Casey's Commentary: Live Round-by-Round Coverage, UFC 73 'Stacked'

Hello all and welcome to our live coverage of UFC 73 'Stacked'. The full report will start at 10:00 PM ET.

CARE/Other Vuz, Vuz, Vuz, Jabroni Roundtable Preview - UFC 73 'Stacked'

All the good stuff is behind the cut, refresh your browser for the latest.



After the dark fights ended, here was the standings for the CARE/Jabroni Preview.

1. Casey, Art, Ric and Wade: 4-0
   
2. Scott: 3-1
   
3. Euan and Mark Danger: 2-2

The opener contains the men in the 3 top matches talking smack. People are threatening to make other people lose.

Mike Goldberg calls this the most stacked sport in Mixed Martial Arts and he actually said combat sports. Ooook, Mikey.

Joe Rogan has no idea who will win tonight. I'd make a joke about not looking at the format sheet but that's more of a WWE and TNA deal.

The talking heads run down the rest of the fight card. In the case of UFC it doesn't bother me because most people don't know the undercard...It is a pain when WWE and TNA remind us of what we've paid for already.

Heavyweight Bout:
"The Texas Crazy Horse" Heath Herring: 29, 6'4, 259, 27-12-1 (+600)
Vs.
"Minautoro" Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira: 31, 6'1, 240.5, 29-4-1, (-1000)
Referee: Yves Lavigne

R1: Nogueira takes Herring down pretty quickly, right after Rogan said how confident Herring appeared. Nog has side control and Herring is going for the left leg hoping to pull to half guard. He keeps working and instead gets to his feet to a crowd pop.
Heath hits a nice high-kick. They continue to exchange on the feet. Crowd is booing, and that's a little unfair. Nog hits a right then a straight punch which knocks Herring back but not down. Herring's nose is bloody but he hits a body kick.
Herring tries a high-kick again but Nog has none of it. Knee from Nog and he's winning the standup and thus the round. Herring just clobbers Nogueira with a huge headkick and he's got Nogueira in big big trouble. Herring didn't really try to finish.

Scoring: It was Nogueira's round until the head kick hak it became Herring's round. Suddenly, I'm regretting some of the things I said to Art. 10-9 Herring

R2: I don't know why Herring isn't pressing harder for the finish. He's just hitting some legkicks and the crowd is booing again, these fans are fickle.
Nogueira is recovering and is back in the fight. Herring did nothing in that first minute and I don't get it. Nog takes Herring down and in to side control. Herring just went to the well one too many times with that same kick as Gorilla Monsoon would say.
Herring is able to escape from the full mount that Nogueira had him in and we're back up to a standing position. I want my pizza to get here, Scott and I are hungry. Our friend Duane is in a world of hurt on the floor but he was not put there by either one of us.
Nog is pressing the action and the crowd starts to boo. These fans are impatient, I'll give them that much.
Nogueira takes Herring down near the end of the round.

Scoring: Minautoro took this one 10-9.

R3: Pizza is here. Herring is taken down early in the round and Nogueira gets his back. He looks for a choke but Herring is able to escape. Herring able to eventually work back to his feet believe it or not.
Herring is in need of a big shot. He hits a nice body shot but eats a right in response> Herring again tries the high-kick and again it misses. It remains standing the rest of the round.

Scoring: Giving it to Nog 10-9.

Eddie Bravo gives it 29-28 Nogueira as well.

Winner: Antonio Rodrigo "Minautoro" Nogueira - Unanimous 29-28 decision.

Rogan interviews him and Nogueira says nothing I can understand.

Up Next, Sherk Vs. Franca.

I'll bet Art is pissed at Herring and so is anyone who bet on him.

While Sherk-Franca is next first we get an extended UFC 74 'Respect' promo.

Franca says in order for Sherk to win, he must stop his heart. Then there will be a Hermes Franca tribute show.

Franca comes out to Crazy Train which means he's a great man.

Lightweight Championship Bout:
Hermes Franca: 32, 5'6, 154.5, 18-5-0 (+200)
Vs.
"The Muscle Shark" Sean Sherk: 33, 5'6, 154.5, 29-2-1 (-260)
Referee: Big John McCarthy

R1: Hermes Franca gets on the ball quickly and hooks a guillotine choke but Sherk is able to escape. The fight is like 30 seconds old at this point.
Sherk is able to pass from Side control to a full mount. Thus far, Sherk has not done a lot with the position which is one he prefers. It goes back in to side control.
Sherk is just moving and pounding and shifting and being all dominant but Franca isn't taking a lot of damage. Franca briefly reverses to the top position but Sherk reverses back

Scoring: Round 1 for Sherk 10-9. Franca started strong but Sherk was strong for longer.

R2: Franca catches Sherk with a big knee starting the round, but again Sherk is able to escape the trouble that was on him after it. He's not liking the early seconds of each round.
Sherk has moved Hermes to the North-South position. This has been a ground battle largely. Hermes gets the top position and tries for another choke but it is very difficult to get a choke on Sherk. The round comes to an end.

