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The Official Wrestling Thread (now with more news and stuff)

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Arcademan:
5- AUSTIN ARIES vs. ALEX SHELLEY

Aries jumped Shelley off the bat, which will drive Wade Keller nuts, because instead of breaking it up and forcing Aries back to give Shelley a chance at a fair match, the ref just rang the bell. This has been way too common recently.

I had a feed outage right after Aries hit a slingshot slam to the outside and didn't get it back for a minute or two. I heard Tenay say that a big batch of new X Division talent would debut next week before Alex Shelley hit a spinning figure four leglock on Aries that he barely snuck to the ropes. Shelley went for a figure four again but Aries escaped and guillotined Shelley to ringside.

While Shelley was holding his head, Aries came off the top rope to ringside and hit him in the back of the head. He rolled Shelley back into the ring and went for three consecutive failed pin attempts.

Aries then pulled Shelley up to the top turnbuckle but Shelley pushed him off. Shelley hit a single leg kick that knocked Aries to ringside before a suicide dive took him down. Shelley rolled him in and went for the foot stop but missed. Lots of fast-paced action in this one.

Aries threw Shelley to ringside and put on his leather jacket to mock him. He acted like he was going to hit him with the spikes on the shoulder before ref Hebner took the jacket away. Shelley kicked him in the gut and went for Sliced Bread but Aries threw Shelley into the turnbuckle and immediately put Shelley into position for the Brainbuster, which he hit and was enough for the three count victory.

WINNER: AUSTIN ARIES in 5:55

Immediately after the match, Aries grabbed a microphone. "I beat you fair and square with a nice clean wrestling maneuver! How does that fit into your ethic?" yelled Aries. He stomped Shelley before Kendrick came into make the save.

6- SCOTT STEINER & GUNNER vs. RVD & CRIMSON - Bound For Glory Series Match

RVD and Steiner started in the ring but there was a lot of early stalling as Steiner taunted the crowd that was chanting RVD's name. RVD surprised Steiner with a body scissor before Steiner took him down and took him into the corner.

Steiner hit big chops as the crowd chanted "Steiner sucks!" before he tossed RVD into the corner. Van Dam floated over and kicked Steiner in the face but as he played to the crowd, Steiner came up from behind and hit him with a full Nelson slam.

Gunner got tagged in and actually kept fast pace with RVD, who hit an impressive leg sweep/standing Moonsault combination. RVD tagged in Crimson, who got distracted with Steiner and allowed Gunner to fight him off.

Steiner tagged in and hit some big chops before nailing a big suplex on Crimson. He taunted Van Dam before Steinerlining Crimosn and hitting him with an elbow drop into his pushups.

Gunner came back in and hit a backdrop for a two count. He climbed up top to go for the double sledge, but Crimson stopped him and hit his old finisher from his independent days where he spun him around his body into an impressive DDT.

Steiner and RVD both tagged in and Steiner hit a powerful suplex that threw Van Dam into the ropes. Van Dam fought back and hit a kick and Rolling Thunder.

RVD went for his spinning heel kick onto Steiner while he was hung up on the barrier but Gunner knocked him off the apron. But Crimson speared him and RVD hit the 5 Star Frog Splash. But he had barely hit it when Steiner came in and DDT'd him.

Steiner dumped Crimson out of the ring before going for the cover on RVD. He got a two count and decided to go high risk. Steiner put RVD on the top turnbuckle for the Frankensteiner but Crimson came out of nowhere to hit the Electric Chair Drop.

RVD recovered as Crimson was pulled out of the ring by Gunner and they brawled. Van Dam hit the Five Star Frog Splash for the pinfall victory.

WINNER: ROB VAN DAM in 7:30 to win 7 BFG Points

Van Dam is now alone in second place with 35 points. RVD & Crimson were interviewed after the match. RVD said he was going to beat everyone in the whole series. Christy Hemme said that they would face each other.

Arcademan:
WWE Smackdown Results: 8-5-11

In-ring results: PWTorch.com (direct link to Parks' complete report).

