Austin Aries comes out and calls Sanada out, but James Storm cuts him off and says he is the Great Sanada and he has been through an awakening. He says he will lead Manik just like he did Sanada, and he has a vision that involves championships, and Sanada will be the greatest Japanese wrestler ever. Aries says Storm is throwing the word ‘great’ out a lot, but these fans think of him first, because Sanada lost his way when he listened to Storm. Aries says Sanada pissed off a whole country when he abandoned and turned on The Great Muta, so he has a target on his back and he knows someone who is pissed. Tajiri comes out and repeatedly kicks Sanada, then Storm calls for him to retreat and slaps him as Aries raises Tajiri’s arm.
BP: Now here’s a guy who has been around, but is a welcomed addition to the show. Not that this is a commentary on anyone else, but Tajiri really hasn’t been seen on national American television in a long time. I’m excited to see what they do with him in TNA, even if it’s for a week or two.
Rockstar Spud (w/ Ethan Carter III) vs Rhino
Rhino clotheslines Spud when he tries to run away, then he press slams Spud and stares at Ethan at ringside. Spud runs at Rhino and kicks him a few times, but Rhino shakes it off and chops him a few times. Rhino hiptosses him and calls for a Gore, but Spud dives away and Rhino hits the turnbuckles. Spud rolls outside and gets a trash can, but he takes too long taunting the crowd and Rhino hits a Gore for the win.
Winner – Rhino
Samoa Joe vs Lashley
Lashley hits Joe a few times at ringside and charges towards the ring, but Joe catches him with a Uranage slam before kicking him into the turnbuckles. Lashley reverses a whip and tackles Joe in the corner, then Joe catches him in a front choke before hitting a backsplash for two. Joe catches Lashley with a spinning powerslam for two, then he heads up top but Lashley punches him on top of the turnbuckles. Lashley hits a running powerslam and sets up a spear, but Joe kicks him in the ribs and applies a Coquina Clutch. Kenny King runs out so Joe kicks him in the head, and Lashley takes advantage and hits a full nelson slam and a spear for the win.
Winner – Lashley
BP: I’m OK with the way this one ended because it actually helped Joe look strong. I usually hate when title versus title matches mean the lower guy always loses, but King’s interference was well placed. Lashley took advantage, and still really hasn’t acted like a true heel. He has joined in some fights with MVP and King, and let’s them do his dirty work, but I like him as the silent ass kicker. This will be revisited down the road I’m sure, and I can’t wait for the Roode/Lashley program to really kick into gear. Good show overall tonight.
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