By James Caldwell, Torch columnist

TNA Impact on Spike TV
December 27, 2007
Taped Dec. 11 in Orlando, Florida
Report by James Caldwell, Torch columnist

They opened with a video package on the break up of Christian, Styles, and Tomko. Tonight, Styles makes a decision. Christian's Coalition or Angle's Alliance? It's "A.J.'s Dilemma"

On cue, Crystal caught up with Styles and Tomko backstage. Styles said his decision it to be on both teams. Tomko had enough and told him to wake up. He said Karen Angle lied to Styles. He demanded that Styles make his call so they can both move on. Styles reminded Tomko that they are the tag champs. Tomko said he knows that, and he's already made his decision.

Cue ballyhoo in the Impact Zone. Tenay and West broke down the show line-up.

1 -- SENSHI vs. JUDAS MESIAS (w/James Mitchell)

Judas jumped Senshi to start things off. Judas, with his trunks out of the Dean Malenko collection, punched and kicked Senshi down to the mat. Senshi ducked a clothesline and nailed consecutive clotheslines before landing a springboard thrust kick. He measured Judas and landed kicks to the chest, then he went up top. Senshi missed with the double stomp and Judas ran him over with a clothesline. Judas then drove Senshi straight to hell for the win.

WINNER: Judas in 2:00. It was nice just watching a straight TNA singles match without the presence of silly gimmicks. Too short to mean anything on the show, though. (1/2*)

Backstage, Borash was working on Kurt Angle's laundry. Karen stepped in and the camera made it seem like Borash was working on one of Kurt's balls. She accused Borash of being sweet on Kurt. Borash said that if Karen took care of her wifely duties, he wouldn't have to do this. Ah haha! Borash moved his head to reveal some dress shirts that Kurt was holding. She accused Kurt of being concerned with silliness, then Kurt asked what's gotten into her. She said what's wrong with her is all the attention has gone to Sharmell. Karen called her a mountain goat. A mountain goat. Kurt and Karen went back and forth on their selfish interests. Karen said there's room for only one queen in TNA. She stormed off, then Kurt asked Borash for more advice on which dress shirt to wear.

Backstage, Christian Cage was walking around.

[Commercial Break]

Christian Cage walked out to the ring for a promo. There seems to be a disconnect from this week to last week, as if last week never occurred. (That's probably a good thing, though.) In the ring, Christian said he hates indecision. He said there are three ways to greatness in life: achievement, heaped upon, or born great. Christian said he's one of the select few who was born great. Cue the boos. Wait, wasn't the babyface last week? I'm confused. Christian continued to put himself over to draw more boos. He called out A.J. Styles to come to the ring and announce who's side he's on. Styles reluctantly walked out and Christian asked where goat boy is. Christian then went into another father-son talk with Styles where he told Styles that everything he has is owed to him. And Kurt is using him.

Kurt Angle's music interrupted and he walked out in his Borash-selected suit with Karen following behind. Kurt said he's not using Styles for anything. He has the muscle. He has the brain. Kurt said the only person who has been using Styles is Christian. He said Styles is coming with him. Christian and Kurt then grabbed each of Styles's arms, which led to a tug-of-war. The action broke down, then Christian picked up the TNA belt and tried to nail Angle, but Angle ducked and Styles was KO'ed. Poor Styles caught in the middle. Kurt and Christian brawled, then Tomko stormed the ring and separated them. Christian picked up the mic and bailed. He said he wants a decision by the end of the night. Tomko and Angle then checked on Styles.

[Commercial Break]

Backstage, Booker T. and Sharmell walked around.

Crystal then interviewed Robert Roode backstage. Roode told her to shut up and not ruin his night. He said he's finally a main eventer, and he goes one-on-one against Booker. He said he had to humiliate Booker's beast of a wife to get the opportunity. Roode said the era of washed-up has-beens ends tonight. Ms. Brooks then interrupted and said it's not cool to bring Sharmell into the situation. Roode told her to shut up, then said he's sick of her trying to have a mind of her own. He reminded her that she only exists in TNA is to take orders from him. Roode stormed off as Brooks tried to gather her thoughts.

