TheOneBigWill's Hard Justice Review

[TheOneBigWill]

TNA Hard Justice; August 16th, 2009​

1. Steel Asylum: Suicide v. Chris Saban v. Alex Shelley v. Jay Lethal v. Consequences Creed v. Christopher Daniels v. Amazing Red v. “The Pope” D’angelo Dinero:​

One word. Clinic. This match was not just a spot-fest, it wasn’t just a showcase of specialty moves. It was a pure clinic, of every single specialty “X-Division” move, over the past few years, in a row. And it was amazing.

I haven’t been impressed by the Steel Asylum since the moment it debuted. I seen it as a crappy version of the Hell in a Cell, painted red, for Cruiserweights. Tonight, I was finally proven wrong. If there was ever a moment when a TNA match surpassed a WWE match, via gimmicks, it’d be this one.

I don’t care that it was a spot-clinic from beginning to end, it was very nicely done and anyone who says otherwise is just not a fan of watching great chemistry inside the ring.

As for the storylines within the ring, there were about 3. Suicide and “The Pope” will likely have a building storyline, based on the ending with how Dinero refused to accept victory, instead choosing to keep Suicide from it. The tag team tandems of Lethal Consequences and the Guns went back and forth throughout the whole program, and the final storyline was of course with the winner - Christopher Daniels, calling out the winner of the X-Division match and dare I say (as I write this review, I’m watching the ppv as well) fore-shadowing the winner, in singling out Samoa Joe for next month’s Pay per view.

In the end, I’d say this was the best Steel Asylum and likely going to be hard to out-due next year. If Joe does end up winning later, then Daniels will be seen as quite honestly the only respectable winner in this contest. All in all, 5 outta 5. Nice start to the Pay per view.

2. $50, 000 Bounty Match: Abyss v. Jethro Holliday:​

While I wasn’t impressed with the announcement of this contest, at least they tried making the suffering less than horrible by changing the contest to “anything goes”. You know, especially since a month ago they announced “every match” at Hard Justice to be contested under hardcore rules.

There is less than much I can say about this match, except for the fact that in the end - no Lance Cade, and Dr. Stevie got laid out by Jethro via a big right - only to see Abyss clapping like a ******ed 5 year old child, who just got a teddy bear. Abyss won, after a less than impressive, or important filler. 0.5 outta 5.

3. Briefcase Match: Rob Terry v. Hernandez:​

Seriously? I get that they added the 2nd and 3rd matches just a couple days ago, but did they truly have to put them back to back, after such an explosive opening match? Way to fuck your fans over.

Hernandez gets on the stick and tells the British Invasion that there won’t be a wrestling match (shocking, considering Rob Terry doesn’t strike me as the technical type) but instead one of two options. One, they can give him his case, or two, he can take it by walking over all of them. This prompts all three to enter the ring, only to be laid out literally one after the other. A quick shoulder block/tackle on Rob Terry later, and Hernandez did exactly what he said he was going to. Less than a minute. I can’t rate this match, as there kinda wasn’t one. N/A.

4. IWGP Tag Team Championships: British Invasion © v. Beer Money:​

Eric Young comes out for commentary and points out a very interesting fact, in which some may or may not have forgotten.. That being, he’s been in war’s with both members of Beer Money and as such have trained the British Invasion on their weaknesses. Considering Young was defeated more than he won over Storm & Roode, I’m not sure how his knowledge is going to work - unless he’s told the British Invasion to NOT do what he says.

I truly paid attention to two things during this contest. Doug Williams wrestling ability, and the commentary. While I have to admit, Doug Williams is as plain as vanilla, he deserves his spot more than I originally thought he did. He’s like a poor man’s William Regal. Very poor, but still worth his spot.

On the other side to that, the commentary. Eric Young kept mentioning the training to this match, and how he’d point out they’d worked on “this” and “that” every time the British Invasion would simply tag in and out, and use double team moves. What the fuck?! How do you need to train extensively to tag in and out, or use simple knowledge in tag wrestling?

Two things caught me off guard the most regarding commentary. First, Young mentioned a couple other members to possibly join the World Elite. No names were mentioned, but you’d have to assume they’re not American. Or.. Are they? The other is how the fuck can anyone hate the British Invasion, when Mike Tenay is such a little bitch and makes you honestly want to like, whoever he’s whining and complaining about?!

In the end, Beer Money controlled the majority of the match, but like you’d expect, the British Invasion retained after Eric Young distracts and allows for an illegal low blow following by a roll-up. I’d have rather the B.I. used a double team finisher but whatever I suppose. 2.5 outta 5.

