TNA’s Under Siege 2024 Review

TNA Under Siege 2024 opens with a beautiful view of the Hudson River. Per usual, Tom Hannifan and Matthew Rehwoldt open the broadcast LIVE from the Washington Avenue Armory in Albany, NY. Hannifan lets us know that Albany is the capital city of New York and all the traffic flowing on the highway over the Hudson River showcases just how busy it is!

Frankie Kazarian and Steve Maclin VS Josh Alexander and Eric Young

Maclin is out first with his military get-up, followed by his partner for the evening, Frankie Kazarian. EY is up next with his always stellar entrance and his compadre Josh Alexander also makes his way to the squared circle. The Walking Weapon pulls out an extra headgear to give to Eric Young and that gets a nice pop. Kaz and EY in first and Young chases hard after Frankie, which has him flip out of the way to tag in Maclin who looks frustrated early. As the match gets going, Maclin and Kaz get the better of their opponents. The duo is tagging in and out and double teaming frequently with success. Alexander finally gets offensive going up to the top rope get Kaz and hits a belly-to-belly Supplex. The crowd absolutely loves it and that buys the weapon just enough time to get a tag into EY. Kaz tags in Maclin but to no avail as Young is on fire. After an exchange of tags, we had a few close falls. Maclin looks for another pin on Alexander but EY breaks it up with an elbow off the top rope. Late in the contest Young finally gets Kazarian one-on-one. He’s having his way until Maclin re-enters the fray. But Maclin missed a flying knee that was meant for Young but nailed Frankie. Alexander comes back in the ring and hits a cross-body to remove Maclin while EY hits a pile driver on Kaz for the one-two-three. Finally, some payback here!

GRADE  A

Great match to open the night with some of the heaviest hitters in TNA. I think Young getting a little revenge on Kazarian was the right call here. All combatants looked good here and it certainly could setup a nice feud between Maclin and Kazarian going forward. Both are heels, so I think that could be fun. Not sure exactly what EY and Weapon do next, but I’d love to see Young start a new stable. He’s such a great leader. I’d love to see Alexander back in play for the X-division title. That’s definitely been a while.

Havoc w/Rosemary VS Ash by Elegance W/Concierge

Havoc makes her way out for the contest first with the eerie and dark entrance. Ash is up next but her concierge is out first to say he stopped at the cathedral to see Father O’Malley to get some holy water to take the evil out of the ring brought in by Decay. He then introduces his client, and he says it as such, Ashhhhh, by Elegance. Havoc off to a quick start showing off her brute strength. Ash rolls out of the ring on a few occasions to let everyone know that Havoc is evil. Iceman blesses her with more holy water. More shenanigans in this one than actual wrestling, but humorous nonetheless. The concierge gets on the apron to distract Havoc as she’s holding Ash up in a power position. He slings some holy water in her face to distract her long enough for her to let go of Ash and allow Ash to regain the advantage. Rosemary makes her way over to the concierge where she takes his flask of holy water and begins to drink it. She then starts spitting what looks to be blood everywhere and the concierge, fearing for his sanity, takes off to the backstage area being chased out by Rosemary. Meanwhile in the ring, the elegant one rolls up Havoc for the pinfall.

GRADE  C+

The whole contest felt very goofy, but I did chuckle a bit at times. This was originally supposed to be on the pre-show, but as the old saying goes, “card is subject to change.” Not real sure where Decay is right now in the new direction of TNA as Havoc was definitely not going over tonight. However, she did look strong with the small amount of wrestling that actually took place. Ash by Elegance, formerly Dana Brooke of WWE seems like she is definitely moving toward a world championship opportunity. The question seems to be more of when, not if.

Zachary Wentz vs Joe Hendry

Wentz of the Rascalz is out first, but without his counterpart, Trey Miguel. This even through ring announcer Jade Chung off as she said “alongside Trey…” She then started over. I wonder if that was a work or an honest mistake. Time will likely tell. The motivational one was out next and continues to get huge pops wherever he goes. A solid match here as Wentz works well with just about everyone, but Hendry’s power was just way too much in this one. Hendry was a little more fired up than usual in this one and finished strong with his standing ovation for the pinfall.

GRADE   B-

This seemed much more like a match for impact than it did for a monthly special. Hendry is feuding with the First Class stable and Zachary Wentz has nothing to do with that. Usually showcase matches such as this are made for weekly shows. Hendry, did look strong here. I suspect that his rivalry with First Class will come in the form of a match with either Rich Swann or AJ Francis next month at Against All Odds. Wentz and Miguel need to get back in the tag title picture or split up and feud with one another.

