My TNA Impact Wrestling, 2nd May 2013 Recap

Chris Sabin makes his much welcome return. Photo credit: impactwrestling.com

Hulk Hogan kicked things off by calling out Sting and apologising for his behaviour towards 'The Stinger' when he pushed him away, so Sting accepted. As Hogan was about to then name the number one contender to Bully Ray's World title at Slammiversary, Matt Morgan joined the icons  and reprimanded 'The Hulkster' for picking his friend Sting. But Hogan had other ideas and instead booked Morgan versus Sting in the main event to determine the number one contender. I just tend to drift away whenever Hogan grabs a mic by this point.

Chris Sabin bested Sonjay Dutt and Zema Ion in a stellar Triple Threat contest to qualify for an X Division Title match. While all three men gave fine displays here, Dutt was the standout performer for me, with a series of crisply executed maneuvers throughout. Sabin started off a little slow, and oddly looked fairly weak at the start (which is strange for a returning wrestler) but once he got going he didn't miss a beat.

My only gripe with the bout was the unfortunate return of the annoying 'X Division Cam' that's connected to the referee's hat. It moves so fast that it almost gives me a headache and makes me feel a little sick. It's really unnecessary and the sooner it goes the better.  

Rob Terry beat Joey Ryan, Robbie E and Jesse in a Handicap match. As expected it was pretty average for the majority with pedestrian action. But to be fair Terry gave a better effort than normal, although that's still not saying much for the limited Welshman. I would normally mention how damaging this is to the three opposing wrestlers, but to be honest I don't exactly envisage a main event future for any of Terry's foes here.  

Bobby Roode and Austin Aries came out and spoke about how Bad Influence (Christoper Daniels and Kazarian) screwed them out of the tag titles last week, and also claimed that they weren't in the same league talent-wise considering that they've never been World Champions like themselves. Daniels and Kazarian then stormed out and told their future opponents (on next week's Impact) that when it comes to tag team wrestling they don't come close to them.

Finally the tag champs themselves, Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez strolled out and informed the two teams that next week their number on contender match will be refereed by James Storm, who also came out and shared some beers with them. It makes a nice change from WWE seeing time and effort put into the tag title scene consistently and not just short periods of time when they can be asked to, and the annoying thing is WWE have no reason not to do the same. 

Kurt Angle defeated D'Lo Brown in an I Quit match that ranged from drab to decent. The first half was pretty dull, with nothing particularly remarkable happening, but fortunately the second half picked up in quality and interest as the two upped their efforts in the ring. Angle managed to force D'lo to scream "I Quit!" after applying the Ankle Lock. Anderson and Doc, who'd been watching from ringside, walked away from their fellow Aces member afterwards.

Angle then called out AJ Styles to confront him about his recent behaviour, and gave him the ultimatum of either joining him and Sting in representing TNA against Aces & 8s, or joining the opposition. Styles has until next week to decide, hopefully we'll finally get an answer then, this has been getting a bit tedious for a little while now.

Taryn Terrell and Mickie James bested Tara and Gail Kim in a fair tag bout. As usual James and Kim were the stand out wrestlers here, giving solid displays. Unfortunately there were fairly average periods here that let it down a bit such as Terrell's hot tag offence, she still has some way to go but she's looking competent enough.

After Taryn rolled up Tara for the one-two-three all four women started to brawl in and around the ring, ending in Kim applying a nice Figure Four on Taryn around the ring post from the outside until she was ordered away by ref ODB and other officials.

Sting beat Matt Morgan after 'The Blueprint' passed out from the Scorpion Deathlock, therefore meaning 'The Stinger' will face Bully at Slammiversary for the strap. It was a pretty average main event, with passable (but forgettable) wrestling, the highlight being a vicious-looking Carbon Footprint from Morgan. Watching an out of shape Sting make his trademark heroic comebacks against the far younger, bigger and more powerful Morgan just looked too hokey and only marred the contest even more.

