Manik defeated DJ Z
Manik works on the arm of DJ Z, taking him down with some arm drags and then hits a dropkick. Manik continues with a whip into the corner and then begins to kick him down on the mat. He continues the assault with some shots to the shoulder and then DJ Z comes back with a hurricanranna and dropkicks him to the outside. DJ fires some elbows and then kicks him on the outside, but Manik hits a cross armbreaker and tries to get him to tap out. Zema tries to roll up Manik and gets a quick count. DJ Z gets up and then hits a backbreaker, but Manik kicks out at two. Manik goes for the Frog Splash and DJ Z gets out of the way. Manik, finally, is able to hit Detonation Kick and picks up the win over DJ Z.
Another solid match, but not excellent. The pacing was smooth and the action was really good back and forth. I have always been a fan of DJ Z and think Manik is very underrated in what he does for TNA. He has been such a consistent and loyal guy, working with and without a mask, with and without a stable and with and without direction. Get it? Manik is a pro. DJ Z is great. This match could be an X-Division dream for many purists out there.
EC3 vs. Lashley
Ethan Carter uses the referee to get away from Lashley and then begins to strike Lashley in the body. Lashley hits a shoulder tackle and fires away at the former champion. Carter gets thrown into the corner and beaten down even more. Ten forearms later, Lashley launches him to the outside. Both men go to the outside, as EC3 tries to escape. To no avail, Lashley is able to hit a spinebuster onto his opponent. Tyrus sends Lashley shoulder first to the ring post, without the referee seeing. Carter rolls Lashley back into the ring and gets a one count. Carter throws him to the outside, as Tyrus hits a few more moves.
Carter slows the pace with the Camel Clutch. Lashley battles out and ends up hitting EC3 with a spear. Tyrus drags his feet to the outside (I assume this is a No DQ match). Lashley comes back into the ring and only gets a two count. Tyrus gets into the ring with a chair and Lashley hits him with a Spear. EC3 low blows Lashley and hits the 1 percenter for the win.
Say what you want about the interference, but Lashley needed to be beaten this way. He is too skilled and too big for EC3 just to completely beat him down. I think EC3 looks just as big and strong, but we know the traditional heel needs to act cowardly often.
I really liked this match. Maybe one of my favorites from EC3 in a singles bout in quite some time. He came off the perfect amount of cocky and arrogant with backing it up. As for Lashley, the luster has worn off on him. His championship reign was fun, but it has been so long since he has consistently dominated opponents. Keep EC3 this way and maybe let Lashley regain some of the steam he lost.
*Note: Excellent matches make for excellent TV, but can we have some more information as to where this series is going?
@JoshIsenberg4 on Twitter. Impact Wrestling Rating:
