What’s up Knockout fans and welcome to this week’s Impact Write-Up. It’s TNA’s final week in merry, old England and tonight’s blockbuster contest will surely be fit for The Queen (not Madison Rayne, Queen Lizzie!) as Knockouts Champion Tara is to defend her title in a Four-Way Elimination match against Brooke Tessmacher, Gail Kim and Velvet Sky. After a rough few weeks either being pinned or outshone by her opponents for tonight, can the record-equaling five-time Champ keep hold of her gold, or will a former Champion relive their past glory?
A swooping crane shot welcomes us into tonight’s London Impact Zone and the glorious music of Velvet Sky plays, which signals that some pigeons are about to be let loose! Velvet is wearing her “Often Imitated, Never Duplicated” attire and it’s incredibly sad that I know the name of the font that is used on Velvet’s clothes (it’s ‘Ravie’). Velvet flutters her way to the ring as I contemplate the thought of Dixie Carter designing Velvet’s attire whilst messing around on Microsoft WordArt. Velvet’s worthiness of being involved in this match is reminisced upon as we take a look at how she bested Tara 3 weeks ago in mixed tag action. Next, the greatest entrance music in all of wrestling fills my ears and out comes the Kimpactful Knockout herself, God Kim. ‘The Holy Gail’ (see what I did there) is surely hoping to make her foes act like puppets on her strings tonight, and footage of Gail is shown from last week and how she made The Blossom Twins dance like marionettes for the world to see! Ok, I’ll stop with the lyrics now.
Out next is Brooke Tessmacher and you guessed it, we see as to why she qualified for this title match. Unlike the other girls, Brooke managed to best Tara in singles competition whilst in England, so surely she’s the favorite right? Loved how Brooke threw her top on the camera which made it cut to the replay from two weeks back – nice editing TNA! Out finally, after a slightly interrupted entrance is Knockouts Champion Tara, who is under more pressure than being sat on by a Snorlax. Finally, Knockouts VP Brooke Hogan manages to walk down the ramp without tripping and she’s going to be overseeing the action, and making sure that there’s no funny business going on! Before the action starts, we have a commercial break, and thank god it’s not going to interrupt the match!
We’re back from the break and Jessie is backing up the ramp; he’s been banned from ringside! With his odious little self away from the ring, Tara will hand to fend for herself, and after the last few weeks, it’s not looking good. Tara immediately goes after Velvet as Tess launches herself at Gail. The chaos continues for a short time until Tessmacher reverses an irish whip attempt from Gail and rolls her into a victory roll for a two-count. Tara then schoolgirls Brooke for two before Velvet does the same to Tara and also gets two. Gail then turns her attention to Velvet as Brooke tries yet another victory roll, this time on Tara. The Widow’s Peak Freak stops Tess in her tracks with a reverse electric chair, which sends the Teasin’ and Touchin’ Texan to the outside.
The heels now begin to team up and work over Velvet Sky with a series of kicks, punches and face-first slams to the ground. Vel Vel attempts to make a comeback but Gail charges towards her from behind, bending her back and forcing her to the mat. The heels whip Velvet into the corner before Tara hits a stinger splash and Gail rampages into Ms Sky with her signature corner crossbody. Gail begins showboating on the apron as our Champion hits a stunning Spider Web sideslam, which she only gets two with because Gail decides to break it up. Regardless of the elimination rules, Gail is like Britney Spears in ‘Scream & Shout’ and wants all eyes on her, and if an elimination is going to happen, she is going to make it.
Ontario squares off against California now as the heels come to blows. Tara gets the best of the exchange and manages to hit a big back body drop on Gail. Tara works on Gail in the corner, but hits the turnbuckles when Gail manages to evade one of Tara’s attacks. Gail goes to traverse the ropes but Tessmacher appears out of nowhere and pulls her to the arena floor. Gail gets a bit too close to Brooke and Mizz Hogan shoves Gail away from her (LMAO). Gail looks to send Brooke into the ring post knees first, but Tessmacher reverses it and hits a lovely springboard bulldog to the arena floor – ouch!
