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Countdown to Slammiversary
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Happy Slammiversary; happy Slammiversary; happy Slammiversary; haaaaaaaaappy Slammiversary. Okay; so maybe the Olive Garden favourite doesn't quite work for online text, but you get the idea.
It's been said a thousand times before, but in this case, calling TNA's pay-per-view this Sunday the most important in the company's history is not an embelishment. TNA needs to have a strong effort here, or they risk losing a lot of their audience. They need to have everyone make their best effort, or there will be little in terms of buyrates for the July event. With that in mind, let's take a look at what TNA is offering this month.
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KING OF THE MOUNTAINWORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE MATCH
Jeff Jarrett vs. Monty Brown vs. AJ Styles vs. Abyss vs. Mystery Opponent (Just announced as Sean Waltman)
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SLAM! Predictions
Bob Kapur
I'm not a big fan of multi-participant title matches, believing that the story-telling
is generally better in one-on-ones. Of course, that usually requires that a
good singles feud be built up over weeks of TV before culminating in the PPV
blowoff, so I will forgive them this time. But didn't Abyss earn a title match
at the last PPV? Couldn't they have just drawn on that? Anyway, no guess on
the mystery opponent - look for a recent WWE castoff, though if I were booking,
I'd catapult Samoa Joe into the mix, as I believe a series of Joe vs. Styles
would be great to watch over the summer. Pick: Styles keeps the belt.
Jon Waldman
The booking here is painfully obvious. With Raven being at the event (though
being controlled by security), he will be the mystery man. This would definitely
be the time for Raven to take the belt as well, and would create an interesting
dynamic of a guy who is theoretically suspended (except for one night) being
the champ. TNA could even work this into a storyline using the lack of television
if they are creative. The only problem with this scenario is that Styles hasn't
held the belt for all that long, and taking the strap from him only one month
after he won it would make him look increadibly weak.
Jason Clevett
The original version of this, where Jarrett won the title a year ago, was a
total cluster - some great spots, but the concept is just so overbooked. I am
shuddering at the thought of this match, which is not a good sign. Viewers will
end up so confused by the wierd rules (unless they have changed since last year)
that even if everyone has the best match of their lives, it might not be enough
to save it. Winner: AJ Retains
Corey David Lacroix
Far too many participants involved in this match for the most prestigious title
in the promotion, but I hope I'm wrong and maybe they'll pull off a barnburner.
Definite potential to build future story lines from this contest, as we have
all the big players in the same sandbox. AJ Styles will be working over time
in this one, with everyone gunning to get the belt away from the phenomenal
one. Styles retains.
Greg Oliver
AJ will somehow come out on top in this match, otherwise, what's the point?
The wildcard might be Jeff Hardy, whom probably deserves another chance with
the
company, especially with the reward of a Hardy Boyz reunion not too far away.
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X-DIVISION TITLE MATCH
Christopher Daniels vs. Michael Shane vs. Chris Sabin
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SLAM! Predictions
Bob Kapur
I'm not sure that I understand the whole rationale behind Shane's turn on Trinity
at the last show, and why Traci ended up with Sabin in the first place. Too
much drama for me - I'd just put the ladies in a match and let them settle their
differences that way. In any event, this should be a great match with high energy
and spots-a-plenty. I can see Shane and Sabin feuding for a while, and don't
see fighting for the championship as adding anything to that one. Daniels, on
the other hand, has nothing else going on in the foreseeable future (at least
not until Matt Hardy comes in), so might as well keep the belt on him right
now and keep feeding him opponents. Pick: Daniels
Jon Waldman
The x-factor (pardon the pun) here are the ladies, and they will likely be the
determining factor in Sabin and Shane losing this bout. A scuffle between the
two women will distract both men, allowing Daniels to score the W. Where this
could build to an even bigger feud, however, would be if one of the men got
physically involved in the "catfight", clearly establishing a heel
and a babyface. Either way, the Angel soars to victory.
Jason Clevett
Expect this one to be the match that gets the Orlando crowd chanting, "this
is awesome." Daniels rules and Sabin and Shane are wicked. Thank god they
didn't try to run the Ultimate X gimmick further into the ground and just let
three of the best guys they have bust it out on a pay per view. Winner: Christopher
Daniels.
Corey David Lacroix
All three have proven chemistry together, so this should be the match of the
night. I suspect both Traci and Trinity will try to swing the advantage to their
respective wrestlers. Dare I predict another Trinity highspot? No matter what
trickery the challengers may try, Christopher Daniels is King Devious and will
take the gold home.
