Lockdown 2014 took place on March 9, 2014 at the BankUnited Center in Miami, Florida. It was the tenth Lockdown PPV in TNA history. Mike Tenay and Taz provided commentary for the show. After TNA decided to remove the “Steel Cage for all matches” gimmick at the 2013 PPV, they decided to bring it back for this PPV. All matches were contested in a steel cage.
The PPV began by showing the TNA World Champion Magnus, and the number one contender Samoa Joe, entering the BankUnited Center earlier in the day. TNA continued by showing a hype video package for Lockdown, showing the dreaded Steel Cage structure, and highlighting various feuds, including Gunner vs Storm, Team Dixie vs Team MVP and Magnus vs Samoa Joe.
Match #1 – Six-man interpromotional tag team steel cage match.
The Great Muta, Sanada and Yasu (Wrestle-1) vs Bad Influence (Christopher Daniels and Kazarian) and Chris Sabin (TNA).
Despite it not being shown on Impact Wrestling, Seiya Sanada walked out first for the Wrestle 1 team with the X Divison Championship. Yasu came out next, followed by The Great Muta, who walked out with a demonic looking costume. Taz and Tenay put The Great Muta over, showing tremendous respect and admiration for all of his accomplishments.
After his introduction, The Great Muta removed his costume to reveal he was wearing a mask for this contest.
After Sabin extended his hand to Sanada, Sanda declined to shake his hand. This was followed by a “USA” chant by the crowd, which I felt rather disrespectful considering the circumstances of the match. After some decent fast paced action, and a tag for Yasu, the crowd began chanting “We Want Muta”. Yasu soon hyped up the crowd for the tag to The Great Muta, who made immediate impact on the match. The crowd really popped when he spat out the Green Mist into the air.
The TNA team took over this match by isolating Yasu. After much punishment, Sanada managed to get a tag and take on all three members of Team TNA on his own. A mistake by TNA, and a tag to The Great Muta, changed the entire match in favour of Wrestle 1. The Great Muta hit Kazarian with the Green Mist, and they finished the match with a Shining Wizard & Moonsault combination. The Great Muta celebrated by spewing out Purple Mist.
It was a short match, but it was a good way to start. TNA should bring in these Japanese wrestlers more often, it brings something fresh and different to the product.
WINNERS: (Wrestle 1) The Great Muta, Seiya Sanada & Yasu.
Tenay and Taz hyped up the World title match and Lethal Lockdown before the next match. Rockstar Spud made an entrance in a crazy blue checkered suit. He was immediately met with boo’s from the crowd, and even more so as he announced the entrance of The Royal Highness, Madame Dixie Carter.
Dixie Carter did not get much of a reaction upon her appearence. Dixie cut a promo full of cheap heat references, which got some boo’s, and a “You suck Dixie” chant. She also announced that she had an insurance policy for tonight’s Lethal Lockdown match. I felt the promo dragged on a little too long, and she almost forgot her lines at one point. She also mentioned that Jeff Hardy had breached his contract and would not be allowed into the building, making the Lethal Lockdown match a handicap match.
An essential promo in terms of storyline, but I felt Dixie didn’t quite nail it.
They cut backstage to show Jeremy Borash announcing that fans could ask Velvet Sky and Eric Young questions over twitter, which Velvet replied by saying she will be answering them “All night long”. EY put over the Lethal Lockdown match before going back to his phone. Recap video for the creepy storyline between Samual Shaw, Mr Anderson & Christy Hemme followed.
Samuel Shaw entered, and immediately began looking for Christy Hemme, and after realizing she was not at ringside, climbed to the top of the cage, and threatened to jump off the cage if she did not come out. “Creepy Bastard” chants ensued. As Shaw was getting ready to jump, Anderson came out.
