By Ryan Kester

Hulk Hogan

Despite the main event of Lockdown being the confrontation between James Storm and Bobby Roode, which has been building since Roode won the TNA Title, the focus of last night's show was firmly on Hulk Hogan. There is no doubt what the man has meant to the industry, but the latest round of TNA's love affair with Hogan is a detriment to the rest of the brand. Hogan was given a hero's welcome last night, and it showed that despite his inability to wrestle, Hogan is going to be the man that receives the greatest push in TNA. This will not help TNA grow, and I assert that this move is a regression and a mistake.

Bobby Roode and James Storm

Despite the above misgiving, Bobby Roode and Storm had a good night of hype. Roode continues to grow with his new character, and James Storm continues to shine as the hardnosed babyface looking for a fight. The Storm training video was excellent and something I hope we get more of in the weeks to come.

I liked the use of both men in the main event. While I would prefer to have Roode be a more competent heel, that ship has sailed, and Roode was able to have his devious spot with the beer bottle. Storm continues to be booked strong in the ring and both men were able to shine in their match with minimal physical interaction with one another.

Austin Aries and Bully Ray

While I was hesitant in my live coverage last night over whether or not TNA was legitimately turning Aries, the announcers did a good job of cementing his turn by putting over his change of heart. I would also like to thank Dot Net reader Torrey S. for pointing out that Aries included himself in the prick comment I cited last night, so he was finding common ground with the fans rather than lumping them in with Bully Ray as I had reported.

Bully Ray and Aries will make for an interesting feud. I like the avoidance and humiliation style Aries worked in last night's main event tag, and Ray is easily the strongest heel character TNA has to elevate a budding babyface. I still question where this leaves the X-Division considering Aries was the centerpiece of that group, but I am happy to see that more of Aries' potential will be utilized.

Gail Kim and Velvet Sky

While the prospect of an unedited Velvet Sky match is worrisome, I like the simple storytelling that is going into this feud. Sky lost her belt and was never given a rematch, and she is hungry to get her hands back on her former gold. Considering some of the intricacies that exist in modern wrestling storytelling, sometimes this simple championship-centric storyline can feel incredibly refreshing.

Also, good on TNA for keeping Madison Rayne and Gail Kim together. I have enjoyed their act thus far and the Knockouts division can use some solid heels. I was worried before that TNA was on the cusp of turning one of these women after their feud, and I am glad that that isn't the case.

Kurt Angle and Jeff Hardy

I'm not going to lie; it was a weird choice on TNA's part to feature two babyfaces in a match. Too many people in TNA have the ability to make matches, and Kurt Angle settling Hardy up was just strange.

Still, the interference and low-blow did a good job of putting heat on Angle as they presumably build towards a Lockdown match. Hardy chasing a match feels like a repeat, but the execution of this week's angle was well done. I do hope Angle gets a bit more serious with his talking segments, however, as the comedic elements to his promos really undercut the intensity of the matches Hardy and Angle have with one another.

Matt Morgan and Crimson

Crimson's heel character is slowly growing on me, but after watching he repeat of last night's match, I can't say I am excited to see the continuation of this feud. Morgan and Crimson simply lack in-ring chemistry when facing one another. That isn't to say that the idea behind the booking of last night's match was bad, but it simply isn't a feud that I am dying to see.

I look forward to seeing what crimson can do after the conclusion of his feud with Morgan, provided that TNA decides to continue with the heel version of Crimson's undefeated streak.

Garett Bischoff and Eric Bischoff.

This really needs to stop. Try as Eric Bischoff may, his son isn't over, and if he can't get over after help from Sting, Hulk Hogan, Kurt Angle, and Jeff Hardy, he isn't going to be getting over. Garett may well have a future in wrestling, but it's not going to happen when he is as green as he is and being given the type of push he has been given.

Overall Show

Last night's show was certainly a step up from last week, but I feel that the overwhelming focus on Hulk Hogan dragged the build for Lockdown down considerably. There's still plenty of time left to change that, but TNA needs to pull back considerably on the authority figure drama.

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.

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