The Undercard
Wes Brisco and Garrett Bischoff defeated Kurt Angle to kick off Impact. When booking the angle of Aces and Eights, who thought it would be a good idea for them to target Kurt Angle? I really liked how Angle and Brisco worked together in the ring, but that is really about it. The gang needs outside interference in a HANDICAP MATCH to win? So, the numbers game only works when it is more than a 2-1 match or attack? They use a chain for the victory, could not even use their finishers. This bothered me so much because TNA is consistently trying to get these scrubs over, but cannot have a logical and strong way to do so.
Grade: C
Kenny King defeated Petey Williams and Zema Ion to retain his X-Division Championship. Besides getting a headache from the referee camera, I felt like this match was very entertaining. King is a great talent in the ring and showcased his overall game. He was able to control the match at his pace, but the opponents were able to get their moves in as well. Williams hits a Canadian Destroyer early in the match for a quick two count. As the opponents battle back and forth, King seizes an opportunity. King breaks up the Texas Cloverleaf and gets a pinfall on Ion. This was a smart booking decision. It looks like King will be the heel and champion that capitalizes on everyone else's moves. He is booked smart, not weak. When you see his overall character, you see Shelton Benjamin. The athleticism, the technicality, and the lack of character on the microphone. I know he can talk and they should let him do that as champion. He desperately needs a feud to have some consistency in their booking.
Grade: B
Mickie James defeated Miss Tessmacher to become the Number 1 Contender to the Knockouts Championship. This is why I love James, especially during a big match. James is so talented in the ring and can make anyone elevate their game. ODB was the referee in the match and she made sure the Knockouts fought to the finish. This was a nice touch as well. They were given plenty of time to work in the ring, tell a story, and have multiple times where you were unsure as to who would walk away as the victor. Mickie had a little of everything tonight, including an armbar, a Thesz press from the top rope, and then finished her off by throwing her into the turnbuckle for the roll-up. TNA has certainly built strong women in their company, something that WWE has lacked over the past few years. I also noticed a little heel coming out of James in the match. She thrives most when she is the villian.
Grade: B
