TNA is currently the best promotion in wrestling. Hands down.
Yes, You heard right.
Last night, the second biggest company in the North American professional wrestling industry put forward a Pay-Per-View event that hit all the right marks. It didn't break any boundaries with its product in the way of brand new match types and crazy angles. Destination X wasn't about that. What it was about was providing a compelling, wrestling-heavy broadcast that centered around the crowning of two new champions. The end result was a fantastic 3 hours of pro-wrestling that successfully made the crowning of each of these champions feel as though you were privy to something very, very special. So, without further ado, lets delve into why TNA is quickly becoming the pinical of greatness in pro-wrestling.
Match Results:
Match No. 1: "Last Chance" Qualifier Fatal 4-Way
Mason Andrews
def
Rubix, Lars Only and Dakota Darsow
Rating: * 3/4
Comments:
Every PPV has to have an average match and unfortunately, we found our average match in the opener. Considering Lars Only and Darsow were in this one, i certainly didn't have high hopes after watching their sub-par outings last week on iMPACT. Fortunately, the right man won in Mason Andrews, as his win began a mini "underdog" storyline that eventually lead him to the Ultimate X match later on.
This match was basically a "spot fest", with each guy hitting big move after big move with little to no direction in the match. To be fair, the spots that we did see were cool to watch, with Rubix and Andrews provided some breathtaking Planches to the outside onto Darsow and Only. Speaking of Rubix, the crowd was hot for him from the get go as he was the most recognizable star in this match. The masked one and Andrews tried to provide some direction in this clusterfuck, but it was definitely hard when Only and Darsow didn't know what they were doing. Case in point: 5 minutes into this X-DIVISION match, Lars Only gets one of his opponents into a front face lock....isn't that something you apply when starting a singles match? Moments of meaningless stalling between the 4 guys coupled with nonsensical move sequences made this one the most forgettable match on the Destination X.
Match No. 2: Ultimate X Qualifier
Mason Andrews
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Kid Kash
Rating: ** 1/4
Comments:
At this point, i was getting a little confused. I didn't fully get why Kash imediately ran to the ring and began a match with the already beaten down Andrews. Apparently, Jeremy Borash informed us that all the X-Division newcomers would have to wrestle established X-Division competitors (such as Doug Williams and Zema Ion) to get their shot in Ultimate X. In short, the new comers needed to win 2-3 matches to get in, while the established stars only had to win 1. In this situation, a tornament bracket graphic REALLY would of helped settle the confusion.
I liked this match a hell of a lot better than the opener. There was nothing outstanding about it, but it was still a hard hitting, physical matchup from the get-go. Kash played to the crowd as the arogant heel that was looking to pick the bones of Andrews who had already wrestled a 5-6 minute match and he definately played his role well. Andrews kept up his part nicely with crisp sequences and a fun babyface on fire spot. The finish had Kash missing a Curb Stomp, which Andrews reversed into a Schoolboy for the "W". An "out of nowhere" finish to a traditional, yet well worked "2nd match on the card". The implamentation of an "underdog" storyline for Andrews was also appreciated, as it installed another layer and another possible winner for the upcoming Ultimate X match for the championship.
Match No. 3: Ultimate X Qualifier
Kenny King
def
Doug Williams
Rating: ** 1/4
Comments:
This one had a different feel from the previous qualifying match. This was definitely appreciated. For one thing, i felt as though they gave this one much more time as Williams (who has definitely put on some weight since we last saw him) and King started off real slow with some entertaining mat work. Little spots involving Williams switching from a front face lock into a reverse Indian Death Lock in the early minutes of the contest were indications of the type of pace expected for this one.
If anything, i think the "feeling out" process for these two went a bit too long. There were moments where i was waiting for these two to kick it into the next gear, but instead, they went back to mat wrestling like they were going for a 60-minute Broadway. Like the Kash match, the finish had some crisp sequences and i was happy that Williams was able to keep up the pace with the much younger King. Even though the match wasn't ground-breaking, i appreciated the different style Williams brought to this tournament match up. Like before, the right man advanced, which is the most important thing. A solid bout between a vet and a young upstart.
