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TNA Bound For Glory
Aired live on pay-per-view
San Diego, California at Viejas Arena

Spike TV Pre-Show Special

Jeremy Borash opened the show dressed in a tuxedo while standing in front of a set that featured several televisions. He called for Dixie Carter, who was walking by. Dixie said A.J. Styles will pay tonight...

Powell's POV: Hey, TNA, turn one of those televisions on the Red Zone Channel.

Mike Tenay and Taz checked in from ringside and ran through the pay-per-view lineup. Tenay said Angle would be formally inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame tonight in addition to facing Bobby Roode.

Footage aired from earlier in the day of Jeff Hardy, Gail Kim, Magnus, A.J. Styles, and Bully Ray arriving at the building separately...

Backstage, Borash stood with the four teams competing in the gauntlet match. He noted that Bro-Mans earned the fourth spot in the gauntlet. He drew a name out of a punch bowl and announced that Joseph Park and Eric Young had the third entry, meaning the match would start with Bad Influence vs. Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez. The teams pushed and shoved... [C]

Ethan Carter III was shown posing in front a screen. He said he would make Aunt D very proud. A graphic noted that EC3 "is coming tonight to Bound For Glory"...

Backstage, Robbie E and Jessie spoke about their tag match, then called in "Big Bro." Some balled, jacked up dude walked into the picture and they flipped out. On commentary, Taz noted that Big Bro is Mr. Olympia Phil Heath... A video focussed on the Ultimate X match and Jeff Hardy's involvement...

Backstage, new TNA broadcast team member Gil Corsey interviewed Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian. They spoke about winning the tag title gauntlet match... [C]

Powell's POV: Corsey works/worked for WDRB-TV in Louisville, Kentucky based on a quick web search. Does this mean he works cheaper than So Cal Val?

Tenay and Taz spoke about Kurt Angle's Hall of Fame banquet. Footage aired from the banquet. Jeremy Borash introduced Angle. Samoa Joe, Magnus, and Sting spoke about Angle, then Borash introduced Angle as the man who would be inducted into the Hall of Fame on Sunday night. A brief clip of Angle thanking the fans was shown...

Backstage, Samoa Joe pumped up Sting and Magnus. Joe said A.J. Styles will win the TNA Title, he will win the X Division Title, and hopefully Sting and Magnus will work out whatever they need to. Angle entered the room and hugged his fellow members. Joe said it was their night and it was time to show the world what the Mafia is all about...

Christy Hemme handled the in-ring introductions for the tag team gauntlet match...

1. Christopher Daniels and Kazarian vs. Hernandez and Chavo Guerrero vs. Eric Young and Joseph Park vs. Robbie E and Jessie (w/Phil Heath) in a four-team gauntlet match for a shot at the TNA Tag Titles. Daniels and Kazarian vs. Hernandez and Chavo started the match. Hernandez performed his big running shoulder block while Chavo simultaneously performed a cross body block heading into the break. [C]

Powell's POV: Thanks to Dot Net reader Eric Bradley, who correctly pointed out that Gil Corsey also works on the Ohio Valley Wrestling broadcast team.

After the break, Chavo performed the Three Amigos on Daniels. It drew some boos as he was doing it, but he was cheered when he stood up and played to the crowd. Chavo went to the top rope and was pushed down by Kazarian. Daniels rolled up Chavo and pinned him in 7:35 to eliminate Chavo and Hernandez from the match.

Joseph Park and Eric Young were out next to face Daniels and Kazarian. Park missed a big butt splash. Bad Influence controlled the action heading into the break. [C] Young tagged into the match and went on an offensive flurry, which included a belly-to-belly suplex on Daniels. Young covered Daniels, but Kazarian broke it up.

Daniels came back with a Best Moonsault Ever attempt, but Young moved. Daniels landed on his feet. Young whipped him into Park, who performed a fallaway slam on Daniels. Young covered Daniels and got the pin. Bad Influence was eliminated from the match at 16.55. There were some boos.

Bad Influence stuck around and roughed up Park and Young. A referee called for help for the fallen Park. BroMans came out with Heath as security helped Park to his feet. Park was bleeding from the mouth.

