Mike Bennett, Jeff Hardy and Lashley
Mike Bennett kicks off Impact talking about beating EC3, comparing himself to the likes of Bully Ray, Sting, Jeff Hardy and others. He is praised by his wife and then Jeff Hardy comes out. This leads to a match. Hardy hits an inverted atomic drop and then a dropkick. Miracle kicks out at two and then Bennett counters a Twist of Fate. All of a sudden, Lashley runs down to ringside and spears Hardy out of nowhere. His spear throws Jeff into the steel post. Bennett smiles and pats Lashley, but gets a spear in return. Lashley says he is going to make an example out of the entire roster until he gets what he wants.
For many reasons, Lashley is the closest thing to Brock Lesnar that TNA has. I did not really like how his extremely short feud with The Pope was not him just mowing through him en route to total domination. Lashley failed before because he was overshadowed by MVP and Kenny King’s ability on the mic. Now, he is by himself and can be built into the unstoppable force that we all have wanted to see. He is too good of a performer to NOT be booked like this. He does not need to say much, but does he need a manager? Can he thrive like Lesnar without his own Paul Heyman?
James Storm vs. Abyss
James Storm hits a clothesline and Abyss does not fall down, so he tries again. Abyss sidesteps it and tosses Storm to the outside where Steve attacks. Storm fires back and hits a series of clotheslines and finally takes the Monster off of his feet with a flying elbow. He only gets a two count. Storm kicks Abyss to the back of the head but Abyss recovers quickly for a chokeslam, but he gets only two on the cover. Abyss misses a splash in the corner and Storm comes back with a clothesline. Storm drops an elbow off the top rope but Steve gets up on the apron and Storm kicks him off the apron. Abyss spits mist in his face and hits a Black Hole Slam for the win. Jeremy Borash handles the ring announcing after Abyss’s win.
It was a physical match with some nice spots, but the main focus was on The Decay playing the numbers game. They are not the typical stable, so do not make them that. Let the mind games be more mental than physical. I want to see them booked more like The Wyatt Family, utilizing special effects and more visual over actual interference in the ring. I fear James Storm, who I am a fan of, is going to be stuck in this unlikely spot with so many young guys coming in and Bobby Roode leaving the company. He should have NEVER left NXT to come back to TNA.
