TNA Impact Wrestling Results and Thoughts: Silva Earns a Contract

The May 3, 2012 edition of TNA Impact! Wrestling from the Impact! Zone in Orlando, Florida opened with a video package recapping the Bischoff family feud.  Without any opening video package, we get Ric Flair in the ring.  Flair talks about Hulk Hogan and call him to the ring.  Hogan comes out and eventually persuades Flair to join the TNA Gut Check judging team. 

Madison Rayne and Gail Kim versus Brooke Tessmacher and Velvet Sky

Your winners, Tessmacher and Sky.

Match rating: 3 out of 5

Rob Van Dam and Bobby Roode have a confrontation in the ring.  RVD picks Mr. Anderson to face Roode later that night.  Roode selects Jeff Hardy to face RVD.

Devon versus Rob Terry for the TNA Television Title

Your winner, Devon.

Match rating: 2.5 out of 5

We get a Gut Check backstage discussion with the three judges.  They are Ric Flair, Al Snow and Bruce Prichard.

Hulk Hogan and Mr. Anderson are backstage talking.

Jeff Hardy versus Rob Van Dam

Your winner, Rob Van Dam.

Match rating: 3.5 out of 5

Jeremy Borash is backstage talking about Eric Bischoff until Bully Ray pulls him to the ring.  Austin Aries makes the save and a brawl breaks loose.

Kurt Angle, Christopher Daniels and Kazarian versus AJ Styles, Samoa Joe and Magnus

Your winners, AJ Styles, Joe and Magnus.

Match rating: 4 out of 5

In the ring, we have all three judges of Gut Check.  They bring out Alex Silva.  Silva receives enough votes to earn a TNA contract after Flair told him to restart his promo.

Mr. Anderson versus Bobby Roode

Your winner, Bobby Roode.

Match rating: 3 out of 5

PERAGINE'S FINAL THOUGHTS

Impact! Wrestling Final Rating: 3 out of 5

There was not anything great or bad about this program.  It was a decent showing by TNA.  I continue to enjoy that women's wrestling matters more in TNA rather than in WWE, where the women's matches seem to last under a minute.  The concept of Gut Check is something new and different to present to viewers.  I liked the idea of the behind the scenes look of how young wrestlers are viewed by respectable names in the industry, especially Ric Flair.  He seems to fit that card.  The show had a reality television feeling in the ring with the background music, but Silva was strong in his promo and that earned him a contract.

The matches, however, were too short at times.  I am happy the TV Title has some significance now, but clean finishes would be nice to see.  The RVD and Hardy match was pretty good but needed some more television time.  Both are just incredible athletes. 

TNA is coming up with some interesting new segments such as Open Fight Night and Gut Check.  It has a great roster of talent and having big names such as Hogan and Flair putting over young wrestlers like they do in Gut Check makes it a significant feeling.  The new 8:00 p.m. EST time slot should help grow a better audience over time.  The company still needs work but the seeds are there to grow.  They just need to figure out how to plant them.