wrestling / TV Reports
Ciocco’s TNA Impact Review 4.23.26
Image Credit: TNA
Loading...Impact Zone! It’s Thursday night, and that can only mean one thing, and that’s a brand-new edition of TNA Impact, coming to us from the taped sessions that took place in Syracuse, New York! We have a TNA World Heavyweight Title match, some other side quests, and some people who have some explaining to do!
But before we begin, I want to let you all know that, as of tonight, I will be taking over the duties for Impact moving forward. The Boss, that of course being Jeremy Thomas, asked me if I would assume the role with Mr. Doi no longer a part of the writing staff, so from here on out, I am pivoting from Tuesday to Thursday Night instead. It’s still a day that begins with a T and ends in day, though! I know a lot of people are familiar with me already, but if you aren’t for any reason, rest assured that I will continue to bring my anti-tribalism mentality to the job and be as fair as possible.
Moving on, as I mentioned above, tonight the TNA World Heavyweight Championship will be on the line, as Mike Santana will look to defend the title against Rich Swann. For those who say that respect and sportsmanship still don’t go a long way, this match refutes that way of thinking, as both men showed a mutual interest (and admiration) in setting this title bout up. Will Santana continue to reign supreme, or will Swann take back the title that he once held roughly six years ago?
Matt and Jeff Hardy have had quite the “situationship” with Vincent and Dutch AKA The Righteous, as they were enemies upon the latter’s arrival in TNA, and that turned into a short-lived friendship, before Vincent and Dutch turned on Matt and Jeff. And so tonight, Matt will go one-on-one with the big man they call Dutch. Will Matt be able to overcome his bear of an opponent, or will Dutch wag his tongue to victory?
“The Wanted Man” Nic Nemeth has seen something of a babyface turn as of late, and that continues tonight, as he is set to face-off with The System’s Bear Bronson. The Big Bear made quite the name for himself over WrestleMania weekend, namely at the GCW Collective shows, but a win over a former TNA World Champion would go a long way towards making his name in TNA. Will Nemeth continue his hot run, or will one-half of the tag team champions get the upper-hand over the Zig-Zag Man?
We’re also set to hear from both Xia Brookside and Elayna Black tonight. In the case of the latter, it’s fair to assume that Elayna will continue to make her case for a shot at Knockouts Champion Ariana Grace, while in the case of the former, Xia will explain her actions after she turned on her tag team partner and friend Lei Ying Lee back at Rebellion. All of this and, of course, so much more in store for us tonight!
So, how is everyone doing on this Thursday Evening? Tonight is the first round of the NFL Draft, which is always a fun time for both the prospects who get drafted as much as it is for the fans who get to see the selections for their team, along with any trades that will take place throughout the extended weekend. For my Eagles, I’m somewhere between using our first-round pick on the best edge rusher available, or drafting Lane Johnson’s replacement. I don’t see us using it on a receiver even if/when A.J. gets traded, but that could be a second day priority. Also, the Flyers are now up on the Penguins 3-0 and can seal the deal and sweep them out on Saturday. As a Pittsburgh-adjacent native, I am absolutely over the moon about this!
But, enough about me and enough about you, let’s get ready to brace for Impact!
Tonight’s episode of Impact was taped in front of a live wrestling audience from the Upstate Medical Arena at the Oncenter War Memorial in Syracuse, New York! Tom Hannifan and Matt Rehwoldt will be on the call tonight.
We see Rich Swann on his cellphone in the back. He’s competing for the World Title tonight!
Entrance video incoming! I’M READY FOR YOU!
The System are out to start us off, as Bear Bronson is in action to open the show!
TNA Tag Team Champion Bear Bronson vs. Nic Nemeth
Ryan Nemeth is on commentary for this one, and he claims this match is happening because of that “little maggot KC Navarro”. Nic is out with his “Call Your Shot” trophy. I can’t believe he’s STILL holding on to that thing.
The bell rings, and Bronson corners Nemeth. Clean break, no, Bronson hammers him with forearms and chops. Bronson takes Nemeth across the ring and chops Nic. Nemeth to his feet with strikes to Bronson, but he jumps into his arms like an idiot and gets scooped. Bronson with another scoop slam and an elbow drop, but that’s just a two.
Nemeth brings the fight with strikes and a headbutt, but again he jumps into Bronson, who hits a Spinebuster. Bronson drops that ass on Nemeth, who kicks out at two. Bronson takes the ref, and Alisha Edwards chokes Nemeth.
