Kester's TNA Impact Wrestling Rundown: Bobby Roode costs Austin Aries the TNA Title, Hulk Hogan and Bully Ray continue to underwhelm, and Sting promises to save TNA

By Ryan Kester

Jeff Hardy vs., Austin Aries

This match was more or less what I expected from a story standpoint. Bobby Roode gets his revenge on Austin Aries, and after some arguing for a week or two, we'll get a triple threat match booked for the next PPV. Simple, yet effective storytelling.

The match itself was very entertaining. As I watched the replay of the show, I was feeling a bit of fatigue by the time we got to the main event, and the match really livened the talk heavy show up for me.

Hulk Hogan and Bully Ray

Try as I might, I cannot get invested in this angle. Wrestling romance storylines have a lot going against them as it is, but adding an overprotective father to the mix really hampers things. It is an angle that could be pulled off, but it requires much better actors than we have.

The last tidbit on the show with Bully Ray and Brooke Hogan making out was about enough to make me check out completely. The presentation of this angle has just been so hokey and contrived that it prevents me from suspending my disbelief and enjoying. I look forward to seeing what Ray can do as a babyface if his run can survive this story.

Sting Returning

One of the first things we have to look forward to in 2013 is Sting reprising his role as the counterpoint to the resident evil faction. Remember when I was concerned that Aces and Eights would end up just being another uninspired NWO rehash? Well, folks, here we are.

Now, I get the feeling that TNA is wanting to drag the Aces and Eights thing out through the next year so I don't see Sting being very successful in his charge to rid TNA of the group, but it doesn’t leave me with the greatest excitement to see TNA going back to this well once again.

Overall Show

Last night's show was somewhere between solid and simply ok. If it wasn't for the main event, I would have considered this a skippable holiday season edition of the show. However, three of TNA's top acts managed to inject a lot of life into the episode and left me feeling entertained.

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.