Greg Oliver
Their advertising speaks volumes - Jarrett, Styles and Daniels are their three
top dogs. Shane and Sabin are great talents, but nowhere close to cracking the
top tier of the company. There is no point in Daniels dropping the strap until
they are ready for the next logical step for him: NWA World title feud with
Styles.
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WORLD TAG-TEAM TITLE MATCH
The Naturals vs. Team Canada
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SLAM! Predictions
Bob Kapur
People talk about the WWE needing new teams to freshen things up, but arguably
the same complaint could be made of TNA. Nothing against either of these talented
teams, but it seems like I've seen them fight a million times, and I'm really
itching for something or someone to shake up the tag scene a bit. I have faces
winning the other two title matches, so will go the other way and pick Team
Canada to win this one, with the assist going to Coach D'Amore. Pick: Team Canada
Jon Waldman
Wow. I was so expecting yet another AMW title match. This is so fresh! So exciting!
So... ah hell I can't fake this anymore. TNA desperately needs some new teams.
Bring back the SATs, re-package Red and Shocker; do whatever you think is necessary.
Just add some new talent to the tag ranks.
Jason Clevett
There is a weird dynamic to this one, as the Naturals are still heels that were
turned somewhat face by the loss of Chris Candido. Team Canada, however, are
uberheels. I expect this one to surprise a lot of people as both teams are really
good. Team Canada will be a stepping stone in establishing The Naturals, and
maybe their new mentor will make an appearance. Winners - The Naturals.
Corey David Lacroix
The Naturals have done well in upholding the aura as legit tag team champions.
After fending off America's Most Wanted, they will now face Team Canada. My
heart will be with my compatriots, but my money is on The Naturals.
Greg Oliver
TNA has resisted the obvious break up of Team Canada to have one or more of
them go solo and battle Scott D'Amore's latest minions. Kudos to them for that.
The longer a team or unit stays together, the more it'll mean down the road
when it does happen. The Naturals benefit from having the title belts at this
stage
in their careers, and will go over in an entertaining bout. Think D'Amore will
get involved? Hmm...
SLAM! Predictions
Bob Kapur
America's Most Wanted vs BG James and Konnan - Winner: AMW
Ron "The Truth" Killings vs. The Outlaw- Winner: Ron "The Truth"
Killings
Lancy Hoyt vs Bobby Roode - Winner: Lance Hoyt
Samoa Joe vs Sonjay Dutt - Winner: Samoa Joe
Jon Waldman
America's Most Wanted vs BG James and Konnan - 3 Live Kru finally breaks up,
while AMW wins
Ron "The Truth" Killings vs. The Outlaw - Mr. Ass... er... i mean
The Outlaw gets the assist from the Road Dogg... er... I mean BG and X-Pac...er...I
mean Sean Waltman to get the duke.
Lancy Hoyt vs Bobby Roode - Why should I care?
Samoa Joe vs Sonjay Dutt - Joe goes over big time.
Shocker vs Alex Shelley - Shocker picks up the win.
6-Way X Match - My favourite X-man, Amazing Red, gets back into TNA in a big
way with a huge win.
Jason Clevett
America's Most Wanted vs BG James and Konnan - AMW continue their hot streak
Ron "The Truth" Killings vs. The Outlaw - The Outlaw
Lancy Hoyt vs Bobby Roode - A chance for both guys to break out. Hoyt wins.
Samoa Joe vs Sonjay Dutt - Samoa Joe is going to debut huge and beat Dutt
Corey David Lacroix
America's Most Wanted vs BG James and Konnan - Winner: AMW
Ron "The Truth" Killings vs. The Outlaw - Winner: Ron "The Truth"
Killings
Lancy Hoyt vs Bobby Roode - Winner: Lance Hoyt
Samoa Joe vs Sonjay Dutt - Winner: Samoa Joe
Shocker vs Alex Shelley - Winner: Shocker
6-Way X Match - Winner: The Amazing Red
Greg Oliver
America's Most Wanted vs BG James and Konnan - AMW goes over
Ron "The Truth" Killings vs. The Outlaw - Winner: Killings seems poised
to perhaps get another NWA Title shot, and goes over
Lancy Hoyt vs Bobby Roode - Unfortunately, this is a meaningless match. Hoyt
takes the duke.
Samoa Joe vs Sonjay Dutt - It would be foolish to have Samoa Joe go down in
his debut. It'll be a veritable squash.
The Last Word
Jason Clevett - Without TV, this PPV has to be something special to make
people remember they have a show in July. While not the best line up the promotion
has offered, I expect we will still get our money's worth. Expect a few other
surprises with guys like Alex Shelley and Amazing Red being on the show. I'd
plunk down my dollars for this one, because it will be good and to survive the
company needs support.
-- compiled by Jon Waldman
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