Jeff Hardy, Austin Aries, and Bully Ray
What I Liked:
Once again, Impact opens with the World Champion Austin Aries, who talks about No Surrender. Jeff Hardy quickly makes his way out to the ring and Aries applauds him because of what he overcame at the PPV. He says Hardy is a man of few words and the crowd loves him, whereas Aries says a lot of words and the crowd loves him too. Aries begins to say what he wants from Hardy, but Bully Ray comes out. He talks about both guys being lucky, and then challenges Hardy to another match tonight. The match is made. I really thought the interaction between Hardy and Aries was intriguing because you do have two polar opposites of characters. I have not been interested in a match like I am with that one at Bound For Glory in quite some time. I also think two faces challenging for the gold is a good thing for the company. Both guys are different, with athletic styles in the ring. It looks like they are going for the mutual respect card, in which is something that is overplayed but still effective.
What I Disliked:
Although both guys will be faces, there still needs to be a feud brewing. There needs to be a game of one-upsmanship, where we try to find out who the favorite is. It cannot simply be
Grade: B+
Zema Ion Defeats Sonjay Dutt To Retain The X-Division Championship
What I Liked:
It has been a while since we have seen a really good X-Division championship match on Impact. What an athletic and interesting match between the young guy and a grizzly veteran. Dutt gets the offensive, hits a neckbreaker which transitions into a fantastic takedown, and really had the champion on the ropes. Ever since Ion has been champion, he has not had a really solid feud besides a quick one with Kenny King. Maybe this is a way to showcase his cocky attitude, especially after his attack post match. I expect someone else to step up to face him at Bound For Glory.
What I Disliked:
This was an excellent match from beginning to end, entertained the crowd, took it to the outside, and finished strong. Well done by both guys in the match, and nothing was here that stood out what I disliked.
Grade: B+
