TNA Impact Hits & Misses 2/16
By Teddy Panagiotopoulos, PWTorch specialist

PRE-SHOW THOUGHTS: Hallelujah to TNA Wrestling for finally removing Vince Russo from Creative. His removal was clearly visible at the Against All Odds PPV when the amount of outside interference and cheap finishes were kept to a minimum. As it relates to the PPV, I was glad to see Samoa Joe and Magnus capture the Tag Team Championships and now is the opportunity to continue building on the chemistry they are quickly forming. Also, the X Division Championship match was the “Match of the Night,” as both Austin Aries and Alex Shelley put on a tremendous wrestling match. These two could easily headline an episode of Impact and proved it by their match last Sunday. Even though the ending to the World Title match was not clean, it fit the ongoing rivalry between Sting and Bobby Roode. Overall, I thought it was definitely a positive step in the right direction for TNA. I also thought Against All Odds was the best PPV since Bound For Glory. On to the show....

IMPACT HITS

BOBBY ROODE: Instead of dividing up his segments into multiple hits, I decided to lump everything together as Bobby Roode was on his game on this week's Impact. From his show-opening promo, to the World Heavyweight Championship match, to the slow-closing in-ring confrontation with Sting, Bobby Roode simply shined. His opening promo was perfect as he tried turning the obvious boos from the crowd into chants of his last name. Then, after antagonizing Sting with his “I am still the World Champion and there is nothing you can do about it” statement, he received his comeuppance, once again, as Sting announced Roode would defend his championship against Jeff Hardy immediately.

While another hot-shot championship match can ultimately be detrimental, it served its purpose of one-upping Roode for trash-talking Sting. Plus, it rewarded the fans who tuned in at the start of the show and definitely supplied a great hook for those to stay tuned. At over 16 minutes, the match between Roode and Hardy delivered. I did like Mike Tenay mentioning how the decision to put the World Title on first “changed the format of the show.” Hardy showing some aggression was nice, given this match was his supposed “final chance” to win the World Championship. Although Hardy's total domination was moot when Roode only needed a running spear to retain the championship, it sets up Hardy to feud with Kurt Angle.

After Roode “cheating the system” once again, he was confronted by Sting backstage and was told that the Icon was not done with him yet. Later on, following James Storm becoming #1 contender (more later), the in-ring segment with Roode and Sting was a nice conclusion to the show. Sting proudly announcing when Storm would receive his championship match with Roode, followed by Roode's “response” to Sting's decision-making, was a fine way to set up the eventual showdown between Roode and Sting at Victory Road. Overall, I liked how the first three-quarters of the show was focused simply on Roode and the World Heavyweight Championship. Well done by TNA.

KNOCKOUTS BATTLE ROYAL: First off, it was nice to see Sarita, Rosita, and Brooke Tessmacher back on Impact, and it was also nice to see Winter and Angelina Love used in a meaningful way and not involved with Eric Young's schtick. This match was a Hit AND a Miss. The negative aspect of the match were the rapid-fire eliminations to start. The quick eliminations resembled a Divas Battle Royal and that is not the comparisons you want to have. However, once the match boiled down to Velvet, Angelina, and Sarita, it actually settled down to a wrestling match and the quality improved, especially involving an under-utilized Sarita. The ending with Madison re-entering the ring to eliminate Velvet, after her announcement at the start of the match, was somewhat surprising and expected at the same time. With Gail Kim and Madison Rayne currently the Tag Team Champions, it creates intrigue to see who is the better partner.

X DIVISION TAG MATCH: Good match, as expected, from the X Division. There was the built-in story of Aries and Ion as teammates while Ion is the number-one contender to the Aries's title. Ion stealing the victory from Aries continued the recent Impact trend of heels not getting along simply because they are heels. It would make zero sense for Ion and Aries to co-exist when Ion wants the X Title that Aries currently possesses. Ultimately, this was a fine effort from the X Division and Ion challenging Aries for the championship, presumably at Victory Road, should be a momentary setback in the continuation of the Aries-Shelley feud.

MAIN EVENT: At Against All Odds, each man involved in the four-way title match had a chance to speak his mind about wanting to become World Champion. It was a similar situation with Storm and Ray before the #1 contender's match. Having potential challengers speak about their desire to become champion is the best way to put any championship, especially the World Title, over in the eyes of the audience. Storm putting over Ray's toughness and as a competitor and opponent gives Ray even more credibility. As far as the match went, the strategy with Ray focusing his attack on injuring Storm's left leg was creative and the announcers enhanced the plan, as well: If Storm can't balance himself or put weight on his legs, he can't execute the Last Call superkick. But, Ray's strategy backfired as Storm used his right boot to dim Bully's lights to earn a championship match. Overall, for the second time in three weeks, Storm and Ray delivered in a one-on-one main event.

BULLY RAY: Even though Storm got the victory, I believe Ray deserves an opportunity at the World Title. He is in the midst of the best run of his career and has gotten himself into the best shape of his life. He truly belongs in the spot he currently holds and I honestly didn't think I would be saying that when Team 3D broke up two years ago. Plus, I loved the line where he said, “Pretty boys have abs, but real men have calves.” “Calveszilla” is the best part of TNA right now.

IMPACT MISSES

BRANDON JACOBS: This is a marginal miss because Brandon Jacobs did nothing wrong in his appearance. In fact, his role was fine and for TNA to make headlines, it was logical for him to get physically involved. But, as a fan of the New England Patriots, it was tough to watch a New York Giant receive so much love and admiration. Maybe it's just sour grapes or crying over spilled milk, but I liked when Bully Ray spit beer in Jacobs's face. I am rooting for Bully Ray next week on Impact, even if I am setting myself up for disappointment.

***

POST-SHOW THOUGHTS: With only one marginal miss, I thought Impact continued TNA's path in a positive direction. Although Vince Russo's departure is not the only answer in correcting the Creative woes from within the company, it was a necessary move. The majority of the show focused on the World Heavyweight Championship situation, which resulted in Bobby Roode vs. James Storm set up for Lockdown in what should be an epic confrontation.

The Tag Team, X Division, and Knockouts Championship storylines were also advanced on this show. Even though it was not mentioned in the Hits column, the backstage promo with Samoa Joe and Magnus was well done. You could see the confidence oozing out from the new champions and the promo, although it lasted merely a minute, did a great job hyping next week's Tag Title re-match. Even the segment involving Eric Bischoff, Gunner, Ric Flair, and a returning Chelsea was not terrible. Perhaps it was the fact Hulk Hogan and Garett Bischoff were not on the show and it made sense for the elder Bischoff and Immortal to celebrate what happened at Against All Odds. And, it was nice seeing Chelsea back in TNA. She is absolutely stunning.

Overall, Impact successfully began the hype to Victory Road while following through in the aftermath of Against All Odds. Plus, with Lockdown looming, it was wise marketing to announce the main event two months in-advance. Now, with Lockdown taking place in Tennessee, TNA can promote how the hometown boy (James Storm) will be competing for the World Title in one of the biggest events of the year. But, at the same time, Victory Road is now presented as an afterthought. TNA has a tough task ahead to convince the audience not to miss Victory Road next month.

[Torch art credit Grant Gould (c) PWTorch.com]

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