Afterwards Bully Ray then arrived on the scene with Devon and Anderson and exchanged a few words with his future opponent before the show ended. I can't say this World Championship encounter has me  hyped at all, there were other options available to face Bully, Angle for instance, who would've been a more exciting option. 

Overall it was a passable enough show, but unfortunately most of it that lacked excitement or interest. The highlights for me were the X Division Triple Threat (which really saved the show to be honest) the second half of D'Lo versus Angle and the Aries, Roode, Bad Influence, etc, segment. The rest didn't feel like anything special or essential to watch, and the main event was largely average, which was hardly a shocker. 

My Impact Wrestling, 24th January 2013 Recap

Jeff applies an impressive suplex to Daniels in the red hot main event. Photo credit: impactwrestling.com 

Taz, accompanied by many other Aces & 8s members, explained that he'd joined the group because he wanted to be a part of their vision from a "higher power." He also added that his contract made him "bullet proof," no one could put a finger on him without him suing the company for everything they're worth. He finally said that Aces were meant to rule over everyone, and that's exactly what they'll do. It wasn't a very good promo, and didn't clear anything up.

Tara (c) bested Velvet Sky to retain the Knockouts Title in a largely average contest. Compared to recent outings involving James, Kim and Tara, this wasn't up to par for me. Tara looked okay and put in a passable display, but Sky as usual was quite unremarkable. Tara grabbed the win with the help of her boyfriend Jesse who held down her legs as she covered Sky for the one-two-three.

Joseph Parks came out and admitted that he's never been the most athletic guy, but claimed that he felt his place was now in the Impact Zone as a pro wrestler and not in a court room. He went on to also announce that he will be on Impact next week from Manchester, England, and that he will be participating in his first ever Open Fight Night. I still enjoy the Parks persona, he's highly likeable and stands out from most. 

Zema Ion and Kenny King defeated Christian York and Rob Van Dam in a stellar tag bout. All four men gave fine efforts here, making the most of their time in the ring with exciting maneuvers, as it should always be with the X Division. A fun watch. Ion grabbed the cheeky winning pinfall for himself after King applied a flying blockbuster to York, Kenny was not best pleased with that. Hopefully this will lead into a Fatal Four Way for the X strap, could be very good. 

An understandably upset Bully Ray, accompanied by partner Brooke, came out and stated that he never expected Taz'z actions from the previous week and demanded to know where the "scumbag" was. Unfortunately for him Taz had previously stepped out to take a phone call after the last match had ended. Bully went on to warn Aces & 8s that what he'll do to them he can't even say on national television. Sting them joined them and told Hogan (who wasn't in attendance) that on next week's show he believes he will come out and reinstate Bully so he can help exact his revenge on Aces. It was an okay segment, moved things along and Ray did well enough.

Bobby Roode pinned Hernandez in a fair outing. There were enjoyable moments to be had here, but it was never anything particularly outstanding or exceptional. Certainly watchable, and better than I'd anticipated. At one point Aries ran down to help out Roode as 'Super Mex' was about to come flying at him on the outside, which caused Chavo Guerrero to tangle with AA, this led to Roode catching his opponent out and applying a fisherman suplex for the win.

Kurt Angle announced that he was sick and tired of Aces & 8s attacking everyone, and informed Mr. Anderson before calling him out that he will face him next week on Open Fight Night. Anderson managed to get in a few punches on Angle after telling him that he wanted to instead fight there and then, but Angle managed to make a comeback and chased off his foe, informing him that their match next week will be a steel cage one. Last time these two had a cage match it was superb, so hopefully it'll live up to that. But it is a bit odd that they're having one with Lockdown coming up, so I'm maybe thinking Aces will play a big part.

Jeff Hardy (c) defeated Christopher Daniels to retain the TNA World Heavyweight Championship in a thrilling and thoroughly enjoyable title clash. With these two on-form talents it's hardly a surprise how good the match was, with great back and fourth solid wrestling and nice near falls. Hardy grabbed the win after managing to kick Kazarian (who'd naturally interfered at ringside) through the ropes and applying a Swanton to Daniels. 

