Live TNA Impact notes: JBL, Tully Blanchard, Matt Cardona, WWE NXT

Some notes from Thursday’s live TNA Impact which also saw the return of Mustafa Ali, a new Digital Media Champion, and Mance Warner’s debut.

Joe Hendry retained the TNA World title over Matt Cardona with help from JBL —

Matt Cardona made a surprise return to TNA for the first time since Bound for Glory, and was immediately booked in the main event of Impact against Joe Hendry for the TNA World Championship. Hendry retained the title — after John Bradshaw Layfield once again appeared as Hendry’s personal enforcer, just as he was at Genesis. JBL’s storyline intentions remain unclear, as the WWE Hall of Famer also cost Hendry the World title at Bound for Glory.

Tully Blanchard —

Former Four Horseman Tully Blanchard was shown in the crowd during Thursday’s Impact as his daughter Tessa cut a promo on her family’s history in the industry, and her intentions to dominate TNA going forward.

WWE NXT presence —

Nathan Frazer & Axiom defended the NXT Tag Team titles against The Rascalz on Thursday’s show, with former Rascal Wes Lee from NXT getting involved as well. Lee and fellow NXT talent Tyson Dupont & Tyriek Igwe distracted and attacked Zachary Wentz and Trey Miguel, allowing Fraxiom to retain their titles.

Cora Jade also appeared on the show, costing Knockouts World Champion Masha Slamovich the fall in a trios match.

Our full report from Matt Boone for Thursday’s show is available here.