Welcome to the Mastermind Analysis review of TNA Bound For Glory 2016. The thoughts and opinions expressed below are those of The Mastermind only, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts and opinions of the entire F4R team. Let us know what you think in the comments, or by getting involved on Facebook! But for now, on with the show...
Pre-PPV Thoughts
I have been a TNA fan longer than I have been a WWE fan. You can check the Figure4Radio archives for the full story behind me getting back into professional wrestling via TNA, but after a hiatus from watching wrestling – in 2009, TNA reignited the fire in my belly and made me fall in love with wrestling. So, I am absolutely thrilled to be able to write a blog post dedicated to a company I have held close to my heart for so long. There was a lot of speculation going into BFG that the show may not even make it to TV. There is still ongoing speculation that TNA will be imminently sold to Vince McMahon. While I could go into great lengths on my feelings around that, I’ll save that for a podcast. Safe to say I am thrilled that TNA are finally putting on a solid PPV with an actual big show feel to it!
Main Show
DJZ © vs Trevor Lee
Prediction: I am a huge fan of DJZ. Ever since he burst onto the scene, I was a complete mark for his look, his character, and his innovative move set. When he reclaimed the X-Division title, I was absolutely thrilled for the kid, he is by far the standout performer in the division for me. Trevor Lee is a guy I am intrigued by. I think he has a lot more to offer the division, and with a little character development, could really turn into a top heel with longevity. As DJZ has only just regained the title, I’m predicting him to retain, despite interference attempts by The Helms Dynasty.
Match Analysis: Despite the Helms Dynasty staying away, I called this one right! Good start! The match was part-standard TV X-Division match, but also went up a few gears to justify the BFG opening slot. I feel anyone watching TNA for the first time, will have been given a really strong first impression from 2 stand-out performers.
[***3/4]
Bound For Gold Gauntlet
Prediction: At time of writing, a number of wrestlers have been entered into the match. Out of the field, Eli Drake; Braxton Sutter; and Rockstar Spud are the only 3 contenders who feel like they stand any chance of winning this. Last years winner – Tyrus – is involved, but he’s been non-existent since his failed cash-in attempt so I’m ignoring his presence. Much as I would love to see Spud get the victory, I’m going with Eli Drake to continue on with his recent push. He’s extremely entertaining on the mic, and has definite potential.
Match Analysis: 2 for 2!! Anyone would read this blog and think I watch TNA every week and have zero knowledge of Raw or Smackdown... It was a really fun little match, even if the contest is a bit of a grey area. I enjoyed almost everyone's involvement in the match. Jessie Godderz seems to have learned how to wrestle; Grado is getting over with the US crowd; Spud and Braxton showed real intensity together... Nice little match.
[***]
Moose vs Mike Bennett
Prediction: When TNA introduced Moose, it was clear he was always going to be a babyface. I’m not sure if the plan was to have him turn on Bennett, but it’s definitely been the right call if they’ve changed the plan on the fly. I won’t admit to having any knowledge of RoH, but I’m sure these 2 guys are more than familiar with each other, so I’m really looking forward to this. Moose hasn’t had too much in-ring work since joining TNA, so I’m looking forward to seeing what he can bring to the table for a big show. Mike Bennett was the man to end EC3’s undefeated streak, so despite Moose being the newest sensation in TNA, I’m expecting Bennett to walk away with a miraculous win (see what I did there…)
Match Analysis: While I may have got the result wrong, the match itself was really quite good. Moose showed himself to be quite a performer, selling well for Bennett, as well as putting in some impressive offence. There were some impressive counters too, and with the interesting entrance for Moose, this was the first 'big fight feel' sort of match.
[***3/4]
Aron Rex vs Eddie Edwards
Prediction: I was really looking forward to seeing Rex vs Galloway. Both men’s paths followed a worryingly similar path where both men were given a handful of awful gimmicks by WWE – but fully embraced them and managed to get over with them… before being axed anyway. At the time of typing I’ve got a few weeks’ of Impact to catch up on, but Rex’s debut left me far from impressed. They seem to have taken an incredibly talented entertainer, and made him look boringly generic. I really hope that he’s given some sort of character in the build up to BFG. With Galloway out through injury, and Eddie Edwards replacing him at short notice, it only makes sense that Rex is walking away the new champ, in a division I’m still undecided on…
Match Analysis: I'm still not sure what I make of the Grand Championship concept. It severely limits the chance of much story telling during the match. The action was fine but with 3 minutes to get rolling, momentum doesn't really build. The outcome of the match was very predictable, but I just hope they give Rex some sort of charachter because he couldn't look more generic if he tried.
