My TNA Final Resolution 2012 Recap

Daniels applies the match-winning Styles Clash. Photo credit: impactwrestling.com

James Storm asked that Bobby Roode come on out to get his comeuppance after clearly paying Aces & 8s on last weeks Impact to attack both him and Hardy in the ring. But instead Kazarian joined 'The Cowboy' and accused him of being the biggest whiner in the company after AJ Styles and an alcoholic. Storm retorted by mocking Kaz a bit and then challenging him to a fight right there and then, so a referee made his way out and a brawl began. It was a fun start to the show, with the crowd eating up every word Storm had to say.

James Storm defeated Kazarian in a decent enough encounter. The action was solid for the most part, my only issue was the time allocated and the lack of it. I feel these two deserved a bit more to really deliver a more memorable match up.

Rob Van Dam (c) beat Kenny King to retain the X Division Title in a match that ranged from fair to average. Unfortunately too many sloppy moments spoilt the contest for me a bit, there were a few nice sequences between the two but it wasn't anything special. Leading into it I was actually expecting more, which is rare for me with a Van Dam match nowadays. At least the crowd in attendance seemed to like it with scattered chants of "This is awesome!" Easily pleased fans I guess.

Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez (c) won via DQ versus Matt Morgan and Joey Ryan, thereby retaining the TNA Tag Team Championship. The bout was largely passable, with solid enough wrestling but nothing that inspiring. Chavo and Hernandez gave the top displays here. The disqualification came after Morgan dragged the referee from out of the ring after Chavo had applied a Frog Splash to Ryan.

Austin Aries bested Bully Ray in a highly enjoyable contest. Both men gave terrific efforts here and clearly wanted to steal the show, especially Bully who gave one of his finest performances I've ever seen in a singles match. For the finish Hulk Hogan had to drag away daughter Brooke, who'd ran down to check on a bloodied Bully, which then gave Aries a chance to low blow Ray and grab the one-two-three. I have a feeling that AA and Brooke are having a fling and secretly plotting against Hogan and Bully here, just a theory.

Tara (c) beat Mickie James to retain the TNA Knockouts Championship in a worthy effort by both women. As expected with these two the action was above average from what you get from most female wrestlers nowadays in the US, as they actually take real pride in their craft and have worked hard on it over the years. Next up for Tara is the makeup covered Velvet Sky, so expect the quality to drop.

Kurt Angle, Samoa Joe, Wes Brisco and Garett Bischoff beat Aces & 8s (Devon, Doc and two unknown members) in an eight-man tag match that didn't really get going until later on. For the majority it was a pretty lacklustre outing, with disappointing action that wasn't particularly engaging at all.

It wasn't until Joe made a hot tag to Angle that things livened up and all eight men scrambled in the ring, applying their respective signature maneuvers. As Doc then went for Angle with a hammer Garett jumped in to stop him, and Wes then clumsily speared a masked gang member out of the ring, which I'm sure will turn out to be a save as surely Wes is a member of the Aces & 8s too.

Christopher Daniels defeated AJ Styles in a terrific back and fourth match of the night. As standard with these two the action was technically faultless, with great sequences and drama to be had. Unfortunately my only gripe was the slight lack of intensity and heat, which I can only put down to the sheer number of times we've seen these two face each other.

I'm not having a go at either man, their matches have always been entertaining, but there's only so much of a good thing that you can take before you start to loose interest, and the lack of enthusiasm from the fans in attendance was also proof of that here. That could also be down to the fact that it's hard to believe that this really is their final ever encounter, I mean, we've heard that before. Daniels gained the victory by applying Styles' own finisher the Styles Clash after AJ took a dangerous fall from the top rope. 

Jeff Hardy (c) bested Bobby Roode to retain the TNA World Heavyweight Championship in an intense and enjoyable main event. Both wrestlers worked hard and it certainly paid off as they delivered a worthy World title match, battling back and fourth with effective near falls and an excited crowd. While the build up wasn't anything outstanding I predicted that it'd be a good contest at least, which it was. During the bout Aces & 8s made their way out, but just stood there. After the bell rang they then proceeded to take out Hardy and an infuriated Roode, who had presumedly paid them off to help him win the strap.