1 – SHEAMUS vs. THE GREAT KHALI

To cement Sheamus’s face status, the camera showed several fans in the crowd cheering for him during his entrance. Michael Cole announced that Sheamus and Henry would square off at Summerslam. Khali came out with Jinder Mahal. Khali sent Sheamus to the mat after a lock-up in the early going. Sheamus hit the ropes, but was knocked down again, this time by a forearm. Sheamus went for the eyes of Khali and clubbed the big man in the chest with forearms as Khali was stuck between the ropes. Running knee-lift to Khali, then Sheamus went to the top. Khali just slapped him in the chest with an open right hand, sending Sheamus to ringside. Khali grabbed Sheamus and brought him back in the hard way. Khali kept up the offense and Sheamus fought out of the corner with sledgehammers. Josh Mathews relayed the background of Khali and Jinder Mahal. Brogue Kick by Sheamus, but Khali instead gave him the brain chop. That got a near-fall at 4:07. Khali locked in the Vice Grip, taking Sheamus to his knees. The fans became vocal in cheering on Sheamus, aiding him in getting to his feet. He broke free, then gave Sheamus a Brogue Kick (with Khali on one knee) for the win.

WINNER: Sheamus, at 5:21. Good match-up to prepare Sheamus for facing another big opponent in Mark Henry. Khali took the loss, but didn’t look bad at all.

2 – AJ vs. NATALYA

No explanation for why these two are fighting after teaming up in recent weeks. They shook hands to start the match. Mathews and Cole gave out both women’s Twitter accounts before the match. They went to a stalemate in the first minute. Headlock take-over by AJ, then an arm-drag. Booker talked about “Cowboy” Scott Casey training him, just as Nattie had been training AJ. Booker was all messed up describing what organization they were in, saying “World Class” then saying it was in “WWW….” instead of “WCCW.” Cole called him out on that. Oh, and Nattie won with a Sharpshooter.

WINNER: Natalya, via submission, at 1:57. These two could have a pretty good match if they were able to go even 5:00.

After the match, Natalya attacked AJ, throwing her out of the ring and ramming her back-first into the apron. Suplex by Natalya on AJ on the outside of the ring. Natalya got a mic and said, “Beth Phoenix, I’m with you sister. The days of the cute, perky little princesses are over.”

3 – TYSON KIDD vs. DANIEL BRYAN

Kidd was already in the ring. “Ride of the Valkyries” is no more for Bryan. Some chain wrestling to start, including a bridge by each man on pin attempts. Barrett continued his verbal assault on Bryan, as if Cole doing it on a weekly basis isn’t enough. Bryan dropkicked Kidd off the apron and to the floor. Suicide dive by Bryan took out Kidd. Leg-whip by Kidd on Bryan as Bryan entered the ring. Kidd continued to work the left leg of Bryan. Kidd wrapped the leg around the ring post. He was in control as they went to break shy of 3:00 into the match.

Back at 6:12 with Kidd continuing to work the leg. Snap suplex by Bryan, but the comeback didn’t last long. Kidd ripped him up on the top rope and went for a superplex, but Bryan blocked it. Kidd was headbutted off the top rope and Bryan landed a missile dropkick. Match reset at 8:00 with both men down. Kicks to the chest by Bryan, but Kidd blocked one and got a dragon-screw leg-whip. Half-crab by Kidd, but Bryan got to the ropes at 9:01 of the match. Barrett said he sees holes in Bryan’s game that he can exploit. Springboard elbow-drop by Kidd, but Bryan got his knees up. He tried the Lebell Lock, but Kidd rolled through. The men exchanged roll-ups for near-falls. Hard kicks by Kidd, but Bryan returned the favor with one of his own to the head. Bryan grabbed a guillotine submission (which Booker called an “anaconda” choke) and got the win.

WINNER: Bryan, via submission, at 10:23. Kidd shines in the enhancement role he’s in now, but shows flashes of being something more down the line. Obviously, his size will hold him back.

4 – ZACK RYDER vs. EZEKIEL JACKSON

Shoulder knock-down by Jackson, who then whipped Ryder into opposite turnbuckles. Sidewalk slam for two. Ryder took Jackson down in the corner, then gave him the Broski Boot (the running boot, white-washing the opponent in the face). Neck-breaker by Ryder, but Jackson came back by countering Ryder and running over him, then clotheslining Ryder in the corner. Bodyslams by Zeke, to complete silence from the crowd. Torture Rack and Ryder gave up.

WINNER: Jackson, at 2:27. There’s something poetic about someone the fans get behind, someone who isn’t cookie-cutter and hasn’t been handed anything, losing to WWE and Vince McMahon’s image of what a Superstar should look like, despite having no other discernible talent.

