On August 19, 2015, in Orlando, Florida, TNA Impact Wrestling aired its Turning Point episode featuring Drew McIntyre’s highly anticipated return in a No Disqualification match. This live event centered around intense rivalries and title defenses, with Drew McIntyre TNA Impact fans witnessing significant storylines unfold inside and outside the ring. The main focus was a heated encounter between Eli Drake and Drew Galloway, alongside a high-stakes challenge for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.
Opening Tensions and Prominent Rivalries Set the Stage
The show kicked off by revisiting moments from the previous week, highlighted by P.J. Black’s challenge to Ethan Carter III for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship. Jeff Jarrett, accompanied by Karen Jarrett, entered the ring to address the crowd, while Josh Mathews commented on the mysterious absence of Bully Ray. Jeff Jarrett hyped the Global Force Wrestling’s (GFW) Grand Slam Tour, declaring an impending historic moment as a GFW athlete would face the TNA World Heavyweight Champion, breaking new ground for the two-month-old promotion.
Ethan Carter III immediately interrupted, asserting that TNA remained dominant despite GFW’s emergence. Karen Jarrett delineated the lingering conflict between ECIII and Bully Ray and highlighted Drew Galloway as a legitimate contender who recently suffered a backstage attack. The program intensified as ECIII dismissed the situation sarcastically, stating,
Image of: Drew McIntyre
“I’m glad we have CSI: Impact Wrestling tonight,”
ECIII remarked, signaling tension as he threatened to walk away from the title defense.
Jeff Jarrett responded by offering ECIII a stern ultimatum: defend the title in the main event or risk being stripped of the championship by the Board of Directors. These early developments underscored the tumultuous landscape leading to the night’s climactic matches.
Backstage Encounters and Emerging Conflicts
Backstage segments added layers to the ongoing stories, including Drew Galloway’s remarks on his recent assault, which he attributed to Eli Drake. Galloway vowed to seek retribution in the night’s No Disqualification match, establishing a grudge that would be central to the evening.
Meanwhile, tension brewed between Bobby Roode and Jeff Jarrett over Roode’s exclusion from the King of the Mountain match, while Ethan Carter III was confronted with the pressure to defend of the TNA Heavyweight title or face consequences. Matt Hardy’s declaration of unfinished business with ECIII further complicated the championship picture, setting the stage for forthcoming battles.
The Open Mic Challenge: Bram vs. Mr. Anderson
The opening bout featured an unusual “Open Mic Challenge” match between Bram and Mr. Anderson. Early dominance by Anderson quickly escalated into a chaotic affair where standard weapons like chairs and tables were permitted, but the microphone itself was designated as a crucial weapon for whoever first obtained it.
The match delivered intense physicality as Anderson set up a table outside and executed a Lambeau Leap through it, showcasing high-impact maneuvers. Bram responded by amassing a pile of ten chairs within the ring to wear down his opponent.
Despite some unclear match stipulation logic—particularly regarding the microphone’s exclusive weapon status—Anderson seized the mic after a ladder struggle and used it to deliver decisive blows, culminating in a pinfall victory at the 10-minute mark. The bout, while entertaining, drew criticism for its confusing concept.
James Storm’s Controversial Revival of The Revolution
James Storm returned accompanied by Abyss and Manik, reigniting his faction, The Revolution. Storm sought to prove loyalty through an intense verbal challenge directed at Mahabali Shera, inviting Shera to reaffirm his allegiance. Shera responded defiantly, emphasizing his independence and connection with the crowd through dance and positivity.
The confrontation devolved into a brutal assault as Storm demanded Abyss choke slam Shera, while Manik was coerced into striking his comrade—further fracturing loyalties. Storm concluded with a superkick to Shera, leaving the segment heavy yet contentious. The storyline drew skepticism due to its forced nature, particularly Shera’s unexpected dancing gimmick, which many viewers found dissonant with his wrestling persona.
Gail Kim Triumphs in the Six Sides of Steel Handicap Match
Gail Kim faced off against the Dollhouse duo—Marti Bell and Jade—in a Six Sides of Steel handicap contest. Kim demonstrated resilience and technical skill despite being outnumbered. Early in the match, she secured an armbar submission on Marti Bell before being interrupted by Jade.
As the contest progressed, Kim mounted a back-and-forth comeback, delivering cross-bodies and precise strikes to dismantle her opponents. The climax saw her counter the Dollhouse’s double suplex attempt with her own maneuver, followed by cage climbs and power moves that kept the audience engaged. Finally, after wrestling Bell and Jade into the cage repeatedly and evading a high-risk cross-body, Kim secured a victory via pinfall.
Although deemed a solid match by commentators, the encounter was criticized for lacking momentum toward a more meaningful feud, rendering it more of a standalone victory than a progression in storyline.
