Jeff Hardy's entrance music filled the arena, yet an unusual delay ensued before he finally emerged through the curtain, signaling that something wasn't quite right.
Hardy typically exuded a distinct aura and movement, but during that instance, he wasn't his usual charismatic enigma, appearing rather offbeat and out of character.
For this situation to arise in any match on any show would be a disaster, but to happen on a pay-per-view main event for the World Championship, it could not have gone worse for TNA.
Eric Bischoff cut a promo to the crowd and then spoke to both wrestlers. In Bischoff’s credit, he makes it look as though he is talking heel smack to Sting and speaking in character to Jeff.
The bell rang, and the match instantly stalled. Sting looked rightfully frustrated. Instead of locking up or getting the action started, Jeff teased that he would throw his shirt to the crowd.