I'll divide my thoughts on today's show into two categories: those that gave me hope for the show's future, and those that inspired cold dread in me. For it is these two polar forces that will battle, and unfortunately, the latter category is largely populated by those who have the power in the company....so here it is:
HOPE
- The three-way promo and match between Kazarian, Daniels and Doug Williams. There were some great spots during the match, the highlight being Kazarian giving Daniels a Northern Lights Suplex while already in a pinning position on Doug Williams. Insane. Williams' rollup into Northern Lights finisher is a treat for the eyes. The X-Division is full of great talent, and I really hope the "big names" don't eat into their well-earned TV time.
- The great Kurt Angle segment where he and the US Army beat up Mr. Anderson. Angle was very good on the mic as always, and his speech had a very good feel to it. It was unusual that Angle got his revenge so early in the feud. I suspect Anderson will get his heat back in a major way. This rivalry is different from all others in TNA right now because both characters are firmly established. I hope TNA goes with more structured booking and clearly-defined characters in their feuds, rather than the overload of gimmicks and frequent face/heel turns they do.
- Sting as a heel. We've never seen it. Why did he turn? Why the sudden aggression towards Dixie Carter? This would be a lot more effective if turns weren't so frequent in TNA. But it should be interesting to hear his justification. I hope its a good one.
- Rob Van Dam and Jeff Hardy. Two extremely valuable acquisitions. RVD has a cult following and will add to the magnificent in-ring talent in TNA. Jeff Hardy was the hottest thing in pro wrestling before he left WWE and has a huge fan base. If TNA uses him well there's no saying. I hope they do
- The Knockouts: This is one area where TNA are miles ahead of the WWE. Their women can actually wrestle, and they are by no means unpleasant to look at. The Knockouts also have unique characters and gimmicks, which were all on display in this week's three-way tag match. I like the though of Daffney being Champion. The Beautiful People winning the Knockout Tag Titles is a logical move. The Knockouts will definitely be given their screen time, and I hope all these women continue to thrive.
FEAR
- Abyss: Why is Hulk Hogan a fan of this guy? Why is anyone a fan of this guy? I'm not impressed by his ring work, and he may be hands down the worst actor in pro wrestling today. And that is saying something. I may be able to accept him as a silent monster heel. But as a childish, teary, naive fool with a magic ring? Please spare me. However, I fear this act is here to stay. His continued push is also very disturbing.
- The Band: Scott Hall. Age 52. Can barely walk. Can barely talk. Six-Pac. Formerly X-Pac. Age 37. Can still go in the ring. But all these two do is bully Kevin Nash. Age 50. And try to get him back in The Band, although he says he's too cool for it now. They do this week after week, each time being banned forever from entering the Impact Zone. And for some reason poor Eric Young. Age 30. So talented. Is stuck in the middle of all of this. If he ends up getting some upward thrust from this, then good, but its a sad sight to see what could be a 90s WCW rerun eroding 10-15 minutes each week. I fear this will continue.
- Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair wrestling. Please stop. Please. Come out every week in the ring and cut your charismatic promos. The crowd will still love you. They do not want to see you hobble across the ring, sweat, bleed and unconvincingly beat up people less than half your age. Will you ever know when to call it quits? I fear not.
- AJ "Ric Flair" Styles: Two months ago, AJ Styles was the most popular wrestler on TNA. He is by anyone's account one of the top ten wrestlers in the world today. Many say he's the best. Why then, has he become a parody of Ric Flair? The first night he embraced this new heel character, I loved his promo. He had the cockiness and flashiness of Flair, while retaining his own personality traits. After that? Seems like he's been misdirected to try and become Flair himself. He is now clearly playing someone who he is not. Please let AJ be himself. Will they? I fear not.
- The TNA World Heavyweight Championship: Who is Styles defending it against at Destination X? What were his last three rivalries? Can you answer this in less than three seconds? No. Because TNA is booking its performers rather than its championships, and that is a dangerous place to be. The Title has become an insignificant prop in the current Flair/Hogan/Abyss/Styles saga, which is sad. I fear for this and the other championships in TNA.
- Mick Foley and Jeff Jarrett: Where the hell are they going with this? Both of them, as well as Eric Bischoff, are playing their parts very well, but what exactly are their parts? I fear this is just a meaningless way for all concerned to kill a bit of time.
It seems like there's a little more Fear than Hope. However, right now, its still a marginal call. TNA can still "Turn things around" to use their own phrase, and I certainly hope that they realize what the fans want and do the sensible thing. Don't panic, and don't be foolish like WCW was. The competition will only make it better for us as fans.
Highlights of the Night:
Best Performers: (1) Kazarian (2) Kurt Angle (3) Daniels
Best Match: Kazarian vs. Daniels vs. Doug Williams (X-Division Championship)
Best Promo: Kurt Angle
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