TNA Impact notes: New champion, Knockouts TV title tournament update, next week’s lineup, Rebel
Here are some notes from Thursday’s live TNA Impact from Philadelphia that saw the first three matches announced for next month’s Lockdown show.
New International Champion
In the night’s main event, Jason Hotch took home his first-ever TNA title by defeating Order 4 teammate Mustafa Ali for the International Championship.
The win ends the 111-day run for Ali that started at April’s Rebellion and saw 12 successful title defenses, and opens up a new storyline for potential dissension within the faction.
Knockouts TV Title Tournament
Indi Hartwell advanced to the semifinals with her win over NXT’s Thea Hail on Thursday, getting the victory after hitting her Hurts Donut finisher. She will take on M By Elegance who advanced to the semifinals by both her win over Rosemary and because Elayna Black and Wendy Choo went to a draw.
Jada Stone also advanced to the semifinals on the other side of the bracket after she defeated Jody Threat. She awaits the winner of Mara Sade vs. Heather by Elegance.
Next Week’s Lineup
After a Tag Team title match was signed for Lockdown, the four men involved will be in separate singles matches as TNA World Champion Nic Nemeth will put his title on the line against Jeff Hardy while Ryan Nemeth battles Matt Hardy. In another title match, Knockouts Champion Xia Brookside defends against the aforementioned Choo.
Rebel
During the broadcast, broadcasters Tom Hannifan and Matthew Rehwoldt acknowledged and paid tribute to Rebel (Tanea Brooks) who is battling terminal ALS, directing fans to go to the I Am ALS website. Brooks was part of TNA from 2013 through 2018.
Since 2011, Josh has been a contributing editor to Wrestling Observer/F4WOnline.com and also hosts the Punch-Out podcast. He has also written for Fight Magazine, Bloody Elbow, Bleacher Report, and other websites. He's a 2000 graduate of the University of Maine, worked in pro sports, and once was an indie ring announcer.