TNA
Worth Your Money? TNA Against All Odds 2009 Featuring Sting vs. Kurt Angle vs. Team 3D For The TNA Title, Beer Money vs. Lethal Consequences, And More
By James Bullock
Dec 5, 2009 - 11:17 AM

I recently got the chance to meet a few readers of my columns and found out how much they loved reading my DVD reviews. But they wanted some variety, wondering why I don’t cover TNA. Well, I decided to give them what they asked for. With Black Friday, and some excellent sales, I was able to pick up a few 2009 TNA DVDs. So, first up on the lineup is TNA’s Against All Odds. While the cover suggests a huge tag match between The Frontline and the Main Event Mafia, it’s nothing of the sort. Instead, the show is headlined by Sting defending the TNA World title against Mafia mate Kurt Angle, and Team 3D in a Fatal Four Way. Of course, the X Division title on when Detroit’s favorite son, Alex Shelley, faces off with Eric Young. And that’s only two of the five title matches here. And as much as TNA is criticized for its abuse of gimmick matches, none are here tonight. So, lets see if TNA can pull out a show that is Worth Your Money.

Against All Odds
2/9/09
Orlando, FL

　 Arriving at the building earlier today were the participants involved in tonight’s main event. First was the Main Event Mafia, minus Sting. On the side of the building came Team 3D. Then Sting arrived by himself. This is all before the opening video package, which doesn’t get me too giddy about the show.

　 X Division title: Alex Shelley (c) vs. Eric Young
Shelley tried to get the jump on Young, but Eric was one step ahead of the champ, sending him to the floor after a clothesline. Young played a game of chase before dropkicking Shelley back outside for a plancha. The fans were behind Young as he prepared to dive off the apron. Instead, Shelley stopped Young by tripping him. Young fought back as they stood on the ring’s side, only to be pushed chest first into the steel ring post. Shelley followed up by kneeing Young back first against the guardrails. Young quickly recovered, going for another dive. Shelley moved, swatting Young so he’d land on the railing again. The referee was doing the longest ten count during this altercation. Shelley finally got the action back inside, taunting the crowd before dropkicking Young out of the sky. Bow & arrow on Young, but no submission. The champ was in complete control as Shelley worked over Young’s chest. Young used the Flair turnbuckle bump, but it only ended with him getting kicked in the chest, hanging him across the middle rope. This left Young wide open for a flying knee that drove the middle rope into Young’s chest.
Young tried to fight back on the apron, but Alex moved when Young rushed him. Young hit the ring post, tumbling over the top before smacking the floor back first in a sickening sight. Triple dropkick series in the corner by Shelley after Alex pushed his hurting challenger back in. Young caught the running Shelley, flapjacking Shelley before getting the fans behind him again. Discus clothesline turned Shelley inside out, but didn’t get Eric the pin. Young tried to leap off the top when Shelley met him on the ropes, pulling him off with a jawbreaker. Young blocked Shelley’s attempt at a clothesline, kicking Shelley before going for the Death Valley Driver. Shelley fought out of it, but got tripped into a springboard leg drop for a near fall for Eric. Shelley avoided the moonsault, super kicking Young into the twisting downward spiral. Once again, no pin for the champion. Young stopped Sliced Bread, going for a wheelbarrow suplex. Alex countered, using Sliced Bread to a huge ovation. Somehow, Eric kicked out before the three count. Young stopped whatever Shelley had in mind on the ropes, going for that wheelbarrow suplex again. Shelley countered, bulldogging Young before running to the top rope for a perfect frog splash…for a near fall! Shelley wanted to use something on the top rope, but Eric slipped underneath him, dropping Shelley face first across the top turnbuckle. Shelley feigned an injury to roll up Young as Eric argued with the ref to retain his championship.

　 Jeremy Borash was with Kurt Angle to talk about the Four Way TNA title match between himself, Sting, and Team 3D. After insulting J.B., Angle explained that he and Sting will get along tonight to win, but will push each other to do so like real athletes do. Tonight, the Mafia will walk away champions.

