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Countdown to TNA Genesis
By
SLAM! Wrestling Staff
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Will there be a new TNA World champion after tonight? And who will Sting's mystery partner be? Genesis is shaping up to be an intriguing pay-per-view, but does our crack staff agree?
Just five matches were officially booked for the card, but count on more bouts to be added.
Internet talk has been swirling with rumors as to the identity of Sting's partner. It's a former WWE and WCW champion, so you can narrow from that what you may.
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MAIN EVENT: TNA HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
MATCH
Kurt Angle & Kevin Nash vs. Sting & Mystery Partner |
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SLAM! Predictions
Jon Waldman
I certainly hope it's Booker T, because the recent talk of David Arquette being contacted by TNA scares me. Remember - Arquette won the title in this same match format in WCW. Somehow I wouldn't put it past the geniuses behind the scenes at TNA to do that. Of course, just as scary a thought is Nash winning the title, and I almost expect that to be what happens.
Bob Kapur
All signs point to Booker T being the mystery partner – maybe he can finally get revenge on Nash for kicking him out of the nWo (remember the superkick?). I can’t see Nash taking the belt, and doubt they’d give it to Booker on his debut. If they were going to go with Sting as champ, he’d have never lost it. So by default, Angle retains.
Matt Mackinder
And the influx of WWE talent continues. Initially, I hoped the mystery partner would be Rob Van Dam. Then I thought The Big Show. Now I think it’ll be Booker T and he’ll help Sting regain the TNA title for one last run before he fades away.
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TNA TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH
A.J. Styles & Tomko vs. The Steiner Brothers
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SLAM! Predictions
Bob Kapur
Please take Rick Steiner off of my TV. AJ and Tomko retain.
Matt Mackinder
I don’t know why, but I like Styles and Tomko as champs. The Steiners are about 15 years past their prime, yet they still remain in the spotlight somewhat. I think Christian Cage gets involved in the match and costs the Steiners the match.
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X DIVISION TITLE MATCH
”Black Machismo” Jay Lethal vs. “The Guru” Sonjay Dutt
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SLAM! Predictions
Bob Kapur
This should be an amazing match, hopefully they get enough time. Lethal retains.
Matt Mackinder
This match could steal the show if it’s booked right. Both of these guys are solid workers and exemplify what the X Division is. Each has a unique gimmick that I like, even though most think the Macho Man gimmick is growing stale. I see several near falls at the end, but Lethal keeps the gold.
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TNA WOMEN’S TITLE MATCH
Gail Kim vs. Roxxi Leveaux vs. ODB vs. Angel Williams |
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SLAM! Predictions
Jon Waldman
At this point, TNA needs to keep the belt on Gail if the title is to have any sort of credibility. that said, this is TNA, where, by the end of the evening, Oily Naked Guy could have the belt. My vote, however, is for Gail.
Bob Kapur
This should be a good match – so far, I’ve really enjoyed the women’s division. It looks as if they’re slowly burning towards a Gail vs. Kong matchup, so look for Gail to retain tonight.
Matt Mackinder
Gail is a good champion and gives the women’s division an actual wrestler and not just eye candy (though she certainly IS that). I see Gail retaining here, but getting mauled after the match by Awesome Kong (wasn’t that an old WCW wrestler’s name by the way?) and left in the middle of the ring.
SLAM! Predictions
Jon Waldman
Samoa Joe vs. Robert Roode -
The champ is here??? Who did Joe piss off backstage? The machine deserves better than this. Squash please!
The Motor City Machine Guns vs. Team 3D -
Bye bye X-Division. MCM has about as much chance winning as a writer getting a job in television right now.
Abyss vs. Black Reign (Shop of Horrors Match)-
I wonder if this will turn into an allegory for the war in 'Nam also. I could care less about who wins.
Bob Kapur
Samoa Joe vs. Robert Roode -
At this time last year, I had predicted Roode would be a world champion in 2007. Though it hasn’t happened, it’s not because he’s lacking any necessary ingredient. His being in there with a guy at Joe’s level is testament to how good a year he’s had. Joe wins the match of the night.
The Motor City Machine Guns vs. Team 3D -
Though the plan (I hope) is for the MCMG, and the entire X-Division by extension, to earn the respect of Team 3-D, it seems too early in the feud for that to happen. Team 3-D wins.
Abyss vs. Black Reign (Shop of Horrors Match)-
Please take Dustin Runnels off of my TV. He wins, unfortunately.
Kaz vs. Christian Cage (Fight For The Right Final – Ladder Match) -
This is a good opportunity for Kaz to elevate himself, hopefully he can step up his game – working with Christian should help. Christian wins.
Matt Mackinder
Samoa Joe vs. Robert Roode -
Samoa Joe on the undercard? How? Why? He wins anyway.
The Motor City Machine Guns vs. Team 3D -
Against my better judgment, I will go with my hometown boys Sabin and Shelley here.
Abyss vs. Black Reign (Shop of Horrors Match) -
Blood and gore reigns supreme here as Abyss takes it. Maybe he eats the rat, too.
Kaz vs. Christian Cage (Fight For The Right Final – Ladder Match) -
Another dark horse for the event's best match. I like Kaz's push and he gets the upset here.
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-- compiled by Matt Mackinder
