Countdown to Victory Road By SLAM! Wrestling staff

VICTORY ROAD HISTORY From the SLAM! Wrestling archives: Jul 16, 2007: Victory Road full of surprises Jul 17, 2006: Sting succeeds on Victory Road Nov 8, 2004: Victory Road bombs 1997-2008 Pay-per-view-reports Main event mars Victory Road

This year's Victory Road leads right into Houston, where TNA will stage what could be their best pay-per-view of 2008.

For the workrate-friendly fan, there are some strong potential bouts. For those who like the gimmick matches, there's a few here for them as well. Top that off with a smattering of X and Women's Division offerings and you've got the recipe for a successful show. Let's see how it will all break down tonight on PPV.

SLAM! Predictions

Jon Waldman

Wrestling-wise, this will likely be the match of the night, but storyline wise, there's a big x-factor in the form of Kevin Nash. The expectation for many will be that Diesel will interfere and cost Joe the match, giving Booker the title in his hometown. I'll subscribe to that theory.

Jason Clevett

This is a tough one, as they are in Booker's hometown, although he is a heel. Expect Booker's best performance to date in front of a mixed crowd, but it won't be enough - Joe retains.

SLAM! Predictions

Jon Waldman

If it wasn't for the stupid gimmick on this match I'd really be looking forward to it. I really don't like the idea of a fan being involved in matches, especially when you consider the number of crowd members who like to get in the ring and attack the wrestlers. I'm almost betting that one drunken idiot will say, "hey, that guy gets to whip'em, I should get to too," take of his belt and head straight for the ring. LAX wins, but beware of stupidity.

Jason Clevett

Why does every PPV have to have dumb stipulations? Roode and Storm, sorry about your damn luck. LAX retains.

SLAM! Predictions

Jon Waldman

The Angle/AJ feud has had great moments, but lame comedy like Angle's blind dates really cut it down. I think the Vegas odds on this one are 3:1 for another Kurt injury. I'm picking the heels to win, leading to next PPV with AJ getting the final win in this feud and moving on to face Booker T for the big strap.

Jason Clevett

A match with a lot of history and a lot of heat. Should be a pretty good blend of wrestling and brawling, and add to what looks like a solid PPV going in. I'll pick Angle and 3D.

SLAM! Predictions

Jon Waldman

Going in, one would expect that Team TNA would win, but we said that a few years ago and Team Canada came out victorious. Given that Doug Williams and Daivari have apparently come on board, this will be the start of a feud between the Brit and Kaz. Int'l brings the cup home to... um... international waters?

Jason Clevett

Since most of the talents aren't going to be around after the match, it is likely meant to push TNA stars and thus team TNA wins.

SLAM! Predictions

Jon Waldman

Finally, this feud is picking up steam! Lethal has been great when he's been allowed to break character and look like there's legit heat, not over the top Savagery. This has to end in a DQ for the feud to continue.

Jason Clevett

Dutt wins with sneaky underhandedness, to continue the feud. And with Russo booking, in all likelihood Dutt will later win Val, she'll fall for him, end up pregnant and have a miscarriage. Oh crap, I probably just gave him ideas.

SLAM! Predictions

Jon Waldman

The build for this match has been fantastic, and wouldn't you know it - neither girl has touched the other in the ring. I'm almost expecting Karen Angle interference here; either that or Awesome Kong going on a rampage after Thursday's defeat and destroying both of Taylor's fellow Canadians.

Jason Clevett

Knockouts never disappoint. Kim wins.