Scoring: Hard for me to score as I had to do a little bit of research but I'll go Franca 10-9. Serk did more controlling but Franca did more damage.

R3: Sherk avoids the shoot early which was his trouble the first two rounds but he takes Franca down in to half guard. Sean had Franca in a north-south choke but Franca roles free.
Crowd is starting to boo for lack of action. Sherk is just such a controlling fighter, Franca is able to escape his clutches for a brief moment but is promptly taken back down.
Sherk just controls him the rest of the round which comes to a close. Sherk is in much better condition than Franca.

Scoring: Sherk's round 10-9. He did little, Franca did less.

R4: Franca nails another knee but Sherk takes him right back down. Franca has to be frustrated at this point. Sherk just taking him down at will now. Franca able to escape again and this time when he gets back up he moves away...but this lasts only a moment as you guessed it, Sherk takes him back down, this time in to side control.
Sherk just does what Sherk does to win the round.

Scoring: Sherk 10-9 I'm sensing a pattern here.

R5: Sherk slams Franca down again and easily passes. Franca is bloodied up and taken down.
Franca keeps trying things and they just keep not working. Not much happening and the crowd as booing as time ticks down to the end of the fight and a Sherk victory.

The crowd politely cheers the end of the fight.

Scoring: Sherk's round 10-9. I've got Sherk 49-46 but 50-45 is very possible.

Eddie Bravo gives it 49-46 for Sherk.

Winner: Sean Sherk - Unanimous (50-45, 50-45, 49-46) Decision.

Rogan with Sherk: He says Ric DaLazbian is a cock sucking jew.

Couture now joins the crew and has the nerve to call Tito Ortiz mature.

Light Heavyweight Bout:
"Sugar" Rashad Evans: 27, 5'11, 204, 15-0-0 (+110)
Vs.
"The Huntington Beach Bad Boy" Tito Ortiz: 32, 6'2, 205.5, 15-5-0 (-140
Referee: Big John McCarthy

R1: Tito takes Rashad down pretty damn quick in the beginning of the round. Rashad gets back to his feet by walking up the cage. Fight is stopped briefly so a mouthpiece can be retrieved and upon the resumption, not much happens for a bit and the crowd isn't happy.
Tito knees Rashad in as Rogan put it, the balls but he's not really phased and the fight is not stopped. Tito tries another takedown but Rashad able to defend.

Scoring: Tito's round 10-9.

R2: Crowd is a bit quiet considering this is a Tito fight. Evans goes for a takedown but Tito is able to escape. Not a lot is really happening right now. Ortiz hits an elbow and Rashad tries to answer with an elbow of his own.
Rashad is taken down again but Rashad isable to counter out. Tito has a guillotine but also got a point taken away for grabbing the fense.

Scoring: Tito won the round but with the point taken away its 9-9 whereas it would've been 10-9. It is 19-18.

R3: Crowd comes alive a bit for Tito in the third. Round is thus far Tito going for takedowns and Rashad trying to make sure Tito doesn't get it.
Tito looks a bit sluggish but Rashad pulling a Herring and not capitalizing. Rashad starts trying a bit but he's only playing for a draw at this point. Rashad gets a late takedown and that might get the draw.

Scoring: Rashad's round 10-9 and that gives us a draw at 28-28.

Winner: Unanimous Draw (28-28)

Rogan interviews Tito and he's dumb enough to ask the fans if they're satisfied with the fight. The booing is not a clue.

Rashad also thinks he won the fight but what would I expect him to say? Rashad wants Tito-Rashad II.

Middleweight Championship Bout:
Nate "The Great" Marquardt: 28, 6'0, 182.5, 28-6-1 (+140)
Vs.
Anderson "The Spider" Silva: 32, 32, 6'0, 184.5, 18-4-0 (-170)
Referee: Big John McCarthy

R1: Silva starts in the southpaw stance and not a lot going early just trading a few shots back and forth. Silva hits a right and tries a jumping knee. Marquardt takes him down after working for a bit. Anderson working from the bottom, Marquardt tries to pass and Silva ends up in full guard. More of not much happening and McCarthy decides to stand them up which is bad news for Marquardt.
Silva nails a big left and then some body punches. Silva blitzes Marquardt and he knocks him out with a big right.

Dear Anderson:
I'm sorry for doubting you.
Sincerely:
Casey Trowbridge
PS. May Sheiky humble me for a million years for this.

Dear Ric:
Fuck you!
Casey

Winner: Anderson Silva - TKO 450 R1

Bruce announces we've got one fight to go.

Rogan interviews Silva who says: Casey Trowbridge you will pay for your non-belief.