Anderson announced himself, and as usual, the crowd announced his name with him. After his usual bit, Anderson mentioned how Shaw couldn’t kill himself by jumping because it wasn’t high enough, but the crowd still wanted it to happen, and chanted “jump jump jump”. Anderson continued to goad Shaw, calling him a “creepy bastard”, which the crowd enjoyed and chanted again at Shaw. Shaw was reluctant to come down, but eventually he did, and the match began.
Match #2 – Mr Anderson vs Samuel Shaw.
Shaw adopted more of a creepy stance in this match, and sustained a lot of pain. Hemme came out to ringside after the cage was locked. I might be wrong, but i’m sure at one point, the crowd began chanting “CM Punk” for some odd reason, but it was shortlived. The crowd got behind Anderson in this match. Earl Hebner was hit by the cage door at one point as he was trying to unlock it. After two mic checks by Anderson, the second one to the turnbuckle, the crowd chanted “TNA” loudly, and appreciated Samuel Shaw being knocked out.
Anderson tried to escape the cage, Shaw grabbed Christy and pulled her into the ring through the small hole, as Anderson dropped to the outside.
I appreciated this moment, the danger of having Shaw and Hemme stuck in a cage together made me feel even more for this storyline. Anderson was desperate to get back in the cage. Hemme slapped Shaw hard, and Anderson was able to get the key to enter the cage.
Hemme looked on in horror as Shaw put Anderson in the Kata gatame, which knocked him out. Christy ran off, as Samuel Shaw walked out of the cage. Despite Anderson escaping the cage earlier, Earl Hebner did not see it, and therefore, the winner was Samuel Shaw. I appreciated the story telling in this match, and who knows what is going to come next from Samuel Shaw.
WINNER: Samuel Shaw.
Next we saw Team Dixie discussing the insurance policy, and whether any of them will get a cut of Roodes 10% when they win. Roode declined to confirm anything. They showed EC3 injuring Kurt Angle’s knee, as they cut to the entrance of EC3. As Angle was unable to compete, EC3 issued an open challenge to any contracted TNA wrestler.
EC3 got a microphone, and told the audience about his dream of facing the best. He claimed he was one of the greatest of all time, and is “Wrestling”. The crowd responded by chanting “You can’t wrestle”, while EC3 responded by saying he disagrees multiple times. A familiar entrance theme hit the arena, as Bobby Lashley made his return to TNA Wrestling.
The crowd responded by chanting “Bobby”, EC3 didn’t like this and refused the challenge claiming Lashley was not on the roster, and can’t challenge him. He told him to leave the ring, he kept threatening until Lashley attacked and gave him a running powerslam and a spear. EC3 got out of dodge, while Lashley played to the crowd. A surprising return.
A promo video was shown highlighting the return of Kenny King, with him partying and riding in a limousine.
Magnus cut an individual address, telling the people how he has to handle business by himself once again. He told the fans that he is an animal just like Joe, and Joe doesn’t have what it takes to be World Champion. A decent promo by Magnus, he is improving every week.
The next match featured the returning Manik, and the debut of Tigre Uno.
Match #3 – Manik vs Tigre Uno.
Tenay put over Tigre Uno, saying he was one of the most extreme luchadors of all time, and takes risks to a whole other level.
The crowd appreciated the stand off after a series of wrestling holds and reversals. A quick pace throughout, this match was really good. An example of two smaller athletes showing all of their athleticism. Manik was dominant in many parts of this match, stopping Tigre Uno from getting any momentum. It was almost like Manik was playing the heel role while Tigre Uno the face.
A surboard on Tigre Uno was well received from the audience. Manik used his size to his advantage, using his strength with some hard shots. Tigre Uno hit some vintage luchador moves on Manik, until Manik hit Uno with a sitdown powerbomb. What followed was a series of reversals, which ended with Tigre Uno hitting a very unique DDT move, followed by a nice Sabertooth splash. Could have been a better match, but it was a nice preview to show what Tigre Uno is capable of.
WINNER: Tigre Uno.
Gunner vs Storm hype video followed. The rivalry would be contested in a Last Man Standing Steel Cage match.