Afterwards Taz then distracted the champ by asking him what he'll do when everything around him is destroyed, this cued a masked Aces & 8s member to run out and crack Hardy's leg with a hammer from behind before legging it. Not quite sure what the point of this was, what Aces member could Hardy take on for the World Title that would be a realistic threat to it? I think they should've waited to involve Hardy with the gang when a new member had joined such as AJ Styles perhaps.

Overall it was a good show. Most match ups, bar the Knockouts one, ranged from enjoyable to terrific, especially the great main event. Taz as a heel commentator was fairly bizarre as he would sometimes switch back to being a face for a moment before switching back again, he's normally poor as it is but now he's even worse in my opinion, and he gave no real reason for joining Aces & 8s. On the positive side of the show again they did a nice job of setting things up for next week's Impact, giving fans a reason to check it out. A definite step up from last week. 

My Impact Wrestling, 4th October 2012 Recap

Photo credit: impactwrestling.com

Mr. Anderson defeated Gunner in a rather pedestrian match up. Both men put on passable performances, but nothing special. Afterwards Kid Kash (who'd come out with Gunner) attempted to take out Anderson, but instead received a Mic Check. Sting backstage was shown keeping a close eye on the bout as he was looking for recruits for his team facing Aces & Eights at Bound for Glory. 

Tara and Gail Kim bested Brooke Tessmacher and ODB in a fair tag bout. The action in the first half was superior to the second, with solid enough interaction between ODB and her two opponents. Unfortunately Tessmacher looked pretty average, not awful by any means, but average. For the finish Tara shoved her partner Kim into the Knockouts Champion and applied the Widows Peak for the one-two-three.   

Al Snow called out former Gut Check contestant Joey Ryan and apologised to him for putting his hands on him and action unprofessionally. The obnoxious Ryan called Snow "pathetic" and claimed that that night was all about him. Snow then presented a contract that had been agreed on for Ryan to join TNA, which he signed. Snow then happily revealed that the contract was actually only for one night at BFG, and it was for a match against him. Ryan was not pleased.

Samoa Joe (c) beat Rob Van Dam to retain the TNA Television title in an enjoyable outing. Both men put in good displays as they battled back and fourth, and RVD gave an effort above his usual standard in TNA. It was revealed later on that Joe will take on Magnus at BFG for his championship.

Backstage Bully Ray challenged Jeff Hardy to a match to prove his worth to Sting to gain a spot on his team. An insulted Austin Aries (who was also standing there) asked why Bully didn't challenge him instead. So to settle things Hardy set up a Triple Threat between them, which Bully agreed to. The slight hints to an Aries heel turn are making things interesting in his feud with Hardy.

Chavo Guerrero defeated Kurt Angle in a decent match up. Although it maybe wasn't as high a standard as I was hoping, it was still enjoyable for the most part and a worthy performance from both men. Chavo grabbed the winning quick roll up pin after Hernandez at ringside distracted Angle. Afterwards AJ Styles also jumped into the ring as all four men argued over the dubious match ending, Christopher Daniels and Kazarian then appeared and seemed to relish the bickering between their four future tag team opponents.

Zema Ion (c) bested Douglas Williams to retain the X Division Championship. The match itself was entertaining while it lasted, it's just a shame it wasn't allocated a little more time to benefit from. Williams as usual was on solid technical form and helped elevate Ion beyond his usual standard performance, not to take away from Ion who I still think could be a very promising talent. For the finish Ion managed to thrust Williams into the ringpost, causing him to damage his arm which the champ jumped on as he forced his opponent to tap to a nicely applied armbar.  

James Storm came out and stated that he intends to prove at BFG against Roode that "I am the better man" and reminded us (even though it'd already been mentioned a ton of times and had a video package) that MMA fighter King Mo will be the special enforcer in their match up as no ordinary official can handle them. Bobby Roode shortly joined 'The Cowboy' and warned that he shouldn't worry about King Mo, but worry about their encounter. He went on to also claim that they won't be having a match at BFG, but a fight that has been building since their days as Beer Money Inc.

