TNA Hardcore Justice PPV Results
August 12, 2012
Orlando, Fla.
Report by James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

The eighth TNA PPV of the year opened with a video package on pain and suffering that will be part of Hardcore Justice tonight. No voice-over, just video clips of wrestlers bleeding, suffering, and going through tables.

Impact Zone: Mike Tenay introduced the show and threw out a note that the TV Title will be defended tonight, which was not part of the pre-show line-up. On-camera, Tenay and Taz set the stage for the PPV and noted it's Winner Take All for Austin Aries vs. Bobby Roode in the main event tonight.

Kid Kash and Gunner were introduced for the first match of the show. Kash is now sporting a gray goatee and Gunner was sporting bandages over his eye. Generic TNA music played next to bring out Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez to face Kash and Gunner, who jumped the faces before the bell sounded.

1 -- CHAVO GUERRERO & HERNANDEZ vs. KID KASH & GUNNER

Chavo quickly rebounded from the pre-match sneak attack to deliver the Three Amigos suplexes to Kash. Chavo wanted to end it very quickly with a top-rope frogsplash, but Gunner cut him off and the heels began working on Chavo. The heels continued the attack for several minutes, disallowing Hernandez from receiving a tag. Hernandez finally took a tag at 7:50 and ran over Kash with high-impact offense, including Monty Brown'ing him across the ring.

Gunner cut off a pin attempt, then Hernandez answered with a double clothesline. Hernandez followed with a leaping splash on the outside to Gunner as Chavo tagged himself into the match. Back in the ring, Hernandez slingshot shoulder-blocked Kash, then Chavo came off the top rope with a frogsplash for the pin and the win.

WINNERS: Chavo & Hernandez at 9:36. Basic tag opener to get the crowd warmed up, but not worn out in the opening match. (*1/2)

Video Package: The Bound for Glory Series wrestlers talked about striving for a World Title shot at Bound for Glory. After the video aired, Tenay and Taz reviewed the BFG Series leaderboard.

Impact Zone: Christy Hemme announced a BFG Series Falls Count Anywhere match as the first of three four-way BFG Series matches tonight. Rob Van Dam came out first, then The Pope was introduced. But, no sign of Pope. They cut backstage to show the Aces & Eights group beating down Pope. One team member slammed Pope's arm into a stair railing and Pope cried out in pain. Back live, Tenay calmly reminded viewers that A&E's presence has already been felt and Tenay speculated on whether Pope has a torn biceps. Magnus was introduced next and he looked over his shoulder on the stage, but no attack from A&E. Mr. Anderson was introduced next and he stood on-stage to note this has turned into a three-way dance. Anderson completed his ring intro, then made his way to the ring as Tenay noted Anderson is under the assumption that this has turned into a three-way match.

2 -- ROB VAN DAM vs. vs. MAGNUS vs. MR. ANDERSON -- four-way-turned-three-way BFG Series match for 20 points -- Falls Count Anywhere match

The crowd was hot for Van Dam early on, so RVD posed on the top turnbuckle and Magnus ran across the ring to shove him down to the floor. Anderson and Magnus then engaged in one-on-one action as RVD sold on the floor. RVD eventually recovered and set up Magnus for a move on the outside, but RVD did not learn his lesson from the opening seconds as Anderson shoved RVD off the ring apron into the guardrail on the floor. Weapons came into play on the floor when Anderson attempted a DDT onto a chair, but Magnus countered and Anderson ate the chair back-first. Magnus then suplexed Anderson across a guardrail near the staging area. Suddenly, RVD came out of nowhere with a chair toss to Magnus's back. Once again, RVD turned his back on his opponents to pose and Magnus smashed him from behind. Is RVD doing a parody of himself? After mocking RVD, Magnus slapped on a Texas Cloverleaf on the entrance ramp, but Anderson broke it up.

Back in the ring, Magnus and Anderson knocked each other down, so RVD tried a top-rope move, but Anderson crotched him. They tried to set up a three-man Tower of Doom spot, but Anderson decided to break it up and dump Magnus to the outside. RVD then shoved Anderson to the mat and came off the top with a Five-Star Frogsplash. Van Dam made the cover, but Magnus yanked RVD out of the ring. Instead of trying to pin Anderson back in the ring, Magnus suplexed RVD on the entrance ramp. Magnus then tried to throw a "fan" away in his search for a chair before finally finding a chair. Magnus tried to smash RVD with the chair, but RVD skateboarded the chair into Magnus's face. RVD then covered Magnus on the stage for the pin and the win.

