TNA iMPACT! Review - September 5, 2024

By Graham "GSM" Matthews

Spitfire Interrupted The System

I realize The System got back on track with a big eight-man tag team win at Emergence, but I don't need to see them kicking off every other edition of iMPACT! with a promo. It's very much a WWE way of doing things and that's not a compliment, though I understand this existed to set up the tag team main event for later in the night. Spitfire interrupting Alisha Edwards also established that they'll get one more shot at the TNA Knockouts World Tag Team Championship at Victory Road and will split up if they lose.

Kushida vs. Laredo Kid Ended in a Draw; Josh Alexander def. Kushida

Kushida vs. Kid was random, which should've been the first sign that they'd be interrupted. Sure enough, it wasn't long before Alexander showed up and laid them both out, leading to Kushida wanting an impromptu match with Alexander. It didn't live up to its full potential because it was on the shorter side, but what we got was good and Kushida had an out for losing because Alexander attacked him beforehand.

TNA Knockouts World Champion Jordynne Grace def. Karmen Petrovic

This was another open challenge from Grace. WWE NXT's Arianna Grace emerged first to announce that she'll be acting as the liaison between NXT and TNA as part of the "collab," which is the perfect role for her (especially if she's indeed out injured at the moment). Shen then brought out Petrovic, who has been an impressive prospect in NXT over the last year. They had a quality contest and I appreciated that Petrovic was made to look credible in defeat. Grace will defend the TNA Knockouts World Championship in an open challenge on next Tuesday's NXT as well.

The Good Hands Interrupted TNA X-Division Champion Zachary Wentz and "Speedball" Mike Bailey; Wentz and Bailey def. Good Hands

Wentz started the segment addressing his TNA X-Division Championship win at Emergence. He didn't make any mention of beating Wes Lee at NXT No Mercy last Sunday, obviously because it hadn't happened yet when this was taped. Bailey declared he wants his rematch, which he'll get at Victory Road. Their subsequent tag team match with Good Hands told the age-old "Can they coexist?!" story, but it was decent.

PCO Saved Steph De Lander From Matt Cardona

Cardona revealed that he had De Lander sign a contract when he "recruited" her in early 2023 stating that he essentially "owns" her, so I assume the eventual match between PCO and Cardona will have the stipulation that De Lander will be free of Cardona if PCO wins. This was a solid segment to get us closer to that. Victory Road might be too soon for that, but I'd save it for Bound for Glory, anyway.

Eric Young def. Jake Something

Both of these guys are completely directionless at the moment, so the only reason this existed was to set up what happened afterward. It was a well-wrestled match, but I'm ready for Something to be pushed at a meaningful level. I wasn't fond of him losing (much like when Hammerstone lost to Young on the Slammiversary pre-show but at least Hammerstone later avenged that loss), but it did result in Something turning heel finally and attacking Young. Hopefully he destroys Cody Deaner soon (not to immediately reunite with him again).

Moose and JDC def. Mike Santana and Joe Hendry

JDC is now officially a member of The System by virtue of his victory with Moose here. The System just won at Emergence, so I thought the babyfaces might bounce back here, but no such luck. Alexander attacked Hendry, so they'll have their match at Victory Road. As for Santana, he'll be fine as long as he beats Moose at Bound for Glory. This was an enjoyable main event. In a video that aired afterward, Nic Nemeth challenged Moose to a match at Victory Road to prove he can beat him decisively.

Overall Show

The quick turnaround between Emergence and Victory Road isn't ideal, but Emergence was entertaining enough that I have faith Victory Road will be worthwhile as well. This was a thumbs-up edition of iMPACT! where everything seemed to serve a purpose and hold my interest, personally. TNA has found a formula that works with these shows, setting the stage for several big matches at Bound for Glory.

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