Kester's TNA Impact Wrestling Rundown: James Storm wrestled both Bobby Roode and Bully Ray, Garret Bischoff's trainer was revealed, and how the change in scenery affected the show

By Ryan Kester

Getting out of the Impact Zone

It's no secret that the Impact Zone is one of the key reasons why TNA's weekly show tends to lack a bit of a punch. The London crowd last night was hot for almost everything TNA did, and it really made the show feel major league and it made TNA's wrestlers look like stars.

I liked the production touches put into this show. The lack of the video wall and entrance ramp gave the show a unique stripped-down look without coming across like it was on a tight budget.

James Storm vs. Bobby Roode and Bully Ray

James Storm did most of the heavy lifting for last night's show. The two match format garnered Storm a lot of sympathy, and by the time Storm finished his second match, he had the London crowd eating out of the palm of his hand.

My only issue with the entire title picture, at the moment, is that none of the top four men are getting a dedicated focus. TNA is attempting to build each man up a week at a time, but with TNA having to split their focus among the four wrestlers, no one is really getting anymore over than they were before. This is the second month with a multi-man title picture without a proper chase, and it feels like TNA doesn’t know who they want to make the star out of the group.

Garret Bischoff reveals his trainer

I have had no qualms about expressing my disdain for this storyline, and last night was no different. TNA had a brilliant opportunity to make several wrestlers with real mileage look like complete stars with last night's show. However, we got three segments devoted to getting Garret Bischoff over, and we had to see him several times throughout the evening in backstage segments. Garret Bischoff is overexposed severely and the London crowd could not have cared less about his presence.

The Hulk Hogan as Bischoff's trainer reveal was lackluster. The crowd popped big for Hogan but Hogan wasted no time in cutting a promo about how he is going to make TNA important. I'm sure the brass loves this talk, but it was the same speech we heard two years ago that led to a year's worth of storylines centered on Hulk Hogan. TNA's TV product has improved tremendously as of late, and the last thing they need is another story run with Bischoff and Hogan at the helm.

Overall Show

Despite the last two paragraphs last night's Impact was a very good show. There was plenty of solid wrestling with a minimal amount of chicanery, and there was a general feeling of effort and motivation from top to bottom. I worry that the good vibes from last night will evaporate when the show returns to the Impact Zone, but for now the show on the road made for entertaining and fun 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 at @TheRyanKester.