The Undercard
Adam Ohriner defeated Ryan Howe in a Gut Check Challenge match. Adam, known to the internet world as "The Big O" from Zack Ryder's YouTube show, picked up a win in a pretty stiff match. Howe was a complete joke, while O was actually decent in the ring. I was expecting a big bulky guy not being able to move around and keep a quick pace, but Adam proved he is a good athlete. He hit the basic power moves to pick up the win. I expected much worse, but I was slightly impressed. Adam hit a running powerslam for the victory, pretty simple. It was average, nothing more.
Grade: C
Mickie James defeated Velvet Sky in an entertaining Knockouts match. I love the fact that James' character is evolving in our eyes. She is arrogant and really full of herself, which seems to fit her personality in the ring. We all praise James for how good she is and now she is finally embracing the fact that she is the best. The clever James focuses on the knee of Sky, a storyline for the past month with her. Mickie kicked Velvet's injured knee and gets a near fall, then she sets up a DDT but Velvet reverses it with a neckbreaker. Velvet kicks her and sets up In Yo Face, but Mickie pushes her away and kicks her knee before putting her in a cross-legged submission hold and making her tap. The match was paced perfectly. There was drama, intensity from both women, and the finish made complete sense. I love logical booking.
Grade: B
Magnus defeated Bobby Roode in a Bound For Glory Series Match. Surprisingly enough, TNA decided to give Magnus an upset victory. This is the good parts about this BFG series. Sometimes, TNA can go out of their way and book an upset without making the other person look weak. You have so much time between the actual matches that you can book them appropriately. I am a huge fan of Magnus' offensive attack. He is strong and speed is his best friend. Magnus hit an incredible twisting Samoan driver for a two count. Much to my surprise, Roode came back strong and almost finished off Magnus with a Fisherman's Suplex. Magnus reversed it and picked up the win with a scoop slam. Great work from both guys. Both men are very similar in their styles and strengths. Magnus is getting that push many people wanted to see. Good for him.
Grade: B
Samoa Joe defeated Ken Anderson in a Bound For Glory Series Match. The match was alright, nothing spectacular. Anderson used his scrappy offensive style to ground a much stronger opponent in Joe. Joe was able to gain some offense with an atomic drop. The Aces and Eights come out to distract Joe, which allowed Anderson to connect with a DDT. Angle and Sting come out to fend off the group, which allows Joe to make Anderson tap out. Joe is now a member of Main Event Mafia. I have never been a huge supporter of Joe in the main event picture, but I understand what they are trying to do. He is a TNA guy. Yes, he made his success in ROH before getting paid, but everyone associates him now with this company. This makes sense to have him look important enough to stand next to guys like Angle and Sting. We shall see how good he looks in a suit and see if he actually fits in.
Grade: C+