Match #4 – Last Man Standing Steel Cage match, Gunner vs James Storm.
James Storm entered with a new look. Wearing a jacket, and looking very much like he did in the Americas Most Wanted days, was rather refreshing to see. Gunner entered and they immediately went at it. You could tell right away this match would be intense, and probably match of the night. They fought hard, they wanted to steal the show, and I think they may have accomplished that. Before they even got into the ring to start the match, so much punishment had already been dished out. Gunner threw chairs into the ring before the match could start. Storm pulled the top of the steel steps off, Gunner slid that into the ring also.
Storm hit Gunner with the cage door, the crowd cringed as Gunner fell to the floor. Storm entered and the ref began counting Gunner right away.
Storm had a gameplan for this match. He pulled ropes from the turnbuckle pads and used them to choke out Gunner. He also gave Gunner a low blow, and Gunner looked out of it early on as Storm fished for boo’s from the crowd.
After much punishment, Storm tried slamming Gunners head into the turnbuckle, but Gunner “hulked up”, and got some offense in. He hit Storm with the top of the steel steps. Gunner screamed at Storm to “stay down”, and then Storm rammed Gunners head into the steel chair he had set up in the turnbuckle earlier on in the match. Storm punished Gunner with the chair, but Gunner kept coming back for more.
The crowd began a “This is Awesome” chant as Storm struggled to get up. Gunner went to the top, and went for a diving headbutt, only for Storm to throw a chair right into his face. “Holy Shit” chant ensued. Crazy spot, one of the best of the night. Storm set up two chairs in the middle of the ring, close together but not too close. He planned to powerbomb Gunner through them, but Gunner reversed. The two got onto the turnbuckle and fought hard, smashing each others head onto the cage, using headbutts as well. Gunner looked at the chairs, that were still in position.
Gunner superplexed Storm through the two chairs! “TNA” and “Holy Shit” chants by the crowd … this was the best spot of the night, even I literally said “Holy Shit”. Both men struggled to stand up, Gunner used a chair to get leverage, and got up at a count of nine. Storm couldn’t make it, and Gunner was named the winner. Match of the night? For sure. Disagree with me? Comment and tell me why.
WINNER: Gunner
Next we were treated to a backstage segment with MVP and The Wolves. The Wolves were fired up, MVP reminded them to be as aggressive as they want, but to stick to the plan, and be in control, as being angry will cause mistakes. They agreed, and the team looked set for the main event.
Madison Rayne vs Gail Kim video was shown, highlighting their previous history with each other, and the recent run-ins they had.
Match #5 – TNA Knockout’s Championship Steel Cage Match.
Madison Rayne vs Gail Kim.
Tenay put both girls over as the longest reigning Knockout’s Champions in TNAs history. Gail Kim started by trying to escape right away, Madison cut her off. Gail Kim had the upper hand in the beginning. Madison Rayne attempted her scissor head stomp move but it was reversed by Gail. Kim tried climbing the cage, Rayne caught up and sat on Gail Kims shoulders. She began using her hips to bang Gail Kims face into the steel cage wall. Taz commented saying Madison Rayne had “Thunder thighs”, which I found quite amusing.
Taz reminded us how rare it is to see women fighting in a steel cage match, and how we should appreciate what they are doing. The crowd was rather quiet during, possibly due to a lack of interesting spots.
After some submission moves by Kim, Kim charged at Madison Rayne who was stood at the turnbuckle, Rayne moved, and Kim went smashing into the cage wall with some force. Lei’d Tapa screamed at Kim to get up as she was struck down by Rayne.
Another crazy spot of the night followed, Gail Kim hit a hangman style neckbreaker while both women were balancing on the top rope, which got some shortlived “TNA” chants. Rayne finished the match by jumping from the top turnbuckle and delivering a spear to Kim. I felt the match was good, but it wasn’t as good as some cage matches I have seen from the Knockout’s in the past. Still, it served its purpose, and Madison Rayne continues to reign as the Queen Bee of the Knockout’s Division.
