The Undercard
Mickie James defeated Gail Kim in a very entertaining Knockouts match. With these two veterans, I felt like you knew that the match would flow with ease, stability, and with execution. James was on the defensive early in the match as Gail was using her speed to kick down James. As we forwarded, you saw the usual comeback from James, including a spinning kick right to the stomach of Gail, and a strong suplex. I really enjoyed this match between the two because they gave them enough time to execute all that was needed. A hard fought bout that ended up with the right Knockout winning. Grade: B+
Bobby Roode defeated Christian York. For the second consecutive week, York competed with one of TNA's best. He put on another great outing, and continues to impress me. Roode can make anyone look good, but I am going to give credit to York here. He has creative moves, athletic ones (the Rolling Thunder type move we saw him connect with as Roode was in the corner) and still realizes how strong he really is. When you combine that, he is a hybrid type athlete that you can pit against any opponent. You knew he would not pull the upset on the Number 1 Contender, but he came out firing and really put on a good match with Roode. The end came with Roode barely escaping with the victory, and is something his character has relied on for months. He will dominate, come back hot, only to barely pull of a victory. At least his character is consistent. Grade: B+
James Storm and AJ Styles defeated Kazarian and Christopher Daniels , which was the most entertaining match of the night. Styles had trouble from the very beginning hitting his moves, which is a direct coorelation of his struggles recently, and the storyline he has been involved in. His facial expressions and his body language is PERFECT for getting over the point that he does not have a World Championship match for a year. It is a clever idea, and he is doing it just right. Styles did hit a few offensive moves in the match, including a beautiful reverse neckbreaker onto Daniels. Man, that move looks fantastic. Also, James Storm comes in when Styles was struggling and got to finish off his opponents. Storm was the man who carried the aggressive moves, landed the big strike, and picked up the victory. I would love to see Styles/Storm in the near future. They both have reasons to be upset, with two different personalities, yet still TNA guys. This would be spectacular. Grade: A-
Matt Morgan squashed Doug Williams. I like Morgan, I really do, but what the hell is the cape for? What is his actual character? I really do not think this meshes with his look, his appeal, and his demeaner. Let Morgan became a unique wrecking machine, which is what he is built for. Grade: C
