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We open tonight's edition of iMPACT Wrestling with a video package detailing Hogan's brief announcement from last week. It then cuts to a video of Hogan and Bischoff entering the arena as the announcers welcome us to the Civic Coliseum in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Beer Money's music hits and Roode and Storm head to the ring. The announcers play up the fact that these men are opponents in a match tonight. Storm says that it's "about damn time" that Hogan steps aside and allows the younger talent on the roster to step up to entertain the fans. He says that Hogan will have a hard time following their match later on because they're gonna tear it up. Bobby Roode welcomes Storm home to Tennessee. He says that Fortune is a family, but that he needed AJ and Kazarian to give him their absolute best so he could prove to the world that he was ready to face Kurt Angle. Roode says he wants Storm to do the same and give him everything that he's got in their match later tonight because he needs help getting ready for Kurt. Roode thanks Storm for being his partner, friend, and brother. A loud "NEXT WORLD CHAMP" chant breaks out in the crowd. Storm says that when they formed Beer Money 4 years ago, he knew that he was shaking the hand of a future World Champion, and he's sure that Roode thought the same thing about him. Storm says that he has something to prove to himself tonight and he might just be better than Roode tonight. Roode has already proven himself by earning a spot at 'Bound For Glory', but now it's time for him to do the same. Storm says he's going to drink his beer, look Roode in the eye, and say "Sorry 'bout your damn luck".
Cameras cut to Sting backstage entering the arena. He's dressed in a Hulkamania shirt with a red jacket over it. We head to our first commercial break as the announcers talk about what Sting will do tonight.
Back from commercial and Taz announces that video packages will air throughout the night detailing Hulk Hogan's top moments since joining TNA. The first one then airs and shows the crowd reaction to Hulk's debut back on January 4, 2010.
To the ring for our first match of the night...
Gunner VS Kazarian
The match starts with Kaz and Gunner trading wristlocks. Kaz quickly counters one and dropkicks Gunner, following it up with a clothesline to the outside. Kaz heads to the apron but Gunner pulls him down to the floor. Gunner works over the arm of Kazarian by slamming it down on the ropes before throwing him back in the ring. Gunner hits Kaz with a shoulderbreaker, continuing the onslaught on Kaz' arm. Kaz begins to mount a comeback and hits a dropkick. He hits a springboard leg drop for the 2-count. Gunner counters the offence and throws Kazarian shoulder first into the ring post. Gunner slaps on a high-angle arm bar, and this one is over.
Winner: Gunner by Submission, 4:12
Gunner refused to release the submission after the final bell ended, causing the referee to reverse his decision and award the victory to Kazarian due to a DQ.
Winner: Kazarian by DQ
Gunner exits the ring with a smirk and backs up the ramp, doing a snapping motion with his hands. He tells the crowd they can screw themselves as we head into another commercial break.
Back from commercial and Mr. Anderson's music is playing. He comes out to the ring to a loud chorus of cheers from the crowd and grabs a microphone. Anderson says that he's out there tonight to do something that he's not usually known for doing, to apologize. Not to Hogan, Bischoff, or Dixie Carter, but to the people who mean the most to him and he turned his back on: his assholes. Anderson says that he's not very good at playing the political game in this business and that while he's seen other guys get to the top by kissing ass and swinging from the boss' nuts, he's had to scratch his way up to get where he is. He says that in that moment of weakness, he joined Immortal, but now has no idea what he was thinking. He says his time in Immortal was a life experience and it taught him some things, such as that Bully Ray is a giant douchebag. This insult brings out Bully Ray as the announcers hype the match between these two men at Bound For Glory.
Anderson says that over the past few weeks Ray has attacked him from behind, hit him with a chain, and even hit him with a kendo stick, always seeming to get the upper hand on him. Ray says that that's right, and he's demoralized Anderson in front of all his "jack-offs", to which Anderson quickly replies that his fans aren't jack-offs, they're "ASSHOLES!!". Ray says that he's not going to give Anderson another match. Anderson says that Bound For Glory is being held in Philadelphia, which is where Bubba "cut his teeth in the business", and challenges Ray to a Falls Count Anywhere match at the promo. Anderson's music hits and Ray quickly heads to the back. We head to commercial break.