Spitfire vs Alicia Edwards and Masha Slamovich

(Knockouts Tag Team Match)

Alicia Edwards makes her way ringside with the System’s theme entrance. Her partner, Masha Slamovic out next to join Edwards. The tag champs up next with Dani Luna and Jody Threat accompanied by the punk rock legend Lars Fredrickson. Fredrickson joins Hannifan and Rehwoldt on commentary. The contest gets underway with Edwards and Dani Luna. Luna with a clear strength advantage. Edwards gets out of harms way and gets Masha into the ring. A very nice double team as Luna and Threat hold Slamovic up for a double team suplex for over ten seconds. Super Impressive!!! Every time Edwards gets in the ring, she seems to be on the wrong end of destruction. Luna and Threat working well together and showcasing themselves to be a solid tandem. Edwards brings in a kendo stick as Spitfire is having their way with Masha. Luna goes to grab the stick from Alicia, but the referee comes over to stop the interference. Slamovic breaks away from Threat and kicks Luna in the face. As the referee checks on Luna outside of the ring, Edwards drills Threat with the kendo stick from behind and gets out of the ring. Masha then hits a gut wrench powerbomb on Threat and tags Edwards back in. A pedigree from Edwards and we have NEW Knockout Tag Team Champions!

GRADE  A

I really enjoyed this match as I felt it showcased everyone in the match quite well. Spitfire looked good in defeat as Edwards and Slamovic did not go over clean. This championship marks the first time Alicia Edwards has ever held gold in TNA. All members of the System now have gold around their waist. I like this for the System and its certainly not bad for Slamovic, but I’d love to see Masha back in the Knockouts single championship picture. In this very building in October of 2022 at Bound for Glory, Grace and Mashovic put on one of the best matches I’ve ever seen before. All and all, a great match.

Rich Swann vs Jake Something

Swann was supposed to have a match with Laredo Kid and Something was supposed to have a match with Hammerstone. Hammerstone was injured, so Swann slid into take his place. Swann out first alongside the leader of first class, (T N) AJ Francis. This duo is taking some real heat. That always means their doing something right. Something off to a strong and powerful start. AJ Francis distracts the official to allow Swann to finally land some offense. After Something lands outside of the ring, Francis lands a clothesline and shows his arrogance to the crowd. Swann really dominates for a while, before Something mounts a little offense with his brute strength. As Swann regains the advantage, his clotheslines start to have no effect on Something. Rich tries for a fourth in a row, but the attempt is ducked under and Something hits an inside-out clothesline of his own to flip Rich in the air. Swann kicks out after a backbreaker. Rich avoids Into the Void by Something, and gets on the top rope but his nailed with a right hand by Jake. As Something tries to bounce off the ropes, AJ pulls the rope down and Something flips outside. Music hits and here comes…Deaner??? Cody Deaner says before the ref throws the match out because of Francis’s cheating, it’s time for the people to decide if the match continues. The match does indeed continue and Deaner mounts some offense outside of the ring against AJ. It does not last long however as Francis lands a chokeslam on Deaner. Back inside the ring Something goes over the top to nail Francis. Rich is right behind him and lands a flip over the top rope to take out Something. Swann gets Jake back in the ring and hits a cutter followed by a somersault off the top rope. Swann gets the pinfall.

GRADE B+

A really great match. It was a lot of fun. A lot of power and yet quite a bit of high-flying athleticism. Deaner seemed pointless, but he was funny. Something has really got the total package as far as physique, strength and athleticism. Swann could put on a match with anyone and make it look good. The only reason this match gets a B+ as opposed to an A is because there was no storyline here. Any match that takes place at a PPV or a monthly special needs to have a reason for happening. I understand TNA management had to maneuver around injuries and other issues, but the reality is still the same. Great in-ring contest though.

