, but Miguel kips up and kicks Elijah to the apron.

Moose is back with a big boot to Miguel. He sends Elijah to the floor and hits a crossbody block. Moose is the first man to grab a ladder, but Elijah fights with him over it. Here comes Hotch and Miguel, but Elijah and Moose turn the ladder to smack both of them in the face. Sosa takes off and he lays out both men as we hit what should be our final break of the night.

During the break, Elijah is the first man to try and climb the ladder. Hotch stops him, so Elijah throws him into the ladder. He also throws Miguel into the ladder, and Elijah climbs. Spider-Trey is back, but Elijah chops him off the ladder. Hotch is back; Elijah is off-center a bit while Hotch is right underneath the contract. Both men trade strikes, Hotch finally knocks him off the ladder. He ALMOST has the contract, until Sosa returns and stops him. Down goes Hotch, but Sosa is too far away from the contract. Hotch shoves the ladder and Sosa to the mat.

Hotch is still holding on to the ladder as Miguel dropkicks it into his face. Miguel catches Moose on the apron, but joke is on Trey when Moose catches Trey and he Powerbombs him on the floor! Moose sets up some more ladders, including one in the aisle and a bridge to the ring. Moose looks to Powerbomb Trey through the ladder, but Miguel counters with a Tornado DDT off the bridge ladder!

Miguel goes climbing, but Hotch pulls him down and spins him around into a Powerbomb. Hotch starts to climb, but Mustafa Ali is here and he attacks Hotch! Both men fight to the floor and up the ramp, which leaves four men to contend for the contract. Miguel climbs the ladder, but Sosa and Elijah are back. Sosa throws Miguel into Elijah for the knee strike. Sosa kicks Elijah off the ladder and to the floor!

Sosa slowly climbs the ladder, but Moose is back. Moose has Sosa set up, POWERBOMB THROUGH THE LADDER BRIDGE ON THE OUTSIDE! Moose looks at him for a while before turning around. ELIJAH FROM THE TOP ROPE AND HE SMASHES MOOSE IN THE HEAD WITH HIS GUITAR! EAT YOUR HEART OUT, JEFF JARRETT! Elijah climbs the ladder and he has his hands on the contract, but Nic Nemeth is here! He takes Elijah off the ladder and hits the SUPERKICK! Nemeth climbs the ladder, but Miguel pulls Nemeth down and hits the Lighting Spiral! Miguel climbs to the top and, after some struggles grabbing the contract, Trey has the title shot!
WINNER: Trey Miguel
TIME: 17:50
THOUGHTS: Fantastic match, as I had hoped it would be. I had hoped the winner would be either Miguel or Sosa, so this result works. Lots of fun spots and drama added by both Ali and Nemeth. The match can’t save the show, but it definitely stood to be amazing on its own.
RATING: ****1/4

Post-match, Slater stares down Miguel. The Hardys are back to celebrate with both Trey and Leon, and with that, we are done!

5.5

The final score: review Not So Good

The 411

I try to find the positive in every show, no matter whether it has universal acclaim or universal distain from the critics. Honestly, I do. But tonight, I am hard-pressed to find many (if any) positives that came before the main event. Yes, I understand tonight was a celebration of the Hardys legacy in professional wrestling, and they deserve all of it. However, that doesn't erase the opening 29 minutes without a match, the opening 46 minutes without an ACTUAL match, and some clunky and agitating match bits and segments. Do yourself a favor and watch the main event because it was incredible, but forget the rest of the show even existed, because I sure did.