By James Caldwell, Torch columnist

TNA Impact on Spike TV
December 6, 2007
Taped Dec. 3 in Orlando, Florida
Report by James Caldwell, Torch columnist

They opened with a video package on the turning point being upon TNA. Wrestlers are looking to make a name for themselves while top stars are looking to keep their spot. "Can't we just get along?" was the message on the screen.

At 4:53 p.m., VKM and Roxxi showed up with a briefcase. Scott Steiner arrived at 5:17 p.m. Petey Williams showed up at 5:47 p.m. with a case. Triple X showed up at 6:02 p.m. as Daniels argued with Skipper and Senshi. Ringside, Mike Tenay and Don West introduced the show. Tonight's question is whether we find out the result to the briefcase match from the PPV.

Rellik came out to start the show. Tenay and West talked about the 10,000 gimmick match at the PPV. Black Reign did a separate entrance. LAX then showed up as the opponents.

1 -- BLACK REIGN & RELLIK vs. LAX (HOMICIDE & HERNANDEZ)

Rellik walked into an awkward double clothesline from LAX, then Hernandez landed a big splash in the corner before Homicide knocked him down with a clothesline. Reign came to the aid of his masked friend and worked on Homicide. Tenay took this opportunity to plug a TNA Mobile "exclusive" on a backstage altercation after Turning Point. That was so last week. Homicide knocked Reign down, then he tagged out to Hernandez, who cleaned house. Homicide tagged back in and the action broke down. Homicide dropped Rellik with the Gringo cutter, but Rellik kicked out. Homicide avoided a corner splash and rolled up Rellik for the win.

After the match, Hoyt and Rave jumped LAX under Christy Hemme's guidance. The random LAX member then showed up and knocked out Christy. The announcers continued to assume man on woman violence despite some mammary action on display through the big shirt.

WINNERS: LAX in 4:00. Nothing happening match. (1/2*)

Backstage, Jim Cornette was interviewed by Jeremy Borash why Matt Morgan stood by. Cornette said they're going to reveal the case results. Morgan, enlisted with the job of protecting the cases, said he left them with Crystal. Cornette snapped on him and said to protect the cases. Team 3D then walked in and Cornette sheepishly told Brother Ray to return the X Division Title belt to Jay Lethal. Ray accused Cornette of not having any balls despite being the head of the company. He said he doesn't have any balls, just like the X Division. Ray said they'll never learn anything if belts are just handed to them. Lethal led Sabin and Shelley into the office to discuss the issue. Lethal wanted a ladder match for possession of the belt. Ray told him to get his wrestling history straight because he's the master of matches involving a table, ladder, or chair. Lethal took him up on the offer. Ringside, Tenay said it's not a title match, but it's about possession. My head hurts.

Kurt Angle led his group of people to the ring.

[Commercial Break]

Kurt Angle took a mic and addressed Christian Cage. He said he made a mistake at Turning Point. Angle said their opponents divided and conquered them. Angle needs him and Christian needs him. He's giving him one hour to show up and meet him face-to-face to make things right. Angle's music hit.

Backstage, Jeremy Borash found Christian Cage for a response. Christian, standing with Robert Roode and Ms. Brooks, debated whether Angle was offering a plea or begging. Roode then talked about hooking up with the Angle Alliance to become an instant powerhouse. Christian cut him off and asked when he had permission to speak up. He asked Roode how many World Titles he's ever won. Roode told him that he's not A.J., so watch yourself. Christian said that's right - A.J. is much more intelligent than he is. Roode sniffed and walked away. Christian addressed Angle and said he would be there for the meeting.

ODB came out for a divas match. Gail Kim then showed up trying to sell her injuries from the PPV at the hands of Awesome Kong. Gail needs to be in a neckbrace or at home resting to sell that.

2 -- Women's champion GAIL KIM vs. ODB -- non-title match

ODB quickly went after Gail with power offense. Tenay said Gail vs. Kong from the PPV was the greatest women's match ever. They can't even go one PPV without relying on the superlatives to sell a replay. Gail blocked the dirty dozen crotch headbutts, then Gail made a comeback with forearm blows and a running bulldog for a nearfall. ODB started feeling light-headed, so she grabbed the flask ringside while the ref was holding Gail back. ODB then smashed Gail in the forehead with the flask and covered her for the win.

Afterward, ODB took a swig while standing over Gail's body. Kong's music hit, then she walked out to the ring as ODB took another shot of alcohol. ODB bailed, then Kong grabbed Gail for a powerbomb, but Gail slipped out and fought back. Security guards then hit the ring and separated the two opponents. Gail fought through and tried to attack Gail, but Kong shoved her down. The divas with the porn star names then showed up and tried to hold Gail back while Kong stood tall in the ring.

