Tonight’s “TNA Impact” marked the beginning of a new set of tapings, which took place recently in Denver, Colorado. The company has been in the headlines as of late, and not always in the best light. Tonight’s show marked an opportunity to set things in the right direction, but it mostly felt like business as usual. TNA Wrestling

Mustafa Ali played the villain role perfectly leading into his main event International title defense against KC Navarro, with the challenger dedicating the bout to his late uncle. Prior to the match, Ali said he was going to make his opponent quit like his uncle did, which coupled with a brief backstage segment between Navaro and Nic Nemeth as well as TNA World Champion Mike Santana – Ryan Nemeth was also there – where he asked for their help if and presumably when Order Four got involved.

That built both the storylines between Santana and Nemeth, due to wrestle for the World Championship at Slammivesary after Nemeth called his shot earlier in the night, as well as Navarro and Ali’s eventual clash in the main event. Navarro was the plucky, almost Rey Mysterio-esque babyface coming into his challenge, and he came into the affair with fast-paced and high-flying offense to match that. Ali, despite being a former cruiserweight, was the much larger opponent and grounded things, gradually asphyxiating the energy that Navarro brought.

Navarro got multiple near-falls on Ali and continued to work towards an upset, only to have his legs pulled from beneath him and tied up in a Sharpshooter. Nowhere to go, no other answer than to tap out, and Ali continues a reign characterized by fast and furious defenses. After the match though, as predicted, Ali continued his attack on Navarro, cinching in another Sharpshooter, as Order Four got involved. That then prompted Nemeth to come out and confront them, being joined by the World Champion as promised, even if reluctant.

They cleared the ring of Order Four and then, to the surprise of Santana, Nemeth saved him from an Ali belt-shot with a superkick. Santana gave him a nod of respect, turned to check on Navarro once more, and left the opening for a Danger Zone outta nowhere. Complete with a Randy Orton-esque annoyance at following through with the impulse. That was truly a main event segment, both in the match and what came afterward.

Written by Max Everett