Ryan: That’s illegal.
No shit, fellow Ryan.
Bronson with a side slam, and Nemeth kicks out at two. There is a strange argument over seeing the birth of Navarro and the Nemeth’s to prove KC isn’t Nic’s younger brother, and it’s funnier than should be. Nemeth ducks a charging Bronson in the corner, and he hits some clotheslines, but Bear doesn’t go down. Bronson to the corner, Nemeth with corner punches to follow. Fameasser from Nemeth, but Bronson is out at two.
Nemeth to his feet, and he tunes up the band, but Bronson catches his foot and delivers the Choke Bomb! The cover, but Nemeth just kicks out in the Nic(k) of time! The straps are down, and Bronson picks up Nemeth! Nic out the back door, and he throws Bronson shoulder first into the post. Nemeth spikes Bronson with a DDT, but Bronson gets right back up! Nemeth scores with the SUPERKICK, but Bronson kicks out at two.
Nemeth looking Danger Zone, but Bronson holds onto the ropes. He hits a lariat to Nemeth and hits the Falcon Arrow! He did the deal, but Nemeth kicks out at two! Bronson is upset and he hammers away on Nemeth. Nic rolls out to the floor, and Bronson has the ref, so the rest of the System circle him. KC Navarro is out, and they have a stare down! Ryan helps Nic back into the ring, and he hits a SUPERKICK to Bronson, who is in the ropes. Danger Zone, and the Wanted Man gets a win he wants!
WINNER: Nic Nemeth
TIME: 8:25
THOUGHTS: It could be argued that Nic didn’t need this one, as Bronson has seen his profile raise over the past weeks and months, but we are where we are. A very solid opener.
RATING: ***1/2
Gia Miller has Rich Swann in the back. BDE is also here as well. Rich has the goosebumps, he has the fire in his belly, and he has the desire to win the World Title tonight. Swann says he wants BDE to stay in the back and take notes, because he doesn’t want any excuses when he pins Santana’s shoulders to the mat.
BDE: Go get em, Unc
Swann: Don’t call me Unc!
Hannifan runs down the card for tonight, and Elijah’s concert is coming up next!
The Best of TNA Lockdown, featuring Mick Foley and Sting inside the six-sided steel cage is our commercial break! I like this WAY better than just the usual cavalcade of commercials. Dog bless TNA+!
Hannifan shills “Threads of Triumph”, a novel written by TNA’s own Mackenzie Mitchell!
TNAMerch.com shill incoming!
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome, the Drifter, Elijah! The ring announcer sounds like someone just pinched his balls lol. Oh, wait, it isn’t actually Elijah lol. It’s Frankie Kazarian! “Elijah” welcomes us to his concert. He knows he looks like a homeless caveman who escaped a mental institution, but he does this on purpose. Being in this frozen dump called Syracuse has made him realize how terrible his life truly is. The other day he went walking, or was he drifting, he either was walking or drifting, and he has a case of the blues. And that’s because he cannot beat Frankie Kazarian, the King! He has kicked my butt all over this beautiful country of ours! And that’s why “Elijah” has the blues! And he has a ballad for us, and it’s called Kaz is My Daddy!
Aw BOO, we don’t get the ballad, as the lights go out and we hear the opening guitar strum again, and the real Elijah is here! He chokes out “Elijah” with his guitar strap. He takes his seat. Hello, I am Elijah!
God may forgive your sins, but I don’t. Here’s the catch, we’re going to have a walk with Elijah guitar strap match! Since Frankie can’t respond right now, let’s sing a song. When Elijah says Syracuse knows, you say Frankie Blows! After the show, I’ll tell you what I’ll do, I’ll head to Dinosaur Barbecue! And I’m inviting all my friends, because Syracuse knows, Frankie blows!
EC3 in the back. He has a chair around his neck. Eric Young, do you think this is how this will end? You think that breaks me? Good. You took the air out of my lungs last week. Good. This is not a comeback, this is a crusade, this is a return. Eric, I am coming, I am coming for you, because through you, I will achieve what is necessary. The 1%, two-time champion, EC3, where he needs to be. Act III, starring EC3. Eric, I’m coming. TMI, brother.
Hannifan runs down the rest of the card again. Matt Hardy and Dutch are up next!
COMMERCIALS, featuring the Lockdown Showdown between BEER…MONEY, and Team 3D!
