WrestlingNerd Presents: TNA Against All Odds 2012 Review (Why am I sad?)

What up wrestling fans, I'm the WrestlingNerd bringing you another written review. Today, we take a look at TNA Against All Odds 2012. How did TNA's PPV go this time around? Let's find out and start the review. 

Match #1: Jesse Sorensen vs Zema Ion; #1 Contender match to X Division title

We open up with a match that literally had no build up. If there's one thing I hate, it's seeing PPV matches that have no back story and are put on PPV for no reason. I will admit that WWE is guilty with this on occasion, but this type of thing happens more often in TNA. Jeremy Borash was filling in for Tazz on commentary since it was announced that Tazz lost someone in his family. That's always tough. I have to give Borash credit for at least attempting decent commentary. In fact, I wish somebody would just Falcon Punch Mike Tenay out of the arena and just let Borash do the whole thing himself. Trust me, it would've been a lot better. We are back in the Impact Zone, meaning it's time for me to be sad. Even though I didn't like Impact last week, it was just a breath of fresh air to see an energized crowd. I'm sorry, but you don't get any of that with the Impact Zone. If only the world of Pokemon was real? That way, I would just call out Snorlax and order him to body slam the entire Impact Zone. Anyway, there wasn't a whole lot to report with this match. The match was just starting to get going until it ended abruptly. Zema went for a moonsault on the outside of the ring. Jesse ended up taking Zema's knee to the skull. Once that happened, Zema won the match via countout. After the match, the ref put up the "X" symbol and the medics arrive. This most likely had to be a legit injury. The spot looked brutal to say the least. Even thought I am not a fan of Jesse since I find him very bland, I never wish harm on these competitors; despite all the jokes I make on here. It's possibly that this was a kayfabe spot, but the match barely got started and the commentators didn't quite know how to react. Let me rephrase that one. Borash tried to paint the picture while Tenay sat there grinning like an idiot. I heard TNA finally got a new creative leader in Dave Lagana. Maybe he can do something about Tenay….like get rid of him. There isn't much I can say about the actual match because of the early spot. Can't blame TNA on this one. 

Winner via countout: Zema Ion

Match #2: Robbie E vs Shannon Moore; TV Championship match

I thought TNA finally got rid of this belt….and Robbie E? I really couldn't get into this match since Robbie just showed up out of nowhere. This is what I've been saying about the TV Championship for months. It seems whoever has the championship doesn't do anything with the belt. That's bad creative writing. Why not treat the belt like an actual mid card championship? Instead, the belt is a complete joke and has jumped more sharks than Happy Days. I hope this issue gets addressed with the new creative writer. The match was fine, but I couldn't get invested since neither guy has any stock going into this match. The finish comes when Robbie T takes a cheap shot on Shannon. Robbie E is able to take advantage with a delayed DDT and wins the match. Do you feel rewarded? No. I feel like the PPV is just wasting my time with this match. I'm probably being harsh with this match, but I had no interest in either person going into the match. 

Winner via pinfall and still TV Champ: Robbie E

Match #3: Gail Kim vs Tara; KO Title

Madison Rayne was with Gail to start off the match, but the two started arguing and Madison left her during the match. They have been teasing this break up for a while, so that's something to expect in the near future. My problem with it is Madison will most likely go face if they do a breakup, and Madison is just a way better character as a heel. To be fair, this was not a bad matchup in terms of KO standards, but the lack of story can make you not care about this match. The finish comes when Tara misses a moonsault and hurts her knee. Unlike the Jesse spot, this one looked like it was planned. With Tara selling the injury, this allows for Gail to hit Eat Da Feet for the victory. By the way, I think it was Borash who said Gail has developed an ego with her "celebrity chef guy". That's some groundbreaking reporting. They can't even give you a name. It's just some celebrity chef guy. I guess Borash is just some backstage interview guy. That's his new name. I have spoken.

Winner via pinfall and still KO champ: Gail Kim

Match #4: Matt Morgan and Crimson vs Samoa Joe and Magnus; Tag Team Championships

As some internet review guy continues with this article, we get to a match that finally got my interest. This match was better than some of the other matches thus far, but it was nothing amazing. Still, after the first two matches (I don't count the Zema match), I'll take what I can get. The finish comes when Crimson accidentally spears Morgan. Once the challengers toss Crimson out of the ring (weeeeeee!!!), they focus on Morgan. They hit their combo finisher on Morgan and we have new tag team champs. They have been building up Magnus and Joe for a while, so it kinda makes sense to do the pay off tonight. Morgan and Crimson are better off as single competitors. At the same time, the tag team division in TNA is on life support and unless they give Joe and Magnus competition, this tag title reign can turn into a meaningless run. It's possible they can make this reign mean something, but don't be surprised if it goes nowhere. At least Joe and Magnus have something to do now. 

