It was a very special TNA Impact last night: only days before Bound for Glory, TNA went live and promised us a spectacular show. Did it live up to the hype? There’s tons to talk about, so lets get right to it!
After a painful segment between Abyss, Dixie Carter, Eric Bischoff and various other male talents, we switch to an outside area where a car has just pulled up. Who exits but the country singer/wrestler Mickie James! The cameraman asks what she’s doing here. James is coy, saying only that we’ll have to watch and see. She looks good, rocking the beads threaded into her hair. Taz exclaims, “Mike, that WAS Mickie James!” Well no shit, Sherlock. We get an announcement from our fearless commentators that up next is the tag team match between Tara and the Madison Rayne vs. Angelina Love and Velvet Sky that will determine who owns the rights to “The Beautiful People” name and music. Should be interesting to see if any tensions regarding the upcoming pay-per-view match manifest in this one tonight…
After returning from commercial, the Beautiful People music plays, and out first is Tara and Madison Rayne on the motorbike. Tara’s ditched the helmet at last and looks pretty good sporting black curly hair with red streaks. But my jaw drops at Rayne’s new tresses – she’s a brunette and DAMN she looks fabulous! It’s official, brunettes have more fun, obviously Madison has seen the light. She’s wearing quite the sleek outfit as well. The two enter the ring with the customary smack on the ass & kiss on the lips. Which I’m not complaining. The music keeps playing as Angelina Love and Velvet Sky come out onto the ramp with their own customary pose. Their outfits are a similar shade of silver, Velvet with pink added in while Angelina has purple in hers.
The two go for their usual entrance into the ring, but Madison and Tara aren’t about to wait. Rayne rushes Angelina, pulling her fully into the ring, whilst Tara shoves Velvet off the apron to the floor. The two double team Angelina in their corner, taking turns choking her, until the ref orders one of them out. Tara exits, leaving Madison to do her own damage, choking away until going for a pin. Angelina immediately kicks out. Bringing in her erstwhile bodyguard, the two get a double team side Russian legsweep on Love before Tara tries for another pin. Another kickout.
Velvet and Madison are screaming at each other on the apron, and while Tara applies a sleeper on Angelina, the two meet at the opposite corner, slapping away at each other. The referee breaks it up but behind his back, Love’s managed a cradle. Velvet screams at the referee and he does go for a count but Tara almost immediately breaks free. On their feet, Angelina ducks a fist from Tara and rolls to the corner, tagging in Velvet. Vel-Vel also ducks Tara’s fist and instead hits several clotheslines and a running bulldog on Tara! Vel’s fired up and as Tara gets to her feet, Sky goes to whip herself off the ropes for leverage, but Madison hits her from behind. It’s enough of a distraction that Tara clobbers Velvet. We switch to a shot of Miss Tessmacher, who’s now standing at the top of the ramp, taking notes. The camera goes back to the ring, where Velvet’s on the outside, Madison standing over her. Rayne tosses Sky back into the ring for Tara, as Tessmacher looks on with a smug smile on her face. What’s on her mind is anyone’s guess…
Tara’s gone for another pin, getting another two count. We hear Madison scream “GET OVER HERE!” to her partner. Tara complies, hoisting Velvet over her shoulder and muscling her into the corner. She tags in Rayne, the two double teaming her until once again the referee gets Tara out. Madison grabs hold of Velvet by the neck and rushes her over into another corner, slamming her head into the turnbuckle. She then goes to whip her into the opposite corner, but Velvet reverses. Madison jumps, putting her legs on Sky’s shoulders, but Vel simply tosses her stomach first into the mat! As the new brunette holds her jaw in pain, Velvet tags in Angelina. Seeing Tara about to enter the ring, Angelina rushes over and knocks her to the ground before turning her attention to Madison. She ducks Rayne’s attempt at a clothesline, countering with two modified clotheslines and a bicycle kick that sends Madison crawling to her corner, tagging in Tara.
