Jeff Hardy def. Samoa Joe
What I Liked:
This was a pretty solid match between Hardy and Joe. Hardy does a great job at becoming really aggressive on the outside, something we have not seen much of recently. He throws Joe into the steps, and Joe really sells it well. The match had a lot of time and was given the main spot to kick off the show. I thought that was the right idea, considering this should get the most attention besides the Aces and Eights. The transition from a standing dropkick and the reverse atomic bomb gave Hardy the steam to really take over for the rest of the match. At times, Joe is a guy who always dominates his opponents, but toniTght was a different story. Joe is a submission machine, so it was a nice surprise to see him tap out to Hardy.
What I Disliked:
I felt like the direction of the match was good to get over Hardy, but what did it do to Samoa Joe? He was in the final 5, but it seemed like we all knew Hardy would win. He is more over with the crowd, but it really halts any steam Joe had. The match was very good, but it felt more like a match just to get over with Hardy and no other point. I like matches to bring out the best with both guys.
Grade: B+
-Aries and Hogan are backstage talking about the Aces and Eights. After the match, Magnus attacks Joe. *This was good for Magnus and Joe because the attack seems so far away. Both guys need something to do, so this makes sense.
Tara def. Gail Kim
What I Liked:
Two veteran knockouts get the call here to carry us into the second match of the night. Tara looks absolutely incredible, in some of the best shape of her life. She is faster and more on spot with each move. She hits a nice suplex onto Kim, who is always good at selling each move differently. Tara controlled most of the match offensively, and it continues to go her way with a Widow's Peak for the victory.
What I Disliked:
I wanted a little more drama, a little more action on the end of Gail Kim. Ever since she fell out of the Knockouts Championship picture, Kim has not been used whatsoever. I would like to see her get back to that point, but Tara is still really solid in many ways in the ring. I was happy to see her win, even if it was more of a sqaush than anything.
Grade: B