Lightweight Bout:
"Kid" Alvin Robinson: 24, 5'8, 156, 9-1-0 (+275)
Vs.
Kenny "KenFlo" Florian: 30, 5'10, 155.5, 8-3-0 (-350)
Referee: Yves Lavigne

R1: The fight starts with them both exchanging judo throws and just a fun back and forth. They end up on the ground with Florian in Robinson's guard. Florian able to pass in to side control. Florian just keeps working and working and finally finishes Alvin Robinson with strikes on the ground late in round 1.

Winner: Kenny Florian - Strikes 4:30 R1

My thoughts on the show: This wasn't Strikeforce by any way shape or form as Ric said in the comment section below. However, one of the better UFC shows of the year for sure, though I think after Strikeforce, Pride 33 comes next then this show, UFC 71, and EXC are all in the mix and Fight Night 10. We haven't seen a dud of an MMA card in quite awhile.

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Casey's Commentary: TNA iMPACT 06/28/2007

Welcome to TNA iMPACT coverage. Lets see if I can get through this, I failed with ECW on Tuesday.

Show opens with a video recap of Cornette explaining the Victory Road main event from last week.

We open with West and Tenay talking about tonight's world title match. A video airs with comments from Angle, Rhino and Christian.

Tale of the tape, followed by the entrences of all the participants.

We even get the UFC style intros...

Samoa Joe gets an intro and I believe he's going to do commentary. Nice of TNA to let him be close to the ring for his run-in.

Instead of commentating...Joe decides to comment to Angle by beating him up.

Match has not officially started, so we go to a...

Commercial Break!!!
I liked the way they hyped up the match, made it seem special. The rest of my commentary for the show is behind the cut.



Match 1: Rhino Vs. Christian Cage Vs. Kurt Angle - TNA Championship

There's not a lot happening I feel like writing about.

TNA is doing a deal where you can vote for 3D's opponents on TNA mobile.

1. LAX
   
2. AJ Styles and Christopher Daniels
   
3. The Naturals

Yeah, I'm voting for the Naturals...don't know about you. The top 2 teams get the shot.

They are talking about how later in this show there will be an X-division showcase match including Eric Young. Its smart...you want to make it seem like other stuff is planned even if it isn't, so as to not telegraph finishes and match length.

Commercial Break.
Match is ok, but I wouldn't call it anything special at this point.

A Victory Road commercial airs or something.

We're back and I apologize for this recap. I've got 2 people here and it is hard for me to focus on what's hapening. Add to that, the fact that its just a standard match and I do my best work talking wacky angles and stuff...and this just isn't what I wanted to be.

Oh, yeah, somewhere in here Christian was attacked by Abyss. I apologize for not knowing where, I'm just finding it hard to focus.

Tomko and Styles go outside where Abyss and christian were fighting and they attack Abyss while Rhino and Angle wrestle in the ring.

Then, we go to another...commercial Break!!!

We're back and Rhino gores Angle through a table in the ring, just a few seconds later.

Christian has a nearfall...but Harris brings him out of the ring.

Tomko and Styles come in the building to take Harris off of Christian.

I expect more people to interfere...and right on Cue, Abyss re-enters the picture.

Here comes Sting to help Abyss and it is the parade of TNA stars~!

Commercial Break!!!

Back from the break and we're back with people fighting all over the place. Tomko is bloody, Sting is fighting Styles...there's about 600 guys out here.

A bunch of stuff is happening now but amazingly, its all in the ring involving the 3 wrestlers...but then again, they just showed Storm and Tomko spitting beer so maybe not.

Angle hits the Olympic slam, and gets the pin.

Winner: Kurt Angle

My Thoughts: Hard to really say, my mind is just not in this.

Interesting experiment though and I commend them for that.

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Strikeforce/EXC Live Pay-Per-View Round-By-Round Coverage

Yes, it is true, I'll have live round-by-round coverage of the PPV portion of the event as it happens. I was once again unable to see the internet portion and once again don't know why. Results behind the cut, refresh your browser for the latest.

Our roundtable predictions are here

Ric went 3-3 in his roundtable picks for the pro elite show. I went 5-1...but Euan did great, he was 1-5.




They say that Krazy Horse pulled out of the fight earlier in the week, no mention as to his time in jail.

Jimmy Lennon is in the hizouse

Bill Goldberg is doing interviews tonight...way to make the lightweights seem even smaller.

Match 1: Edson Berto Vs. Victor Valenzuela - 3X5 Lightweight

Valenzuela: 5'10, 155, 5-1-2
Berto: 5'9, 155, 10-3-1
Referee: Mario Yamasaki

R1: Berto hits a high kick and then takes Valenzuela down right away in the round. Berto gets the heel hook and gets Valenzuela to tap.

Winner: Edson Berto - 0:47 R1

Bill Goldberg in the prefight essentially called the finish.

He asks Berto to walk him through the fight and I can't understand a word this man said. He speaks with marbels in his mouth.