Powell's POV: I assume this means we get Abyss momentarily.

Robbie E and Jessie tried to pin Young right away, but he was able to kick out. BroMans performed their version of the Hart Attack clothesline and pinned Young.

Robbie E and Jessie won the four-team gauntlet match in 22:30 to earn a TNA Tag Title shot.

Powell's POV: Yes, that's how you get free preview viewers fired up about your pay-per-view. I just assume that there are now thousands of viewers racing to call their cable and satellite providers now that they know BroMans will challenge for the TNA Tag Titles. Good lord. I don't even mind those two as a heel comedy duo, but I can't believe that's what TNA chose to give away on the Spike TV special.

Backstage, Eric Young went looking for Joseph Park. He found him and said, "Oh, no," then told the cameraman to back up... The announcers ran through the pay-per-view lineup... A video focussed on the Bound For Glory main event...

Bully Ray made his entrance and asked the fans if they think Aces & 8's is finished. He told them that's what he wants them to think. He said A.J. Styles is bound for embarrassment while he is bound for greatness...

The announcers spoke briefly. Backstage, Dixie Carter asked Bully Ray to assure her that tonight would be A.J. Styles' last night in the company. Ray laughed and walked away (as the crowd chanted for Austin Aries) to close the free preview...

Powell's POV: Bully's promo was brief. I would have given him a live mic for 60 minutes rather than go with BroMans winning the gauntlet match.

TNA Bound For Glory Pay-Per-View

A video opened the show and focussed on Bully Ray vs. A.J. Styles... The narrator welcomed viewers to Bound For Glory. Mike Tenay and Taz introduced the show...

1. Manik vs. Jeff Hardy vs. Austin Aries vs. Samoa Joe vs. Chris Sabin (w/Velvet Sky) in an Ultimate X match for the X Division Title. In a nice touch, Tenay ran through the history of each wrestler in Ultimate X. He also noted that it was a California homecoming for Joe. Hardy wore an all white outfit. Aries climbed the cables and Hardy cut him off and pulled him down. Aries landed a bit awkwardly and made the crowd gasp, but he got back to his feet quickly.

Hardy pulled a ladder out from underneath the ring and got a big pop from the live crowd. He was roughed up before he had a chance to use it. Aries performed a high cross body off the top rope onto his opponents on the floor. He climbed onto the corner and laid there while playing to the crowd, then made a play for the title belt, but Manik cut him off at 5:05.

At 7:20, Aries performed a running dropkick on Joe in the corner, then went for the brainbuster, but Joe avoided it and locked him in a sleeper, then swung him around and let him fly. Manik climbed the cable. Joe nonchalantly pulled him down onto his knee. Sabin dropkicked Joe from behind.

Hardy set up a ladder in the middle of the ring at 9:20. Hardy climbed the ladder and Joe climbed the other side. Aries dropkicked them off the ladder. Manik did an impressive leap onto the cable while Aries met him via the ladder. They exchanged blows while standing on the ladder, then Sabin shoved the ladder over and sent them both flying. Sabin waved to the crowd and received good heat at 10:30.

Hardy performed the Twist of Fate on Sabin at 11:00. Sky was there to check on Sabin, who immediately barked at her to stop Hardy. She told him no, but Sabin shoved her in the ring and continued to tell her to stop Hardy. Jeff politely moved the apologetic Velvet aside. Sabin climbed the ladder. Hardy climbed the other side. Sabin pulled down the title, struck Hardy with it, and then fell to the ground with the title in hand to win the match...

Chris Sabin defeated Manik, Jeff Hardy, Samoa Joe, and Austin Aries in an Ultimate X match in 11:50 to win the X Division Title.

Powell's POV: Several big spots and bumps, but the overall match was far from memorable, and the finish didn't help with that. It just felt like a bunch of guys getting moments of offense. There was no real story told and it was really more of a ladder match than an Ultimate X match. I was impressed by the way Sabin heeled it up at certain times. He was able to get a good reaction from the crowd whenever he tried. I'm not blown away by his promos, but this was a step in the right direction for him as a heel.

