Gauntlet cage match makes for exciting main event on TNA Impact
As part of the build for the Lockdown pay-per-view on April 19, TNA booked a 20-man gauntlet cage match as the main event last night on Impact. The setup of the match is similar to WWE’s Royal Rumble in that two men start out and then every couple of minutes another wrestler joins the action. Since the match is contested inside a cage, eliminations are by pinfall rather than by being thrown over the top rope.
I thought the match – which took up most of the second hour of the show – was really good, especially for being on network television rather than on pay-per-view.
The stipulation was that the last two men in the ring would be team captains for the Lethal Lockdown match at the pay-per-view. It came down to Kurt Angle and Samoa Joe, and ended with Joe pinning Angle. Perhaps I missed it, but I don’t know what was gained by Joe winning the match. Does that mean his team gets some kind of advantage?
An added bonus of having such a long main event is that there was a lot less time for the lame comedy that often brings the show down.
I did have one problem with how the match was booked, however. Inexplicably, Matt Morgan was the first to be eliminated. At some point, TNA is going to have to start elevating some younger guys to the main event level, and Morgan should be at the top of that list. Every time I think he is gaining momentum, he takes a step back.
Morgan may not be able to cut it as a top guy, but we’ll never know until he’s given an opportunity. It’s no secret that Jim Cornette has always been high on Morgan, so why not get Cornette out of the authority figure role and have him be Morgan’s manager? Just a thought.
Other thoughts on last night’s show:
I don’t know how good the match will be between Sting and Mick Foley at Lockdown, but I have really enjoyed their verbal confrontations. It looks as if Foley is playing the heel in this program, but I don’t know if it’s necessarily a full-blown heel turn. I was surprised that the fans at the Impact Zone were actually booing him. …
Foley couldn’t have been serious when he said that people are talking about his match with Sting and not about “that other wrestling show in April.” If he was serious, he’s definitely taken one too many chair shots to the head. TNA is doing a good job of building this match, but it’s really not in the company’s best interest to compare Lockdown to WrestleMania. …
Based on what I have read on the Internet, I think I am the only person who likes Samoa Joe’s new look and persona. To me, he comes across as much more of an intimidating presence than when he had a “normal” haircut and walked around in an un-tucked T-shirt, jeans and sneakers. He really has to lose that knife, though. …
Speaking of Joe and the knife, didn’t he supposedly use the weapon on Steiner’s face? Last week, Steiner had a mask on to cover his wounds, but this week there was no mask and I didn’t see a scratch on him. I guess when you’re a genetic freak, you heal quickly. ...
Is Awesome Kong about to do a babyface turn? If she does, I would assume that she and Raisha Saeed are going to have a falling out. And perhaps that could lead to TNA’s newest knockout arriving on the scene – Cheerleader Melissa. …
Mike Tenay’s sit-down interview with Beer Money and Team 3-D was effective as far as making their match at Lockdown seem special. It was refreshing to see opponents sitting across from each other without anyone yelling or it turning into a brawl. …
I love that Jeff Jarrett brought back his “slapnuts” line. …
I did not understand a single word that Booker T. said last night.
Comments
I haven't watched TNA in a long time, but just reading this reminded me of why I don't. What the hell is a 20 man Gaunlet Cage Match? Why would you have such a thing? I'm sure it was a clusterfest in that retarded ring of theirs. I surely hope ROH comes along fast.
Posted by: Proctor | March 27, 2009 5:12 AM
LOL Sorry for the rant, it's late. Basically what I meant to say was, when is TNA going to stop with these silly gimmicks? 20 Men inside of cage and the only way to win is by pinfall is wack. Some matches just don't need to happen.
Posted by: Proctor | March 27, 2009 5:16 AM
If you are going to allow Kurt Angle to eliminate a bulk of the field last night, then perhaps a better looking (more punishing) finish is in order.
Half of those Angle Slams looked really weak - and made the guys who took them look even weaker.