Match 2: Carter "The Beast" Williams Vs. Paul "The Headhunter" Buentello 3X5 Heavyweight

Buentello: 6'2, 250.5, 22-9-0
Williams: 6'1, 265.5, 3-1-0
Referee: Steve Mazagatti

R1: In a fight that was expected to be on the feet, went to the ground right away. Williams starts out the round strong, taking Buentello down and they're back up.
They end up in the clinch and exchange some knees. A lot of action in a heavyweight bout. Buentello tried a guillotine but Williams was able to escape.
Buentello starts to unload with blows to Williams, and my being the only 1 to pick Williams isn't looking so hot.
They end up back in the clinch and up against the fense with less than a minute left in the round.
Williams has never been out of R1 in any of his 4 fights.

Scoring: A fun round, Williams got the takedown and it was really close. I'm going to go Williams but you could argue for Buentello. 10-9.

R2: Buentello comes out, fakes the jab hits the uppercut and that's all she wrote.

Winner: Paul Buentello - 0:10 R2 TKO
Well, I wasn't the only one to pick Williams...so did Ric, you're not catching me tonight Lesbian!!

Goldberg with Buentello: Goldberg can't tell spanish from hebrew.
You've heard one of these interviews you've heard this one.

Match 3: Murilo "Ninja" Rua Vs. "Smokin'" Joe Villasenor - 5X5 Middleweight

Rua: 5'11, 184, 13-7-1
Villasenor: 6'0, 184, 23-5-0
Referee: Mario Yamasaki

R1: Villasenor hits a big left hok that rocks Rua. Rua backs up and they're back in the clinch. They end up in side control and like 78% of the Proelite voters predicted Rua. Ric was the only one in our group if I recall correctly.
Rua on his back going for a leglock from the bottom.
Rua comes back with strikes and they transition in to half guard and then Rua shifts in to side control.

Crowd boos the ground work.

Joey Villasenor is able to reverse out and is back up on his feet and they trade shots. Rua scores a takedown and we're back to where we were.

Rua throws down some elbows and the round comes to an end.

Scoring: Rua's round 10-9, JV stunned him early but Rua did more.

R2: Rua tries a Robbie Lawler coming out with the flying knee. JV is more aware of it this time.

Rua is teeing off with strikes. Rua clobbers Villasenor and this fight is all over.

Winner: Murilo "Ninja" Rua - 1:05 R2 KO
I'm 0-3 in Villasenor fights.

Goldberg interviews Rua and it is wacky.

Match 4: Josh Thompson Vs. Nick Gonzalez - 3X5 Lightweight

Gonzalez: 5'6, 155, 11-4-0
Thompson: 5'10, 154, 11-2-1
Referee: Herb Dean

Thompson gets the big hometown pop.

R1: Gonzalez has held his own with Roger Huerta according to Morro. Thompson overwhelms Gonzalez and is looking for a rear-naked choke early but Gonzalez is trying to fight it off....but Thompson sinks it in and it is all over.

Winner: Josh Thompson - 1:42 R1 Submission Rear Naked Choke

Match 5: Tony "The Freak" Fryklund Vs. Cung Le - 3X5 Middleweight

I've been wanting to see Le for a long time. I was the only one to pick Le to win, I will either be very smart or very dumb at the end of this.

Fryklund: 36, 5'10, 177.5, 13-8-0
Le: 35, 5'10, 179, 3-0-0
Referee: Herb Dean

R1: A jufustinormous pop for Le.

Le is just working over Fryklund who decides his best defense is to stand there and take it.

He's just eating shot after shot after shot from Le.

Le is just whooping Fryklund's ass.

Kick to the head and then a spinning heel kick.

Fryklund is just getting kicked and kicked like he is Cung Le's football.

Round ends.

Scoring: Le's round 10-9...unless I can give Fryklund -10 for that round. This was a beating.

r2: It is back to Le just kicking Fryklund like Le is me and Fryklund is Ric.

I don't know how to describe this. You all need to see Cung Le right now. If UFC doesn't try and steal this guy...they're really stupid.

Fryklund keeps trying the spinning backfist and they're just not hitting.

Fryklund is trying a flurry of his own to end the round but really the term pissing in the wind comes to mind.

Morro says that surrender isn't in Fryklund's vocabulary. Le is beating all sorts of words out of him at this point.

Scoring: Le 10-9!

R3: Third round Le finishes the job...Fryklund is freakin dun dun dun!

Cung Le is a freakin star.

A freakin...star!

I was the only one to pick him to win this fight.

I said: "Cung Le is awesome".

He won, and you guys we warned.

Winner: Cung Le - 0:25 R3 TKO

Goldberg with Le: I don't care what he says he's awesome.

