MVP's Entourage Takes Over Impact
MVP opens the show, and the first half hour, to start new feuds. He says that he came in and had to take power of the company. Furthermore, King and Lashley are backing up MVP because he is a visionary. This prompts The Wolves to come out and they end up being attacked by King and Lashley. Lashley spears Davey off the stage, which looked pretty impressive. As we get back from commercial break, MVP comes back out and faces off with Eric Young. It looks like Young will be in trouble until Austin Aries comes out and saves Young from a beating. MVP vs Aries is later tonight.
I really enjoyed this first part of the show, but it did take a little too long to get their point across. Two full segments of talking was productive, but I wanted to see a little less talk and more action. I would love to see Wolves vs. King and Lashley. That makes sense to me and would be a really solid feud for King and Lashley, who seem to be floating around the TNA roster for a while now. Adding Aries into the mix means that MVP needs a fourth guy, right? Who is Young feuding with? Who is Aries feuding with? Oh, they are feuding with the same guy. That can easily be confusing to most people.
Score: 6.5/10
Austin Aries defeated MVP via disqualification
Aries came on early with his offense, working fast and hitting some top rope moves. Aries hits a discus forearm and a clothesline to ground MVP. He hits a few of his patented running dropkicks into the corner until Kenny King runs out and causes a DQ. Lashley comes out and they attack. Eric Young tries to make the save, but Lashley hits a powerslam on him and then taunts to the crowd.
The beginning segment had The Wolves, but they did not appear here? Yes, they are selling the injuries. I would have booked this match at the end of the night so they had "time" to recover and put themselves into a successful spot to end the show.
Score: 5.5/10
-Later, Bully Ray argues with MVP about his actions. He tries to go after MVP, but is overpowered by his men. This all connects with Ethan Carter and Dixie, who end up getting a table for Bully Ray. EC3 ends up putting Ray through a table.
It is getting very cluttered in this feud, but I felt like there were more positives than negatives here. I don't mind Bully Ray trying to argue with MVP and his powers, but you need to make sure MVP and Dixie do not cross paths too much. They are both heels now. Let them go their separate ways in terms of building their OWN feuds. EC3 and Bully Ray is going to be fun to watch. Ray can really carry and teach the young guy a lesson about how to build effective and interesting storylines.
Score: 6/10
Bobby Lashley defeated Eric Young
Another match that had plenty of fun action ruined by a mess of a situation. There is simply too much going on in this match. MVP and Kenny King come out, again. They distract the ref and MVP hits Young. Lashley hits a spear and a powerslam for the win. Austin Aries tries to make the save, but gets hit with a Royal Flush by Kenny King.
I like their overall idea right here. I am praying they do not add numerous stables and an all out war ensues. That is exactly what they DO NOT want. The dirty win does not harm the champion and gives the viewers the question of "How can Eric Young overcome all of the odds?? He is an underdog and will be booked like an underdog champion.
Score: 6.5/10
Impact Wrestling Score: 5.5/10
@JoshIsenberg on Twitter. Reaction, over.