　 Scott Steiner vs. Petey Williams
It’s little muscle versus big muscle. And even though he’s no longer Scott’s protégé, Petey still comes out dressed like “Big Poppa Pump”. In the opening moments, Petey did the stupid thing of attempting to match power with power. When Petey used his agility, he was able to clip Steiner’s legs from underneath him. Steiner rolled to the floor, leaving himself wide open for a baseball slide. Scott reentered, missing the clothesline before getting spinning heel kicked down. Petey didn’t climb to the top fast enough, getting belly to belly superplexed across the ring. The fans proclaimed that, “You still suck,” to Steiner. Yeah, say that to his face. Elbow drop, followed by some pushups by Steiner brought in the boos. Petey tried to fight back, but ended up getting tossed across the ring when Steiner stopped the DDT. Another belly to belly suplex got Steiner a two count because Steiner didn’t want to end it just yet. A huge, “Steiner’s boring,” chant rang out. Steiner responded by dropping Petey on his face before giving the fans the finger. Petey was able to down Steiner with a pair of boots when Scott whipped him into the corner. Petey stopped another super belly to belly, hitting a cross body block. Petey was getting some momentum, executing the tornado DDT for a two count. Petey was working on all cylinders after using that springboard lung blower. Steiner sidestepped the incoming Petey’ shoulder ram, but Williams stopped himself from hitting the ring post. Petey decided to use this to his advantage, faking an injury before cradling Scott for a two count. Petey dropkicked Steiner to the floor for the slingshot hurricarana. Steiner was ready, catching Williams before he could use the hurricarana, power bombing Petey on the floor with a sick thud. Steiner Recliner seems to mark the end, but Petey holds on long enough to make it to the ropes. With Petey pretty much out of it; Scott grabs him for the…Steiner Screwdriver! Wow, haven’t seen that in years, and Petey could be quoting Kurt Angle about his neck. And this one is over.
Steiner decided to grab the microphone to demand none of these white trash audience members cheer for him. Steiner decided he wanted to finish Petey off with that super Samoan drop. Oh you thought Steiner was done. Well, you’re right because Samoa Joe’s music has put an end to Steiner’s rampage. Yep, not Joe, but his music. Wait, Joe’s on the tron. Joe, with some face paint, declared that his nation of violence is coming for the Main Event Mafia.

　 In the back, J.B. stood with Mick Foley and Sting. Tonight, Foley will commentate during the main event. Sting didn’t appreciate Foley talking down Angle. But that didn’t stop Sting accepting a wish of good luck before Foley took his leave. Sting didn’t care about what happens tonight because tomorrow, the Mafia will still be one. But Sting does want to win tonight.

　 Chris Sabin vs. Brutus Magnus
Magnus’ entrance attire looks like a mix of something from the movie 300 and the Roman Village People (if there is such a thing). Magnus proclaimed he’s nothing like the British stereotypes we know of. Or is he (foreshadowing)? Magnus called out the person who accepted his open challenger. In a showing of the pay-per-view visual and production errors TNA is known for, the Motor City Machine Guns tron is shown, but Magnus’ music is still playing Take away the surprise, why don’t you?
Magnus showed his power advantage early. That advantage ended when Sabin decided to pick up the speed, dropkicking Magnus into the corner after countering the press slam. Magnus caught Sabin, using snake eyes before dropping an elbow across Sabin’s chest for a two count. Sabin didn’t have much to contend with to stop the offense of Magnus. That is until Sabin rolled through a failed roll up, springboard clotheslining Magnus for a two count. Magnus power bombed Sabin out of the sunset flip for a two count of his own. Brutus sent Sabin to the floor for a baseball slide. Instead, Magnus ran into a cross body block. Magnus grabbed the ref to cause the referee to push him. Magnus fell against the ropes, crotching the shocked Sabin. Tormentum by Magnus gets him another victory.

　 Lauren was with Team 3D to talk about, what else, their main event title match tonight. Devon reminded Angle and Sting that tonight, the greatest tag team know what to do for one of them to win gold. So what do they do when it comes down to the former brothers Dudley? Well, they’ll pick apart Sting and Kurt before figuring out who should win between the two. Team 3D decided to go talk with Sting.