The announcers set up footage of A.J. Styles becoming the first X Division Champion and being awarded the title belt by special referee Ricky Steamboat...

Christopher Daniels and Kazarian headed to the ring for a promo. "Not since the premiere of Brokeback Mountain have two men been screwed more than Bad Influence," Kazarian said. He complained that it was an embarrassment that they are not challenging for the tag titles.

Daniels said Bad Influence is TNA and they are the best tag team the company has ever seen. Daniels said TNA could make it up to them. Daniels said TNA likes to throw serves and curves for all the bags of douche. He said they add matches at the last minute and put five people in the Ultimate X match and have three women in the Knockouts match. He demanded that they be added to the tag title match.

Eric Young entered and joined them in the ring. He said he didn't want to fight because he already beat them once tonight. He said he was there on official business because he is a scientist. He said they created a monster. He said everyone other than them knows that they should run. Bad Influence shook hands with Young, then attacked him.

Abyss's music hit and the crowd popped. Abyss clotheslined both men and then performed Black Hole Slams on both men. The crowd cheered. Young backed into the corner when Abyss looked at him. Abyss offered his hand to Young and helped him up...

Powell's POV: You could see it coming a million miles away, but the live crowd liked it so it was fine.

Backstage, Borash interviewed TNA Tag Champions James Storm and Gunner about their title match. Gunner told BroMans not to worry about the gym, their hair, or their girls. He said they should worry about the fight. Storm said BroMans got lucky and now they better be good...

2. James Storm and Gunner vs. Robbie E and Jessie (w/Phil Heath) for the TNA Tag Titles. Storm and Gunner entered the ring and went right after BroMans. They picked up Jessie and threw him crotch-first at his partner in a cool spot. Gunner dominated his opponents until he was yanked off the second rope by Jessie following a distraction by Robbie.

Storm took the hot tag at 7:05 and worked over both opponents. He had a pretty big gash on the side of his leg. Tenay said it happened when he was kicked off the apron earlier. At 9:40, Robbie DDT'd Storm and got a two count. Gunner performed a big backbreaker on Robbie. He picked him up for the Gun Rack, but Jessie broke it up.

Gunner fought them off and he and Storm performed their finisher on Robbie, but Jessie broke up the pin attempt at 10:50. There was a brief TNA chant from the crowd that assumed that was the finish. Robbie threw a tag title belt in the ring and the referee immediately picked it up. Robbie clotheslined Storm off the second rope while the ref was distracted, then BroMans performed their finisher on Storm and got the 1-2-3...

Robbie E and Jessie defeated James Storm and Gunner to win the TNA Tag Titles in 11:50.

Powell's POV: The crowd seemed pleasantly surprised by the match quality, but they did not really react to the title change. The outcome did nothing for me, but perhaps this will give BroMans some in-ring credibility. Everyone worked hard and the crowd was into the action.

Footage aired from the TNA Hall of Fame banquet that was held on Saturday for Kurt Angle. It was the same footage that aired on the free preview...

Jeremy Borash stood in the ring for the TNA Hall of Fame induction segment. Borash introduced Sting, who came out carrying a box. Sting took the mic and spoke about becoming the first Hall of Fame inductee last year. He spoke of Angle being a family man and noted that his wife and kids were in attendance. Sting introduced Angle.

Kurt Angle walked onto the stage in his ring gear and smiled. Angle slapped hands with the fans as he walked to the ring. Angle thanked the wrestlers, TNA management, and the fans. The fans chanted "Thank you, Angle." Sting told him it's lonely in the Hall of Fame by himself, so he wanted to make it official. Sting opened the box, which contained the TNA Hall of Fame watch.

The fans chanted "Angle." Sting fired them up with more Angle chants as Kurt looked down at his watch. The fans chanted "You Deserve It." Angle said hearing what Sting said and the reaction of the fans made him realize how important the Hall of Fame really is and the responsibility that goes along with it.

