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Get ready for another rendition of TNA's ritual pay-per-view, Sacrifice.
This year's edition has a strong assortment of matches with some good storylines mixed in. In some cases, this PPV is as much about survival as anything else, while other bouts look to elevate new stars. There's also a retro feel for WCW fans, making this one of the more intriguing shows in some time. Let's get to the predictions.
| MAIN EVENT: NWA HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE MATCH
(FULL METAL MAYHEM) Abyss vs. Christian Cage |
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SLAM! Predictions
Bob Kapur
With Sabu apparently leaving for WWE, Abyss has got to be considered as TNA's
uncrowned hardcore champion. Some TLC matches aside, Christian doesn't have
as much experience in extreme matches, but I think he'll crank it up in this
case. Christian retains.
Ed Ludwig
The Samoan Submission Machine was a big surprise for this tag team match. Don't
expect this to go long as Samoa Joe will eventually abandon Sting. Jarrett and
Steiner will lay the beatdown leading to the Steiner Recliner and Sting passing
out.
Jon Waldman
Well, Christian was the self-declared king of TLC in the Fed, so we know this
will be a solid bout. I still have trouble buying Abyss in the main event fold,
but then again I thought Mankind was elevated too quickly in the old days. Abyss
deserves some gold, but not the top strap. It's time for TNA to create a mid-card
title, but until then, Abyss will continue to be belt-less.
Greg Oliver
Since Abyss is in "possession" of the title rather than champion,
this is an easier one to call - Cage takes it and regains his title, which he
never actually lost (don't get me started on the idea of someone being able
to steal a belt in this day and age).
Chris Sokol
This should be another great leg of their feud. Both men embody the heart and
spirit of what TNA is truly about and both men deserve the praise they have
been receiving. It's good that TNA is shying away from legend vs. legend, or
already established star vs. already established star in the main event. Using
fresh talent like Abyss in this situation was a big step in the right direction;
however, he still won't be able to capture the title.
| TAG TEAM GRUDGE MATCH Samoa Joe/Sting vs. Jeff Jarrett/Scott Steiner |
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SLAM! Predictions
Bob Kapur
I actually think they should have done the contestant search a few more weeks
- how funny would it have been if they brought in, say, Judy Bagwell or David
Arquette? Sting's team wins, but get attacked by a returning Nash.
Ed Ludwig
New tag champs will be crowned as Styles and Daniels will lift the titles fom
AMW. Interference will backfire on AMW and the title reign comes to a screeching
halt when Styles pins Storm.
Jon Waldman
Two schools of thought here - either Joe turns on Sting, or Nash, deciding to
go after the best of the X-Division guys, interferes on Jarrett's behalf. My
bet is on Quady McFallFall getting in on this one.
Greg Oliver
This is the most obvious elevation of a young talent in years, and it is absolutely
the right thing to do. That said, the match won't be much to write about but
it will give Joe some serious rub. I forsee Sting and Joe winning, maybe by
DQ. In the back of my mind, however, I fear that Double J will get Joe to turn
and ruin him forever by making him stay behind him as a lackey.
Chris Sokol
Samoa Joe in the heavyweight division? It's about time. It should be interesting
to see what Joe does with Jarrett and Steiner, two guys he has no real prior
experience with. I don't think it will be a tremendous match, but it will serve
it's purpose in bringing Joe up in the ranks to Heavyweight Title contention.
| NWA TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH AMW vs. AJ Styles/Christopher Daniels |
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SLAM! Predictions
Bob Kapur
Weren't Styles and Daniels feuding a month ago? While I like the team, those two are so much more entertaining separately, so I actually hope they keep the belts on AMW. Either way, should be a good match.
Ed Ludwig
Someone has to lose the gold and that will be AMW. Chris Sabin and Sonjay Dutt will pull off the unexpected and defeat AMW.
Jon Waldman
Well, if there was ever a time to turn AJ heel, this is it. Look for a post-match, "this is all your fault" turn, or a miscue a la Strike Force. AMW retain.
Greg Oliver
Thrown-together teams don't win world titles on the first shot, but it will be a great match. AMW wins.
Chris Sokol
The solid tag team title run of AMW will finally come to an end, as the bitter
rivals capture tag gold together for the first time. This will be a great match
with a wide variety of styles being showcased. They had an amazing match on
Impact, and with any luck, they'll have a "phenomenal" one on PPV.
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UNDERCARD
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SLAM! Predictions
Bob Kapur
Jushin "Thunder" Liger vs. Petey Williams - This could easily be match of the night. Liger wins.
Raven vs. A1 - Raven wins, but more importantly, also gets some revenge on Larry Zybysko who will undoubtedly try to interfere.
Ed Ludwig
Jushin "Thunder" Liger vs. Petey Williams - Match of the night potential providing Team Canada members don't get involved. Liger was beaten handily during his last PPV appearance so he will get the nod here with a small package victory.
Raven vs. A1 - Raven in a total squash. A1 will be soaking in his own sauce when Raven chews through him.
Jon Waldman
Jushin "Thunder" Liger vs. Petey Williams - Liger should so
be battling Chris Benoit in WWE right now. Ah, a man can dream. Until then,
he dominates TNA.
Raven vs. A1 - Raven spills plenty of sauce here. Mesquite anyone?
Jushin "Thunder" Liger vs. Petey Williams - Every ounce of
my being screams "Go Canada Go!" but I can't seem them bringing Liger
in just to lay down for Petey.
Raven vs. A1 - A1 is done like dinner.
Chris Sokol
Jushin "Thunder" Liger vs. Petey Williams - This should be
another great match, with Liger picking up the victory over Team Canada's frontman.
Raven vs. A1 - PPV Squash of sorts, as Raven makes his return, defeating
Team Canada's tallest member.
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-- compiled by Jon Waldman