He then added that King Mo doesn't concern him, which naturally cued the Bellator fighter's entrance. As the two men faced off Mo eventually had enough and pushed down 'The It Factor' and then joined Storm in the ring for a beer. 

Bully Ray defeated Jeff Hardy and Austin Aries to win a fair Triple Threat match. The bout itself was quite disappointing for me, I was expecting a worthy main event with great action but it just ranged from run of the mill to decent. Maybe my expectations were too high, if it'd been the main event of BFG it would've been far superior I'm sure.

In a messy ending Bully was clearly waiting for Hardy to run in and accidentally strike Aries, but AA turned too soon or Hardy was late (not too sure) and he had to run around and throw Jeff into the World Champion himself, then Bubba Bomb Hardy for the victory.

Hulk Hogan announced that he and Sting had decided to pick Mr. Anderson to team with 'The Stinger' at BFG to face Aces & Eights. But unfortunately for them we were then shown live footage of Aces & Eights taking out Anderson. So Bully Ray once again urged both men to pick him, and after some convincing from Sting Hogan shook Bully's hand on it. I'm betting on Bully turning on Sting at BFG and being revealed as a member of Aces & Eights all along.

Overall it was a okay show, certainly not the best of recent broadcasts but not bad. Most matches were decent enough and the Bound for Glory bouts are being set up nicely. It's also fair enough that they had a title match here but I just wish they'd been setting Ion up for a bigger X Division title match for their biggest event of the year, the title really needs more attention right now. 

My Impact Wrestling, 2nd August 2012 Recap

Before the bell had even rung for the first bout we had TNA World Heavyweight Champion Austin Aries and Kenny King taking the attack to their opponents Bobby Roode and X Division Champion Zema Ion. 

Kenny King and Austin Aries defeated Zema Ion and Bobby Roode in a fairly enjoyable tag match. The bout was well received from the fans in attendance, although most of it was just teasing the hot tag to Aries rather then providing particularly exciting action. Annoyingly they kept presenting random tweets from fans talking about Impact as the match up was taking place, just pointless. 

Sting called out James Storm and asked 'The Cowboy' to convince him and everyone else that he has no connection to the Aces & Eights group that's been taking out various wrestlers and officials. Storm stated that he didn't need anyone to fight his battles for him. Kurt Angle then joined them and presented some evidence that pointed towards Storm being affiliated with the gang and begged for them to come out during his match so he could exact some revenge. 

Bully Ray beat Robbie E in a brief contest in the Bound For Glory Series. It really did nothing at all for Robbie, although what was the point of him even being put into the BFG Series in the first place?

Madison Rayne defeated Mickie James, Tara and Gail Kim in a Fatal Four Way to become number one contender to the Knockouts title. The bout ranged from mediocre to flat out sloppy at moments, it wasn't very good at all. James and Kim managed to salvage it a bit but Tara and Rayne were not on form at all, which is unusual for Tara.

The only thing worse than the match was Brooke Tessmacher's guest commentary, she was awful. She just sounded so fake and proved that not only is she not good enough in the ring to be champion but she doesn't have the charisma or (any) acting skills either. I don't expect much at all from her title bout with Rayne.

Chavo Guerrero beat Kid Kash in an enjoyable match up. It wasn't anything particularly exciting but it was fun for the majority of it. A little disappointing that Chavo's very first feud in TNA is with Kash though, not a red hot start in the company.

Christopher Daniels and Kazarian asked Claire Lynch (the woman AJ Styles apparently impregnated in this awful storyline) to join them for her own baby shower in the ring. Amusingly one fan began chanting "You can't act" at Lynch, a truthful chant if I ever heard one. Daniels and Kaz proceeded to give Claire a few gifts for the baby, including a little AJ Styles attire which one of the commentators couldn't help but giggle at. Once again Lynch proved that she has no worth in pro wrestling and just shouted down the mic at AJ to "do the right thing!" I really, really cannot wait for her not to be needed anymore.

