The Undercard
Bobby Roode defeated Kurt Angle in a 2/3 Falls Match. This was the first match of the night and it was a good one. Roode and Angle battle in the first fall with quick offense, reversals and aggressive strikes. I liked the first fall the most because both men came out of the gates firing on all cylinders. When Angle would try for his finisher, Roode would counter. It always seemed like Roode was one step ahead of Angle. Roode picks up the first fall with his neckbreaker variation finisher. I really think its a good move for someone who isn't extremely strong or athletic. He can execute it on anyone. The second fall was to Kurt, who connected with an Angle Slam for the victory. The third fall was all about submission. Angle locked in the Ankle Lock, Roode locked in the crossface. Both men willed their way to the ropes. After a third Ankle Lock submission, Roode rolled through and grabbed the rope for leverage and the victory. The end of this match leaves this feud open. I am absolutely alright with that. Both guys are so familiar with their counterparts' abilities and feed off of their energy. Well done from both competitors to make a dramatic and interesting 2/3 falls match.
Grade: B+
Madison Rayne and ODB defeated Gail Kim and Lei'd Tapa. Tapa dominated most of the match. I like what I have seen from her in the ring with the small sample size. She is definitely going to be a Knockouts Champion in 2014. I find it funny that ODB is viewed as "the powerful Knockout" in the company. Just because her rack is huge doesn't necessarily make her the power house that she is painted out to be. Anyways, Kim wants the glory of picking up the victory. It would backfire when Tapa and ODB were on the outside and Rayne stole a pin fall victory over her. I get it, you have to build your competition for Kim. I am skeptical if Rayne is the best option right now.
Grade: C+
– Joseph Park and Eric Young are in the ring together. Park says that he is not Abyss. Young shows him thumb tacks and tries to get Park to react. He announces a Monster's Ball match next week between Park and Bad Influence. Lastly, Young gives Park Janice, his old wooden bat with nails attached to it. He looks at it and leaves. Maybe, just maybe, this is finally the end of Park. I would love to see him come out next week as Abyss and end this ridiculous character.
Grade: C
