Countdown to TNA Against All Odds
By JON WALDMAN -- SLAM! Wrestling
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Against All Odds is TNA's latest PPV, and as much as I want to hope for positive
returns, I'm not overly optimistic.
I haven't complained much in this monthly mini-rant about Dixie Carter, instead
choosing to sling arrows, when necessary, at the likes of Vince Russo and his
creative cohorts.
But letting Kevin Nash out of his contract to go up north was a major brainfart.
Not because Nash is a major draw for TNA, but because it screwed up an angle
that had been a year in the making. TNA can backpeddle all they want and claim
that Fortune vs. Immortal was the plan all along, but as wrestling fans we know
better.
So now, we're still getting Scott Steiner involved while TNA's true homegrown
talent gets another (minor) chance to shine. Of course, they're secondary, at
least for now, to Anderson vs. Hardy (and other WWE imports) but hopefully all
ships will be righted next month. I'm tempted to say Against All Odds is a write-off
before the new major storyline takes full effect, but only time will truly tell.
Let's go to the action.
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TNA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP LADDER MATCH
Jeff Hardy vs. Mr. Anderson |
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It's too early to take the belt off Ken, especially when Jeff isn't out of
the woods yet with legal woes. I get the feeling this match could, storyline
wise, see Jeff put out of action for a while. Bottom line, Anderson needs to
have a feud completely separate feud from the Immortal/Fortune, and this is
stage one of moving him away from faction fury. Mr. Anderson wins.
CUSTODY MATCH
Jeff Jarrett vs. Kurt Angle |
There's little TNA has done in the last few years that has offended me more
than this angle. This sory of angle just doesn't belong in wrestling. It's one
thing when it's Cheryl Roberts/Jake Roberts/Rick Rude; it's a whole other animal
when there are kids involved. I don't care who wins, just make this stop.
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X-DIVISION TITLE #1 CONTENDER'S MATCH
Max Buck vs. Jeremy Buck vs. Robbie E |
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TNA seems bound and determined to follow WWE's lead in eliminating tag team
wrestling. One would assume that the Buck boys will team up to give one the
title opportunity, but the ending is inevitable - jealousy over-rules and Robbie
E goes on to face Kazarian.
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KNOCKOUTS TITLE LAST WOMAN STANDING MATCH
Madison Rayne vs. Mickie James |
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The loaded glove angle is so 25 years ago. Madison has actually been able to
annoy me more than LayCool, which is not an accomplishment to be proud of. Mickie
inevitably gets the win here or at the next PPV, so why not do it now and get
it over with?
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STREET FIGHT
Ray vs. Brother Devon |
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Really? "Bully" Ray? That's possibly the worst wrestling nickname
in the modern era. TNA hasn't officially made this a 3-on-1 match per Ray's
challenge to Devon and his boys, but either way I'm really not caring. I'm sorry
for sounding so down on the product, but this is one of the worst feuds I've
seen in a while.
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GRUDGE MATCH
Matt Hardy vs. Rob Van Dam |
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Surprisingly, I don't think these two ever feuded in WWE. That doesn't mean
I want to see it necessarilly though... I'm calling for a DQ finish here to
lengthen the feud.
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GRUDGE MATCH
The Pope vs. Samoa Joe |
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Now here, we get a feud that's very simple and has been worked pretty effectively.
Pope's constant flip-flopping between face and heel is wearing thin though.
I could see him going over and being next in line to face Anderson. Joe loses.
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GRUDGE MATCH
Scott Steiner/Beer Money vs. Immortal |
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What in the blue hell have Gunner and Murphy done to get a spot on a PPV? Steiner
always amps up for PPVs and I'm expecting a decent showing, given this is his
return match. This could be a miracle match, as in it'll be a miracle if it
gets more than half a star in reviews. Good guys win.
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