"The truth is I have let myself, my family, and the fans down...by not living up to my real potential and the standard that you have set for the Hall of Fame, which is why I respectfully decline this Hall of Fame induction," Angle said. He vowed to set a new standard for himself, the company, and the industry. Angle said everything he has accomplished in the past is nothing compared to what he will accomplish now and in the future. Angle said that once he is worthy, he will join Sting in the TNA Hall of Fame. Angle and Sting spoke off-mic and then embraced...

Powell's POV: Well, that was an odd twist. The live crowd totally embraced Angle going into the Hall of Fame and didn't seem to know how to react to Angle declining the honor. I guess this angle explains why they saved the "induction" for the pay-per-view rather than making it official at the banquet.

Footage aired of A.J. Styles winning the TNA Title at No Surrender in 2009...

Backstage, Dixie was informed that she had a phone call. She told the person that since this is A.J. Styles' last night with the company, she wants all of his merchandise off the shelves. Ethan Carter III entered the area and Dixie told him she handpicked the perfect opponent for him. They simultaneously said, "The world needs us, we're the Carters"...

3. ODB vs. Brooke Tessmacher vs. Gail Kim in a three-way for the TNA Knockouts Title. The crowd was flat as ODB and Tessmacher worked inside the ring and Gail sold at ringside. They pepped up a bit when Gail wrapped Tessmacher's legs around the ring post. ODB caught Brooke in a leg hold. Gail raced in and grabbed Tesmacher's arm to prevent her from tapping out, but it looked more awkward than anything.

At 8:20, ODB and Gail Kim both hit moves on the referee that took him out of the match. The crowd enjoyed the spot. ODB picked up both women on her shoulders and walked to the middle of the ring. Brooke got free, then ODB rammed Gail's feet into her. ODB slammed Gail onto Brooke and was setting up for the pin.

Lai'D Tapa's music hit and she walked onto the stage. ODB took as swig from her flask and changed at Tapa on the stage. Tapa got the better of the exchange and left ODB lying on the ramp. Tessmacher dove onto Tapa, who caught her and powerbombed her into the ring. Gail quickly covered Brooke and pinned her.

After the match, Tapa took the title belt from the referee and held it up. She picked up Gail Kim, who looked horrified. Tapa handed Gail the title belt and then raised her hand. Gail celebrated by jumping into Tapa's arms. Tapa picked up Kim and put her on her shoulder as Kim showed off the title belt...

Gail Kim defeated Brooke Tessmacher and ODB to win the TNA Knockouts Title in 10:25.

Powell's POV: I didn't see that one coming. My guess is that it's a sign that Tapa is still pretty green and they want to limit her in-ring involvement. If so, it's logical enough to make her the muscle for Gail, though I'm sure some fans will point out the similarities between this and what WWE is doing with A.J. Lee and Tamina Snuka.

Backstage, Gil Corsey interviewed Robbie E, Jessie, and Phil Heath about the title change. Robbie said their party will continue all the way to Salt Lake City on Thursday for Impact. They put on goggles and had a muscle milk bath, covering Corsey in the process...

Powell's POV: Ain't no party like a Salt Lake City party!!!

Backstage, Borash interviewed Bobby Roode, who said it was a shocker that Angle declined the induction. He said that proves it's true that he is more worthy of the Hall of Fame induction than Angle is. He said he's in Angle's head and made Angle tap out on Impact. Roode said he would prove to the world that he is a better man, better wrestler, and is Hall of Fame worthy. Roode said he would make Angle tap out...

A video package chronicled the recent history of Roode and Angle...

4. Kurt Angle vs. Bobby Roode. There were dueling chants for the two wrestlers as the match got underway. Angle went for the ankle lock early on, but Roode flipped out of it. Taz told the story on commentary that Angle just had the emotional moment of turning down the Hall of Fame and now needing to stay head of Roode just minutes later. Roode targeted Angle's neck early.

Angle worked in hope spots with a German suplex and then an ankle lock attempt. Roode kept coming back and went back to working over Angle's neck with a crossface until he reached the ropes. Taz noted that Roode was able to keep the hold on longer than he should have been able to because referee Brian Hebner got caught up in the match.