Posted by: BennyD | March 27, 2009 6:54 AM
I enjoyed the cage match. It was actually well done. The Motor City Machine Guns are two of the most watchable wrestlers in TNA. The new Japanese team is good as well. I agree on the Matt Morgan statement he needs a push. Why they just don't cut the older talent who can't perfrom anymore i.e Big Sexy and put the money and push into the younger guys is beyond me. See you on the bus trip.
Posted by: Patrick Johnson | March 27, 2009 8:15 AM
I don't think we'll see "Cheerleader Melissa." My guess is that it has to do with TNA wanting to have the rights to the ring name.
I know she did do an appearance under the name, but that was more for filler.
Posted by: Zach Ruth | March 27, 2009 8:48 AM
Mick sellout Foley MUST have been drunk to have TNA Lockdown even in the same breath as Wrestlemania 25 ....
Posted by: jacob | March 27, 2009 9:28 AM
It was a joke. You weren't supposed to understand what Booker T was saying. You know, like Ozzy Ozborne in those commercials.
RESPONSE FROM KE: I know it's a joke. It just doesn't make me laugh. Maybe I'm in the minority.
Posted by: Todd | March 27, 2009 9:39 AM
Kev, I concur last nights TNA was entertaining from beginning to end. Even though there was no barefoot gov. I'd veture to say Sting will have to carry his match against Foley. Foley is moving better then usual, he must be taken some big time pain killers. WOOOOOOO
Posted by: Ric in Baltimore | March 27, 2009 10:31 AM
KM said,
"but it’s really not in the company’s best interest to compare Lockdown to WrestleMania."
Disagree. Apples and oranges. Those put off by the hype of Wrestlemania might find Lockdown refreshing. I don't think TNA is trying to beat WWE on their terms but rather offer something different, for better or for worse.
RESPONSE FROM KE: OK. But Foley said that more people \were talking about Lockdown than Wrestlemania. Does anyone believe that to be true?
Posted by: AMC | March 27, 2009 11:05 AM
Kevin , you took the words right out of my mouth , you answered your own question , Scott Steiner is a FREAK .
Posted by: the artist formerly known as jack in hebron | March 27, 2009 11:06 AM
hi kevin i thought tna put on a good show last night. I'am just really starting to watch tna and it's ok and i wondering I hear kurt angle a lot talk about how much tna grown and it has
but if they are going to to compete with wwe their going to have go to bigger venues all across the US but the they don't have big fan base to do that.
Posted by: STEVE | March 27, 2009 11:35 AM
hey kev to answer ur question since joe pinned angle, joe's team has the advantage for lethal lockdown. Great show last night and i admit i also liked when jarret use the slapnuts line.
Posted by: jason | March 27, 2009 12:24 PM
Hey Kev, I agree Great finishing match for TNA( its about time) Also the Advantage Joe won was to get the first 2 on 1 in the Lock Down Match.
Posted by: BigNInked | March 27, 2009 1:39 PM
good blog Kevin. I agree with you on the Sting/Mick Foley confrontation. But if you listened closing what Mick said I would think he was going way back to WCW when Cactus Jack and Sting wrestled. These 2 seem to be just hanging on to their spot.
Matt Morgan shoulda lasted a lot longer to near the end of the match. Bad booking on TNA's part.
I don't agree with all the booking TNA does. Seems as if they start something and don't finish it. The Steiner/Joe incident like you brought up is a prime example. If you use a knife or any sharp obeject on somebody, at least let him have some type of injury to prove it. Don't clear him up in a weeks period. Even when Joe beat down Sheik abdur-Bashir he should have had some bruising from being caned upside down.
That was a weird angle they pulled with the Knockouts having 2 heal factions in a match. I have to agree with ya Kevin maybe it's time for Kong to do a baby face. I would love to see what Cheerleader Melissa really looks like underneath all that garb. I have seen a few pics of her and she isn't a bad looking woman.
Choke in that slapnuts......hahahahaha I loved that when Jeff said it to Kurt.
Somebody give Booker T some speach lessons.
Letter q for quit babbling Booker and talk some plain english.
