1) Samoa Joe (c) vs. Austin Aries - X Divsion Title Match
I was pretty pumped for this bout considering these two are fantastic wrestlers and they didn't disappoint. There was a good bit of technical/submission wrestling here although the bout was very hard hitting as well with alot of chops and kicks. Joe and Aries always work well together and this was no different. A very competitive battle between two X Divsion legends. Great opening match.
Match rating - ***1/2
2) EC3 vs. Eric Young
The storyline involving EC3 and Spud has been pretty entertaining, but unfortunately this match with EY wasn't anything special. Maybe I just had too high expectations because of how good both EY and EC3 are, but I felt this bout should have went longer. I've been eager to see EC3 put in a 15-20 minute match with someone like EY or Roode for so long because I think it'd do wonders for him. He's got it all - the charisma, the look, the talent. TNA needs to take him off his leash and let him go. EC3 for World Champ in 2015! Dull match, EC3 defeats EY after maybe 6-7 minutes. The story between EC3 and Spud was the best part about this aside from a few cool moves from EY.
Match rating - **1/2
Gail Kim/Havok brawl
Gail Kim was supposed to defend her Knockouts Title against Jessica Havok here, but Havok attacked her prior to the match and delivered a vicious assault to the KO's champ. This was Havok's most impressive showing since debuting as she slammed Gail elbow first into the post then kept her arm wrapped around her back and slammed her to the floor. Great brawl and way to get this feud heated up.
The Wolves/Team 3D/Hardys confrontation
So far, the series of matches between these teams has been for the sake of competition. Tonight, this tag title series turned personal during this segment which was a nice change of pace. We got good promos from Bully Ray and Davey Richards which led to a brawl. It was then announced that the three teams would clash in Full Metal Mayhem next week! Can't wait for that, it's gonna be insane!
3) Manik vs. Shark Boy
I'm digging this revolution thing that James Storm is doing. Mainly because they are seemingly putting Manik into something noteworthy for once. This did what it set out to do which was to establish how Manik has changed since aligning with Storm. Can't wait to see where this goes. Nice seeing Shark Boy back for a short time as well.
Match rating - **
4) Mr. Anderson vs. MVP
I would have preferred this to be Kenny King vs Anderson instead of MVP, none the less, this was decent for what it was. Much like Manik/Shark Boy and EY/EC3, the story of this match is what shined as Chris Melendez stopped Kenny King from interfering on several occasions and MVP & King continued to get heat by mocking Melendez. Good storyline progession, dull match.
Match rating - **1/4
Bobby Roode asks for a rematch
This segment was simply just to draw out Roode getting a rematch until a later date, I'm guessing. One thing I found interesting however was that there seems to be some tension beginning to build between Lashley and MVP which I think is good direction to go. If they continue to slowly build tension between them, Lashley will become a massive fan favorite when he turns on MVP. Let's hope that happens.
5) Gail Kim vs. Havok - Knockouts Title Match
First off, I like how this was set up with the brawl earlier on. It gives the fans a reason to legitimately be interested in this as the main event of the show. This only lasted 10 minutes or so, but was very good while it lasted. Havok continued to work over the arm/shoulder with a variety of moves meanwhile Gail Kim tried to take out the legs of Havok with a figure four leg lock around the ring post. Good match although I know these two are capable of much more.
Match rating - ***
Overall thoughts: I'd say this was a slight step up from last week. Joe/Aries was the match of the night followed by Kim/Havok. Those two stories/matches stole the show. Everything else here was pretty much just to further storylines which isn't always super entertaining, but is something that has to be done so I can't complain. Really looking forward to the Full Metal Mayhem Match next week. Decent show tonight.
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