Angle went for a moonsault and missed. Roode immediately applied the crossface again. Angle, who was bleeding a bit from the mouth, teased tapping out, but instead grabbed Roode's ankle and applied the ankle lock. Roode released the hold and Angle stood up. Roode teased tapping. Roode broke free and reapplied the cross face. Angle once again teased tapping, but rolled Roode back into a pin. Roode countered into a pin of his own for two.

Roode went for a backslide, but Angle slipped away and went for a clothesline, but Roode blocked it and turned it into a crossface. Angle rolled through and Roode held the head, but Angle got to his feet and performed the Angle Slam for a two count. Taz begged fans to find guys who were putting it out in the ring like Angle and Roode.

Angle performed a German suplex. He went for another, but Roode grabbed the referee and then caught Angle with a low blow that the ref couldn't see. Roode followed up with a neckbreaker for a good two count. The fans sounded off with a "this is awesome" chant. Angle countered into an ankle lock in the middle of the ring.

Roode rolled out and tried to kick off, but Angle held on. Roode reached for the ropes. Angle sat down and grapevined. Roode reached to the ropes and teased tapping out. Taz noted that Roode appeared to have passed out. The referee raised Roode's arm and Roode was able to touch the rope. The fans booed, likely thinking it was a screwjob finish involving the referee helping Roode, but that wasn't the intention.

Angle picked up Roode and sat him on the top rope and threw several punches at him. Angle performed an Angle Slam off the top rope. The fans counted along with the referee, who made it to nine before Roode stood up, fell onto Angle, and got the clean pinfall.

The announcers played up the fact that Angle had not moved since performing his finisher off the top rope. The trainers entered the ring and Angle twitched his fingers. The trainers tended to Angle's neck as the EMT's brought a stretcher to the ring. The crowd was silent initially, but chanted for Angle as he was placed on the stretcher. Angle ended up standing up and blowing off the stretcher. He went to the ramp and waved to the fans...

Bobby Roode defeated Kurt Angle in 21:00.

Powell's POV: An excellent match. It's unfortunate the live crowd thought they were seeing a screwjob finish when the referee was checking on Roode, but they got right back into it once they realized that the referee wasn't turning. They told a story with Roode targeting Angle's neck throughout the match that set up the finish with Angle playing up a neck injury. I could do without the stretcher tease at the end because it really deflated the crowd. I think they could have told their story without taking the fans out of the moment by simply having Angle sell it afterward. That said, it was easily the best match of the night thus far. I would love to hear more of the Taz we heard in this match. He abandoned the silly jokes and told the story of the match. That Taz is money.

Footage aired of A.J. Styles defeating Sting at Bound For Glory 2009... A.J. Styles was shown briefly getting ready for his match...

Backstage, Bully Ray talked to several men off-camera and told them that they fooled everyone. He said the fans thought one of them was dead, another just split, and another would never trust him again...

5. Ethan Carter III vs. Norv Fernum. EC3 didn't get much reaction when he was introduced by Hemme. Taz mocked the scrawny Fernum on commentary and noted that he was wearing a Member's Only jacket. Carter tossed Fernum around a bit and mockingly tried to get an EC3 chant started. Fernum caught EC3 with a couple of dropkicks and a cross body block for a two count. EC3 came right back with a nasty front face slam for the win...

Ethan Carter III defeated Norv Fernum in 3:25.

Powell's POV: The face slam finisher is wicked. The live crowd didn't seem to care about Ethan despite the buildup on television. It felt a little out of place this late in the show, but it was was essentially a buffer match that got the new character on the big show.

Backstage, Borash interviewed Magnus, who said joining Main Event Mafia was the honor of a lifetime. He spoke about opportunity knocking on the door and said he is knocking on Sting's door. He noted that he was in hostile territory because Sting is from Venice Beach, California, but he said he likes it that way. He said he has a date with destiny and she's getting impatient...

A video package set up the Sting vs. Magnus match...

6. Sting vs. Magnus. Sting received a good reaction the second time around, but it wasn't as hot as it probably would have been had he not appeared in front of the fans earlier. Taz asked the obvious question of why anyone would need another wrestler to make him when that wrestler could just step up and make himself. Tenay tried to defend it.

