Title This: “TNA Genesis” Reaction January 23rd, 2014

January 24, 2014

The Undercard

Briefcase on a Poll Match

Gunner defeated James Storm to keep his shot at the TNA World Heavyweight Champion. Like every "on a poll" match, both guys teased trying to grab it from the very beginning. I actually enjoyed the physicality between two guys who have similar styles. Right now, Gunner has more to offer in a main event spot over James Storm. He is a younger guy who has not been exposed to that one big match. I really support Gunner and think there is money in him. As for Storm, he is still very valuable in his place. He can help younger guys get over and potentially recreate himself. The end of the match was perfect for both guys. It did not bury either guy. That is what you need to do with a young guy and an experienced talent. This was a good match to start TNA Genesis on SpikeTV.

Score: 7/10

Austin Aries defeated Chris Sabin to win the X-Division Championship. We have seen this match multiple times over the past few months. Although I enjoy their work, it seemed very similar in terms of booking. The big difference was that Velvet Sky was locked in a cage. She could not interfere, which gave the advantage to the face. Sky actually distracted Sabin, which allowed Aries to hit a top rope axe handle smash. Austin Aries elbows him from the top rope, then he hits an IED in the opposite corner. This all sets up into a Brainbuster for the win. Austin Aries can do more for that championship than Chris Sabin. He is more of an evolving and polarizing character. We know Sabin has limitations and has the ability to put on great matches. His character never seems to change. That is something that holds him back.

Score: 7/10

Samoa Joe defeated Rockstar Spud. This was a basic squash match, one that was intended to be funny. Samoa Joe got all of his offense in and Spud only did an eye rake. There is not much to talk about here because it was a filler match from all of the other "important" matches on the card. Joe reminds me of a skinnier Umaga. He has that same style in the ring and can really run the ropes well for a big guy.

Score: 4/10

Josh controls most of the creative writing and ideas for the show on a weekly basis, as well as an on-air talent.

Aside from working with WrestleZone, Isenberg began his career in Broadcast Journalism interning at ESPN and worked with CBS Radio for three years. He has also had the opportunity to interview some of the best athletes and performers alive, including Andrew McCutchen, Ben Roethlisberger, Chris Jericho, Billy Gunn, Karl Anderson, Matt Hardy, Steven Strasburg and others.

Currently, Josh Isenberg works for Major League Baseball in their Advanced Media Productions. He grew up in Pittsburgh and went to Point Park University, which is where Chair Shot Reality is filmed each week.

His life outside of his obsession with wrestling include being a savant for Seinfeld, NFL, NBA, MLB and many television shows. He also has an undying love for musicals, which includes many shows he was a part of in high school. Some of his favorite wrestling moments can be linked to such superstars as Edge, The Rock, Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels and The Great Khali.