-- 8/6 WWE Superstars Reax

Terrie Neilson of Las Vegas, Nev. (10.0): Like the previous two weeks ago, there was very little to complain about. Santino has from the start been a glorified jobber, so losing to Masters was no real big deal. But he still wrestled reasonably seriously, and Masters finally got to show that has learned a few things since last we saw him. No "you can't wrestle" chants this time. The Masterlock is fine, I guess, but Masters really does need another noticeable finisher. It's starting to show up with other wrestlers: Michaels has Sweet Chin Music, two variations of the figure four, Sharpshooter; Morrison has Starship Pain and Moonlight Drive (and possibly The Flying Chuck and that vicious running knee on a seated opponent); Cena has the Attitude Adjustment (FU) and the STF(U). Regal/Burchill-Reks/Tatsu told two stories: the heels get their retribution, and they got it by uniting forces. There wasn't a mention of their past partnership, which could have helped. But then again, bringing that up could lead those who remember to wonder how long before Burchill resurrects the pirate gimmick. Nice subtle hint that Regal and Burchill may go longer as partners with the nearly matching trunks. There was the requisite highlighted wrestler video (Kozlov). There was also the footage of Cena at Wrigley Field, which was relevant to WGN America as it flagships out of Chicago. More of these should have to mix in to
see wrestlers both at work and at play. There was the Smackdown replay that played all week, except on Raw. I'd hate to say that the omission was probably the result of Raw envy. Rey-Knox wasn't all that much except for the freight train crossbody of Knox's. The match was more to tell Ziggler's story and give him some mic time. His language on the mic was more face-like to put over the match in front of him as well as Smackdown four-way. It should feel awkward but doesn't when you look at how he treats Maria. His gaze was focused on the match throughout, a nice gesture. His post-match actions were definitely heel-like, which falls right in line with his usual in-ring behavior. About my only real quibble with the show is the continual laziness of booking Knox's character. He's antisocial,...and...?

--- 8/6 TNA Impact Reax

Jim Multari, Torch reader (8.5): Best Match: Knockouts Match. Worst match: Sting vs. Magnus. The show opened by following the pattern of M.E.M. opening the show. A Foley-Nash match at Hard Justice - frankly, a match between a 50-year-old with bad wheels and a bad arm against a guy with a bad everything isn’t sounding too exciting. World Elite is joining up with M.E.M. A bunch of stars enlist a bunch of no-bodies. Is it 1996 again? Foley followed by saying no one is bigger than the business... I find it funny how big in his little mind he thinks he is. Just like Jarrett did. Young-Daniels had interference by the Elite and lots of high-impact moves with some nice wrestling in there. The "interference finish" was not surprising. James Storm setting up for a feud with Young gives him something to look forward to. Beer Money & 3D vs. the Alliance ... no relation to the WCW/ECW one, right? There was a lot of brawling going on in this one and afterwards as well. Normal pin break up, then everyone schmoz. Total breakdown and TNA vs. Alliance fight and continued through another segment. Usually I would see this break down at the end of the show. Only complaint is the "cops" showing up. What happened after the second break? Flash & Traci vs. Sarita & Wilde had incredible athleticism by all four knockouts. Great wrestling and the first real stand-out match of the night. Post-match attack keeps both singles feuds going strong. Does anyone in any promotion have something for Kip James? Then again, it must be nice to pick up a paycheck for 12 seconds of face time. Hernandez sit-down was a nice behind-the-scenes feature and good for his return. Homicide rambles like the Ultimate Warrior talking too much and saying nothing. Styles-Morgan: Best of three never ends after two. Morgan is sloppy and he will hurt someone sooner or later. Sting-Magnus was a throw-away main event. Once again, a brawl breaks out afterward. Hernandez stands tall at the end beginning his quest for the title perhaps at Bound For Glory.

We welcome your 0-10 score and comments on these show for a "TV Reax" feature in the Torch Feedback section of PWTorch.com. Just to add a twist to this feature, include not just your hometown, but also your occupation (mechanic, lawyer, stay-at-home-dad, college student, etc.) so readers get a flavor for what everyone does as "day jobs." To contribute your thoughts on Superstars and Impact, click here.

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