Sting def. Bobby Roode in a Lumberjack Match
What I Liked:
This was the perfect way to start off such a big night for the company. You feature your legend, someone who can still go, with the face of your company. Bobby Roode does a great job carrying the mid portion of the match, until Sting was able to hit a handful of his usual moves to gain the advantage. I really enjoyed the match and the ability for these guys to connect with the audience. Furthermore, the lumberjacks were guys who the company rely on for all of their stories. I felt like TNA wanted the new audience to see what they have to offer, including close up shots of RVD, Anderson, Angle, and Aries. The match itself was really good, fast paced and did not have a down spot. I loved the transition and progression between counters and reversals.
What I Disliked:
I really thought the title was on the line here. Either way, I do not like the fact that Sting won clean. It really does not make sense for him to get a clean victory and then now fight Roode at Slammiversary. Make the lumberjacks get more involved, so there is not a set winner or a clean victory to hurt your main star on the biggest night of the year to date.
Grade: B+
In Ring Segment:
Bully Ray calls out Joseph Park, who is in the crowd. He tries to get Park to attack him, but to no avail. Bully Ray then admits to taking out Abyss, and that angers Park. Ray finally gets Park to agree for a fight, but Ray says it will happen at Slammiversary.
What I Liked:
Great spot in the second segment to let Ray and Park work together on the microphone. I continue to be impressed with his development as a complete character and stepping aside from the tag team division. I really think this feud has an opportunity to be something more, but it is a matter of time to see what they do with Park/Abyss.
What I Disliked:
Joseph Park is Abyss. We know that. How do you make the transition with the mask and hair? I am not really sure what they end game is here, especially because Abyss is a one trick pony. He is a big guy who cannot really wrestle, but is an interesting and different character. Will this make Ray regress in his pursuit for the main event level? I think it will, just for the sole fact that this match will not be great. It will be interesting and needs to have a stipulation or gimmick. Let's hope this benefits and they book it the right way. I doubt it though.
Grade: C+