5 – MARK HENRY vs. VLADIMIR KOZLOV

This will be Kozlov’s last TV appearance after being released by WWE today. Kozlov did not don the hip-hop gear he wore during his match with JTG on NXT this week. Cole suggested Henry would try to one-up Sheamus after Sheamus beat Khali earlier in the night. Kozlov went after Henry in the corner, but Henry got a boot up on a charge. Headbutts to the chest by Kozlov, but Henry just ran Vlad over. World’s Strongest Slam by Henry for the win.

WINNER: Henry, at 1:16. If this was a few years ago, this would’ve been a heck of a win. At this point, Kozlov doesn’t mean much.

6 – JTG & MICHAEL MCGILLICUTTY & DAVID OTUNGA vs. TRENT BARRETA & THE USOS

Mathews said it was “only a matter of time” before JTG teamed up with the tag champs. Not sure why he thinks that. The Usos did their Polynesian war dance during their entrance. I’m glad they’re doing that; these two needed something to set them apart from everyone else. Mathews did say, like the tag champs, JTG craves the spotlight. Wouldn’t that make it less likely that they’d team up? More spotlight to share. Anyway, both teams made quick tags early on, with David Otunga registering the first near-fall short of one minute into the match. Cole got on Booker for Tweeting that Cole is a “tool” during the show, saying the same thing happened to him on Raw with JR. Double-teaming by the tag champs in the heel corner. Barreta got to shine for the babyfaces, until JTG broke up a pin. Things broke down from there, with everyone getting involved inside and outside the ring. Barreta went to the top, but missed a moonsault on McGillicutty. The champs hit their tag finisher (back-breaker/elbowdrop combo), shades of Demolition, for the win.

WINNERS: JTG, McGillicutty and Otunga, at 3:47. Fine match to showcase the tag division, and I like utilizing lower-to-mid card guys in six-man tags like this.

7 – RANDY ORTON & JOHN MORRISON vs. R-TRUTH & CHRISTIAN

Orton got the better of Truth early on. Christian tagged in to face Morrison. Morrison took Christian down and got a quick two-count. Another take-down by Christian for two. Christian came back with a type of hot-shot, zeroing in on Morrison’s neck. Truth tagged in and dished out some more punishment. Morrison with a counter to take over. Running knee to a seated Truth for only two. Christian interfered to break up the pin, and he was chased around ringside by Orton. Christian found safety in the crowd as Orton was admonished by the referee. They went to break at 3:58.

Morrison went for a springboard kick, but Truth pushed him over the top rope and to the floor. Truth patiently waited for Morrison to recover and re-enter the ring. Once he did, Truth continued the assault. Christian tagged in and stayed on offense. Neck-breaker found the mark for a two-count. Morrison took advantage of an opportunity and both men were down at 11:00. Christian got up and knocked Orton off the apron to prevent a tag from being made. C4 by Morrison put Truth down, and this time, both men made the tags. Crowd was hot for this as Orton scoop slammed Christian. Charge in the corner, but Christian got his boots up. Dropkick missed, Orton jackknife cover for two. Killswitch countered into a back-breaker for two. Side roll-up by Orton in the corner. Spinebuster by Christian. Booker called it a sidewalk slam and Cole corrected him. Orton dodged the spear, but the RKO was avoided as well. Orton pulled Christian’s leg off the second rope and lined up for the punt. Truth came in to stop it, but Morrison took care of him. Rope-assisted DDT by Orton on Christian. RKO for the interfering Truth, so Christian took advantage of the opportunity and gave Orton the Killswitch for three.

WINNERS: Christian and Truth, at 15:07.

Christian celebrated as if he had won the title all over again, standing on the announce table and dropping to his knees on the entranceway. Orton looked on in disbelief that Christian could actually pin him as the show ended.

Arcademan:
TNA Hardcore Justice PPV Results: 8-7-11 (next three posts)

In-ring results: PWTorch.com (direct link to Caldwell's final report).

1 -- X Division champion BRIAN KENDRICK vs. AUSTIN ARIES vs. ALEX SHELLEY -- three-way X Division Title match

Kendrick and Shelley quickly floored Aries to clear the latest "anti-X Division heel" so they could wrestle each other. Aries paced around the ring as Shelley and Kendrick worked against each other, looking to pick his spot to re-enter. The match then focused on Shelley & Kendrick trying to keep Aries out of the ring before Shelley finally tried a roll-up on Kendrick for a close two count. Meanwhile, Tenay noted "big X Division news" on Impact Wrestling this week with new talent returning/debuting. Suddenly, Aries collapsed to the mat to sell an injury, leaving Shelley and Kendrick to resume their match. Moments later, Aries came to life to surprise Kendrick, clear Shelley from the ring, and work on the champion. Aries then found himself alone in the ring when he back-dropped Kendrick awkwardly over the top rope. The faces then huddled up on the floor and Aries landed a suicide dive onto both men.