Winner via pinfall and NEW Tag Team Champs: Samoa Joe and Magnus

Match #5: Austin Aries vs Alex Shelley; X Division Title match

Promo of the night definitely goes to Bully Ray. Still, I wouldn't be saying how you have Storm and Hardy's numbers. People are going to start questioning your sexuality. Hey, it's only a joke. I'm kinda glad this match was put on later in the show. The storyline hasn't had a lot of time to develop, but at least it's easy to follow. This match was given a fair amount of time. It started off a little slow, but the action would pick up. This was probably the best match of the night. It was really refreshing to finally see some consistent entertainment with the PPV. Shelley hits Slice Bread, but Aries has his hand on the ropes. Aries hits Brainbuster, but Shelley kicks out. Very good match to watch. The finish comes when Aries hits the Brainbuster and follows it up with the Horns of Aries. Shelley taps out and Aries keeps his title. I liked the match, but I would've done something a little different. Even though the IWC would totally disagree with me when I say this, but I honestly felt this match should've ended in a DQ or a no contest…

Now, hold on a second. Let me make my argument. Did Shelley and Aries deliver a good match. Hell yes, but wouldn't you much rather see Shelley and Aries lock it up again as oppose to ending things here? Then again, with TNA's writing, they can find a way to get Shelley involved in a match and have it make no sense. It wouldn't be the first time. As of right now, Zema is the #1 Contender and Aries is the champ. It makes no sense for it to be Aries vs Zema since they are both heels. Not only that, but Zema isn't ready for a title match. I felt Zema has made more strides than Jesse for being a champion, but he still needs more development. Now, if you ended Shelley/Aries in a no contest or Zema interfering, then we would have a triple threat match. In my opinion, a triple threat match is a better idea since it protects Zema since he's the up and comer. It also gives us a chance to see Aries and Shelley lock it up one more time. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case since Austin won cleanly tonight. I have to assume that Jesse was scheduled to win the previous match, so it further proves the injury spot wasn't a work and it was real. Either that, or the Jesse match was a work and this whole thing makes no sense. Creative staff should've had an emergency meeting before going through with Aries' clean victory since the #1 Contender match has an effect for future events. Besides, I bet there is many of you that would much rather see the Aries/Shelley rivalry continue. I know I would rather see some type of Shelley/Aries match than a Aries/Zema match. Of course, I can't completely blame TNA since you can't predict real injuries. Still, I immediately thought of this idea as soon as Jesse was taken out of the arena, so why didn't the TNA creative staff do the same? Kinda sad when a 25 year old idiot can think of a better alternative than overpaid writers. Just to clarify, I'm not saying I don't want Aries as champ. He definitely should remain champ, but his rivalry with Shelley should continue. It would be easier for it to continue with a screwy finish or heelish shenanigans. 

Winner via submission and still X Division Champ: Austin Aries

Jeff Hardy did a promo. STOP SHOUTING AT RANDOM!!! My ears hurt and that makes me sad. I don't like being sad and neither does anyone else. 

Match #6: AJ Styles vs Kaz

Christopher Daniels was at ringside for this match. Some people might have enjoyed this match, but I felt it was too slow paced. It also doesn't help that we got no clues or insight in the current storyline. Tonight would've been a good idea to reveal a clue as to why Daniels is making Kaz his bitch, but there was nothing to be had. That of itself was disappointing, but I also said this was likely since TNA hardly does storytelling at the PPVs and saves it for Impact. The finish comes when Styles is about to hit a high risk move on Kaz, but goes for a moonsault on Daniels. Was is with the moonsaults tonight? Dammit Styles, it's not supposed to go at an angle. Once AJ gets back in the ring, Kaz hits Fade to Black and wins the match. With the victory, the storyline continues. I really hope they reveal something with the storyline or else it will get really old, really fast. I'm not say Kaz winning was a bad thing. It actually was a good thing, but we need more clues or backstory in this rivalry if they want this to continue. Hopefully, we get something really soon. 

Winner via pinfall: Kaz

Match #7: Garett Bischoff vs Gunner

I don't want to talk about this. Can we just skip it? Let's pretend we talked about it and move on. What do you say? You're not going to let me, are you? That's just mean. Let's get this over with. 

Oh boy, where do I start? The match was awful, plain and simple. It dragged all day long and it showed no improvement as the match went forward. You know what's worse than watching a bad wrestling match? Watching a bad wrestling match that takes forever to finish. The sad part is I really don't blame Garett. I have noticed this trend for a while, but Gunner's matches tend to drag a lot. He isn't a bad wrestler, but he needs to speed it the hell up. As I've said in the past, my problem with this rivalry is that it has nothing to do with Gunner and Garett and it's more about Hogan and Bischoff. In fact, the Impact Zone only showed interest in Hogan during the match. Do you see the problem? Garett was fighting back, but Gunner was too much to overcome. Hogan is about to throw in the towel, but Garett tells Hogan not to do it. Gunner hits the DDT and the match is over. So, let me get this straight? Garett had no problem with beating Gunner by himself, but can't beat him now that Hogan is his trainer? That makes no sense. Either that or Hogan is the worst trainer ever. Neither one would surprise me. I understand what they are trying to do here. They want to show the progress in Garett, but it doesn't work when Garett has defeated Gunner in the past….twice. Not to mention the storyline is a complete joke. Why do I get the feeling Hogan is going to get involved in a wrestling match? In fact, I'm calling it right here. Hogan and Garett vs Eric and Gunner at Lockdown. If that happens, I think I will have to break something. If I have to break something, I will be even more sad. WHY DOES THIS COMPANY MAKE ME SO SAD? By the way, this is an early candidate for worst match of the year. I guess TNA wants to lock up that award early this year. 

