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A lot can happen over five years, as TNA has demonstrated. You can change where you are watched, where you call "home" and how you present your product. You can also change your affiliation, which is what the company does tonight, as a new trail is blazed, with TNA presenting its first-ever non-NWA-affiliated PPV.
No matter what way you slice the cake (and hopefully don't plunge Jim Cornette's face into it), TNA celebrates five years tonight at Slammiversary. They've gone from a Tennessee-based, PPV-only brand to an Orlando-housed, cable TV-based, touring company with a six-sided ring and their own championships. As we look forward to tonight's action, we at SLAM! also look back at the last five years, as your favourite writers name their favourite match in the history of TNA.
| MAIN EVENT: TNA HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE MATCH
(KING OF THE MOUNTAIN) Christian Cage vs. Samoa Joe vs. AJ Styles vs. Kurt Angle vs. TBD |
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SLAM! Predictions
Bob Kapur
Because it's Nashville, I would normally say that Jeff Jarrett (assuming he's
the last guy), would have the home field advantage. But then again, I can see
them trying to swerve everyone who expects that and going with Christian Cage.
Nah... it's Jarrett.
Matt Mackinder
If I was booking this, Samoa Joe gets the TNA championship here. Isn’t
it time and isn’t it the perfect event to put the strap on him? You’re
darn right it is! It’s not the right time for Kurt Angle (yet) and Christian
Cage, though thoroughly entertaining, needs to step aside. A.J. Styles will
make this match more dynamic, but in the end, it’s Samoa Joe’s time
to shine.
Jon Waldman
Unless TNA has signed someone new (Rob Van Dam) to take the mystery spot, assume
that Jeff Jarrett comes into the match. If that happens, then Jarrett gets the
belt as he continues to chase down HHH for the title record. If it's not Jarrett,
I'm assuming a blast from the past, which I would like to be Ken Shamrock, given
that he was the first TNA champ. If that happens, there is serious money in
Shamrock vs. Angle to be made. Meanwhile, Samoa Joe gets the belt.
Greg Oliver
With no Jeff Jarrett in the match, there's no favourite. I think it's most likely
that Kurt Angle emerges with the belt.
| TNA TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH Team 3D vs. The Steiner Brothers |
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SLAM! Predictions
Bob Kapur
With Scott Steiner reportedly on the DL, it's doubtful this will go on. Either
way, no matter who they face, Team 3-D keep the belts.
Matt Mackinder
This will still be a top-notch match even though Big Poppa Pump got injured
down in Puerto Rico. Team 3D keeps the titles here in a match that could very
well be the dark horse. Rick Steiner will get a few pops, but gets popped by
the Dudleyz as Ray and D-Von retain.
Jon Waldman
I love how the whole wrestling community is buying into Scott Steiner's injury
in Puerto Rico. It wasn't THAT long ago that Pat Patterson went to South America
and won an Intercontinental Title tournament, after all (okay, maybe it was
more than a few years back, but still...). I'm betting this is a Russo swerve
and Big Poppa Pump is okay (or at least I can hope). I'm betting the Steiners
win, one way or another tonight, so they can lay claim to having won a trifecta
of tag belts and be on par with the Road Warriors.
Greg Oliver
With Scott Steiner's throat surgery, it's a surprise that TNA hasn't readjusted
this match. I could see Scott getting knocked out early, or just being at ringside,
but any participation in the actual bout would be foolish. Without Scott, Rick
goes down to defeat, furthering this feud until the next PPV.
| TNA X-DIVISON TITLE MATCH Jay Lethal vs. Chris Sabin |
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SLAM! Predictions
Bob Kapur
I think the Black Machismo novelty is wearing off on fans, so they'd better do something with Lethal soon. I think this is the night he gets the gold, to keep the character fresh for a little while longer.
Matt Mackinder
Lethal is gold with his “Macho Man” gimmick. It freaking rules. But is the 21 year-old ready for a title run? All signs point to yes (he’s already beaten Sabin in a non-title match) and that run starts here and continues with a sweet feud that will culminate at Bound For Glory.
Jon Waldman
I seem to be in the minority when it comes to "Black Machismo". Wrestlers who imitate others are good for a one-off laugh (Goldust, Stevie Richards etc.), but just don't have staying power. I'm assuming, nonetheless, that Lethal goes over here, but I hope logic prevails and Mr. Sabin keeps his strap.
