We’re on to the “Round of Sixteen” in TNA’s World Title Series. Sixteen men and women advanced from a round robin competition comprised of 32 individuals, and are now set to square off in single elimination combat. Before we jump into this week’s Scraping the Barrel—exclusively available at www.Cheap-Heat.com—let’s take a look at the brackets:
Bobby Roode vs. Matt Hardy
Jessie Godderz vs. Awesome Kong
Eric Young vs. Kenny King
Gail Kim vs. Tigre Uno
Mahabali Shera vs. Eli Drake
Drew Galloway vs. Bobby Lashley
Bram vs. Davey Richards
Ethan Carter III vs. DJ Zema Ion
5. Jessie Godderz versus Awesome Kong
With both men and women competing for the coveted TNA World Heavyweight Championship, an intergender altercation—or two—is all but inevitable. Awesome Kong would love to be the first woman in history to hold a world championship in a major wrestling promotion. Standing in her way however is a man—“The Man” to be precise—by the name of Jessie Godderz.
4. Davey Richards versus Bram
It would seem Bram is back in the swing of things. While this tournament might have gone down months ago, the man accused of domestic abuse and wrongful imprisonment has recently returned to TNA’s list of active competitors. Does that mean Bram will return to television once Impact debuts on Pop TV, or is this merely a tactic used to help reinforce the credibility of what we seen on the screen? Tonight Bram is set to square-off in first-round action against Davey Richards—one half of the tag team champion American Wolves.
3. Mahabali Shera versus Eli Drake
One of the odds-on-favorites for overall victory is the former Ring Ka King competitor and champion Mahabali Shera. Shera has amassed a loyal following since breaking from James Storm’s Revolution. Shera made it through the round-robin portion of the “World Title Series,” but so has Eli Drake. And neither wrestler is willing to give up their dream without a fight.
2. Gail Kim versus Tigre Uno
Another intergender bout on tonight’s card featured the 5-time and current Knockout Champion Gail Kim against the current X-Division Champion Tigre Uno. While Kong and Jessie matched wits in a battle of size and strength, Kim and Uno fought valiantly in a technical exhibition rooted in mutual respect. After the match, the two embraced and Tigre Uno kissed Gail Kim’s hand in a selfless display of chivalry.
1. Bobby Roode versus Matt Hardy
Though not the main event match, Bobby Roode and Matt Hardy were among the most prolific performers on tonight’s card. Bobby Roode and Eric Young entered this tournament on behalf of Group Champions, while Matt Hardy and Davey Richards broke through as part of Group Tag Team Specialist. Only one of these two former world champions will be allotted the opportunity to move forward in the competition—but who will it be?
Next week we’re on to the “Round of 8” which will include:
Ethan Carter III vs. Davey Richards
Lashley vs. Mahabali Shera
Tigre Uno vs. Eric Young
Jessie Godderz vs. Matt Hardy
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