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TNA continues the pay-per-view year with Against All Odds, and once again we see that the word gimmick is as commonly used in the booking meetings as the word wrestling. Perhaps moreso.
Yes, we are headed to another PPV offering of a myriad of matches that are more complex than a Britney Spears meltdown.
Fortunately for you loyal SLAM! readers, Jon Waldman and Matt Mackinder are
here to decipher this Da-Vince-i Code. Let's take a look at Sunday's action.
| MAIN EVENT - TNA TITLE MATCH Kurt Angle vs. Christian Cage (Samoa Joe is the Outside Enforcer) |
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SLAM! Predictions
Jon Waldman
The inclusion of Kevin Nash in the Joe angle baffles me. If it was WWE, they
would instantly pit Joe against Nash and have him go over huge (well, at least
to a point where Joe had credibility). Instead, somehow, Joe and Nash are best
buddies here. Interweaving two storylines in one match is hard to pull off,
but given the talent involved (yes, that includes Big Kev), I can see it working,
leading to Joe/Cage vs. Nash/Angle at the next PPV, then Joe vs Angle a month
later. For now, Angle wins.
Matt Mackinder
Intriguing. Does Joe take a side here? Turn heel? He's been teasing it in recent
weeks, so let's call it all a ruse. I see Joe costing Cage the match by "inadvertantly"
nailing him at some point after a ref bump and then relucantly counting the
pin before challenging Angle - again.
| TNA TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH AJ Styles/Tomko vs. BG James/Bob Armstrong |
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SLAM! Predictions
Jon Waldman
I swear we've seen this before, and if we haven't, then it was a bad dream of
mine come true. Next up will be Judy Bagwell. Theoretically, this should be
where Kip turns on BG, but I don't think anyone would care if that happened.
The champs retain.
Matt Mackinder
Yeah, Bullet Bob gets gold. Fat chance, folks. Only AJ and Tomko are worth watching,
so let's go with the champs retaining.
| WOMEN'S TITLE MATCH ODB vs. Awesome Kong |
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SLAM! Predictions
Jon Waldman
Is WWE holding Diva search contests because they can't see talent right under
their noses? It amazes me that ODB was in OVW for so long. She would've been
perfect for the Fed; instead, she is probably the most-over female competitor
in TNA's history. While hot-shotting the belt to her wouldn't be a bad move,
Kong is just starting her reign and you don't want to put her out of the game
too quickly. For once, I'll agree with Russo booking and call for a schmozz
finish.
Matt Mackinder
Kong looks like she'll have a long reign. ODB has a great gimmick, but not champ
material yet. Yet. The Knockout with the old WCW name keeps her belt.
| X-DIVISION-THREATENING MATCH Team 3D/Johnny Devine vs. Jay Lethal/Motor City Machine Guns |
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SLAM! Predictions
Jon Waldman
I'd say that it's a lock for the X-ers to win, but really - is there a division
to save here? My guess is that Johnny turns on 3D, since he likes having a title
and all. Get ready for Blow Away!
Matt Mackinder
Crappy stips here. I'm not sure what they're supposed to prove, but oh well.
I say the Guns and Machismo win and the Dudleys go on a crash diet. I can see
the vignettes now...
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TNA BEER-DRINKING TITLE MATCH |
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SLAM! Predictions
Jon Waldman
Man, does Chris Harris look like a genius or what? Seriously, I can't imagine
James Storm is happy with the direction his career has taken. Let's just end
this already okay Vince? I don't care who wins or loses.
Matt Mackinder
Another brutal storyline that takes a poke at WWE and Stone Cold. I don't care
who wins, nor do I care who drinks the most beer. This was already determined
in WWE about two years ago. I didn't care then and I don't care now. Um, the
Cowboy "wins."
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GRUDGE MATCH |
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SLAM! Predictions
Jon Waldman
What's this? A match with no stipulations or gimmicks? My god - this is the
most original match idea on the card! Since it's TNA, I'm guessing Sharmell
will screw over Booker T and join up with Roode. Ok seriously now - there will
be a screwy ending here, with a DQ win for Booker.
Matt Mackinder
Booker makes a HUGE debut in TNA and now he's on the down side of the undercard.
Nice booking. Sharmell slaps Roode and he walks into a scissors kick, er, axe
kick and Booker gets the duke.
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GRUDGE MATCH |
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SLAM! Predictions
Jon Waldman
Peyton sounds like a reject from the Fresh Prince. What's with TNA and bad names
for the females? Peyton wins by nefarious means.
Matt Mackinder
Hopefully, this match goes quickly. Miss Brooks gets the 'W.'
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-- compiled by Jon Waldman