|
Countdown to TNA Lockdown
By
SLAM! Wrestling Staff
|
  
|
Like cage matches? Then this is your own private 'Mania.
Yes, it's Lockdown time once again, as the steel cage becomes a permanent fixture
around the TNA ring. It'll be full metal mayhem as the good guys and bad guys
square off, with some intriguing formats and combatants. Let's take a closer
look.
| |
MAIN EVENT: LETHAL LOCKDOWN MATCH
Team Angle vs. Team Cage |
| |
SLAM! Predictions
Bob Kapur
To me, having every other match in a cage as well really dilutes the meaningfulness
of this match. That said, I've liked the buildup, and am looking forward
to the return of Planet Jarrett (sue me, I'm a JJ fan!). Team Angle wins,
the last fall being an Ankle Lock on Cage for the tapout.
Ryan Nation
This one could go either way. I am going with Team Angle for the win
to end the show on a positive note. I am more curious to how the fans will react
to Jarrett as the match goes on.
Andy McNamara
A well built storyline and the return of Jarrett adds some extra intrigue. This
is essentially a pick'em from where I sit, and the match's main goal should
be to spin off some feuds. I'm going to give Team Angle the edge in what should
be a solid battle.
Matt Mackinder
Angle's team looks stacked. I'm just waiting for the obligatory Jarrett
turn. Maybe not here, but down the road I would imagine. Cage's team is
also pretty stacked on paper, but I still say Team Angle goes home with the
victory.
Greg Oliver
Can you say overbooked mess? I thought you could. I think Team Cage will take
it, with some sneaky tactics.
Jon Waldman
War Games was always a hit in WCW, so you'd think it'll be the same here. I'm
concerned, however, for the safety of all involved, given it's 10 men in a very
enclosed space. It's hard not to go with Angle's team here. Methinks Jarrett
gets the pin and the title shot next PPV.
|
ELECTRIFIED STEEL CAGE/NWA WORLD TAG TEAM
TITLE MATCH
Team 3D vs. LAX |
|
SLAM! Predictions
Bob Kapur
See the first sentence of my pick for the Wargames match - same comment applies.
Hopefully the electrified fence will keep out the likes of the Brothers from
Brooklyn, the random Latinos, Brother Runt and god help me, Johnny Rodz. Team
3-D get their long-overdue NWA titles.
Ryan Nation
I believe the titles will change hands once again, and Team 3D will walk out
with the belts and the victory. I expect a lot of blood in this one.
Andy McNamara
Hopefully this one won't come off too cheesy and the electric cage useage should
be interesting. It is time for Team 3D to get a win back. This one won't be
a technical wrestling classic by any means.
Matt Mackinder
An electric steel cage? Sounds like something that would have been a part of
the original ECW. With that thought, is it time for the Dudleys to finally do
something in TNA and get the tag belts? I kind of think so. We have new champs
tonight.
Greg Oliver
Can you feel the electricity? Or did it leave a month or two ago into this feud?
Team 3D have to win sometime. Why not now?
Jon Waldman
Something tells me this will be as legit as the WSX electric barbed wire pits.
Want a real electricity match? Go on YouTube and search for Japanese matches.
As is, I think this will have the same terrible selling as there was in the
WCW electric chair match years back. Team 3D goes over here.
| |
X-SCAPE/X-DIVISION TITLE MATCH
Chris Sabin vs. Sonjay Dutt vs. Jay Lethal vs. Alex Shelley vs. Shark
Boy |
|
SLAM! Predictions
Bob Kapur
Remember that song from Sesame Street: One of these things is not like the other,
one of these things does not belong; I'm looking at you, Shark Boy.
Sabin retains.
Ryan Nation
I predict Sabin will retain the championship. This match should be filled with
a lot of good spots.
Andy McNamara
Shark Boy has no business in this matchup. Sabin is a solid champion and will
go over to re-solidify himself as the class of the X-Division.
Matt Mackinder
No real contenders here for Sabin's gold, aside from his Motor City Machine
Guns partner Shelley. I like the layout of this match and it'll be a match
that sees Sabin come in as the champ and leave as the champ. Definitely won't
be Shark Boy.
Greg Oliver
Can you say showstealer? Let's hope they give it enough time anyway. I'll take
Lethal.
Jon Waldman
Yuck. Sabin is the only real threat here, thanks to Kevin Nash. Time to go fishing
in the RoH talent pool again. Chris Hero anyone? Sabin wins in a cakewalk.
SLAM! Predictions
Bob Kapur
Chris Harris vs. James Storm (Blindfold Match) - They never should have
split these guys up. Both deserve better than this go-nothing feud. Storm gets
his comeuppance here.
Jerry Lynn vs. Christopher Daniels - This is why I don't like Lockdown.