James Storm defeated Kurt Angle in a BFG Series bout. It was a solid main event, as expected with these two involved. They went move for move, counter for counter to provide some nice near falls and submission attempts. Afterwards Roode (Bobby and various other wrestlers had come to the ring in anticipation for Aces & Eights arrival) once again accused Storm of being behind the group and he, Bully Ray, Austin Aries and Storm all began brawling in the ring.

My Impact Wrestling, 26th July 2012 Recap

Sting started the show off by announcing that he was the substitute General Manager while Hogan was out injured and his first order of business was calling out Aces & Eights, the group that had attacked both himself and injured Hogan. But instead World Champion Austin Aries and Kurt Angle joined him to also exact revenge after beatings from Aces & Eights. Bobby Roode also came out and accused James Storm of being the man behind the new group. 'The Cowboy' didn't take too kindly to the accusation and began brawling with Roode in and outside the ring until they were separated.  

Madison Rayne and Gail Kim defeated Mickie James and Tara in an average tag bout. The action from James and Kim was solid enough, it's just the set up of the match felt a bit messy to me. Rayne grabbed the win as both her and James had each others shoulders down on the mat but Earl Hebner (who Rayne had snogged previously) made the call to go with Madison. Wonder why?

Douglas Williams beat Gut Check Contender Sam Shaw in an enjoyable enough match. Shaw seemed to get the fans behind him fairly quickly and looked quite decent, if a bit unpolished, in the ring. Unfortunately for Sam he was caught off guard during the match after former Gut Check Contender Joey Ryan once again came through the crowd and punched Al Snow before legging it. I'm quite liking the run ins from Ryan, not particularly original but fun.

Chavo Guerrero made his TNA debut to a warm reception and explained that he had joined the company to beat the "best" and have a Guerrero become a TNA champion for the first time. Kid Kash and Gunner then came out and mocked the Guerrero family, asking where they all were now. Chavo eventually had enough and began brawling with them both, with Hernandez also racing out to help out him.  

AJ Styles versus James Storm ended in a disqualification. It was an intense contest, with both experienced wrestlers putting in very solid efforts. The DQ came after Aces & Eights ran in and attacked Styles, the referee and security but ominously left out Storm. 

Sam Shaw was voted two to one in favour of obtaining a TNA contract by the Gut Check Judges (Bruce Pritchard, Taz and Al Snow). I didn't think he would myself. 

Zema Ion (c) beat Kenny King to retain the X Division title in an entertaining and fast paced bout. Both guys looked competent and charismatic in the ring as they exchanged moves. Roode aided Ion in his win after attacking King from behind (due to Aries being the one who chose King to get the title match under Sting's authority) as the ref was distracted, allowing Ion to easily finish him off and gain the one-two-three. 

Kurt Angle defeated Bully Ray in a Bound For Glory Series match up. It was a terrific main event as both great workers put on displays they can be very proud of. With plenty of nice near falls and counters it certainly kept you engaged. After the bell rang Aces & Eights once again began to take out everyone (bar Bully Ray who managed to sneak away) but this time Sting, Aries, Storm and Angle managed to mount a comeback and scare them away. Aries began to briefly question Storm before the show finished. 

Overall the show was entertaining enough with the in ring action, not outstanding but I can't complain about many of the matches being mediocre. Thankfully we also didn't have to endure any more of the awful AJ Styles and Clair Lynch storyline, smart move on the writers part. 

My TNA Destination X 2012 Recap

Mason Andrews defeated Lars Only, Rubix and Dakota Darsow in a Fatal Four Way to qualify for the X Division title tournament. It was a blistering match for the most part until the final few minutes. Unfortunately because of the sheer pace they all impressively kept up there were a few mistake here and there, but on the whole I very much enjoyed the opener. Exciting way to start the show and get the crowd going.

Mason Andrews defeated Kid Kash in an X Division title tournament match up. It was a decent if fairly unmemorable bout, with both wrestlers looking solid enough. As the typical heel Kash had the majority of the offense as Andrews made his heroic comeback towards the end, applying a quick roll up for the one-two-three.

