TNA Hardcore Justice 2012: Austin Aries vs. Bobby Roode Will Steal the Show
Say what you want about TNA Impact Wrestling storylines or their previous history of poor choices, but there is no denying that the main event of Sunday’s Hardcore Justice between defending champion Austin Aries and Bobby Roode will be amazing.
Even WWE is jealous of this matchup.
Aries has proven time and time again that he has the physical skills and charisma to be a world champion in a major promotion. As seen by the huge spike in numbers when Aries won the title at Destination-X, A-Double has become TNA’s CM Punk.
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As for Bobby Roode, he is the quintessential heel that has the size, look and swagger to make him one of the most intriguing faces of the entire wrestling business. If their Hardcore Justice match is half as great as their previous matches were, this duo will steal the show.
Their Size
One of the biggest factors that has added intrigue to this feud is the size difference between these two stars. While Aries is the champion, he is the much smaller man in height (5’9”), but some will argue his heart is twice the size of Roode’s.
Roode himself is only 6'0", making this matchup not the classic wrestling battle that the WWE and guys like Hulk Hogan are used to. Now two smaller guys are fighting for the title on the grandest of stages; I wonder how Kevin Nash feels about this?
While their lack of elite size takes away from the sideshow appeal of the wrestling company, the in-ring work is far and above the best you will see in the business. Get ready for the wildest main event you could ever ask for.
Their Skill
With both men packing a great mix of power, strength and agility, this match was designed to showcase both men’s contrasting styles.
Roode is more of a classically trained wrestler, fighting at close proximity with punches, kicks and holds meant to keep the speed and skill of Aries on the ground. Once A-Double starts moving at lightning speed, there is nothing Roode can do to stop him.
As for Aries, the 34-year-old was trained in Ring of Honor and still has the same high-flying style that he possessed in the Indy scene. With a moveset as unique as his style, the combination with Roode’s traditional style will satisfy every wrestling fan.
TNA’s New Mindset
If there were any remaining questions about TNA’s commitment to the future, they should have been answered emphatically when the company handed the TNA World title to a star like Austin Aries.
TNA has been accused of pushing older stars too much over the past few years, but a home-grown main event like Bobby Roode vs. Austin Aries proves that the company’s direction is going up.
With stars like James, Storm, Kurt Angle and Samoa Joe lurking in the Bound for Glory series standings, the future of the TNA World Title is looking very bright.
How could you not enjoy Aries vs. Roode?
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