In a reality show style affair, Hulk Hogan discussed with Bully Ray, AJ Styles, Kurt Angle and Jeff Hardy who deserves the shot at the TNA World Heavyweight Championship that night. Although it had the over the top background music and came across as quite fake, I actually didn't mind this segment. It made a bit of a change and was quite amusing at parts with all four men arguing their pros and the others cons. At the end Hogan eliminated Bully Ray from contention, even though Hardy and AJ had already lost to Roode over the World title before.
Gail Kim bragged about being the most important woman in the entire company and her successful title reign. I certainly haven't had any complaints about her being the champ, and it was definitely a wise move for her to get out of WWE's Divas Division where she was completely squandered. She went on to then challenge the Knockout Tag Team Champions Eric Young and ODB, and as per the stipulations of Open Fight Night the title holders (or anyone for that matter) must accept the match.
Gail Kim and Madison Rayne defeated Eric Young and ODB (c) to win the TNA Knockouts Tag Team Championship. It was an average bout for the most part, with a few amusing moments between EY and ODB. I think the wrong team also won. With Rayne distracted by her mystery love interest she should've been the one to accidentally loose her team the match, and in my opinion ODB and EY with their chemistry had brought a bit of interest back to the titles. I don't really see the need for them to have lost the titles so soon.
Rob Van Dam defeated Gunner after challenging him to a match. It was a fair contest, and wisely kept quite short which I feel always works more effectively for Gunner. RVD finished off Gunner after applying a Van Daminator and performing an impressive long range Five Star Frog Slash.
Devon (c) versus Garet Bischoff for the TNA Television title ended in a no contest after Robbie E and Robbie T ran in shortly into the match and attacked both men, only to then be thrown out by Devon and Garet. I was personally quite relieved we didn't have to see much of this bout.
In another backstage segment Hogan next eliminated Jeff Hardy from World title contention, claiming that he needed someone that will get the job done against Roode.
Bully Ray came out and spoke about his annoyance at not being picked to face Roode, and then challenged Joseph Parks (who'd been watching in the audience) to get in the ring with him. A hesitant Parks pleaded with Bully not to get physical and reminded him that all he wanted was to find his missing brother. But eventually Ray did get physical, punching Parks in the gut and whipping him with his chain.
Austin Aries defeated Joey Ryan in an enjoyable back and fourth contest. To me the Gut Check competitor Ryan looked liked he belonged here with a unique image, plenty of charisma and nicely executed wrestling in the ring. He's certainly a step up from the last Gut Check challenger Silva, who wasn't bad but you could tell was a bit nervous. I'd be very disappointed if they didn't sign him to a deal.
Hogan finally announced that AJ Styles would receive the World title shot, stating that it was mainly due to him knowing Roode better. Angle gracefully congratulated Styles.
Bobby Roode (c) defeated AJ Styles to retain the TNA World Heavyweight Championship in a match that started off quite drab but fortunately picked up towards the end with more exciting action and near falls. It was a solid enough performance from both men, with the fans in attendance certainly into it.
Afterwards Roode celebrated his record breaking World title reign with confetti and champagne. He also invited Hogan to the ring to celebrate, only for 'The Hulkster' to then inform Roode that someone else would be joining them. That someone was the returning Sting, who it was revealed would be facing Roode next week in a Lumberjack match. I can't personally say I'm that excited by 'The Stinger's' return. I preferred him in the GM role as opposed to an in ring competitor, where he clearly can't bring it like he used to.
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