Roode and Brooks came out for the Roode vs. Booker T. match. Roode's numba one stalker fan stood in the building peering down. Roode then sat Brooks down in a chair ringside. Booker and Sharmell came out, then Karen stormed ringside and jumped Sharmell. A cat fight ensued ringside. Kurt then stormed out and tried to get hold of his woman while getting in some shots on Booker. Suddenly, Booker faced a double-team from Kurt and Roode, but he bailed from the ring. Booker then grabbed a chair and chased the heels to the other side of the ring. He took a mic and wanted to do a tag match. Booker said he would introduce his partner later. More indecision!

Backstage, Borash sat down next to Styles, who was crying about what happened earlier. Styles didn't want to talk or make a decision. Borash told him to talk to people that he trusts and get an opinion on whose side to be on. Borash, apparently on the Angle payroll, gave his advice that he should hang with the Angles because it's the A-team with Kurt and the hottest chick in TNA. He said Styles doesn't want to be on the Christian B-team. Styles disagreed and said he wanted to be on Christian and Angle's team. Borash, frustrated, stormed off.

[Commercial Break]

They showed a video package on Team 3D's attack on the X Division.

Styles and Tomko came to the ring, and Styles held his head in pain. Tomko kept trying to make sure he was OK. Styles then went to the announce table and asked for some advice. West uselessly told him to make the best decision for himself. Sabin and Shelley then came out as the opposition.

2 -- TNA tag champions A.J. STYLES & TOMKO vs. CHRIS SABIN & ALEX SHELLEY -- non-title match

Styles took a beating in the early portion of the match. Sabin and Shelley did their tag team combos, then Tomko randomly came into the ring without a tag and press slammed Sabin. Cut to break.

[Commercial Break]

They returned with Eric Young ringside talking to Styles, who blew him off. In the ring, Sabin dropped Tomko on the mat and hit a clothesline on Styles. Tenay received word that there is commotion in Cornette's office. So much happening at once. In the ring, Styles took a powerbomb from Sabin, then Tomko blasted Sabin with a forearm blow. Young kept shouting at Styles, who took a spinning forearm from Sabin, followed by a swinging DDT. Shelley then came off the top with a frog splash on Styles for a nearfall. Shelley took Tomko out on the floor with a suicide dive, then Styles dropped Sabin in the ring with a soccer kick. Styles set up the Clash, but Young hopped on the apron and distracted Styles. Suddenly, Shelley and Sabin double pinned Styles in the ring for the win. Afterward, Young called out for Styles to follow him. Styles and Tomko briefly argued before leaving the ring to follow Young.

WINNERS: Sabin & Shelley in 8:00. Pretty good match other than the endless distractions. (**)

Back in Cornette's office, Brother Ray said there's no way they're competing in Ultimate X at the PPV. Ray said they are too chiseled to be climbing ropes like monkeys. He said there's no way they put their bodies on the line in that match. Cornette grew tired of Ray's rhetoric, and said it's time Team 3D play on Shelley and Sabin's playing field for once. Brother Devon grabbed Cornette, but Matt Morgan stepped in. Cornette told them to make a choice whether to leave on their own volition or be escorted out. Ray said they would leave to get some crabs (to eat). Morgan got cocky and told Cornette he's welcome. Cornette told him not to get full of himself for doing nothing.

They showed Gail Kim walking backstage with the stripper divas.

[Commercial Break]

The divas made their ring entrance for a six-woman tag match.