Match 6: "The New York Badass" Phil Baroni Vs. Frank Shamrock - 5X5 Middleweight

Baroni: 31, 5'9, 183, 10-7-0
Shamrock: 34, 5'10, 184, 21-8-1
Referee: Steve Mazagatti

R1: Baroni unloads on Shamrock early to start the round.
Baroni takes down Shamrock but this is where Frank wants to be. Shamrock knocks Baroni down and is going for a choke. Shamrock is taunting Baroni.

Mazagatti calls for time due to punches to the back of Baroni's head. 2 EXC fights, 2 times this happens. A point taken away from Frank.

Baroni comes back quickly and takes Shamrock down and again that's where he wants to be.

Shamrock tags Baroni again and is owning Baroni.

Baroni is out on his feet and Shamrock is hammering him in a bad way.

Shamrock nails more punches and Baroni takes him down to end the round.

Scoring: Because of the point being taken away, I'm giving this a 9-8 round for Shamrock.

R2: Baroni starts with strikes early but they end up in the clinch.
Baroni rocks Shamrock for a bit and then it is Shamrock's turn. Shamrock talked about an injury prior to the fight is fighting like a man with a bad wheel.

Baroni gives up his back and Shamrock looking for the choke as the crowd is going absolutely insane.

Baroni is done, and Shamrock is the Strikeforce middleweight champion.

Jufustitastinormous doesn't describe the pop for Shamrock.

Winner; Frank Shamrock - 4:00 R2 Submission

Goldberg interviews Shamrock and he doesn't need to say anything the crowd does the talking. Shamrock does talk about his injury and such.

Match 7: Duane "Bang" Ludwig Vs. Paul "semtex" Dale - 3X5 Welterweight

Daley: 24, 5'9, 170, 14-6-2
Ludwig: 28, 5'10, 170, 15-6-0
Referee: John Shorely

R1: Not a lot of action in the first round but most of it is on the feet.
If this were the WWE, this would be the women's match sandwiched between the 2 main events, only this isn't being followed by John Cena.

Daley took Ludwig down but Ludwig was right back on his feet quickly.

Round ends to a series of boos.

Scoring: Daley 10-9 and that's all I'm going to say about this.

R2: It doesn't last long as Daley KO'ed Ludwig. Euan called it...1 of 3 he got right tonight BTW.

Winner: Paul Daley - 0:42 r2 KO

UFC ain't topping this event.

This is card of the year so far.

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Casey's Commentary: TNA iMPACT 06/21/2007

Welcome to our live iMPACT coverage. This raises the question, can it be live coverage if the show is taped?

Before I start I must make 2 statements:
1. I'm really hungry but can't eat until I'm done with this show.
2. I want it to end quick so I can eat and pick Strikeforce and with that out of the way, click behind the cut and refresh your yada yada for all the latest bla bla bla.



TNA...We are, surprised he's back to recapping this show.

We open with Abyss on a mission backstage. We know this because he's grunting a lot and Don West told us that's what he's doing.

Slammiversary recap, showing the highs and lows from Sunday. Too much focus on the lows, not enough on the highs.

Oh, I decided I couldn't wait to eat so I'm typing and eating. This is another reason these recaps are award winning...as soon as someon gives me the reward I've rightfully won.

Impact opening, the one you've come to know and love and loathe.

Jim Cornette is in the ring and is going to announce the main event for Victory Road. He asks for all the TNA champions to come to the ring. Lethal heads out, followed by 3-D and then Angle.

Cornette says the match of Champions will be at Victory Road. The world and X champions will team to face the tag champions. All the titles on the line, if you score a pin then you win the match and the title of the man he pins.

If Angle or Lethal pins one of 3-D then that man wins both belts and can pick his partner. Tonight and for the next 3 weeks, all the titles are defended. Win and you're in, lose and your replacement wins your title and your spot. It will be great to see Jay Lethal main event a TNA PPV...whatya mean that might not happen?

Cornette asks if there are any questions and Angle wants to know where his celebration is for winning sunday? Hey Kurt, its called budget cuts.

Angle says Cornette has no idea what he's doing. In other words, he fits right in around here. Crowd is hostile towards Kurt. Angle decides to celebrate by thanking himself for making it all possible. He thanks himself for doing what he said he was going to do. I guess he's officially a heel. He thanks himself for putting TNA on the map. He shouldn't thank himself for something that hasn't happened. He also thanks himself for being the best wrestler in TNA. He tells the crowd to blow off because they're indecisive.
He encourages the crowd to keep hating him and is pissed they chanted "Joe's gonna kill you". He runs through his catchphrase and then Cornette starts talking again. I don't like this new Kurt Angle, it seems he's got an ego problem. I can't get along with men that have big egos, I hate them.

Cornette is on a rampage ranting about Angle getting paid to compete. I love Jim Cornette going back to the Midnight days.

Cornette announces Angle will face 2 former champions next week for his spot in the Championship Challenge. He then says that Lethal will face a former champ in Chris Sabin and another former champion, Samoa Joe. So much for Lethal's title run.

