TNA Impact! Wrestling: Review and Thoughts

The August 18th edition of TNA Impact! Wrestling begins with a video package of last week's episode recap.

Sting opens the show and begins to suddenly act in a very bizarre behavior.  This is truly a different Sting.  He says he has gone insane and had to reenact last week's attack by Hulk Hogan.  Sting says it felt amazing being attacked by Hogan.  Sting asks the crowd if they want to see Hogan back in the ring. The crowd begins to chant Hogan because Sting wants him in the ring.  However, Ric Flair makes his TNA return.  Flair says Sting is an icon.  He continues to praise him.  Flair has an itch to get back on top in the wrestling world and needs to battle Sting.  

Flair gives Sting a deal: If Flair beats Sting, he has to retire.  If he beats Flair, he will serve Hulk Hogan on a silver platter.  Sting asks the crowd before answering.  Sting accepts Flair's offer for a final match.

(Two icons battling it out one last time.  TNA appears to be turning back the clock on this match.  Flair and Sting have so much history together in the ring.  Lets see what TNA plans to do with this feud).

Backstage, Flair is walking into Hogan's office.  Hogan is extremely angry at Flair.  He gives Hogan a hug.  However, Hulk talks about how Sting should not be breathing after he beat him down last week. Hogan tells Flair to gather up the group and take care of Sting. 

We get a Bound For Glory series leader board update.  

Scott Steiner versus Devon  (Bound For Glory Series)

Your winner, Scott Steiner.  Very quick opening match.  Samoa Joe comes out to attack Devon.  Devon's kids confront Joe before The Pope comes out to get him away.

Match Rating: 2/5

Alex Shelley versus Tony Nese versus Kid Kash versus Robbie E versus Zema Ion versus Jesse Sorensen versus Mark Haskins versus Austin Aries (X-Division Gauntlet)

Your winner to earn a shot at the TNA X-Division title, Austin Aries.  A pretty good feature for the new X-Division talent TNA is bringing in.  The company is really putting the X-Division in fast forward and providing it some new blood.  After the match, Brian Kendrick brawled with Austin Aries.  

Match Rating: 4/5

Traci Brooks and Eric Bischoff backstage discussing Knockouts business.

ODB versus Mickie James

Your winner, Mickie James.  Nice Knockouts match to watch.  James was way over with the crowd. Good in-ring work by both as well.

Match Rating: 3.5/5

Angelina Love and Winter backstage talking about the upcoming match for the Knockouts Championship with Mickie James.  Pretty weird segment.

Rob Van Dam versus AJ Styles (Bound For Glory Series)

Your winner via disqualification, AJ Styles.  These two men know how to put on an entertaining match. Although I would have liked to seen a clean finish to close it out, I was just fine with the match.  Hope to see them again in the ring.  After the match, RVD is arguing with Jerry Lynn, who again cost RVD a chance to win.

Match Rating: 4/5

Crimson and Kurt Angle do a promo in the ring.  Crimson talks about respecting Kurt Angle and his mission to take out the younger talent.  Angle fires back with Crimson.  In the end, a match between Crimson and Angle is on for next week.

(Crimson continues to get better and if his in-ring work improves slightly, he could be a big player in wrestling.  He's already got his strong undefeated push.  A few more adjustments, he may be a player).

Mexican America versus Beer Money (For TNA Tag Team Titles)

Your winner and new Tag Team Champions, Mexican America.  Not a bad but overbooked main event, with tons of interference in the end to cost Beer Money the titles.

Match Rating: 3/5

Overall Impact! Wrestling Rating: 3/5

Grade: C

PERAGINE'S QUICK THOUGHTS ON IMPACT! WRESTLING:

This week's Impact! Wrestling had some pretty good wrestling matches, but some segments were just out there.  Here's what I liked on the show:

• Wrestling: Most of the matches were good to watch, including the X-Division gauntlet, Mickie James and ODB, Rob Van Dam and AJ Styles.  The main event was OK as well, just a bit too much going on.
• Samoa Joe's rage: Joe, in my opinion, will begin to just dominate like Kurt Angle is trying to do against younger stars.  Joe has not won a match yet and is taking out his anger on the roster.
• Crimson and Kurt Angle promo in the ring.

Here's what I thought needed improvement:

• Backstage segment: Flair and Hogan's promo was somewhat bizarre.  Flair was showing maybe too much love for Hogan.
• Winter and Angelina Love was a little erotic in a weird way.
• More clean finishes.  One I would have liked to seen with a clean finish was the AJ Styles and Rob Van Dam match or even the main event.  A fair cut winner is better to watch.

Impact! Wrestling was not good, nor was it bad.  It was a decent show this week.