IMPACT Wrestling
Live @ Maverik Center
October 17, 2013
Salt Lake City, Utah
Starting off the show is a montage of the scenes from last week’s show in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Scenes show Samoa Joe winning the Television Championship and posing with the title, followed by Donovan’s challenge to Hulk Hogan and the look on Hogan’s face that followed. The conflict between the Main Event Mafia and EGO was also highlighted with their brawl, but moreso with the conflict between Roode and Magnus as shown with Bobby Roode and Magnus glaring at each other from the ring and ramp respectively. The montage closes out with the image of AJ Styles signing the contract and his shaking hands with Jason Donovan as the words of Mike Tenay echo of AJ having sold himself sold himself to the President.
As the cameras scan over the roaring crowd in the Maverick Center, the music of Aces and 8s plays over the PA system and the camera quickly cuts to the entrance ramp as Bully Ray comes down to the ring alone with the look of an evident chip on his shoulder. He trudges down to the ring and gets in and throws the title over his shoulder and he glares into the camera.
Bully Ray: SHUT IT OFF! SHUT IT OFF!
The crowd boos as Bully has the mic.
Bully Ray: Donovan! Yo Donovan! Get your ass out here right now! I’ve been disrespected one too many times by you, you son of a bitch, now come down to the ring right now and if you want, bring your new little butt buddy AJ Styles with you too!
The music of AJ Styles’s “Evil Ways” hits as AJ Styles comes out to a mixed reaction from the fans. Not for lack of love for AJ, but his recent actions and persona have left many fans confused as to what his motives are or where exactly his mind is right now. AJ, hood over his head and mic in hand stands on the entrance stage and looks out to the ring at Bully Ray.
AJ Styles: Ya know Bully, I thought you’d forgotten all about me for a minute.
Bully Ray: You better stay out there—you better! You know better than to get in the ring with me because I’m itching to give you a taste of what’s to come at BFG and put you in your damn place…below my feet.
AJ Styles: That’s funny, because if I remember right, not two weeks back, Jason Donovan put you in your place pretty quick.
This got a mix of laughter and cheers from the crowd as they thought back on Bully Ray trying to hem up Donovan in the hallway in a failed attempt. Bully has not forgotten either, obviously fuming at the thought of it. He rights himself and points back at AJ.
Bully Ray: That doesn’t concern you!
AJ Styles: You’re right Bully, you’re right. What concerns me is that World title on your shoulder, and come Bound for Glory, I’m gonna get it, and once again become the face of this company.
AJ smirks and walks to the back, leaving Bully Ray fuming in the ring. Those parting words set up a series of chants for the number one contender while the announcers talked up AJ’s personality change and how Bully Ray is having to deal with both Styles and Donovan heading into Bound for Glory as well as keeping together Aces and 8s so he may be stretching himself thin with the lot on his plate.
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COMMERCIAL
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Coming back from commercial the camera catches Samoa Joe walking backstage with a towel upon his head while the Television title is draped upon his shoulder. Austin Aries comes up from up ahead and smiles at Joe and looks at the title.
Austin Aries: That’s a nice little belt you’ve got there.
Samoa Joe: Mm’hm, what of it?
Austin Aries: Oh nothing…it’s just that…it’d be a shame of someone…took it.
Samoa Joe takes the hint and steps towards Aries, a sneer on his face against the cocky grin on the face of Aries.
Samoa Joe: I’d like to see you try.
Austin Aries: You will, and I’ll win.
Samoa Joe shakes his head and brushes past Aries, who still is carrying that cocky grin on his face as he watches Samoe Joe go.
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vs.
Chris Sabin w/Velvet Sky vs. Rockstar Spud
Rockstar Spud comes out to a complimentary reaction as the fans haven’t seen him in so long that they’ve forgotten who is he is why they should care. Spud came out in shades and a black jacket and didn’t really play to the crowd much of any as he did his last time in a TNA ring. Once the music of Chris Sabin hit, a mixed reaction came from the fans as many still enjoyed Sabin no matter what his disposition was, though many went with the flow and disliked the former World Champion. Sabin, with Velvet draped on his arm, comes to the ring and the match begins.