Commercial Break!!
The segment set up the main event, wasn't too hard to understand and the promos were ok. However, I must insist that TNA steal UFC's tagline and call the show TNA Wrestling's 'victory road: Brings the Champions'

JB is backstage and says TNA is negotiating with a main eventer looking to jump to TNA...and if we want to know who, we need to subscribe to TNA mobile. Ok, they have to know that they're doing the Mean Gene thing and it has to be a homage. Seriously, it just has to be. Although I'm not sure I'd call Bicky Randeras a main eventer.

Macho Lethal does an interview and says he'll win or something.

Match 1: Robert Roode/James Storm Vs. Eric Young/Rhino

I want Eric Young and Robert Roode to never appear in a match with one another ever again, sadly I never get what I want.

Here's whatyou need to know about this match.

Ice Cream sandwiches are good.

Storm superkick and pin gets his team the win.

Winners: James Storm and Robert Roode
After the match, Rhino goes on a rampage, and Don West says he's never seen Rhino do this. West must not watch Discovery Channel or Animal Planet.

Commercial Break!!
Match was too short to amount to anything, JB shilling TNA mobile like Mean Gene is painful and Black Machismo still rules even if he's getting fucked tonight.

We're back and we get a reminder of the main event.

We go to the Jeff Jarrett interview from Slammiversary. I'm not going to make any comment regarding this.

I do however, still want to eat.

Mike Tenay is back and using the quiet voice, like Dixie Carter's limo blew up. Ok, we saw the interview on the PPV and now it has aired on Impact. They can put it on the website but lets just move past this.

The interview was moving and powerful and I'm afraid they're going to exploit it just to be like WWE and I don't want any part of death angles. I hate the Vince one, I hated the Eddie Guerrero storyline and I'll hate this too if they keep going back to the well. They said it, got their touching moment, and I hope that we just leave it at that. Anything more would just ruin the moment which, no joke, moved me incredibly.

Commercial Break!!

Latisha Klein tries to interview Joe. Joe threatens to kill her and she runs away. He then threatens to do very bad things, bad things indeed to Kurt Angle. He says until he's done with what he has to do, there will be no more interviews.

Match 2: Chris Harris Vs. Raven

Tenay and West are talking about the video. What did I just say?

I almost forgot Raven was still around, hopefully I'll be able to succeed next time.

Havoc (Johnny Devine) and Martyr (Matt Bentley) are at ringside while Kaz (No, not Hayashi and that's too bad cause he ruled) is missing and the announcers make a point of it.

Kaz comes out when Havoc and Martyr interfeer, he attacks Raven and Chris Harris gets the win.

Winner: Chris Harris

Just when you think that we're going to see Serotonin implode, Christian Cage appears on the screen. He talks to Harris, mainly telling him how great he is and the stars he makes. He blames Harris for him not winning the belt at the PPV. He says that at some point he and Harris are going to put on a show. "Cats" is the early favorite.

Christian is yelling for Tomko and Styles at the end of the interview. We find out that it is Abyss as he beats Christian all the way down to the ring. Abyss has a barbed wire bat but like an idiot takes his sweet time and Tomko and Styles hit the ring for the save. Note to Abyss, don't waste time. Abyss clears the ring and we head to a...

Commercial Break!!!
It is nice that TNA is making main events longer, but these other matches are still short to mean anything. Christian cut his usual good promo and the Abyss thing was so, so at best.

Why would the Valtrex people think iMPACT is a good show on which to advertise? I mean it is supposed to prevent the spread of herpies, but I watch iMPACT and women don't even talk to me. My friends watch iMPACT and women don't talk to them either. I don't understand, they're advertising on a show that is a better way to prevent the spread of herpies than the product they're selling.

We're back with a James Mitchell promo. I've missed his promos. The gist is that he found his new man and he's coming. Mitchell referred to him as his son. Well, it doesn't say much for his parenting skills if he had to go thousands of miles to find him as he claimed. As I've said so much before, the man is Ricky Banderas former WSX champion. If you're mad I spoiled it, get over it.

We're back to Mike Tenay who completely ignores what we just saw to talk the main event.

Oh, my mistake Tenay mentioned the video during the Samoa Joe enterence.

Match 3: Samoa Joe Vs. Chris Sabin Vs. Black Machismo Jay Lethal

It is a 3-way match for a TNA title that involves Samoa Joe as the challenger. If you don't know the finish then you should just quit life.

Commercial Break!!!
This show has a lot of commercial breaks. We get a commercial for the reairing of the last 2 episodes of TUF and for the Finale on Saturday. There will be coverage of the show here on the site cause we're great that way.

We're back for the last 4 minutes of the show...yeesh, TNA needs to work the commercials better.

Remember when I said you should know the finish? Joe hit the musclebuster on Sabin and got the pin. Sabin for those who have forgotten since the top of the show, was in fact not the champion.

