This week’s Impact was dubbed “Must-Win Thursday,†but the sense of urgency must have been left in the back.
Bully Ray’s promo to start Impact was the most intriguing element of the show. With Tito Ortiz and Brooke Tessmacher by his side, it appears he’s gotten a bit too big for his britches. And that’s saying something.
Ken Anderson wasn’t a fan of Ray’s antics, which makes you think the two will square off in a Hollywood Hogan/Macho Man-type feud soon.
That angle and the weird and consistent panning to Velvet Sky’s breasts during her segment (where she revealed her relationship with Chris Sabin) were indicative of this week’s episode in general- sexy at first, but ultimately boring.
Hulk Hogan also made his first appearance on the show in a few weeks. Before he hit the ring, Hogan said he had a major announcement, but it turned out all he announced was a 20-point Bound for Glory Gauntlet match for next week and a Bully Ray title defense against a member of the Aces and Eights.
Snore.
Simply put, TNA is in more than financial trouble. Their very existence is in danger. At this point, you have to wonder how much longer the mediocrity can/will continue.
Matches:
Bound for Glory Series: Jeff Hardy vs. Frank Kazarian: A decent encounter that lacked that “big match†feel. After a few minutes of posturing, Hardy applied the Figure-Four, but got to the ropes. Hardy then went for the Twist of Fate, but Kazarian countered into a Backslide for a nearfall. Kazarian couldn’t get the win after a Standing Side Kick either. Hardy soon landed the Twist of Fate and finished off Kazarian with the Senton Bomb.
Two out of Three Falls: ODB vs. Gail Kim: ODB was in trouble early on as Kim worked on her legs with a variety of submissions and strikes. Kim then got the first fall via a variation of the Texas Cloverleaf. ODB fought back and won the second fall with a Small Package. After the shock, Kim went right back to the legs and latched on the Figure-Four through the ring post. Ironically, ODB got the final fall with the Sharpshooter.
Bound for Glory Series: AJ Styles vs. Bobby Roode: It was obvious from the start that Styles was going for the submission finish. While Roode hit a few big maneuvers, Styles hit a plethora of awesome strikes to maintain an advantage. Roode countered a Styles Springboard Clothesline into the Crossface, but Styles countered it into the Calf Killer. Once Roode got to the ropes, Styles went for the move again, but Roode countered into the Perfect Plex. Styles then reversed that into the Rollup for the win.
Bound for Glory Series: Christopher Daniels vs. Austin Aries: This was a solid main event. Daniels and Aries are two of the company’s best workers and they turned in a more than solid effort. Daniels had the advantage early, but Aries fought back and evened the match out. After both competitors clotheslined each other, it was a dead heat. But after a Pendulum Elbow and a Suicide Dive, A-Double was in the driver’s seat. Daniels fought back with the Blue Thunder Driver, but couldn’t earn the pinfall. Daniels nearly won again with the Last Rites, but Aries kicked out and soon finished off Daniels with the Brainbuster.
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