Back inside the squared circle and now the faces are ganging up on the lone wolf, Tara. The former Victoria is rocked with an array of punches and clotheslines before trying to make an exit to the outside. Velvet grabs Tara on the apron, yet the San Bernardino native hangs Velvet up on the top rope. Tess proves she’s not to be messed with by doing what Velvet couldn’t do as she throws Tara back in the ring. Tara begs for her former TnT tag partner to stop, and this lulls Brooke to come closer, meaning Tara can trap Brooke in her arachnid-like clutches, a.k.a, Brooke’s throat is walloped into the bottom rope. Tara hits a scoop slam on Brooke before going to the top rope, an area where she’s not normally successful. Tara then proves me wrong and hits a picture-perfect moonsault, which looks very impressive. Tara’s hurting from the move herself and she’s unable to make a cover on Brooke. Velvet enters the fray again and hits an ‘In Yo Face’ on the Champion! She goes for the elimination but the attention-craving Gail shoves her off the Champion’s fallen body. Gail pins Tara herself and we’ve got our first elimination – Tara has LOST her Knockout’s Title!
After we see a gutted Tara walk to the back, we return to the ring to see that Tessmacher has a lot of momentum going. After a flurry of offense, Brooke hits her awkward Russian Leg Clothesline thing (excellent analogy from me, I know) before climbing to the top rope. Brooke has less success than Tara as she is cut off by a stiff kick from Gail. The true Canadian Ninja then tries to superplex Tess but Velvet also wants a piece of the action – we’ve got a tower of doom on our hands people! We then see Brooke Hogan completely no sells that spot as a fan (she’s getting paid to act, not be interested) and I’m sure her expression is still the same as Velvet fails to put either woman away. TNA chants are erupting in Wembley Arena as Velvet tries to hit her double underhook facebuster again. Tessmacher halts this and tries to roll Velvet up, but the leader of the #PigeonArmy uses her own momentum to roll over Brooke herself and pin the former two-time Knockouts Champion!
We’re now down to Gail and Velvet, two women who have so much history with one-another. Gail launches at Velvet like a rabid dog as Taz says something horrendous on commentary (when doesn’t he?). Gail then runs into a boot from Velvet and the former Beautiful People member then begins to pick up the pace! The one-time Knockouts Champ hits two clotheslines followed by a sweet hurricanrana. Gail then reverse a bulldog attempt before knocking Velvet’s socks off with a dropkick. The first ever Knockouts Champion goes for the pin, but referee Taryn Terrell spots Gail’s shenanigans, which makes Gail fuming! Gail gets in Taryn’s face and although she should be careful of not being too distracted, this is Gail Kim we’re talking about, and Gail just nonchalantly goes back to her assault on Velvet with a hard kick to the midsection. After a few corner shoulder tackles, Gail charges at her foe, but Velvet sunset flips her way out of danger, or does she? Gail grabs the ropes for leverage in her attempt at a reversal and Knockouts Official Taryn has had enough of her Gail’s cheating and backchat. Taryn forcefully shoves Gail back into the mat, which allows Velvet to hit her second ‘In Yo Face’ of the night, which nets her her second Knockouts Championship of her career!
Thoughts: This was a competent, exciting, long, engaging, awesome match. From the tower of doom, to Tara’s moonsault and from Tessmacher’s outside bulldog to Gail and Taryn’s brewing rivalry, this bout packed in some much, and it’s definitely a TV Match of the Year candidate.
Now onto where the division goes from here. We have a face Champ in Velvet Sky (congrats!) but we don’t have many heel challengers. Tara will no doubt get her rematch clause and probably nothing else, Gail will be inevitably feuding with Taryn Terrell and Madison has had a title run in the last year (albeit a short one) so to be honest, I only see one logical next move.
Heel. Mickie. James.
Mickie has a new album out and she certainly could do with some promotion, and that plus the fact she’s not held the belt in a while, I think those are two solid reasons for her to be the next challenger. Whilst I and most fans love Mickie as a face, she has been a fan favorite for a long time now, and she hasn’t been a heel whilst in TNA, so in terms of logic, this could and should be the next move. Next week’s Impact is the first on the road in the US, so let’s see what excitement is in-store for the division now that the show is on the road with it’s brand new champion, Velvet Sky. And with that, stay tuned, Jack will be back!
62 Comments
at
I think that we may see a Velvet heel turn. Nobody is expecting it so I would love it. Mickie James will defenitly sell the heel gimmick over good, but I dont think it will last because people will still cheer Mickie.
at
I think/hope that Taryn Terrell will wrestle, or have a feud with Gail Kim.
at
Great match! there was alot of great spots! i loved the tower and the bulldog! The knockouts have been kinda bland lately but the last two weeks theyve been rocking it! But congrats to Velvet! The Taryn and Gail fued will obviously happen. And Jack i do agree with you turing Mickie heel is the best choice after Tara gets her rematch.
at
Actually there are two more Impact Wrestling’s from Orlando, then Lockdown, then they go on the road full time.
Jack Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at
Aah right, my bad. Guess I didn’t pay enough attention when it came to that!
at
Good match. However, I find myself more interested in the seemingly inevitable Gail/Taryn feud rather than whatever is next for Velvet as champion.