Match No. 4: Ultimate X Qualifier
Sonjay Dutt
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Rashad Cameron
Rating: ** 1/2
Comments:
This bout counteracted the methodical pace of Williams' match with an immediate explosive start. These two went through the cruiserweight motions with quick pin attempts coupled with nip ups and standing somersaults. The only downside to this one was Cameron: he looked as though he lost the crowd while on offense. He attempted his Planche to the outside and while it looked great, i had already seen this move a number of times so it definitely lost its sting the third time around. This is something X-Division wrestlers need to realize: sometimes, its better to stick with a traditional approach to their matches, instead of always attempting to take the audiences breath away with high-flying moves. Thankfully, Dutt got the action back on track with his babyface on fire spots. Ultimately, Dutt won with his devastating Moonsault into a Double Foot Stomp. That move right there the price of admission for this quick Ultimate-X Qualifying Match.
Jesse Sorenson Promo:
Comments:
Kudos for TNA making Sorenson's return to the ring a big deal. Sorenson's passionate promo was complimented by a tremendous video packaging that outlined his freak accident with Zema Ion last year and his road to recovery. It was an even better touch having his mother and girlfriend ringside crying as Sorenson proclaimed he would return to TNA to kick Zema Ion's ass.
This was a text book example of how a promotion builds towards a injured star returning to the active roster. The only downside is that this program involves two guys that have had very little time to develop their characters via promos. Sure, Sorenson got a respectful reaction from the Orlando crowd, but he isnt exactly an established babyface with years of exposure in TNA. Furthermore, Ion - who may be quite good in the ring - isn't the most natural heel ive seen in years. His delivery is ripped straight from promo school (as we would find out later on in the show) and he lacks conviction in his delivery. Regardless, the right steps have been made with this rivalry and time will tell how this one plays out.
Match No. 5: Ultimate X Qualifier
Zema Ion
def
Flip Casanova
Rating: * 3/4
Comments:
By this point in the show, i was getting kinda tired of X-Division matches that centered on similar structures. While the past two matches had been average to good, this one was like the opener: more a "spot fest" than a wrestling match. There was absolutely no story here. Instead, it was a competition between Ion and Casanova as to who could execute the world's newest and most craziest move set. Granted, the moves looked good, but if you don't have the competitors selling the effects of these seuqences, whats the point of doing them in the first place? Ion won with a crazy-looking Gory Specail into a Flapjack combination. Not much more to write about here.
Match No. 6: Bound For Glory Series Match
Samoa Joe
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Kurt Angle
Rating: *** 3/4
Comments:
Before i could say "i hope this show picks up" TNA Destination X 2012 gave us this little gem of a match. Angle v Joe was FREAKIN AWESOME! There was so much to love here. Sure, it could be argued that Angle and Joe have had better matches in the past. However, as a middle-of-the-card matchup, Joe and Angle knew exactly what to do to get this crowd back into this PPV.
Angle, as always, set his usual lightning quick pace and Joe, to his absolute credit, kept up and then some as the crowd were split in their support for both combatants. The match started with traditional mat wrestling, then moved into a hard-hitting arial display involving not only Joe but ANGLE AS WELL! It was nuts watching Angle pull out a Missile Dropkick from the top rope. However, Joe in my books was the star of this one. He moved that 300-pound mass around like he was Sonjay Dutt. At one point, the "Samoan Submission Machine" even delivered a DEVISTATING Rough Ryder from the top rope!
All these high spots were expertly implemented into this 14-minute match. As a result, these spots ultimately lead to a tremendous finishing sequence. With submissions being both guy's bread and butter, Angle and Joe provided us with great dramatic counter-wrestling involving Joe's Rear Naked Choke and Angle's Ankle Lock. The reversals that lead to each man's finishing hold were things of beauty and there was high drama in every hold for the last 3 minutes. From Naked Choke to Ankle Lock and vice versa, the see-saw drama was exhilarating. Ultimately, this tremendous matchup lead to Angle passing out the Joe's Rear Naked to give the Samoan Warrior 10 BFGS points to go along with this SHOCKING win. Fantastic finish: Joe gets over as he wins definitivly via submission and goes to the No. 1 Spot on the BFGS leaderboard, Angle gets over because he never tapped out and only lost because he passed out, making him an "ultimate bad ass".
