Backstage, Austin Aries and Bobby Roode argue over who is going to win the X-Division title, and who is going to win the Knockouts title. They tell each other to do what's "right for business" in tonight's #1 contender's match.
(4) Rob Van Dam vs. James Storm
Storm starts things off in control, splashing Van Dam in the corner and hitting him with a step-up kick to the back of the head. RVD turns the tide with a high kick, followed by a springboard kick off the second rope. Split-leg moonsault connects, but Storm kicks out before the three-count.
The two trade blows in the center of the ring, and Storm dodges a few of Van Dam's kicks. RVD tries to head up to the top rope, but the Cowboy catches him and brings the X-Division champion down to Earth with a big Alabama Slam. Tennessee Slam? Whatever… Closing Time finds its mark on Van Dam's jaw. Storm tries for the Last Call Superkick, but RVD catches his foot and hits him with his signature step-over spinning wheel kick. Storm pulls himself to the corner, and Van Dam tries goint "coast-to-coast", but the Cowboy rolls out of the way just in time. Last Call Superkick connects! 1…2…3!
Winner: James Storm
Backstage, Joseph Parks finds Hulk Hogan in his office with Brooke. He says he learned what " politicking" is, and knows he has to do it to get a World title shot against Jeff Hardy. Park says he got a campaign manager, and made buttons and flyers and everything. Hogan tells him to go ask the boys in the locker room what a "rib" is, but tells him he'll "vote for Park" anyways.
After a commercial break, Hulk is still in his office with Brooke, who is trying to convince her father to give Bully Ray a title shop. Hulk says he has to remain objective, and he's got 8 other guys to go out and worry about tonight. Brooke says that Bully is family, and Hulk tells her to "chill" about it for awhile, but he'd love to have a World Champion for a son-in-law.