Aria-- Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at
I think it’s because the Gail/Taryn feud is fresh and new, whereas Velvet’s character has gotten incredibly stale.
redsandman99 Reply:
February 24th, 2013 at
Probably. It don’t help I can’t find it in me to connect with Velvet either. Makes it hard to give a crap in general.
at
The match was ehhh, & it should’ve been much better considering who’s in it. The breaking up pins was stupid unless you’re ally was getting pinned but they didnt have allies in this match. The tower would’ve been good if Velvet would’ve sold it right. You’re not suppose to push them of it’s suppose to be a powerbomb, when they go down so do you. But that bulldog was SSSIIIIIIIIIICCCKKK!!! Also good to see they fixed Tara’s theme because it was said at the tapings that they played the wrong song. But overall congrats Velvet; Now turn Mickie heel!
at
Boring match, for me. Congratulations to Velvet and here’s for that long title reign she should have initially received. Does anyone else want Tara to retire at this point? I feel like she has nothing left to prove and I’m just getting tired of her tbh.
Gail-Trish-Brooke Reply:
February 24th, 2013 at
Obviously disagree with the first part. But I agree about Tara. I love her, but she has pretty much done it all. Unless she had one final run in WWE to put over some of the newer girls.
at
what if velvet turns heel and we find out taryn and velvet are working together because i remember when velvet came back and said “this time i wont have to get my hands dirty” or something like that i cant really remember but yeah hope someone gets what i am trying to say. also congratulations to velvet sky
at
or turning velvet heel.I think it is more logical and velvet is much more better as a heel.Especially as TBP.
at
I loved this, but thought the breaking up of the pins was silly due to the elimination rules. I would honestly love for Mickie to turn heel as opposed to Velvet. It’s time TNA, Mickies been face for too long.
at
5 minute Dva match: “The girls need more time”
12 Minute Knockout match: “This match was really boring”
Can’t win on Diva Dirt.
AJFan95 Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at
I don’t think it’s that “we’re never happy” situation. It’s just the Knockouts are incredibly stale at the moment. They also have virtually no interesting characters or storylines going in the division.
GailKim95 Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at
No, it is that “we’re never happy moment”
DJ8946 Reply:
February 23rd, 2013 at
This has nothing to do with never being happy. The Knockouts usally put on a good show but the last couple of months they have bored alot of us. While this match was way more entertaining than the others they’ve been having they could’ve done way more with this time. Were as the Divas I believe if given this time they would’ve did more than the Knockouts did.
Gail-Trish-Brooke Reply:
February 24th, 2013 at
It’s more about the Diva marks..
AJFan95 Reply:
February 24th, 2013 at
How so?
Kessuki Reply:
February 24th, 2013 at
@djayday there’s always some comments that are best left ignored.
DjayDay Reply:
February 24th, 2013 at
Aha I’m not hating on the divas by any means, it’s just the truth. Why is it we ask for more time, we get it and people still find a way to nag. Oh well…
Getdownwithachola Reply:
February 24th, 2013 at
I agree I remember when DD posted a free match from SHIMMER some people didn’t like it.
DjayDay Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at
Oh I feel you. They complain about time constraints and then when given a good lengthy women’s match complain about how it “dragged on.” Maybe it dragged on cause your so used to to 2-minute BS divas matches.
at
Can someone explain to me why Tarell wasn’t allowing Gail to use the ropes at 11:18? I didn’t see anything wrong? She wasn’t using the ropes for leverage on a pin like the first use of the ropes? Sometimes TNA matches are illogical…
Ryan Reply:
February 24th, 2013 at
Bro! Wrestling 101.. U can NOT pin anyone on the edge or touching the ropes.. It’s an auto break up of the pin fall. It’s off-sides. Ref will not count. Same goes to submission locks. Submission locks have to be released if touching the edge of the ring or ropes. Why do you think people drag themselves to the ropes when they get locked in? To break the hold.
THAT’S why.
hado Reply:
February 24th, 2013 at
That still doesn’t make sense @Ryan, well it does, but not the way it was used in this match. If that was the case, Tarell should have made Velvet break up the pin, though she was forcing Gail to break up her own rope break.
MiWiRo Reply:
February 24th, 2013 at
Thankyou HADO
Ryan Reply:
February 24th, 2013 at
Selective referring?