Kenny King defeated Doug Williams to qualify for the X Division title Ultimate X match. It was an enjoyable contest, with both men giving a solid effort in the deliberately slow paced match up. It made a nice change from most X Division bouts with the more technically based wrestling from the talented Doug Williams too. King received a good backing from the fans.

Sonjay Dutt defeated Rashad Cameron to qualify for the X Division title Ultimate X match. Again it was another good display from both participants involved. Both Dutt and Cameron rarely let up at all in this red hot contest, with Dutt eventually gaining the winning pin after a brilliant twisting two footed stomp from the top rope onto Cameron's torso.

We were shown a VT displaying the awful injury that Jesse Sorensen suffered to his neck months ago and his progress to the present. Jesse himself then came out to the ring and stated that it was the fans support that motivated him to come back and do what he believes he was meant to do and wrestle. He also warned Zema Ion that he hopes he wins the X Division title so he can take it from him when he returns, then cash in the title at next years Destination X and become World Champion.

Zema Ion defeated Flip Cassanova to qualify for the X Division title Ultimate X match. Flip looked a lot more competent and less reckless here then he did on last weeks Impact in my opinion. It was a good bout, with the charismatic Ion being the predictable victor.

Samoa Joe defeated Kurt Angle via referee stoppage in a Bound For Glory Series match. It was, as expected, a superb and thrilling contest. Angle (for my money the top talent in the company) and Joe once again put on a display that brought the divided fans to their feet in respect and captivation of the action happening in front of them. The referee called for the bell after Angle had failed to move for a while while in the Cocina Clutch.

AJ Styles defeated Christopher Daniels in a Last Man Standing match. And what a match this was. Both AJ and Daniels majorly surpassed my expectations here (and I had high hopes) and put on the match of the night and one of the finest and dramatic PPV bouts of the year so far. It was truly a war as both men bled, threw each other onto the ramp, stage and through a table for an epic finish as AJ used the Styles Clash on Daniels to put him through it. Kazarian also attempted to help out 'The Fallen Angel' but failed as he was taken out by Styles. Honestly, if you weren't planning on checking out this event then at least do yourself a favour and watch this one match.

Zema Ion defeated Sonjay Dutt, Kenny King and Mason Andrews to win the X Division Championship in an Ultimate X match. While for the majority of the bout it was entertaining enough, it also felt fairly disappointing considering the huge build up and quality of matches leading into it. For me it certainly isn't up there with the top Ultimate X matches of the past. I do whole heartily agree with the victor and new champion though, Ion has shown his charisma and skill in the ring and proven his worth as the successor to Aries as the top X Division wrestler. I'm personally also really hoping that Sonjay Dutt sticks around.

Austin Aries defeated Bobby Roode (c) to win the TNA World Heavyweight Championship in an extremely feel good main event. The first half of the contest was admittedly quite drab for me, the action was slow and there were a few sloppy moments. But fortunately the second half of the bout really started to gain some steam as the intensity increased and both men had some very effective near falls, including one after Roode had struck AA with the title belt. Aries then managed to apply his signature Brainbuster for the one-two-three, causing the fans to jump up in excitement as it settled in that Aries had really just toppled the seven month long reign of Roode and won a World Championship after all his hard work and dedication to professional wrestling. 

As Aries stood there with his newly won title, confetti falling around him, it really was the perfect ending to yet another solid pay-per-view from TNA. From start to finish this was a show worth watching (with some very rare exceptions) and proof that the company, its roster and its bookers can do it right and pull it off when they really want to. Perhaps the future, like the new World Champion's, is bright for TNA after all?

My TNA Victory Road 2012 Recap

Before his match up Bully Ray came to the ring and announced himself "the talk of the wrestling world" due to him taking the pay-per-view hostage. This was because he demanded that his match with James Storm later that night to be changed into a number one contenders match to the TNA World Heavyweight Title. James Storm joined Ray and said that he never had to waste the peoples time and he gave him that number one contenders match right there and then.

James Storm defeated Bully Ray in a very brief bout after Ray sipped some of Storm's beer and then received a Last Call Superkick for the one-two-three. I think this could have been quite a decent match if they'd given it a bit more time.  