Overall Final Resolution was a successful event, with a few match ups that were really memorable but most that I could give or take. The main event, Daniels vs Styles and Bully Ray vs Aries were the highlights for me, providing high quality bouts that you've come to expect from TNA pay-per-views over the last few months. The rest of the card was still decent enough and I couldn't call one match bad, so I can't complain. 

My Impact Wrestling, 6th December 2012 Recap

Bobby Roode, Kazarian and Christopher Daniels each took a turn to brag about their predicted upcoming victories at Final Resolution this Sunday, with Daniels also calling out AJ Styles, who made his way to the ring. Styles claimed that even on his worst day and Daniel's best, he's still better than him in the ring. 'The Fallen Angel' retorted by simply calling AJ a "looser" with his recent records, with no one to blame but himself.

This prompted an angered Styles to begin attacking Daniels, which of course led to a three on one attack until Jeff Hardy and James Storm came out to save their tag partner for later on. It was a fair segment to start the show, nothing outstanding or that original.

Devon defeated Samoa Joe (c) to obtain the TNA Television Championship in a passable title contest. The action was solid enough throughout and it was a fair effort from both men, although certainly neither ones finest, it just never really got that engaging. For the finish Doc struck Joe with a hammer while the referee was distracted, allowing Devon to grab the one-two-three and the strap.   

Mickie James thanked all her friends, family and fans for their support during her absence and also promised to win the Knockouts Title this Sunday. The champ herself Tara and partner Jesse then joined her and bragged about the amazing year she'd had, but was soon interrupted by the returning Velvet Sky. Sky received a healthy response from the fans, and warned both ladies that 2013 will be her year as Knockouts Champion. I feel the return of Sky overshadowed Mickie's title challenge personally, and think it should've waited until after Final Resolution where it would've had more impact without everything else going on between Tara and James.

Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez bested Robbie E and Robbie T in a largely average tag bout. The first two thirds were pretty pedestrian really, with nothing that special from all four men. Fortunately the final few minutes picked up the pace and excitement and it was a fun finish. Afterwards Matt Morgan then attacked both Chavo and Hernandez while his tag partner Joey Ryan cockily predicted their title victory this Sunday.

In an awful piece of production Chavo and Hernandez were then cut off by Kurt Angle's entrance music as they were giving a promo backstage. There's no excuse for something that foolish happening, and what makes it worse is it isn't the first time it's occurred in TNA.

Kurt Angle won via disqualification versus Doc after other members of Aces & 8s ran in to take out Angle. The match itself was a mixed bag, with quite a few sloppy moments (which is out of character for an Angle bout) but a decent enough second half to help salvage it a bit. On the whole it was fairly unmemorable really. Garett Bischoff, Wes Brisco and Samoa Joe all raced out to Angle's aid and chased off the gang members, which prompted Angle to challenge Aces & 8s to an eight-man tag match at Final Resolution between them four and any four members of their group.  

Kenny King bested Zema Ion and Kid Kash in a terrific Triple Threat match to become number one contender for the X Division Title. The displays from all three men were solid and they clearly went out to deliver the top match of the night, which instead turned out to be the main event, but I'm getting to that in a bit. The action came fast and brought plenty of excitement, which is exactly what the X Division should do. 

Bully Ray once again demanded that Hogan put him and Aries together in a match, and wouldn't leave until he received it. Austin Aries then came out and accused Bully of pretending he wanted to face him for the sake of his love interest Brooke Hogan, and sat comfortably in a chair until Hulk Hogan joined them and eventually decided to put Bully and AA in a match at Final Resolution after being convinced by his daughter Brooke.

Jeff Hardy, James Storm and AJ Styles defeated Christopher Daniels, Kazarian and Bobby Roode in a terrific six-man tag contest. I really can't think of a fault with the match here, the action was just solid throughout and everyone involved deserves credit, especially Styles who was superb. Great way to end the show on a strong outing like this.

