TNA Impact Wrestling: Complete Preview, Rumors, News and More for May 22

After last Thursday’s wild episode of Impact Wrestling featured the director of wrestling operations, MVP, beating down TNA world heavyweight champion Eric Young with the help of his new stable made up of Kenny King and Bobby Lashley, wrestling fans are excited about what’s coming next.

Add in the confusing relationship between Magnus and Bram, Bully Ray’s never-ending quest to put Dixie Carter through a table and the unpredictable storyline featuring The Menagerie, and the build to June’s Slammiversary pay-per-view is shifting into high gear.

Here is a full preview of Thursday’s broadcast and what Impact Wrestling fans should expect.

Where: Universal Studios, Orlando, Florida

When: Thursday, May 22, at 9 p.m. ET (pre-taped)

Watch: Spike TV

MVP Builds a Powerful Heel Stable

While there are many fans who question the decision to go from one heel authority figure to another in only a matter of weeks, MVP is a much better fit as the heel leader of Impact Wrestling than Dixie Carter ever was.

Alone, MVP is a solid heel with real power in the company. With two of the biggest names in the company like King and Lashley backing him up, though, the heel stable now has the strength to hold TNA hostage.

That’s bad news for world champion Eric Young.

Question on Everybody’s Mind: Will MVP Become the New TNA Champion?

With Slammiversary less than a month away, the excitement leading up to the title match between Young and MVP is growing. TNA has done an admirable job of booking the champion strong and has done an even better job of getting the fans to hate MVP.

How this storyline is booked over the next several weeks will be the determining factor in which of the wrestlers walks out of the next PPV with the title.

If MVP and his stable of heels continue to get the upper hand on Young week after week, the champion will likely successfully defend the belt. On the other hand, if Young avoids the weekly beatdowns and gets the upper hand on MVP, there is a realistic chance the title changes hands in June.

Hype Meter: 4 out of 5 Interesting Main Event Storylines

When Young initially won the title from Magnus, there were serious questions about the direction this angle would take. Despite a lackluster start to his reign—one night of buildup isn’t enough—he has been booked strong since and looks like a worthy champion.

Add in a heel like MVP, who is drawing legitimate heat from the fans, and this is the kind of main event program that will draw interest to the PPV.

TNA must still surround the title match with a stellar card, but the groundwork has been laid for an excellent Slammiversary.

Whether Young retains the title or not, his first run with the championship should be considered a huge risk that paid off for the company. As fun as the ride was, it’s time to put the belt on a top star like MVP.

Magnus Gets Mean, Bully Gets Even and The Menagerie Stays Awesome

Another major storyline taking place right now is the tense relationship between former champion Magnus and recent roster addition Bram.

The two men have an undefined friendship, but it's abundantly clear that Bram is trying to bring out a darker side in Magnus that he is not currently willing to accept.

There is always a chance that this angle is leading to a face turn for Magnus, but the better option would be for the former champion to embrace the heel persona and add a serious edge to his character.

While many fans wished this would’ve happened during Magnus' run with the world title, this could be a precursor to him getting back into the championship scene.

Question on Everybody’s Mind: Will Bully Ray Get Even with Dixie Carter?

After stalking Dixie Carter for weeks, Bully Ray finally cornered the TNA president in her home and was about to get what he wanted before Ethan Carter III attacked him from behind. With Kurt Angle out with a torn ACL, ECIII has now shifted his focus to Bully Ray.

ImpactWrestling.com is reporting that Dixie will be in attendance at this week’s broadcast to call out MVP for his abuse of power. After the attack from ECIII last week, there is little doubt that Bully Ray will also be involved in this segment.

Hype Meter: 4 out of 5 Elbow Drops onto Balloons

There are many fans quick to criticize TNA, but the company is currently running one of the best gimmicks of the last decade. Led by the group’s ringmaster, Knux, The Menagerie stable is an exciting mix of unique wrestling personalities.

As great as the first two weeks of this group have been, it’s key to start it off with a memorable first feud. Despite a serious lack of tag team depth, the best option would be a comedy trio like The BroMans.

The resulting six-way matches featuring Knux, Crazzy Steve and The Freak taking on Jessie, Robbie and DJ Zema Ion would be a great mix of entertaining spots and solid wrestling.

This is a great secondary storyline that wrestling fans should be embracing.

TNA Rumors

Impact Wrestling’s status with Universal Studios, per Wrestling Observer Newsletter (h/t Wrestling Inc).

TNA News

Last week’s Impact Wrestling ratings, per Marc Middleton of Wrestling Inc.

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