Just three weeks after losing the belt at Hardcore Justice, Mickie James defeated Winter on tonight’s Impact Wrestling to become the Knockouts Champion once again.

In a rematch, Winter’s first title defense, Mickie beat the champion with the Long kiss Goodnight kick after controlling much of the match. James seemingly had the match won earlier when she hit her patented tornado DDT on Winter but the champ managed to put her foot on the rope breaking up a three count. However, Winter wasn’t as lucky in escaping Mickie’s kick.

The title switch was taped last Thursday in Huntsville, Alabama.

Her latest title win makes Mickie an eight-time champion, having won the WWE Women’s Championship on five occasions, the Divas Championship on one occasion and now the Knockouts Title on two occasions. That gives her the most title reigns of any Diva/Knockout in recent memory, besting Trish Stratus’ seven championship reigns. However, Trish still holds a record for multiple title reigns with one championship.

Thoughts: Congrats to Mickie on setting a record with the eight title reigns. However, I thought we were over the pointless title switches and passing the Knockouts Title belt around like a hot potato? Evidently not. Not sure why the belt was put back on Mickie so quickly, but I’m disappointed to see that Winter wasn’t even given the opportunity to have a decent run with the belt. In my opinion, she’s come a long way and developed into a great character in TNA and could be a great heel to build the division around.

(This is Cryssi posting on April’s behalf. Everything was written by her!)

Hello my lovelies! It is that time of the month again, when all the frustration has built up and it’s finally time to settle the score. This feud between the two key Knockouts featured on the Against All Odds card has been rocky, to say the least. They’ve battled back and forth, knocked each other out, knocked themselves out and yet still, the TNA Knockouts Championship has yet to change hands. Whether it’s an interference from the veteran bodyguard or focus on the tag team titles, it seems the Knockouts title is put on the backburner far too often. But not this time. Ladies and Gents, we saw a Last Knockout Standing match and well….we might as well get to it.

In normal pay-per-view fashion, we start out with a backstage interview with the number one contender, Mickie James. She is seen standing with the lovely Christy Hemme, who definitely impressed me with her chic look. As for Mickie, or should I say Pocahontas, not so much. For those just watching, you will see what I mean momentarily. Christy tells Mickie that she must be excited going after the belt and Mickie says that tonight is her night. The only thing standing in her way is a mouthy, bratty little bi…chump. She makes a very good point when she says, the only reason Madison Rayne has that belt is because someone laid down for her. Mickie also warns that tonight, when Madison lays down for her, she won’t be getting back up. Meow! Time for the recap video package!

HARDCORE COUNTRY! And here we go! Bounding down the ramp first is the challenger, Mickie James. See what I mean about that outfit? I’m wondering how many innocent cattle had to die to make that outfit. Maybe if she wins, we’ll get a rain dance. Sorry. I keed. Her opponent is out next, in a brand spankin’ new…colored..outfit. SHE’S A KILLER QUEEN! Well, I wished for Madison to get a new outfit with that bonus check and I guess I should be careful what I wish for. It’s a new color, still the same beer wench attire. However, she believes she’s fabulous so who am I to rain on her parade? I’ll leave that to Mickie and her tribal dancing. Madison makes her way to the ring, glove on hand with her crown and sash combination. She gives her newly patented princess wave to the crowd and takes her time getting in the ring. Mickie isn’t impressed and I’m pretty sure no one in attendance is either.

First off, Mickie points out Madison’s black glove that has proved fatal for the contender in recent weeks. Madison doesn’t see a problem with it and as soon as the official calls for the bell, she loads it up and goes right after Mickie’s face. But it isn’t going to happen that early. Mickie is quick to catch that arm and wrench it around, quick on the pain. This gives her just enough area to take Madison down not once, not twice but THRICE! A run for the ropes doesn’t always make it nice.

Mickie goes for that fourth pop but Madison outsmarts her, shoving her through the ropes. The Virginia native rolls to the outside, down on the mat. Madison is quick to make her way down to Mickie’s level and goes for a wide left swing. WHACK! She misses and smacks that fist right into the ringpost. But does she show it? Of course not because apparently that glove is has all over protection. – insert eye roll here – Or we can just settled for a kick to the abdomen and a stiff shot. That works too, Mickie.