Winner: Samoa Joe

Cornette comes out, says that Joe is in the match of champions and then he announces that next week Kurt Angle will defend against Rhino and Christian.

My thoughts: The show was inoffensive. The matches were too short and I thought I was watching Battleground with the frequency of the commercial breaks. TNA has always had those quick segments but it really hit me tonight just how fast they can be at times.
Nothing was horrifically stupid, and I didn't want to run screaming from the room. I've heard good things about next week's match but we'll see what commercials do to it.
Biggest complaint, well it is 2. I hate that Lethal's title reign was so short and that they put the title back on Samoa Joe who doesn't need it in the typical TNA way of having him lose without being pinned.

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Casey's "Verbal" Commentary: TNA Wrestling's 'Slammiversary 2007

Wade will have a more play-by-play oriented post here but I'll be here with my written version of an audio commentary starting at 7 PM CT. See our predictions: here

Results are behind the cut:



Notes from the pre-show. The tragety of it all is the Steiners-3D video was awesome. Alas, it isn't happening. Also, they confirmed the change from Harris to Senshi without explaining why. Alex Shelley was funny in his promo about the match with Backlund.

We start the show with an evolution of TNA video and then as we cut to the arena, we get the ending of the Slammiversary theme played live. Pyro goes off and we head to the ring.

1. The Latin American Xchange W/Konnan Vs. Senshi and Rhino W/Hector Guerrero
   The LAX hit the ring for the opening match, hopefully we find out why it was Harris and is now Senshi.
   
   No reference to the change yet and I don't expect one will come.
   
   I'm not sure how big the crowd is but they're hot for the opener anyway. Senshi is being all Senshi like to start.
   
   Rhino hits a gore, gore, gore and 5 of us are 0 for 1.
   
   Winners: Rhino and Senshi
   
   Apparently, there are such things as Phillie Cheese stake pringles.
   
   It is time for that time-honored tradition of running down a card I've already paid for, yay TNA!
   
   We're getting the recap that led to KOTM and the rules always make me laugh in their complication.
   
   Breaking News: Pizza's here!
   
   Gail Kim, you break my heart. She kissed Eric Young, I'm weeping like a woman.
   
   
2. TNA X-division Title: Black Machismo Jay Lethal Vs. Chris Sabin
   Kevin Nash is going to join the commentary team, that's awesome.
   
   Why is Sonjay Dutt coming out? He's now called Guru Sonjay Dutt and has new music.
   
   MMM, Pizza.
   
   I love how they credit Nash for giving Lethal a personality...even though its Randy Savage's personality.
   
   Funny bit as Tenay Nash and West discuss how long it took for Nash to beat Backlund in 94. Nash says 8 seconds, Tenay says 9 and West being West decides on 8.8.
   
   TNA is so much easier to watch when they're not in Orlando.
   
   Big elbow from Macho-Lethal and we've got a new champion in a fun match.
   
   Winner: Black Machismo Jay Lethal
   
   I'm happy to be back on the winning track.
   
   Wycheck and Storm video plays leading in to our next match. TNA would've gotten sooo much more mainstream coverage had they gotten Rey Lewis to be on Storm's team. As I noted before, Lewis agreed but the Baltimore Ravens put the nicks on it.
   
   James Storm offers to give Frank Wycheck the last concussion he'll need in his life. I was unaware you need concussions. Funny that with the NFL getting serious on concussions and prevention, both TNA and WWE would make light of them.
   
   
3. Frank Wycheck and Jerry Lynn Vs. Cowboy James Storm and Ron 'The Truth' Killings
   Wycheck doesn't get the reaction I would've thought given his status in Nashville.
   
   Killings still plays to the crowd as a face, even doing the "What's Up", bit. No, I don't understand it.
   
   Tenay is in his full glory rattling off history like there's no tomorrow involving Ron Killings and Jerry Lynn and respective title wins, dates, opponents and partners.
   
   James Storm making fun of the NFL does turn the crowd in full support of Wycheck.
   
   Wycheck is far from the worst worker you are ever going to see, especially for having 0 matches.
   
   As you'd expect, Wycheck and Lynn got the win.
   
   Winners: Frank Wycheck and Jerry Lynn
   
   We're now moving to Backlund-Shelley.
   
   Backlund video package airs, he's crazy or something.
   
   
4. Alex Shelley Vs. Mr. Bob Backlund
   
   I've got very little to say about this match. Although Sabin interferring led to a drop toehold in to Sabin's groine.
   
   Backlund wins.
   
   Winner: Bob Backlund
   
   Scott takes the early lead with that one.
   
   There's some extra activity after the match but whatever. Basically, Sabin and Shelley attacked Backlund. Lynn came for the save, but Nash booted him down. Lethal made the save. Yes, it is as complicated as it sounds.
   
   Christopher Daniels comes out and cuts a promo on Sting. Daniels brings up religion and I'm reminded of the old saying, Religion and Wrestling don't mix.
   