[***]
Decay © vs Broken Hardys
Prediction: I am 99% sure I would have given up on TNA over the past few months if it wasn’t for the Broken Brilliance of Matt Hardy. The growing feud between him and Jeff, sorry, Brother Nero has been the single most entertaining thing in wrestling this year. As the WWE were giving us indie-tastic matches in the CWC and NXT, TNA have decided to go the other end of the spectrum and give us sci-fi wrestling with a Lucha Underground twist. This match is to be decided in ‘The Great War’, so I have no idea if that means it’ll take place in the Zone of Impact, or in the Hardys’ back garden… I kinda hope it’s the latter and we get another match for the ages! Either way, it’s an absolute guarantee for the Hardys to win, surely? And not just the match either… they’re going to win all of wrestling!
Match Analysis: Well that was brilliantly bizarre!!! It was basically a mix between a Boiler Room Brawl and a Monsters Ball match. While a lot of these matches in TNA are a rinse-and-repeat affair, the "extra" produced parts definately made for unique viewing. I am hoping the viasge of 'janice' burned on the ground means it's the last we've seen of the weapon... The right team went over in the right way. This may have not been as ground breaking as the Final Deletion match, but it is proof that the Hardys are exactly what TNA needs. Their entire storyline over the past few months has been the absolute best thing in wrestling in a long time.
[****1/4]
Maria Kenellis © vs Gail Kim
Prediction: Much like the X-Division, the Knockouts seem to be in a never ending scenario where they are trying to be put ‘back on the map’. The truth is, the roster is wearing thin despite their best attempts to bring in new talent (See: Sienna, Jade etc). Personally, I feel the feud between Gail and Maria has been booked almost perfectly. They have managed (through both good booking, and unfortunate injury) to keep these 2 separate for what seems like Maria’s entire TNA run, but also kept the heat on the feud, with the fans itching to see Gail finally get her hands on Maria. I fully expect Gail to win the title here, and enter the TNA Hall of Fame as the champ.
Match Analysis: Slightly clunky in places, but what can you expect from Maria, who hasn't actually been in a singles match since she signed with TNA... There was a lot of moving parts to the match, and I'm a bit annoyed that we didn't see Robert Irvine come out to neutralise the threat from Mike Bennett. Although saying that, as soon as Mike got on the mic you were just waiting for Cody to appear. I am VERY excited to see what plays out between those 4... Back to the match though, congratulations to Gail Kim, ending the night as the champ!
[**3/4]
Bobby Lashley © vs EC3
Prediction: TNA have really tried to hammer home this main event. It was booked months in advance; EC3 had a mini-feud with Drew Galloway over his #1 contender spot; and Lashley has been on a cocky path of destruction that has seen him finally grow into the performer he’s always threatened to be – his mic work has been easily the best of his entire career! EC3 on the other hand feels a little out of place as a baby face. He’s really changed his character after getting over as the unbeaten heel, whereas I think they should have taken the Stone Cold approach and had him keep the character but just give slightly more crowd-friendly promos. Still, I’m calling for a title change here, as it’s Bound For Glory and this is the place for the big results to happen. I really hope Billy Corgan was right, and this turns out to be a match for the ages. TNA desperately needs a strong PPV main event here.
Match Analysis: Slightly suprising outcome to the match as I was convinced EC3 was going over here. The match itself didn't have much of a big fight feel to it, probably because i've seen quite a few matches between these 2, so it's hard to see something new. I feel if they had incorporated some big spots, or moments to justify the 'No Holds Barred' feel, they could have really put on a show. Still, an interesting turn of events, and it will be interesting to see where both men go from here
[***1/2]
Overall Show
I am absolutely thrilled that BFG went ahead, and that TNA are still alive and kicking. There's been speculation for so long about TNA's financial situation, so seeing their flagship PPV roll out was an absolute delight. I must admit I wish they would have left the zone of impact for the show to really give it a special feel, but for what it was, it was a decent showing by all involved.
