Eric Young just defeated Magnus to win the TNA World Heavyweight
title on this week’s TNA iMPACT! broadcast.
Near the end of the match, Magnus hit a Michinoku driver for a
close two count. Magnus then went to the floor, grabbed the title and brought it
into the ring. The ref tried to take it, did and Magnus hit a low blow as the
ref’s back was turned, Magnus covered again for a two count. Magnus then picked
up Young, off the ropes and a crucifix by Young for another close two count.
Young then hit a piledriver for the 1…2…3. Eric Young is your new champion!
Young appeared to break down in tears as Borash announced him as
the new world champion. The show then went off the air.
COMMENTARY: As I said on my Facebook page, Eric Young is
clearly WWE’s version of Daniel Bryan. He’s over HUGE with the live crowd(s),
has the massive beard, etc. TNA obviously can see the success it’s had for WWE
… and it seems like they are trying to capitalize in their own way … the
week after WrestleMania where D-Bryan won the WWE title. It’s actually a smart
business move. I like it … but they shouldn’t have done the title change
tonight. They should have started the build as they did tonight … and have him
“chase” the title for the next few weeks or months … build him up as the
underdog and then eventually have him win the title if the live crowds run with
it and get behind him. TNA likes to rush things (as does WWE) and they did it
tonight.
Also, if something works for the biggest wrestling company in the
world, you try to capitalize off it in your own way. Both companies have taken
ideas from each other for YEARS now … it works both ways. I like it a lot. I
was hoping they’d have Young chase the title and not rush it. Build him up as a
major underdog … get the fans invested and then do the title change several
weeks or months from now. Eric Young has a TON of potential. Really good in-ring
worker and great on the stick. He’s got “it”.