Posted by: Dave | March 27, 2009 2:27 PM
i think joe looks a lot more tougher with his nation of violence look. kurt angle still sucked because he eleminatied a bunch of competers
Posted by: pandora | March 27, 2009 2:51 PM
Was it just me or was the end of the gauntlet really, really confusing. I didn't know if they were fighting to decide just one of the captains, or what. And then when Jarrett came out instead of Joe I was screaming at the TV, and then Joe DID come out, I was just so confused.
Posted by: Ben | March 27, 2009 4:00 PM
it seems that the TNA programs have been getting really good for the past couple of weeks i think Kurt angle smoking the field is ridiculous Eric Young just came into the match for 10 secs and gets pinned by a Angle slam. they have to do more with there talent the only person who got alot of rub besides for for Angle & jarrett was Rhino i wish they would do more with him i think a program with him & Angle the guns and Leth/Cons looked great in there I wish they would both get a legit tag title run. I love Joes new look but I don't know what was the point of him winning if he said he doesn't even want to even pick or lead a Team they could have saved this because you know its gonna be Angle,Booker,Steiner & Nash v. Joe,A J,Jarrett,and either EY or Rhino. I see where it looks like Kong is gonna turn face which I won't like I really didn't like the Kongtourage idea because Kong to me has that Samoa Joe me vs the world mantality I am falling in love with BP all over again they are the best females on the show and I hope they get a real serious push. i think the Foley/Sting match will be good probably slow paced because of their age and Foley will probably carry the match but i think he has something to prove to Vince. The tag title match is also looking good and don't know how to call this 1 storm has done an interview that good since his early time in AMW
Posted by: frank | March 27, 2009 5:44 PM
I totally agree with bennyD. Kev, i love the new joe too. Wish he would tone up rather than jiggle around though.
Best impact i have ever seen. Way better than raw this week.
Posted by: Andy | March 27, 2009 8:48 PM
Kevin , the world is coming to an end . I just read on another internet site that while in the middle east entertaining the troops , my girl Traci Brooks suffered damage to one of her implants . It was from the kickback while firing a gun . That gun would then be placed against my head .
(JUST KIDDING !)
Posted by: the artist formerly known as jack in hebron | March 27, 2009 8:52 PM
I found Angle's promo at the opening to be very annoying. He came across as annoying and immature trying to impersonate The Rock. Way too many "jabroni" references.
Posted by: Mike in AZ | March 28, 2009 1:50 AM
"But Foley said that more people \were talking about Lockdown than Wrestlemania. Does anyone believe that to be true?"
Not likely. So this statement was a "work". Big Deal. Since when did facts or truth have anything to do with pro-wrestling?
The Sting Foley match is more interesting to me based on reputation alone compared to anything in Wrestlemania. Not to say it will be "better", but interesting going in.
Posted by: AMC | March 28, 2009 5:26 PM
I love pro wrestling, and I would love to be able to watch more than just WWE, and every freaking time I try, TNA just spits in my face. This match sounded pretty interesting, so i youtubed it. I wasn't happy about Kurt Angle being able to take out, well, everyone, but whatever. I figured he's the top heel in the company, he has to be booked as seriously devastating. But for Samoa Joe to come in and just straight no-sell the move that had taken out so many other guys? It wasn't like he kicked out, he just didn't care that he got Angle-slammed. Didn't even seem to slow him down. Is every other wrestler on that show so much worse than Joe that what destroys them doesn't faze him? Judging purely from that match, the only conclusion I could draw was that the show is really "Samoa Joe vs. Kurt Angle, featuring a bunch of guys who are comparatively worthless but give us an actual roster." It was just too much.
Posted by: David | March 30, 2009 6:03 PM
Mick sellout Foley MUST have been drunk to have TNA Lockdown even in the same breath as Wrestlemania 25 ....
Posted by: jacob | March 27, 2009 9:28 AM
One of the silliest comments ever. I swear you must be a 12 year old WWE fanboy. You realize Foley made his name in Wcw and Ecw long before he came to the WWE? Ditto for guys like Austin, Pillman, obviously Flair and Regal hell even HHH got his major start there. Hell HbK got his first exposure in the AWA.
Posted by: graves9 | April 5, 2009 3:40 AM