Back from commercial and we see a split-screen of Roode and Storm working out backstage in separate rooms.
The talking camera guy asks Bischoff how he feels about the upcoming Hogan retirement speech. Bischoff says that it's tough to deal with because it's the end of an era. Even with all the success they've had together, it's tough.
Camera cuts to Kendrick who is saying that Aries has become too egotistical with that gold around his waist and that he's inspiring other scumbags to stop at nothing to prove a point. Kash walks up from behind Kendrick and says that if he has something to say, it should be said to his face. Before Kendrick can say anything, Kash slaps him across the face and lays him out. He tells Kendrick that if he wants to clean something up, to clean up his own blood. Kash spits on Kendrick and walks away as we head to the ring for our second match of the night.
Mickie James and Velvet Sky VS Winter and Madison Rayne
Winter and Mickie start the match, trading some quick holds before Winter tags Rayne into the match. Another quick back-and-forth exchange before Velvet tags herself in and gets the near fall on Rayne. Winter is tagged back in and Velvet hits some quick clotheslines to knock her down. Mickie gets tagged back in and goes to the top rope to hit a Thesz press on Winter. Mickie hits the neckbreaker and gets another 2-count on Winter. She goes to hit Winter with another clothesline, but Angelina grabs her ankle from the outside. Winter goes for the pin but only gets the 2-count. Rayne is tagged back in and chokes Mickie in the corner before tagging Winter back in. Kick to the gut, and another quick tag to bring Madison back in. Winter is tagged back in and the double-team continues, but Mickie counters and makes the hot tag to Velvet Sky. Velvet hits some quick clotheslines on Winter and goes for the pin, getting another 2-count. Madison and Mickie brawl on the outside, distracting the referee. Winter gets thrown into the ropes by Velvet and Angelina hooks the leg, tripping Winter as she was mistaken and thought it was Velvet. Velvet exchanges words with Angelina, allowing Madison Rayne to sneak up behind with a roll-up for the win.
Winners: Winter and Madison Rayne by pinfall, 4:40
Winter, Angelina Love, and Madison Rayne all back up the ramp to the backstage area.
Camera cuts to a shot of Jeff Hardy entering the arena as we head to a commercial break.
Back from commercial and the second Hulk Hogan video package airs, showing the time when he teamed with Abyss on March 8, 2010. No clips from the match itself isn't shown, just the entrance.
Kurt Angle confronts Eric Bischoff backstage, angry about Jeff Hardy not listening to him when he said to never come back to TNA. He wants to go take care of the problem. Bischoff says that as champion he shouldn't have to worry about administrative issues, so he (Bischoff) will go to the ring and take care of the problem once and for all.
Bischoff slowly makes his way down to the ring with a microphone in his hand, looking fairly angry about something. He tells the crowd to "sit down, shut up, and take notes." Since he promised Kurt Angle that he would take care of "a little administrative detail", he tells Jeff Hardy to get his ass to the ring. Hardy's music hits and the crowd goes wild with cheers. He looks nervous as he heads to the ring and the announcers mention that he's been going around backstage asking for forgiveness and another chance from everybody. Bischoff says that during his career, he's had the honour of working with such great names as Verne Gagne, Wahoo McDaniel, Ray Stevens, Nick Bockwinkel, Hulk Hogan, and Kurt Angle who paved the way for guys like him, allowing him to live an amazing lifestyle. Bischoff says that he's never dropped the ball and always lives up to his responsibilities, but Jeff has turned dropping the ball into an art form. Bischoff hypes Hardy's athleticism and charisma, but also says that he's a massive screwup. He says that Jeff is out of chances with him, and tells him "officially" that he's done and to "12-step his way out of the ring". Jeff says that he's glad Bischoff got that off his chest, and that while some people in the crowd might agree with what he (Bischoff) has to say, he (Jeff) has one last thing to say before he leaves. Bischoff says Hardy is free to say goodbye if he wants. Jeff raises the microphone to his mouth, but quickly drops it and hits Bischoff with a big Twist of Fate. He drops to the mat and yells "SCREW YOU" to Eric Bischoff. Immortal quickly hits the ring, but Hardy escapes through the crowd. We head to another commercial break.
