Welcome to another edition of POINTS OF IMPACT—a breakdown of the top moments of this week's edition of TNA’s Impact Wrestling.
This segment will fill you in on the most important parts of the show worth checking out or keeping up to date with, in case you missed this episode of Impact Wrestling.
Without further ado, let's inspect the biggest takeaways of the week!
TNA IMPACT WRESTLING: OCTOBER 17, 2024 RESULTS
#5 - Pick Your Poison
It's never great when an episode has a weak start, but my god this week's opening match stank. As part of the Pick Your Poison exchange between PCO and Matt Cardona, PCO would defend both of his title against Rhyno, in what was, apparently, a No Disqualification match. I love matches with weapons in, and I don't necessarily believe that one's matches shouldn't be given a chance just because a performer might be up there in years. That's if, of course, something new is done, something innovative and fresh, especially when it comes to two elder peformers like PCO and Rhyno, who have been in countless weapons-based matches.
But this? No. This felt like going through the motions, something done to kill TV time. As one might expect, the match ended with a PCOsault sealing the deal for the French-Canadian Frankenstein.
#4 - Poison Picked
The other side of the Pick Your Poison exchange was, on the whole, a lot more tolerable. TNA World Champion did battle with Matt Cardona, who brought with him a team of security meant to fend off PCO should he make his presence known. This match didn't reinvent the wheel in terms of structure either, but it was a lot better paced, and worked by much more agile performers. The security team of Cardona proved to be futile, as PCO would walk out, cutting a path through them to Cardona, who, distracted, was hit with the Danger Zone, giving Nemeth the win.
PCO would carry Cardona to the back, and Frankie Kazarian, who had been on commentary for the bout, would attack Nemeth, only to be sent packing by the combined efforts of Nemeth and Joe Hendry. Determined to get the last laugh however, Kaz would announce that he had been the Special Guest Referee for the Nemeth/Hendry World title bout at Bound For Glory.
#3 - She's Alright
The latest to step through the door from NXT to TNA was Brinley Reece, taking on Ash by Elegance in singles competition this week. Elegance would attempt to bully Reece early on, only to be fought off, leading to the two trying to one-up each other with athletic feats such as different forms of pushups. I have to admit, Reece does have an energy about her that makes her fun to watch, and she's certainly not awkward in the ring. This time around however, she was simply canon fodder, as Ash managed to put her away with Rarified Air after a distraction from her Personal Concierge.
Ash and the Concierge would try to humiliate and beat down Reece after the bell, but coming to her aid and saving the day was persisent ABE rival, Xia Brookside.
#2 - Block Spun
Mike Santana just can't catch a break. He won a big battle this week, set to face Bryan Myers in singles competition, with the System sent to the back. Before the bell could be rung however, Santana had set about Myers with a steel chain, and did the same to the rest of the System, before finishing off Myers with a chain-wrapped Spin the Block. Getting on the mic, Santana would proclaim himself sick of the System, and called out Moose.
When he got no reply, he went out back, and that was where his night turned sour. Waiting backstage, Moose attacked Santana with a bat, getting the last laugh this time around.
#1 - No History Made Today
Leon Slater would look to become the youngest X-Division champion in history this week, whilst the champion in Speedball Mike Bailey simply looked to give an opportunity to a talent he saw a lot of potential in. With the title on the line, neither man held anything back here, and after a disappointing start to the show in-ringwise, this match set the ship straight and then some.
There were so many dynamics at play here, for one. Slater's newly-earned muscle gave him the strength advantage to go up against Speedball's well, speed. And this was not only that, but youth vs experience, striking vs flying, etc. Two men with similar but distinct styles did battle, and put on a match with more twists and turns than one could expect from a TV title defense. Slater clearly won Bailey's respect here, and Speedball in turn paid him the respect of hitting the Flamingo Driver after Ultima Weapon, leaving no chance of a kickout. Slater didn't become X Division champion tonight, but his time is certainly coming.
What did you think of this week's episode of Impact Wrestling?
Do you think any other moments stood out on this show?
Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
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