August 23rd, Chicago, it’s back! TNA Lockdown!
Tessa Blanchard, Victoria Crawford, and Mila Moore are in the back. Tessa complains about how they ended up being kidnapped. Moore says she was so stressed out that she broke out. Crawford says she loved it; they hit on her! Blanchard says enough, and next week, they are going to face off in the real world!
YOU GET WHAT I’M SAYING, MAN?
Matt Hardy vs. Dutch
Jeff Hardy and Vincent are banned from ring side for this match. Matt Hardy comes out and he grabs a table from underneath the ring. Apparently, this is a No-DQ match? That’s good to know lol. Hardy grabs a can of red spray paint and sprays the words SACRIFICE on the table, and he tells us that he came here for a sacrifice.
Hardy enters the ring, and Dutch lays into Hardy. Matt fires back with hands, but he issues five to take one. Twist of Fate is avoided, Death Walks from Dutch, but Hardy locks on a submission! Dutch walks to the ropes and breaks the hold with his teeth on the rope! Hardy hits the Side Effect and lays in punches. Dutch heads to the floor, where Hardy gives chase. He throws Dutch into the ring steps. Hardy slams the back of the head of Dutch into the ring steps while screaming about Dutch being his sacrifice!
Hardy promises to DELETE Dutch, and he rolls Dutch into the ring. Alrighty then. Hardy with punches to Dutch in the corner, Matt to the top with the ten punches. Dutch stumbles around like a drunken bar patron, and Hardy DELETES Dutch out of existence. Dutch reverses Hardy’s Irish Whip and clobbers Matt with a flying crossbody. Dutch chokes Hardy against the middle rope and lands body shots. Big Hammer throw, corner smash, and an elbow drop from Dutch. The cover, but Hardy is out at two.
Hardy to his feet, but he keeps punching the air. Hardy eventually finds Dutch, and a hockey fight breaks out in the corner. Shot to the gut from Dutch, followed by a straight punch to the face. Snapmare into the dreaded chinlock, as mastered by the late, great Davey Boy Smith.
That promised commercial break happens for a few seconds, as we return to see Dutch hit a sidewalk slam to Hardy. The cover, but Matt kicks out at two. Dutch goes back to the chinlock, making the Bulldog smile down on him. Dutch throws Hardy to the mat, but his splash misses. Hardy is ready to DELETE, Dutch blocks the Twist of Fate, but Matt scores with a DDT!
Hardy hits the Twist of Fate this time, and Dutch rolls out of the ring. Hardy with strikes, as Hannifan says standard match rules apply. Hardy puts Dutch on the table and he heads to the top. Hardy off the top with the elbow, and he hits Dutch, BUT I AM THE TABLE! (DUNDUN) Hardy takes the table and sets it against the ring apron, Hardy with a suplex to Dutch through the table! And this time, the table broke!
TNA chants, as Hardy returns Dutch to the ring. THIS IS AWESOME chants, and we see Vincent sneak out from under the ring! He throws a chair into the ring, Vincent knocks Matt off the top rope, and Dutch hits Death Walks for the win!
WINNER: Dutch
TIME: 10:50
THOUGHTS: Hard to argue with Dutch winning this match, as Matt winning doesn’t do too much for him. I don’t agree with the fans saying THIS IS AWESOME, but it wasn’t bad, either.
RATING: ***1/4
Post-match, Vincent takes a seat, while Dutch pounds away on Matt. Jeffery Nero Hardy is finally here to save his brother! He looks for a Twist of Fate to Vincent, but he escapes, so he hits Dutch with one! Hardy to the top, off comes the shirt, Swanton Bomb to Dutch!
Daria Rae is in the locker room. We hear a knock on the door, and The Elegance Brand walk in! The Personal Concierge butters up Daria, and they agree that life is better with Santino gone. They should lock him up and throw away the key. The PC wants Daria to look at Mr. Elegance, and Daria wants to know what the hell they want. They want a match for him next week in this dump known as Syracuse. She agrees to this, they leave, and she says they are weird.
The Bioflex injury report!
We will hear from Xia Brookside, next!
COMMERCIALS, as it looks to be a continuation of the BEER…MONEY and Team 3D match from the previous break.
We see Rich Swann doing push-ups in the back, while Santana has all of his regalia in a chair, as he walks back and forth.
