411’s PPV Roundtable Preview: TNA Victory Road 2009

Posted by Jeremy Thomas on 07.18.2009

Victory Road is LIVE this Sunday on PPV, bringing us Foley vs. Angle for the TNA World Title, AJ Styles vs. Kevin Nash for the Legends Belt, Taz and Bobby Lashley and much, MUCH more! Come see what the 411 Staff has to say about Total Nonstop Action Wrestling's latest Pay-Per-View offering!



Welcome, folks, to another round of 411's TNA Pay-Per-View Roundtable! Last month we had Slammiversary, which has Suicide and Kurt Angle winning King of the Mountain Matches, with Suicide retaining his X-Division Title and Angle winning the World Heavyweight Champion in a shocking twist with Samoa Joe giving it to him! Elsewhere, Beer Money beat Team 3D for the Tag Team Titles, Angelina Love retained the Knockouts Title against Tara, Daffney ate tacks to put over Abyss and Taylor Wilde and Daniels kept his roster spot by beating Shane Douglas! This time around we have former champion Mick Foley getting his rematch against Angle while AJ Styles defends the Legends Belt against Kevin Nash. Plus, the debut of Taz and redebut of Bobby Lashley and much, much more! Shall we go ahead and get to it?

Before we do, though, don't forget to bookmark 411Mania for all your entertainment needs, or even make it your home page! And don't forget the Twitters too!

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Joining the Roundtable this month are:

"Against the Grain's" own Julian Bond!
"Shining A Spolight's" Michael Weyer!
Andy Clark of "The Shimmy!"
Fresh off his Brace for Impact debut...the one, the only, Larry Csonka!
The new host of "The Contentious Ten," John Peters!
The man behind "Ask 411 Wrestling," Mathew Sforcina!
And of course, yours truly Jeremy Thomas!

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TNA'S OFFICIAL "PLEASE BUY OUR PAY-PER-VIEW" VIDEO:



It's the semi-return of the music video hard-sell. I approve.



TNA Victory Road 2009

THE CARD:

TNA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Kurt Angle © vs. Mick Foley

Julian Bond: It's weird for me to say this but, thank goodness Angle has the belt now. Honestly thought that Jarrett would take it back again last month one last time but I'm kind of glad that it didn't happen. Even though these two are beyond their primes now, I'm still interested as hell in seeing them finally go one on one in the ring. Shouldn't be anything spectacular, but should be solid none the less. Hoping for a rematch involving barbed wire of some sort if it goes over well here. …Angle of course retains here.

Winner and STILL TNA World Champion: Kurt Angle

Michael Weyer: After last month, this was inevitable but fact is, Foley just doesn't have it as he used to and TNA has to recognize that. I see plenty of interference and foreign object use but in the end, Angle retains with a big beat-down that should push him to new challenges.

WINNER and STILL TNA World Champion: Kurt Angle

Andy Clark: This is a match I've been looking forward to since their brawl on WWE vs. ECW: Head to Head. I suppose you could say it's been building since Foley was fired as WWF Commissioner at the end of 2000. I really look forward to seeing how things turn out, but the Bound for Glory main event is either going to be Angle-Jarrett or Angle-Lashley, so we don't see a title change. I wouldn't mind seeing a Jarrett heel turn to join the MEM actually.

Winner and STILL TNA World Heavyweight Champion: Kurt Angle

Larry Csonka: There is no doubt in my mind that Angle retains here, and likely the show ends with Lashley and he standing off, as they set for their match. But how good will the match be? Angle is ALWAYS awesome, but he works at such a fast pace, I don't think that Foley can keep up. Hell, even Foley has doubts about the match, he said so. BUT, it is usually these times when Foley steps up. I don't think we'll see a classic here, but I think we may be surprised.

