TNA Impact Wrestling Preview: Sting Reacts to Angle/Hogan and More

Tonight is TNA’s Impact Wrestling. Last week, it had a bit of a lackluster show—definitely a step down from previous weeks. Tonight is a new night, though, and with the Sting/Hogan storyline taking a new turn, things look to be getting interesting.

Here’s what’s confirmed to happen tonight.

8-Man X-Division Gauntlet Match: Winner to be No. 1 contender for X Title

Ever since Destination X, the X-Division has been given more of the spotlight. Tonight is no different as we'll see eight X-Division wrestlers go at it for a shot at the X-Division Championship.

During this match, TNA has confirmed the return of Kid Kash as well as the official debuts of Jesse Sorensen, Tony Nese, Mark Haskins and Zema Ion. Also included will be Robbie E, Alex Shelley and Austin Aries.

Last week, Aries seemed to get on the good side of Eric Bischoff. Will he be the first X-Division wrestler to join Immortal? If so, how will that factor into this match?

A.J. Styles vs. Rob Van Dam: Bound for Glory Series Match

The series is almost at an end. The final four will compete at the September pay-per-view No Surrender. Who will make it there? Styles currently stands at 21 points in ninth place. With Christopher Daniels wanting a rematch from Destination X, how will that factor into A.J.’s performance?

Rob Van Dam is in seventh place with 25 points. He was previously in the top four before Jerry Lynn cost him 10 points at Hardcore Justice. Will Lynn cost RVD another match? Looks to me like Lynn also wants a rematch from Destination X.

Beer Money vs. Mexican America: TNA World Tag Team Titles

Mexican America had their shot and lost at Hardcore Justice. Looks like they’re getting one more chance. Can they finally win the gold or will Beer Money take them down again? Will the “King of Mexico,” Jeff Jarrett, factor into this at all? TNA confirms that both he and Karen will be on commentary during the match. We could very well see the AAA World Title holder side with the Mexican stars.

Sting reacts to Kurt Angle joining forces with Hulk Hogan

Last week, we learned that Hulk Hogan mentioned to Kurt Angle that Dixie Carter told him she knew about the Jarrett/Karen affair all along and that she lied to Kurt about it. Sounds like some good old-fashioned high school drama right there.

Because of that, Angle doesn’t want Dixie to have TNA back. That’s why he hit Sting with a chair to win the title. Sting appeared on the ramp and threatened Angle with his bat until Hogan came out and beat Sting with a chair. Will Sting get his revenge tonight or will he wait it out until Bound for Glory?

What is confirmed so far shows promise in terms of a good show. TNA has put on great episodes of Impact Wrestling this summer, but seemed to slow down last week.

In terms of television, TNA has been better than WWE throughout the summer months until the weeks leading to WWE Money in the Bank. Can TNA pick things back up? It has the potential to, and I think it will.