The only criticism i have is that if future BFGS matches are going to go this close to the 15minute time-limit, there needs to be a timer in the corner so that fans know how close the competitors are to the finish. Having this graphic would add to the urgency and overall drama of the match in the long run. Regardless, absolutely fantastic wrestling by two seasoned pros.
Match No. 7: Last Man Standing Match
AJ Styles
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Christopher Daniels
Rating: *** 3/4
Comments:
Joe and Angle signaled a massive turning point in this PPV. Just when i thought Joe and Angle couldn't be followed by a equally fantastic match, we got AJ Styles and Chrispoher Daniels in a Last Man Standing match.
Ill be honest. When i first heard about this one, i was a bit worried that the gimmick of the match would hurt both guys performance. Christ almighty, how wrong i was! Instead of providing the fans with their usual technical masterpiece, Daniels and AJ went out there a gave the fans an intense, hard-hitting brawl that built upon the last few weeks of storytelling and provided a breathtaking climax that we will be talked about for years to come. This is EXACTLY what a Last Man Standing Match is all about: violent and aggressive spots that are used sparingly that build on the story being told in the ring.
The match started with Daniels attempting wrestling moves, but executing them in an ultra-aggressive manner (ie delivering a Vertical Suplex into the turnbuckle post/ delivering a spinning Uranage (Rock Bottom) on a set-up folding chair). Furthermore, these sequences were complemented by the brilliance of Christopher Daniels as a heel througout as he bad-mouthed the fans at ringside while beating on AJ. These little tricks got the live crowd more and more behind AJ so that when their babyface finally busted Daniels open via a devastating slingshot into the steel stairs, Orlando, Florida became unglued. By the end, both men were bleeding as they brawled to the entrace way of the IMPACT Zone. Ultimately, the action culminated in Kazarian coming out to blindside AJ and throw him off the stage. This brilliantly executed spot was only a false finish however, as AJ, the courageous babyface, fought off both men to the delight of the ABSOLUTELY HOT crowd. Eventually, the match reached its epic climax, as AJ Styles delivered a ridiculous Styles Clash on Daniels off the stage through a table!!!
This tremendous visual capped off one of the better Last Man Standing Matches in recent memory. Both men didn't go overboard with an excessive use of props and weapons. Both these pros didn't need them. Instead, they told a story with their bodies that provided a metaphorical representation of the hell AJ Styles had gone through because of Christopher Daniels. Fantastic storytelling for a fantastic match.
Match No. 8: Ultimate X Match for the X-Division Championship
Zema Ion
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Sonjay Dutt, Mason Andrews, and Kenny King
to win the vacant X-Division Championship
Rating: ***
Comments:
Another Ultimate X Match, another Injury that effected the overall match quality.
I know i should be fair and say that King, Ion and Andrews did a great job in carrying the match while Dutt attended to his injury. However, my disappointment in the payoff of this match overwhelms my desire to be fair.
There was a lot of pressure to do well in this match as TNA fans had already watched an Ultimate-X match a few weeks ago. Showcasing that match definitely hurt the overall special-ness of this X-Division Championship bout. However, there were enough skilled combatants in this match to make the bout potentially memorable.
Don't get me wrong, this match wasn't horrible. Not by a long shot.. Early on, spots involving all 4 guys looked incredible. Most noticeably, the triple Dropkick into Ion was a definite highlight. As the matched progressed, each guy was given time to showcase, and there was enough stuff here to keep fans at home and at the arena happy (King's lighting quick Kick to Dutt was one of them). Unfortunately, after Dutt separated his shoulder due to a standing Shooting Star Press, the match lost its way. Standard X-Division spots that we had already seen in previous matches, coupled with uninspired attempts to untie the Championship Belt made this match slow down considerably. Eventually, Dutt made it back for his involvement in the finish. It was just a damn shame that the finish was so inappropriate for a specticale match such as Ultimate X. Having Ion win by spraying hairspray into Dutt's eyes as he hung from the top of the Ultimate-X structure was a spot that should be saved for wrestling matches, NOT Ultimate-X matches.
