TNA Impact Wrestling: Complete Preview, Rumors, News and More for May 15

After a wild episode of Impact Wrestling last Thursday that saw director of wrestling operations MVP attack TNA World Heavyweight champion Eric Young, fans are excited to see what happens next as Slammiversary approaches.

As one of the biggest shows of the year, Slammiversary heads to the Dallas/Fort Worth area on June 15, and it’s clear now that MVP has every intention of main eventing the pay-per-view as the No. 1 contender for the world title.

Add in the drama between Bully Ray and TNA president Dixie Carter, the battle between Willow and the Magnus-Bram combination and the X Division Championship match, and this Thursday’s broadcast is must-watch television.

Here is a full preview of what fans should expect on this week’s Impact Wrestling.

Where: Universal Studios, Orlando, Florida

When: Thursday, May 15, at 9 p.m. ET (pre-taped)

Watch: Spike TV

MVP Continues His Full-Fledged Heel Turn

The addition of MVP to the TNA roster was a great move for the company in terms of bolstering the depth and talent on the roster, but the director of wrestling operations has been slowly proving to be inept at his job.

While there were many fans who thought these were growing pains of a wrestler put in an authoritative position, it is now clear that MVP had other ideas. The attack on Eric Young was the clear heel turn fans were looking for, but the company must continue to book both men strong leading into this main event to build excitement for the PPV.

Question on Everybody’s Mind: How Will Eric Young Respond?

Ever since winning the title, Young hasn’t been afraid to put the title on the line in any of his matches. After he was obviously set up and double-crossed, the always honest champion will now be looking to respond with physical action against MVP.

MVP still has power in TNA, so Young must be careful.

With Young likely looking for a fight after being brutally attacked, Impact Wrestling fans should look for the newly heel MVP to do anything he can to avoid the champion. Don’t be surprised if MVP claims that if EY touches him, he will be stripped of the title.

Hype Meter: 4 out of 5 Double Turns

TNA is clearly going forward with the MVP heel turn, but it is also in the process of turning another top star as well. After the interactions with Young in the previous weeks and the confrontation with MVP, Bobby Roode looks to be on the right track to a face turn.

The face turn was cemented when MVP suspended Roode:

Whether it’s this week on Impact Wrestling or at the Slammiversary PPV, Roode must come down to the ring and help Young. There is a feud waiting to happen between MVP and Roode, but it remains to be seen if it will be for the title or not.

TNA News: Ratings stumble against NFL draft, per Marc Middleton of Wrestling Inc.

Bully Ray, Willow, Bram and More Slammiversary Build

Much of the focus is on the TNA World Heavyweight Championship scene, but Impact Wrestling has been doing a great job telling secondary storylines. One of the best thus far involves Bully Ray trying to find Dixie Carter.

After going to her office in Nashville and rallying the troops around him, Bully Ray now knows where Carter lives. With cameras following him throughout this process, there is no question that Bully will end up in Dixie’s house this week.

That will make for interesting television.

Question on Everybody’s Mind: What’s the Deal with Magnus and Bram?

On this Thursday’s show, former World Heavyweight champion Magnus will team up with the newly signed Bram in a 2-on-1 Handicap match. Magnus and Bram teased tension last week, so it would make sense for Willow to pick up the victory and further the heat between former friends.

The hope is that while the two men have teased tension off the bat, it will eventually lead to both men forming a tag team. Not only would Magnus and Bram make for a formidable team, but they would also add depth to the stagnant division and give The Wolves a viable challenge.

Hype Meter: 4 out of 5 Random X Division Matches

There will always be a complaint about the lack of storylines in the X Division, but when champion Sanada puts his title on the line against Tigre Uno and DJ Zema Ion, it will clearly be one of the best matches of the night.

These three men can flat-out work, and the intensity in this match will be second to none. Fans should expect Sanada to retain the title, but the in-ring chemistry between Tigre Uno and the champion is palpable, and DJZ can have a great match with almost anyone.

This has all the earmarks of the show-stealing match for Thursday’s broadcast.

TNA Rumors: Backstage news on release of Kazarian, per PWInsider Elite (via Wrestling Inc).

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