Hardcore Justice 2012: Aries-Roode and the BFG Series Give the Card Real Weight

Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez defeated Gunner and Kid Kash. This is the opener at Hardcore Justice 2012, tag team match that runs 9:24. The placement gives it a chance to establish momentum immediately. The allotted time is workable, but it puts pressure on the match to establish its purpose quickly. Because there is no title change attached to the result, the match is judged mostly on its placement, stakes and contribution to the card's momentum. The score also reflects how well this bout fits around the matches before and after it, not merely the names involved or the reputation the pairing may have elsewhere. Within this specific card, the result, time allocation, stipulation and position combine into a 7.2 score, which places it in the card’s middle range.

Rob Van Dam defeated Magnus and Mr. Anderson. This is the match 2 at Hardcore Justice 2012, falls count anywhere match for 20 points in the bound for glory series standings that runs 9:14. Its middle-card position means it has to add something distinct without exhausting the audience before the final stretch. The allotted time is workable, but it puts pressure on the match to establish its purpose quickly. Because there is no title change attached to the result, the match is judged mostly on its placement, stakes and contribution to the card's momentum. The score also reflects how well this bout fits around the matches before and after it, not merely the names involved or the reputation the pairing may have elsewhere. Within this specific card, the result, time allocation, stipulation and position combine into a 7.6 score, which places it in a strong supporting tier.

Devon (c) defeated Kazarian. This is the match 3 at Hardcore Justice 2012, singles match for the tna television championship that runs 8:33. Its middle-card position means it has to add something distinct without exhausting the audience before the final stretch. The allotted time is workable, but it puts pressure on the match to establish its purpose quickly. The champion retaining keeps the division stable, so the quality of the match itself has to justify the time it receives. The score also reflects how well this bout fits around the matches before and after it, not merely the names involved or the reputation the pairing may have elsewhere. Within this specific card, the result, time allocation, stipulation and position combine into a 6.8 score, which places it in the card’s middle range.

Madison Rayne defeated Miss. Tessmacher (c). This is the match 4 at Hardcore Justice 2012, singles match for the tna women's knockout championship that runs 5:56. Its middle-card position means it has to add something distinct without exhausting the audience before the final stretch. The short window limits how much the match can develop beyond its immediate result and story function. The championship change gives the finish direct consequence and improves the match's value to the event as a whole. The score also reflects how well this bout fits around the matches before and after it, not merely the names involved or the reputation the pairing may have elsewhere. Within this specific card, the result, time allocation, stipulation and position combine into a 6.2 score, which places it below the stronger parts of the show.

Bully Ray defeated James Storm, Jeff Hardy and Robbie E. This is the match 5 at Hardcore Justice 2012, tables match for 20 points in the bound for glory series standings that runs 13:45. Its middle-card position means it has to add something distinct without exhausting the audience before the final stretch. The allotted time is workable, but it puts pressure on the match to establish its purpose quickly. Because there is no title change attached to the result, the match is judged mostly on its placement, stakes and contribution to the card's momentum. The score also reflects how well this bout fits around the matches before and after it, not merely the names involved or the reputation the pairing may have elsewhere. Within this specific card, the result, time allocation, stipulation and position combine into a 8.3 score, which places it in a strong supporting tier.

Zema Ion (c) defeated Kenny King. This is the match 6 at Hardcore Justice 2012, singles match for the tna x division championship that runs 11:06. Its middle-card position means it has to add something distinct without exhausting the audience before the final stretch. The allotted time is workable, but it puts pressure on the match to establish its purpose quickly. The champion retaining keeps the division stable, so the quality of the match itself has to justify the time it receives. The score also reflects how well this bout fits around the matches before and after it, not merely the names involved or the reputation the pairing may have elsewhere. Within this specific card, the result, time allocation, stipulation and position combine into a 8.0 score, which places it in a strong supporting tier.

A.J. Styles defeated Christopher Daniels, Kurt Angle and Samoa Joe. This is the match 7 at Hardcore Justice 2012, ladder match for 20 points in the bound for glory series standings that runs 16:22. Its middle-card position means it has to add something distinct without exhausting the audience before the final stretch. That is enough time for the wrestlers to build a complete match with room for escalation and a meaningful finish. Because there is no title change attached to the result, the match is judged mostly on its placement, stakes and contribution to the card's momentum. The score also reflects how well this bout fits around the matches before and after it, not merely the names involved or the reputation the pairing may have elsewhere. Within this specific card, the result, time allocation, stipulation and position combine into a 8.8 score, which places it among the event’s best work.

Austin Aries (c) defeated Bobby Roode. This is the main event at Hardcore Justice 2012, singles match for the tna world heavyweight championship that runs 24:36. The placement asks it to close the show with the largest share of attention. That is enough time for the wrestlers to build a complete match with room for escalation and a meaningful finish. The champion retaining keeps the division stable, so the quality of the match itself has to justify the time it receives. The score also reflects how well this bout fits around the matches before and after it, not merely the names involved or the reputation the pairing may have elsewhere. Within this specific card, the result, time allocation, stipulation and position combine into a 9.1 score, which places it among the event’s best work.