Hardcore Justice 2010: ECW Nostalgia Works Best When the Matches Get Room

The F.B.I. (Guido Maritato, Tony Luke and Tracy Smothers) defeated Kid Kash, Johnny Swinger and Simon Diamond. The bout is presented as six-man tag team match on the main card and runs 10:43. 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 10:43, 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 Hardcore Justice 2010, it functions as match number 1 of 7, 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.

Too Cold Scorpio defeated C. W. Anderson. The bout is presented as singles match on the main card and runs 6:46. 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 6:46, 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 Hardcore Justice 2010, it functions as match number 2 of 7, 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.

Stevie Richards defeated P.J. Polaco. The bout is presented as singles match on the main card and runs 6:31. 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 6:31, the wrestlers have a relatively compact window, which puts extra pressure on the finish and pacing. The match is functional but limited, contributing to the card more through placement and story than standout bell-to-bell value. Within Hardcore Justice 2010, it functions as match number 3 of 7, so its value is judged against both its own proposition and the momentum it gives the matches around it. The 6.2 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.

Rhino defeated Al Snow and Brother Runt. The bout is presented as three-way dance on the main card and runs 6:01. 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 three-way dance format gives the match a specific framework, but that framework still has to justify the time and card position it receives. At 6:01, the wrestlers have a relatively compact window, which puts extra pressure on the finish and pacing. The match is functional but limited, contributing to the card more through placement and story than standout bell-to-bell value. Within Hardcore Justice 2010, it functions as match number 4 of 7, so its value is judged against both its own proposition and the momentum it gives the matches around it. The 6.0 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.

Team 3D (Brother Devon and Brother Ray) defeated Axl Rotten and Kahoneys. The bout is presented as south philadelphia street fight on the main card and runs 11:55. 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 south philadelphia street fight format gives the match a specific framework, but that framework still has to justify the time and card position it receives. At 11:55, 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 Hardcore Justice 2010, it functions as match number 5 of 7, 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.

Raven defeated Tommy Dreamer. The bout is presented as singles match with mick foley as special guest referee on the main card and runs 16:59. 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 with mick foley as special guest referee format gives the match a specific framework, but that framework still has to justify the time and card position it receives.

At 16:59, the wrestlers have enough room to establish a complete match and a meaningful finish. The result is a strong piece of the card, with enough time and purpose to reward a full viewing. Within Hardcore Justice 2010, it functions as match number 6 of 7, 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.

Rob Van Dam defeated Sabu. The bout is presented as hardcore match on the main card and runs 17:12. 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 hardcore match format gives the match a specific framework, but that framework still has to justify the time and card position it receives. At 17:12, 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 Hardcore Justice 2010, it functions as match number 7 of 7, so its value is judged against both its own proposition and the momentum it gives the matches around it. The 8.0 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.