WINNER: ODB in 5:00. Post-match took precedence over the match, which was fine. The post-match was great, but unfortunately, this will be quickly forgotten on a show with too much content. (*1/4)

Back to Crystal with Matt Morgan with the cases. Senshi walked into the picture in his pajamas. Daniels then told Senshi that he better give him the briefcase. Morgan smelled some money in the form of a match. He booked Daniels vs. Senshi with the winner receiving the case. Elix Skipper stepped in and wanted to be special referee. Morgan sent them away. He then re-arranged the line-up and Crystal questioned his decision-making with Cornette's consent. Morgan rolled his eyes and said he was brought to TNA to look out for Cornette and the company's best interest. He walked away with the Senshi case. Awkward with Morgan.

[Commercial Break]

Borash interviewed Tomko backstage. Tomko said Christian will do what he always wants to do. Tomko gave his take that he's going to start doing what he wants to do.

3 -- CHRISTOPHER DANIELS vs. SENSHI -- possession of the briefcase -- Elix Skipper special referee

Hermie Sadler randomly joined Tenay and West for commentary. The wrestling cliché meter was off the charts. They cut backstage where Eric Young showed up driving a limo. Booker T. stepped out of the limo with Sharmell, Kevin Nash, Samoa Joe, and Kaz.

[Commercial Break]

They returned with the wrestling action. Senshi ran over Daniels with a dropkick, then he went up top for a double foot stomp. Senshi missed when Daniels moved, then Daniels pulled Skipper in the way. Daniels dropped Senshi with the Angel's Wings, then Skipper reluctantly made a three count for Daniels on Skipper. Daniels quickly took the case from ringside.

WINNER: Daniels in 6:00. There was something on the line, but it didn't seem like there was anything on the line because Triple X hasn't been given time to develop a connection with the audience. Just a match. (3/4*)

They quickly went backstage where VKM talked to Matt Morgan. B.G. James confirmed that if there's a tag title shot in his case, then he gets a tag title match with a partner of his choice. B.G. said maybe Kip won't be his partner, which Kip took offense to. B.G. grabbed his case and Roxxi said that case is cursed. B.G. said the only thing cursed is his current company. Kip stormed off asking what that's supposed to mean.

[Commercial Break]

They went to a sitdown interview with Tenay and James Mitchell from earlier in the day. Mitchell took us back to the day he was born. Apparently, "he" is Abyss. Mitchell said Abyss had an incredible father who tried to turn him into a successful human being, but Abyss's mom screwed things up. Mitchell said he's done extensive research on Abyss's background to find things out. A lot splicing, dicing, and editing.

Backstage, Petey Hercules Williams cut a promo about achieving great success in bodybuilding. He said he won the award of Maple Leaf muscle in his hometown. Petey then forced an Arnold Schwarzenegger impersonation. He said he's done with the X Division Title and want a World Title shot. Petey claimed to have pecs that would have a small-chested woman cry. He flexed again, then left.

[Commercial Breaks]

- Angle was quickly back in the ring with the Alliance and he called out Christian. Roode led out Christian, who came out ahead of Brooks. Roode took a mic and proposed a business deal about making an alliance of their organizations work. He made the proposition, then Roode shook hands with everyone while Christian stood his ground. Christian took the mic and said he's different than "Bobby". He said Roode needs the Alliance, but he does not. Christian said it's funny how Angle suddenly wants to be his buddy like Brady and Moss or Romo and Owens. He said Angle walks around in the shadows, but he knows Angle is a conniving SOB. Christian said he's the biggest threat to the World Title sitting on Angle's shoulder. He told Tomko that he makes him sick to his stomach. Tomko looked away, then Christian told him to look at him. He talked about Tomko being a poor security guard when he found him and turned him into something big. Christian said Tomko's family should be thanking him for putting food on the table.

Angle held Tomko back, then Christian walked over to puppy-dog-faced Styles. Christian said he saw the most potential in Styles in the ring, but outside of the ring, he was lacking substance. He said Styles could barely formulate two sentences before he came to him. Christian claimed to mold Styles in his image as a father figure, but he would disown him right now. He addressed all of them and said he'll be part of the team under one condition - he is the leader. Angle lowered his sunglasses as Christian suggested everyone follow his orders. Christian told Angle to admit that he's nowhere near the man that Christian is. Angle paused, took off his sunglasses, and shook Christian's hand. With tension in the air, Tenay and West paraded all over the segment by screaming about the sudden alliance. Turn it down about five matches for goodness sake.

Samoa Joe's music hit, then Joe led out the babyface unit of Booker, Sharmell, Nash, Kaz, and Young. Joe asked them to try their hand at revenge in a ten-man tag match at the January PPV. Karen Angle took the mic and suggested the match tonight. She then suggested Booker send Sharmell to the ring to get the action started. Sharmell took the mic and suggested it was Karen's perverted husband who tried to put his hands all over her. What is this all about? Suddenly, there's history between Sharmell and Karen that has never been referenced before. Sharmell and Karen met on the entrance ramp and almost started a fight, but husbands pulled their wives back.

- Backstage, Crystal interviewed Team 3D about their ladder match. Ray cut off Crystal and mocked her voice. She said he should feed her to Brother Devon. Ray said it's time for Lethal to grow a set of balls. He admitted they stole the belt, so they need to do something about it. Ray said the X Division boyfriends haven't fully grown into men, so they're going to beat the crap out of them tonight in their ladder match.