Austin Aries (c) defeated Zema Ion to retain his X Division Championship in a thrilling and all round solid match up. Both men went back and fourth with their impressive display of moves throughout and Ion had a nice near fall towards the end after spraying Aries in the face with his hair spray, which also blinded Aries for the remainder of the bout. Before the match Aries stated that it doesn't matter where he appears on the card it's always the main event. On another night, he would've maybe been right, but tonight there was a special match to come involving an Olympic Gold Medallist and the 'Charismatic Enigma'.

Magnus and Samoa Joe (c) defeated Matt Morgan and Crimson to retain the TNA Tag Team Titles. The majority of the match was quite dull with the average Crimson involved, it at least picked up a bit in excitement once Joe got into the action and picked up the pace. After arguing throughout the tag bout, Crimson eventually had enough and speared his partner Morgan, leaving him to be finished off and pinned by Magnus and Joe. Well at least we won't have to watch them as a tag team any more, but unfortunately this also means we'll have to endure them going into a singles feud.

Robbie E opened up his first ever 'Robbie E Invitational' for the TNA Television Title to any fan in the crowd. But after much deliberation Robbie decided to cancel the invitational and start posing with his manager/bodyguard Robbie T until Devon made his way through the crowd and accepted the challenge.

Devon defeated Robbie E (c) to win the TNA Television Title in a rather short but action packed contest. The win was very well received with the fans and Devon did look pretty decent between the ropes, with a fast pace and solid maneuvers.

Gail Kim (c) defeated Madison Rayne to retain her TNA Knockouts Championship in quite an average bout that played before a largely indifferent crowd. And I don't blame the fans there, with the build up to the match it was never made clear who you were really meant to be cheering on. Now the action wasn't bad, in fact Rayne's moves looked better then they maybe ever have, it just didn't draw you in like every title match should.      

AJ Styles and Mr. Anderson defeated Kazarian and Christopher Daniels in a solid tag team contest that started off a little drab but certainly pulled you in with a blistering finish. Styles and Daniels were the top performers of the match up with a good effort by both wrestlers, Kaz and Anderson also looked decent. 

Kurt Angle defeated Jeff Hardy in a thrilling match up that even exceeded my expectations. Both men put on a superb display, with plenty of effective near falls and crisp action. If you only watch one match from this pay-per-view (although not sure why you would) then watch this one. 

Bobby Roode defeated Sting in a surprisingly engrossing No Holds Barred match. I can't remember the last performance from 'The Stinger' that was this entertaining, he gave a great effort here and deserved the fans applaud. Fortunately there weren't too many weapons used in the bout either (which is what I usually expect from a TNA in these kinds of contests) I believe that may have tainted it a bit and taken away from the enjoyable wrestling on display. Roode gained the winning pin after Sting accidentally knocked himself out on a steel chair he was unaware was there as he applied a Scorpion Death Drop.

Afterwards the World champ threw the referee out of the ring, dragged Dixie Carter (who'd been at ringside) in and forced her to look at the beaten Sting. As he then prepared to strike 'Stinger' with a steel chair 'The Icon' made a comeback, but this was short lived as Roode managed to KO Sting with the chair and tape his hands to the ropes. Dixie pleaded with him to stop as Roode almost struck her with the chair, but instead he just left with the World title. It was an effective finish, but also a bit absurd, as if no one would come to a defenseless woman like Dixie's aid?   

Overall Victory Road was a bit of a mixed bag, but was fortunately saved by a few matches which definitely gave the fans their money's worth and a very memorable one in Angle versus Hardy.

My Impact Wrestling, March 1st 2012 Recap

Kurt Angle started off Impact by explaining the reasons he attacked Jeff Hardy a couple of weeks ago. The reasons included Hardy's appearance, the fans preference of him (including Angle's own son), among others. Angle then called out Hardy, who obliged to the request. The Olympic gold medalist challenged Jeff to a match atVictory Road, which he accepted in the form of a beat down on Angle. Although Taz described it as "Hardy just exploded all over Kurt Angle" I'm not going to even touch that...   

