Josh’s Final Impact
March 22, 2013
By: Josh Boutwell of Wrestleview.com
First off I have to applaud TNA for the Bully Ray segments of him explaining the entire plot/plan of Aces & Eights from beginning to end. That was extremely well done and they really made sure to include every single detail. Every person that has complained about the plot holes, that was for you. They tied all of it together and put a nice little bow on it (not that it will quiet the usual suspects) for you. Really well done and I can’t recall anyone (TNA or otherwise) that has put that much effort into making sure everything was tied together and it really showed the foresight in the long term planning there. It took a long time for that story to come together and 9 months is long for anyone to remember every detail but they brought up everything to remind you if you had forgotten. This angle feels like it’s been given a much needed second wind. 9 months was still too dragged out to me but I’m also someone that complains about there being too few long term storylines in wrestling now too so I can’t cry too much.
The crowd wasn’t dead tonight but they were definitely not as lively as last week but that is understandable having already sat through a live 2-hour show.
The Tag Title match was solid but really just there to set up the feud that I’ve been begging for, Bad Influence vs. Dirty Heels (I still can’t get used to that name). I’m really, really looking forward to this. The question is, will they turn Dirty Heels babyface already or will they let them remain heels or at least tweeners through it? Either way hopefully that feud takes us through Slammiversary.
The AJ Styles segment was terrific and by Taz planting the Aces & Eights seeds it’s going to make people think that AJ actually is going to be a part of it, but I think it could be going the other way. This thing could be really good or they could completely drop the ball (see Crackhead Claire storyline), either way I’m looking forward to seeing how it all plays out. With that said, James Storm didn’t have his best night on the mic tonight.
Gail Kim-Terrell got us exactly where we thought it would and I guess we’ll just have to wait and see how good or bad Terrell is in the ring. It’s good that they have a secondary feud away from the title going on though.
The X-Division 3-Way was a fun spotfest and the new rules are interesting. I’m not sure how I feel about it just yet but one thing is for sure they are going to have to bring in new X-Division talent to make this even remotely possible. A slew of X-Division wrestlers have worked the One Night Only tapings so that’s won’t be too difficult if they actually do it. The reaction I’ve gotten so far from fans (and not fans) has been mixed. The people that hate the X-Division and the people who whine anytime a top rope move or dive is hit are going to whine regardless so I could care less. Turn the channel if you don’t like a “spotfest.” There is a place for every kind of wrestling whether it be a tag team, high flying, women, hardcore, technical, brawling, or anything else.
The 4-Way was solid but not blowaway good as all 4 guys seemed a little wore down after the PPV and then 2 TV Tapings. The finish, however, was excellent and really well done.
– Promo/Segment of the Night: TIE AJ Styles/Bully Ray explanations
– Match of the Night: Hardy vs. Angle vs. Joe vs. Magnus (***)
– Overall Grade: A
Until next week… PEACE! 
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