WINNER: Madison Rayne
Samoa Joe cut a solo promo, delivering classic Samoa Joe intimidation. He reminded Magnus of their past, and that he is coming to pick up his belt.
A hype video followed, showing the storyline thus far for this feud.
Taz commented saying that people have been calling Magnus a paper champion, and so the match would be interesting, and we could end up with a new champion. Jeremy Borash followed with an official announcement for the World Heavyweight title match.
Match #6 – TNA World Heavyweight Championship “Samoa Joe’s rules” Steel cage match. (Can only be won by KO, Submission or Tap Out)
Magnus vs Samoa Joe.
“Joe’s gonna kill you” by the crowd to start the match.. Joe looked very confident, while Magnus appeared scared. They started out with some chain wrestling, headlocks, kicks and armlocks. Joe headbutted Magnus’ wrist as he held him in a hammerlock. After some back and forth, Joe rammed Magnus’ face into the cage twelve times. This busted Magnus wide open, giving us blood for the first time in the PPV.
Magnus threw Joe into the cage, busting Joe open also. As the match progressed, the crowd got more behind Joe. Joe hit Magnus with the Muscle Buster and got him into the Rear Naked Choke. What followed was the low point of the PPV. A hand appeared from below the ring mat, and stopped Joe from making Magnus submit. The hand pulled Joe into the ring itself, and disappeared. The crowd chanted “bullshit”. Which it was. Magnus slowly creeped towards the hole the hand had made.
Someone began to emerge from the hole, and it was Samoa Joe, raged and staring down Magnus, Magnus looked like he had seen a ghost. Whoever it was who dragged him down, was still trying to stop Joe from below, as Joe stomped on them. Joe got into the ring and choked Magnus for a long time on the turnbuckle. The crowd didn’t sound like they appreciated the long choke. Suddenly, Abyss (unmasked) came from behind Joe and hit him with Janice (2×4 wood with lots of metal spikes) and delivered a Black Hole Slam.
The crowd boo’d, as Magnus walked up to Abyss, and grinned at him. The crowd chanted “You sold out” to Abyss. Magnus put Joe in the rear naked choke, and the referee started lifting his arm for a three count submission. Samoa Joe almost recovered on the third lift of the arm, but ended up dropping his arm, giving Magnus the victory.
WINNER: Magnus
The match was decent, up until the hand popping up from below the ring. I am all for bringing back Abyss as a heel, but it was quite a goofy and comical way of doing it. A screwjob was obvious, and Magnus continues to be a closet champion. Now with Abyss on his side, Tenay and Taz agreed he may be nearly invincible, and the locker room should be weary of challenging Magnus for the title.
Backstage we saw Eric Young being restrained as he tried to convince Abyss what he was doing was completely wrong. Magnus taunted him before they cut to another backstage segment between Dixie Carter and Bobby Roode. Tensions were running high as Roode stated he could not trust Dixie, and Dixie telling Roode all he needs to do is win with his one man advantage. Roode told her not to screw it up, as she doesn’t want him as an enemy.
The final hype video was displayed, highlighting the buildup for the Team Dixie vs Team MVP Lethal Lockdown match.
Match #7 – *Main Event* Lethal Lockdown match. Team MVP (MVP, The Wolves, Willow) vs Team Dixie (Roode, Aries, Bromans)
TNA Wrestling operations at stake in this match.
Tenay hyped up the Main Event as one of the most important matches in TNA history. The first entrant for the match, for Team Dixie, was Austin Aries. The first entrant for team MVP was the captain of the team, MVP. The home crowd of MVP welcomed him, and he got a great ovation.
Aries and MVP brawled it out. Aries got some heat after putting MVP down and showboating. The crowd was firmly behind MVP in this match. Robbie E came out next for Team Dixie. Aries and Robbie E worked together to dominate MVP. Eddie Edwards came out and evened things up again, using his speed to electrify the crowd. Edwards and MVP worked together to dominate Aries and Robbie E. Jessie Godderz came out next, and struggled to make his mark initially. Eventually, Aries and the Bromans used the numbers game to dominate the match once again.
