From PROWRESTLING.NET

Kester's TNA Impact Rundown: Sting comes to the aid of Hulk Hogan, Bad Influence attempts to reform Fortune, and Aces and Eights' plans get thwarted

Posted in: Kester Editorials, MUST-READ LISTING
By
Apr 27, 2013 - 11:10 AM

By Ryan Kester

Hulk Hogan and Sting

First of all, the actual execution of this angle was well done. Hogan and Sting played their parts well and the Aces and Eights members sold Sting's assault well enough. Fir the story TNA is going with, the closing moments between Hogan and Sting worked.

However, it's difficult to praise this angle considering how clear it made that TNA is sticking with Sting and Hogan as the main attractions of their promotion. TNA has had a few highs and lows over the past few years, but the one thing that's remained constant is their reliance on these two to drive their stories.

Personally, it's difficult to for me to enjoy this angle. TNA's retreading an old storyline and it feels like they're stuck in a cycle of building up and tearing down factions that revolve around Hogan and Sting. They're doing decent work with this latest iteration, but it's so difficult to get invested in an angle when the entire time it's taking place it gives one a sense of déjà vu.

AJ Styles and Bad Influence

The talk throughout last night of reforming Fortune did little to ease the sense of rehash that permeated this show. It's difficult to form a connection to the new Styles character and form a reaction to it when TNA insists on living in the character's past and tying him to the same few people he shared a holding pattern with.

The new Styles character is starting to grow on me, but they're going to need to go back to the drawing board on the name of his new finisher. "Calf Killer" is about as generic as it gets and it comes off as a placeholder more than anything.

Bully Ray and Aces and Eights

Bully Ray continues to be enjoyable. He showed a great intensity last night. He was certainly played a backseat to Hogan and Sting with this week's story, but TNA managed to keep from giving away the satisfaction of Sting getting his hands on him too soon.

The rest of the group continues to come off as weak and ancillary to Bully Ray. When they're doing their thing they are getting a great reaction, but with how easily many of them are turned back, it make me wonder where the members will go once Aces and Eights inevitably dissolves.

Overall Show

Last night's show was decent. It had a well-executed if underwhelming close, but it was very much another week of treading water and minimal advancement. It feels like they're producing entertaining shows for their live crowds then they are producing entertaining television.

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.

© Copyright 2013 by PROWRESTLING.NET