The Main Events
Bobby Roode defeated James Storm in what was basically a Last Man Standing match. I can watch these two guys fight over and over again. They are really excellent workers and know how to sell every bit of move in the ring. The two former champions used trash cans for the most part. Storm crushed Roode's head in the can before taking a spinebuster that exploded the can. As the match continued, both men exchanged shots to the head with the lids of said trash cans. When chairs were added to the mix, Roode hit an Attitude Adjustment (yes, I know) through two chairs. Storm was basically knocked out cold and barely got to his feet before suffering more punishment. Roode grabbed barbed wire that was on a wooden board from under the ring. Gunner came out to throw in the towel and end the match. Roode wins and advances.
I loved this because both guys know each other so well in the ring and created some stellar moments over the years. They used everything to their advantage. The little things really made this match better, like Roode yelling at storm and cursing at him. He yelled and told him to stay down, while Storm battled back up. You rarely see these from so many other guys in TNA. Bravo to Storm and Roode for putting on a classic fight that was much better than previous fights. It was kept logical and tactful.
Grade: A
Ken Anderson defeated Bully Ray in the main event of the night. It has been 18 months that Aces and Eights have been part of TNA's programming. No more, as the group is gone for good. This was the right time to end the stable led by Bully Ray. He did all he could to make the group interesting, but he never had the right guys with him. TNA has so much talent, but they let go of Gallows and many other important pieces. He was a guy that I liked in the group. I did not like Bischoff or Brisco. They did not fit overall with their appeal. They were pretty boys that wanted to be in a biker gang. It did not work.
Anderson put on a pair of pants and tweaked his look a bit. I like this from him. Anderson looks to have toned up and added an extra step in his game. He ran the ropes and the ring much quicker and with more smooth motion. The match was a fight, a slugfest and one that needed outside interference. The hammer was the end of the group, the same weapon that has made them so dominant. They lived and now they died by that same weapon. It makes sense.
Grade: B
Impact Wrestling Reaction Grade: B
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