by Jon Scott

Credit:  www.wrestlingobservercom

Just got back from the TNA show at Webster Hall in NYC. Prefacing this, I rarely watch TNA on Spike TV but I know most of their roster from WWE or ROH so I went to the show. It was a great night and TNA and their talent really go a long way to send the fans home happy. The pace of the show was great. It started before 8:30 and ended before 11, including a short intermission. None of the matches slowed down and the crowd was hot for everything.

Before the show, there was a small signing/picture session with Kurt Angle, Gail Kim, Jay Lethal, Homicide & Hernandez. All were nice, friendly, signed and took pictures for everyone. The set-up in the building was interesting. The balcony was filled (people from Spike TV were in one section) and the floor was filled. The ring (which is small) was on the stage along with fans about a foot behind it and all around. Really great atmosphere.

Opening match was the Motor City Machine Guns against Jimmy Rave and Lance Hoyt. Hot opener with Shelley and Sabin pinning Rave for the win.

Jay Lethal beat Sonjay Dutt in a solid match with the elbow drop.

In a NYC Street Fight, the Dudleys beat LAX after Buh Buh powerbombed Hernandez through a table. Buh Buh got on the mic beforehand and talked about how great it was being back in NYC. Lots of brawling, off the stage and into the crowd. They used garbage cans and the table. Buh Buh was busted open. After the match, the Dudleys promoted the TNA chants (instead of ECW). He mentioned how they had some good friends in attendance, pointed up to the balcony and named Tommy Dreamer and Little Guido. They put the spotlight on Dreamer who had a smile on his face, Buh Buh tried to get a 'fat ass' chant going.

Before intermission, Samoa Joe pinned AJ Styles with the musclebuster. Real hard hitting and stiff action from both guys. Styles played the cocky heel, tried hitting Joe with the Styles Clash but not being able to hit it.

After intermission (Dudleys signed at the merchandise stand), James Storm pinned Eric Young. During the bout, they did a funny spot where Earl Hebner was roughing up Storm. Eric Young put on Earl's zebra shirt and the bell rang. They did a few wrestling spots with Earl (headlock, double arm drag) and the match resumed. Storm was funny with the crowd, playing the redneck. By the way, all night long Earl got the Bret chants but had fun with them. At one point he even did the Ric Flair strut.

Amazing Kong pinned Gail Kim to retain the Women's gold in a three-way with Jackie. Kong is something you usually don't see, she is great.

In the main event, Kurt Angle successfully defended the title against Christian. They had the dual chants going early on. A lot of mat wrestling in the beginning but led to a hot finish. Angle missed a moonsault. Christian kicked out of the Angle slam and Angle kicked out of the Unprettier. They did a bunch of reversals out of each others finishers. Angle won with the ankle lock grapevined. Angle offered a handshake but Christian ducked out of the ring.

After the show, Kurt was posing for pictures (for a long time) in the ring for $20. Around the ring and on the floor to meet the fans were Samoa Joe, AJ Styles, Dixie Carter, Lance Hoyt, James Storm, Eric Young, Gail Kim, Jay Lethal and Hernandez were signing and taking pictures with the fans. Julius Smokes was walking around, too.

Borash said they would come back soon to NYC and kept telling us how Spike TV cameras were filming certain parts for air during TNA Today.

Overall, a great show. If they are in your area, definitely go check them out.

Jon Scott