WINNER: RVD at 9:04 to earn 20 BFG Series points; RVD moves into second place in the BFG Series. Not a stellar match, but pretty good overall. (**1/4)

Backstage: Jeremy Borash solemnly discussed the Aces & Eights group. JB said the entire locker room is uneasy, but security has done an entire sweep of the building and they are nowhere to be found. JB then brought in Madison Rayne to discuss the Earl Hebner situation. Madison said she doesn't need help to win titles. She then blew a kiss to Hebner.

Impact Zone: Hemme announced an unadvertised TV Title match. Kazarian came out first to challenge TV champion Devon, who was out second without recent runningmate Garett Bischoff.

3 -- TNA TV champion DEVON vs. TNA tag champion KAZARIAN -- TV Title match

Kazarian tried to stall for time before the opening bell, so Devon slingshot him back into the ring to jumpstart the match. Kazarian then tried to escape to the outside, but Devon smashed him with multiple water bottle shots. Kaz then tried to run off the ring steps to build some momentum, but Devon caught him in mid-air and bodyslammed him onto the ring apron. Back in the ring, Kaz tried to apologize for smashing him with a title belt on Impact. Devon laughed, shook his hand, and pulled him in close for a big clothesline. Kaz then raked the eyes to cut off Devon and take control of the action.

Kaz disrespected Devon with a pelvic thrust, which led to Devon firing off a series of punches before Kaz cut him off again. Kaz was slow to follow up, though, allowing Devon to deliver more right hand blows before nailing a spear center-ring. Kaz sold the spear by landing on the top of his head, drawing rare laughter from Tenay on commentary. Devon then made a full comeback before warming up the crowd for the end. He delivered a flying shoulder tackle, but Kaz kicked out in time. Kaz then tried to comeback with Fade to Black, but Devon shoved him away and nailed a lift-up chest-press slam. It was good for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Devon at 8:30 to retain the TV Title. An extended version of a TV match, but it was fine. Nothing earth-shattering through the first three matches, but nothing bad. Just not particularly memorable.

Video package: TNA hyped the Miss Tessmacher vs. Madison Rayne Knockouts Title match by focusing on referee Earl Hebner, including rolling footage of Hebner's Bret Hart act on the house shows.

4 -- Knockouts champion MISS TESSMACHER vs. MADISON RAYNE -- Knockouts Title match

Yes, "Conflict of Interest" Earl Hebner is the referee. In the storylines, are there any authority figures in TNA paying attention? Where's Brooke Hogan? Taz played contrarian to Tenay, saying he thinks Hebner will call the match right down the middle. There's no constitution to Taz's announcer character, rendering him ineffective to help get heat on the heels or point out when the faces are wronged. Rayne took control after stalling for time on the outside as TNA continued to focus on Hebner. Tessmacher made a comeback and thought she scored the win, but Madison got her foot on the ropes. Tessmacher argued with Hebner about his call, then Madison rolled up Tessmacher from behind and hooked the ropes for a three count that Hebner "missed." New Knockouts champion. As Tessmacher complained about the finish, Rayne celebrated with the title as Hebner defended his call. On-camera, Taz continued to defend Hebner, annoying Tenay.

WINNER: Rayne at 5:30 to capture the Knockouts Title. So laughable and it gets no heat on the heels. By any storyline logic, it just doesn't make any sense if there are about 15 authority figures in TNA to simply assign the match to another referee.

Backstage: JB tried to interview Bully Ray, but Ray dragged him over to the back of the interview set because he's worried about Aces & Eights after what they did to Pope earlier. Ray said he walked outside over the weekend and found an Aces and Eights card on the hood of his truck. Ray said he's a tough guy, but there are too many of them to handle by himself.

Video package: More Aces & Eights recaps.

Impact Zone: Christy Hemme introduced the next BFG Series match, which will be a Tables match. Robbie E. was out first without Rob Terry. Bully Ray was introduced next and Ray slowly walked toward the ring looking around to make sure Aces & Eights wasn't coming after him. Jeff Hardy was out third to big cheers followed by BFG Series points-leader James Storm.