Davey Richards entered with his injured shoulder, and took on both Bromans by himself. The crowd chanted for Davey Richards, showing their appreciation for him. With the Wolves together, they combined moves to once again take over this match. Team MVP took turns to do moves on Aries before the Bromans would recover and even things up. “Let’s go Wolves” chant from the crowd. The captain of Team Dixie entered next, and after a standoff with MVP, gave everyone on Team MVP a spinebuster.
With all of Team Dixie in the match, Tenay and Taz questioned the fact the cage roof had not been lowered yet despite Jeff Hardy not being allowed into the building. They were confused as the count came for the final entrant into the match. As the clock hit :00, the maniacal laugh of The Willow, along with his entrance music hit. Team Dixie looked confused, until the arena pitch black. Small lights could be seen popping up in the dark, until a spotlight shone on The Willow, who was standing on the top of the cage, looking down at Team Dixie. He launched himself from the top of the cage and gave them all a crossbody. Willow laughed once more,as the cage roof began to lower.
Taz pointed out that Willows ink work on his arm was very reminiscent of someone they knew, saying he had “charismatic ink”, basically confirming that TNA would not be trying to pass Willow off as anybody else but Jeff Hardy. In other words, they didn’t want to insult the fans intelligence.
Dixie came out with her insurance policy, announcing the special guest referee for this match would be Bully Ray, (Despite Bully having nothing to do with this storyline up til this point) which would point to the fact that Bully Ray would screw Team MVP in this match. Bully pulled out a table, and slid it into the ring, as the rest of the wrestlers got weapons from the roof of the cage and hit each other with them. Dixie sat at the titantron, watching the match from this point with Rockstar Spud.
Team Dixie dominated Team MVP at this point. Taz tried to make sense of the whole… Jeff Hardy not being allowed in the arena, but the Willow is allowed thing, before giving up trying to figure it out. Bully Ray stood in the corner, waiting for pinfalls. Willow had some interesting moves for his opponents, but ultimately spent most of his time on the floor after being hit with weapons. The Wolves set up this crazy spot, which could be argued as spot of the night. They set Robbie E upside down in the turnbuckle, sat Jessie in front of him, put a trash can on Jessie’s head, both of them went to a turnbuckle across the ring, and simultaneously went coast to coast, jumping across the ring and dropkicking the trash can.
Aries hit Davey with a Brainbuster onto a chair, which was followed by a screaming Willow delivering a Twist of fate, followed by a Swanton Bomb. Roode set up the table Bully Ray introduced, he picked up MVP, and then Bully Ray stood in his way. Roode told him to get out of the way. Bully Ray would not move. Roode got angry and pushed Bully, and went to hit him, Bully reversed it into a slam. MVP had a confused look at Bully Ray, as he hit Roode with a kick. MVP covered him and Bully Ray counted the 1-2-3.
WINNERS: Team MVP – MVP, The Wolves & Willow.
Dixie was visibly livid, and came down to ringside to scream at Bully Ray for his actions. Bully Ray responded by powerbombing Roode through the table. Team MVP celebrated, as Mike Tenay let us know that MVP is now the boss, and Dixie Carter will have no choice but to deal with it.
This could be the end of Dixie Carter on TV for a while. Things may or may not change going forward. The Lethal Lockdown match was not the greatest I have ever seen, but an improvement on previous installments. The whole Hardy/Willow thing didn’t make much sense, but the debut of the character was pretty decent. The Bully Ray thing also didn’t make a lot of sense, and it should be obvious by now that nobody can trust Bully Ray to do anything they expect him too. Bully Ray will explain himself on the coming Impact without a doubt.
Not a bad match, very few low points, what did you think of TNA Lockdown 2014? I felt it was very good, could have been better, but it delivered. And that is the end of the recap. Thanks for reading.
