Hulk Hogan gets cheap pops and Bully Ray gets cheap heat.
Add a hammer, a ladder and Jeff Hardy and you have an average episode of Impact.
Like Christy Hemme’s mic work, TNA looks good at times, but consistently misses the mark.
Away from the World Title picture, the Devon/Abyss/Joseph Park angle continues to get weirder. Will TNA keep up the silliness longer or will it be revealed that Park and Abyss are the same person? Capable of entertaining in the ring, this angle doesn’t any more nonsense.
What wasn’t silly was the debut of MMA legend Quinton “Rampage” Jackson. Although he’s a greenhorn in the sport, he’s charismatic and capable of helping the product. The thought of a possible showdown with Kurt Angle actually makes sense. Sure, if it ever happens it’ll be months or even years away, but it’s easily one of the more exciting things to happen in the company in years.
Matches:
Bound for Glory Series Qualifying Match: Hernandez vs. Chavo Guerrero: A decent opener. After their loss at Slammiversary, the former champions faced off in singles action in an effort to garner and Bound for Glory Series birth. Guerrero used his speed and experience to counter Hernandez’s multi-faceted offense. However, Hernandez’s power was too much for Guerrero. After a Splash and a Backbreaker, Hernandez looked in control, but the resilient veteran Guerrero bounced back with the Three Amigos and a corner Spinning Heel Kick. After a failed Frog Splash and a series of counters from Chavo, Hernandez stacked him up with a rollup for the win.
Bound for Glory Series Qualifying Match: Robbie E. vs. Samoa Joe: This was all Joe. Muscle Buster and Rear Naked Choke. Game Over.
X-Division Champion Chris Sabin and TNA Tag Team Champions James Storm and Gunner vs. Kenny King, Austin Aries and Bobby Roode: Best match of the night as all six competitors went through their signature finishers. After a wild exchange of high impact offense, Sabin beat King with the Hail Sabin Driver.
Knockouts Champion Mickie James vs. Taeler Hendrix: James toyed with the buxom redhead and beat her with an ugly Hook Kick.
Ladder/Hammer Match: TNA World Heavyweight Champion Bully Ray vs. Jeff Hardy: A physical encounter that was a nice combination of spots from Hardy and gritty and smart ring work from Bully. With the ladder in play and Bully’s forehead cut open, Hardy looked ready to claim the hammer, but Bully ended up with it. With Hardy in the corner licking his wounds, Ray went for the hammer shot, but Hardy was playing possum. After a seated Twist of Hate, Hardy got the hammer, but couldn’t connect. Ray then ran out of the building and was later saved from a hammer shot from Hulk Hogan by his estranged wife, Brooke.
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