5 -- JEFF HARDY vs. BULLY RAY vs. JAMES STORM vs. ROBBIE E. -- four-way BFG Series match for 20 points -- Tables match

Once the bell sounded, Ray walked up to Hardy to fill his mind with some accusations about Storm being the leader of Aces & Eights. Robbie had enough of Ray and his focus on the "stupid Aces & Eights." Ray finally had enough of Robbie ranting and raving, so he popped him across the chest. Hardy and Storm then tossed Robbie over the top rope to the floor before turning around to take a double clothesline from Ray.

Ray then apologized to Robbie for slapping him and asked him to give him a table. Robbie obliged, then Ray slapped him. Storm and Hardy then tried a double-team suplex on Ray, but the spot was botched and the table was slightly nicked. The ref waved it off as the finish, allowing the match to continue. Robbie then became the aggressor working on the heels and keeping Ray out of the ring post-table nick. Robbie got too confident and tried a top-rope move, but the faces cut him off and wanted some sort of move through a second table. However, Ray ran into the ring to yank the table out of the way just before the corner spot, preventing a victory for either Hardy or Storm.

After the action reset, Hardy placed Robbie on a table on the floor. Hardy then climbed the ropes in the ring, but Rob Terry stormed the ringside area to back up Robbie. Instead of just finishing off Robbie for 20 points, though, Hardy decided to jump onto Terry and take him out. The distraction allowed Robbie to take control, though, and he placed Hardy on the table. Robbie then went for 20 points with a top-rope smash, but Hardy moved and Robbie ate the table to the floor. No finish.

After another reset, Ray set up Storm for a table smash, but the Aces & Eights group surrounded the ringside area to distract Ray. Storm then superkicked a distracted Ray. One member of the group gave Storm a thumbs up as Storm challenged them to come fight him in the ring. From behind, Hardy smashed Storm in the back before the two men battled next to a new table center-ring. Hardy nailed a Twist of Fate, but not through a table. Hardy then placed Storm on a table before the Aces & Eights group re-entered the scene. Hardy, distracted, took a superkick from Storm. Storm then tried a powerbomb through the table, but Ray big-booted Storm out of the ring. Ray then powerbombed Hardy through the table for 20 points. Post-match: Ray stormed out of the ring to avoid Aces & Eights as Storm sold frustration. Ray also sold an elbow injury, claiming to the on-stage cameraman that his elbow is broken. After a replay of the high points, they returned to Ray selling the elbow and Storm angrily walking away from ringside.

WINNER: Ray at 13:45 to earn 20 BFG Series points. Up and down match with a few off sequences and more Aces & Eights distractions, but good "nearfalls" getting the crowd guessing on when the finish would come. (**1/2)

Backstage: JB said security claimed they have things under control with Aces and Eights, but that's clearly not the case. JB then brought in World Hvt. champion Austin Aries to discuss A&E and Bobby Roode tonight. JB read a question from Twitter about Aries giving up his re-match clause to get Roode to face him, which led to Aries questioning Roode's character and desire to win.

Video package: X Division Title feud between Zema Ion and Kenny King. It's nice to see an X Division Title match slotted during the second hour rather than returning to its spot as the PPV opening match.

Impact Zone: Kenny King, fired up, excitedly made his way to the ring telling the crowd that it's his time to become X Division champion. An arrogant Zema Ion made his way to the ring next spraying himself with hairspray.

6 -- X Division champion ZEMA ION vs. KENNY KING -- X Division Title match

The two men went back and forth early on before Ion cut off King on the outside to regain control in the ring. Ion stretched the limits of Earl Hebner's rules, then King made a comeback with a t-bone suplex into the corner turnbuckles. King, now recovered, flew over the top rope with a splash on Ion. King sent Ion back into the ring, then nailed a springboard Blockbuster for a two count. King followed with a single-leg Boston Crab center-ring. The crowd anticipated a tap-out as King sat down on the hold, but Ion rolled underneath King and broke free. Ion followed with a flip-over jawbreaker across his knee, but King kicked out of a pin attempt.

The action moved to the top turnbuckle at 10:00, then King athletically jumped to his feet and nailed a kick to the head for a two count. King followed with a step-up kick to the head, but could only score a close two count. King sold he thought he got a three count, which was his last gasp for the evening. Ion then caught King in the corner for a high-impact combination flapjack and Alabama Slam. It was good for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Ion at 11:06 to retain the X Division Title. Good match. Ion is growing into his role as X Champ and King was solid as the challenger. (**1/2)

Backstage: JB brought in Samoa Joe ahead of the final BFG Series match tonight. Joe said he is absolutely ready for his match tonight. He then addressed the Aces & Eights group and said they aren't prepared to win a war.