Impact was for the most part was pretty average and forgettable for me. The tremendous main event and Triple Threat match ups managed to make it worth watching, so I certainly can't fault the entire show. At least the lead ups to Final Resolution made sense, even if I'm not particularly that excited for it, which is a poor sign for a show that's meant to encourage you to purchase the PPV.

My Impact Wrestling, 29th November 2012 Recap

Hulk Hogan demanded that Bully come out and explain to him what's going on between him and his daughter Brooke. Sure enough Bully Ray did, and stated that he was the "number one man" in his daughter's life. Brooke Hogan also joined them and was warned by her father that he never wanted to see her involved with a pro wrestler "especially him." Austin Aries of course couldn't resist getting involved and berated Hogan on the big screen for dealing with family issues in public rather then managing the show.

Mickie James defeated Gail Kim in a largely solid encounter. Comparing the standard of wrestling here to anything the current female performers in WWE have to offer is really quite startling. And the frustrating thing is that there's no excuse for WWE not to bring in some far more talented wrestlers for the Divas division, they had both these women under contract at one point.

Bobby Roode claimed that Hardy failed to impress him after barely beating Gut Check winner Christian York last week. York himself then joined 'The It Factor' and gave him a slap for disrespecting him, followed by a challenge of a match which Roode accepted.

Bobby Roode bested Christian York in a highly enjoyable contest. Both men put in great efforts here and provided an engaging watch from start to finish. I actually enjoyed this more than York's bout with Hardy last week, he's looking better each time we see him. For the finish York almost caught Roode out with a nice near fall from a roll up, but then had the crossface applied and was forced to tap.

Afterwards as 'The It Factor' was about to strike York with a steel chair, his Final Resolution opponent Jeff Hardy raced out and chased him off. They should have an entertaining World Title match next Sunday, although I still personally would've rather seen Storm face Hardy.

James Storm and AJ Styles beat Christopher Daniels and Kazarian in a tremendous tag match. All four men gave top displays here, with crisp action at a healthy pace. For me Daniels and Kaz are the most consistent tag team in the ring going today, plus their promos are always entertaining. Afterwards Storm warned AJ about loosing his head during the match and being a bit sloppy, could a heel turn be on the cards for Styles?

Matt Morgan bested Douglas Williams in a drab squash match. Morgan was also cheered on at ringside by tag partner Joey Ryan, who gave a decent introduction to 'The Blueprint' beforehand. 

After receiving two "Yes" votes Wes Brisco was handed a TNA contract. An emotional Brisco celebrated with Kurt Angle and Garett Bischoff after, it seemed genuine, although it seems too obvious that both him and D'Lo (who stood in for Al Snow after he mysteriously disappeared and never turned up to the show) are members of Aces & 8s. If that's the case then it was a good bit of acting of Brisco's part.

Austin Aries versus Rob Van Dam (c) for the X Division Championship ended in a disqualification. The bout itself had been good for the most part, with some nice sequences between RVD and Aries. Unfortunately a few sloppy moments let it down a little, but otherwise it was fine, and one of RVD's best matches in a while. The DQ came after Bully Ray ran in and began attacking AA, which then led to a stare down between him and Hogan. 

Overall it was a solid Impact, and the best wrestling broadcast this week. Based on match quality alone it was very good, with only the drab Morgan versus Williams bout letting it down. Unfortunately we didn't receive any answers or development in the Bully Ray/Brooke/Hulk storyline, but I'm enjoying the slow breakdown of Styles, and as usual Daniels and Kazarian were great on the mic. Highlight of the show was definitely the terrific tag team match, great action throughout. Big step up from last weeks average broadcast.

My Impact Wrestling, 22nd November 2012 Recap

AJ applies the always impressive Pelé Kick for the win. Photo credit: impactwrestling.com

Wes Brisco defeated Garett Bischoff in a Gut Check Challenge match up. The bout itself was mediocre for the most part really, and quite drab. Both men looked okay in the ring, but nothing inspiring. But despite all of the negatives the crowd at least seemed to be into it, mainly based on the surname value of Wes I'd guess. After Wes grabbed the win an elated Kurt Angle ran into the ring to celebrate with him.