Winner: Kurt Angle

Jeremy Thomas: I actually think this could be a really decent match. Foley and Angle work well together, even as broken down as Foley is, and I would point out that Foley has had doubts about a lot of great matches he's been in. Sure, he's had some doubts about matches that turned out to be crap, but still. Anyway, this is obviously an Angle retention and some kind of wacky ending, which I hope happens post-win rather than to set up the win.

Winner: Kurt Angle (Angle Lock; STILL TNA World Heavyweight Champion)

John Peters: I don't think Foley even has a chance of walking out of Victory Road the TNA Champion. He already had his comeback run, and it wouldn't make any sense for him to have been champion only to switch it to Angle, just to switch it back to Foley. I'm sure they'll protect Foley, but the man was made to job in big matches.

Winner: Kurt Angle

Mathew Sforcina: The match will be interesting to see if Foley can hang with Angle, but this is now just here so Lashley can come in and Object once again, then pull out a pair of magic panties and prove that Angle was the one pulling the noodle stand and I've kinda taken an obscure pop reference joke way too far here.

Winner, and STILL TNA World Champion: Kurt Angle (Ankle Lock)

411Mania Roundtable Consensus: Kurt Angle (7-0)


TNA LEGENDS CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
AJ Styles © vs. Kevin Nash

Julian Bond: For the record, I LOVE what they are finally doing with the Mafia. For months and months, I absolutely hated that these guys were one of the best put-together stables in recent wrestling history but yet ALWAYS complained and never did anything significant about it. But when Big Kev gave a great promo stating that Sting's original goal for the Mafia ain't working and Angle's plan is, it was priceless and laid out what will hopefully be a good legit run at the top of TNA…FINALLY. So with that, I strongly predict that the Mafia takes all of the major titles here at the PPV…FINALLY...starting with a hopefully good "David vs. Goliath" battle with Styles and Nash, with the former Diesel Power taking his first title in TNA.

Winner and NEW TNA Legends Champion: Kevin Nash

Michael Weyer: It's nice to see the MEM finally getting some focus after all this time and Nash stepped up to it in promos. I'm torn, though, as to whether he'll get the belt here. Sure, it helps the MEM overall but even TNA recognizes how Nash really isn't the best choice of a long-term champ given his condition. I think AJ keeps it although he gets a pretty big beatdown to sell the MEM as powerhouses at last.

Winner and STILL Legends Champion: The Phenomenal One

Andy Clark: Considering how hobbled Nash looked on Impact I'll be curious to see how this match goes. It would make sense to get the belt off of AJ so they could move him onto his feud with Samoa Joe (or hopefully a tag team run with Daniels), so Big Sexy gets the duke.

Winner and NEW Legends Champion: Kevin Nash

Larry Csonka: Nash has actually been motivated lately, so I actually have higher hopes than usual for this match. AJ always works hard, hell, he usually works for three or four guys, and he'll likely have too here. I figure Nash takes the belt, it dos him more good than it does AJ.

Winner: Nash

Jeremy Thomas: I can't help but think Big Sexy takes the belt so that AJ can move beyond it and become a World Title contender. Let's face it, AJ's not getting the Faith Breaker...er, Styles Clash in this one. Yes, in fact I did do that just for controversy, why do you ask? The Legends Title goes back to a current Legend and not a future one, and this could be decent.

Winner: Kevin Nash (Jackknife Powerbomb; NEW TNA Legends Champion)

John Peters: I wish that Nash would retire or dye his hair, he moves like Frankenstein's monster and looks like a strung out old biker. While he might qualify as a "legend," he has no business holding any gold in 2009. That said, Styles's feud with the Mafia is going to continue for several months, and I see him dropping the belt along the way, but not to Nash.

Winner: AJ Styles

Mathew Sforcina: I want Nash to win this simply because the idea of Nash deciding he's going to become the next TNA Grand Slam Champion appeals to me.

