Photo credit: impactwrestling.com
Bobby Roode defeated AJ Styles in a solid opener to the show. It was a worthy effort from both men as they went back and fourth, with crisp action for the most part. For the finish James Storm (who'd been on commentary) halted Roode form using a steel chair. This went unknown to AJ who warned Storm away and was then caught on the ropes by 'The It Factor' and pinned after landing awkwardly.
During an announcement of matches booked for the night, there was an interruption with the transmission and a message saying 'An ancient evil awakens'. Hm, ominous.
Joseph Parks explained that his pursuit of a match with Aces & Eights wasn't just about revenge, but about "being a man." He went on to then plead with Hulk Hogan (who soon joined him in person) for that said match up. 'The Hulkster' told Parks that it would be too dangerous for him to confront the gang in a fight and tried to warn him off it. Bully Ray then also came out and convinced Hogan to give Joseph the fight at Turning Point after stating that he had the guts, heart and was a tough guy.
ODB bested Tara and Jesse in a passable Handicap match. It was a bit of a strange one this, I mean it does nothing for the Knockouts Champion at all and didn't seem that necessary for their feud.
Sting and Kurt Angle won via disqualification versus Doc and Devon after Devon attacked both opposition with a baseball bat. The bout itself had been decent enough, with Angle giving a top performance. After the attack Bully raced out to attempt to put his brother through a table, but Devon managed to get away.
As 'The Stinger' managed to then fight back further members of Aces & 8s came out and Doc (short for 'Director of Chaos' we found out) Choke Slammed him through the table. But he wasn't done, as Doc would then start striking the fallen Sting with a hammer until members of the TNA roster came out to his aid. It was an effective ending and I liked the hammer attack, a bit different and grittier.
After having two "Yes" votes Christian York was given a contract with TNA. He was understandably excited. I was quite surprised with this to be honest, he didn't really impress me that much last week. He looked competent but also a little slow and sloppy here and there, which isn't good for a wrestler of his experience.
Magnus, Christopher Daniels and Kazarian beat Samoa Joe, Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez in an enjoyable enough tab contest. I feel bad complaining (bet you've never heard a wrestling fan say that before) but considering the calibre of talent involved I was expecting a bit more here, but it was a fun watch nonetheless.
Austin Aries accused Jeff Hardy of choosing a Ladder match for their title bout on Sunday because he believes he can't beat him in another professional wrestling contest. he went on to also warn Hardy that he'll destroy him not only physically but mentally at Turning Point when he reclaims the World Title at his own game in a Ladder match. Jeff Hardy joined Aries once he called him out to collect his World Championship belt that he stole from him last week, under orders from GM Hogan.
So Hardy took AA out and took back his strap, proudly placing them on a bar above a ladder placed in the ring. But Aries wasn't done as he pushed Hardy off of the ladder and trapped him under it as he then stepped up the future tool of their match up at Turning Point and mocked Hardy's signature hand gestures. It was a good end to the show, and a strong image to end on before the PPV.
Overall it was a decent Impact, with mostly solid matches and some nice progression in certain storylines heading into the pay-per-view. It wasn't one of the best recently but I can't complain, it was an enjoyable enough show.
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