[Commercial Break]

Team 3D came to the ring. They went back to Scott Steiner at the briefcase location. Matt Morgan stood by while Steiner predicted his briefcase would have a World Title shot inside. He said that once he is champion, ratings will go through the roof and box office numbers will fly. Steiner left with his case. Crystal then asked Morgan about protecting the location of the cases. Morgan explained that he let the people who won the cases retain possession. Who better to protect the cases than the people who won them? He mocked Crystal for having the concept fly over her head. Why does everyone have to pick on the backstage announcer? Geez.

4 -- TEAM 3D (BROTHER RAY & BROTHER DEVON & JOHNNY DEVINE) vs. JAY LETHAL & ALEX SHELLEY & CHRIS SABIN -- ladder match for possession of the X Division Title

Lethal led the X Division team into the ring and the action quickly broke down. Lethal went for the ladder in the opening minute, but Devine cut him off and started climbing. He tried to grab the belt, but Team X cut him off quickly. More climb-and-cut-off spots with no build up. Cut to a break.

[Commercial Break]

They returned with Ray trying to climb the ladder, then Lethal met him on the ladder and Ray superplexed Lethal to the mat down below. A nice spot. Too bad it didn't mean anything, as they went to more climb-and-cut-off spots. Lethal and Devine then battled on the ladder and Lethal won possession, but the ref was distracted by Devon. Ray then KO'ed Lethal with a Kendo stick and Devine ended up with possession of the belt when the ref turned around to award a winner.

WINNERS: Team 3D in 7:00. Insert a sigh of exasperation here. (3/4*)

They went back to the Tenay and Mitchell interview about Abyss (Chris). Mitchell said Chris let his crazy mom ruin his family. Mitchell said he's tired of being made out to be the bad guy in this situation. He said he won't be satisfied until Chris looks him in the eyes and tells the whole world the secret they both only know. Mitchell turned to the camera and said he's going to call out Chris next week to put an end to this.

[Commercial Break]

More adventures with Matt and Crystal, and they caught up with Cornette in his office. Cornette said he hasn't been watching the show because he's been in meetings. He wanted to know where the briefcases are. Morgan gave him a great tale about the cases being in the most secure position possible: with the winners from the PPV. Cornette blew his stack about the wrestlers picking the lock to find out the results before it's announced on national TV. He said they're supposed to open the cases on TV tonight, so Morgan better find the possessors and round them up. Morgan shook his head and left. Cornette said that man will be the death of him.

Robert Roode and Ms. Brooks came to the ring as the crazy fan stood somewhere in the building to watch the proceedings. More ring intros for the main event: Christian Cage, then A.J. Styles and Tomko, and Kurt Angle with Karen. Kaz led out the babyface team, followed by Eric Young, Booker and Sharmell, Kevin Nash, and Samoa Joe.

[Commercial Break]

5 -- TNA Hvt. champion KURT ANGLE (w/Karen Angle) & TNA tag champs A.J. STYLES & Tomko & ROBERT ROODE (w/Ms. Brooks) & CHRISTIAN CAGE vs. BOOKER T. (w/Sharmell) & KAZ & ERIC YOUNG & SAMOA JOE & KEVIN NASH

Tenay and West talked about all the star power and history in the ring. They say that, but it's a telling sign that with all that star power, a match like this doesn't feel any more special than any other TV main event match. There's just too much else on this show, like the Morgan and Crystal adventures, that distracts from the top programs in the company. As for the action, the two sides traded control early on. Young tackled Roode with a Thesz Press and landed right hand blows to the head. Nash stepped in and cleared the heels to the floor. He then told Kaz to do his flippy-thing and splash everyone. Nash feigned leaping over the top rope, but he stopped short and shot a smirk to the folks on the floor.

[Commercial Break]

Tenay received word from the back that Cornette will reveal the contents of the briefcase on next week's show. He passed along further word that Morgan is fired if he screws up again. Nash took a hot tag and went back in time, according to West, with a round of big boots for all the heels. Roode then walked into a side slam from Nash and the action broke down. The audio broke down as well. Nash had Roode covered in the ring, but Christian yanked the ref to the floor. More shenanigans occurred, then Roode introduced a chair into the action. Christian and Roode argued over it, then Young dropkicked the chair into both men. Nash grabbed Roode and gave him the Jacknife powerbomb for the win.

WINNERS: Team Joe in 14:00. Fine showcase match to quickly move past the PPV disaster. (*1/2)

After the match, Nash stuck around to pose with the rest of his team. Now Nash is playing nice since he's back in control of the situation. The heels then had their argument after the match. Christian and Roode started to have a shoving match, then Angle grabbed his title belt and KO'ed Christian in the back of the head. Styles entered the scene and tried to hold everyone back. Tomko eventually left the ring. Styles tackled Angle, then he tackled Roode, but he couldn't keep one or the other from beating up Christian. Angle then slapped the anklelock on Christian as Styles tried to break it up. Fade out.

We welcome your 1-10 score and comments on this show for an "Impact Reax" feature in the Torch Feedback section of PWTorch.com. To contribute your thoughts on Impact, click here.

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