The challenger take sthis time to stay on the champion, working her over the floor until she goes face first into the steel steps. That’s gotta burn. The referee starts the count, slowly working his way to ten but only reaches a soft five before Mickie is back up. Remember kiddos, this is a Last Knockout Standing match. The rules are simple. The Knockout who can beat her opponent to the point of no return will win. Mickie manages back up on the apron and throws a few shoulder blocks into Madison’s midsection, then pulls a quick slide into the ring between the champ’s legs. Madison looks like she’s trying to load up that glove, still trying to use it at every turn but Mickie is too fired up. Even an attempt at the RayneDrop can’t keep Mickie down and she comes back, taking the champ down with a clothesline. Madison takes this time to roll to the outside, trying to walk away. Even after Mickie invites her back into the ring. If only Mickie would remember that this is a Last Knockout Standing match(…i repeat), she might think about going after..oh there she goes!

She spins Madison around and with a stiff shot, sends her down on the ramp. Ouch. Or so you would think. Mickie goes for the glove, trying to rip it off but Madison is quick to get back on her feet, easily recovered. She nails Mickie on the back with that gloved hand, using it as a club. Another pair of clubs and into the barricade goes the spine of Mickie James. Give it another spin around and Madison slams her into the side of the ring. Let’s hope Mickie is still into yoga. Madison yells for the referee to start counting and he does, just as she slides into the ring. Mickie is down on the floor but manages to her feet before he can reach a six count. This prompts Madison to come back down but what does she receive for her efforts? A nice trip headfirst into the ringpost. Now she’s in pain and the referee starts another count. I think he’s confused as to what he’s doing.

Mickie rolls Madison back into the ring and they scuffle for a moment until Madison can finally drop Mickie onto that knee. She is down and the official starts yet another count. This time, he reaches an eight count but Mickie is barely able to stand on her feet. She’s wobbly and Madison looks to take advantage, but instead, she ends up on the apron and then on the floor. Cue another count. He reaches the six mark and THWACK! Mickie comes down off the apron with a rough Lou Thesz Press on top of Madison Rayne. Another count but Mickie is up, reaching for that glove, still trying to rip it off. And here is where it gets fuzzy.

Cue random reason for both women crawling under the ring to the other side.

Madison is out first and she swings at Mickie when she comes out, banging that loaded glove agains the steel steps. This gives Mickie time for a nice heel/bicycle kick combination and Madison is down for the count. However, confused about the rules herself, Mickie pulls Madison up from the count and rolls her in the ring, going to the top rope. To be honest, this is starting to confuse me. Nonetheless, Mickie goes up but Madison is on her feet and she shoves Mickie back down to the floor. Not an easy fall considering Mickie hit that apron hard on her way down. So graceful. The referee starts his count and it seems a little faster than the others, considering he reaches nine in record time. But Mickie isn’t going to be held down, no sir. In her glossy state, she barely manages to her feet before the ten can be announced. Now I’m getting the hang of it.

Madison screams at Mickie from the other side of the ring, loading up that glove one last time. She swings but Mickie catches her, dropping her elbow on the top rope. This sends Madison reeling across the ring and Mickie pops back up on the top rope. And down she comes with another Lou Thesz Press onto Madison, fired up and ready to go! Madison wobbles and gets to her feet only to be taken down with a spin kick. And here comes the retribution! Mickie finally rips that glove off of Madison’s hand and applies it to her own, practically begging for her foe to get up. Again, confusion. The object is to have your opponent counted down for the ten, not encourage them to get up just so you can knock them down again. Who knows. Maybe Tara can explain the rules to us..

Because there she is, in all her interfering, elbow brace bearing glory! She runs down and jumps on the apron, swinging at Mickie who flips her over onto her backside. I suppose a little retribution is better than none. A stiff shot with that glove to Tara’s jaw sends her flat on her back, which causes just enough of a distraction on part of the referee. He rolls her out of the ring while, behind his back, Madison wields a pair of brass knuckles straight from her boot. She hauls off and WHAM! down goes Mickie and in go the brass knucks to the knickers. Again, I find myself confused because Madison goes for a pin attempt. No. No. No. But thankfully, the referee knows what he’s doing and he starts the count. All the way to ten he goes and very much thanks to the distraction from Tara, Madison Rayne retains her coveted title.