As a result of this week finish, Ion's win came off as a bit undercooked and less impactful as it could of been. His post-match promo involving Jesse Sorenson was forgettable and badly executed which makes me worry about the longevity of this rivalry. Regardless, there was still some great stuff to be found in the opening minutes of this match. Its just a shame that Ultimate-X claimed ANOTHER injury.
Match No. 9: World Heavyweight Championship
Austin Aries
def
Bobby Roode
to become the new TNA World Heavyweight Championship
*Match of the Night*
Rating: ****
Comments:
Somehow, someway, TNA were able to top two matches that could of easily headlined any PPV on any wrestling promotion. In short, the main event between Aries and Roode RULED in nearly every conceivable way.
This match is exactly what the phrase "main event" is all about: the underdog babyface, overcoming the dominant heel champion to claim his first World Heavyweight Title. Its crazy that in 2012, promoters struggle to tell this simple story on a PPV stage. They usually complicate its presentation with soap opera fluff and unbelievable angles that either make no sense or detract from the simplicity of the overarching story. however, i am so happy to report that TNA's Destination X PPV main event broke away from this norm.
The match was given plenty of time and was built very nicely from the start. In fact this match had EVERYTHING: grappling, submission wrestling, high-flying acrobatics and more. Great mat work by both competitors was mixed in with a Aries quick aerial assault. I loved this inclusion of an X-Division arsenal by Aries as it told the story of Aries shocking the Roode with a move set he rarely has to deal with. Roode's transition and cut off spots were hard-hitting and expertly executed every single time. Once this rollercoaster of a match reached its final minutes, i knew were were in for something specail and memorable. Instead of going for the usual babyface on fire spots, Aries and Roode put over their submission finishers (Roode with his Crossface and Aries with his Last Chancery). I loved this added layer of drama as both sequences put over the toughness of both men. I had absolutely no problem with Roode eventually going for blatant cheap shots, as these "dirty" tactics eventually backfired on the champ, leading to a series of exhilerating near falls. Eventually, we were treated to most fitting finish to end this rivalry. Austin Aries lived up to what he had said all along: he hit Bobby Roode with his Brainbuster and pinned him clean to win his first World Heavyweight Championship. This clean win is exactly what Aries needed. The finish and this match as a whole solidified "The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived" as a legitimate main-eventer in the eyes of every TNA fan watching this PPV.
Speaking of the fans, this match was boosted by an INSANELY hot crowd. I was taken back by how many people were actually behind Aries. In segments leading up to this PPV, he had been getting good to great reactions. But on this night, he got a reaction that was reserved for a bonafied star. I've always said that live crowds have the power to either destroy or enhance the action portrayed in the ring. At Destination X, they assisted in making Aries win feel as though it was one of the biggest title changes in TNA history. On the flip side, their reaction made Bobby Roode's lengthy title reign feel just as important. The ridiculously positive reaction by the Orlando audience was personified by the post-match celebration involving red and white confetti. This lovely touch was the cherry on top of a tremendous and fitting main event that exceeded all expectations. Fantastic pro-wrestling for a truly fantastic PPV.
Final Thoughts:
I never thought i would say this about a TNA PPV in 2012, but if you have the chance, you must attempt to watch Destination X. While the 1st half provided average to good X-Division bouts, the 2nd half of this PPV was quite possibly the best 2nd half of a PPV i have ever seen. Joe and Angle was a tremendous contest that was eventually equaled by AJ and Daniel's fantastic Last Man Standing Match. Both matches could of easily headlined any PPV.. While the Ultimate-X Match had an injury that damped its in-ring quality, all 4 combatants worked their asses all things considered to produce one of the better Ultimate X matches since its incarnation. Then we had the main event that knocked the ball out of the park and solidified Austin Aries as a TNA main-eventer. If you were only looking for one reason to watch Destination X, now you have 4. Watch out WWE, TNA is on a roll!
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