Sabin comes out of the corner and walks up to Spud, extending his hand, which Rockstar Spud goes to shake. Just as they are about to shake, Sabin pulls his hand back and slaps Spud, but his face too feels a stinging sensation as Spud had the same idea. Both men smirk at each other and begin to grapple, with Sabin, being the bigger man of the two—something that can rarely be said—getting the better of the grapple and sending Forearms to the face of the young star. Sabin continues to control the match, hitting Spud with first a kick to the gut that doubles him over and continuing into a Suplex that Spud is able to kick out of. Sabin throws him into the corner and runs at him, leaping into the air and going for the Hesitation Dropkick, but Spud moves out of the way and Sabin crashes into the corner. Spud wastes no time, and hits a Springboard Moonsault and tucking the legs of Sabin for the quick cover. ONE! TWO! THREE! Rockstar Spud gets the upset!
Christy Hemme: And your winner,
Roooockstaarr Spuudd!
Sabin is bewildered as he looks around with an expression of complete disbelief. Rockstar Spud gets up and the referee raises his hand to the cheering fans. Sabin is kicking his feet like an angry child as Velvet comes over to comfort him in his loss. Sabin pushes past Velvet and goes over to Spud. He pushes the referee out of the way and smashes into Spud from behind. Spud falls to the mat and Sabin goes to work punching and kicking at the man who just got the upset over him. The music of Manik hit’s the arena and out comes the X Division Champion. Sabin looks up and runs out of the ring as Manik comes in. He rushes around the ring and beckons for Velvet to follow him as they make a hasty exit, leaving Manik to help Rockstar Spud to his feet.
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Walking through the halls of the backstage area, Aces and 8s trek to their clubhouse when a call comes at them in the form of a loud “psst” from around the corner. The group members look to each other before Bully looks around the corner to see Hogan and Bischoff looking comically suspicious as they look around trying to make sure no one else is around. Bully glances at the other members of Aces and 8s, a look of skepticism on his face, but he goes forward anyways.
Bully Ray: Hogan? What do you want?
Hulk Hogan: Bully, I’ve been seeing you’ve been having problems with our new President as of late. If you’ve been paying attention I have to. That’s why I—well we, Bischoff of I—think it’s in our best interest to team up against a mutual enemy in Donovan.
Bully laughs along with the other members of Aces and 8s at this obviously absurd request from Hogan.
Bully Ray: I’m sorry, can you say that again Hulk? Did I hear you right? The guy who’s been trying to take me and my group down for over a year now wants our help?
Hulk Hogan: Look keep it down alright. I know full well how this all looks, but due to the circumstances the two of us can only benefit from each other.
Bully Ray: How do you figure Hogan?
Hulk Hogan: They didn’t make me General Manager of this show for nothing brother.
Bully looks to his other Aces and 8s members before turning back to Hogan and Bischoff.
Bully Ray: This is something that the club will have to think on.
That seems to be the general feeling of much of the club as the Knux and Wes shake their heads in agreement. The Aces and 8s start to leave, but Bischoff walks up behind them and takes Garrett by the shoulder. Garrett turns around to face his father.
Bischoff: Look son, I’m asking you to put aside the differences you and I have had in the past and remember that I’m your father…and I’m asking for your help.
His son seemed to stare at his father for some time before finally speaking.
Garrett: Like Bully said, the club will come to a decision.
With that, he walks away to catch up with the other members of the group.
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Joseph Park is standing over Eric Young who is drinking a bottle of water. Park has a frustrated look on his face.
Joseph Park: Ya know EY, it really sucks that you lost last week in that title match.
EY stands up and wags a finger at Park.
Eric Young: You’re telling me. It’s not every day you get thrown in a title match. Would’ve been nice to be champ again.
Joseph Park: It’s not right that Abyss—ya know, Abyss, my brother—was stripped of his belt. It’s not his fault they couldn’t find anyone to face him.
EY shrugs.
Eric Young: Well, what can ya do.
Joseph Park: I’ll tell you what I’m going to do.
He turns to the camera, a determined look on his face.
Joseph Park: Abyss, if you’re watching out there, wherever you are, you need to come back and claim what is rightfully yours.
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COMMERCIAL
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Jessie Godderz and Robbie E are conversing backstage. They seem to be deep in thought and throwing ideas off of one another.
Robbie E: So what’s the deal with us not having a match on the show bro?
Jessie: I dunno bro. What, do we just go out there and jump in that tag team feud going on with those three teams or something?