Impact Zone: A.J. Styles was out first for the semi-main event. Tenay noted Styles is at the bottom of the BFG Series Standings, but still has five individual matches remaining in the Series. Chris Daniels was out next and Styles had to be restrained from getting his hands on him. No sign of Claire Lynch ringside. Kurt Angle was out third followed by Samoa Joe, who stomped out to the ring looking for someone to beat up.

7 -- KURT ANGLE vs. SAMOA JOE vs. A.J. STYLES vs. TNA tag champion DANIELS -- four-way BFG Series match for 20 points -- Ladder match

The announcers drew attention to a clipboard hanging above the ring representing 20 points. Everyone ganged up on Daniels early on, then Joe began dominating Styles and Angle with signature offense. Then, Daniels yanked Joe to the outside, which drew Styles to the outside with a splash on both Joe and Daniels. Styles tried to follow with a splash on Angle in the ring, but Daniels smashed Styles from behind with a ladder to the knee. In the ring, Daniels jabbed Angle with a ladder, then tried to climb the ladder, but Joe powerbombed him to the corner. Angle re-entered and took out Joe, then stopped to pose for "U-S-A" chants as the crowd recognized the U.S. winning the Olympics today.

Angle and Styles had an exchange that led to Angle eating the edge of a ladder face-first. Taz and Tenay sold concern for Angle's health before Joe and Styles battled in the ring. Daniels then re-entered the picture and Styles lit him up with 20 corner punches. Styles, Daniels, and Joe then went back and forth while Angle remained on the outside. Angle re-entered the picture and kind of crashed and burned with Joe and Styles. Daniels then tried to climb the ladder, but Angle pulled him down and slapped on the Anklelock. Daniels tapped out, but that doesn't count in a ladder match. After Daniels escaped, Styles landed a springboard forearm smash on Daniels.

At 13:00, Styles climbed a ladder, but Daniels recovered and shoved him over the top rope to the floor. Daniels posed for the crowd before trying to climb a ladder, but Joe and Angle cut him off before playing a One-Up Game trying to impress the other with suplexes. Poor Daniels was the victim of this game, taking suplexes over and over. Joe used his boot to tap Daniels to check for life before Joe and Angle placed Daniels inside the rungs of a ladder for Joe to kick him in the gut. Angle then took his turn kicking Daniels in the gut. Joe ended the game with a blow to Angle, but Angle knocked him to the outside. Joe re-entered the ring and battled Angle on top of the ladder as Daniels remained suspended inside the rungs.

All of the focus was on Joe and Angle battling on the ladder. Then, suddenly and out of nowhere, Styles leaped onto the ladder, grabbed the contract in one grasp, and fell to the mat with victory. Joe sold that he was stunned as Styles recovered in the corner after grabbing the 20 points. Joe just stomped out of the ring before they went to a replay of events during the match. Back live, Styles was shown celebrating after Daniels was removed from his predicament.

WINNER: Styles at 16:21 to earn 20 BFG Series points; Styles advances to seventh place. Top match of the night thus far, as expected. Solid action throughout and a nice ladder match finish with Styles avoiding the "slow climb" and just springboarding to victory. (***1/4)

Backstage: JB brought in Bobby Roode ahead of the PPV main event for the World Title. JB read a question wondering if Roode is afraid of Austin Aries. "Is that a real question?" Roode quietly asked before entering promo mode to note that he is afraid of no one, especially Aries, whose win last month was a f-l-u-k-e. Roode said he's been carrying TNA on his back for the last year and Aries's World Title dream comes to an end tonight.

Impact Zone: After a video package aired on the Aries-Roode feud, Bobby Roode slowly made his way to the ring as the challenger. World champ Austin Aries quickly entered the ring to set the stage for Jeremy Borash to formally introduce the main event.