We’re waiting for Xia, but Lei Ying Lee is out instead! First of all, she wants to apologize, her English is not perfect. But she wants to say something. At Rebellion, it was really bad for me. I love wrestling, I love TNA, I love my friends. Xia, she’s my best friend. WHY? Why do that to me? Xia Brookside, please, come out!
Ask and you shall receive, as Xia is here! Xia takes the mic. HOW DARE YOU CALL ME OUT! She tells the fans to shut their mouths. How dare you call me out here when you are the one in the wrong. You stand out here and tell these people I am your best friend? If that were true, then we would have settled this in the ring. You cost me that Championship the moment you showed me that video of my father.
Lei speaks in Chinese, but Xia says she is done translating for her. you have no idea the pressure that comes from being a second-generation wrestler. She did this all on her own. She didn’t even have her own father.
Lei questions alone, and she knows how it feels to be alone. She was alone here, but she found you, and she didn’t feel alone. She showed her that video because she was trying to help. She didn’t mean to hurt her feelings. If she did, she apologizes. She wants her to know that she will always be by her side.
Xia says you are right; she made a mistake. You’re right, she thought she was going to win that championship. A couple of weeks ago on Impact, she thought she was going to win the title from Ariana. Then she saw that video from the father that she never had in her life. And then she had Stacks in her ear, talking about the Birthright. But she wanted that title belt, but the truth is that she will not let the title come between them. Xia says that she wants Lei to win the title, and she says she is sorry.
Lei says she forgives her for what happened at Rebellion, and she is sorry. They hug it out, and Xia looks at us with evil intentions. And she strikes Lei. Yeesh, D-level acting here, folks. Xia screams that they are done, and she spikes Lei with a DDT. Officials are here to keep order, as Brookside walks around the ring.
Elayna Black is in action, next!
COMMERCIALS, with this break featuring Mickie James and Madison Rayne at Lockdown.
We see Xia Brookside’s betrayal of Lei Ling Lee as we return from the break. Hannifan and Rehwoldt discuss what happened before the break.
I want to paint it black!
Elayna Black vs. Katie Arquette
Katie is the cousin of David Arquette, for those who didn’t pick up on the surname. The bell rings, and Katie goes behind Elayna. Black reverses, throws Katie on her face, and stomps on her head. Arquette with arm drags, but Black fires back with a lariat. She says this is too easy for her as she walks around the ring. Katie to the apron, and Elayna feigns distress, but she trips up Arquette on the apron.
Black licks her hand and slaps Arquette one. Back in the ring, and Black off the ropes with a stomp to Katie. The cover for a two. Black with a headlock, Katie throws her off and hits shoulder tackles. Nobody is home in the corner, as Black scores with a knee to the face. Black with the neck breaker (The Blackout) and she wins it!
WINNER: Elayna Black
TIME: 2:25
THOUGHTS: A slight step over being a squash. Black is being pushed as a big deal in TNA, which isn’t really a bad thing at all.
RATING: N/R
Order-4 are in the back. This is a meeting of Mustafa Ali’s International Summit for his title. We see a bunch of flags on the screen, and they alternate and ends up being Australia.
Jason Hotch: New Zealand!
Ali: That’s Australia!
We have an Australian representative here to challenge Ali for his International Title next week, and it’s Adam Brookes! Adam wants to thank Mr. Ali for the opportunity and he walks away, calling him a bloke. Ali wants to know what a bloke is lol.
The main event is up next!
COMMERCIALS, this time it’s the Main Event Mafia against the Christian Coalition.
Alisha Edwards is screaming at me as they return. But she is interrupted by Bear Bronson, who is wrecking shop in the back. Brian Myers says that Bronson had a bad night, but bad nights don’t last in the System. Cedric Alexander says he wants to talk about his favorite subject, Leon Slater! He got screwed at Rebellion, and he wants a rematch. He knows Daria will be okay with that. Eddie Edwards says something about the system or another.
Speaking of Eddie and Boston, we get a shill for Slammaversary, coming to the Arggis Arena in Boston, Mass!
Okay, it’s main event time now, for real!
TNA World Heavyweight Title Match: Mike Santana (C) vs. Rich Swann
Mackenzie Mitchell with the in-ring introductions for this one. Santana takes a long time to hand over his title to the referee to show the world. The ref is very proud, like when Simba was shown to the Kingdom.
Oh, snap, commercial break RIGHT before the main event? This time, it’s footage of Kurt Angle and Jeff Hardy.