Backstage during an interview with TNA World Heavyweight Champion Bobby Roode, fellow champion Austin Aries interrupted and explained to Roode what many things they have in common, including the fact that they both have quarrels with Sting. It's a very refreshing change to see the charismatic and talented Aries finally getting the attention he has earned by being associated with the World champion. 

AJ Styles before his Gauntlet match up, said that if he wins then Christopher Danielsand Kazarian must reveal the truth behind Daniels' mysterious hold over Kaz and his turn on his former Fortune partner. Kazarian accepted on Daniels behalf. This storyline has been dragged on for too long now, I'm sure most fans have already lost interest.  

Kazarian defeated AJ Syles in the Gauntlet Match after Kazarian raced into the ring and applied a Fade To Black to AJ, causing Daniels to be disqualified but gaining him the one-two-three over Styles. The bout itself had been an exciting and heated contest between Daniels and AJ, a lot more entertaining then their last few battles in TNA. 

Backstage TNA Knockout Champion Gail Kim revealed to her tag partner (and number one contender to her Knockout Title) Madison Rayne that she had gotten her a "gift" in the form of a match with ODB. What a friend, huh? Rayne was not impressed.  

ODB defeated Madison Rayne in a mediocre match which did nothing at all to help promote the number one contender to Kim's title. It was a waste of time to be honest, except only to further emphasis the crumbling of Rayne and Kim's partnership.

Backstage Ric Flair warned Garet Bischoff that he has one week left to officially retire from professional wrestling, or else. Garet is still, after all Flair, his Dad and Gunner have done to him, humble and respectful to Flair. It just makes him look a bit pathetic to be honest.

Bobby Roode, accompanied by Austin Aries and Bully Ray, told Sting that there would be no match between them at Victory Road because "I'm done." Bully Ray then blamed Sting for NFL Player Brandon Jacobs physical attacks on him, thereby causing Ray "the biggest embarrassment of my career." Aries accused Sting on the mic of being"jealous" of all three of them and their abilities and blamed him for not being booked in a single main event on Impact, which I actually agree with he does deserve that spot. As a form of protest all three men then sat in the ring, that was until 'Stinger' suddenly appeared in there with them after the lights went out.

Sting warned Aries and Roode that if they are indeed "done" with the company then they'll both be stripped of their respective titles. He also decided to grant Aries his wish and booked him in the main event with Roode and Bully, where they would take on the TNA Tag Team Champions Samoa Joe and Magnus, along with the World Title number one contender James Storm.       

Zema Ion defeated Shannon Moore in a solid enough match up, not a classic by any means. Ion is certainly showing plenty of personality and getting the right reaction from the fans, I'm looking forward to seeing what he does in the future.

Velvet Sky and Mickie James defeated Angelina Love and Sarita in a match which ranged in quality. It started off rather drab until the underutilised Sarita (standout performer of the match for me) picked up the pace and provided some nice action with James. Velvet picked up the win after hitting Love with the In Yo' Face.   

Unfortunately during the said tag team bout Mike Tenay kept annoyingly plugging TMZ during the match too, which just got on my nerves. I have no quarrels with advertising being involved with pro wrestling, but just not on commentary during a match.   

James Storm, Magnus and Samoa Joe defeated Austin Aries, Bobby Roode and Bully Ray in a very entertaining and action packed main event tag match. All six wrestlers looked like they belonged in the main event, and you could tell that each of them wanted to put out a memorable performance. Aries gave a solid display and I hope this is a sign of things to come for him, if it were up to me I'd have him drop the title to Ion and then feud with someone like Storm or Hardy to really get his status up.

Afterwards Bully Ray cracked Storm in the face with a steel chair by big booting it. This is most likely leading to a match between them at Victory Road where I imagine Abysswill most likely (unfortunately) return for revenge on Ray.

Overall it was actually a pretty entertaining Impact, with the majority of matches delivering and the storylines progressing nicely. The post Russo era is starting to look positive for the company.