Back in the ring, no one was selling and bodies started flying as they exchanged control of the match. Shelley eventually stood tall after smashing Aries off the ring apron with a superkick, then he came off the top with a flying splash to Kendrick's knee. Shelley followed with a spinning figure-four leglock and Kendrick cried out in pain. Aries re-entered to break it up, though. The men traded control of the match again with Kendrick still selling the knee work from Shelley. At 12:00, they set up a three-way corner spot and Kendrick kind of slipped to the apron and Shelley kind of fell on Aries. Aries helped the match recover by delivering rapid-fire offense before Kendrick magically recovered and flew into the ring to break up a pin. Kendrick then delivered Sliced Bread to Aries on to Shelley. Kendrick with the pin on Shelley for the win.

WINNER: Kendrick at 13:10 to retain the X Division Title. TNA has defined down the X Division as an opening-match act with little selling and rapid-fire action, which was the case in this match. Not smooth all the way through, though. As for the individuals, Aries carried himself like a star playing the heel, Shelley wasn't given a chance to stand out much, and Kendrick continues to play a deliberately awkward figure that makes him more of a spectacle than a star. (**1/2)

2 -- Knockouts tag champions MISS TESSMACHER & TARA vs. MEXICAN AMERICA (SARITA & ROSITA) -- Knockouts Tag Title match

Hernandez and Anarquia, who will be challenging for the men's Tag Titles later in the show, were given the boot from ringside before the match started. The heel challengers acted like heels to start the match by stalling to frustrate the champs. Sarita and Rosita then took turns working over Tessmacher. Tess was finally able to make a hot tag to Tara, then the action broke down in the ring. After chaos nearly allowed the challengers to score the victory, Tara eventually scored a pin for the win to retain the titles. Tessmacher and Tara had a brief post-match celebration before they cut backstage.

WINNERS: Tess & Tara at 7:08 to retain the KO Tag Titles. Completely serviceable, long-form TV match for the Knockouts. TNA also continued to build up Tessmacher, who they're focusing on as their #2 KO face below Mickie. Also, TNA has set a good pace for the PPV early on.

3 -- "THE POPE" D'ANGELO DINERO vs. BROTHER DEVON -- BFG Series match

The bell sounded despite Pope still having a mic in-hand. Devon paced around the ring and Pope said he's all about the BFG Series, but he cares more about their friendship and Devon's family. Pope said he gave Devon seven points a few weeks ago and he'll do it again. Pope placed himself on the mat to let Devon pin him, but Devon said he's not taking the points that way and told Pope to get up and fight him. Pope obliged and they started a match that quickly "turned personal" when they traded slaps. Devon and Pope traded control as Morgan passionately said he's hot with Pope for not taking this seriously because he would kill to be in this Series and have a shot at the World Title.

At 6:30, Pope left the ring to chat with Devon's family, which drew Devon out of the ring to throw Pope back into the ring. Devon went to work on Pope as Morgan encouraged Devon to have a greater sense of urgency looking for points. Pope then blocked a corner attack and landed consecutive offense. Pope followed with a top-rope cross-body splash for a close two count. Devon came right back, though, with another corner attack, but Pope blocked it again. Pope wanted the DDExpress, but paused mid-charge. Devon took advantage with a spear, but Pope rolled his shoulder to avoid a three count. Morgan was exasperated by this. Suddenly, Pope rolled up Devon out of nowhere and it was good for the win.

Post-match: Pope sold being conflicted over scoring the pin, then Devon popped up to his feet and put his hands on his hips. Pope extended his hand, saying Devon wanted to wrestle him. Devon waved him off, but locked eyes with his kids before leaving the ring. Devon then ducked back into the ring to shake hands with Pope before leaving. Devon sold frustration on the way out as the announcers said Devon wants to be a good role model for his kids.

