The Undercard
Magnus defeated Samoa Joe to advanced in the TNA World Heavyweight Championship tournament. Not a bad match to kick off the action inside of the ring on Impact Wrestling. Magnus continues to get better in the ring and has a much different opponent than he is used to in Samoa Joe. Magnus is able to hit a few suplexes and really control the big man for a good portion of the match. Both men head to the outside and brawl around the ring. Magnus hits an elbow drop and picks up the win shortly after. The pacing was good, not great. You can tell the pausing in the match had nothing to do with telling the story, but more of Joe catching his breath. Magnus needed this victory and needs to continue to be pushed to the top. His stature is great, as well as his mixture of strength and athleticism. You can see this every week and it continues to grow.
Grade: B
Gail Kim defeated Candace Larea. It was a very basic match. Candace is very attractive, but very green in the ring. She was slow to her moves, didn't execute some simple transitions and needs more work before getting into the ring with Gail Kim. I think Kim deserves credit for keeping the pace and really leading her in the match.
Grade: D+
Ethan Carter III defeated Shark Boy. Once again, Carter has a great look and an entrance to boot. Where is his competition? Why waste so much time on a guy that obviously has a good look and an intriguing personality that we want to see more? I love his entrance and I really think he has some good value in the long run. Until he gets a feud, he will continue to get graded low.
Grade: C-