By Jason Powell

TNA Impact Wrestling Hits

James Storm and Jeff Hardy vs. Bully Ray and Kurt Angle: As much as I enjoy the work of Storm, Hardy, and Ray, I have had enough of watching them work tag matches on Impact. That said, it was an entertaining match and they delivered a satisfying payoff to the two-week Brandon Jacobs and Bully Ray feud.

Zema Ion vs. Alex Shelley: TNA is at its visual coolest whenever the current X Division wrestlers are in the ring. They're young, dress flashy, and work a fast paced style. The current stars of the division can back up the high flying in-ring work with real characters and good mic work. The days of one dimensional cruiserweight wrestlers is over, so there's simply no excuse not to showcase the division. It should get even more of the spotlight now that they have the anchor X Division Champion in Austin Aries, who can be counted on to deliver on the mic and in-ring work every night, and other colorful personalities.

Samoa Joe and Magnus vs. Matt Morgan and Crimson: Another good match from these teams with another finish that teases the breakup of the Morgan and Crimson tag team. The pre-match pre-tape was also effective in reminding viewers that there are issues between the two. My only complaint is that the match was just thrown out there rather than being treated like the big deal that a tag title match has to be if the company expects to make the division feel relevant again.

Brandon Jacobs and Bully Ray: Sure, he was nervous, but it has to be considered a good thing when a guy says the thing you do after winning the Super Bowl is go to Impact Wrestling. He also did a nice job of recapping his storyline and setting up his segment for later in the night. A good promo by celebrity standards. Meanwhile, Ray delivered his usual strong heel mic work that worked up the live crowd.

Jesse Sorensen video: I like the way TNA is keeping viewers updated on Sorensen. The footage of him in the hospital with his mother was tough to watch, but the news that he's been able to head home to recover ended it on a positive note. Obviously, my first concern is Sorensen's health, but I must say it will be a hell of a moment when/if he's able to return to the ring.

Overall show: Don't be fooled by the lopsided "Hit" count, this was not a home run episode. Rather, it was a solid show with several solid segments. TNA has actually delivered better shows lately. That's not meant to take away from what was a decent show as there was more good than bad. I am looking forward to the next round of tapings, as it will be interesting to see whether there are any noticeable changes now that Vince Russo isn't writing the show. My guess is there won't be many simply because Russo didn't have much power, but maybe they will surprise me.

TNA Impact Wrestling Misses

Gail Kim vs. ODB: It felt like they were trying to cram too much into this from a creative standpoint. Gail Kim and Madison are on the outs, and we also got the usual dose of the Eric Young and ODB comedy. I've enjoyed the Young and ODB silliness, but I wish ODB's character was allowed to have a serious side that didn't require Young to be at ringside, particularly when she's in the ring with the Knockouts Champion.

A.J. Styles vs. Robbie E: The Little Red Toy Belt That No One Cares About actually does more harm than good. I didn't care whether Styles won the belt or Robbie retained it and knowing the belt was on the line actually lessened my interest in the match. The effort was there from both men, but the belt made it feel bush league. I just want the belt to go away once and for all since TNA has never taken the time to establish it's place in the company. Sure, they could still salvage it, but the strap has been around since 2008 and has undergone several name changes, and they haven't gotten it right. Thus, I have no faith that they're going to stumble onto something that makes it relevant.

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