I mean Teryn has been taking crap from Gail Kim, worrying about a nose bleed view rope break, I’m sure was the least of her concerns lol
Specially since Kim makes it so obvious clinging on to those ropes
Ryan Reply:
February 24th, 2013 at
Shit! U meant when Velvet pinned Brooke, sorry.
idk too far off I guess
Maybe Brooke should of grabbed the rope, right? ;)
at
Velvet is really boring as a face. I think TNA should bring back Angelina and reunite the heel BP
at
I haven’t been able to watch the Knockouts for a while but I really enjoyed the match. I’m happy that Velvet Sky won so congrats to her. <3
I know Velvet isn't the best but she entertains me and it'll be interesting to see what comes from her win and Gail and Taryn's likely feud. :)
Brooke Tessmacher has improved a lot. Her and Layla have come a long way since their ECW days. Gail was great as ever and Tara was awesome as well.
Good match in my opinion. :D
at
Great match and congrats Velvet Sky!! UK loves u baby!!! Tower of Doom, Stratusfaction on the outside! Moonsault and TNA TNA TNA chants!! Velvet rocks and she looks so rockin and pretty at the same time!
And Gail Kim u got what u deserve toots! Don’t mess with the reff! Glad she didn’t win lol.. And they boo’d the shit out of Kim hahaha!
Relentless Gail Kim, this is far from over, I was impressed how she was mauling poor Velvet like a pitbull!
Getdownwithachola Reply:
February 24th, 2013 at
Ummm do you realize wrestling is scripted???
Ryan Reply:
February 24th, 2013 at
Duh and or Hello
Pick one
at
Taryn/Gail feud will be alot better then anything velvet does as champ…gail,brooke & tara did amazing thou…
Gail-Trish-Brooke Reply:
February 24th, 2013 at
This <3
at
The match was amazing! Every knockout got their time to shine.
I’m hoping for a Mickie’s heel turn soon, or Brooke. ODB should be included as well.
Gail and Tara for the knockouts tag team title pleeeeease!
at
Haven’t watched the Knockout’s in ages, though this match was awesome. Props to all involved. I don’t see why Velvet gets called the TNA version of Kelly Kelly, this girl can work. She sure seemed like she wasn’t getting carried in this match.
k2evecrew Reply:
February 24th, 2013 at
The only thing similar to me about velvet & kelly are that they are/were very popular & marketable . A lot of other people say it because they feel she’s not as experienced or talented as the other knockouts.
Ryan Reply:
February 24th, 2013 at
I think is because both blonde, attractive, Barbie like, and similar move set.. But I never liked Kelly to be honest.. Do and have always liked Velvet Sky though
Although similar in some ways both are completely different people! :)
Check out the way Velvet stands up to that slag Karen Angle in a very cool way.. Shows she may not be the best wrestler the strongest but still velvet has this fire about her, a badass feel to her
Kelly I liked her towards the end she was working her butt off to improve. But her screeching at Drew McIntyre was Geezy Pete’s man, well I know ppl liked it I guess but yeah not me.. :(
Again Velvet and Kelly similar but total opposites. Velvet IMO better and plus this crowd was freakin crazy for her!!! Haha sweet!! :)
Smarks can go die!! No offense to any here just u know, figure of speech :)
art Reply:
February 24th, 2013 at
its because both are terrible wrestlers..both have wrestled for years & still look like they haven’t been trained well…
hado Reply:
February 24th, 2013 at
I agree Ryan. While she isn’t the strongest wrestler there she is pretty good on the microphone. The tension between her and Karen use to make me question if this is real or part of entertainment.
And really @Art. The performance of Velvet in this match is anything better then what Layla has done in quite some time.
Getdownwithachola Reply:
February 24th, 2013 at
Velvet is talented but not enough to be at championship level.
art Reply:
February 25th, 2013 at
@hado you’re kidding me right?? layla is way better than velvet,velvet has the “talent” of kelly so layla is better wrestler & more attractive..
DjayDay Reply:
February 27th, 2013 at
Yeah….sorry couldn’t here a valid argument over all the Layla bias going on in that comment, go away mark. Layla isn’t THAT good, not even close, hell if it were up to me she wouldn’t have a title either. She’s just passable.
at
I hope TNA goes and turns Mickie James heel. I miss Heel Mickie and it will be a breathe of fresh air
at
The match was pretty good to me. The tower of doom & that bulldog were sick .i also liked this crowd better than the one in Orlando they got into the match & helped hype things up. Poor Tara looked sad walking to the back I felt bad for her even though she’s heel .
I don’t see Tara retaining next week if she gets her rematch clause. I hope this leads to her blaming Jessie for her loss & kicking him to the curb next week . I could never grow to like that pairing . Gail is probably gonna go in on Taryn next week & ask for another shot due to interference .