　 Knockouts title: Awesome Kong (c) w/The Kongtourage vs. ODB
Before this match could start, Jim Cornette sent The Kongtourage to the back. Kong didn’t like this, grabbing Cornette. ODB took advantage of this, jumping Kong before beating her around ringside. The champ rolled back in, blocking ODB’s slam. ODB changed her attack, bulldogging Kong for a two count. ODB jumped off the top rope, only to get clotheslined out of the sky. Avalanche splash on OBD brought out a Nelson Muntz like laugh from someone in the crowd. Kong had ODB locked in a bear-hug until ODB slapped her way to freedom. ODB went for a body slam, only for Kong to fall on top of her instead. Awesome splash misses, giving ODB the chance to recover and get the fans fired up. Series of forearms to Kong’s chest had ODB thinking of everything she could do to level Kong. After some turnbuckle face slams, ODB finally slammed Kong! ODB ducked the spinning back fist when Kong rose to her feet. Before ODB could follow up on the avoidance, Kong hooked ODB, Implant Busting ODB to retain her gold.

　 We find Lauren in between Team 3D and Sting, where Brother Ray and Sting have a conversation about Sting’s soul. A soul that really isn’t tied to the Main Event Mafia. But it’s also tainted. Ray told Sting he had the chance to redeem himself tonight by doing the right thing. If the old Sting shows up-according to Ray-Team 3D will have his back. When 3D leave, Lauren informs Sting that Kurt Angle wants to speak with him.

　 TNA Legends title: Booker T. (c) w/Sharmell T. vs. Shane Sewell
For those who don’t know-or don’t remember-Sewell is a referee as well as a wrestler. I guess his refereeing skill overtook his wrestling skills because Booker just beat down Shane will mouthing off to him like only Booker can. Bookend in the middle of the ring, but it doesn’t end the contest. Shane had the power of The Ultimate Warrior, Tatanka, even Wahoo McDaniel going through him as he fired up. Sharmell’s shrieks didn’t help Booker as Shane started slamming Booker from one end of the ring to the other. Shane hit the ropes, only for Sharmell to trip him into Booker’s Axe Kick. Three seconds later, and Booker is still the Legends champion.
Booker decided to talk a little bit before attempting to beat Shane down a little bit more. Before it could happen, AJ Styles hit the ring. Styles lit up Booker as the fans chanted for AJ. Booker missed a kick, getting clotheslined out of the ring to a thunderous ovation. AJ decided to pose with Booker’s belt before grabbing the microphone. Styles talked about his growing up from the dirt shacks of Georgia before becoming what he is today. All because of his dream of becoming the best wrestler ever…to become a legend. Being a legend doesn’t depend on your finances (Ric Flair), but being a legend is about giving your all for the fans night in, night out. And AJ is going to be that legend.

Speaking of future hoping to be legends, Matt Morgan was being pleaded with by Lauren to ask Matt not to go through this match with his used to be tag team partner Abyss. Morgan confessed of having a staph infection in his shoulder just last week before coming her to put Abyss down. Matt also threatened to Chris Brown Lauren if she comes down to help Abyss.

　 Abyss vs. Matt Morgan
Abyss came out with his mysterious black bag. I should start calling it, “His pay-per-view satchel.” Matt kept his shirt on as he and Abyss battled for a chokeslam. It didn’t work for either man, leading to a fist fight. Abyss grabbed a lead pipe after Abyss avoided the big boot. The referee yanked the pipe from “The Monster”, causing the fight to move to ringside. The brawl spilled into the crowd, where Abyss got whipped into the balcony walls. Abyss paid him back when they moved up the steps, slamming Matt’s face on the chain link fence. Abyss reversed a whip into the barricades before the action came back to ringside. Abyss decided to throw in some trashcan lids, a chair, and some baking sheets. The referee stopped Abyss from using the chair, allowing Matt to big boot the distracted masked man. Matt used those rapid-fire elbows in the corner to stun Abyss long enough to side Russian leg sweep him. With Abyss stuck across the bottom rope, Matt dropped a big leg across his head. Standing dropkick by Morgan only gets him a two count.
Abyss tried to fight back, only to get leveled again. Both men were thinking clotheslines, and both connected. Abyss got up swinging, following up with a sidewalk slam for a two count. Abyss wanted to unveil the contents of the black bag, but the referee stopped him. Matt jumped Abyss, only to end up in the corner. The referee gets knocked out by Abyss’ avalanche in the corner. This gives Matt the opportunity to club Abyss in the head with the chair. When the pin failed for Morgan, Matt went for another chair shot. Abyss stopped it by chokeslamming Matt. After Abyss’ failed pin attempt, Abyss tried to splash Matt with the chair on top of Morgan. Matt used the chair to block the attack, driving the side of the chair into Abyss’ groin. Chokeslam by Matt, but no three count. Abyss grabbed the chair, swinging it at Morgan. Unfortunately, Matt pulled the referee in his path. Abyss countered Matt’s incoming attack, Black Hole Slamming Matt. But there is no referee. Another ref hits the ring to count down the pin, but Matt kicks out. Abyss used another Black Hole Slam to pin Morgan.
Instead of taking the win and leaving, Abyss grabbed his black bag to pour out the thumbtacks. Abyss wanted to Black Hole Slam Morgan on the tacks, but Matt escaped.