8 -- TNA World Hvt. champion AUSTIN ARIES vs. BOBBY ROODE -- TNA World Title match

Once the bell sounded, Roode got in Aries's face to trash-talk him, so Aries spewed some water in Roode's face to insult the challenger. Roode then tried to charge at Aries, but Aries side-stepped him and Roode ate the mat. Roode rolled out of the ring to collect himself and stall for time, then re-entered the ring and quickly exited again to continue stalling. Roode stalled again, then headed up the entrance ramp to leave the match, but Aries reminded him that he doesn't get a re-match if he loses. Roode, conflicted, asked for a non-existent time-out, then desperately slid back into the ring at nine and slid right back out. So, Aries splashed him with a plancha. Roode then escaped to the other side of the ring, so Aries splashed him again on the outside.

Back in the ring, Aries lit up Roode with chops once he finally got his hands on him. So, Roode bailed to the outside again. This time, Aries missed with a splash, which gave Roode the opening he was looking for to begin working on the champ. Roode delivered a Ric Flair knee drop, then applied a reverse bearhug to wear down the champ. Roode continued the attack before Aries fought back with left hand strikes. Aries followed with a knock-down clothesline that sent Roode to the floor. Aries teased a flying move on the outside, Roode walked away, and Aries adjusted to a double sledgehammer to the back. Aries followed with a running kick to the face as Roode sat down in a chair.

Back in the ring, Aries scored a nearfall before applying a front facelock into the Last Chancery. Roode escaped, then Aries applied a cross-face submission, taking a page from Roode (and Benoit). Roode fought the hold, then escaped by lifting Aries into the air for a backbreaker. Roode then applied a cross-face of his own, which Aries escaped via rope break. Roode and Aries then traded chops before Aries landed a missile dropkick into a corner dropkick. Aries took his eye off the ball to look into the crowd, though, and Roode capitalized with a spinebuster for a close two count.

At 20:00, Roode called for Aries to get up, then Roode charged at Aries and speared ref Brian Hebner when Aries moved. After the confusion, Roode covered Aries, but there was no referee. Another ref stormed the ring and counted a two count only when Aries kicked out. Roode and Aries reset, then Roode and Aries collided with the second referee in the corner, bumping him. Aries then nailed the Brainbuster center-ring and original ref Hebner was slow to come over and count a close nearfall only. With two refs stirring in the ring, the finish was coming up. On the top turnbuckle, Roode executed a superplex and both men remained locked in the hold. The two refs then counted simultaneous three counts, but both got it wrong since both men kicked out just before three.

WINNER: Double pin at 22:57.

After the bell sounded, the refs began arguing over the winner. Each man was announced the winner and each man's music played. Roode then grabbed the title belt and left the ring, claiming to be champ. As Aries made his case in the ring, "Conflict of Interest" Earl Hebner came down the ramp and yanked the title belt out of Roode's hands to a babyface reaction just a few matches removed from screwing face KO champ Tessmacher out of the KO Title. Earl then consulted with Brian and the other ref, identified as Stiffler. After receiving the information from both refs, Earl said the match is going to re-start.

After Earl Hebner called for the bell, Roode called b.s. on the situation. Aries tried to run at Roode with a suicide dive, but Roode was still holding the title belt, which connected with Aries at full-speed. Roode slowly assessed what happened and dropped the title belt to make sure he wasn't DQ'ed. Roode, smiling, rolled a seemingly KO'ed Aries into the ring and covered him, but only scored a two count. Roode flipped out, then shoved ref Brian Hebner, who shoved him back. Roode then slowly re-assessed the situation and tried a corner move, but Aries rolled him up out of nowhere for a three count. Aries immediately collapsed to the mat selling an unconscious reaction to score the pin.

WINNER: Aries at 24:36 to retain the World Title. Solid PPV main event save for the ref-heavy focus at the end. At times during this PPV, it felt like watching an NFL pre-season game where the focus is on the replacement referees rather than the competitors on the field. As for this match finish, it seems to set up Roode for an "out" to get another re-match at No Surrender next month before the TNA champ faces the Bound for Glory Series winner at the October PPV. Otherwise, Aries would have to face an opponent not from the Top 12 of TNA's roster in a one-off match. (***)

Post-match: Roode sold inner turmoil as he realized he not only lost, but doesn't get a re-match. Aries then collected himself and celebrated the victory as Roode slammed his head into the bottom turnbuckle over and over again. Roode then slowly slipped out of the ring staring straight down at the ground in shock. After a replay of the events, Roode was shown collapsed on the stage in frustration. In the ring, Aries held up a "Total Nonstop Aries" fan sign as the PPV signed off at 9:51.

***

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