Angelina hits a nasty looking jaw breaker on Tara, while Velvet enters the ring and hits Madison, sending her to the floor. The OBP hit a double kick on Tara, sending her crashing down. Angelina goes for a cover. 1 – 2 – 3! This one is over, and the original Beautiful People have won the right to use the trademark name and music! Madison is BALLISTIC on the outside, gradually circling the ring until she comes face to face with Tara, and begins to yell at her. But before this can get any uglier, Miss Tessmacher interrupts. She reminds them, rather sternly, about the upcoming four way match for the Knockouts Championship at Bound for Glory. She repeats this isn’t dress up, playing with barbies – this is a COMPETITION. There are no BFFs here. To ensure that each of these “skanks” as she put it (harsh!) play by her rules, she has a special guest referee signed for the match…
“HARDCORE COUNTRY!” blares over the loudspeaker as Mickie James comes strutting out in her trademark leather outfit, looking damn fine! Predictably, Tara and Madison are NOT happy about this, Tara’s jaw dropping in shock. The Impact Zone goes NUTS. Mickie smiles and waves to the people before taking the mic from Miss Tessmacher and greeting the four women. She goes on to speak about being the newest TNA Knockout, being “bound for glory” and setting her sights on being the first woman to make history by holding “every single prestigious title known to womankind!” Short but forceful statement, putting each woman on notice as to her intentions. Mickie hugs Miss Tessmacher and the two leave the other four woman looking fustrated and angry.
Short match but had the most satisfying, if the least surprising, outcome. After all, Angelina and Velvet are the Beautiful People. It would’ve made no sense for Tara and the Rayne to win this one. No, what really stood out for me was Miss Tessmacher. I’m quickly growing to like her in this role as what appears to be an authority over the Knockouts. Much like the aborted role of Traci Brooks, it seems as if Bischoff has delegated the division to Tessmacher, and she’s growing into the role nicely. She has a very Stephanie McMahon-air to her, which is a good thing. Good on the mic, she emits an air of “Don’t Mess With Me” – something which other assistants in wrestling don’t always succeed in getting.
Other than her, the anticipated debut of Mickie James was the other standout for tonight, obviously. After not seeing her on television for months, it looks as if James has taken the time between WWE and TNA to train, get back to basics on the indy scene, and recharge her batteries. She looks fantastic! Cheesy promo somewhat, but there’s no doubt that she’s on course to become the new centerpiece of the division. When (there’s no doubt it’s just a matter of time honestly) she wins the Knockouts Championship, she will be the first trifecta champion, having held both of the WWE’s titles. The only other woman I can think of that’s come close to this would be Madusa aka Alundra Blayze, who held both the WWE Women’s Championship and the WCW Women’s Championship. We all assumed that when Gail Kim made the jump to the WWE a few years ago and debuted on Smackdown that she would be the first woman to hold this distinction. That seems highly unlikely at this point, unless the WWE decides to have Gail be the one to make history before Mickie does. Interesting thought, we’ll see how that plays out.
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For now, it’ll be interesting enough to see how her role as referee in the upcoming match plays out. It’ll be a chance for her to establish a clear babyface or heel role, if she doesn’t remain impartial that is. TNA wasn’t done with debuts on tonight’s episode, however. Towards the end, some new music hits and out comes Cookie aka Becky Bayless alongside her partner Robbie. It’s an obvious Jersey Shore gimmick, but I gotta say Becky – I mean, Cookie – looks fantastic! After she applies some lip gloss and he shows off his killer six-pack, the two make their way to the ring, doing a slammin’ fist pump upon entrance.
The two have mics but before they can even say a word, the crowd is all over them. Great heat! Robbie E speaks first, saying the Shore has arrived, to which Cookie shouts, “PARTY!” After further words from Robbie, Cookie chimes in about not seeing a single “dirty gorilla” in Orlando, and insulting the crowd for having no tans. They finish up by claiming that the real posers are the ones on MTV and the Shore will be back next week.