Greg Oliver
Lethal has been among the most entertaining things on TNA TV, and is truly a star on the rise. Should be a real barnburner of a match, and Lethal takes it to win the title.
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UNDERCARD
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SLAM! Predictions
Bob Kapur
Mr. Backlund vs. Alex Shelley - It should be interesting to see if Backlund
can still go. He wins.
Eric Young vs. Robert Roode - Time to put this to bed once and for all.
Young finally gives Roode his comeuppance.
VKM vs. Damaja/Basham - The Bashams should win - otherwise, what was the
point of their coming in?
Matt Mackinder
Mr. Backlund vs. Alex Shelley - Out with the (very) old, in with the
new. Shelley takes it.
Eric Young vs. Robert Roode - This feud has gone on long enough – Roode
ends it decisively.
VKM vs. Damaja/Basham - Hemme is the only reason to watch this match and
her team takes the victory.
Frank Wycheck/Jerry Lynn vs. James Storm/Ron Killings - Wycheck and Lynn
go over here with possible interference from “Wildcat” Chris Harris.
Sting vs. Christopher Daniels - I like Daniels' new gimmick here and
he somehow pins the Stinger.
Chris Harris/Rhino vs. LAX - Being the LAX mark that I am, I gotta go with
Konnan's boys here.
Jon Waldman
Mr. Backlund vs. Alex Shelley - Shelley either wins and wins big here,
or is off to WWE.
Eric Young vs. Robert Roode - Roode takes this one easily.
VKM vs. Damaja/Basham - Do I smell a burning limo? I'm guessing that there's
a few shots at WWE in this match, as the Basham Brothers take it.
Frank Wycheck/Jerry Lynn vs. James Storm/Ron Killings - Wycheck wins
for his crew.
Sting vs. Christopher Daniels - Fallen Angel soars to victory.
Chris Harris/Rhino vs. LAX - LAX needs the win here.
Greg Oliver
Mr. Backlund vs. Alex Shelley - A throwaway comedy match, sure, but
Mr. Backlund will win in a throwback.
Eric Young vs. Robert Roode - If Roode ever gets up the roster, he'll look
back at this as a turning point. Roode wins.
VKM vs. Damaja/Basham - Will Hemme ever get her revenge on VKM? Does anyone
care? Damaja & Bashman win.
Frank Wycheck/Jerry Lynn vs. James Storm/Ron Killings - This is a no-brainer.
The former Tennessee Titan and Lynn take it.
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OUR FAVOURITE TNA MATCHES
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SLAM! Predictions
Bob Kapur
My favourite match was the Barbed Wire Massacre match at Turning Point 2005
between Sabu and Abyss. This was a great throwback to the classic ECW, and was
grisly enough for even the most bloodthirsty of fans like myself.
Matt Mackinder
My favorite match was the tag title cage match at Bound For Glory 2006 where
LAX defeated A.J. Styles and Christopher Daniels. There was a certain buzz about
the match and the action itself had the crowd getting into the “This is
awesome” chants early on. Styles’ leap from the top of the cage onto
Hernandez was epic. The match was one I could watch over and over. Of course,
nothing beats seeing it in person, which I had the privilege of doing that particular
evening in Plymouth, Mich.
Jon Waldman
I have to go back to the first match I ever saw from TNA here. It was a Four-Way
Dance between Kid Romeo, Jason Cross, Paul London and CM Punk. This is what
made me watch TNA - exciting X Division battles. Now, with TNA virtually flushing
the crew down the toilet and relegating a lot of it to sideshow appeal (thanks
Big Sexy), I just don't enjoy it as much. Plus, this was the bout that got me
interested in seeing how far Punk can go. TNA really lost a diamond in the rough
here, as CM is definitely the next big thing in wrestling.
Greg Oliver
Rather than a match, the best moment was when Raven had his head shaved by
"Father" James Mitchell. Besides the fact that it was a good build
with a surprise payoff, the actual shearing was gruesome, as Mitchell used sheep
shears and had them backwards so that Raven's scalp almost came off!
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-- compiled by Jon Waldman