I wonder if they’re planning on releasing obd & Madison next year both ladies have been gone for ages.
at
a great match, strong performance from all four, some cool spots and the crowd loved it too – . it was time for tara to drop the title and i’m quite interested to see who will feud with velvet.
the gail and taryn side feud looks like it will happen and i’m pretty excited about that too.
i’ve been wanting mickie to turn heel but i think it shouldn’t happen just yet because velvet needs to keep the belt for a while and have a successful feud against madison or tara before anything with mickie happens. the last thing i want to see is the title change hands again before april.
DjayDay Reply:
February 24th, 2013 at
Agreed. Vel needs a good run before Mickie goes after her.
at
They need new Knockouts!!!!
Getdownwithachola Reply:
February 24th, 2013 at
This
at
Good three way match (velvet did crap all)
I understand Gail’s pin brake on velvet just so she can brag that she pinned the champ. Crap ending, they should have used the Gail/Taryn bit earlier but I am looking forward to where TNA take this feud.
Poor Tara was so sad when she left I’m not looking forward to her rematch though because it will just show what a bad move putting the title on velvet was. Hopefully Mickie comes in & takes the title VERY soon.
Superstar77 Reply:
February 24th, 2013 at
Yeah Velvet did nothing but yet she’s the champion. Seriously stop hating on Velvet’s title win. Like Tara was a great champion anyway. How was putting the title on Velvet a bad move? She’s move over and I’m sure makes TNA more money then Tara ever did but it’s a bad move for her to be champion. Yeah right!
T_Fan Reply:
February 25th, 2013 at
Business wise = a good move
Wrestling wise = bad move
She has no talent and sorry but the hating wont stop.
at
I thought British fans where smarks??? I was not expecting RVD and Velvet sky getting loud reactions.
Fun Fact: Velvet Sky wrestled at WSU’s first ever show in the mainevent vs Daffney!
at
That end made no sense, why was Taryn criticizing Gail for blocking a pin attempt when in the logical world, she should have been telling Velvet off for not breaking the pin when Gail made a rope break. Ha I love how Gail left WWE because she was just a workhorse over there, now she’s just a workhorse that gets the occasional reference for holding the KO title first. Tessmacher being in this match is beyond me, sure she pinned Tara but in terms of storyline and interaction compared to the other three she just seemed like a cheap fill-in for the male fans in the UK that wanted to see her prance around.
Ryan Reply:
February 24th, 2013 at
Prance around?? What are u some feminist? The hell you talking about?! Brooke did NO prancing whatsoever it was ALL wrestling!!
Neither did Velvet Sky, this match was all business, your point is completely idiotic..
All of them there had a win on Tara or had right to be there. While Gail maybe didn’t pin Tara she has been winning a lot. But if anything it Gail Kim who shouldn’t of been there..
Storyline aside, championship comes first.
Brooke was one if the hard hitters of this match, her taking that suplex from the top wasn’t exactly te sexiest thing, was quite painful I imagine.
Me I’m a guy. I love Brooke’s hot ass, love when she shakes it, yes i get carried away, because she’s sexy! yet I respect her and love her because she’s more than eye candy, she an ass kicking wrestler! Nomsayin?
Comments like yours about Brooke or Velvet, yeah that really pisses me off
U are complaining about male fans liking women? Yeah, go complain about the 300+ comments on Mondays, none about the divas match.. Ya digg?
hado Reply:
February 25th, 2013 at
I agree with you Ryan about the Brooke comment, haha. But I also agree with you @Looking Glass, the ending really did make no sense whatsoever. I guess Taryn in character, was tried of Gail being champion, or something. I’m sure we will hear an explanation.
Looking Glass Reply:
February 25th, 2013 at
Wow Ryan you’re so ghetto, I’m sure some 1980′s sitcom would love to have you join them. Nomsayin?
Ryan Reply:
February 25th, 2013 at
Yeah Hado Gail Kim had it coming haha ***phrasing!!*** nomsayin?
Technically Gail was just holding on from not falling to the sunset flip and yeah Teryn shouldn’t of yanked her off, but yeah lol
And OMG wow Looking Glass your such an ass douche. Omg
I am shocked and appalled! :o
TNA much like Dr Pepper 10, not for you!
Keep your menstruation nation comments off the knockouts
Looking Glass Reply:
February 26th, 2013 at
So I say Brooke added zero to the feud in terms of storyline (other than pointing out that her taunts make her popular with the men) and I’m a menstrating feminist. You say you get your rocks off watching her wiggle her ass and you’re some sort of Guru….Sure, whatever you say :) Surely if anything you proved me right?