High-Stakes No Disqualification Match Between Drew Galloway and Eli Drake
The spotlight turned toward Drew Galloway’s No Disqualification bout against Eli Drake, a contest marked by raw aggression and the use of multiple weapons. Drake immediately attacked Galloway before the match officially began, delivering brutal right hands and dominating parts of the early action.
Galloway responded with resilience, attempting a chair shot before delivering powerful chops and an overhead belly-to-belly suplex. Though Drake utilized a crutch and tables to his advantage, Galloway’s determination culminated in a spectacular modified superplex through a table from the top rope.
Galloway completed the pinfall, securing a hard-fought victory that seemed to conclude their bitter feud. Announcers emphasized Galloway’s readiness for elevated competition, hinting at an eventual shot at the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.
Escalating Drama Among Taryn Terrell, Velvet Sky, and Gail Kim
Amid backstage chaos, Taryn Terrell appeared visibly distressed, pursued relentlessly by Velvet Sky. The encounter escalated when Velvet trapped Terrell by handcuffing her to a steel pipe, an act Gill Kim justified by declaring it “a hand for a hand.” Velvet’s abrupt intervention to block further filming underscored the segment’s intensity and unpredictability, adding intrigue to the evolving storyline between these prominent female wrestlers.
Eric Young Challenges Chris Melendez in a Disturbing Feud
In another striking moment, Eric Young delivered a provocative promo asserting his dominance and proclaimed the TNA World Title must pass through him. Chris Melendez, a veteran wrestler who lost a leg in combat, countered Young’s threats by demanding a rematch, refusing to yield.
The confrontation grew physical as Young attempted a piledriver, only for Melendez to fend him off and chase him from the ring. The storyline, emphasizing Melendez’s courage and determination despite his disability, added emotional weight to the event, though some found the concept of competing over a prosthetic leg unconventional.
Matt Hardy’s Swift Victory Over Tyrus and Subsequent Attack
Matt Hardy secured a quick victory over Tyrus in a match lasting just over two minutes, showcasing his wrestling acumen with two consecutive Twists of Fate leading to the pinfall. Following the match, Ethan Carter III ambushed Hardy with the TNA World Heavyweight Championship belt, signaling the persistence of their rivalry.
ECIII then addressed Jeff Jarrett, warning him to “send his very best” for sacrifice, heightening the stakes before the main event. This segment further cemented ECIII’s role as a menacing champion resistant to challengers.
Showdown for the TNA World Heavyweight Title: Ethan Carter III vs. P.J. Black
The main event featured Ethan Carter III defending the TNA World Heavyweight Championship against King of the Mountain Champion P.J. Black. Tyrus was notably absent from ECIII’s corner following his earlier defeat. The match began with aggressive attacks by ECIII, who dropped Black with a powerbomb early on.
Black responded with a flurry of offensive maneuvers, including a springboard 450 splash from the top rope, energizing the audience. However, ECIII regained control, culminating in his signature finishing move, the One-Percenter, securing a three-count pinfall and retaining the title.
Despite the back-and-forth action, crowd reactions to Black’s near falls appeared muted, indicating a lack of belief he could claim the championship. Nevertheless, this match was recognized as the night’s highlight, delivering the strongest wrestling content in an otherwise uneven card.
Aftermath and What Lies Ahead for TNA Impact Wrestling
Following the main event, Jeff Jarrett expressed approval of ECIII’s title defense and proposed a potential takeover of Impact’s weekly operations, prompting Dixie Carter to deliberate on the offer. This backstage dialogue underscores shifting power dynamics within the organization.
Meanwhile, Drew Galloway’s victory in the No Disqualification match positions him for future prominence in the heavyweight division, likely setting up a forthcoming title opportunity. The ongoing rivalries involving ECIII, Matt Hardy, and other contenders promise high-stakes conflicts moving forward.
Though the event displayed moments of excitement, critiques focused on several dragging segments and questionable booking decisions, such as the Open Mic Challenge stipulations and The Revolution’s portrayal. Still, the return of Drew McIntyre in an intense match added a significant highlight, reinforcing his status as a formidable competitor in TNA Impact Wrestling’s evolving landscape.
Kevin Jewell is a journalist at CynicalTimes.org, covering the WWE SmackDown Men’s Division.
With two years of experience, he reports on headline matches, major rivalries, and superstar developments from WWE’s blue brand.
Kevin brings sharp analysis, accurate updates, and a deep passion for storytelling to his coverage.
His work highlights the key figures, championship pursuits, and weekly action that define the SmackDown men’s roster.
From rising talents to veteran icons, Kevin delivers content that keeps fans informed and engaged with every twist in the ring.
