The Main Events
– Rampage Jackson makes his TNA Debut when Jeremy Borash introduces him to the crowd. Rampage comes out and talks about being the best in TNA. This brings out Kurt Angle who talks about himself and talks about how HE is the best in the company. Angle says whenever Rampage is ready, so will Kurt.
This is a good idea for TNA for a few reasons. First off, they will never get a 5 Star MMA fighter, like Brock Lesnar. Lesnar was on top of the world in UFC, but TNA is not on top of the world. They are a B company and they signed a B fighter. It is as simple as that. Rampage is past his prime in many ways, but his character can connect to the wrestling world. He has been in movies and has a star appeal to him, but not a HUGE appeal. I am alright with this signing because it will give the mainstream attention to TNA for a period of time. That is never a bad thing for a company. Angle vs. Rampage will be fun to watch, if Rampage can work on his character and really evolve in that role.
Grade: B
Bully Ray vs. Jeff Hardy ended in No Contest. This was a great bout back and forth between two guys who know each other so well. This was a ladder match, where a hammer was hanging on top of the ladder for usage. Hardy was really getting beaten down until Hardy fought back with some right hands but Bully kicks him in the face. The pace of the match was really in favor of Bully Ray. Hardy teases a Twist of Fate but connects with a DDT. As the match goes back and forth, both men tease going up the ladder. When the hammer gets in play, both guys duck and miss getting hit with it. Bully Ray leaves the ring and heads backstage. Hulk Hogan tries to hit Bully, but Brooke yells and distracts him unintentionally.
The ending was odd for me. I understand what they are trying to do, keeping Brooke in the storyline. This is where TNA is at fault with only a few Pay Per Views, where they have to book televised shows so carefully. They have 4 months until Bound For Glory, so you can tell they are recycling some stories and tried to add dimensions to other ones. Brooke will eventually side with Bully Ray, but when? Can they hold off until October? Doubtful.
Grade: B-