WINNER: Pope at 9:33 to score 7 points in the BFG Series. Awkward finish after a standard Pope-quality match. Devon has improved his physical conditioning drastically and could be more valuable to the roster if moved up the card. There just isn't a clear picture of the issue between Pope and Devon for the audience to invest or care. (*1/2)

4 -- Knockouts champion MICKIE JAMES vs. WINTER (w/Angelina Love) -- Knockouts Title match

Winter was the aggressor early on, looking for a quick title win, but Mickie cut her off. Winter then gained an advantage when Angelina provided a distraction. Mickie cut her off again, though, and Winter bailed to the floor to regroup. Instead of waiting for Winter to re-enter the ring, Mickie went to the floor and ended up eating the guardrail. Back in the ring, they traded believable nearfalls after Angelina interfered behind the ref's back. Angelina tried to interfere again, but Mickie cleared her from the ring. Angelina then occupied the ref again, allowing Winter to spew a substance in Mickie's face. Winter made the cover, ref Hebner didn't see anything wrong with Mickie's face covered in a foreign substance, and Winter is the new champ. Medics checked on Mickie post-match to sell the effects of the substance.

WINNER: Winter at 8:58 to capture the Knockouts Title. There was some good, well-paced action offset by the over-booking and three instances of referee incompetence in the same match. TNA wanted to give their top KO face an "out" for losing the match and title, but they didn't have to over-do it to an unintentional comedy level. (*3/4)

5 -- ROB VAN DAM (w/Jerry Lynn) vs. CRIMSON -- BFG Series match

Crimson went for early pin attempts, trying to end this quickly. The action then moved to the ring apron, which give Direct Auto Insurance some camera-time as RVD delivered a trademark thrust kick to the floor. Crimson quickly cut off RVD on the floor, then rolled him back into the ring to deliver more punishment. They cut to a shot of Lynn trying to sell concern as Crimson continued to wear down RVD with his trademark cravate hold. A few minutes later, RVD came back with the Five-star Frogsplash, but took a while to make the cover, which allowed Crimson to kick out. They cut to a shot of Lynn just kind of looking around like he was lost in the mall. Taz quipped he's doing a great job having RVD's back.

Crimson came back with a spear for a two count. Crimson followed with a sky-high bomb and had the pin, but Lynn ran into the ring and broke up the pin. Ref Jackson James shouted at Lynn, then DQ'ed RVD, giving Crimson the win. Plus, RVD loses ten points for a DQ loss. Apparently Lynn didn't get the memo on how this works. The crowd was silent for this, as the finish didn't come off great and they didn't understand why Lynn was there. Post-match: Lynn, in his over-sized Impact Wrestling t-shirt, told RVD he was just trying to have his back. Crimson and RVD then knuckled up to say it's all good between them, then RVD cut a promo on Lynn, who pleaded with RVD that he messed up. RVD left, then Lynn tried to follow him to explain himself.

WINNER: Crimson via DQ at 8:40 to earn 3 BFG Series points. Crimson has upside, but TNA continues to expose his limitations and really hasn't captured why the audience should invest in him. Meanwhile, RVD returned to TNA form just having a basic RVD match. The finish falling completely flat didn't help matters. (*1/2)

Arcademan:
6 -- FORTUNE (A.J. STYLES & DANIELS & KAZARIAN) vs. IMMORTAL (SCOTT STEINER & GUNNER & ABYSS) -- six-man tag match

The two sides spent a lot of time trash-talking before the match, then the bell sounded to begin the contest. Steiner informed Kazarian he has the largest arms in the world, then turned his back on Kaz to flex. Next in were Daniels and Abyss, who had an awkward exchange highlighted by Daniels slipping on the top rope attempting a springboard and kind of brushing Abyss with a spin kick that put Abyss on his back. Fortune then cleaned house to try to fire up the crowd to cover for the awkward spot. The referee lost control of the match moments later and Immortal took advantage by isolating Daniels on the floor before throwing him back into the ring. Taz said ref Brian Hebner needs eyes in the back of his head for this one. Lynn is probably still available.

The action eventually broke down on the floor with men pairing off against each other. Steiner easily whipped Daniels into the guardrail, then started walking up the ramp away from the ring. He returned to ringside to drop Kaz face-first across the Direct Auto ring apron. Meanwhile, Gunner pulled out a table and positioned it ringside. Hebner had completely lost control at this point. Some men eventually found their way back into the ring as the crowd engaged in a slow-clap. This was followed by a loud man doing a solo chant. Then, another slow-clap. Moments later, another slow-clap as Kaz teased a hot tag to Styles.

