Last year, it was Abyss torturing production assistants and fans. In a way, at least that made sense. That was his thing. He gave zero fucks and dealt pain like he was a torturer or at least a S&M dominatrix. Doing it on TV flew in the face of the idea of being on television and pretending it was real though. Nothing like that could have been avoided.
So, why would Austin Aries, a man who heretofore was known as a stable man, a consummate performer, be driven to torturing someone with cameras in the room? Yeah, he has motivation, but at the same time, his thing isn't going Guantanamo on fools. It just didn't really feel right. Even with his odd grunting like a dog two weeks ago, it didn't fit Hulk Hogan either.
One plus from all of this is that it felt like the show before a season finale on television. It was one of the best sell jobs for the PPV that I can remember, especially for that Aces and Eights angle. I feel like we're going to get a reveal, a kernel of something to keep us going until whenever they reveal their leader. Whether we get a "NOT PENNY'S BOAT" moment at No Surrender or a giant cocktease in the vein of The Killing's first season ender will be a big sign in how far Impact has come.
AS for the actual wrestling, they led off with their strongest match tonight. I keep saying it, but Jeff Hardy is not a terrible wrestler. I think he's actively good, and when he's in there with a good opponent like Samoa Joe, you're going to get something memorable. Plus, that was a cool submission hold he busted out. I thought Tara and Gail Kim did a good job too with what they had. The Bound for Glory Series final three matches shouldn't have a stinker on paper.
However, while we will find out the BFG main event, it feels like the main thing is Aces and Eights. Given how much they've put into the story, that's not a bad thing. I just wish that they didn't resort to amateur torture porn again to get the point across.
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