TNA iMPACT! Review - May 15, 2025

By Graham "GSM" Matthews

Victoria Crawford and Tessa Blanchard def. TNA Knockouts World Champion Masha Slamovich and Nikkita Lyons by Disqualification

Although this was a logical match to do with Crawford and Slamovich set to clash for the TNA Knockouts World Championship at Under Siege, this is at least the third tag team match I can remember that Slamovich has lost as champion. It's becoming a lazy way to build toward her next title defense. Thankfully, she wasn't pinned here, but her getting intentionally disqualified was also lame. The matchup itself was decent albeit nothing out of the ordinary. On a side note, I'm genuinely shocked Lyons is still under WWE contract considering she's barely been around this year.

The Great Hands def. The Rascalz

I couldn't tell you the last time Great Hands won a match, so this was a pleasant surprise. Granted, it was with an assist from Mustafa Ali, but it was necessary so The Rascalz were protected in defeat. They also attacked Ace Austin afterward so he went into the subsequent four-way at a disadvantage. This was a good, well-worked match to get us closer to a six-man tag team match, presumably at Under Siege.

Matt Cardona def. Ace Austin, Mance Warner and Elijah in a TNA International Championship No. 1 Contender's Four-Way Match

Steve Maclin and Eric Young wrapped up their rivalry last week, so it's cool that no time was wasted in crowning a new number one contender to the International title. This was a fun four-way with a great pace. As previously noted, Austin had an out for losing here, so Cardona pinning him made sense. Speaking of Cardona, I saw the comments he made in that interview with Chris Van Vliet this week. It's disappointing he hasn't landed a deal with WWE or AEW yet because it really should've happened by now.

Mike Santana Crashed First Class Penthouse

I don't mind First Class whatsoever (I'm especially a fan of KC Navarro), but these First Class Penthouse segments haven't done much for me so far. They tend to drag and aren't very enjoyable, but I guess they're getting these guys heat. O'Shea Jackson was their guest this week, but Santana came out before Jackson's argument with A.J. Francis could escalate. This was serviceable and I assume we get Santana taking on either Navarro or Francis soon.

Indi Hartwell def. Kelsey Heather

This was the straightforward showcase for Hartwell that it should have been. She was on offense throughout and won in a matter of minutes. No disrespect to Heather, but this wasn't about her. This was the perfect in-ring debut for Hartwell, who may already have her next opponent lined up based on her interaction backstage with Tasha Steelz afterward.

Rosemary def. Xia Brookside by Disqualification

It looked like these two were on the verge of becoming a tag team at one point, and although that could still be the endgame, I'm glad it's not imminent as I'm much more into the idea of them feuding. This was fine while it lasted, but the focus was on the finish with Brookside pushing the referee (resulting in the disqualification) and letting her anger get the better of her. Two disqualification finishes on the same show was stupid, but I liked how this progressed the story.

TNA World Champion Joe Hendry and Elijah Fended Off Frankie Kazarian and Trick Williams

It was announced that Kazarian will team with Trick Williams against Hendry and Elijah at Under Siege, which is two days before Hendry and Williams face off for the TNA World Championship at NXT Battleground. Santino Marella announced that the match would happen here, but Robert Stone interrupted him and said it'll stay at Under Siege. This was a basic segment designed to further the feud, but I could do without the battling authority figures.

Jeff Hardy def. TNA World Tag Team Champion Nic Nemeth

Footage aired last week of Hardy and Nemeth's only other televised one-on-one encounter from an episode of WWE Raw in 2009. What's wild is that I remember that match because I was a big Dolph Ziggler fan back then. They're a lot older now, but this was an entertaining main event nonetheless that the crowd was into. Leon Slater saved The Hardys from The Nemeths afterward as Slater will be Matt's partner against The Nemeths next Friday night.

Overall Show

This was your usual solid edition of iMPACT!. It did its job of building toward Under Siege next week while also delivering some quality content both in the ring and promo-wise. iMPACT! has found a formula that works and the show is always a treat to tune into. The working relationship with NXT has helped and the monthly specials/pay-per-views have benefited as well. iMPACT! is probably the most consistent wrestling show I watch weekly.

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