This feud should have had time to percolate before a cage match. Match of the
night for sure. Daniels wins.
Petey Williams vs. Robert Roode - This one could be a sleeper that steals
MoTN honours from Lynn-Daniels. Eric Young costs Roode the victory.
Gail Kim vs. Jackie Moore - Don't really care about this one. My coin
says Heads, so Jackie wins.
Austin Starr vs. Senshi (Guest Referee - Bob Backlund) - How many matches
are on this show anyway? Backlund screws Starr.
??? vs. VKM - If it's the Bashams, then Hemme's team wins. Otherwise,
VKM.
Ryan Nation
Chris Harris vs. James Storm (Blindfold Match) - Flip a coin. I'm going
with the Tennessee Cowboy.
Jerry Lynn vs. Christopher Daniels - If given the proper time, this could
be the match of the night. Jerry Lynn gets the W.
Petey Williams vs. Robert Roode - Petey will get the win via DQ.
Gail Kim vs. Jackie Moore - I hope this match will help further establish
women's wrestling for TNA. Gail Kim with the win.
Austin Starr vs. Senshi (Guest Referee - Bob Backlund) - I'm not sure if this
one will have a winner given the antics Backlund will display.
??? vs. VKM - Given the buildup and ongoing storyline, VKM will fall victim
to Hemme's team.
Andy McNamara
Chris Harris vs. James Storm (Blindfold Match) - Interesting choice of
match for these two solid workers. This will probably come across sloppy, but
Chris Harris pulls out the duke.
Jerry Lynn vs. Christopher Daniels - This battle could steal the show for
in-ring work. Lynn is a generous worker and will put Daniels over. The Fallen
Angel takes this one.
Petey Williams vs. Robert Roode - The former Team Canada members have a contrast
of styles that should make for a solid outing. I'm going with Roode.
Gail Kim vs. Jackie Moore - Pretty evenly matched up, and I'm not overlly
interested in this outcome. Gail Kim pulls it out after a back and forth struggle.
Austin Starr vs. Senshi (Guest Referee - Bob Backlund) - I still love Backlund's
character and he is a good addition to this contest. Senshi gets the nod following
an assist from Backlund.
??? vs. VKM - The new Christy Hemme's team will win in order to break them
into TNA. VKM have gone stale.
Matt Mackinder
Chris Harris vs. James Storm (Blindfold Match) - Who cares? This feud has
run its course hasn't it? Give it to Harris.
Jerry Lynn vs. Christopher Daniels - Should be a three- or four-star match
I would think. Either Daniels dominates and wins, or Daniels dominates and Lynn
wins with a quick, surprise roll-up. I say the first one.
Petey Williams vs. Robert Roode - This may be the sleeper match of the card.
I like Petey here.
Gail Kim vs. Jackie Moore - In a cage? I don't care. Let's pick
Gail Kim here I guess.
Austin Starr vs. Senshi (Guest Referee - Bob Backlund) - An intriguing match
to say the least. I hope Backlund lets Starr win on his own.
??? vs. VKM - Bathroom break match of the night. Hemme's boys (The Bashams?)
beat the VKM.
Greg Oliver
Chris Harris vs. James Storm (Blindfold Match) - Does anybody care? Harris.
Jerry Lynn vs. Christopher Daniels - Where are they going with Daniels and
his new look? Over Lynn at least.
Petey Williams vs. Robert Roode - Will the former Team Canada partners deliver
a good match? Yes. Roode wins.
Gail Kim vs. Jackie Moore - A women's match on TNA? Really? Gail Kim wins.
Austin Starr vs. Senshi (Guest Referee - Bob Backlund) - Is Backlund really
nuts? Yes. So he costs Starr the win.
??? vs. VKM - Can I get in one more question? Yes. VKM wins... again.
Jon Waldman
Chris Harris vs. James Storm (Blindfold Match) - Don't care; really don't
care. An American wins.
Jerry Lynn vs. Christopher Daniels - Please Jerry, go back to your agent role.
I don't need Age in the Cage II. Daniels wins.
Petey Williams vs. Robert Roode - A Canadian wins. I'll say Roode just for
the heck of it.
Gail Kim vs. Jackie Moore - It's time for TNA to recruit from SHIMMER. Kim
wins.
Austin Starr vs. Senshi (Guest Referee - Bob Backlund) - Please give the W
to Low Ki.
??? vs. VKM - VKM needs to be put out to pasture. Hopefully Hemme's team does
just that. Bring back the Ding Dongs!
Visit the SLAM! Wrestling store!
Feel the St. Louis love. Get in on the regional
action with old school videos and DVDs in the SLAM! Store!
-- compiled by Jon Waldman
