Against All Odds 2012: Aries-Shelley and Styles-Kazarian Strengthen a Consequential Card

Zema Ion defeated Jesse Sorensen by countout. The bout is presented as singles match to determine the #1 contender for the tna x division championship on the main card and runs 4:03. The tournament or championship framing gives the bout important stakes even though the result is not a conventional title change or retention. The singles match to determine the #1 contender 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 4:03, the wrestlers have a relatively compact window, which puts extra pressure on the finish and pacing. The match has clear limitations in time, finish or structure, so its value comes more from the result than sustained wrestling. Within Against All Odds 2012, it functions as match number 1 of 8, so its value is judged against both its own proposition and the momentum it gives the matches around it. The 5.0 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.

Robbie E (c) (with Robbie T) defeated Shannon Moore. The bout is presented as singles match for the tna television championship on the main card and runs 9:31. The championship stakes give the bout an immediate purpose, and the successful defense provides a clear result. The singles match for the tna television championship format gives the match a specific framework, but that framework still has to justify the time and card position it receives. At 9:31, 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 2012, it functions as match number 2 of 8, so its value is judged against both its own proposition and the momentum it gives the matches around it. The 6.5 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.

Gail Kim (c) defeated Tara. The bout is presented as singles match for the tna women's knockout championship on the main card and runs 6:48. The championship stakes give the bout an immediate purpose, and the successful defense provides a clear result. The singles 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 6:48, the wrestlers have a relatively compact window, which puts extra pressure on the finish and pacing. The match is functional but limited, contributing more through placement and story than standout bell-to-bell value. Within Against All Odds 2012, it functions as match number 3 of 8, so its value is judged against both its own proposition and the momentum it gives the matches around it. The 6.3 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.

Samoa Joe and Magnus defeated Crimson and Matt Morgan (c). The bout is presented as tag team match for the tna world tag team championship on the main card and runs 9:56. The title change gives the finish direct consequence and makes the bout more important than a similarly placed non-title match. The tag team match for the tna world tag team championship format gives the match a specific framework, but that framework still has to justify the time and card position it receives.

At 9:56, 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 2012, it functions as match number 4 of 8, so its value is judged against both its own proposition and the momentum it gives the matches around it. The 7.8 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.

Austin Aries (c) defeated Alex Shelley by submission. The bout is presented as singles match for the tna x division championship on the main card and runs 15:07. 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 15:07, 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 2012, it functions as match number 5 of 8, so its value is judged against both its own proposition and the momentum it gives the matches around it. The 8.7 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.

Kazarian (with Christopher Daniels) defeated A.J. Styles. The bout is presented as singles match on the main card and runs 18:42. 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 18:42, 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 2012, it functions as match number 6 of 8, so its value is judged against both its own proposition and the momentum it gives the matches around it. The 8.5 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.

Gunner (with Eric Bischoff) defeated Garett Bischoff (with Hulk Hogan). The bout is presented as singles match on the main card and runs 11:58. 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 11:58, the wrestlers have enough room to establish a complete match and a meaningful finish. The match has clear limitations in time, finish or structure, so its value comes more from the result than sustained wrestling. Within Against All Odds 2012, it functions as match number 7 of 8, so its value is judged against both its own proposition and the momentum it gives the matches around it. The 5.8 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.

Bobby Roode (c) defeated Bully Ray, James Storm and Jeff Hardy. The bout is presented as four-way match for the tna world heavyweight championship with sting as special guest enforcer on the main card and runs 15:05. The championship stakes give the bout an immediate purpose, and the successful defense provides a clear result. The four-way match for the tna world heavyweight championship with sting as special guest enforcer format gives the match a specific framework, but that framework still has to justify the time and card position it receives.

At 15:05, 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 2012, it functions as match number 8 of 8, so its value is judged against both its own proposition and the momentum it gives the matches around it. The 8.6 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.