Impact Wrestling Review: AJ Styles - Back To Normal, Devon - Sayonara

By Chris Featherstone

This episode of Impact Wrestling was the taped continuation of the Hardcore Justice television special. It featured more Bound for Glory series matches, as well as a match between the Main Event Mafia and Aces and Eights, in which the loser was forced to resign from being an active TNA wrestler.

Bobby Roode, Christopher Daniels and Kazarian cut an in-ring promo, in which they continue to show their alliance for the sake of advancing in the Bound for Glory series. Daniels names the group the Extraordinary Gentlemen's Organization?or E.G.O.?and Roode attempts to recruit Austin Aries to be a part of the cause. James Storm and Gunner appears, which leads to an impromptu match of Roode/Kazarian vs. Storm/Gunner, in which the heels win. Storm and Gunner has not really been very impressive as tag champs, and something must happen soon before those belts have the same relevance as the now-defunct TV title.


Manik vs. Sonjay Dutt was a good match, and more matches should be happening like this to showcase the X Division. It was definitely a good decision to change the rules from exclusively triple threat matches, since that got boring very quickly. There are many other names on the roster, coupled with those from the indies who would appreciate a few appearances here and there, that will make the division hot like it used to be.

Joseph Park vs. Christopher Daniels vs. Jay Bradley vs. Hernandez was a much better match than expected. As I said before, Park's character is definitely refreshed with Eric Young as his manager. Both have quirky personalities, and work well together. The win would have benefited Daniels much more, but I supposed there are greater ideas in store for him in the coming weeks.


Bully Ray bringing in Brooke Tessmacher as his new valet works, I suppose. Overall, it does not do much for his character, but it sure does give Brooke Tessmacher a good spot. She fits right in as a heel, and her character can only go up from here. Hopefully, she becomes involved in the Knockouts picture again with this new attitude. Bringing the title to the Aces and Eights camp while Bully is world champ has a good ring to it.


Gail Kim vs. ODB was an okay match, but not very memorable. This has been the common thread of many Knockouts matches as of late. Gail Kim getting the win does not hurt or help either one of them, as they (Kim and ODB) are the only two women vying for the title. Add Mickie James, Velvet Sky and Brooke Tessmacher, and that is your entire division, folks.


(Speaking of Tazz?his commentary during the Knockouts match was absolutely horrible.)

Main Event Mafia vs. Aces and Eights was a good match for what is was worth. An all-out brawl, that helped the minimal wrestling skills that Rampage Jackson has (Did you see his arsenal? Body punch, body punch, throw opponent out of ring, repeat).

AJ Styles being the fifth member only made sense, seeing how he is as close to Kurt Angle as TNA can get right now. I just feel that his "No One" gimmick could have went much further, but it surely does not seen as if this sudden face turn was the original plan. Now, back to "P1." Devon being the choice to lose was a bit surprising, as Knux would have been my first choice. However, Devon was not doing much anyways, so he will not be missed much.

By the way?the video theme song above is a tribute to what could have been, but never will be. Goodbye Lone Wolf AJ Styles gimmick.

Sound off with your Hardcore Justice (part 2) thoughts below.

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