Magnus was dumped to ringside early on. Sting held the ropes open for him and let him get back inside the ring. Moments later, the situation was reversed. Magnus held the ropes open for Sting, but then caught him with a clothesline as soon as he was through the ropes. The crowd was was surprised, but Magnus slowed things down quickly with a body-scissors. Taz noted that Sting was wearing a shirt that had his face with a Union Jack logo and questioned whether he was sending a message to Magnus.

Sting applied the Scorpion Death Lock at 5:25. Taz said so much for friendship. Tenay said the match was about competition. Magnus, who eventually got out of Sting's hold, no-sold Sting's punches at 6:30 and flexed. Sting returned the favor moments later. Sting once again applied his finisher, which looked about as soft as it ever has because Sting didn't lean back. Magnus reached the ropes to break the hold at 8:10.

Magnus caught Sting with the Scorpion Death Drop and then went to the top rope and performed an elbow drop for a two count. Magnus went for the same move and this time Sting rolled out of the way. Sting went for his finisher again, but Magnus blasted him with three elbows to the head, which Sting sold with a face first flop that drew wooooo's from the live crowd.

Sting got up and called for Magnus to bring it. He swung at Magnus and missed. Magnus applied the cloverleaf as Taz spoke about the similarities between the finishing holds of the two men. Sting tapped out. The live crowd responded with a mix of boos and groans.

After the match, Magnus went to the ropes and played to the crowd, which gave him polite applause. Sting waited patiently and offered his hand. Magnus looked to the crowd, gave Sting a quick handshake, and left the ring...

Magnus defeated Sting in 11:05.

Powell's POV: Pretty much what everyone expected in terms of Sting not being able to make anyone with a great match. It's not even his fault. He's simply limited in terms of what he can do in the ring at this point in his career. The finish was really flat. The live crowd didn't think that was the finish and why would they since we've seen Sting play Superman so many times. Magnus was cocky afterward so I assume we haven't seen the last of this feud.

Highlights aired from A.J. Styles pinning Magnus to win the Bound For Glory Series...

Powell's POV: Who in the blue hell thought it was a good idea to give Magnus a win over Sting and then immediately followup with footage of Magnus being pinned by Styles? The only way this makes any sense is if Magnus gets involved in the main event.

The announcers spoke at ringside and turned it over to Borash, who interviewed Bully Ray while Brooke Tessmacher said. Ray went Axl Rose on Styles by saying the opening line from GNR's Welcome to the Jungle. He said he doesn't want to kill Styles nor want him to die. He said he wants Styles to live so that he has to live with the face that he lost to him. He concluded by saying his name and telling Styles, "Welcome to my jungle"...

A video recapped the drama regarding the main event and had plenty of Dixie Carter footage...

Ring entrances for the main event took place. It sounded a little odd because A.J.'s new song and the Aces & 8's song sound similar once the vocals kick in. Jeremy Borash handled the in-ring introductions for the TNA Title match. Earl Hebner was introduced as the referee and was booed...

7. Bully Ray (w/Brooke) vs. A.J. Styles in a No DQ match for the TNA Title. Bully controlled the initial offense and worked on the arm of Styles. Tenay tried to bring a sports-like vibe to the match by talking about the things he was looking for such as who controlled the pace, but Taz was in Aces & 8's cheerleader mode.

Bully got Styles in the corner and talked smack to him. He said Styles is afraid of him. He said not to worry because he would take care of Styles' wife and kids for him. A.J. fired back with his offensive flurry of the match and the crowd rallied behind him. Styles applied the Calf Killer at 4:10. Garett Bischoff walked to the ring and Styles released the hold to go after him.

Bischoff backed down as Styles walked toward him. Meanwhile, Ray pulled out a hammer. Ray tried to use it as a weapon, but Styles kicked him and knocked the hammer away. Styles picked up the hammer and swung, but Ray blocked it and fired back with a hard slap to the chest. After another shot, Taz said A.J. might have to buy himself a new areola and then laughed at his line.