Jonathan Gresham vs Kushida

Kushida out first. Kushida now rolling alone as his Time Machine counterparts, Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin have made their way to AEW. Jonathan Gresham makes is long-awaited return to a TNA ring. Gresham comes out wearing his Octopus mask as he has recently been shown in group therapy sessions discussing how he has to wear masks in his daily life to deal with the world. Kushida and Gresham are both top-notch workers in the ring. Kushida mounts some early offense and after an exchange of chops, Gresham decides to bite Kushida. Gresham showing to have a strangely unique persona as he was also wearing a black mask under his octopus’ mask. Gresham still showing some of his standard moves breaking down Kushida and ultimately putting him in a Boston Crab. Kushida comes back with some offense and a series of hurricanranas and sunset flips gives both competitors a few two-counts. After both guys get an ovation for their hard work, they are laid out in the center of the ring for a few seconds to catch their breath. Kushida up first with a tanaka punch. Gresham drops down before getting up and putting some kind of black liquid in Kushida’s face. Gresham then gets Kushida in a half-nelson and spits more black stuff out and puts in Kushidas face and takes him down for the one-two-three. Gresham leaves the ring and Kushida starts to get eerily sick. The referee looks to help him to the back, but he starts gagging, convulsing and puking. Help comes from the back and they take Kushida to the back as he is rendered helpless.

GRADE  B

Good, but not a great match. I’ve seen both combatants have better contests. But…I loved the story. I would have likely graded the match a C+, but the storyline for Gresham here is fantastic. Whether a feud continues with Kushida or the Octopus goes in a different direction, I love what they’re doing with the former Ring of Honor World Champion. Kushida can fill-in and do just about anything. I’d love to see him get a run with Mustafa Ali for the X-division championship or with Laredo Kid for Digital Media championship.

Kon and Steph De Lander vs Jordynn Grace and PCO

Kon comes out first looking mean and vicious as always. Steph De Lander then meets him at the top of the aisle and she looks fired up to get this matchup underway. The Juggernaut is next up and she comes out looking fit and ready. The lights go out and PCO is brought in on a gurney and the doctors are trying to jumpstart his heart back to life. Jordynn takes the Defibrillator and she indeed jumps him back to life. A bit corny for me, but the crowd seems to enjoy it. First in the ring for this one are Kon and PCO. They’ve had quite the rivalry over the last few months. PCO has definitely gotten the better of it. Grace comes in for PCO and when Kon gets her up, she locks on to his arms and he can’t drop her. A few elbows later by Grace and Kon does indeed drop her. After Kon gets Grace down with a shoulder tackle he tags in De lander. She mounted some nice offense before the men get back in the ring. A lot of chops by both men as their chests turn red. I’m really enjoying the strength of these two men as this has been a fun rivalry. PCO gets Kon down and lands a PCO-Sault off the top rope. De Lander breaks up the count at two. Kon regains control after a failed pin attempt. Kon and De Lander take turns battering PCO before PCO gets up and gets the Juggernaut back in. After some back-and-forth, PCO comes in and grabs De Lander by the neck and he she seduces him just long enough to get Kon back in the ring to take control. After a choke slam by Kon on PCO, Grace hits Kon with a kendo stick. Picks him up over her shoulders and drops him. He rolls out of the ring and PCO jumps through the middle rope to take Kon off of his feet. De Lander re-enters the ring and grabs Jordynn by her back. Grace reverses and hits a power bomb. Grace then picks her back up and lands the Juggernaut driver for the easy pinfall.

GRADE   B-

A really good tag team match that kept everyone in the match looking the same. That’s not a bad thing. All competitors had their moments. KON and PCO have been entangled in this rivalry through four different Live events over a four-month period and PCO has won every single one of them outside of one being a double count-out. A rivalry can only stay a rivalry if one side wins sometimes. Twice now De Lander has been pinned by Grace in the last two premium live events TNA has put on. Where does everyone go from here is a great question. I feel as though Ash by Elegance may be next up for a shot at the Knockouts championship. But I would expect that to more likely be at Slammiversary in July as opposed to Against All Odds in June. Match was solid, but I would have rather seen the other side go over here.

Ace Austin vs Mustafa Ali

(X-division Championship)