Robbie E: Uh, you know what bro, we’ll let them have their moment. We’ll let them have their moment while they make themselves seem important, because when we feel like it, we’ll just jump right in there and take those tag team belts. Right bro?
Jessie: Right on.
Robbie E: …But I still want a match bro.
Jessie: Yeah, me too.
The camera swivels around to see off on the other end of the hall, Chavo and Hernandez are looking down at the BroMans. Chavo brings his hands to his mouth and calls out to them.
Chavo: Yo! You guys and us next week, let’s have a match.”
Robbie and Jessie look at each other in confusion before Robbie calls.
Robbie E: Uh, yeah sure bro!
With that, Chavo and Hernandez walk away and Robbie turns back to Jessie.
Robbie E: I guess we got a match bro.
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vs.
Daniels vs. James Storm
In a follow up of the encounter between their counterparts last week, Christopher Daniels and James Storm take to the ring to face off while their partners Kazarian and Gunner, watch from the sidelines. Daniels and Storm exchange offence regularly throughout the match, Daniels catching Storm early on with an STO and a BME attempt, but Storm is able to roll out of the way and Daniels lands on his feet from the move, but Storm is right there for a Superkick—Kazarian pulls Daniels out of the ring for the save! With the match well underway, the All Night Express come out on commentary and Kenny King makes a point to state that now that they are together in TNA, the other team’s chances of attaining tag team gold has gone down by one hundred percent and the champs’ days are numbered. Rhett Titus takes a couple of shots at Daniels and Kazarian about their possible sexuality, while Kenny suspects Storm and Gunner live in the same trailer park. In the match, James Storm looks to have the victory as he hits a Running Neckbreaker on Daniels and is goes to the corner to wait for the Superkick as Daniels rises, but Kazarian grabs the leg of Storm and halts his run. Storm stumbles and Gunner rushes over to beat down Kazarian on the outside for the interference. Meanwhile, the stumbling Storm is caught in the Angel’s Wings from Daniels and is pinned.
Christy Hemme: Your winner,
Christopher Daniels!
Before the words are even out of her mouth, ANX come off of commentary and attack Daniels in the ring while his back is turned trying to get out and help Kazarian against Gunner. They beat down Daniels as well as Storm in the ring until Gunner comes in and brawls with the two of them. Kazarian recovers and joins the fray and all teams are brawling now. The crowd is loving the huge brawl as all three teams are exchanging blows in and around the ring. Their cheers are only intensified as Austin Aries runs out from the back with a chair to aid his All Night Express teammates. He catches Gunner in the back of the head and swings it around to take out Daniels while Kazarian is held by King and Titus, allowing Aries to smash the chair full over his skull. They finish their mayhem by slamming the chair into the back of Storm, who was crawling on the ring floor trying to get back to his feet. The other teams out cold, the Al Night Express stand tall over their victims and pose for the camera as they stand in the ring.
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COMMERCIAL
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vs.
Jeff Hardy vs. Austin Aries
Back from commercial, Aries is already in the ring, but his partners have made their exit for the next matchup. Jeff Hardy comes out to the roar of the fans and plays to the crowd, letting them grab his hands as he made his way around the ring, making sure to allow everyone to get a hold of him as he comes around. Aries seems to not have the patience, instead climbing the rope and leaping down onto Hardy on the outside to start the match. In a lengthy matchup, the two men go back and forth until hardy is able to catch Aries with a Mule Kick, sending him to the mat and allowing Hardy to run up to the top rope. Jeff is atop the rope to deliver the Swanton when Rhett Titus and Kenny King rush out to the ring. Seeing them coming, Hardy instead dives down onto the men and begins a brawl. The referee calls off the match as ANX pummel Hardy on the outside.
Christy Hemme: The referee has called an end to this match.
There is no victor.
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Sounds of laughing and conversation come from the female locker room as the women are about to get into the shower. Velvet Sky, Socal Val, and Brooke Tessmacher are standing around in their bath towels when Awesome Kong comes into the room with a towel wrapped around her as well. The girls give nervous glances at each other and scurry out of the locker room. Kong pays no mind and continues on into the shower. The camera moves up to only her upper body, just above her breasts as she begins to shower. From another angle, the camera shows Mickie James creeping into the shower from behind with a chair in hand. She yells and proceeds to smash the chair into Kong’s back, knocking her into the wall. James continues to pummel her in the shower, with the camera switching between the raising of the chair and the look of fierceness of Mickie’s face, never showing Kong actually being struck by the weapon in the nude. Satisfied with her work, Mickie throws the chair on Kong and steps back. The water was still running from the shower and Mickie was now drenched from head to toe, her makeup a mess as a gleeful smile crossed her face. She leaves the shower and the camera closes in on an unconscious Kong slumped in the corner with the chair covering her nude body.
