How I see things is the OT universe and the 2012 universe are very different. The tactics that work in the OT one might not work in the 2012 one. You see this when Raphael (OT) tried the same fire hydrant trick in the second crossover. The laws of physics are different between the two dimensions, apparently. So it also makes sense that the OT Turtles' style of fighting isn't as effective in the 2012 Turtles' world.
This is my theory, anyway.
