The Undercard
Jeff Hardy defeated Manik in the first match of the night. This was a perfect way to start off the show for a few reasons. Hardy is still one of your top guys and will always put on a consistent and entertaining match. We have never really seen him work with a guy like Manik, one who is so young and inexperienced but has the natural ability in the ring. Hardy kicked it off fast and kept it fast. I would have enjoyed an upset here, but it wouldn't have mattered in the long run for Manik. Chris Sabin comes out and plays up to the crowd with Manik and then attacks him. Sabin turns heel and Hardy makes the save. This caught me off guard. Do we want Chris Sabin as a heel? What sense does it make to turn him when TNA is stockpiled with guys who are heels? He should still be in the title hunt and, although not win it, continue his progression as a main evenet guy.
Grade: B-
ODB Defeated Mickie James to become to new Knockouts Champion. I have never been a huge fan of ODB, but she really matured over the past few months. She has a unique look and has the size to be taken seriously. Her biggest strength could be her biggest weakness at the same time. Who has the size and believability to really beat her? It has been done before and TNA will find a way to utilize all of their women. This is one of their positives in the company. It seems like whomever they pick, it will end up positive. Look at Tessmacher, Kim, Terrell, and others. They all have put on some good matches and interesting storylines. As for Mickie James, I would love to see her back home. She would really be able to help younger divas, work good matches, and create a compelling and complex storyline with AJ Lee. She can still go and looks in the best shape of her life.
Grade: B-
Eric Young defeated Robbie E when they cut a terrible promo on one another. The match is literally Young rolling up E for a quick pin. After this, Robbie E calls out Joseph Park. He says he is a "Fat bastard." Apparently, we are going back to Austin Powers' movies. The match is irrelavant and Park sees blood and goes crazy. He snaps out of it after hitting the Black Hole Slam and Young raises his arm. *Yawn." Give me Abyss and get rid of Park.
Grade: D
Gunner defeated Hernandez in a match that enhances the champions and the challengers. Gunner and Hernandez are two strong and powerful guys who will work a slow pace and who will try to overpower the other. I like both guys and like the fact that TNA has established tag teams to work every single week. Gunner and Storm seemed random to me at first but have blossomed in the past month. They do not need a match every single night. Storm really gives the team credibility. Gunner picks up the win with an impressive fallaway slam and a backbreaker. If TNA does this right, Chavo will pick up the upset win over Storm next week.
Grade: C+
