TNA Impact Wrestling: Complete Preview, Rumors, News and More for December 5

TNA has made fundamental changes since Bound for Glory, which have resulted in better episodes of Impact Wrestling. The fundamental storylines, the smart use of talent and the improved quality of the programming has all made the product more enjoyable each week.

The semifinals for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship tournament take place on Thursday’s show, and there is plenty of secondary build for other angles—something most wrestling companies today don’t know how to book.

Here is all the vital viewing information for Thursday’s Impact and a full preview of the action scheduled for the show.

Where: Universal Studios, Orlando, Fla.

When: Thursday, Dec. 5, 9 p.m. ET (Pre-taped)

Watch: Spike TV

World Title Tournament Semifinals

Since AJ Styles left TNA with the world title, owner Dixie Carter made the call to hold a tournament that would decide the winner of the company’s new belt. The March Madness-style event has already reached the semifinals, and both matches are scheduled to take place Thursday.

With the finals for the tourney being set on this week’s Impact, wrestling fans will tune in to see the culmination of the action, at the very least. This is yet another smart booking decision.

Question on Everybody’s Mind: Who Advances to the Finals?

No matter which star the fans cheer for in TNA, the fact that Jeff Hardy will take on Bobby Roode in a tables match, and Kurt Angle will square off against Magnus in a last-man-standing match, proves that the wrestling action during this week’s Impact will be second to none.

As much as the company has been building to a final between Roode and Angle, the recent focus on Magnus likely indicates he will advance. TNA doesn’t want to put two heels against each other in the finals, so allowing Hardy to advance would give the company the Angle vs. Roode match it wants and the main event between Hardy and Magnus.

Hype Meter: 5 out of 5, Legitimately Important Matches

This tournament is the first page in the new chapter of Impact Wrestling’s history, and it has been well-executed for the most part. A mix of solid matches and intriguing storylines make the bouts mean even more, so TNA has done a great job subtly building angles recently and seeing them through.

The two semifinals matches on Thursday must be perfect.

Hardy’s first match against Sabin was too short and took away from the magnitude of the situation. This is a pre-taped episode of Impact, meaning there should be no issues making these two matches feel special by placing them at key moments in the show and allowing the wrestling to sell the product.

TNA News: Thanksgiving ratings for Impact, according to Marc Middleton of Wrestling Inc.

Joseph Park, ECIII and the Rest of Impact Wrestling

There is no doubt that the World Title tournament will take center stage for this week’s show (as it should), but there are still several secondary storylines that the company will address.

With fun angles involving Joseph Park, Ethan Carter III and the Bro Mans, TNA will use the most of its limited time to build to as many meaningful matches as possible. Impact doesn’t have three hours like other shows on TV; however, the company has done a more effective job booking an all-around interesting show.

Question on Everybody’s Mind: Will Bad Influence Find Abyss?

One of the most interesting storylines in all of wrestling right now is the unwavering pursuit of the truth from the tag team of Bad Influence. The duo is trying to find out why Park and his brother Abyss are never in the same place at the same time.

According to the show’s website, Kaz and Daniel took a road trip to find out more about the situation and found some convincing evidence. What the tag team reveals Thursday is sure to be funny and a great addition to the show.

Hype Meter: 4 out of 5, Intriguing Secondary Storylines

As fun as the Joseph Park storyline has been, the midcard is filled with secondary storylines that will help keep fans entertained for two hours and will help build to an eventual pay-per-view match.

Whether it’s the ongoing war between Ken Anderson and Bully Ray, the open challenge from Knockout’s champion Gail Kim or the relentless pursuit of perfection from ECIII, there is enough to keep every fan entertained while still building to the future.   

TNA Rumors: WWE stealing Impact storylines? Per Wrestling Observer via TNA Wrestling News

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