Winner, and NEW TNA Legend's Champion: Kevin Nash (Samoa Joe Run-In)

411Mania Roundtable Consensus: Kevin Nash (5-2)


TNA TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Beer Money © vs. Scott Steiner and Booker T

Julian Bond: I thought that the young duo of Beer Money would be holding onto their newly won belts a little bit longer, but as soon as it was announced that the MEM would be finally gunning for them, I knew that their time was already up. Good that Booker and Steiner are finally getting some gold in TNA, but even better that TNA will hopefully be smart and have Beer Money win the belts back from the major tag team veterans to get them over even more than before (in no offense to Team 3D).

Winner and NEW TNA Tag Team Champions: Scott Steiner and Booker T

Michael Weyer: This I'm looking forward too as Beer Money is a great team and Steiner and Booker still work great in tag teams. I would have said Beer Money before but the MEM needs new belts and this is a likely one to get. It should be a hard-hitting match before the new tandem cheats their way to victory and adds gold to the MEM.

Winners and NEW TNA Tag Team Champions: Booker T and Scott Steiner

Andy Clark: I think most people are calling for the Main Event Mafia sweep on this show, but this is where I call things differently. Booker & Steiner are better served as a tag team at this point so I like the booking, but I think Beer Money escapes for at least a month.

Winners and STILL TNA World Tag Team Champions: Beer Money Inc.

Larry Csonka: I have actually been wanting them to use Scott Steiner and Booker T as a tag team to play off of their legacies, and they are doing that here. While the MEM winning all the titles has been done, and will work angle wise very well, I have to say that Beer Money losing the titles already would be a bad move. Russo will do it. Sorry, I couldn't resist.

Winner: Hopefully Beer Money

Jeremy Thomas: I can't see Booker and Steiner winning this one. Yes, the pedigree is there but this booking seems to be a great way to put Beer Money over two more legends of tag team wrestling. I think that three out of four guys here can go like gangbusters and Steiner won't drag this down much, and BMI come away with the win.

Winner: Beer Money (Roode pins Steiner; STILL TNA World Tag Team Champions)

John Peters: I find the pairing of Booker T formerly of Harlem Heat and Scott Steiner formerly of the Steiner Brothers to be an interesting and formidable tag team. Then again Beer Money has been gaining momentum and fan support for months. Booker T and Steiner seem destined to one of those teams that has significant communication problems, but they'll probably snag the belts so Beer Money can take them back in a few months at Bound For Glory.

Winner: Scott Steiner and Booker T

Mathew Sforcina: Beer Money are one of the best and most talented tag teams on the scene today, and they are selling merch, doing well, a boon to the company. Ergo...

Winner, and NEW TNA Tag Team Champions: The Harlem Brothers (Beer Bottle over Storm's head)

411Mania Roundtable Consensus: Scott Steiner & Booker T (4-3)


IWGP TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Team 3-D © vs. The British Invasion

Julian Bond: I was initially thinking that the British Invasion goes over here, but I don't think that Japanese-borrowed titles really change hands here in the U.S. that often. So I assume that 3-D will retain here in an effort to help get the Brits over even more as a legit threat for the Tag Titles down the line.

Winner and STILL IWGP Tag Team Champions: Team 3-D

Michael Weyer: Seeing the Invasion get the belts would be nice but there are politics to be concerned about as I think the IWGP prefers Team 3-D. Then again, pressure to get some new heat on things so a title change would serve it well and sell the Invasion better.

WINNERS and NEW IWGP Tag Team Champions: The British Invasion

Andy Clark: This would have been a compelling match if they hadn't included the IWGP Tag Titles. I'm not picking someone else's titles to change hands on a TNA show.

Winners and STILL IWGP Tag Team Champion: Team 3D

Larry Csonka: The feud has been built well and the Invasion has had some good outings. Unfortunately, with the IWGP tag titles on the line, there is no doubt in who wins here.

