TNA Impact Wrestling: Complete Preview, Rumors, News and More for September 24
It will be tough for TNA to follow last week’s free edition of the No Surrender pay-per-view, but Executive Director of Wrestling Operations Kurt Angle has big plans for this Wednesday’s episode of Impact Wrestling.
As the company announced last week, Angle has booked a tournament to crown the toughest man in New York City. The winner of the event will be awarded a shot at any title at any time.
With major Bound for Glory implications on the line and plenty of other action scheduled for this week’s edition of TNA’s flagship show, wrestling fans can’t afford to miss Impact Wrestling.
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Here is the full preview for Wednesday's episode.
Where: Manhattan Center, New York City
When: Wednesday, Sept. 24, at 9 p.m. ET (pre-taped)
Watch: Spike TV
The Toughest Man Tournament
The announcement that TNA would be holding a huge tournament as a way to say goodbye to New York City after a wild summer in the Manhattan Center is the perfect concept.
After watching Roode lose his opportunity at the gold, the company is looking for the new No. 1 contender to Bobby Lashley’s world title.
Wrestling fans love the concept of tournaments (look no further than the King of the Ring), and TNA has the chance to fill a market that is not being utilized by WWE. It has been a long time since a one-night tournament was held, and the storyline could draw in old-school fans looking for a touch of nostalgia.
Question on Everybody's Mind: What Is On the Line Wednesday?
TNA and Angle have made it clear that this tournament is a big deal. With a guaranteed shot at any title of the winner’s choice at any time, this will become TNA’s equivalent of the Money in the Bank briefcase.
For fans looking for Lashley to drop the title soon, this is the ideal way to build the next face challenger. Angle spoke to ImpactWrestling.com about the tournament and what will be on the line:
"I've decided to title this tournament the 'NYC Gold Rush' and I think it's the perfect way to end our spectacular summer in New York City. This is going to be a one night event where we will have five qualifying matches. The winners of those matches will advance to the main event. The last man standing at the end of the evening will earn a championship match against any TNA champion... At any time!
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Lashley has been much better than expected in his role as champion. MVP has been a great mouthpiece, and Lashley has proved to be serviceable in the ring. With that said, the company needs a top face with the title in order to spike the ratings. It’s time for a title change.
Hype Meter: 4 out of 5 Long-Term Decisions
This tournament is a big opportunity for TNA. There have been questions about Impact Wrestling’s long-term future on Spike TV, but booking a top face as the winner of this match and the next eventual champion could be the instant change the company needs.
As much as a title change before the PPV would be counterproductive in the short term, putting the title on a face that can carry the company through a very important time may be the only option. Add in the possibility of a marquee face vs. face match at Bound for Glory if Lashley gets his rematch on free television, and an impromptu title change may be best for business.
TNA News: Ratings for Wednesday’s No Surrender, via Marc Middleton of WrestlingInc.com.
Breaking Down the Tournament’s Matches
While the impact of the tournament could have drastic effects on the long-term future of the company, the event at its core is all about the in-ring matchups. Impact Wrestling always features elite wrestling, and this week’s show should be no different.
Angle has announced the five matchups, which include Austin Aries vs. Knux, Mr. Anderson vs. Magnus, Abyss vs. Samuel Shaw, MVP vs. Low Ki and Tajiri vs. Robbie E. For hardcore fans of TNA, these are unique and interesting matches.
Question on Everybody's Mind: Which Stars Will Advance to the Final Match?
The five aforementioned matches feature several of the top stars in the company. While this would be the perfect time to book a swerve and push an unproven star to the top, TNA will likely lean on the reliable stars it always does.
If you are looking to pick the five winners who will advance to the final, look no further than Aries, Magnus, Abyss, MVP and Robbie E. The resulting match to crown the new No. 1 contender would be a main event worthy of the Impact Wrestling stage.
Hype Meter: 4 out of 5 Interesting Resolutions
The match should essentially come down to the two best participants involved; MVP and Aries. As the two most technically gifted men on the mic and in the ring, the battle between these two stars would be interesting on its own. With a title shot on the line, it’s even better.
As much as Aries should be booked as the face of the company, this would be the perfect opportunity to give MVP the title shot. Teasing a cash-in on his friend and current champion Lashley would make for an interesting build to Bound for Glory and an unforgettable moment when MVP turns and takes home the title.
If you’re looking to make a wager, let it ride on MVP.
TNA Rumors: Top Star Reportedly Leaving? Via Middleton.
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