James Storm vs. AJ Styles ends in No Contest
What I Liked:
The match featured two guys with different skills in the ring. I thought Styles and Storm did a great job at both getting a chance to carry the match from an offensive standpoint. Storm slows the pace down, focuses on the mid section of Styles, and beats him down. Styles hits a beautiful suplex with a quick two count, which swings the offense his way. Both guys are really good at timing and focusing on the body parts they are beating up. We get a physical exchange of punches in the face from Styles and Storm. I really enjoyed this match because it seemed like both guys were putting it all on the line. AJ hits a springboard forearm with unbelievable distance. Styles hits it without flaw, and it looked fantastic. Close pinfalls, conditioning, and Styles hit a beautiful kick to the back of the head. Go back and watch this match, as the crowd loved it and I did too. Storm and Styles go back and forth during the entire match. I cannot say enough about this match, as it stole the show no doubt. The end saw Aces and Eights attack Styles, but not Storm. You continue to wonder what Storm has to do with this, if anything.
Grade: A…. Excellent part of the show. This was well done on all levels of entertainment.
-Sam Shaw gets a contract with TNA.
Zema Ion def. Kenny King
What I Liked:
Ion looks like a pretty boy, but I like how he has a meanstreak in the ring. He is different in the ring than what he looks, and that is a positive on his end. You have some unpredictability with Ion, not knowing what move comes next. This type of superstar keeps you interested from the beginning to the end. I liked how King got the opportunity, because I do think King has a great future in TNA. There is no doubt his talent in the ring is great, so it is a matter of time for his character to evolve. Ion is the X Division champion, and I really enjoy his combination of intensity and intelligence. King hit a nice reversal on Ion, but Ion comes back and connects with an excellent suplex. Kenny King hits an excellent kick, which leads into his T-Bone Suplex. It was very Taz-esque. Ion gets kicked once again by King, and King flies to the outside. This was an excellent and very competitive match between the champion and one of the best newcomers in the company.
What I Disliked:
I did not like Bobby Roode interfering in this match. What was the point of having the face of the company attack a new guy like this? I really feel this is a huge step down from what Roode was doing even at the beginning of the match. Give that spot to someone who needs something to do. I get the point Aries picked King, but do they need to fight with the X Division stars? They already have Aces and Eights in their sights, so what is the point of adding these guys?
Grade: A-