Ray mocked the crowd by cupping his ear Hulk Hogan style. Styles got fired up and yelled at Ray and invited him to give him another shot. Ray blasted him with another slap to the chest. Styles chest was a mess. Ray threw another chop/slap that knocked Styles down, but he shot right up and got in Ray's face. Styles slapped Ray across the face a couple times, then Ray clotheslined him. Ray slapped him across the chest again, but Styles no-sold it and dropkicked his knee at 7:45.

Knux headed to the ring as Styles went to the top rope. Styles dove at him, but Knux caught him and chokeslammed him. Ray covered Styles, but Styles kicked out at two. The live crowd didn't buy this as a potential finish and didn't pop for Styles kicking out. Ray scolded Earl Hebner, who did the bit where he yells back at Styles. Ray charged at Styles with a clothesline, but Styles ducked and Ray ended up clotheslining Knux.

Powell's POV: Shouldn't the Main Event Mafia or someone in TNA be attempting to counter the Aces & 8's attacks?

At 9:40, Ray kicked Styles through the ropes and knocked him off the ring apron. Ray picked up a hammer and wound up, but Styles caught him with a kick and ended up with the hammer. Styles looked to the crowd, then put the hammer down and slammed Ray into the table. Styles went back to the ring and performed a springboard move. Ray crashed and Styles crashed and burned through the table with a nasty bump that drew "holy shit" chants from the crowd at 11:35. Damn.

Taz handed Ray the box cutter, which he used to cut the canvas away from the ring. Ray pulled the padding out from the ring and exposed the boards underneath. Ray stomped on the boards for effect. "God, I love that sound," Taz said. The fans responded with an ECW chant.

Ray took a page out of Garett Bischoff's Impact playbook. Even though he was in control of the match, he called for help. "Send him out," Ray said. Dixie Carter walked to the ring and was booed. Dixie had security hand her a chair, which she handed to Ray. Styles recovered and performed a springboard move and kicked the chair into Ray. The fans changed for Styles.

Styles performed a springboard 450 and covered Ray. He had him pinned, but Carter distracted the referee by barking at him. Hebner bickered with Dixie while making the slow count and Ray kicked out at the last moment. Styles set up Ray for Styles Clash, but Ray backdropped him into the exposed portion of the ring at 17:15. Dixie remained on the ramp and continued to watch the match.

Ray performed the Bubba Bomb at 17:155 and then blew a kiss to Dixie. Ray covered Styles, who ckicked out at the last moment. Ray picked up a chair and hit Styles over the back with hit. He followed up with a shot with the chair to the mid-section of Styles. Ray set up Styles for the piledriver, but Styles slipped away and caught Ray with the Pele Kick at 19:30.

Styles picked up the chair and hit Ray on the head with it (for what it's worth, Ray put his hands up to absorb some of the blow). Styles went to the top rope and performed the Spinal Tap for the win. Dixie Carter threw a fit on the ramp...

A.J. Styles defeated Bully Ray to win the TNA Title in 22:35.

After the match, Dixie continued to throw a hissy fit and looked like she was going to cry. Meanwhile, Styles teared up as he celebrated his title win. The announcers narrated highlights of the main event. Styles entered the crowd and celebrated with the fans. Tenay closed the show by saying A.J. Styles is the new champion and now Dixie Carter has to pay...

Powell's POV: A good main event that didn't need all the nonsense with Dixie Carter or the Aces & 8's members. I really believe TNA would have sold more pay-per-views by announcing that absolutely no one could interfere in the match or even appear at ringside. It's not like the Aces & 8's interference or Dixie added anything to the match aside from having the fans on guard for a cheap finish.

Overall, Angle vs. Roode stole the show, and the main event was good despite the unnecessary distractions. TNA didn't do a great job of creating the vibe that this was their biggest show of the year, and I just can't imagine that the pre-show sold extra pay-per-views. The closing image of Styles in the crowd was pretty cool, as the fans around him were really into it. It was nice to see a a mostly straight forward show in terms of the finishes, but that should be the norm more often than not rather than something that only occurs at Bound For Glory. I am looking forward to seeing how they reset things heading into their new year beginning with Impact on Thursday. Check back on Monday for my TNA BFG Hit List, as well as Will Pruett's Pause review of the show.

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