Winner: Team 3-D

Jeremy Thomas: Yes, the smart money is on Team 3D retaining. And on this one, I'm not betting against the odds. I can see Ray and Devon losing the belts on a TNA Pay-Per-View, but it would have to be to someone that NJPW was okay with losing them to, and I don't think British Invasion's over enough for that. Great match, Team 3D retains when interference happens, the feud continues.

Winner: Team 3D (DQ following Invasion-ference; STILL IWGP Tag Team Champions)

John Peters: The British Invasion need a high-profile win, but I'm not sure TNA can make decisions regarding other promotions' championships. I would expect to see The British Invasion to go over the Team 3-D and leave them laying, but they won't win the match. Team 3-D will win by DQ

Winner: Team 3-D by DQ

Mathew Sforcina: Team 3D retain but on DQ. Can't have the Invasion look weak, but can't have them win the belts either.

Winners and STILL IWGP Tag Team Champions: Team 3-D (Fun with Steel Chairs)

411Mania Roundtable Consensus: Team 3D (6-1)


TNA KNOCKOUTS CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Tara © vs. Angelina Love

Julian Bond: I was silly in thinking that Tara would win the belt last month on her first try, but I knew that she definitely had to get it in her second! Thinks she retains in a good contest here and prep herself to take on the rest of the roster for, hopefully, a very good long run with the title.

Winner and STILL TNA Knockouts Champion: Tara

Michael Weyer: For once, I'm not complaining about a former WWE face going over big in TNA as I've always been a Victoria mark. Way too soon to take the belt off as Tara can really work as a long-term women's champion so she retains here in dominant fashion.

Winner and STILL Knockouts Champion: Tara

Andy Clark: Tara just won the belt, is there anything really to say? Tara wins, but the other Beautiful People steal her spider to force her to give another title shot.

Winner and STILL Knockouts Champion: Tara

Larry Csonka: Unfortunately my excitement for this match has been hurt by the debut of Sarita and the fact that Alissa Flash is here. Don't get me wrong, I want to see this, but I am honestly looking towards the future. I say that Tara retains here, and from there, the Knockouts Division gets VERY interesting. Hopefully they can deliver here, as they have only been able to reach "pretty good" thus far, and they are too good to just put on "pretty good" matches.

Winner: Tara

Jeremy Thomas: This is simple. Tara just won and having her lose this quickly would be just superhumanly dumb. She fights off the Beautiful People to retain and then face one of many potential challengers from here on out.

Winner: Tara (Widow's Peak; STILL TNA Knockouts Champion)

John Peters: I don't think you put the belt on a new member of the roster only to have them lose it right away. Tara is going to continue dominate the Knockout division.

Winner: Tara

Mathew Sforcina: The Envelope Please.

Ahem.

And the winner, of the Most Obvious Pick In A 411Mania Wrestling PPV Roundtable is...

Winner, and STILL TNA Knockouts Champion: Tara (Widow's Peak)

411Mania Roundtable Consensus: Tara (7-0)


Samoa Joe vs. Sting

Julian Bond: I'm surprised that Joe is even booked for a match judging from the reports I read about his injury. Guess the report weren't true or the injury wasn't so bad. I think that the anticipated "mystery advisor" to Joe will be Tazz as everyone is predicting and as a result will probably interfere to cause a DQ or "No Contest" for Joe. Not expecting too much here.

Winner: Sting (by DQ or No Contest)

Michael Weyer: This is pretty much setting up the advisor bit (either Tazz or Lashley and I know the latter wouldn't make much sense but this is TNA we're talking about) but the actual match should be good. Joe's new attitude is giving him more edge and Sting has a lot to make up for after last month. But Joe should get the win to continue his turn and his advisor will help with that.

Winner: Samoa Joe

Andy Clark: And here we have a Bound for Glory rematch that was built very nicely. The match should be good, and I'd imagine Joe would win to set up the reveal of his mentor. I just don't see how Tazz works in that role if Joe is going to be heel. After building up years of goodwill as an announcer the fans won't want to cheer him, and at his age and pudge there is no way he still comes off as intimidating. I guess we'll see.

