TNA Impact Wrestling Review - February 6, 2014

TNA Investor MVP confronts Dixie Carter.

By Graham "GSM" Matthews

Abyss def. Eric Young in a Monster's Ball Match

Monster's Ball matches aren't what they used to be in TNA, but this was still a fun match with a strong effort from both men. They made good use of the extreme environment and got the crowd engaged in the action. There were several cool spots and opening the show with these two brawling backstage was a nice touch. I am glad to finally see Abyss revealed to be Joseph Park, so here's hoping that this was the end of that godforsaken storyline that dragged on two years too long.


MVP Addressed the Audience

I want to go off on a limb and say MVP is the best signing TNA has had in a while. He legitimately seems happy to be there and has enough star power to make his move to TNA matter. He cut a great promo that made sense in storyline and in reality when you really think about it, saying that mismanagement is what is keeping the company from the reaching its full potential. Rockstar Spud played his role well and the main event match between Magnus and Kurt Angle was also set up nicely.

---

Bobby Roode takes control of Samoa Joe.

Bully Ray Attacked Curry Man

I just love how dedicated Daniels is to the Curry Man gimmick despite how silly it may be. That being said, he deserves much better than this. I appreciate the effort Ray has put into evolving his character in recent months, but his new dark persona is either hit or miss most nights, and this was definitely a miss. The coffin gimmick is stupid, but at least it served as effective hype for the upcoming match between Ray and Mr. Anderson.


X-Division Champion Austin Aries def. DJ Zema

The reaction Aries received from the Glasgow crowd proves why he deserves to be in the main event scene and competing for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship. He is highly underutilized at the moment, but per his very good promo, I have hope that he might cash in the X-Division title in a few months for a shot at the world title like he did two years ago. The match between him and Zema was throwaway, but I am glad Aries retained. He just recently won the title and having it change hands so quickly (again) would have made it as prestigious as the belt I am using to hold up my pants right now.


Kurt Angle def. TNA World Heavyweight Champion Magnus by Disqualification (Non-title)

It was a good match while it lasted, but why so short? It was only mere minutes before Ethan Carter III interrupted and caused it to go to a disqualification. Angle and Magnus have the potential to have an excellent match together, but it's possible the match was cut short to save it for later down the line. EC3's attack on Angle was well done, as it added a new aggressive layer to his character. I assume it sets up a match between the two at Lockdown, which could do wonders for EC3.


Samoa Joe def. Bobby Roode in a No. 1 Contender's Match for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship

As expected, Joe and Roode had a solid match together with plenty of back-and-forth action. It wasn't as exciting as the opener, but it was still very well wrestled with a good finishing sequence. Joe going over doesn't surprise me, but it still boosts his momentum going into Lockdown, regardless. I am interested as to where Roode goes from here and if he ends up turning babyface after all, but I guess only time will tell.


MVP Confronted Dixie Carter

Carter's character is still as terrible as ever, but at least she's garnering massive heat from live crowds. Whether it is go away heat is debatable, but there is no denying that people just love to boo her. The crowd was a bit flat for MVP's entrance, which was understandable considering he already had a segment earlier in the night (and at the conclusion of the previous taping). His mic work was solid here as well, and it seems to be setting up yet another authority figure vs authority figure storyline. I would love if it meant Dixie being written off television, but one can only hope.


Overall Show

TNA taping shows over in the United Kingdom is always a treat, and this show was no exception. The Glasgow crowd was lively all night long despite already sitting through one taping. This was a better show than last week's edition and seemed to go by much quicker. The constant Dixie Carter segments continue to bring the show down, but at least other solid matches and storyline progression on this episode made up for them.

---