And we’re back, as the bell rings, and we get a handshake! RE-SPECT! WALK! Santana takes Swann to the corner and offers a clean break. Santana with wrist control off the lock-up, Swann reverses and cranks that arm of Santana. Santana rolls until he escapes and he goes to the wrist of Swann. Rich dances on the mat until he can get to his feet, but Santana just throws him back down.
Stand-off between both men, as we get a test of strength. SANTANA chants, as Mike gets the better of Rich, but Swann throws Santana overhead. Both men look for pins by bridging out, hip tosses by both men, cartwheels, and a double dropkick that doesn’t connect. And we reset. TNA chants, as we get another lock-up. Santana with a headlock, Swann tries to shake him, but he won’t let go. Swann with a leapfrog, Santana with a leapfrog, big kick and a dropkick from Swann, as Santana looks on confused.
Lock-up teased, but Santana chops him. Reversals on the whip, leapfrog, and a dropkick from Santana! Alabama Slam from Santana, another front face slam, enziguri, and a back splash from the Champion, but Swann kicks out at two. Swann rolls out to the floor, and Santana follows out. Swann chops Santana, but Mike with a big chop and a palm spike from the Champion! Santana returns to the ring, but he decides to go back out and bring Swann back into the ring. Santana with the pin for a two.
Santana sinks in a grounded abdominal stretch. He turns that into a grounded headlock. Swann to his feet, but Santana clubs him back down to the mat. Mike with a chinlock, and Swann uses a Stunner to escape. Big kick to the gut and the Axe Kick from the challenger, Santana kicks out at two. Swann with a snapmare, he backs up and delivers the PK! Swann’s turn to apply a chinlock.
Santana to his feet, but Swann takes him right back down to the mat. Audible boos for Swann clashing with SANTANA chants now. Santana again gets to his feet, he chops his way free, but Swann responds with two spinning kicks to the gut. He fires up and hits a third kick. Leaping enziguri that sends the Champion to the floor. Swann follows him out to the apron, and he hits a running PK on the apron. Swann is feeling himself, and he puts Santana in a chair at ringside. Big kick to the chest from the challenger.
Swann rolls into the ring to break the count, and he takes off around the ring, and he kicks Santana in the face! Swann again heads into the ring to break the count, and he goes around the ring again and hits a second kick! He tries it a third time, but Santana with a SUPERKICK! Mike returns Rich to the ring, Santana to the top, but Swann catches him with a SUPERKICK!
Swann to the top, but Santana kip ups and goes after Swann. Rich fights off Mike once, but Santana is back and he hits a Superplex! TNA chants, as both men are down on the mat. Both men get back to their feet, and Santana lays in the strikes to Swann. Off the ropes, and Santana with a flying shoulder tackle. Swann fires off Santana, he catches his foot, and boots Swann in the face. Reversals by both men, Rolling Buck Fifty from Santana! The cover, but Swann kicks out at two.
Santana poses for a bit, allowing Swann to roll him up for a two. Swann with kicks, but Santana picks up Swann for the Outline in Chalk! CANNONBALL from the Champion followed by a running Powerbomb! The cover, but Swann is out at 2.5! THIS IS AWESOME chants (I think) as Swann catches Satana with self-defense boots. Swann rolls into the Champion and hits a flying clothesline! Swann with jabs and a swinging neck breaker! Swann heads to the top, his 450 comes up empty, Rolling Buck Fifty misses, but Rich’s CUTTER doesn’t! The cover, but Santana kicks out at 2.5!
Swann approaches Santana, but Mike kicks him in the face. Snap Rana by the challenger, and Swann to the top now. He hits a Frog Splash, but Satana kicks out at 2.8! Swann sets up Santana, but Mike escapes and hits a backdrop face plant! Swann catches Santana with a Destroyer, but Santana is out at two! Swann kicks Santana, but he falls victim to Spin the Block, and the Champion retains!
WINNER: Mike Santana (And still)
TIME: 19:00
THOUGHTS: Freaking amazing stuff here. They didn’t need weapons, they didn’t need theatrics, they just went out there and kicked all kinds of ass.
RATING: ****1/2
Post-match, Swann and Santana shake hands and raise each other’s arms. Daria Rae is here to present Santana with his title belt, since apparently Carlos Silva isn’t here. She puts the title on Santana, and he acts surprised. And with that, we are done!