3 -- Women's champion GAIL KIM & ANGELINA LOVE & VELVET SKY vs. MS. JACKIE MOORE & ROXXI LAVEAUX & ODB

Tenay said Gail vs. Kong has been booked for the PPV. West said no other women's division has been talked about as much as this one. There's a reason for that, especially on last week's show when there wasn't anything of redeeming quality other than Gail vs. Kong. For this match, ODB was on the heel side, but the fans chanted for her early on. The heels cornered Angelina on their side of the ring. She escaped Roxxi with a kick to the chest, then she made the hot tag to Gail, who cleaned house. She snapped off a nice double head scissors on Gail and Roxxi before dropping Jackie with a neck breaker for a nearfall. The action broke down and Angelina hit a big splash on divas on the floor. In the ring, Roxxi gave Gail a front slam for a nearfall. Roxxi went for a piledriver, but Gail countered into the Celtic Cross for the pin and the win.

WINNERS: Gail & Angelina & Velvet in 5:00. Solid action. No silliness or outside distractions. Just good action. (*1/4)

Back to Cornette and Morgan. Cornette said he got a call from corporate about the booking last week. So, now they're putting all the heat on Morgan for the terrible show quality. Cornette asked Morgan if he's lost his mind. Didn't we have this discussion three, two, and one months ago? Cornette said corporate wants to see him tomorrow to discuss the booking. They're done. Finished. Sold up the river. The gig is up. Not so fast, as Morgan pulled out some letters from corporate, in which they thanked Morgan for great success last week. They must be passing around the sauce at HQ. Cornette was momentarily relieved. Samoa Joe then stormed in and kicked up his feet on the desk. He said he's not wrestling tonight. Cornette said he's sick and tired of everyone going into business for themselves. He told Joe to walk to the ring or go home and be fired. Joe got up and said Jimmy's right. He said the choice is his.

[Commercial Break]

They went to Mike Tenay's sit-down interview with Abyss at some time earlier. Tenay said he got more questions than answers from James Mitchell in his previous sit-down interview. Tenay asked if they should refer to him as Chris instead of Abyss. "Abyss is Chris Parks," the man said. Tenay went back to the upbringing of young Chris. How long have you known Mitchell? "Too long," he said. Tenay paused and talked about the mom and dad. "Let me be clear. My mother raised me. My mother raised me!" Tenay told him to calm down, then he asked him about the obsession Mitchell has with him. He asked him about...the secret. "The secret lives with me! And it dies with me!" Abyss said. Tenay pushed his buttons. "I will never tell!" he said. "Never." Tenay told him one last chance. Abyss got up and yanked off the microphone. Interview over. Oh goodie, no secret.

Elix Skipper came out to face Samoa Joe. Will Joe show? Joe showed up in a t-shirt and jeans. He stormed the ring and jumped Skipper.

4 -- SAMOA JOE vs. ELIX SKIPPER

Skipper made a brief comeback at 1:00, but Joe crotched him on the top rope. He then went for a Muscle Buster from the ropes and dropped him in center ring. Joe covered Skipper for the easy win, but he picked Skipper up instead of taking the three count. Joe hung Skipper upside down and started stomping away on him. Joe pushed the ref away when the ref asked for a break in the corner. The ref then DQ'ed Joe. Joe wasn't happy, so he stalked the ref before going back to the attack on Skipper. Joe slapped on the rear naked choke as the ref called for security.

Afterward, Joe stormed to ringside and took a mic. He said this is Cornette's fault. Joe said he will continue to destroy people until he gets what he wants - new contract and a title shot. Cornette said he has problems with people around here. He addressed Cornette, but the mic was cut off. Must be a shoot! Please.

WINNER: Skipper via DQ in 3:00. So, is Joe a heel or a babyface jerk? Well, that's probably not the right question to ask, as it doesn't appear that TNA even thinks in terms of heel and face, despite the labels on the leaked script. I'm at least halfway intrigued to find out where this Joe storyline is going. (1/2*)

Backstage, James Storm was on the couch having some problems. Styles, Borash, and Young shared a beer on the other side of the room. Young said he's great for offering life advice. He discussed his cereal issues in the morning. Then, his burger issues at lunch. Young said there are 31 choices for dessert. And now the phones. Phone plans? Email access? Why are guys following the one guy in the commercial? Styles had enough and left. Young kept rambling. Still waiting for a point to this.

