Devon is gone and Brooke Tessmacher is in. This was a different kind of change for The Aces and Eights, but it does make the group younger moving forward. Although it probably has more to do with TNA cutting costs, it may give guys the likes of Mike Knox, Garret Bischoff and Wes Brisco more room to grow.
Hardcore Justice was a free pay-per-view, but aside from the average matches, there was plenty of intrigue.
The drama involving Austin Aries also allows for the former World Heavyweight Champion to regain his top-tier status in the company moving forward. That is something to get excited about.
Away from the drama of the Bound for Glory series and main angle, Hardcore Justice was decent, but it failed to keep you on the edge of your seat throughout. TNA has yet to learn that good matches aren’t enough. They need a more “killer, no filler†approach to their product. Too often do they kill their momentum during a show with a sloppy segment or two after something cool.
Once TNA learns they can’t waste a second of their show, fans will enjoy it much more.
Matches:
TNA Tag Team Champions Gunner and James Storm vs. Frank Kazarian and Robert Roode: This impromptu matchup started the show and was mediocre at best. After Storm nailed the Last Call on Kazarian, Roode hit Storm with the Low Blow and won with a Rollup.
Sonjay Dutt vs. X-Division Champion Manik: A high-energy encounter that proved the X-Division is better during one-on-one matches. Thankfully an announcement confirming that notion was made during the match. After some counters and offense, Manik won with his Overhook Gutbuster finisher.
Street Fight for 20 Points in Bound for Glory Series: Jay Bradley vs. Hernandez vs. Christopher Daniels vs. Joseph Park w/Eric Young: Hernandez and Park worked together in this very tame street fight. Bradley looked ready to win after a few big kicks and some chair action on Daniels, but interference from Roode and Kazarian stopped Bradley and Hernandez in their tracks. Interference from Austin Aries took Daniels out of the match however and after Bradley busted Park open, Park won with the Blackhole Slam.
Gail Kim vs. ODB: This was the best singles match of the night. Kim’s heel tactics and ODB’s power made for a more than polished encounter. Kim got the win with a crucifix.
Loser of Fall is Gone From TNA: Aces and Eights vs. Main Event Mafia: The match started with a bang as AJ Styles rejected his loner status and joined the Main Event Mafia. The match itself was a fun back and forth ten-man tag with several near-falls. Mike Knox nearly was eliminated after a Scorpion Death Drop/Lock, but Devon broke up the fall. After Devon hit a few moves, Styles got the tag in and beat the Tag Team legend with the Styles Clash.
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