Styles entered, flew off Abyss's back, and forearm-smashed Immortal on the ring apron. Styles continued to blast the trio of heels with offense before executing a springboard cross-body on Abyss. The action broke down again, then Styles scored a close fall on Abyss. Styles followed with a Pele kick for a two count, but Gunner broke it up. And, the action broke down again. A parade of big moves ensued, then the action broke down again. Meanwhile, Gunner set up a table spot on Styles, but Daniels saved him. Daniels and Gunner then fell through the table off the apron, taking them out of the equation. Back in the ring, Styles executed an innovative springboard Pele kick on Abyss. It was good for the win as Kaz held off Steiner.

Post-match: Styles checked on Daniels, who the announcers said "took a bullet" for Styles. Kaz joined the victory celebration as Daniels sold the effects of the table spot. Back in the ring, Steiner and Gunner questioned Abyss, who took the loss. Abyss lightly pushed them away like a small child trying to wave off his parents yelling at him. Visible in the background, ref Hebner pounded the mat, which was a signal to get out of the ring. Steiner and Gunner then walked out of the ring, leaving Abyss to question himself alone.

WINNERS: Fortune at 14:42. The match felt like it would be the type of match that doesn't solve anything and they'll be back to feuding on TV like this match never happened, but the outcome and post-match gave the match a purpose with Abyss possibly being booted from Immortal and Styles owing Daniels a favor. The action was hit-or-miss with so many different types of wrestlers that it created an odd mixture. (**1/4)

7 -- MR. ANDERSON vs. BULLY RAY
 
Anderson eventually got Ray into the ring and the match officially started. Ray begged off in the corner, but Anderson continued the onslaught. Ray then avoided a corner attack and decked Anderson before doing the old Stan Hansen growl and hand signal. Ray started trash-talking Anderson, telling him to fight him. Anderson didn't respond, so Ray slapped him across the chest and delivered a sidewalk slam for a two count. Ray kept talking trash like Kevin Steen with a running commentary. Anderson finally fought back with multiple right hands before Ray decked him with an elbow smash. "You gonna fight me or what?" Ray shouted down at Anderson.
 
They started trading bombs from their knees and Ray walloped Anderson to knock him onto his back. Ray tried a Bubba Bomb, but Anderson dropped him mid-ring and both men sold on the mat. They returned to their knees and traded bombs again. Ray kept taunting Anderson, who couldn't do anything with Ray before finally landing a knock-down clothesline. Taz said this is just a physical brawl. Anderson then teased the Mic Check, but Ray blocked and Anderson suddenly executed an enziguiri for a two count. Ray then came back with a uranage for a two count. Cue up the slow clap.
 
Ray charged Anderson in the corner with a big splash, but then missed with a flying splash from the second rope. Anderson tried his own corner attack and scored with a flying splash. They traded close nearfalls, then Ray countered another top-rope attack with a mid-air cutter. Taz said it's over, but Anderson kicked out in time. Ray, desperate, grabbed his chain and wrapped it around his fist. Jackson pleaded with Ray, then Anderson suddenly scooped up Ray and they collapsed into the ropes with Ray's weight bringing them crashing down. Anderson then wanted another top-rope move, but Ray rolled out of the ring, said, "Screw you," and fell down on the entrance ramp. Anderson retrieved Ray and threw him back into the ring, though.
 
Back in the ring, Anderson picked up Ray's chain and twirled it around. Ray covered his head, then Jackson yanked the chain away from Anderson, which allowed Ray to low-blow Anderson from behind. Ray then rolled up Anderson from behind and scored a quick three count. Ray asked for his chain and left while Anderson sold in the ring. They quickly cut backstage.
 
WINNER: Ray at 10:04. Credit Ray. He knows his character, doesn't try to "get over as a cool heel," and tried to draw something out of Anderson to elevate Anderson's stale, undefined character. Well-done match until another screwy finish on this show. (**3/4)
 
8 -- TNA tag champions BEER MONEY (JAMES STORM & ROBERT ROODE) vs. MEXICAN AMERICA (HERNANDEZ & ANARQUIA w/Sarita and Rosita) -- TNA Tag Title match
 
The bell sounded and the crowd went silent, which caused some of the in-ring chatter to be audible on the PPV broadcast. Beer Money then involved the crowd with successive offense on Hernandez to get some early shine. The action moved to the floor and Beer Money blasted Anarquia before ramming him head-first into an American flag draped over the guardrail. Back in the ring, Beer Money went back to work on Anarquia, who then stumbled into Hebner, allowing Hernandez to deck Roode from the ring apron. The challengers worked over Roode for a few minutes before Storm hot-tagged and the action broke down.
 
