TNA Impact Wrestling Hits

Jeff Hardy vs. Christian York: A good match. It's questionable to have York lose again on television considering that he also lost his Gut Check match. It's one thing for a spunky rookie to call out the champ and lose, but two losses has quickly established the veteran York as a mid-card player at best. At least he went after a big dog on Open Fight Night in the form TNA Champion, which is more than I can say for Sam Shaw's character. The post match attack by Bobby Roode was a simple reminder of the TNA Title match at Destination X.

Austin Aries promo on Brooke Hogan: Entertaining lines regarding giving Brooke all the stuffing she can handle and Brooke wondering whether her married name would be McMahon. The pacing and footage used here was much better than the similar tactics being used by WWE via Vickie Guerrero's weekly doses of evidence regarding a John Cena and A.J. affair.

A.J. Styles vs. Kazarian: Is there anything better in pro wrestling than the Bad Influence dance routine? I must admit that I would have given the match a Hit just for Kazarian's solo rendition, but fortunately there was more to it than that. Styles pinning Kazarian was a logical move to show that Styles can actually win despite his recent mopey persona. I'd like to have a little question regarding the outcome going into what is billed as his final match with Christopher Daniels and that was a big help.

Wes Brisco vs. Garett Bischoff: A solid match with a bit of a spotty finish in that Brisco's shoulders were also on the mat. I was actually waiting for the ref to rule it a draw or to take the win away from Brisco. That said, I like the story of Kurt Angle taking Brisco under his wing. I still suspect that Brisco will be revealed as an Aces & 8s member. If so, it's wise to introduce Brisco to the audience so they care once he's revealed as a member of the faction.

TNA Impact Wrestling Misses

Aces & 8s attack Eric Young: The angle was likely done as a potential write off for Young, who recently noted that he may have already worked his final live events for the company. If he is leaving because they haven't reached a contractual agreement then it's a logical move to write him out. The problem I had with the angle is that the first people to make the save were agents Al Snow and Pat Kenney. Where the hell are the TNA wrestlers?

Chavo Guerrero vs. Joey Ryan: The usual Eddie Guerrero tribute match from Chavo. Be your own man, Chavo. Some fans may enjoy it more than I do, but I feel like Chavo is selling himself short by relying on his late uncle's signature spots. The outside interference from Matt Morgan was expected. I fear they are setting up a tag feud between the two. Did they really sit Morgan on the sidelines all that time and then bring him back to team with Joey Ryan while Hulk Hogan acts like Dr. Frankenstein?

Sam Shaw vs. Alex Silva: A random match between the TNA developmental wrestlers. Silva has improved his look since we last saw him. They missed a chance to have Shaw tell the story. He was a bit corny while talking about how it was an honor and a privilege to be a Gut Check winner. He should have followed up by saying that Silva lost sight of that and then called him out. As it played out, it just felt like Shaw calling out a Gut Check winner for no real reason beyond he was the first winner. For those who actually remember Silva, it also felt odd that he told a sob story and sucked up to the judges the last time we saw him, and now he's suddenly cocky. The line I mentioned from Shaw would have covered that more than the announcers telling us that Silva says he's confident rather than arrogant.

Tara vs. Taeler Hendrix: Her character also looked gutsy by calling out the Knockouts Champion, who also defeated her in her Gut Check match. The problem is that her decisive loss to Tara tells viewers that she hasn't really progressed since they last saw her. Granted, she had a nice flurry offense, but the end result was the same and no new story was told.

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