TNA Debuts on POP TV Full Review

• Main Event: Ethan Carter III won the TNA World Title Series tournament to become the TNA World Heavyweight Champion.

• Debuts: Mike Bennett and Maria Kanellis made their promotional debut.

• Production: The move brought a new high-definition set, updated graphics, and a new theme song by the Smashing Pumpkins.

• Ratings: The initial broadcast drew 255,000 viewers, with an additional 90,000 viewers for the immediate replay

Summary – The night centered around the final four of the World Title Series as Eric Young faced off with Matt Hardy while EC3 took on Bobby Lashley to decide the new Heavyweight World Champion.  When it was over, a heel champion was once again at the top of TNA Impact as EC3 walked away with the gold.

Elsewhere on the card, Pop TV made the wise choice of moving the announce team of Josh Matthews and Pope back to ringside instead of in an office somewhere watching the action on TV.  That was an immediate upgrade as announcers should always be ringside.

The show started off with Dixie Carter in the center of the ring with EC3 airing his grievances with his auntie.  It was comical and Dixie Carter looked smoking hot during the segment.  Little did we know that she wouldn’t last much longer as it was only a matter of time before Billy Corrigan of the Smashing Pumpkins would eventually take full control of the company.

After EC3 knocked off Bobby Lashley in the semi’s, Kurt Angle came to the ring and announced that he will be stepping down from wrestling and TNA this year as he is set to retire soon but wants a few more matches against dream opponents first.  The first of which is Drew Galloway who gladly accepts and will wrestle him next week.

As nice as this moment was, it led to Jesse Goderz and Eli Drake (LA Knight) interrupting and causing a two on two brawl.  It was clear the same two guys would interfere the following week as well.

Matt Hardy defeated Eric Young to advance, setting up the main event between himself and EC3 for the World Title. Shortly after we cut to the back to see Eric Young cut an irate promo following the loss.  This scene eventually cuts away to EC3 threatening Jeff Hardy not to get involved in the main event later tonight.

Bobby Roode defeated Bram in an open challenge for Roodes King of the Mountain Title.  His victory celebration was short however as he was attacked by an irate Eric Young shortly after.  Then, to the shock of everyone, the 2 on 1 beatdown was stopped when James Storm came back to save his former Beer Money partner.  Storm hadn’t been seen in months and came down through the crowd to rescue Roode.  He proceeded to cut a promo and explain that he wants to have fun again teaming with Roode as Beer Money.  Happily, Bobby accepts and one of the greatest Tag Teams in TNA re-unites.

Hey, turns out Angelina Love is 7 months pregnant, and still weighs about a buck ten, didn’t see that coming.  Thus, Madison Rayne and Velvet Sky choose Gail Kim to partner with them against The Dollhouse.  Wisely, Gail Kim picks up the win for her new friends before The Dollhouse attacks the babyfaces after the match. Awesome Kong’s music hits and the monster herself hits the ring to lay out the Beautiful People, siding with the heels.

The lights go out as orchestra music begins to play. Maria Kanelis of WWE and Playboy fame appears on the stage as she welcomes fans to her place of worship! She says that she is the First Lady of Pro Wrestling and she bears witness to the fans pain and all the fans hope that someone will come and save pro wrestling.  Sadly, the miracle turns out to be her husband Mike Bennett as the crowd continues to go mild in a weak segment.

As noted earlier, the show closes with EC3 capturing the World Championship as the Pop TV Era of TNA Impact is underway.