Kester's TNA Hardcore Justice Rundown: Austin Aries retains his championship, James Storm falls under more scrutiny, and Madison Rayne's seduction of Earl Hebner pays off

By Ryan Kester

Austin Aries vs. Bobby Roode

The finish to this match completely surprised me. I had Roode winning the belt and going on to face Storm in the main event considering that's what TNA has spent the past year building towards. There's still time to get there, but if TNA works two title changes in the short time to Bound For Glory they will be considerably damaging the prestige of the title and the impact of the showdown at BFG.

If TNA stays the course with Aries, I imagine Samoa Joe will be coming out on top of the BFGS. Joe and Aries had a mini feud that was never really resolved a few months back and I cannot see any other obvious pick for Aries to face. While a good match could come out of Kurt Angle, Jeff Hardy, or AJ Styles facing Aries, I don't see how TNA could make a convincing feud out of those pairings.

James Storm

Another day, another round of doubt for Storm's integrity. This Aces and Eights storyline is really beginning to wear on me. It isn't just that TNA is undercutting a babyface they should be building up, it's that I don't want to see Aces and Eights play second fiddle to an existing act. They've gotten over as a mysterious and unpredictable force thus far; that will go away quickly when they become someone's lackey.

I understand the idea TNA is working with for Storm and how Roode has spearheaded the accusations, but the story; line payoff cannot be worth the weeks and weeks of Storm's fellows being so quick to question is character.

Miss Tessmacher vs. Madison Rayne

While this is where I saw TNA headed with the Rayne and Hebner story, I am still disappointed by the outcome. Miss Tessmacher has improved immensely in the ring and nothing was really done with her as the Knockout Champion. I expected a much longer reign from her to help establish her as TNA's main female babyface.

I think I would be less disappointed if the story around Rayne winning the title wasn't so stupid. The Hebner infatuation has made for a couple of chuckles and it hasn't been overtly offensive, but any story that can be undone by the simple logic of not allowing an obviously biased referee to call his girlfriend's match is a bit mind numbing. Suspension of disbelief is one thing, but some stories are simply so ridiculous that they cannot be dismissed as easily.

Overall Show

Hardcore Justice was a solid PPV. The Bound For Glory Series matches were all well done and featured some fun action and the show had a great flow from start to finish.

If you have any questions or comments or just wish to chat with a fellow wrestling fan about whatever, then feel free to email me at ryan.kester@gmail.com or follow me on Twitter at @TheRyanKester.