Instant Reaction - Impact Wrestling 5/10
By Benjamin Tucker, PWTorch TV specialist

Overall Score - 7.0

Tonight was a huge improvement over the last few episodes. And, while Sacrifice still feels like it's being overshadowed by everything else in the TNA Universe, there was still a noticeable amount of hype for Sunday's show. RVD managed to have some character development with his backstage segments, but at the same time he continues to look like the biggest idiot in all of wrestling. Why risk a World Title shot just for a stipulation? It actually seems like an ongoing trait of RVD's character in TNA where he always seems to make poor decisions. He's really been made out to be like a bumbling oaf when he's not wrestling. Unfortunately, there's still no real issue between RVD and Roode, which is a shame. Despite the length of Roode's title reign, he still can't become a mega-heel without more personal feuds, like his one with James Storm. All of this being said, the main event four-way match was a lot of fun to watch, and the finish played out pretty well.

The rest of the show was, for the most part, entertaining. The Knockouts had a passable match, and while the basic Knockout story hasn't wowed me, it's at least a coherent story. The TV Title feud with Devon and Robbie E. already feels like it's beating a dead horse. I like Devon and all, but someone who actually needs the belt should take it off him. Right now, it seems like he's preventing the belt from actually gaining a better reputation.

The hype for Aries-Ray at the PPV was one of the main highlights of the show, and while Ray was on Impact a hair too much, it wasn't too bad. Ray's attack on Morgan was sold very well (which led to a good promo from Crimson), and the follow-up match with Aries and Ion was also good, giving Aries some momentum. That being said, why does Ion get all of these title matches?

Now, I don't know where they're going with the Styles-Carter photo scandal, but I don't like it. Heel or face, A.J. has (excluding his heel Fortune run) been known to be a family man. This entire thing strips him of one of the main basis of his character. Why cheer for a man who doesn't follow his own morals? There's a good chance the photos are "doctored" or something, but it feels like the Creative team is playing with fire, and I don't like it. The Abyss surprise at the end of the show was a nice hook, though, even if I'm not so sure that this entire story will end up being worth it in the end.

But, the best part of this show? The magical term called "pacing." Most of the segments were given time to breathe, and multiple segments were even given recaps after commercial breaks! Freaking recaps! Did the show sell me on Sacrifice? Eh, not too much. But, it was leaps and bounds above the product that TNA's been rolling out since their shows in London earlier this year.

Any questions or comments? Message me on Twitter at BTuckertorch!

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