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The Main Event Mafia is assembled, with Joe and Magnus sitting in chairs looking up at Sting, watching and listening as he speaks about his feelings regarding the group.
Sting: Joe, Samoa Joe, I can’t say enough how much your title win last week meant to this group. You brought gold to the Mafia. I remember, and you do too, that once upon a time, the Main Event Mafia held all the gold in TNA.
The Brit rises from the chair and puts a hand on Sting’s shoulder.
Magnus: I remember as well…I remember it a lot. Those were different times, and you were different people. I too have changed since back then. Now if you excuse me, I’m going out to that ring and saying what needs to be said.
The music of Magnus hits the arena as the man dubbed the as the future of TNA comes out to the cheers of the crowd. The announcers talk about how Magnus is coming out alone and that he’s likely got some choice words for the It Factor. With a mic in hand, Magnus waits for the crowd to die down before he speaks.
Magnus: I came out here tonight alone. Not as a member of the Mafia, but simply as Magnus. Right now I don’t want to see EGO, I want to see Bobby Roode. I know you’re watching Roode, so come out here and face me man to man.
The music of the It Factor of Professional Wrestling hits and out comes Bobby Roode in regular clothing. There is a tense moment as Roode stands on the entrance ramp, but finally decides to step into the ring. The two men glare at each other until one decides to speak.
Magnus: Roode, I called you out here because before this goes any further, I have only one question to ask. What is your problem with me? I’ve got no personal beef with you.
Bobby Roode: What’s my problem? My problem is that you cost me the World title, and if you don’t think that is persona, then maybe that’s why you’ve never been World Champion.
Magnus: You’re right. I’ve never been World Champion, but I still know where to draw the line between misplaced vendettas and business. What happened between you and I was just business. What we’re doing in the ring right now, it’s just business. At the end of the day, if you want to get a piece of me, I’m going to meet the challenge, and I will prevail, because I’m looking to bethe top man in this company, no matter the cost.
The two rivals close in on each other and stare daggers into the other’s eyes. The crowd is on fire as the two men look to be about to square off in the ring, but the scenes fades out as the show fades out.
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COMMERCIAL
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The members of Aces & 8 have taken to their club house, sitting around in a dark part of the arena and have come into a debate over Hogan’s proposal.
Knux: Hogan’s got some nerv, seeing how he’s been on our asses for the longest.
Wes Brisco: Hell yeah. Hogan must be losing his mind.
Bully Ray: Alright. So what are we going to do about it? You boys got a final decision or what?
Knux: My decision, is that Hogan can go fuck himself.
Wes Brisco: We don’t need two old guys to beat Donovan.
The President looks over to the person who hadn’t spoken yet.
Bully Ray: Garrett, you been awfully quiet over there. What’s your take on this?
Garrett seems to be in serious deliberation, his mind showing obvious doubt as to what to say.
Bully Ray: Come on Bisch, what’s your answer?
Garrett puts his hands in his pocket and looks up as Bully calls his name again. Garrett glares back at Bully with an expression that turns from uncertainty to intensity. He seems to have his answer.
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COMMERCIAL
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Donovan is in his office on the phone when a knock comes on the door.
Donovan: It’s open.
AJ Styles walks into the ring and Donovan looks over to see who entered. He tells the person he was on the phone with that he'd call them back and gets to his feet with a smile on his face as AJ steps forward. They shake hands.
Donovan: I saw your back and forth with Bully earlier, I liked it.
AJ gives a tilt of his head in return, and Donovan continues.
Donovan: I know why you’re here.
Donovan goes down and grabs a briefcase from under his desk and sets it down in front of AJ. He opens it and presents it to Styles.
Donovan: It’s still all about the money right AJ?
AJ smiles as he pulls out a stack of cash and thumbed through it.
AJ Styles: You’re damn right.