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TNA Final Resolution Hitlist: A.J. Styles vs. Daniels for the TNA Title, Kurt Angle vs. Desmond Wolfe in a three degrees of pain match, Feast or Fired, British Invasion vs. Motor City Machine Guns for the TNA Tag Titles

Posted in: Powell Editorials
By By Jason Powell
Dec 21, 2009 - 12:03 PM

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TNA Final Resolution Hits

A.J. Styles vs. Daniels: We could complain about the poor buildup and the fact that creative didn't get Daniels over as a serious threat to the title, but I really enjoyed the actual match. Remember this moment because there's no telling what type of push guys like Styles and especially Daniels will receive now that Hulk Hogan and company are coming in. This match really was the end of an era, and it was great to see TNA close out back-to-back pay-per-view events with strong main events.

Kurt Angle vs. Desmond Wolfe: There's no denying that this was a good match and one of the highlights of the show. However, it's alarming that the feud has lost so much steam since it's red hot start. Wolfe desperately needs some meaningful wins over top flight opponents, yet TNA creative has booked him poorly. The idea is that Wolfe looked so strong in defeat that he's actually gaining momentum. As great as his matches with Angle have been, there's no reason he couldn't have won one of the two pay-per-view matches. Desmond was hot enough when he came in that he should have received a Sheamus-like quick push to the top. Sure, he's slotted high on the pay-per-view cards, but name one opponent that he's defeated in a meaningful match. Desmond is still over, but it's not to the extent he should be.

British Invasion vs. Motor City Machine Guns: Good action to start the show. Both teams worked hard and the Guns got the crowd fired up with their fast-paced offense. The live crowd clearly wanted to see the Guns win the titles, as they bought into all their near falls and popped for their flashy offensive moves. A fun opening match that got the show off to a strong start. These teams work well together and I'd like to see a long title chase program that concludes with the Guns finally capturing the TNA Tag Titles.

Tara vs. ODB: A quality Knockouts Title match with a surprising title change. It frustrates me that TNA won't do the obvious by having Tara chase a heel Awesome Kong for the TNA Knockouts Title, but I digress. Tara and ODB worked well together and provided some hard hitting action. I like the heel tendencies that ODB is showing. She stopped short of performing one favorite move, and I think it would be a lot of fun if she started bringing fruit juice or milk to the ring rather than her flask if she's gong full fledged heel. I'm not saying she should be all out Straight Edge, but a cleaned up heel ODB character could be fun.

Bobby Lashley vs. Scott Steiner: Hard work from both guys. Steiner suffered a knee injury early and worked through the pain. This wasn't a five-star classic, but I give both guys credit for putting together a fun brawl that the live crowd seemed to enjoy. Steiner can't go like he once could, but he's leaving it all in the ring these days.

Overall show: This event wasn't a strong as last month's pay-per-view, but it was still a quality effort. Unfortunately, the build was poor and the pay-per-view became an afterthought due to Hulk Hogan's arrival. My guess is that this event will do one of the worst buyrates of the year for TNA. The marketing was lackluster and they didn't make it seem like a must see event. Furthermore, holding it five days before Christmas seems like a bad idea. Still, those who opened their wallets and ordered the show were treated to a quality event.

TNA Final Resolution Misses

Feast or Fired: I'm just not a fan of the concept because it seems silly to fire a wrestler simply because he grabs the wrong briefcase. The live crowd doesn't pop when wrestlers grab the briefcases because there's no way of knowing whether it's a good thing or a bad thing. The match is just a spot fest that also results in wrestlers fighting at ringside for no reason. Why would you ever follow you opponent to the floor when the goal is to grab the briefcases hanging above the corners of the ring? I don't dislike this match as much as the awkward King of the Mountain match, but it's close. At least TNA officials had the common sense to open the briefcases on pay-per-view rather than screwing over the paying customers like they did last year. Rob Terry challenging for the X Division Title? Really?

Hernandez, Matt Morgan, D'Angelo Dinero, and Suicide vs. Team 3D, Rhino, and Jesse Neal: This match didn't do much for me because Rhino has lost momentum quickly, Team 3D is stale, and Jesse Neal just isn't over. The only positive is that Morgan finally got back on track by beating both Team 3D members to win the match for his team. Hernandez has his moments to shine, but Suicide has zero momentum and Dinero seemed to peak in popularity during his first week with the company.

Jesse Neal takes an unprotected chair shot to the head: This was yet another sign that wrestlers and wrestling promoters either don't care or don't get it. This isn't a TNA issue, it's a pro wrestling issue, and I cringed when I read reports of unprotected chair shots to the head during the ROH Final Battle show. If the wrestlers are too stupid to police themselves and put their hands up, then management has to step in. I hate to come across so disrespectful to the wrestlers, but it should be common sense at this point given all the media attention the concussion problem in pro sports has received lately. Wake up, guys.

Abyss and Mick Foley vs. Raven and Dr. Stevie: A sloppy brawl. I know these four haven't had an actual match together before, but I felt like I'd seen this match before. Foley is giving his all, but everything he does is just slow and awkward until he performs his obligatory big stunt. It's really sad to watch him lumber through these matches. The live crowds enjoy seeing him, but TNA would be wise to limit Foley's in-ring appearances to a couple times per year. I give Foley all the credit in the world for working hard and not just coasting while collecting a paycheck like he could do at this stage in his career, but as a fan it's painful just watching him abuse his body.

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