TNA Impact Wrestling Review - March 20, 2015

Lashley goes to work on the arm of Kurt Angle.

By Graham "GSM" Matthews

World Tag Team Champions The Wolves def. The Revolution and The BroMans in a Triple Threat Ultimate X Match

Aside from the fact that The BroMans didn't do anything to deserve the title shot and the nothing justified this being an Ultimate X match, it was an enjoyable bout. All six guys meshed well, and while The BroMans shtick usually annoys the hell of me, they played the serious card and showed their athleticism instead of their unfunny antics. Manik and Sanada were the best two members to represent The Revolution in this match and The Wolves continue to be the duo to watch in the tag team divison.


Austin Aries def. Samoa Joe by Disqualification

Aries and Joe have always had great chemistry together and this match properly showcased that. If there was anyone for Joe to face in his final TNA match, it was Aries and they had a pretty match in the time they were allotted. It's simply a shame it wasn't known beforehand that Joe was leaving as it would have been nice to see him get the final farewell he deserved, but this mathc with Aries was a solid consolation prize.

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Gail Kim goes high risk against Awesome Kong.

Rockstar Spud def. Low Ki to Win the X-Division Championship

In his recent feud with Ethan Carter III, I had completely forgot Spud held a Feast or Fired briefcase, so his cash-in here was a pleasant surprise. I had also forgotten Low Ki was even champion because not only does he not defend it but he rarely brings the belt out to the ring with him. That said, it was really cool to see Spud cash in successfully to win the gold. He's been one to watch these last few months and he's come a long way since he first joined the roster two years ago. To boot, he's an incredible athlete and can do a lot for the X-Division if given a chance to.


Magnus and Bram Brawled

Although I enjoyed their segment last week, I thought the interaction between Magnus and Bram here was even better. Both of them showed a ton of aggression in their brawl and Mickie James also played her role well. It was good to see Magnus get the upper hand for the first time in this feud and I've been loving how it's been unfolding thus far. The blow-off bout for the rivalry will definitely mean something when that day comes, but the question will be who goes over since both Magnus and Bram have potential to be breakout singles stars when this is over.


Knockouts Champion Taryn Terrell def. Gail Kim and Awesome Kong in a Triple Threat Match

Awesome Kong has certainly felt like an attraction since her return to TNA earlier this year, but she had yet to have a very good match prior to this point. She, Terrell and Kim all had great in-ring chemistry and put together a nicely paced, entertaining match. Kong was made to look strong by kicking out of Terrell's finisher and not getting pinned, while Kim didn't lose anything by getting rolled up. Kim vs. Kong for the title is still the money match down the road, so I'm glad they're not rushing to get there too quickly.


James Storm def. Matt Hardy in a No Disqualification Match

You had to figure there was going to be interference from The Revolution given the stipulation, but for a hardcore match, it was solid. I've complained constantly in the past that TNA does way too many no disqualification matches on a weekly basis to the point where they don't feel special anymore and I still stand by that, but at least the feud between Hardy and Storm justified this match. As noted, The Revolution getting involved was predictable, but Hardy took enough abuse that he was made to look very good in defeat. Storm's Steel Cage battle with the returning Jeff Hardy next week should be fun.


Kurt Angle def. Lashley to Win the TNA World Heavyweight Championship

I absolutely loved the big fight feel this match was given. Not only has it been built up perfectly the last month or so, but the various shots of them backstage getting ready for the match that aired throughout the night were fantastic. Even the elongated entrances were a really nice touch. The match itself lived up to expectations with the crowd invested in the action and both guys putting forth a strong effort. A case can be made for Angle's matches becoming formulaic and I definitely agree with that, but even at the age he is Angle is still so great to watch in the ring. His title win felt special and capped off an excellent evening.


Overall Show

This had to be one of the best shows TNA has put on all year. I realize it's only mid-March and there's still many months left in 2015, but last week's show was great and this was even better. I hesitate to call it the best show since I was at the relaunch night at the Manhattan Center on January 7, but this episode was very entertaining from start to finish, had a pay-per-view feel to it and the two title changes made it a newsworthy night. Plus, how could I forget the phenomenal England crowd? As I always say, they make for an awesome atmosphere every single time TNA (or any wrestling company) performs in front of them.

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