I have been a TNA fan longer than I have been a WWE fan. You can check the Figure4Radio archives for the full story behind me getting back into professional wrestling via TNA, but after a hiatus from watching wrestling – in 2009, TNA reignited the fire in my belly and made me fall in love with wrestling. So, I am absolutely thrilled to be able to write a blog post dedicated to a company I have held close to my heart for so long. There was a lot of speculation going into BFG that the show may not even make it to TV. There is still ongoing speculation that TNA will be imminently sold to Vince McMahon. While I could go into great lengths on my feelings around that, I’ll save that for a podcast. Safe to say I am thrilled that TNA are finally putting on a solid PPV with an actual big show feel to it!
Main Show
DJZ © vs Trevor Lee
Prediction: I am a huge fan of DJZ. Ever since he burst onto the scene, I was a complete mark for his look, his character, and his innovative move set. When he reclaimed the X-Division title, I was absolutely thrilled for the kid, he is by far the standout performer in the division for me. Trevor Lee is a guy I am intrigued by. I think he has a lot more to offer the division, and with a little character development, could really turn into a top heel with longevity. As DJZ has only just regained the title, I’m predicting him to retain, despite interference attempts by The Helms Dynasty.
Match Analysis: Despite the Helms Dynasty staying away, I called this one right! Good start! The match was part-standard TV X-Division match, but also went up a few gears to justify the BFG opening slot. I feel anyone watching TNA for the first time, will have been given a really strong first impression from 2 stand-out performers.
[***3/4]
Bound For Gold Gauntlet
Prediction: At time of writing, a number of wrestlers have been entered into the match. Out of the field, Eli Drake; Braxton Sutter; and Rockstar Spud are the only 3 contenders who feel like they stand any chance of winning this. Last years winner – Tyrus – is involved, but he’s been non-existent since his failed cash-in attempt so I’m ignoring his presence. Much as I would love to see Spud get the victory, I’m going with Eli Drake to continue on with his recent push. He’s extremely entertaining on the mic, and has definite potential.
Match Analysis: 2 for 2!! Anyone would read this blog and think I watch TNA every week and have zero knowledge of Raw or Smackdown... It was a really fun little match, even if the contest is a bit of a grey area. I enjoyed almost everyone's involvement in the match. Jessie Godderz seems to have learned how to wrestle; Grado is getting over with the US crowd; Spud and Braxton showed real intensity together... Nice little match.
[***]
Moose vs Mike Bennett
Prediction: When TNA introduced Moose, it was clear he was always going to be a babyface. I’m not sure if the plan was to have him turn on Bennett, but it’s definitely been the right call if they’ve changed the plan on the fly. I won’t admit to having any knowledge of RoH, but I’m sure these 2 guys are more than familiar with each other, so I’m really looking forward to this. Moose hasn’t had too much in-ring work since joining TNA, so I’m looking forward to seeing what he can bring to the table for a big show. Mike Bennett was the man to end EC3’s undefeated streak, so despite Moose being the newest sensation in TNA, I’m expecting Bennett to walk away with a miraculous win (see what I did there…)
Match Analysis: While I may have got the result wrong, the match itself was really quite good. Moose showed himself to be quite a performer, selling well for Bennett, as well as putting in some impressive offence. There were some impressive counters too, and with the interesting entrance for Moose, this was the first 'big fight feel' sort of match.
[***3/4]
Aron Rex vs Eddie Edwards
Prediction: I was really looking forward to seeing Rex vs Galloway. Both men’s paths followed a worryingly similar path where both men were given a handful of awful gimmicks by WWE – but fully embraced them and managed to get over with them… before being axed anyway. At the time of typing I’ve got a few weeks’ of Impact to catch up on, but Rex’s debut left me far from impressed. They seem to have taken an incredibly talented entertainer, and made him look boringly generic. I really hope that he’s given some sort of character in the build up to BFG. With Galloway out through injury, and Eddie Edwards replacing him at short notice, it only makes sense that Rex is walking away the new champ, in a division I’m still undecided on…
Match Analysis: I'm still not sure what I make of the Grand Championship concept. It severely limits the chance of much story telling during the match. The action was fine but with 3 minutes to get rolling, momentum doesn't really build. The outcome of the match was very predictable, but I just hope they give Rex some sort of charachter because he couldn't look more generic if he tried.