Winner: Samoa Joe

Larry Csonka: With Sting getting beat down on Impact, I expect this to be more angle than match, setting up the advisor.

Winner: No Contest

Jeremy Thomas: Well, we all know Taz is interfering here (don't use the extra Z folks, he's free of it!). Does that mean a Sting loss, a DQ, or something post-match? I think that Joe beats Sting with Taz's help and this feud is far from over.

Winner: Samoa Joe (Taz-erference)

John Peters: Joe needs to justify his joining of the Main Event Mafia. Having him lose to Sting would really kill his momentum. Also, Sting is at a point in his career where a loss to anyone isn't really going to hurt him. I'm sure there will be some interference, but Joe is coming out on top of this one, or at the very least will be the one to walk away.

Winner: Samoa Joe (either by pin or simply a massive beat down and a "moral" victory)

Mathew Sforcina: Now, the adviser will come into play. And the joke would be that he'll turn on Joe to help Sting. I do hope that won't happen...

Winner: Samoa Joe (TazMission)

411Mania Roundtable Consensus: Samoa Joe (5-1-1)


Daniels vs. Matt Morgan

Julian Bond: This is a kind of random feud, but it's still beats any other random match that TNA could've put together here. Still a tiny bit confused on what direction Daniels is being pushed (possibly being used just to get younger talent over more), but I think that Morgan takes it here to get back on the map off of his loss last month to Sting.

Winner: Matt Morgan

Michael Weyer: Daniels is still unclear with his direction in the company and this is a pretty random match choice. Should be fair but nothing real special with Daniels getting the win.

Winner: The Fallen Angel

Andy Clark: While I'd love for Daniels to move his way into the main event scene, Morgan is the one with the rocket strapped to his back. With Daniels nursing both a real and kayfabe injury I'd expect "The Blueprint" to go over.

Winner: Matt Morgan

Larry Csonka: The seeds have been planted to give Morgan a PPV victory here, as Daniels has a legit knee injury and they played that up when Morgan Pillmanized the leg. Morgan needs the win, AND a good performance here.

Winner: Matt Morgan

Jeremy Thomas: Morgan lost last Pay-Per-View, and Daniels won. I can see him eating a loss without hurting his cred any. Morgan takes it in what has serious potential for a match.

Winner: Matt Morgan

John Peters: They are pushing Morgan hard, and a loss to Daniels would completely derail "The Blueprint." Morgan is going to win decisively and Daniels is going to spend some time on the sidelines following the match.

Winner: Matt Morgan

Mathew Sforcina: See, this is clear booking. Daniels has an injury, Morgan caused it, they have a match, Morgan further ruins the leg, done. Not everything has to be rocket surgery.

Winner: Matt Morgan (6 Chair Shots to the leg)

411Mania Roundtable Consensus: Matt Morgan (6-1)


Sharmell vs. Jenna Morasca

Julian Bond: I have to totally agree with I'm sure most of the writers here in saying…WHO CARES? I'm happy for that Jenna chick from Survivor making it in the wrestling business, but the lead up (or lack therefore) to this match has been boring as hell. Assuming Sharmell takes it here since she's the ring vet.

Winner: Sharmell

Michael Weyer: Complain of the state of WWE's Diva division but at least they're not booking some reality star from six years ago against the wife of a big star. At least it'll hopefully be a quick match and given her big entry, I guess Jenna gets it.

Winner: Jenna from Survivor

Andy Clark: Let me state that overall this looks like an awesome card and TNA has really done well this month. That being said this is the one blight on the card. This spot should totally belong to Jeff Jarrett and Eric Young, but instead we get to watch two annoying characters attempt to wrestle. Here's hoping Kevin Nash just Jacknifes both of them.

