Against All Odds 2011: A Strong Closing Run Overcomes a Throwaway Opening

Robbie E (with Cookie) defeated Jeremy Buck and Max Buck by forfeit. The bout is presented as x division three-way match to determine the #1 contender for the tna x division championship at same night on the main card and runs 0:27. The tournament or championship framing gives the bout important stakes even though the result is not a conventional title change or retention. The x division three-way match to determine the #1 contender for the tna x division championship at same night format gives the match a specific framework, but that framework still has to justify the time and card position it receives.

At 0:27, the wrestlers have a relatively compact window, which puts extra pressure on the finish and pacing. The bout is so brief or unsatisfying that it provides little complete-match value, regardless of the names or stakes involved. Within Against All Odds 2011, it functions as match number 1 of 9, so its value is judged against both its own proposition and the momentum it gives the matches around it. The 2.5 score reflects the complete package: stakes, placement, time allocation, stipulation, finish and how effectively the result contributes to the event rather than any outside rating.

Kazarian (c) defeated Robbie E (with Cookie). The bout is presented as singles match for the tna x division championship on the main card and runs 7:04. The championship stakes give the bout an immediate purpose, and the successful defense provides a clear result. The singles match for the tna x division championship format gives the match a specific framework, but that framework still has to justify the time and card position it receives. At 7:04, the wrestlers have a relatively compact window, which puts extra pressure on the finish and pacing. The match is useful supporting material, doing its job without becoming a major destination on its own. Within Against All Odds 2011, it functions as match number 2 of 9, so its value is judged against both its own proposition and the momentum it gives the matches around it. The 6.7 score reflects the complete package: stakes, placement, time allocation, stipulation, finish and how effectively the result contributes to the event rather than any outside rating.

Scott Steiner and Beer Money, Inc. (James Storm and Robert Roode) defeated Immortal (Gunner, Murphy and Rob Terry). The bout is presented as six-man tag team match on the main card and runs 10:13. With no championship changing hands, the bout has to earn its position through the matchup, stipulation, finish and the momentum it creates for the rest of the card. The six-man tag team match format gives the match a specific framework, but that framework still has to justify the time and card position it receives.

At 10:13, the wrestlers have enough room to establish a complete match and a meaningful finish. The match is useful supporting material, doing its job without becoming a major destination on its own. Within Against All Odds 2011, it functions as match number 3 of 9, so its value is judged against both its own proposition and the momentum it gives the matches around it. The 6.8 score reflects the complete package: stakes, placement, time allocation, stipulation, finish and how effectively the result contributes to the event rather than any outside rating.

Samoa Joe (with Okato) defeated D'Angelo Dinero by submission. The bout is presented as singles match on the main card and runs 8:29. With no championship changing hands, the bout has to earn its position through the matchup, stipulation, finish and the momentum it creates for the rest of the card. The singles match format gives the match a specific framework, but that framework still has to justify the time and card position it receives. At 8:29, the wrestlers have a relatively compact window, which puts extra pressure on the finish and pacing. The bout is worthwhile and purposeful, although it stops short of being one of the night's defining performances. Within Against All Odds 2011, it functions as match number 4 of 9, so its value is judged against both its own proposition and the momentum it gives the matches around it. The 7.3 score reflects the complete package: stakes, placement, time allocation, stipulation, finish and how effectively the result contributes to the event rather than any outside rating.

Madison Rayne (c) defeated Mickie James. The bout is presented as last knockout standing match for the tna women's knockout championship on the main card and runs 8:27. The championship stakes give the bout an immediate purpose, and the successful defense provides a clear result. The last knockout standing match for the tna women's knockout championship format gives the match a specific framework, but that framework still has to justify the time and card position it receives. At 8:27, the wrestlers have a relatively compact window, which puts extra pressure on the finish and pacing. The result is a strong piece of the card, with enough time and purpose to reward a full viewing. Within Against All Odds 2011, it functions as match number 5 of 9, so its value is judged against both its own proposition and the momentum it gives the matches around it. The 7.6 score reflects the complete package: stakes, placement, time allocation, stipulation, finish and how effectively the result contributes to the event rather than any outside rating.

Rob Van Dam defeated Matt Hardy. The bout is presented as singles match on the main card and runs 13:18. With no championship changing hands, the bout has to earn its position through the matchup, stipulation, finish and the momentum it creates for the rest of the card. The singles match format gives the match a specific framework, but that framework still has to justify the time and card position it receives. At 13:18, the wrestlers have enough room to establish a complete match and a meaningful finish. The bout is worthwhile and purposeful, although it stops short of being one of the night's defining performances. Within Against All Odds 2011, it functions as match number 6 of 9, so its value is judged against both its own proposition and the momentum it gives the matches around it. The 7.4 score reflects the complete package: stakes, placement, time allocation, stipulation, finish and how effectively the result contributes to the event rather than any outside rating.

Bully Ray defeated Brother Devon. The bout is presented as street fight on the main card and runs 9:26. With no championship changing hands, the bout has to earn its position through the matchup, stipulation, finish and the momentum it creates for the rest of the card. The street fight format gives the match a specific framework, but that framework still has to justify the time and card position it receives. At 9:26, the wrestlers have a relatively compact window, which puts extra pressure on the finish and pacing. The bout is worthwhile and purposeful, although it stops short of being one of the night's defining performances. Within Against All Odds 2011, it functions as match number 7 of 9, so its value is judged against both its own proposition and the momentum it gives the matches around it. The 7.2 score reflects the complete package: stakes, placement, time allocation, stipulation, finish and how effectively the result contributes to the event rather than any outside rating.

Jeff Jarrett (with Karen Jarrett) defeated Kurt Angle. The bout is presented as singles match on the main card and runs 16:14. With no championship changing hands, the bout has to earn its position through the matchup, stipulation, finish and the momentum it creates for the rest of the card. The singles match format gives the match a specific framework, but that framework still has to justify the time and card position it receives. At 16:14, the wrestlers have enough room to establish a complete match and a meaningful finish. The match delivers enough substance and consequence to stand out clearly above routine card material. Within Against All Odds 2011, it functions as match number 8 of 9, so its value is judged against both its own proposition and the momentum it gives the matches around it. The 8.4 score reflects the complete package: stakes, placement, time allocation, stipulation, finish and how effectively the result contributes to the event rather than any outside rating.

Jeff Hardy defeated Mr. Anderson (c). The bout is presented as ladder match for the tna world heavyweight championship on the main card and runs 18:15. The title change gives the finish direct consequence and makes the bout more important than a similarly placed non-title match. The ladder match for the tna world heavyweight championship format gives the match a specific framework, but that framework still has to justify the time and card position it receives. At 18:15, the wrestlers have enough room to establish a complete match and a meaningful finish. The combination of time, placement and stakes makes this one of the event's clearest full-match attractions. Within Against All Odds 2011, it functions as match number 9 of 9, so its value is judged against both its own proposition and the momentum it gives the matches around it. The 8.8 score reflects the complete package: stakes, placement, time allocation, stipulation, finish and how effectively the result contributes to the event rather than any outside rating.