It’s a short but fun promo that serves to introduce us properly to Robbie E. and Cookie. Two very over the top characters and this is where Bayless shines. She’s a great actress, I’ve enjoyed her past characters such as Brooke Lynn on Wrestlicious. She always puts everything she has into her roles, and this one looks to be no different. Sure, it’s a cheesy rip off of Jersey Shore, but it’s fun and the role seems to be taylor made for Becky. I’m looking forward to seeing these two in the future!
All in all, not a bad night for the Knockouts. No major mis-steps and Mickie and Cookie’s debuts went off without a hitch. I find myself actually looking forward to watching “Bound for Glory” – we’ll see if tensions arise between the two partners when forced to compete for the title, and if Mickie’s being the referee will have a major influence.
40 Comments
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Just putting this out there- There’s been a lot of talk about Mickie James gaining weight… on TNA iMPACT (LIVE) we all could see she looked INCREDIBLE. Even if she were to gain 15-20 lbs. she would still be the amazing wrestler and performer we know and love (or hate).
I’m so excited to see TNA give the Knockouts storylines and time on the mic. Whether we love The Beautiful People or not, or the storylines that creative puts them in….
there’s no arguing that TNA is putting more time in than WWE does with their Divas.
I’m so excited to see Mickie, and I hope they let a feud build up before she wins the Knockouts Championship.
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and I cannot stand ‘Cookie’
but again- giving a Knockout mic. time is always a positive in my book.
(Let’s just try to get TNA to re-evaluate and hire Sara Del Rey, Roxxi, MsChif (team up with Daffney and give Taylor Wilde and Hamada some Tag competition)
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Not a Mickie James fan so *yawn* at her. Her entrance theme is trash btw but I loved her Pocahontas outfit. lol Hopefully she can bring some steam to the whole 4 way match at bfg cuz Seeing those four in the ring over and over is really becoming annoying. And were is LVE?
Also I loved Brooke tonight. Shes hot as ever :]
lol.. I just fell in love with Cookie :] Love Jersey Shore So I can’t wait to see what they do ;D
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Great night for the KOs! Good match and two great debuts! The KO division needed to be shaken up a little, and that what he got with the debut of Mickie James. There are alot of Mickie vs (insert Knockout) matches I can’t wait to see.
Miss Tessmacher also reminds me alot of Stephanie McMahon in a way. While I appreciate the hot secretary look very much, I think with the new promotion she should switch it up to buisness suits to look more the part of an authority figure. I really see this being what could have been when Traci Brooks had this role, if it had been done right. I also like how she roles around with Hulk and Eazy E, it makes her look important.
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And They really should bring Christie Von Errie up to manage Ink Inc on Tv. That would be hella awesome. lol
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I know she’s only supposed to be the referee at Bound For Glory, but I get the feeling Mickie might actually win the belt in that match.
I’ve no idea who, or what, Jersey Shore is. But if It’s as annoying as those two, I don’t think I want to know. Ugh.
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hahhaahha and I love The Shore already
PARRRRRRRRRRRTTTTTTTTTYYYYYYY’S HEREEEEEEEEE!!!!!
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The Mickie return was great, but the segment with Cookie and.. uh.. that guy, was really fucking boring.
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I wish they would’ve used ‘Are You With Me’ as Mickie’s Entrance music.
(and I actually like Madison Rayne’s hair- not like it should matter in wrestling)
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The Match was pretty good, but i found Mickie’s promo was very cocky and i didnt like it, i hope Gail becomes the first women to hold all the titles, so that TNA would have to call it something else once Mickie wins the title in like 3 weeks, haha and as far as Cookie, i thought they were annoying and boring, i didnt like it at all
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Well the match was pretty poor if I do say so myself. Velvet and especially Madison were exceptionally hot; I think Madison looks loads better with her new brown hair, shame I can’t say the wrestling was much good though!
