Background: “Black Machismo” Jay Lethal had taken it upon himself to test his legendary merit by challenging wrestlers from the past in hopes of trumping them just like he believed he would’ve if he were around during their heyday. Former WWF/WWE competitor Tatanka took up Lethal’s challenge.
Impact!
Orlando, FL
December 8, 2009
Jay Lethal vs. Tatanka
The bell sounded and they locked up with Lethal doing his Randy Savage-style right hand jabs. Tatanka rallied a comeback by hitting a clothesline that allowed the veteran to knife-edge chop Lethal against the turnbuckles. Lethal fired back with the double axe handle smash to earn a two count. Tatanka suddenly powered his way off the mat and did his war dance around the ring before landing another series of chops. Tatanka followed with a back body drop followed by more knife-edge chops topped by his flying chop. Tatanka, a Native American, mastered the Samoan drop during his career and looked to finish “Machismo” with the maneuver. Lethal blocked the intended attack, scaling the ropes again. Sadly for Jay, Tatanka stopped whatever “Black Machismo” had in mind; utilizing the Samoan drop to put Lethal’s shoulders to the mat for those precious three seconds.
Winner: Tatanka (3:35)
Is It A Classic: While nothing amazing, it definitely wasn’t as bad as one would expect. Tatanka looked incredibly loose and sharp compared to a few of the legends Lethal faced prior to this encounter; though it’s sad that Lethal – a man brimming with main event potential – was relegated to unnecessary losses against men TNA fans would never see again in the company.