　 Booker was having a temper tantrum in the Main Event Mafia locker room over AJ stealing his belt. Sting walked in as Kevin Nash calmed Booker down so he could confront Kurt Angle. Angle tried to make Sting understand that Team 3D are a couple of liars. Angle wanted Sting to agree that no matter what happens tonight, the Mafia will be united tomorrow. For some reason, Kurt didn’t seem so sure when Sting hugged him.

　 Tag Team title: Beer Money w/Jackie Moore (c) vs. Lethal Consequences
Robert Roode and Jay Lethal locked up first. Roode was able to run through Lethal, but wasn’t able to out “Macho” Lethal. Lethal took the chops, firing back with some right hands. A couple of big back body drop sent both champions rolling. Double dropkick on the champs forces Roode and Storm out of the ring. Lethal decided to pose with James Storm’s cowboy hat before tagging in Consequences Creed. Roode did the same, allowing James Storm to knee Creed in the abdomen upon entering. It didn’t help Storm much as Creed started picking up the pace, head scissoring Storm before using a drop toe hold to down the incoming Roode. Lethal Consequences used a very unique double team that ended with both champions in each other’s crotches. Storm got the blind tag off Lethal’s victory roll, allowing Storm to bulldog the unknowing Lethal to turn the tides in the champs’ favor. Double team elbow drops from Beer Money got Roode a two count. Roode hoisted Lethal up for a spine buster, but turned it into Storm’s backstabber to complete a beautiful double team. Lethal tried to pick up the pace, but ended up getting kneed down by “The Cowboy”. Once again, Lethal attempted to fight his way to an advantage on Roode, only to find himself stuck on the top rope for a double team superplex. And that double team led to the famous cheer of, “BEER…MONEY!” The champs wanted another double team, but Lethal was ready, knocking Roode into the running Storm. Lethal rolled over, tagging in Creed.
Creed was on fire, peppering both men with right hands. Rolling handstand clothesline by Creed set up a cross body block on Storm. Before Creed could fly again, Jackie distracted him. Storm got up, pushing Creed into the guardrails, left arm first. Roode and Storm made sure to keep Creed’s left arm close to their corner so they could work it over. Storm continued the assault by tying a clothesline attempt into an arm breaker. Quick tags by the champs kept Creed from fighting back and making his way to Jay. Lethal had enough, running over to pull his partner out of the champs’ corner before tagging himself in. Lethal was going wild, back flipping over a clothesline before dropkicking Roode. Enzuguri on Storm so Storm couldn’t stop the big elbow drop on Roode. Storm was able to break up the sure pin. Jackie ran in to attack Jay, but she got back dropped out of the ring for her trouble. Lethal Combination on Roode for a near fall. The challengers were in complete control, double flapjacking Roode. On the floor, Jackie handed Storm a chain. When Lethal went to monkey flip Roode, Storm jumped up, punching Jay in the face with his steel covered hand. This punch knocked Jay the fu-…um, Jay got KO’ed. Roode fell on top of Jay, picking up the pin for his team.

