TNA IMPACT Episode "Screwed" a Comprehensive Review

This review will be broken down into into three different categories. The categories will be broken down into back stage segments, in ring promo's  and of course matches. Each segment and match will be analyzed in depth and graded in a number scale ranging from 1-5. A match or segment that is underserving of a rating will be deemed as a "fast food match" or "fast food  segment." This implies that a match or segment are simply unwatchable and do nothing except prompt the viewer to change the channel.

       In Ring Promo's

             Hogan, Bishoff and Foley (5min,14sec)

      This segment featured a continuation of last weeks Impact. Hogan and Bishoff opened TNA by walking into the ring and calling out Mick Foley. This comes after last week when Bishoff publicly fired Foley for allegedly physically assaulting him. The segment worked in that it showed a drift between Bishoff and Hogan. Hogan was in favor of Foley staying in Impact as to where Bishoff was eager to fire him. Foley got himself over as a solid face by telling the audiance that Bishoff was lying about the physical assault. In the end Hogan played the part of a face by giving Foley a chance. The segment ended awkardly by the music being played before Hogan had finished speaking.

final rating: 3 out of 5

             Nasty Boys and Team 3d (6min,22sec)

      The second in ring segment put the Nasty Boys in a argument with Team 3d. Asides from the segment being very long it failed to really add any interest to the already stale rivalry. Both teams cut semi interesting interviews and the viewer never got the sense that the Nasty Boys were a prominent tag team. The most interesting part of the segment was hearing references to the past by both teams. Team 3d mentioned their work in ECW,WWE and in New Japan pro wrestling. Even though it was enjoyable to hear it also only served to promote TNA's rival companies. The Nasty Boys also mentioned the outsiders, legion of doom, and Hart foundation. Asides from the interview being not that entertaining Saggs also came up with the worst line ever heard in pro wrestling "Nasty Boys gonna die nasty unlike you bozos."

final rating 2 out of 5

                Kurt Angle and Hogan, interference by Scott Hall and X Pac (7min,12sec)

      This was a very powerful segment in that it got over Angle as a face and also established AJ as a heel. Angle was able to get a fantastic baby face reaction through speaking about how he has entered the 8 card stud tournament. Hogan came out and both him and Angle shook hands once again cementing them as current faces. In a dissapointing twist Hall and X Pac came into the ring and beat Angle down. This segment was successful in getting Angle and Hogan over but did nothing for the screw job angle. The interference by the "Band" was simply not needed and diverted from the intended screw job storyline.

final rating 3 out of 5

      Back Stage Segments

     Jeff Jarrette and Bubba the love sponge (27sec)

      This was a extremely short segment but accomplished what it set out to do. It made it known that TNA was going in the direction of showing Double J as a face.

final rating N/A too short!

     Mr Kennedy and Christie Hemmy (1min,49sec)

      This was a very well performed promo by Mr. Kennedy he did a excellent job of getting himself over. He issued a open challenge and took complete control of the interview. This showcased the skills of Mr. Anderson and the facial reactions by Christy Hemmy served to strengthen the interview.

final rating 3 out of 5

      Jeff Jarrette in office with Hogan and Bishoff (3min,14sec)

        This segment furthur showed the drift occuring between Hogan and Bishoff. Jeff Jarrette came into the office like a classic face asking for a chance to prove himself. Eric Bishoff did an alright job of being a heel and refusing to let him back in easy. This segment highlighted the main problem that I have with TNA. It feels as if Bishoff believes that he is entertaining enough to appear multilple times within the program. The truth is that he is effective for a short time but is not good enough to be showcased at such a high level.

final rating 2out of 5

Ultimately the TNA segments were numerous and did little for the entertainment value of the show. Hogan and Bishoff were shown numerous times and AJ Styles came across as a wrestler whom is having a tough time adapting to being a heel. His involvement with Rick Flair makes it even harder since the crowd has a very hard time booing Flair. Other backstage sements included Bobby Lashley being fired and a confrontation between Hogan and referee Earl Heber. He explained to Hogan that he screwed Hogan because Flair had paid him. Once again another reference to Montreal was made. This confrontation was terrible because it eliminated all mystery sorrounding the shows main theme of screwed.

matches    

 Desmond Wolf VS Sean Morley (3min,33sec)

  This was an alright match for the time that both wrestlers were give. Both of the styles complimented each other well and this is one of the better matches that i have seen Morley in. Nothing spectacular or memorable but what can you do with a little over three minutes. Desmond got put over Morley which is a good thing considering Morley got a win at a PPV against Daniels.

final rating: 2 out of 5 

  Daniels vs Hernandez (4min,32sec)

   This had the potential to be a great match if not for the time constraint. Their were good high spots and the pace in the ring was fantastic. Hernandez got the win which leaves TNA fans worried about the current losing streak Daniels seems to be on. Seems llike if Russo, Bishoff and Hogan might be using him only as a means to get other guys over.

final rating 3 out of 5 

  Beautiful People vs Awesome Kong, Hamada, Tara (4min,30sec)

    There was just to many wrestlers to only let this match run under five minutes. All the Knockouts did a great job during the match except for Awesome Kong whom was in the match for a whole 14 seconds. This was terrible match planning and only served to get Angelina Love over.

final rating 2 out of 5

Brian Kendrick, Motor city Machine guns vs amazing red, generation me (3min,4sec)

    This match was short but had the crowd going. Nice high spots but poor finish. Dough Williams ended up cashing in money in the bank he was given to pin Red in a 5 seconds match. If Tna was trying to recreate a edge like feeling they certainly failed.

Final Rating 3 out of 5

Main Event Mr. Kennedy vs Jeff Jarrette

     It was great to see these two in action. The match was simply fantastic and double J carried the match well despite not wrestling for a long time. TNA did a excellent job of incorporating Mr Andersons commentary during his own matches. This added to the excitment and really got Anderson over. Not surprisingly the win went to Anderson but this was a great match up.

final rating 4 out of 5

In conclusion, TNA incorporated way too many backstage segments and not enough in ring action. This would not be a problem if the segments had been at a higher caliber. The matches were decent for today's television standards but the truth remains that more time is needed. One thing that TNA is doing well is showcasing some great matches such as the main event on this program. This was actually one of the better shows that I have seen them do and they seem to be on the right path. This was a type of show that could have done decent numbers against RAW.

Overall rating 3 out of 5