Joey Ryan challenged one half of the tag team champions Chavo Guerrero to a match as part of Open Fight Night. He explained that it was to earn himself and Matt Morgan a shot at the tag straps, so Hogan couldn't split them up. 

Chavo Guerrero won via disqualification versus Joey Ryan in a largely pedestrian contest. Again it was a match that just wasn't that engaging. Chavo put in a decent enough display but Ryan is still looking pretty average for the most part, not bad, just average. 

Former Gut Check winner Sam Shaw (who I honestly can't even remember, which is not a good sign for any wrestler) challenged the first ever GC winner Alex Silva, who showed a bit more attitude and character as he came down to the ring.   

Sam Shaw bested Alex Silva in a bout that didn't pick up until the final couple of minutes. Like I mentioned, Silva showed more character here during the contest as he beat on Shaw, but the action wasn't anything special. And on the flip side while Sam didn't show much charisma, he did look good as he made a comeback and planted a top rope leg drop to Silva for the one-two-three.

In a popular decision Christian York called out a man he admired, Jeff Hardy to a match up.

Jeff Hardy defeated Christian York in an enjoyable encounter. I have to be honest, I didn't really get what the fuss was about with York back in his Gut Check match, but here he looked decent and was able to look genuinely competitive against Hardy, so I give him credit. In a smart booking move York controlled most of the contest, with the World Champion obviously gaining the win after making a late comeback. Paul Heyman once said that a successful match will push both wrestlers involved, and that's what happened here.

Afterwards the number on contender to Hardy's title Bobby Roode snuck out and spinebustered York and speared Hardy to send a message to his future opponent.

Tara beat Taeler Hendrix in a mostly sub par bout after Hendrix challenged the Knockouts Title holder. Unfortunately while Taeler has the likable personality she's still unpolished in the ring and has work to do, but the potential is certainly there for her. The action here was just average and never went beyond that.

Eric Young pinned Jesse in a Triple Threat involving Robbie E also. The comedy match was okay for what it was, and I never expected much from it anyway. As per the stipulation a grumpy Jesse had to wear the annual turkey costume as part of the Thanksgiving theme. Afterwards however the amusement stopped as Aces & 8s took out Eric Young as a handcuffed ODB was forced to look on. Hopefully this will mean the return of a more serious EY, I always preferred him like that.

The always entertaining duo of Christopher Daniels and Kazarian explained that Daniels had challenged AJ Styles to a match at Final Resolution so he could be there for a 'friend'. Kaz then went on to challenge Styles to a match that night. 

AJ Styles defeated Kazarian in the match of the night. It's hardly surprising considering the talent that this was a solid outing from the get go, although I've seen more exciting bouts involving these two. Nevertheless it was a fun enough watch.

Austin Aries claimed that the management in the back and certain influences in TNA had been holding him back and stacking the deck against him. And for this he blamed Hogan, more specifically, Brooke Hogan, who he then called out as part of Open Fight Night. Aries went on to expose a supposed secret relationship between her and Bully Ray, and amusingly added that she didn't "have to settle for a turkey" when he had "all the stuffing you need." This prompted an angry Hogan and Bully Ray to come out to Brooke's defence, and then give each other puzzled looks to end the show.     

Overall it was a pretty mediocre Impact, and one of the poorest for a long while. Most matches were average at best, with the exception of Styles versus Kazarian and Hardy versus York, and no storylines made much significant progress either. At least the always on form Aries and Daniels managed to provide entertaining promos. 

