TNA Impact Hits

X Division Title tournament: I wish TNA would give these guys more in-ring time, but it's nice to see the focus placed back on the X Division Title for a change. The opening match between Eric Young and Sheik Abdul Bashir was entertaining, and the Alex Shelley vs. Jay Lethal match was fun while it lasted.

Production: I watched the Bears beat the Saints (boo) last night, so I got a chance to sit back and watch Impact afterward without a computer sitting on my lap. I was surprised at how much the production enhancements stood out. The HD upgrade has been great for TNA and the product looks significantly better.

Kurt Angle vs. Brother Ray: Sure, you could see the Mafia attack coming a mile away and it did make Brother Ray look like a dolt for trusting Angle, but I enjoyed the storyline. Ray delivered strong mic work throughout the show and the attack at the end of the night was solid. By the way, Sting walked out on another Main Event Mafia attack. It's worth noting that he wasn't even present for the Christian Cage attack.

Motor City Machine Guns: The extra camera time is paying off for these two. They're getting strong reactions from the live crowd and Alex Shelley is getting a chance to show off his wit. I was disappointed to see that just when they were coming across like stars, they were punked out by Suicide again.

Feast or Fired segment: Well done. Jeremy Borash did a nice job as the game show host and I loved the big cliffhanger leading in to the commercial break. I also got a big kick out of Curry Man's reaction and his failure to comprehend that he'd been fired. Funny segment. If they do this again next year (and you know they will), they should open the last two briefcases simultaneously. The Curry Man video that aired afterward was cute, but it could have been better had they taken the time to find better footage. Even so, this was a fun goodbye to the Curry Man character. Dot Net reader Jamie Vance emailed to ask whether Christopher Daniels will take over the Suicide character in a swerve. It's a good idea, but I hope not. I'm ready for the return of the Fallen Angel.

TNA Impact Misses

Beer Bottle on a Pole match: Is this a rib? The TNA creative team should make a resolution to go a full year without using a pole. I had to laugh at the Rough Cuts segment with James Storm that aired before this match. He came off like a nice, humble babyface, and then the fans were supposed to boo him moments later as he tried to smash another beer bottle over the head of one of his opponents. They do realize that they've killed the beer bottle gimmick by using it once a week, right? I also had to laugh that they took the time to put a piece of paper with the words "Beer Bottle on a Pole" on the bucket that was hanging from the pole.

The Beautiful People and Sarah Palin: I'm sorry but the Sarah Palin moment has passed. I'm sure she'll be a political player in the future, but the idea of using a Palin impersonator just feels way too October. TNA is behind on this one and the skits just aren't funny.

Abyss and Matt Morgan: Morgan (a/k/a Big Bird) bitched at Abyss (a/k/a Snuffleupagus), who then chased after him trying to explain himself. These two are soooooooo gay! By the way, if they're best friends, shouldn't they talk about this stuff before they go on the air? It comes across like they don't talk all week and then bicker on the air like an old married couple.

Brutus Magnus: Speaking of gay, what man-on-man video release inspired this horrible name?

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