It's been a pretty quiet week in TNA with nothing newsworthy between this week and last.
OK, I kid. Since last week's Impact, they secured a new TV deal, signing with PopTV. While that isn't a fix all, it gives them the chance to. I've mentioned prior, but despite being in more homes than Destination America, PopTV is not part of my cable listing so best enjoy these previews now... or count down until the you don't have to read them any more. Either one.
This Thursday is Thanksgiving but this Impact may be one without the TNA tradition of making someone wear the turkey suit around Thanksgiving. We're still watching shows taped in the summer so the turkey suit tradition will likely be skipped this year. Unless they made Mandrews dress up like a turkey last July in preparation for this. Maybe he could still skateboard to the ring.
While they have been celebrating the new TV deal, there has been a world title series taking place. Tonight marks the official end of Group Play and there's a lot of business to take care of to get there. So let's jump right to it
Group UK
I haven't done the official recap of Group UK because they haven't had any third round matches. Both happen tonight when Drew Galloway takes on Rockstar Spud and Bram faces Grado. Galloway is secure and the worst that can happen for him is a three way tie for first if he loses to Spud and Bram beats Grado. If the two favorites (Galloway and Bram) win their perspective matches tonight, they both move on. If Spud wins, he at least assures a tie for first.
I think the most likely scenario is that the two more serious competitors, Bram and Galloway, move on, though I suppose it's possible Drew and Spud move one if they want to feed Spud to Awesome Kong. Though if Kong is going to get a win, it should be over someone a bit more legitimate than Rockstar Spud.
Group Champion
Already advanced: EC3 (7 points).
Already eliminated: Mr. Anderson (0 points).
Tonight, Austin Aries (4 points) faces Lashley (3 points) in a match where the winner advances and the loser does not. A time limit draw or double count out means Aries advances. Since Aries is no longer with the company, most likely Lashley will be the one advancing. Enjoy Aries while you can because this will likely be his last match on TNA. Of course if you watch other wrestling shows on Wednesday...
Group Tag Team
Already advanced: Matt Hardy (9 points)
Already Eliminated: Eddie Edwards (1 point)
Tonight, Robbie E (3 points) faces Davey Richards (1 point) and the winner takes the next spot. A tie (count out/time limit draw) will allow Robbie to advance.
When I first covered this group, I predicted Robbie E would join Matt Hardy next round and I still do. He has had the narrative of an underdog proving people wrong every match. That story would be more interesting than randomly having Davey Richards advance. Don't get me wrong. Richards is always fun to watch. But the story calls for Robbie more. This should be a fun match.
Group Future 4
Already advanced: Eli Drake (7 points)
Already eliminated: Crimson (0 points)
Tonight, Micah (4 points) faces Jessie Godderz (3 points.) If there's an outright winner, that person advances. A tie allows Micah to advance.
There's a chance that this match is edited down and they only show us the last few minutes. There are a lot of matches on this show already and TNA has chosen this group (and not Group Wild Card for some reason) to not air all of their matches and just showed edited recaps. Because it has bearings on the final, that may not happen but it still likely won't be a long match. My pick is still Jessie Godderz because they've never given Micah any characterization. Ever.
Group X Division Playoff
Last week, Tigre Uno defeated Manik, creating a three way tie for first place between DJ Z, Manik, and Tigre Uno. To rectify that, Tigre Uno, Manik, and DJ Z will have a triple threat where the first person to get a pin or submission advances as the top seed. The two men remaining will have a one on one match for the second spot.
It should be a good long X Division match which would be fitting since this World Title Series has allowed the X Division to look as good as it has in a long while.
Group Wild Card
Already advanced: Mahabali Shera (9 points)
On the bubble: Aiden O'Shea (3 points)
Tonight, Crazzy Steve (0 points) faces Kenny King (3 points.) If Kenny King wins, he advances outright. If Crazzy Steve wins, it creates a 3 way tie for second and likely another triple threat. If it's a tie, King advances.
This is a tough one to predict because I don't think they'll do another triple threat. Especially because TNA said they'd release the 16 person bracket tonight as well, so they won't do a triple threat next week. It's just odd for Kenny King to advance since he's already in Ring of Honor. But maybe they have a first round exit already taped for him.
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