   Video package airs for VKM Vs. Damaja and Basham w/Christy Hemme.
   
   
5. Basham and Damaja W/Christy Hemme Vs. Voodoo Kin Mafia
   
   Thought that this would follow the Eric Young match, but better to get this out of the way. Actually, getting the EY match out of the way is also fine.
   
   Please don't let them do their spiel before the match. Yay, Damaja and Basham wouldn't let it happen, they are my new heros.
   
   After about a minute of action, the bell rings. Eugene does double duty as TNA timekeeper.
   
   VKM wins a short, useless and very not good match.
   
   Winners: Voodoo Kin Mafia
   
   After the match, Lance Hoyt turns on VKM. I knew that was coming and not just because West and Tenay foreshadowed it big time, which they did.
   
   Backstage with Latisha and Cornette. Rick Steiner says that he's got a partner, and Cornette is impressed when he whispers it in his ear.
   
   We've back out and LAX attack Hector Guerrero at the Spanish announce table.
   
   Robert Roode and Eric Young video package airs. Nice to just cut away from LAX and that situation cause it means nothing.
   
   
6. Freedom Match: Eric Young Vs. Robert Roode
   I can't believe the "Don't Fire Eric", thing has been going on for more than a year.
   
   yawn.
   
   The crack TNA cameracrew missed a nearfall to show the crowd.
   
   Roode wins and Eric Young is fired. Art is the only one that predicted this.
   
   Winner: Robert Roode
   
   As Roode fires Eric, Cornette comes out and is going to over-turn the decision.
   
   Instead of reversing the decision, he restarts the match.
   Gail Kim comes out and attacks Ms. Brooks, I'm disappointed about what she did earlier.
   
   Young is playing possom and you can see the finish coming from a mile away.
   
   I think that's 3 in a row in terms of matches that ends with an inside cradle.
   
   Winner: Eric Young
   
   Team 3-D interviewed by JB.
   Brother Ray says Scott Steiner punked out of the match.
   
   
7. TNA World Tag Team Titles: Rick Steiner and ??? Vs. Team 3D
   Guesses around the room were Luger and or Buff as partners for Steiner. Both would be a huge letdown, especially Luger.
   
   The crowd starts chanting "animal" and sure enough, the partner is Road warrior Animal.
   
   Animal gets a big pop when he tags in.
   
   Team 3-D managed to get the win.
   
   Winners: Team 3-D
   The crowd made the match worthwhile at least.
   
   Video package for Sting-Daniels.
   
   
8. Sting Vs. Christopher Daniels
   Sting repells from the rafters down to the ring for the match to a jufustitastinormous pop.
   
   Match is technically fine, but I just don't have a lot to say at this point of the evening.
   
   Sting hits the Scorpion and nobody in our group saw that coming.
   
   Winner: Sting
   
   Video package for Abyss Vs. Christian's Coalition.
   
   Christian is interviewed w/AJ Styles by Latisha who can barely get 5 words out. It is better this way.
   
   Penzer flubs TNA...calling it TMA. We know this for sure since he corrected himself.
   
   
9. No Disqualification: Tomko Vs. Abyss
   
   Funny bit as a section of the crowd chants "over here" when Abyss and Tomko fight at ringside.
   
   We were wondering who has the worst record when it comes to bringing in thumbtacks and having it backfire on them. I nominate Abyss but Mick Foley is also recommended.
   
   Abyss brings in glass and that also works against him just like the thumbtacks earlier. Abyss is now being beaten with the barbed wire bat.
   
   An absolutely freaking insane jump by Abyss on tomko. Holy Shit!
   
   Abyss hits a black hole slam in the tacks and that's all she wrote.
   
   Winner: Abyss
   
   A interview with Joe and Angle airs. I don't know if it is the mics or what, but I've had a hard time hearing certain things tonight.
   
   Tenay directs the crowd to a video interview with Jeff Jarrett as a crew works to clean the ring after the last match.
   
   
   
10. King of the Mountain for the Vacant TNA Title: Christian Cage Vs. AJ Styles Vs. Kurt Angle Vs. Samoa Joe Vs. Chris Harris
    
    Well, we now know why Harris was pulled from the opener.
    
    Funny sign: "Joe killed McMahon". Oh, how I wish it were so.
    
    AJ lays down so that Christian can pin him and be allowed to hang the belt, but Angle broke it up.
    
    Chris Harris scores the first pin, so he's legal to hang the belt.
    
    AJ Styles has educated feet, hopefully he'll get one for the rest of his body someday.
    
    We got our first ref bump of the night in the main event. Soooo close to a whole show without one.
    
    For a match where falls count anywhere, they really need more than one referee.
    
    Angle and Christian also were legal, and Angle ended up getting the win. AJ and Joe never even got pinfalls.
    
    Winner: Kurt Angle
    
    Joe offered his hand to Angle but got an Olympic Slam for his trouble.
    
    

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