Mickie’s return was nicely executed (unlike Dixie Carter’s abismal acting haha) and she didn’t slip up and she set the scene for Bound For Glory really well. She is definitely an exciting factor in the match but tbh, I’ve HATED this fued and couldn’t care less about it. I just hope TNA can resculpt the division now Mickie is around and bury this fued 6 feet under come Sunday.
Cookie was annoying but in a good way, it’ll be interesting to see what goes down at the Shore!
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If Gail does Make History before Mickie Then Mickie Could Make History
By being the first to hold all Major Promotion Women’s Gold
WWE Women’s and Diva’s Championship
TNA Knockouts Women’s and Knockouts Tag Team Championships
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mickijames is trending wordwide and it has heated up the triple crown debate Gail Kim vs Mickie James gail kim has wrestle more top notch opponents than mickie but mickie has step up in the indy’s and took on all comers gail kim has also wrestle in japan and mexico maybe sense mickie now in tna she have the chance to compete against some of those women stars from those two highly respected promotions tna does alot of cross promotions
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it’s nice to see mickie again and looking amazing as ever.if really see the types of matches that she well have with the others ko well be awesome.and hopefully her depute we bring the ko back on it’s feet.
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I think it was very disappointing that the match only got like 2.5 minutes. This was a blow off match to a feud that has been going close to a year. It should have gotten at least 10 to 11 minutes.
I’m glad TBP won and got to keep their name and music. Though I’m surprised Lacey didn’t come out with them. I really liked what Velvet was wearing and it’s shame she didn’t get to do her entrance.
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i”m still a bit hmmm about the signing of mickie.. love her, just don’t want tna turning into the james show! but if last night is a sign of things to come, the kos getting more time, promo stuff, etc.. then i’m all for it. loving tessmacher and cookie was annoying – but i guess that’s the whole point of the shore gimmick?
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one of my all time dream matches have been Angelina vs Mickie, so i hope they have a match for the title, and have a little fued.
good debut for Mickie, but she did come off a little too confident, but that may be her role. cant wait for bound for glory now
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also, just to add. Madison is really growing on me. mostly after last night with her little comments about “pocahontas’ and “bound for failure”
she reminds me of Angelina back in the day
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great night amazing good strong match then mickie debutes and then cookie reuuren what can i say
Yes b*****es no sorry jkjk her debut was better than i excepted
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Madison look HAWT!
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I’m Glad she’s in TNA Ive always wanted to see her in matches with a few knockouts and Madisons comments you look like pocahantes and Your bound for failure made laugh those are the funniest insults Ive ever heard come out of divas mouth next to angelina saying Someone put this dog back in her kennel I forgot who she said that to but it was hilarous.
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I dunno if Angelina is going to walk out of Bound For Glory as Knockouts Champion tbh… even though that would be the best possible outcome I kinda see Madison or Tara winning it. But then again it would be really amazing if Angelina did win, I’d love to see a Angelina vs Mickie feud and then Madison and Tara can chase after the Tag Titles. Two feuds using all the Knockouts. :D Minus Daffney and Sarita… >.<
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Wow Madison turns herself into a mousy brunette and suddenly people like her – funny that. A change of hair colour won’t make a shit of a difference and is only to try and make her and Tara both look different to The Beautiful People – their too-tight leather outfits make them look like tightly packaged sausages. Madison is still boring – proving that blonde or brunette, “having more fun” comes from within not a bottle of cheap dye. On a side note, I’d like Daffney to come back on Impact asap and especially to kick crap outta “Cookie” aka Becky Bayless aka Becky Talentless…another dud who can’t work, can’t do jack shit who will be released by the end of this year.
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“Let’s just try to get TNA to re-evaluate and hire Sara Del Rey, Roxxi, MsChif (team up with Daffney and give Taylor Wilde and Hamada some Tag competition)”
TNA now only hires women who look more like TBP. I think thats thier new standerd they think they’ll get more ratings.
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Oh gosh it’s TNA’s Zack Ryder.