TNA Turning Point Review - November 21, 2013

Bully Ray comes up short of defeating Mr. Anderson.

By Graham "GSM" Matthews

James Storm Interrupted Dixie Carter

Dixie's heel performances have usually been hit or miss over the last two months, but I thought her work here was an improvement over what she has done in recent weeks. Storm played his part well and made up for Dixie's lack of believablity as a character. It was good to see Storm spotlighted for once and I like the move of making his match a Florida Death match, as it is ten times more interesting than a Bull Rope match.


Magnus def. Samoa Joe in a Falls Count Anywhere Match to Advance to the Semifinals of the TNA Title Tournament

As good of a match that these two had, they simply have had better matches in the past. They utilized extreme environment well, but it was hard to engage in the action. The fact Joe didn't even bother to take off his shirt before the bout gives off the impression he isn't in the best shape, which is a shame. The finish came out of nowhere and it was unclear if Magnus truly went over clean or not. Regardless, it is nice to see Magnus advance to the semifinals, as he is my pick to win the tournament.

---

James Storm hits the Last Call on Bobby Roode.

Bad Influence Embarrassed Joseph Park

Does anyone with the exception of the commentators actually think Park is Abyss? Seriously, this angle has gotten the point of absolute absurdity that I was looking forward to seeing it end on this show. Well, apparently not. I didn't expect Abyss and Park to have a match, but I would liked to see the reveal made that they are indeed the same person. Bad Influence running off Park was strange, but part of me has hope that the end is in sight for this stupid storyline.


Knockouts Champion Gail Kim def. Candice LaRae in an Open Challenge Match

I heard rumors online that LaRae was the potential opponent for Kim, so it appears the internet isn't always wrong after all! LaRae, whose work I was unfamiliar with prior to this show, held her own against Kim, but the match was too quick to mean anything. The whole thing felt rushed and didn't do much to add to the ongoing open challenge angle. I am still mildly intrigued, but they just might manage to kill my interest if they don't give it enough time to pan out.


Bobby Roode def. James Storm in a Florida Death Match to Advance to the Semifinals of the TNA Title Tournament

With Roode vs. Storm being my favorite feud in the history of TNA, I very much enjoyed this match. They work incredibly well together and the use of the weapons was awesome. The storytelling was solid as well, especially when Roode smashed the beer bottle over the head of Storm. Gunner throwing in the towel for Storm was a pretty lame finish, but it could be seen coming from a mile away following the pre-match backstage segment between Gunner and Storm. Those two are better off as singles stars and as rivals anyway, so I am fine with the idea of the two feuding if it means Storm can finally break off on his own. Roode advancing shouldn't come as much of a surprise with his eventual rematch with Kurt Angle in limbo.


Ethan Carter III def. Shark Boy

I would have been a bit more shocked to see Shark Boy had TNA not spoiled the surprise on their YouTube channel this past week. Despite that, the match was as basis as it gets and was your typical squash match. It is nice to know EC3 is no longer facing Norv Fernum and Dewey Barnes, but he is still in desperate need of an actual program.


Mr. Anderson def. Bully Ray in a No Disqualification Match to Force Aces and Eights to Disband

I found their Last Man Standing match from No Surrender to be a bit better, but that being said, this was still a very entertaining match. These two work well together and Anderson showed good babyface fire throughout. Was the purpose of the faces standing on the stage the entire time solely to strip Taz of his jacket after Anderson won? They should have at least helped Anderson fend off Knux. I am happy to see the Aces and Eights finally disband, as the group overstayed its welcome. I usually roll my eyes at Taz's obnoxious commentary, but his reaction to Anderson's victory was quite comical. I look forward to where both Anderson and Ray go from here.


Overall Show

The show wasn't perfect by any means, but it was still pretty good by TNA standards. They have had better "special" events in the past, but they still put forth a strong effort with Turning Point. The two TNA title tournament matches were entertaining for the most part and the main event concluded with a memorable moment. TNA has been doing well for themselves lately, so here's hoping they can maintain the strong momentum going forward with next week's Thanksgiving edition.

---