5. Knockout’s Championship: Angelina Love © & Velvet Sky v. ODB & Cody Deaner:​

Its not a tag team match, Will. You heard wrong, Will. You got your facts confused, Will. Deaner’s not gonna win the Knockout title, Will. What? What? Huh? Come again? While I might say enough to make people forget most of it, I know I don’t come up with pure shit out of my ass. Especially when I repeat what I’ve heard, straight from the program. Sometimes I’d like to think what I hear isn’t true - but I don’t make shit up, and unfortunately this match shows it.

For the most part, this wasn’t as horrible as some W.W.E Diva’s matches, but its definitely not up to TNA Knockout’s potential. Love & Sky against ODB was nice, but when Deaner got involved it was practically like watching on-air rape. He practically tore Velvet a new ass with those slaps, and I’m pretty sure he straight-up ran that tongue down Madison’s throat.

In the end, every bit of what I called from the moment I heard of this nonsense - came true. Deaner got the pinfall, and even though ODB was announced Champion, Deaner took off with the title after proclaiming he got the victory. Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to TNA believing males’ winning Women’s Championships is what works.

If that wasn’t bad enough, the Beautiful People look as if they may be coming for a split. They’ve been teasing this for a while now, but if I’ve said it once - I’ve said it, well, a lot more. The Beautiful People ARE the Knockout’s division. Love is like TNA’s version of Maryse. Sky is her sidekick. If Madison gets kicked out, I couldn’t care less, but Love left the ring and looked pissed overall at both of the others. 2.5 outta 5.

6. X-Division Championship: Homicide © v. Samoa Joe:​

A lot of people may not know this, but in Ring of Honor these two had an amazing match in which Homicide defeated Joe. This, wasn’t that match though, and anyone who didn’t see this coming from a mile away is just not a follower of storylines in TNA right now.

About roughly one month ago the Mafia announced they were going to attempt going after all of the gold. While I don’t yet know what will happen with the Legend’s, Tag team, or Heavyweight titles.. Joe has finally joined the Mafia in capturing the one title that eluded them during their initial run of gold that began a month ago.

I’ll fully admit, I’m not a Samoa Joe fan, in fact I can’t stand the guy. Him wearing brown pants pretty much sums up my feelings on him looking like a giant piece of shit, as well. But the one thing I’ll give him, is he’s a far better wrestler in the X-Division than he ever will be in the Main Event scene. Joe and Homicide had a great showing here, but once again it was slightly ruined by the fact that the outcome wasn’t mysterious.

In the end, Joe chokes out Homicide, and he’ll move on like Daniels predicted or rather asked for, to a pre-assumed great showdown that may bring back the Daniels of old. Let’s hope, anyways. 4.0 outta 5.

7. Tag Team Championships: Scott Steiner & Booker T © v. Team 3D:​

Once again this is another classic case of the announcer’s hyping something that is apparently “just added”, (meaning the falls count anywhere stipulation) when for the most part this type of match was unofficially announced when this Pay per view was being originally talked about during the last Pay per view.

The overall match was actually good, but typically the duo of Brother Ray and Devon can almost always pull out decent “hardcore” style matches. Afterall, its what made them in the first place. Out of the middle of the match, I couldn’t help but notice Scott Steiner triggering a “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka moment, in leaping from the top of a barricade onto Team 3D.

Toward the end of the match, Team 3D hit all their signature moves and as usual, almost got burned by their stupidity at constantly wanting to go to the Tables. Booker’s Book-End through the table was nice. After that, everything just kinda got spot-fest-like, as each member hit one of their opponent’s with a “power move” of some kind but only for a two count.

The ending was somewhat amazing, until they decided for the first time (to my knowledge) in Wrestling history, that the Officials went to a fucking REPLY! Yes, Pro Wrestling has incorporated instant reply apparently. The conclusion of this, was of course that Booker T and Scott Steiner retained. For that, I give this match a 3.5 outta 5. However, I want to point out - this match would have been a solid 5 out of 5, had the officials instead of going to reply.. Stated that Brother Devon and Scott Steiner, equally pinned their respective opponent, so instead of a draw, they were now going to be paired as co-Tag team Champions.

If you recall, America’s Most Wanted and Triple X once had a storyline similar to this. Not where they won off that type of stipulation, but instead one member from each group, teamed up and won gold, so they had to pair-up together. Devon began this year on a roll, so it’d only make sense to pair him off with Steiner, and have a fucked up feud against Ray & Booker T.

