By Ryan Kester

Aces and Eights

I feel like every week involves me detailing why I dislike Aces and Eights and the direction it is taking, but every week TNA does something else to undermine a faction that is supposed to be the biggest threat in the promotion. Fresh off of his return and inclusion in the Aces and Eights faction, Anderson is put down by one of TNA's big babyfaces. Before he ever even has a chance to gain heat for the group, it is cut out from underneath him. On top of this, a returning Magnus managed to overwhelm Devon and dispatched the group's two big bruisers who had to run in and save their leader.

I'm adopting a wait and see approach with the two Aces and Eights reveal tonight. It was odd to see two members expose themselves right after the big group brouhaha over keeping their masks, but my biggest issue is that I'm not sure what they add to the group. Both men are still rather green both on the mic and in the ring, and TNA really hasn't done enough to make me care about either man or them turning heel.

I really want TNA to find an excuse to get off of comedy. He can be good on the stick, but having him do his thing the entire night makes everything he says carry less weight. What he has to say should be used to gain heat and should be memorable, and you can't really do that by having him be an announcer.

Bully Ray

Bully Ray continues to be a highlight of TNA programming. Despite my continued belief that he is more valuable to TNA as a heel, one cannot deny that he is doing excellent work in this babyface role.

I am pleased to see that a match is finally coming out of this story. It's been treading water for a while now, and I am ready to see the next chapter.

Austin Aries and Bobby Roode

This pairing is a mistake. TNA is in need of great heels for the top of their roster, especially with how bad Aces and Eights has become and with Bully Ray turning face, and they gain little from relegating two of their best heels down to their floundering tag team division.

Worst of all, Aries and Roode aren't going for heat with their current act. They're going for comedy more often than not and when they are serious they seem like a cheap imitation of Bad Influence. Aries and Roode should mean so much more to TNA than being a second-tier comedy heel tag team.

Overall Show

Last nights' show was a disappointment. It started off well enough, but by the end of the evening the show was dragging. TNA is utilizing a bit too much comedy, and they were really heart by not having their champion present for such a hot crowd. I hope TNA managed to take better advantage of the crowd in the next few taped shows and when they take the show on the road going forward.

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.

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