Winner: Jenna Morasca (I guess)

Larry Csonka: …



Winner: Not me…

Jeremy Thomas: What Larry said. I'm sorry, I don't. Give. A Fuck. This is taking up Pay-Per-View time? Really? Fuck that.

Winner: I don't care.

John Peters: I'm with everyone else and I couldn't care less about this match. Regardless of who wins, no one is really going to go over and the fight will settle nothing. I'm going to go with Sharmell, because she at least has a wrestler who can still walk (not hobble) in her corner.

Winner: Sharmell

Mathew Sforcina: TNA has (arguably) the best female talent roster in North America today, a roster that could, with some good booking, rival any other fed in history. And we're getting this. I mean, ok, booking is there, but... COME ON...

Winner: Jenna Morasca (Ayako Hamada run-in, just to further drive home the stupidity)

411Mania Roundtable Consensus: Jenna over Completely Not Caring At All and Sharmell (3-2-2)


Dr. Stevie vs. Abyss

Julian Bond: Interested in seeing how Stevie fares in the ring after being out of it for a good while now. Assuming the same old hardcore, thumbtack-related antics here as Abyss finally avenges months of torture from the crazy doc.

Winner: Abyss

Michael Weyer: Well, after all those bits, we finally see the payoff. It'll be interesting seeing how Stevie does after so long away but I don't see it likely he'll be able to get off the win as Abyss will no doubt crush him big time.

WINNER: Abyss

Andy Clark: Is this the blowoff or do we see these guys continue to fight for months on end? I'm not really sure where Stevie would go from here, but I also can't see him winning this match. Maybe he'll go on to be Umaga's manager when he inevitably comes in. I look forward to seeing Abyss return to his old ring attire for this match.

Winner: Abyss

Larry Csonka: At times the feud has been good, and at times it has been horrible. Abyss tends to deliver with people that are willing to do the crazy shit, and Stevie will take the bumps. How much he has in the tank is the question, but I feel that he will be out to impress here. Stevie needs the win if they want this to keep going, and with no major stip, that's the feeling I get here.

Winner: Dr. Stevie FN Richards~!

Jeremy Thomas: I've actually enjoyed most of this, although there have been some problems. I see Abysss getting the win here, or Raven coming back to help Stevie get the win. Mostly because I want more Raven. Coin flip says...

Winner: Dr. Stevie (Raven-erference)

John Peters: It seems likely that Abyss will destroy Stevie, but it seems a little too likely. I'm convinced Stevie is going to pull something out of his bag of tricks and at the very least give Abyss a run for his money. Either that or Stevie is going to get his ass handed to him. I think it makes sense to continue the storyline

Winner: Dr. Stevie

Mathew Sforcina: Sorry, I can't help but assume Russo here. Abyss goes for the tacks, Lauren stops him, Stevie comes back and wins, then walks off with her. Although hopefully we might get some Lauren on Daffney action which will make up for it.

Winner: Dr. Stevie (Lauren Shockingly Turns)

411Mania Roundtable Consensus: Dr. Stevie (4-3)


There you have it folks. And now for the monthly Roundtable awards…the 411Mania staff's sure pick of the show and anyone's game match!

Sure Pick of the Show: Kurt Angle over Mick Foley and Tara over Angelina Love (7-0)
Anyone's Game: Sharmell over Jenna & Not Caring tie (3-2-2)

And of course...the standings Year-to-Date! With only one Pay-Per-View of the "new TNA year" in the bag, the standings are close...but just how close?

Larry Csonka: 6 of 7 (85.71%)
Michael Weyer: 5 of 7 (71.43%)
Jeremy Thomas: 5 of 7 (71.43%)
Andy Clark: 4 of 7 (57.14%)
Julian Bond: 4 of 7 (57.14%)
Chris Lansdell: 4 of 7 (57.14%)

The Boss takes the early lead, but how long will it last?

And, of course, don't forget to join us Sunday night for LIVE coverage starting at 7:30 pm!