[***]
Decay © vs Broken Hardys
Prediction: I am 99% sure I would have given up on TNA over the past few months if it wasn’t for the Broken Brilliance of Matt Hardy. The growing feud between him and Jeff, sorry, Brother Nero has been the single most entertaining thing in wrestling this year. As the WWE were giving us indie-tastic matches in the CWC and NXT, TNA have decided to go the other end of the spectrum and give us sci-fi wrestling with a Lucha Underground twist. This match is to be decided in ‘The Great War’, so I have no idea if that means it’ll take place in the Zone of Impact, or in the Hardys’ back garden… I kinda hope it’s the latter and we get another match for the ages! Either way, it’s an absolute guarantee for the Hardys to win, surely? And not just the match either… they’re going to win all of wrestling!
Match Analysis: Well that was brilliantly bizarre!!! It was basically a mix between a Boiler Room Brawl and a Monsters Ball match. While a lot of these matches in TNA are a rinse-and-repeat affair, the "extra" produced parts definately made for unique viewing. I am hoping the viasge of 'janice' burned on the ground means it's the last we've seen of the weapon... The right team went over in the right way. This may have not been as ground breaking as the Final Deletion match, but it is proof that the Hardys are exactly what TNA needs. Their entire storyline over the past few months has been the absolute best thing in wrestling in a long time.
[****1/4]
Maria Kenellis © vs Gail Kim
Prediction: Much like the X-Division, the Knockouts seem to be in a never ending scenario where they are trying to be put ‘back on the map’. The truth is, the roster is wearing thin despite their best attempts to bring in new talent (See: Sienna, Jade etc). Personally, I feel the feud between Gail and Maria has been booked almost perfectly. They have managed (through both good booking, and unfortunate injury) to keep these 2 separate for what seems like Maria’s entire TNA run, but also kept the heat on the feud, with the fans itching to see Gail finally get her hands on Maria. I fully expect Gail to win the title here, and enter the TNA Hall of Fame as the champ.
Match Analysis: Slightly clunky in places, but what can you expect from Maria, who hasn't actually been in a singles match since she signed with TNA... There was a lot of moving parts to the match, and I'm a bit annoyed that we didn't see Robert Irvine come out to neutralise the threat from Mike Bennett. Although saying that, as soon as Mike got on the mic you were just waiting for Cody to appear. I am VERY excited to see what plays out between those 4... Back to the match though, congratulations to Gail Kim, ending the night as the champ!
[**3/4]
Bobby Lashley © vs EC3
Prediction: TNA have really tried to hammer home this main event. It was booked months in advance; EC3 had a mini-feud with Drew Galloway over his #1 contender spot; and Lashley has been on a cocky path of destruction that has seen him finally grow into the performer he’s always threatened to be – his mic work has been easily the best of his entire career! EC3 on the other hand feels a little out of place as a baby face. He’s really changed his character after getting over as the unbeaten heel, whereas I think they should have taken the Stone Cold approach and had him keep the character but just give slightly more crowd-friendly promos. Still, I’m calling for a title change here, as it’s Bound For Glory and this is the place for the big results to happen. I really hope Billy Corgan was right, and this turns out to be a match for the ages. TNA desperately needs a strong PPV main event here.
Match Analysis: Slightly suprising outcome to the match as I was convinced EC3 was going over here. The match itself didn't have much of a big fight feel to it, probably because i've seen quite a few matches between these 2, so it's hard to see something new. I feel if they had incorporated some big spots, or moments to justify the 'No Holds Barred' feel, they could have really put on a show. Still, an interesting turn of events, and it will be interesting to see where both men go from here
[***1/2]
Overall Show
I am absolutely thrilled that BFG went ahead, and that TNA are still alive and kicking. There's been speculation for so long about TNA's financial situation, so seeing their flagship PPV roll out was an absolute delight. I must admit I wish they would have left the zone of impact for the show to really give it a special feel, but for what it was, it was a decent showing by all involved.