My TNA Final Resolution 2011 Recap

Rob Van Dam defeated Christopher Daniels in a decent enough opener. It wasn't the most exciting match featuring either man but it was okay, and for the most part technically sound. It just felt strange having an ordinary match between the two after they had a (what would usually be) feud-ending No Disqualification match at the last pay-per-view. Why didn't they just leave it there and move on to new opponents?
Robbie E (c) defeated Eric Young to retain his TNA Television title. The bout itself was a pretty average one really. Although I think Robbie E is looking better. I still believe that Eric Young was far more effective in his role as a more serious heel persona in the company. There's more possibilities for him like that then there is as this silly random character (that's run its course for me) in my opinion. Robbie E grabbed the win after an attempt from Young to slam both him and Rob Terry following a distraction and top rope choke from Terry. He used a Codebreaker like maneuver as a finisher.  
Matt Morgan and Crimson (c) defeated Devon and D'Angelo Dinero to retain the TNA Tag Team titles in a fair but at times sloppy match up. Afterwards Devon's two sons (can't be asked to learn their names just yet) expressed their disappointment at their Dad's performance and loss.
Austin Aries (c) defeated Kid Kash to retain his X Division Championship in a very entertaining title match. I predicted that it'd be a solid encounter between the two but it was even more engaging then I'd thought it'd be. The two went back and fourth and even traded moments of getting caught with knuckle dusters and having their legs on the ropes during pin attempts by the referee. It was a smart move leaving Kash heel for the bout. Aries caught Kash with a brainbuster for the one-two-three. As fun as it was, I still believe Aries needs to move on and battle some fresh X Division talent. I'd pick Alex Shelley myself, he's been seriously underutilized for months now.
Gail Kim (c) defeated Mickie James to retain her Knockouts Championship. Predictably the match was technically great and solid from start to finish with great exchanges between the two competitors. This was also a hell of a lot better then any match WWE have produced form the Divas division in years. Which is funny considering this is the calibre of female talent that they could still have if they'd treated them the way they actually deserve. This is something I do applaude TNA for, bar the way Kong was treated towards the end of her time in the company.
James Storm defeated Kurt Angle in an intense and technically brilliant (it's Kurt Angle, after all) match up. Angle dominated most of the bout but Storm began battling back towards the end and was victorious after applying a swift super kick to his opponent. Wise move giving Storm the big clean win over Angle, he definitely has a lot more to gain from it.  
Jeff Hardy defeated Jeff Jarrett in an exciting cage match. It was a good effort by both wrestlers, one of the highlights being an insane Swanton from the very top of the cage by Hardy onto the mat. As per the stipulations of the match Hardy on Thursday's iMPACT will get to choose to fire either Karen or Jeff Jarrett, it'll most likely be Karen. Although she's done a decent job in her role as Knockouts VP, I feel the division will benefit from her not being there any more.
Bobby Roode (c) versus AJ Styles in a thirty-minute Iron Man match for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship ended in a 3-3 draw. The action was worthy of the main event spot but failed to hold the crowds attention at certain points. AJ sold the leg injury very well and it fitted into the match stipulation, considering how long the match was and how Roode could exploit it. Although it was a good match, the build up and Styles Roode feud has just felt rushed and unconvincing. I never believed that Styles was going to beat Roode for the title at any point. I am however hopeful for the Hardy versus Roode match up for next months Genesis PPV and the potential it brings.
Overall Final Resolution was probably one of the better TNA pay-per-views as of late. With entertaining bouts involving Gail Kim and Mickie James, Angle and Storm, Aries and Kash, Hardy and Jarrett and Styles and Roode. Plus the level of Russo-ridiculousness was kept low so an added bonus.

