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TNA is in Philly tonight for Lethal Lockdown, and give the crew credit - they've really given meaning to most of the matches tonight.
Rather than the usual clusterfrick, TNA has established solid, competent storylines for most of the bouts and as a result we should see some sweet contests. Plus, they've promoted the city very well, so this should draw a few more looks than the average PPV. Let's look at the card.
| TNA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH Sting vs. Mick Foley |
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SLAM! Predictions
Chris Sokol
If Sting was going to drop the belt at any point during his title reign, it
would be now. Expect Foley to get the win here and begin feuding with Jeff Jarrett
over who is in control of TNA. The feud will cause a shake-up with Jarrett and
Sting aligning at some point and Foley leading the Frontline to victory over
the Mafia.
Bryan Sokol
With the recent feud going on, this will be a good one. The TNA Champ Sting
has a lot on his plate dealing with the hardcore legend. Foley has the competitive
edge to be the new TNA World Champ, but I do not see it happening yet.
Jon Waldman
I have all the respect in the world for Mick Foley/Cactus Jack, so please don't
interpret this the wrong way - the belt should not change hands. He cannot carry
the company on his back like Sting can, or more appropriately how AJ Styles
or Jeff Jarrett can. Foley's going to bleed again and get injured again when
he should not be even competing. Of course, we know that Russo is going to book
Foley to win because somehow he thinks this will be a final tribute to the hardcore
legend, which I can respect, but as a business move when your company is at
its hottest, it's a poor decision. Sting has to go over.
Bob Kapur
What will make or break this one is if both guys will be willing to take this
to the extreme, in order to meet the expectations set by having Foley go into
this one as Cactus Jack. I believe they will. Sting should win, because it makes
no sense for him to lose to someone who won't be returning to the ring full-time.
| LETHAL LOCKDOWN MATCH Main Event Mafia vs. Team Jarrett |
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SLAM! Predictions
Chris Sokol
This should be a really good match. Team Angle will get the win here after miscommunication
between Jarrett and his team. This will keep the Mafia strong going into the
inevitable losing faction must disband or "total takeover" match-up
that will happen somewhere down the line.
Bryan Sokol
The Main Event Mafia, in full effect, is one of wrestling’s strongest factions.
With the Frontline recruiting a newly reinstated Fallen Angel, this we be good.
I think The Mafia will take it in a brutal match.
Jon Waldman
The build of a Jarrett heel turn has been too obvious between the interactions
with Styles and Steiner. Therefore, it won't happen. I get the feeling they'll
turn Foley here and have him go into the title bout against Sting as the heel,
with Borden turning face. In order for that to happen, Foley will throw a wrench
into Jarrett's plans by disallowing Daniels to compete, giving MEM the advantage
in the match, leading to the inevitable victory.
Bob Kapur
It's been several months that the Main Event Mafia have ruled the roost in TNA.
The only way to avoid a complete and final burial of the Frontline is to give
them a decisive win. If they don't, might as well just end the story with MEM
taking over the compamy fully and completely.
| TNA TAG TEAM/IWGP TAG TEAM
TITLE MATCH Team 3D vs. Beer Money Inc. |
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SLAM! Predictions
Chris Sokol
This is another match that should be really good. Team 3D gets the obvious win
here, but Beer Money puts up a convincing fight. Expect a show of respect after
the match to put Beer Money over as the big up-and-coming tag team they are.
Bryan Sokol
Once about respect, this match is now about bloodshed. Team 3D will look to
avenge the attack on their friends, family and fellow ECW originals Brother
Runt and Balls Mahoney. I think 3D will take number 22.
Jon Waldman
This one is all about 3D. If they lose, it's practically a guarantee they retire
soon after (at least from TNA). There would be more of an effect if this was
in the ECW Arena, but as is the buildup has been strong. The Russo move here
would be for Balls and Runt to turn on 3D here, but I'm guessing someone over-rules.
Taz makes his return and causes, let's say a DQ finish.
Bob Kapur
To me, this has had the best buildup of any of the matches on the PPV. This
story is about Team 3D coming back to the city that made their careers, so look
for the happy ending to the tale. While the IWGP titles changing hands in the
US would be a really neat twist, I can't see that happening.
| X-DIVISION TITLE MATCH (X-SCAPE)
Suicide vs. Jay Lethal vs. Consequences Creed vs. Shiek Abdul Bashir vs. Kiyoshi |
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SLAM! Predictions
Chris Sokol
Suicide retains here. Lethal Consequences will probably go into some sort of
program with Bashir and his faction as a result.
Bryan Sokol
Suicide has taken the X Division by storm since arriving in TNA. In the classical
good vs. evil battle, I fell good will reign supreme with a new face of the
X Division. However, I'm picking Black Machismo to come out on top here.
Jon Waldman
What's with all the multiman matches in the X Division? Suicide retains while
searching for his first actual feud.
Bob Kapur
This one should be fun for the crazy spots that these guys will pull out. Maybe
Kaz will return and wear the Suicide costume that was originally his, which
can build to a Suicide vs Fake Suicide feud. Suicide retains.
| TNA KNOCKOUTS TITLE MATCH Awesome Kong vs. Taylor Wilde vs. Angelina Love |
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SLAM! Predictions
Chris Sokol
Awesome Kong gets the win here and shears some of Love's hair for revenge.
Bryan Sokol
The Knockouts Championship is one of the most prestigious parts to female wrestling.
Introduced in October 2007, the belt has been held by a select few who were
good enough. It’s now held by a monster, but not for long. Angelina Love
wins.
Jon Waldman
Kong's hair cut moment, which should have been huge, was ruined by Don West.
The match could have had a lot of emotion had it been one-on-one, but they threw
in Wilde for no reason. Angelina wins, I'm guessing with a Wilde heel turn.
Bob Kapur
This match would seem to be a good way to introduce a new women from the ones
that the company has reportedly signed. Maybe she can come out after the match
and destroy Kong and challenge her for the belt.
| QUEEN OF THE CAGE MATCH ODB vs. Madison Rayne vs. Daffney vs. Sojournor Bolt |
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SLAM! Predictions
Chris Sokol
Daffney gets the win here.
Bryan Sokol
Instincts and experience in the ring will come into play here. This will be
a hard one to choose as all 4 of the knockouts have the knowledge, but who has
the skills to survive? My guess is going with the powerhouse of the match, Sojo
Bolt.
Jon Waldman
I couldn't care less.
Bob Kapur
I miss Traci Brooks.
| IWGP JUNIOR HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE MATCH Motor City Machine Guns vs. Team No Limit vs. LAX |
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SLAM! Predictions
Chris Sokol
The Motor City Machine Guns retain the belts.
Bryan Sokol
With the New Japan Jr. Tag titles on the line, this is important. I think the
knowledge of the TNA originals, the Motor City Machine Guns, will be big here,
leading to the team retaining the straps.
Jon Waldman
Match of the night, with the Guns taking the win.
Bob Kapur
This should be a good match, maybe the show-stealer. Unlike the other tag championship
match, I could see some deal having been made to have these titles switch on
this show. Team No Limit gets the gold.
Matt Mackinder
So the winner gets William Regal? Wow. Impressive. This match should be the
best on the card and I see Rey Rey winning and both men embracing after the
match.
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-- compiled by Jon Waldman