Austin out first, and out by himself for the first time in a while. Chris Bey not in attendance this evening. Mustafa Ali makes his way to the ring with his Secret Service. Both guys in tremendous shape for this championship contest. Ali and Austin trading and almost mimicking each other’s moves in the early going. Two pinfall attempts by each participant, but only a one count each time. Ali lands a leaping tornado DDT off the top rope to the outside. That garners a this is awesome chant from the New York crowd. I haven’t seen this many flips in a match since watching the cruiserweights in WCW in the late 90’s. After a little back-and-forth, Ace lands a springboard DDT off the second rope in the ring. A very physical match as well as a high-flying affair. These are two absolutely elite workers. Each guy takes his turn looking to do some real damage to the others arm. Great selling by both guys. An insane chest-to-back suplex from Ali to Austin from under to bottom rope to the padding outside of the ring. There was a loud thud when the Inevitable one hit the mat. That brought a “Holy Shit” chant from the Albany faithful. I’d be shocked if both guys were not really banged up after this one. They really banged each other around in this one. Austin hit a beautiful powerbomb in the center of the ring with a strong pin attempt that I thought may have won it. Ali out at 2 and a half. As Austin sets up for his finisher, Ali’s Secret Service hits the ring and Austin has to take care of all four of them on the ring apron. This gives the champion just enough time to get to his feet, but Austin lands the fold anyway. Austin covers for the one-two-…no, the Secret Service pulls Ali out of the ring in just the nick of time. Austin follows the secret service member who pulled Ali out of the ring down the isle and knocks him clean out. After Austin re-enters the ring, Ali tries to hit him with the X-division title. The official stops him and the belt lands in the corner. Austin looks for a quick roll-up, but Ali out at two. Ace heads to the top rope, but after an Ali kick, Austin’s head lands on the title belt. Ali hits a 450 off the top rope and Mustafa Ali finally gets the pinfall to remain X-division champion.

GRADE  A+

This match had absolutely everything. I don’t think you could find a higher quality match than this one in any organization. I hope both guys are ok, especially Ace Austin. He took some real hard bumps in this one. I’ll be interested to see where both guys go from here. I’m all about Austin vs Ali II. Only time will tell.

The System vs Speedball Mountain & Matt Hardy

The System out first with everyone holding championship gold. The System is rocking group-themed basketball jerseys with their names on the back. Their opponents come out next all wearing strange robes that were given to them by Matt Hardy. They all “delete” at the top of the ring isle. After a little showmanship and multiple tags by the System, Hardy and Edwards get things started. Both combatants had their moments. A lot of tags with both teams getting their share of offense. In the early part of the contest, the System in total control. Mike Bailey taking the brunt of the beating. After finally getting some relief from Trent Seven, the success didn’t last long as Seven surprisingly attempted a back somersault off the top rope, but to no avail. Moose got his partners back in the fray and they started dismantling Seven. It looked as though the System was going to take over, but a tag to Hardy put them back in contention. Hardy did a number on Edwards and Meyers and got the crowd back into it after there were a series of boos making their way through the arena. Moose and Matt Hardy finally see each other in the ring one-on-one. After trading a series of right hands, Moose climbs to the top rope and jumps backwards straight into a cutter by Matt Hardy, the crowd explodes and Hardy covers Moose. Moose kicks out at two. Hardy tags Speedball back into the ring and he hits a tornado kick on the tagged in Myers. Bailey to the top rope, but Edwards tries to interfere. Bailey knocks him to the ground, but it buys Meyers just enough time to get up and he hits a spear on speedball as he jumps off the top rope. The System look to clear their opponents out as they have control, but Hardy, Seven and Bailey all block what look to be powerbombs and land hard right hands against their opponents. They then all land cutters on the three members of the System. They then clear the System out of the ring with some high-flying maneuvers. The crowd absolutely loves it. Moose back up and powerbombs Seven and Bailey on the ring apron. After a kick to Matt, Moose grabs a table and looks to powerbomb the broken one trough it. Hardy reverses and lays Moose on the table. Matt hardy turns back the hands of time and jumps off the top rope to the outside table and takes out Moose. Back in the ring, seven attempts a pin on Edwards, but Edwards out at two. Bailey takes Meyers out and back in the ring Trent Seven lands a Birminghammer on Edwards, but Alicia Edwards pulls Seven off of him at two. I thought that was it! Bailey comes over to confront Alicia and as she starts to run, he follows. Meyers is waiting in the wings and cuts him off with a powerful roster cut. Back in the ring, Seven looks for another Birminghammer, but Edwards goes low. Edwards carries Seven across the ring on his back and drops as Meyers comes off the top with an elbow. With the rest of the combatants laid out on the outside, Edwards pins Seven for the one-two-three. Moose and Alicia Edwards make their way back into the ring and the System stands tall as Under Siege goes off the air.

GRADE A-

A solid main event.  It went a little long for me, but it was good, nonetheless. A few to many long stretches of boring wrestling early. But they clearly made it up for it late in the match. The System looks very strong as I predicted they would for the foreseeable future. Hardy did get the better of Moose and they never re-entered the fray after Hardy’s high-flying leg drop. Without fully knowing Hardy’s contract situation, I see Hardy and Moose at Slammiversary in July. But the System is the dominant faction in TNA right now and I think its good for business.