　 TNA World title: Sting (c) vs. Brother Ray vs. Brother Devon vs. Kurt Angle
Promo videos and boxing style in-ring intros for everyone to stress the importance of this one. Kurt and Sting paired together to face off with Team 3D. Angle didn’t like the idea, so Team 3D jumped them before Ray squared off with Sting on the floor as Devon shoulder tackled Angle. Lou Thesz press on Angle by Devon. 3D double shoulder blocked Angle before Devon went for the pin. Ray did the same after 3D clotheslined Sting. Angle jumped Ray from behind when it appeared 3D were going to face off. 3D did the doe-see-doe to turn an Irish whip against the Mafia members. Ray decided to take the fall for Devon, but Angle broke up the pin in fury. Double flapjack on Sting after pitching Angle to the floor. Devon decided it was his turn to take it to Ray after a very fake hold exchange. Neither man budged from the shoulder blocks. Both men slammed each other, going all Road Warrior on each other by jumping right up after their series of attacks. This moment of homage allowed Sting and Angle to jump the brothers from behind. I’ve always wondered if Team 3D’s daddy was white, black, or mixed, because his kids came out two very different shades. And don’t say it was because of dominate genes on the mother’s side…my bad, back to the match instead of worrying about illogical wrestling instances.
Ray got knocked into the front row, almost falling on a little girl. Dixie Carter was stuck between Ray and Sting in the front row as Devon choked Angle with a camera cable. When the action returned to the ring, Sting put Devon in the Scorpion Deathlock as Angle used the Ankle Lock on Ray. Ray broke free, kicking Angle into Sting to free himself and Devon. Team 3D took advantage of this, leveling the Mafia boys before using some submissions of their own. Angle was bleeding from his right eyebrow from the collision as Devon tried to make him tap in the Boston crab. Ray also had a figure four leg lock on Sting, which gave Angle the chance to pin Sting when he got free of Devon’s grip. Angle used an enzuguri to send Ray outside, leading to a confrontation between Sting and Angle. Angle quickly went after Sting’s left leg. Sting took it all, fighting back before executing the Stinger Splash. Angle recovered, Ankle Locking Sting. Before Sting could tap, Team 3D knocked Angle down. Sting got up, clotheslining 3D before taking the Angle Slam. Angle ran after Devon, but ended up getting slammed. High uranage on Devon by Ray after Devon’s failed pin on Angle. Angle stopped Ray’s pin, pitching Sting out of the ring before punching Devon. Ray got underneath Angle, allowing 3D to hit the Doomsday Device on Angle for a pin that was broken up by Sting. Sting prevented the 3D, belly to back suplexing Ray after kicking Devon away. Sting missed the Stinger Splash. Before 3D could use the wasssup on Sting, Angle ran up the ropes, arm dragging Devon across the ring. Angle pulled the straps down, forgetting about Ray, who clotheslined him to the floor. Before Ray could turn around, Sting used the Scorpion Death Drop on him. Three seconds later, and Sting is still the TNA World champion.
Mick Foley entered the ring to present Sting the title belt. And we close the show with Sting standing tall, arguing with Kurt, who watched from the ramp in shock.

　 Is It Worth Your Money: TNA is a very unique company, to say the least. Sometimes they understand that the best pay-per-views involve a lot of great wrestling and moments. Then there are other times where they treat PPVs like three hours episodes of Impact. Unfortunately, this show falls in the latter. Okay, the positives: the X Division title match was a great way to kick off Against All Odds. When I saw the lineup, I was a little worried. I’m not a fan of Eric Young, especially when he goes all “comical”, but I must say he and Alex pulled together and had a very good match. Surprisingly good if I say so myself. Definitely the match of the night, which is a bad thing when you think about it. Coming in at a close second was the Tag title match. It’s amazing how throwback of a team Beer Money is, but works like something we’d expect nowadays. They are an excellent team, and it’s sad they didn’t get together earlier when TNA was really focusing on its Tag division. And Lethal Consequences are no slouches either. I know a lot of people will say the finish was stupid, and not needed, but I disagree. Beer Money is a team you want to see lose because of their attitude, and tendency to cheat. It could lead to something big for a team ready for those tendencies. And that about wraps up the positives. Seriously, the rest of the show was either mediocre or skippable, mostly because of time constraints after piling too much on the card. Due to the various backstage interviews and skits, a lot of matches were shorter than they should’ve been. The main event felt like an abridged match of a great Four Way. Same for the Knockouts title match. Then there’s Booker vs. Sewell and Sabin vs. Magnus, that could’ve been saved for Impact, and the time given to the match previously mentioned. And lets not forget about the Abyss pay-per-view. You know the one. It’s the same one we’ve seen for years now. And here, it just went way too long. Overall, TNA didn’t produce a bad show. But it could’ve been so much better. I can’t throw the show to the side because of that because it was a solid show, but nothing that make at top ten list before the end of the year. TNA Against All Odds Is A Bargain Bin Purchase.

　 Before I close out, I’d like to say my thoughts and prayers are with the family of Eddie “Umaga” Fatu, who tragically passed yesterday afternoon. As James Guttman said yesterday, the WWI community has each and everyone close to Umaga in our prayers during this horrible situation. God bless.