8. Legend’s Championship: Mick Foley © v. Kevin Nash:​

When I first noticed this contest being made, I thought to myself there is no way its going to be worth a crap. Nash is barely capable of doing anything, and Foley is only good for bumps - but only against people, who can deliver them on him. As always, I’ll admit when I was wrong and I was dead-wrong in this match.

It wasn’t a five star Wrestling match, but it was damn entertaining a lot more than I ever thought it would be. Blood went everywhere, and in the end it seemed the only people not bleeding by the end were the fans. Maybe I’m over-hyping the greatness that was this match, but its likely because I went in with such horrible expectations that when I witnessed what I did, I was just shocked at how good it really was.

The ending was horrible, though, as it was a Big Boot and an awkward pin cover that lead to Nash regaining the Legend’s title. Once again, the ending that’s more than predictable, but unlike the other predictable endings this contest didn’t go too long, or too short. It went just long enough, and was entertaining from start to finish.

It seems like Abyss may be next in line for a shot against Nash and the Legend’s title, based on the aftermath in which Abyss saved Foley, after Nash attacked him with a barbwire bat. Once again, I’m not going to hold any type of expectation on a Nash/Abyss showdown, but I have to say thus far, the Nash/Foley contest was just right under the Asylum. 4.5 outta 5.

9. Triple Threat Match: TNA Heavyweight Championship: Kurt Angle © v. Matt Morgan v. Sting:​

As per expected this contest really began as a glorified handicap against Sting, or a constant one on one with either Morgan or Angle against Sting. I don’t know why, but I just typically have never been a huge fan of Triple Threat matches that go this route.

I can’t wrap my head around the obsession with Matt Morgan. Its like, I know he’s a giant piece of shit, yet TNA continuously wants me to give him chance after chance. And the horrible thing is, I DO! I had minimal hope for him in this match, and he’s still just not cutting it. He had a decent outting against Sting, but considering he’s been unofficially feuding with Sting for the previous two months I’m not surprised.

When Angle and Morgan finally did have a moment, it was all but over before it began, when Morgan “laid out” Angle with a Carbon Foot Print, which distracted the official long enough for Morgan to thankfully have the match won (twice) but yet NOT win in the very end. Sting also had it won at one point, but once again - due to an out of place official, not for what counts.

In the end, Angle’s “injury” was nothing more than what he’s done time and time again. Faking long enough to blast Morgan (accidentally), then get rid of Sting long enough to retain. While out of this contest the only thing I wanted to NOT happen was Morgan being crowned Champion, the fact is having Sting or Angle win didn’t mean much more to me, either. 3.5 outta 5.

In the end, the fans were truly fucked up. They actually seemed to WANT Matt Morgan to win here, and chants of “You screwed Matt” rang out throughout the iMPACT! Zone. I simply do not get it. Do.. Not.. Get.. It.

 

[Cheney]

The opening match was easily the best of the night, TNA shouldn't have opened with it though considering it just led to false hope for the rest of the night.

The only rating I disagree with is Foley vs Nash.

I thought it was complete crap, micks botch on the elbow drop then his cut job and I don't know if it was just my TV, but I didn't even get to see how Nash won since the camera was on tracy. Plus I don't think there was a wrestling move, just punch after punch after punch after punch...Grandaddy Sexy has to retire.

"You got arrested" lol.

 

[LokiCobain]

This was the first TNA PPV I've seen in a long time that seemed to drag on. I was chatting with a buddy as it was going on, and we agreed that this Steel Asylum one wasn't anything special in comparison to the last ones. But to each his own.

Abyss vs Jethro was a waste of a match considering nobody cares anymore. Raven was the one that added a much needed spark to the Richards/Abyss angle, and now with him gone, this needs to end. Luckily, with Abyss coming out to make the save, perhaps we'll see Abyss "team up" with Foley, not necessarily as a tag team, but at least as partners. The match wasn't THAT bad, just it shouldn't have been on the PPV card.

Rob Terry vs Hernandez: Something else that should not have been going on, UNLESS the point was to put Hernandez in the main event as a Fatal 4-Way. This was a huge waste of time, and yeah it showed Hernandez to be dominate, but we get it. I would have much rather seen a clusterf*ck Knockout match for #1 Contender, considering the new characters they've acquired there to showcase. Plus the Knockouts put on solid matches consistently. I would have rather seen a fatal 4-way KO match than this waste of time or the Abyss/Jethro match.