The winner of this match and STILL TNA Knockouts Champion: Madison Rayne

Thoughts: Okay. I tried my best to make this write-up worthy of everyone’s time because I certainly do not think this match was. It was horrible. I expected so much more out of a stipulation such as Last Knockout Standing. TNA had such an opportunity to make this match incredible and they bombed it. As for Madison and Mickie, where are your street clothes? What about taped fists and weapons? Sure, you used the glove and brass knuckles but seriously?! You could have done so much better and so much more with this. I am really disappointed and from what I’ve heard so far from friends, so were they. I had hoped for a new champion which could lead to new feuds but it doesn’t look like it. I did read where someone said this could lead to a Championship versus Career match so who knows. Very lackluster, in my opinion.

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

It is time for the very first TNA pay-per-view of 2011! Genesis has been looming over the Knockouts division for weeks and finally, we get to see the title put on the line. Madison Rayne, along with her bodyguard Tara, have been tormenting Mickie James for weeks. But now, after countless angles, we get to see it all unfold. I’m excited to share my first ever pay-per-view coverage with you so please, saddle up and hold on tight. This trail ride is about to kick into overdrive!

Let’s open this book with a nice little video package to build up to tonight’s Knockouts Championship bout. It showcases the rapid feud between Mickie James and Tara, including interferences from Madison Rayne. A rather short yet detailed package. HARDCORE COUNTRY! The challenger, Mickie bounds to the ring decked out in some serious fringe. My Native American heritage thanks her and honestly, it fits. I can dig the feathers but the trenchcoat, not so much. Walker, Texas Ranger called and he’d like me to ask you to stay the hell out of his closet. SHE’S A KILLER QUEEN! Quick to cut her off is the champion herself, Madison, who comes out to a renewed theme, in her same old beer wench top and black pants. I guess there still isn’t much of a bonus check with that gold. I can say that I am enjoying her brunette hair more each week. She waves like the princess she believes she is to the crowd, hesitant to hand over her championship belt. The referee calls for the bell which sends Madison into her automatic bully technique. Time to get this party started!

Mickie looks to start this match off strong, finally getting ahold of Madison. After an arm drag and a snapmare takedown, going for a couple quick pin attempts in between, Mickie winds Madison up into a side headlock. But Madison isn’t giving in that soon. A shove from the champ sends Mickie careening into the ropes, coming back with a smooth shoulder block. Bringing that side headlock back into play, Mickie sets herself up for a few shots to the abdomen from her opponent. Time for a little gymnastics. Madison drops to the mat as Mickie rebounds off the ropes, throwing in a cartwheel for good measure. A key dropkick rolls Madison out on the apron, bitching at the referee about Mickie getting the best of her. Let the screeching commence! I know, somewhere in Orlando, there are dogs howling.

The challenger isn’t going to stand for too much distraction. Grabbing a handful of Madison’s hair, Mickie nonchalantly flips her right back into the ring, slamming her down to the mat. A quick one..the referee barely counts the two before Madison kicks out. Applying some form of a reverse wristlock, Mickie sets Madison up for some major pain. It wrenches the elbow, wrist and shoulder which doesn’t fare well for the defending champion. She scrambles for the ropes, trying to break the hold and ends up climbing up only to be dropped like a bad habit. “Do you know who I am?! I’m the Knockouts Champion! You don’t do that to me!” Apparently, Mickie doesn’t give a damn, Madison.

Mickie looks to shut up the harsh tone of Madison’s migraine inducing voice but instead, she gets slammed back onto the canvas. The referee immediately jumps on Madison about the pulling of the hair, which gives Mickie James just enough time to jump on Madison with a Lou Thesz Press. Very nice connection there, very steady. A harsh hair toss later and Madison is out on the floor, trying to buy herself some time. She almost looks ready to walk out which would give her a nice disqualification but she would still keep her title. The referee keeps on his count that seems to drive Mickie’s anger level up with each number. She finally gets fed up with Madison’s lolly-gagging (i went there.) and heads out of the ring. What does the champion do? Naturally, she zips right back into the ring. Such a smart one she is, and so very evil.