Back from commercial and Hardy is shown backstage. He's angry because he tried to apologize to everybody, and what Bischoff did is wrong. Hardy says he's not going to take it anymore and walks off.
The third Hogan video airs and shows the time when Hogan announced that he had gained 100% control of TNA after the lawsuit with Dixie Carter. Quick clip that ends with a shot of Dixie crying.
We head back to the ring as Christy Hemme announces our third match of the night.
Samoa Joe VS Crimson
Crimson jumps Joe as soon as the bell rings and beats him into the corner. Joe counters with a jab to the head and beats Crimson in the corner with more quick strikes. Crimson counters an irish whip attempt with a clothesline. Crimson hits a couple of knee strikes before dropping Joe with a neckbreaker for the 1-count. Joe whips Crimson into the corner and hits an enziguiri, trying to follow it up with a clothesline, but Crimson ducks it and hits a T-bone suplex. Joe rolls to the outside, followed quickly by Crimson who stalks him around. Joe wedges Crimson's foot into the guardrail and shoves him on his back. Joe brings Crimson back in the ring and hits a massive leg sweep to drop Crimson again. Crimson goes for the Sky High, but Joe slips out and knocks Crimson down. Joe hits the senton and locks Crimson in a heel hook. Joe drags him to the middle of the ring, but Crimson quickly rolls Joe into a small package for the 3-count.
Winner: Crimson by pinfall, 5:19
Crimson quickly rolls out of the ring and backs up the ramp as Joe looks on in disbelief.
Camera cuts to Bully Ray backstage and the talking camera guy asks him to respond to Anderson's challenge. Ray says he can't believe Anderson would be stupid enough to challenge him to a Falls Count Anywhere match in Philadelphia. He says that it's the place where he built his career, and it's the place that he's going to end Anderson's.
We head to a commercial break.
Talking camera man is back and asks James Storm how he feels about his upcoming match with Bobby Roode. Storm says that he's happy that Roode gets the chance to face Angle for the title, but he's also happy for himself because he has the chance to finally show everybody that he's great too. Storm says that Roode had better be prepared.
A video package airs detailing Roode's rise to fame, showing shots of him working out and clips of earlier wrestling matches. He says that it's time for young guys like him to step up and take TNA to bigger and better places, and he's ready to do that. A shot is shown of Peterborough Memorial Center in Peterborough, ON where he used to go to play hockey, and where he also saw his first wrestling show. Roode's parents offer comments about his determination and work ethic and that he has always worked hard to get where he wants to go. Roode says that he has respect for Kurt Angle, but he's going to turn the vendetta against Angle when he beats him for the belt at Bound For Glory. The package ends with a shot of Roode celebrating with fans ringside after his tournament victory earlier this year.
It's time for the main event of the evening!
James Storm VS Robert Roode
James Storm comes out to the ring first, but the music doesn't stop and Roode comes out next. The announcers hype up how good of friends Storm and Roode are and state that this could be Roode's biggest challenge yet. Jeremy Borash makes the introductions with both men getting loud cheers from the crowd. Storm and Roode shake hands and this match is officially underway.
They circle the ring for a moment before tying up in the middle. Storm goes right to work on Roode's arm. Roode attempts a counter with a hip toss but Storm counters it and hits Roode with a toss of his own. Quick back-and-forth where neither man can manage to hit a move. Storm goes for his patented Last Call Superkick but misses, causing a staredown between the two men. Roode hits a couple of arm drags on Storm before going for an armbar, which Storm quickly counters and gets back to his feet. They exchange words as we head into a commercial break.