[Commercial Break]

Back to Crystal, who was with Steiner and Petey. They debated whether Steiner has the right to the World Title shot. Steiner said Petey is a small man trying to make it in a big man's business. He demanded that Petey give back the title shot. Petey said Steiner is tripping because he hang with the best in the heavyweight division. He gave a 1,000 percent guarantee that he will be the next World Hvt. champion. Petey flexed, then stormed off. Steiner said he will get his title shot soon enough.

Dustin Rhodes came to the ring with security. He apologized for taking up part of the show. He addressed Kaz for attacking him backstage. Dustin said he can't figure out why Kaz would do something like that. He asked Kaz to come out and explain things. Tenay said he's heard stories about people with split personalities, but he doesn't get how Dustin doesn't remember attacking Kaz as Black Reign last week. Kaz stepped out and said he hates rats. He said he attacked Dustin because Dustin put his rat on his face. Dustin said he doesn't remember any of that. More "rat" jokes, referring to loose women of questionable virtue. Dustin gave Kaz one opportunity to apologize to him. Kaz said he would give Dustin an opportunity to kiss his... Dustin cut him off with a slap to the face, but Kaz knocked him to the outside. They brawled into the stands. Kaz then flew over the bleachers with a splash onto Dustin on the floor. They continued to fight.

Back to Borash with Styles and Nash. Styles asked for some advice from Nash since he's seen Nash help some of the younger guys. Nash listened as Styles opened up about his decision. Nash said Styles is in a good spot where both Christian and Angle need him. He went to an NWO story about the NWO Hollywood and NWO Wolfpack both needing him. Nash said he had his best run when he went with the Wolfpack. He reminded Styles that there are no friends in wrestling, so he needs to worry more about who's going to screw him. Styles groaned with more information available, but no decision revealing itself to him.

[Commercial Break]

They aired a video package recapping the highlights of 2007 in TNA.

Robert Roode and Ms. Brooks came out for the main event. Kurt Angle then came out alone as Roode's partner. Booker came out with Sharmell next. After the break, we find out who the partner is.

[Commercial Break]

Booker hyped his partner and said it doesn't matter whether he loves or hates his partner. But, they have something in common: they hate Kurt Angle. Christian's music hit and Christian stormed the ring to start the match.

5 -- TNA World champ KURT ANGLE & ROBERT ROODE (w/Ms. Brooks) vs. BOOKER T. (w/Sharmell) & CHRISTIAN CAGE

Angle dominated Christian in the opening few minutes. Styles then walked out to ringside with a look of confusion on his face.

[Commercial Break]

Angle continued to dominate Christian out of the break while Styles sat ringside. Roode then took a tag, but Christian kicked him away and hot-tagged to Booker, who cleaned house. The action broke down, then Angle and Christian landed double clotheslines in center ring. Styles hopped up and didn't know what to do, so he threw his chair down. West told him to grow some balls and make a call. Back in the ring, Roode gave Christian a low blow behind the ref's back. Booker then cleared Angle to the floor before nailing Roode with an axe kick on the apron. Christian then hit the Unprettier on Roode for the win.

WINNERS: Booker & Christian in 9:00. Fine. Match was simply a placeholder for the final segment. (*1/2)

After the match, Booker left the ring while Christian stood by himself in the ring. Christian then took the mic and asked for a decision from Styles. Angle laughed at Christian, then he screamed for Styles to get out here. Styles's music hit again, then he slowly walked out looking upset. Styles hopped into the ring and faced off with both men. Styles waited for both men to make their final sales pitches, as Tenay shouted for Styles to hurry up before they run out of time. Styles then he grabbed their mics with a little bit of anger. Fade to black. No decision this week. More unanswered questions to close the show.

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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