By Will Pruett

- I enjoyed the effort to change the format of Impact a little bit at the top of the show. Since every show in the last few months has opened with the "previously on Impact" package, not seeing it was a nice surprise.

- Kenny King is starting to have his in ring persona established, and this match did a lot to help that. King has a lot of potential to get over in TNA and more high profile performances like this would enhance that.

- Austin Aries is involved in the main story on Impact, but I am beginning to worry about his feud with Bobby Roode taking a backseat to the Aces and Eights. I was looking forward to the two existing in a separate universe. There is more to Aries vs. Roode that has not been fleshed out.

- Sting is doing a nice job on the mic against Aces and Eights. He's selling the drama and danger of the situation, but is still compelling.

- I don't know how I felt about basically putting a main event at the top of the show and then making it feel like the show started after it. It contradicts me liking the opening angle, but launching back into business as usual kind of cancelled out a change.

- I liked James Storm's defense of his actions, but I still don't appreciate the fact that he stands accused in this situation. Storm should be building a connection with the fans right now, he shouldn't be constantly doubted and doubting himself.

- Robbie E. lost to Devon 49 times and then was placed in the Bound for Glory Series. It was an odd choice, made even more odd by how quickly he seems to lose.

- Bully Ray's chain makes the most annoying sound on wrestling TV.

- I really dislike the Earl Hebner and Madison Rayne storyline, because it has a simple solution. If Hebner doesn't referee Rayne's matches, she can't win via his help. The complications are now solved. Aren't there something around four authority figures to come up with these things?

- Mickie James showed some great babyface fire in the Knockout's four way. I wonder if the plan is still to turn her heel?

- I had a lot of trouble hearing Miss Tessmacher on commentary, which was sad. I was looking forward to seeing if she would add anything to the match.

- Brooke Hogan obviously doesn't remember Earthquake crushing her father. That injury was way worse.

- I was sad to see that the Knockout's Tag Team Championships still exist. They aren't defended, but they exist.

- Chavo Guerrero's move set is completely influenced by Eddie Guerrero's. It is sad to see Chavo relying on moves he didn't get over instead of the move set he had in WWE back in 2003. Chavo is talented, but he could be so much more without relying on Eddie's legacy.

- Who was that Wes Brisco guy? He came off like a stoned surfer, so I hope that is the plan for his character.

- Claire Lynch is still an awful actress. She is doing everything about three notches higher than she should be. Beyond that, there is not an ounce of truth or conviction in her portrayal. She just yells a lot.

- Christopher Daniels, who I usually find entertaining was not on his game in the baby shower segment. It was painful all the way through and just needed to end. This story just can't catch a break.

- Joseph Park should have public contract negotiations for his clients. I'd watch that.

- James Storm and Kurt Angle had an okay match that was more about the people around the ring. It was an interesting spectacle to have so many stars show up for one match.

- Storm and Angle did sell their finish well, with Angle working hard for the submission and Storm refusing to quit. Under most circumstances, I would say this enhanced Storm as a babyface, but with all of the Aces and Eights doubt around him, I can't say it did.

Overall, this show was the usual for what Impact has become: good but not great. Solid stories, but not memorable. I will take this over crazy stories attempting to create "moments" instead of staying the course any day of the week. TNA does need I infuse some excitement into the product though. I felt like the Aries title reign did that, but the ongoing Aces and Eights mystery is distracting from it.

Did you enjoy TNA live? Am I way off? Feel free to email me at itswilltime@gmail.com or to follow me and chat me up on twitter at twitter.com/itswilltime.

RECOMMEND THIS ARTICLE: