Welcome to the latest installment of TNA Review, as it is time for the go-home show before the Lockdown PPV on Sunday. But, before TNA rolls into San Antonio, it is time for the company to build on the upcoming extravaganza to the fullest extent possible. The main headlines of course revolve around Aces & Eights, and after last week's announcement of the teams for the signature Lethal Lockdown match, will the sides be colliding only a few days before the PPV? Also, with the World Heavyweight Championship on the line between Jeff Hardy and his challenger Bully Ray, will some tension begin to form over the apparent respect that the two competitors have for each other? The title match could use a little antagonism in order to ensure that the main event will be everything that it can possibly be at Lockdown. Before continuing with the main narrative though, I would like to state my sincere condolences over the passing of Paul Bearer this week at the age of 58. He was certainly one of the most entertaining and notable managers in wrestling history, without whom superstars like Kane, Mankind, and most importantly the Undertaker would not have been held in the same esteem that they are held today. Hopefully he will get the honour of a posthumous Hall of Fame place in the very near future, and it is a true shame that he will not be able to enter it in person.
Open Fight Night Starts With A Bang - Austin Aries Vs. Jeff Hardy
http://youtu.be/bm4D4_U2rJM The first man out to the Impact Zone tonight is none other than The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, and one half of the TNA Tag Team Champions, Austin Aries. He begins on the microphone by stating that he has been unable to get hold of Bobby Roode this week, but brags about his victory over Hernandez without the assistance of his partner. He then moves on to berate the ungrateful responses he received from Bully Ray and Jeff Hardy after he tried to pep them up for their upcoming World Heavyweight Championship Match at Lockdown. This results in Aries challenging Hardy to a match right at the top of the show, to prove that he truly is the champion that he claims to be. Hardy is more than happy to oblige Aries' request, and as he shows appreciation to his multitude of creatures in the arena, A-Double takes the opportunity to assault the champion from behind and get this sure to be great match underway. Aries is quick to dominate the opening of the match, with Hardy still feeling the effects of the pre-match assault. He takes shot after shot to the face and sternum of the champion, keeping Hardy either in the corner or sprawled on the canvas. Eventually, Hardy is able to launch his own flurry of offense from the corner, and takes a few shots to the head of Aries as the crowd chants along with every connection. But this battling spirit from Hardy only lasts for a few seconds before he is flung over the top rope by Aries onto the floor, and Aries takes the opportunity to mock his opponent in the ring as Hardy crawls around hurt on the outside. Returning from the first of soon to be many adverts, Hardy is once again trying to build some momentum before his attempted roll-through is stopped by an immediate drop-kick to his painted face. Everytime Hardy builds some offense or gets a quick cover, Aries is quicky able to turn the match back in his favour with a kick or a clothesline. Aries then takes some more time to mock the unusual dancing of Hardy before connecting with a frogsplash from the second rope, but once again Hardy kicks out after a long two-count. Aries' argument with the referee about a slow count allows Hardy to recover and connect with a unique enziguri to the chest of Aries. After some rapid shots and a flying clothesline, Hardy hits a splash of his own to Aries from the second rope, and gets another near-fall. Aries attempts to counter a Twist of Fate lead to him being headscissored through the ring ropes by Hardy, who then hits a crossbody on Aries from the ring apron. The Charismatic Enigma then appears to be thinking Swanton Bomb, but a quick shot by Aries knocks him onto the apron. But when attempting to suplex Hardy back into the centre of the ring, Hardy is able to counter with two Twist of Fates. But, before he is able to capitalise on his fallen opponent, Hardy is caught by an interfering Matt Morgan with his Carbon Footprint. Morgan doesn't seem to be done there as he plans to smash Hardy's skull against the ring post with another vicious boot, before the arrival of Bully Ray with his trusty steel chain is able to call an end to Morgan's assault and protect Hardy only a few days before Lockdown. A quick but entertaining match in which both superstars were kept strong by the DQ finish. But what is Morgan's future on the World Championship seen?
WINNER (by DQ): Jeff Hardy