James Storm Wins
One Surprising Step Up
Hulk Hogan reportedly kept Bobby Roode from winning on Sunday and at first glance, that was a horrible decision that contributed to Bound For Glory being such a disappointment. In hindsight, if that decision is what made TNA pull a complete 180, put the title on James Storm four days later, and shock the world in the process, then I'm almost convinced Hogan might be a genius!
The perception for years, by no fault of James Storm, has been that he is good enough to "eventually" be a World Heavyweight Champion, but the timing must be right first. I don't know how anyone could say the timing was right for Storm to win this week. Roode's the guy that was "supposed" to be primed and ready. For months, it's been about developing Roode as the credible challenger and next World Champion. Storm has been a valuable contributor, but at the end of the day, he was supposed to be a mere footnote in the history book.
When wrestling is good though, it's great.
The unpredictable nature of the business is meant to be the only predictable part of it. If it weren't for spoilers, I doubt any wrestling fan would have expected Storm to win that match on Thursday. And the fact that he did win only worked because people expected it so little. That, and it's believable. Storm has been in not just one successful tag team, but two. Two tag teams touted as the best in the world during their respective runs and as a result, Storm has earned respect and credibility from not only the fans, but from his peers as well.
Those that bitched when Angle retained at BFG (myself included) should honestly be thanking Hogan for his misguided and inappropriate ways. Sometimes, good can come from bad. This was certainly the case for James Storm.