The champs eventually took control, then decided to do their Beer...Money pose right in the middle of an opportunity to score a pinfall to win the match. Storm then scored a close fall on Anarquia with a top-rope splash. Anarquia was fresh moments later and climbed to the top turnbuckle to splash Storm, but Roode shoved Anarquia right into a superkick from Storm. This cover was good for the win to retain the Tag Titles. Afterward, Storm grabbed a U.S. flag to celebrate in the ring.
 
WINNERS: Beer Money at 10:41. Extended-length TV-quality match. They didn't try to "steal the show" and set the bar too high for Angle vs. Sting, not that this was the match-up to "steal the show." Just an efficient match for Beer Money, who seem to be stuck at the same level without quality opponents to work with and not directly involved in the Immortal vs. Fortune feud receiving the most TV time and attention. Roode and/or Storm should be headlining PPVs right now. (*3/4)
 

Arcademan:
9 -- TNA World Hvt. champion STING vs. KURT ANGLE -- TNA World Title match
 
Early feeling-out process as the lightly-invested Impact Zone crowd attempted a dueling chant. This was followed by yet another slow-clap only 2:10 into the match. The match moved to the floor at 4:25 with Sting in control of the action. They did not brawl into the crowd, but returned to the ring. Meanwhile, the announcers continued to stress the idea of Sting needing the TNA Title to keep control of the company and return he company to Dixie, but TNA has never established the value of the title and why holding the title equals control of the company. There's a reason out there, but TNA has never taken that extra step explaining it. As a result, it comes across like an artificial reason to incorporate the ongoing "power struggle" storyline into the TNA Title picture.
 
In the ring, Sting continued to be in control to allow Angle to work from underneath to build toward his comeback. Angle missed with a top-rope moonsault, though, and Sting slapped on the Scorpion Deathlock. Angle sold he was in jeopardy, but it was too early in the drama to get the crowd to buy the false finish. Angle reached the bottom rope for a break, then Sting nailed a Scorpion Splash. Angle avoided the second one, though, and hit the Angle Slam for a two count. Angle missed with a corner attack, then Sting applied Angle's anklelock finisher. The crowd did a slow-clap, then Angle escaped and slapped on Sting's Scorpion Deathlock. Angle couldn't maintain the hold and Sting reached the bottom rope for a break.
 
At 12:30, Angle stalked Sting and went for multiple German Suplexes, but Sting elbowed out. Sting tried a powerslam, but Angle countered with an anklelock. The crowd bought this one a little more than the previous false finish, then Sting suddenly rolled up Angle for a two count. You could see the ref bump coming and it came moments later. Angle and Sting then had a double knockdown and everyone was KO'ed to the mat.
 
After a pause, Hulk Hogan gingerly made his way to the ring with chair in-hand. The crowd chanted Hogan's name, happy to see a brand-name star. Hogan approached Sting for a chair shot, but Angle snuck up behind Hogan and yanked the chair away. Angle then turned around and cracked the chair over Sting's back. Sting no-sold and stumbled across the ring as Angle revived the referee. Angle then dropped Sting with the Angle Slam. It was good for a Slow Hebner Three Count to give Angle the win and the TNA Title.
 
WINNER: Angle at 15:22 to capture the TNA World Title. Okay, not particularly memorable PPV main event. There was just something about brand-name stars like Sting, Angle, and Hogan involved in this angle in front of 900 people at a soundstage that made it all seem inconsequential. Hogan walking to the ring with a chair was supposed to be this big, dramatic moment, but the shot of the audience facing the hard camera pulling out their cameras to take a picture of a big star in their midst sent a message that this doesn't count. Angle's title victory was expected, but now they another "shades of gray" champion potentially being wooed by Immortal on the next set of TV episodes, which will only lead to more ambivalence. (**1/4)
 
Post-match: Hogan just glared into the ring as Angle stood tall with the TNA Title belt over his shoulder. Angle smacked the belt, suggesting Hogan come get it. After some back-and-forth camera shots between Angle and Hogan, the show ended without a clean sign-off.

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