Winner via pinfall: Gunner

Match #8: Robert Roode vs James Storm vs Bully Ray vs Jeff Hardy; Fatal 4Way match for World title

Did I almost say this was the best match of the night? I change my mind. The X Division match was better. This match was good, but something about it was missing. Hardy scared the crap out of me with his face paint. He face painted his eye lids. When he had his eyes closed, it looked like an alien baby. ALIEN BABY!!! HELP ME!!! Sting has got to be the worst enforcer ever. Bully hit the Bully Bomb on Hardy, but the ref got killed with a Bully splash. SNORLAX!!! With the ref down, Sting doesn't bother doing the count and barely makes an attempt to revive a ref or get a backup ref. Hardy gets back up and hits Twist of Fate on Bully, but once again, Sting does nothing to get involved. What is he enforcing again? Storm hits the Last Call Super Kick on Roode, but Bully pulls the ref under the ring. Sting doesn't even bother to make a three count and instead argues with Bully. The finish comes when Roode gets the world title belt and is about to use it as a weapon. For the first time in the match, Sting actually does some enforcing. He gets in the middle of it and actually takes the belt. Roode encourages him to use the belt on him, but Sting doesn't bite. Roode finally pulls a Carlito and spits in the face of silly face paint. Sting snaps and tries to hit Roode with the title belt, but Roode dodges. Instead, Sting accidentally hits Hardy with the belt. Roode goes for the cover, but Sting doesn't want to do the three count. Roode eventually forces the boss to do the count. Sting goes with it and Roode retains the title. Like I already said, Sting is the worst enforcer ever. He barely did anything and was completely biased in his decision making. Not only that, but he got completely bullied to make the count. Sting is now the worst boss ever since he gets bullied by employees and does what they tell him. Our hero, ladies and gentlemen!!! I realize he's a face and doesn't like Roode, but it seems kinda silly to have Sting do what he did. It just makes him look like an idiot. Either that or this is a prime example of wrestling logic. Regardless, Roode outsmarted everyone tonight and continues his reign as champion. I like Roode showing off his cunning since he comes off as a smart heel. That's actually a good thing. Hardy took the pinfall, so it keeps Storm and Bully in the title picture. The booking was silly at times, but the finish was okay. It's the kind of thing you have to expect with wrestling logic running around. 

Winner via pinfall and still TNA World Champion: Robert Roode

Overall Impression:

I did not like this PPV. It started off really slow. I will be fair and say the early matches were decent, but they were so average that it wasn't worth watching. This show didn't feel like a PPV. It felt like more of a glorified TV taping. Actually, saying it was glorified is giving it too much credit. It felt more like an average episode of Impact. The PPV was starting to go in the right direction with the tag team and X Division title matches, but it didn't take long for them to go south. The Styles/Kaz match was fine, but the lack of storyline can make you not care. The Garett match was just a mess, while the main event was just an okay contest. It was not a great night for TNA. If I have to give this PPV a score on a scale between 1-10 and 5 considered average on here, I would give TNA Against All Odds a 3 out of 10. I might be a little harsh with that grade since some of these matches were fair, but nothing really leaped out at me except for the X Division title match. I was thinking about giving this a 4 out of 10, but I had to take an extra point off for that awful Bischoff match. What's even worse is this storyline will continue. Yikes!!! I know people will get angry that I didn't give the Styles/Kaz match more credit, but how will people get invested in the match if the storyline is lackluster? Despite what the IWC says, storylines and character development are important. I just felt bored with this PPV. This was not a good night for TNA. They left a little bit of interest to watch the next episode of Impact, but this is the same PPV quality that you have been getting from TNA for the last few months. It just seems like if it isn't Lockdown, Slammiversary, or Bound for Glory, TNA won't invest the proper time to make the PPV mean something. Probably the only good news to report is TNA has a new head creative writer. I'm not jumping on the band wagon that TNA will start doing better, but anything has to be better than Vince Russo. Dave Lagana was a former WWE creative writer. He has also done work for Ring of Honor. His most recent work is Ring Ka King, which is a wrestling promotion based out of India. Ring Ka King is also funded by TNA, which is why you see TNA talent at the promotion. I have seen an episode of Ring Ka King. It's not too shabby. We will see if Lagana can make the appropriate moves and changes to make TNA better. At least the guy has had some glory in the last decade, which is more than what I can say for Russo. I can't really say if this is a good move or not. I have to wait and see what Lagana can do before grading him. The show could improve, but you can't be certain that TNA will get instant success. Still, it's good news from behind closed doors, but tonight's PPV was not good news. I think it's time to wrap this up since I don't want to be sad anymore. That's going to do it for the review and I hope you enjoyed it. As always, tell me what you thought of my review or tonight's show. I will see you guys and girls on the next random internet reviewer guy show, see you next time. 

WrestlingNerd's Official Score of TNA Against All Odds 2012: 3 out of 10