My iMPACT Wrestling, December 8th 2011 Recap

The Stinger started things off by calling out the World champion Bobby Roode and the dull TNA President Dixie Carter. Sting demanded that Roode publicly apologise to Carter after using her as a shield two weeks ago on iMPACT. Bobby obliged and apologised to Carter, but then also went on to express how now he's the champ he can be much more honest. Honest about how since he's won the championship "business is better then ever" for TNA, which isn't really true at all but whatever.
Roode went on to give his honest opinion on Dixie Carter, who he believes is "a fake, a wannabe, Daddy's little rich girl," who's had everything handed to her. Not sure how true that is to be honest but I do believe that Carter doesn't deserve a place in professional wrestling, that's not a personal jab but my own opinion. He continued, "You couldn't run a lemonade stand, never mind a wrestling company, Dixie" my sentiments exactly. She just doesn't seem to have a clue how to run things and is a poor, worthless on screen persona to boot. The champ carried on to call himself "the leader of the selfish generation" (a moniker I quite like actually) and just before he left, spat in the face of Dixie Carter. For me this was a great promo by Roode and definitely the strongest since he won the World title. Most of it you could actually believe in, and the spit at the end just added that dramatic factor and is sure to buy him a ton load of heat. Nicely done Roode.
AJ Styles confronted Roode backstage but explained that the only reason he doesn't "rip him apart" right then and there was that he instead wanted everyone to see it in the ring. 
Abyss defeated Samoa Joe in a decent enough match up, for Abyss anyway. The finish came when Joe and the referee got distracted by Immortal member Scott Steiner at ringside. During this Bully Ray ran in and struck Joe with a chain, leaving Abyss (who had seen the attack by Ray) to choke slam Joe and grab the one-two-three. Ray and Steiner celebrated with 'The Monster' after believing that they had turned Abyss back into an Immortal member after helping him out, but instead he Black Hole Slammed Steiner and chased off Bully Ray. So why did they do this with a heel like Samoa Joe? And why was Abyss, a face, so happy to go along with the tainted win? Welcome to Russo-ville folks! Where it doesn't matter if you're good or bad!
D'Angelo Dinero and Devon asked out their opponents on Sunday, the TNA Tag Team champions Crimson and Matt Morgan to congratulate them on winning the titles and Devon also gave them his own personal belief that they could be "number one for a long time," really, Devon? He also warned them that him and 'Pope' will be bringing their A game at Final Resolution. Pope with a different tune then called the champions"two of the biggest, dumbest honkies that we've come across in some time," so there's clearly a heel turn approaching here. He also added that they were going to be taking the tag titles from them. It was a strong speech from Dinero that elicited a big cheer from the crowd, and proved once again that he deserves to be in a bigger position in TNA. Like for instance, the one that's been given to the average Anderson.
After the exchange of words Dinero barged Morgan on the way out which sparked a brawl between the teams. As Crimson and Devon wondered off out of the ring, Devon's two sons entered the ring to help out D'Angelo take out 'The Blueprint'.           
Mickie James defeated Madison Rayne in a bout that started off quite heated and exciting but ended sloppily. Should be a solid match between James and Gail Kim on Sunday though. Although I see Gail retaining with some outside help.
Garrett Bischoff defeated Gunner once again with a lucky pinfall victory. The match itself was average. Afterwards Gunner continued attacking Garrett and threw him into the steel steps. He also piledrivered him onto some exposed floor (uncovered by Eric Bischoff) on the outside of the ring. That's something you wouldn't see done in WWE, the piledriver is saved for only certain experienced wrestlers there.   
James Storm confronted Kurt Angle in the ring. Angle gave Storm credit for coming back so soon to action after the concussion he had caused him, he also warned that at Final Resolution when Storm enters the ring with him "you come into my world." Storm retaliated his threats by letting Kurt know that "there's nothing on God's green Earth that intimidates me." He also threatened Angle by adding that when he beats him at Final Resolution, he's going to crush his head "like a beer can."
Gail Kim defeated Traci Brooks in a heated match up where Brooks denied Karen Jarrett's earlier orders of just laying down and giving Kim the victory. Brooks had the majority of the exchange until Karen approached the ring, distracting the ref and allowing Madison Rayne to crack Traci over the head with her title belt and Gail Kim to pick up the pinfall win.
AJ Styles and Jeff hardy defeated Jeff Jarrett and Bobby Roode in an exciting main event. Hardy and Jarrett's battle ended up spanning off into the backstage area while AJ managed to get the win (with an injured leg and all) with a quick roll up pin on Roode. The fight continued after the match where Styles took the offence to the World champion until he ran off, only to return to take out the story-line-injured leg of AJ Styles.