7 Wrestling Matches Saved By Ridiculously Last Minute Changes
1. Jeff Hardy Vs. Sting (TNA Victory Road 2011)
The TNA World Heavyweight Championship blowoff at Victory Road 2011 might have turned out an utter farce, but it could have been an unmitigated disaster if not for a difficult eleventh-hour alteration.
Forty seconds after his entrance music hit for the night's marquee match, Jeff Hardy shambled out to ringside, evidently - to use a euphemism sadly all too familiar to wrestling followers - "in no condition to perform." TNA had a dilemma on their hands; it was clear that not only could the intoxicated Hardy not work a competent contest, but in doing so he would be putting both himself and Sting at danger.
The company had no choice but to bite the bullet. Executive Producer Eric Bischoff marched to ring, and after a quiet word in the ears of both Hardy and Sting, announced a hastily conceived no DQ 'change of plan' to the audience - nothing more than a ruse to cover his presence. The bell rung, and after 90 seconds of toe-screwing, Sting cinched his beleaguered opponent into a small package, scoring a legitimate three count.
After the contest, a fan was heard shouting "bullsh*t!" in Sting's direction. The Franchise agreed, though TNA's tough decision was anything but. The company sacrificed their main event and their humility for the good of their troubled worker and his opponent. It was a brave and commendable call.