Sliding to the other side, Madison slips out onto the floor and drops Mickie’s jugular right down onto top rope. Insert evil cackle here. A snappy pin attempt and this cues the crowd to throw out “YOU CAN’T WRESTLE!” chants in Madison’s direction. Really, people? There are very few in TNA who can’t wrestle but Madison Rayne is not one of them. She may be more gimmick than technique at this moment but her in-ring talent is far from questionable. Get a clue.

Back in control, Madison throws a forearm to Mickie’s chin, knocking her into the far ropes. A coy choke and Madison throws her back across the ring, which knocks her own momentum down. The plan backfires as Mickie slip and slides right under Madison, connecting with a fluid snapmare. A rebound off the ropes and THWACK!, those boots of Mickie slaps right into the face of Madison Rayne. A hook of the leg and oh, only a two count. Both women look to be tiring down which always leads into desperate measures. They work their way to the corner, where Madison is quick to try and sneak in a roll-up with her foot on the ropes but the referee only slaps his hand down twice before Mickie kicks out. This does not make Madison happy. I believe Taz refers to it as a primal scream. I wouldn’t go that far but Madison’s screech is definitely up there with the World’s Worst. I’m talking Ripley’s.

Staring down the official, Madison wraps her hands around Mickie’s throat and goes all the way to the four count before releasing her. Using those turnbuckles for leverage always seems to help, don’t you think? Making the mistake of backing out, Madison gives Mickie too much time to regroup. Just as Madison steps back in, it’s time for a major set of headscissors from Mickie, taking Madison straight down on her head. Mickie leaps back up for the top turnbuckle but Madison jumps on her, tossing her down. The champion straddles her challenger, digging her head into the canvas while sitting on her back. I’m sure most men would love that but I’m willing to bet Mickie wasn’t too happy about it. This goes right along with that migraine issue I was talking about earlier, you follow? This technique slides right into a pair of unsuccessful bridge pin attempts that set Madison up for a quick flip. Mickie turns the tables and one…tw..not quite.

So many pinning attempts, so little time.

A hot shot to the back of Mickie and the taunts begin. A conniption, a hissy fit, a tantrum, whatever you call it Taz, it was pointless. A side neck wrench applied to Mickie, throwing in a few knees for tact. But not to be held down long, Mickie fits back with multiple blows to Madison’s midsection but her effort doesn’t last long. That cocky demeanor has swept back over the champion and she is going in for the kill. She’s a killer queen. Get it? Follow with me here, people! Sitting on Mickie’s back, Madison tries to rearrange the face of her newest foe by a claw to the mouth and nose. Classic heel motives, which I love. Give it a stomp and a headlock and we’re back to a homemade rhinoplasty, Knockouts style. Up on their feet, Mickie tries to fight back, gaining some ground. Tossing, rolling and all around tumbling, Madison isn’t about to let Mickie James get the upper hand again.

Just like a switch, Mickie is back down on the mat and Madison is all smiles. “Come on, Mickieee!” We get it, darling. No. We do. Raising her arms in the air like a true champion, Madison waves to the crowd once again, throwing another conniption of sorts. A lazy hook of the leg and two failed pins later, Madison’s rage puts her in the referee’s face. Her bully techniques don’t phase him so she goes right back to Mickie James, grabbing two handfuls of her hair. I smell a headscissors stomp coming our way. And yes, Taz said ‘vintage’. Why? WHY?!? Sure enough, Madison goes for that coveted signature move but just as she turns it over, Mickie puts her arms out straight. This stops the connection and allows Mickie to pick Madison up in a wheelbarrow position, countering with a nice front slam. Follow-up clotheslines and Mickie is fired up. One order of hot flapjacks and a side of kip up. The challenger is ready to put an end to this and so is the crowd.

Set to ready for that DDT finishing maneuver, Madison ducks out to the corner but Mickie catches her. She has nowhere to run and in true chaotic fashion, Mickie slicks up her hand and lays slaps to Madison’s backside. Oh that has to sting in those pants. Bringing the referee over for a sweet conversation, Madison lays down her complaints and sneaks in a thumb to Mickie’s eye over the official’s shoulder. Very swift, Madi. Going for a phantom boot, Madison misses and gets dropped down with a neckbreaker. Signalling a journey to the top, Mickie climbs to the top turnbuckle and down she comes with a Thesz press. A setup for a DDT and….