Back from commercial and we see Storm hitting Roode with shoulderblocks in the corner. Roode flips Storm into the corner and hits him with chops before nailing a necksnap. Roode hits a big clothesline and goes for the pin, getting a 2-count. Both men meet in the centre of the ring and Roode shoves him. They exchange some quick punches, but Storm reels back and hits Roode hard, sending him to the mat. Storm throws Roode into the corner and goes for the clothesline but is met with a big boot from Roode. Roode hits another neckbreaker for a 2-count. Roode goes to the outside, but Storm nails him with a DDT for a 2-count. Storm hits an enziguiri and a spinebuster for another 2-count. Roode goes to the top rope but Storm knocks him down, crotching Roode in the corner. Storm nails a big superplex and goes for the pin, getting another 2-count. Storm waits in the corner for Roode to get up and tries to hit the superkick, but Roode ducks it and locks Storm in a crossface submission. Storm makes it to the ropes to force the break and surprises Roode with a Codebreaker followed by a Backbreaker for another 2-count. Roode counters a whip attempt and sends Storm into the corner. Roode goes to hit Storm, but they bump heads. The ref takes a bump and he's down.
This causes Kurt Angle to run to ringside and throw Storm into the ring steps before tossing him back in the ring. The ref comes to as Roode is getting to his feet and crawls over to make the cover. Roode gets the 2-count. Roode lifts Storm up to his feet. Storm shoves Roode away and goes for the superkick, but collapses before he can hit the move. Roode hits a bridging suplex for the pin.
Winner: Bobby Roode by pinfall, 10:19
Roode checks on Storm in the middle of the ring after the bell.
Camera cuts to Hogan pacing backstage looking nervous. It's announced that we're heading to commercials, but Hogan's retirement speech is up next.
Back from commercial and Hogan's music is playing as he makes his way to the ring. The crowd is cheering and chanting his name as he pulls out the air-guitar shtick and poses on the ramp. Hogan grabs a mic and says that he knew today would be a tough thing for him to swallow because it was the last time he would be in the wrestling business. He says that since he stepped off the plane in Knoxville, he was welcomed by the fans with open arms and love. Hogan says that the fans made him feel like he was back coming to his first day in TNA. Hogan wonders what he's going to do with all of his free time now. He mentions that fans were questioning him on Twitter and Facebook asking if his retirement was for real, because they would make a ten hour drive to see it if so. He said that he had to reply to each of them and say that it was for real, that this was the end of the line. Hogan takes off his weightlifting belt and holds it up for the crowd to see, saying that there have been generations and generations… (pausing briefly for a "Thank you Hogan" chant) and that it could go on for another 30 years, but it was time to lay Hulkamania to rest. He lays the belt down in the middle of the ring and says it's time to start the celebration.
Before any celebrating can start, Sting's music hits and he makes his way to the ring wearing the Hulkamania shirt and bright red suit from earlier. Sting says that he's sorry he has to bring rain to the evening and asks the crowd if anyone really buys that Hogan is retiring. Hogan says that nothing lasts forever in the wrestling business and that Sting needs to know when it's time to leave him alone, because he's retired now. Sting says that it's possible that he's so jaded because of the business that he can't give Hogan his due, but also says it could be that he knows Hogan better than anybody. Sting talks about how the building and streets are covered in cameras, and says he has some interesting footage of Hogan. Hogan interrupts and says it's time for Sting to leave, but Sting says he's airing the footage anyways.
Video shows up and it is Hogan and Bischoff hanging out in the bathroom. Hogan asks Bischoff if he thinks people are really buying that he's retiring, and they share a laugh over how they fooled the fans. Bischoff jokes that the rednecks in Tennessee are selling their trailers to buy Hogan merchandise. The crowd in the arena quickly turns on Hogan and loudly boo him.
Hogan begins to yell for the footage to be turned off, saying that Sting has crossed the line and ruined everything in the wrestling business. Hogan says he won't wrestle Sting, but he'll fight him at Bound For Glory. If Sting wins, Hogan will relinquish control of TNA back to Dixie Carter. Sting calmly says that he got what he wanted and drops the mic before heading back to the backstage area. We fade to black as this week's iMPACT is over!
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