Alex Shelley def. Austin Aries and Douglas Williams:
What I Liked:
I really enjoy Shelley's offensive skill set. He does a good job making basic moves look unique, including a drop kick to the back of his opponents head. Williams was a wild card in the match, but used his strength to gain some offense. Aries and Shelley are the two featured stars here, but Williams added gave us a wrinkle before their big match at AAO.
What I Disliked:
Sliced Bread was a solid finish to beat Aries, but it was a clean pin fall. I feel like this devalues Aries a little bit because he has been the guy who has won consistently. I would rather see this at the PPV, but I doubt Shelley will win. He deserves it and Aries could use a break as the champion.
Grade: B-
Hogan is backstage with Garrett. Sting comes in and he talks with Hogan. They make amends and talk about how Sting has always helped Hogan. They talk more about things, and the cameras fade off.
Tara is attacked by Gail Kim backstage.
In Ring Segment:
Hulk Hogan and Garrett Bischoff come out to the live audience. They get a great ovation. Hogan begins to talk up the UK crowd. He states his love for wrestling, and says Garrett has that same desire. Eric Bischoff comes out and says "Who the hell do you think you are" to Hogan. He says he has no right stepping in family business. Hogan tells Bischoff that Garrett vs. Gunner is booked at Against All Odds. Gunner attacks Garrett, and Eric low blows Hogan. The tables turn when Gunner is sent to the outside, and Garrett punches his dad in the face.
What I Liked:
We finally see Garrett show some balls here. He and Hogan are an interesting pairing, but I have always been interested in this angle from the beginning. The family angle always seems to work, or at least interest people. Garrett and Gunner will not be a great bell to bell match, but it basically is the climax of the past two to three months.
What I Disliked:
Hogan and Eric will be there to stay seen and relevant, because it still is ALL about THEM and nobody else. They say they want to push the young talent, but Gunner didn't talk much and neither did Garrett. Let them argue, make it more about them and not Hogan and Eric. I would rather see less of them and more of the guys they invest money and time into.
Grade: C
