TNA Impact Wrestling: Complete Preview, Rumors, News and More for October 1

After weeks of running shows out of the Manhattan Center in New York City, TNA’s Impact Wrestling moves to the Sands Casino in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania for the next several weeks as the company builds to October’s Bound for Glory pay-per-view.

With Austin Aries and The Wolves making major announcements regarding their respective title matches, a Knockouts Championship bout booked between Gail Kim and Havok, and Bobby Roode clearing the air about his recent championship loss, this will be an action-packed episode of Impact Wrestling.

Here is the full preview for Wednesday's episode.

Where: Sands Casino, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

When: Wednesday, Oct. 1, at 9 p.m. ET (pre-taped)

Watch: Spike TV

Gail Kim vs. Havok for the TNA Knockouts Championship

It isn't very often that the focus of my preview is on a women’s championship match, but that’s the case when Gail Kim defends the Knockouts title against Havok in one of the most anticipated bouts in the history of the division.

Havok was a decorated independent wrestler who was brought in by TNA recently to be the monster heel to counteract champion Gail Kim. Kim is one of the greatest women’s wrestlers of all time, and the resulting match Wednesday will be a true testament to the talent of both women.

Question on Everybody's Mind: Who Will Walk Out Victorious?

The hope from fans is that the company didn’t bring Havok in as a short-term answer. If Havok is with TNA for the long haul, Kim has to walk away from the first title match with the championship.

Whether it’s by having Havok go overboard and getting herself disqualified, or even Kim getting herself disqualified when she’s in trouble to show true fear, this match must end with a dirty finish. That would lead to the natural booking of Havok getting the win and the title at Bound for Glory.

Hype Meter: 5 out of 5 Legitimate Women’s Matches

Many wrestling fans have become so used to the WWE’s Divas division that they have tuned out women’s wrestling completely. When Kim and Havok go to battle on Wednesday night, the fire underneath the division will be lit once again.

Just as TNA has helped bring back tag team wrestling, Kim and Havoc have the chance to show what real women’s wrestling is all about. With Kim providing the explosiveness and the in-ring savvy and Havok providing the raw power and desire, this could be the most intriguing women’s match of the year.

If it becomes a series as suspected, this has the chance to be a memorable feud for TNA.

TNA News: Ratings for Wednesday’s Impact Wrestling, via Marc Middleton of WrestlingInc.com.

Announcements and Talking Segments Galore

One of the biggest announcements expected on this Wednesday’s Impact Wrestling is Austin Aries’ decision regarding which title he will fight for after winning last week’s Gold Rush tournament.

Aries is arguably the top star in the company and should be challenging for the world title, without question. Nothing else makes sense. Unfortunately, Mike Tenay alluded to the possibility that Aries could cash in for a shot at the X Division Championship.

This would be a gross misuse of Aries, and the hope is Tenay was just planting the seeds of doubt.

Question on Everybody's Mind: What’s the Stipulation?

Another blockbuster announcement this week will be the stipulation for the fourth and final tag team championship match. The Wolves won the third match of the series and now get to choose the stip in the next battle against Team 3D and The Hardys.

With both the table and ladder match stipulations already chosen and the history between Team 3D and The Hardys in Tables, Ladders and Chairs matches, The Wolves will likely pick the Full Metal Mayhem stipulation. If this is the case, the final match will be the best to date, and that’s saying something.

Hype Meter: 4 out of 5 Intriguing Mid-Show Matches

One of the most intriguing matches announced for Impact Wrestling is the battle between MVP and Mr. Anderson. Both men are on the cusp of being main-event talent, and Wednesday’s one-on-one bout should bring out the best in both competitors.

Add in the fact that this is a battle over the disrespect shown to Chris Melendez by MVP and Kenny King, and Mr. Anderson should have the fans squarely in his corner. MVP has been one of the company’s top heels, and the resulting matchup could steal the show as the best of the night.

TNA Rumors: Latest Chatter Surrounding Samoa Joe’s Injury, per PWInsider via WrestlingInc.com.

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