Hulk Hogan wanted X-Division Champion Austin Aries to go out with a bang before this weekend’s Main Event matchup with World Heavyweight Champion Bobby Roode.
That’s exactly what he did.
In typical A-Double fashion, Aries was solid on the mic and was charismatic and strong when he relinquished the X-Division title.
There were other moments that were also noteworthy on last night’s Impact though- but not in the same way exactly. Madison Rayne’s crush on Earl Hebner was a joke, but Chris Sabin’s promo appeared to be emotional and real. Well that was until Robert Roode joined the party. Why couldn’t Sabin have a moment? The guy has been a loyal soldier in TNA for nearly a decade and for the company to use this situation to get Roode some heat, is a complete joke. The fact that they used it too for Aries to “get over” a little bit more is pathetic.
Aries was already over.
Roode was already hated.
Sabin deserved his swan song. Now, just like TNA, Sabin’s long-term future is unclear.
There were other problems with the show as well. The storyline involving the “gang” infiltrating TNA was a bore. The same group who attacked Sting a few weeks ago, they haven’t entertained at all. Like the Chris Daniels/A.J. Styles angle, it’s development is entirely too slow.
Matches:
Television Champion Devon vs. Crimson: The former undefeated youngster has turned full heel. He took a myriad of shortcuts early on, but did mix some power moves in, too. Devon was a step ahead though, as he nailed a corner avalanche and a spear, before his front Spinebuster for the win. Ah, how far Crimson has fallen in just a few months. After the win, Madison Rayne revealed her crush to be Earl Hebner. What a waste of time.
X-Division Championship Tournament: Dakota Darsow vs. Flip Cassanova: Not much chemistry here. Cassanova hit a nice standing, flipping seated senton and a corkscrew moonsault, but he looked green and stiff. Cassanova hit a jumping Mic-Check and finished off Darsow with a 450 seated Senton from the top rope, but don’t be fooled. He’s not ready.
TNA Knockouts Champion Brooke Tessmacher and Tara vs. Gail Kim and Madison Rayne: Tessmacher was strong and got Tara in who did most of the damage. After a snap supplex, she hit her sideslam and Widow’s Peak on Rayne before tagging in Tessmacher, who hit her finisher for the win.
X-Division Championship Tournament: Kenny King vs. Lars Only: Mediocre match that started off strong. King and Only had much more polish and chemistry than the last two X-Division performers, but they still weren’t all that solid. Things got a bit hairy on the outside, as well as Only’s botched DDT variation. King won with a swinging, over the top Urinage variation.
Bound for Glory Series: Jeff Hardy vs. James Storm: Pretty routine- Nothing exactly special. They broke a sweat, but nothing worthy of a TNA chant. Well, until the last few minutes when the near-falls and pace quickened. After Hardy missed the Senton, Storm hit an elbow from the top but missed the Super Kick. Hardy countered with the Twist of Fate for the win.
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