BI vs BM: I think they did the "cheap" win to not make Beer Money look weak, as they're the tag team of the future for TNA (it's hard when you have 3D in the company, and now Booker/Steiner, but they're holding their own). It's funny what you say about Doug Williams, because he reminded me of Regal's tag team partner Dave Taylor who ended up getting released. Just old school with no real personality.

KO: Deaner seems to be TNA's version of Santino, but since the target audience is different, he's just a sick bastard. Velvet's ass actually maroon color once Deaner was done with her. He seems to be getting over with the crowd, especially after the stunt at the PPV, and I hate to say it, but it gives the KO division a new storyline, and I can't wait for Deaner to try spanking Awesome Kong. I'm shamefully excited to see how this pans out.

X: Predictable, and made Homicide look weak. He tapped out instantly. I thought they'd have him kick out of it and go a little longer only to have it put on again, but it was instant. First time it was locked in, they hit the floor, he tapped...right next to the rope, not attempt at going for it. They seem to be pushing both LAX guys, but I don't know if they have what it takes. I think Homicide has a better singles future, but TNA seems to think Hernandez has the brighter future. I guess we'll see.

TT: I hated the finish, but liked what you formulated with having the two winners pair up. I was nervous Steiner was going to shatter when he hit the ground with that "move" he did off the wall. Another obvious finish though considering Kurt's "guarentee", but hopefully Bound for Glory will be the fall of the MEM and the younger/other talent will win back the titles. Jarrett vs Angle (this time around) would be a much better headline for the TNA title with all that's been going on.

LC: I was amazed at this match, but I thought Nash didn't believe in blade jobs or the whole hardcore thing? I don't exactly know how either got busted open. Foley's was when he elbow dropped off the ring, and the chair flew up and hit him? The camera angle on the finish was off, and I was very curious how Nash pulled off that pin, it was quite athletic. Big Boot into an awkward pin could also be the explanation haha. I would've liked to see a Jackknife onto the barbed wire bat, but maybe 15 years ago.

TNA: Again an obvious outcome, but I think the PPV in October should have Morgan vs Sting in a retirement match, which Morgan wins. Sting's contract is up soon, and the two of them had a great match at the last PPV (or the one before it). He'll have to give the rub to someone, and TNA loves Matt Morgan, and the fans react to him, which is nice. They can have it so Angle refuses to give Matt a title shot until he takes out Sting, after next month's headline of Angle vs Sting. "The guy who ended Sting's career" is a nice resume booster, and can give Morgan some heat and credibility. It's what they should've done with Flair (have a younger guy beat him) and what they should do with Michaels (it'll probably be HHH) and if the Undertaker's streak ever ends, what they should do with that (it'll never end haha).

But overall, this was the worst TNA PPV I've seen in a while, which is unfortunate considering they're on the "road" to Bound for Glory. Hopefully the next one is better.

 

[travistragic]

I didn't watch Hard Justice, so I'm not going to pretend to have an opinion. The results were depressing to read as TNA results usually are (which is why I don't bother to order their ppvs). I don't intend this as a jab, and you're not the only one who does it, but why have halves on a scale of 1-5 instead of just doing a scale of 1-10?

Judging by your review the matches themselves weren't as bad as I predicted, but I'm still annoyed at Morgan getting the ME title shot over Styles.

What you said about Morgan is right on the money, and I think I define him pretty well when I call him the Test of TNA. Great size and build, decent in the ring, arguably okay on the mic, but there's just that something that doesn't work and, like Test back in '99-'00, it looked like maybe a main event run for a bit and it just wasn't gonna happen.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to Summerslam. Hopefully, someday TNA gets their shit together and puts out a ppv worth ordering.

 

[Kenny Powers]

Maybe you should watch a TNA PPV TT, before you bash it. You might even enjoy it. I agree the Rob Terry/Hernandez match was garbage. Holliday/Abyss was no prize either. However, the Steel Asylum made up for it. The divas match I could take or leave, but I got to see the beautiful people so I'm happy. The X Division match was the second best match in the night IMO. The Tag team championship was intense, I just wish Steiner would of done a Frankensteiner through the table.

Mick Foley and Kevin Nash was the shocker of the night. I was excited about this match, but was happy with the match. When was the last anyone has seen Nash bleed in a match? The main event was a good back and forth exchange, but it was too short. I wish the finish was clean, but I knew that Angle was probably going over that way. It gave Morgan good exposure. I was hoping for Morgan to win, but knew it was too soon. I don't want Morgan to turn into another Orton.

Overall I give the PPV 7/10. The main event, steel asylum, X division, and tag matches did the PPV for me.