The Final Countdown
The “last” match between Matt and Jeff Hardy, for the right to use their family name, will take place next week at their home. Tonight, it was about Matt’s personality and acting ability. Man, the guy plays the lunatic better than someone actually nicknamed it. You can see he takes an idea and blows it up and out of this world. (In a good way) When you face Jeff Hardy, you know what Jeff brings to the table. He brings athleticism and the connection with the audience.
You need a complete 180 degree character and Matt is doing that. From his hair to his speech and everything in between, it is just an out of this world, Hollywood horror film character. His insanity is insatiable. It just works and it works because of how he executes every little detail. This match next week will be unique and creative. Isn’t that what it is about in professional wrestling these days?
Braxton Sutter Stuns and Stops
Braxton Sutter picked up a win to earn a shot at the X-Division Championship by winning a Battle Royal. He eliminates The Helms Dynasty, but Mike Bennett comes out and wants the championship match now. Bennett rolls through a move and hits his finisher to pick up the win.
Interesting booking decisions tonight, with Sutter getting a big win and then it being taken away and forgotten within 5 minutes. Yes, he looked really good in the Battle Royal. If he immediately loses after it, what does it do for his appeal to the crowd? Are they going to try and pretend he got screwed out of it and it was not fair? That is more of a heel complaint, not a face one. Also, I would have had him win the match and then build 2-3 weeks of him vs. Bennett. It did not need to be a long feud, but one with SOME substance other than a random Battle Royal win would have helped him evolve a bit faster and more naturally.
World Heavyweight Championship
Galloway and EC3 both kick Lashley on the mat, but then Galloway lets Lashley stomp EC3 out. Galloway attacks Lashley with a German Suplex while Lashley hits a fallaway slam to EC3. More suplexes from the former champion Galloway and then EC3 tosses Lashley to the outside.
Galloway flips and lands on Lashley, with EC3 going airborne to the outside. All chaos ensues with EC3 and Galloway in the ring. EC3 gets busted open and Galloway takes advantage of that. The champion gets back into the ring and hits a spinebuster on Galloway for two. EC3 is able to block a Spear with getting his knee up. EC3 hits the TK3, but Galloway hits him with a big boot. Lashley hits a Spear on both men, ultimately pinning EC3 and retaining his championship.
Well, I had a feeling that EC3 will suffer the loss here, but I am not sure why. I think Lashley vs. EC3 is a match that many people would love to see and could easily trump his encounter with Galloway. The size is there and both men are very athletic. Tonight was about making the champion look dominant. Successful, yes. I do think there comes a time when EC3 is back on top, but not right now. Lashley is at a great point in TNA being built all the way back up. Keep going.
@JoshIsenberg4 on Twitter. Impact Wrestling Rating:
