411’s PPV Roundtable Preview: TNA No Surrender 2010

Posted by Chad Nevett on 09.04.2010

TNA presents No Surrender live on Pay-Per-View this Sunday! Kurt Angle, Jeff Hardy, the Pope, and Mr. Anderson all vie for a chance at the TNA World Title while the Motor City Machine Guns defend the Tag Team Titles against London Brawling and more! Get ready for the show with 411's full roundtable preview and join us Sunday night for LIVE PPV coverage!



Welcome, 411 wrestling readers, to 411Mania's TNA Pay-Per-View Roundtable! Last month, TNA held HardCORE Justice where the hardcore originals reunited for one last stand. The FBI defeated Kid Kash, Simon Diamond, and Johnny Swinger, while Too Cold Scorpio went over CW Anderson, and Stevie Richards beat P.J. Polaco. In a threeway dance, Rhino beat out Brother Runt and Al Snow, while Team 3D defeated Axl Rotten and Kahoneys. In double main events, Raven and Rob Van Dam walk away winners over Tommy Dreamer and Sabu respectively.

This month, TNA has the 2010 edition of No Surrender with the semi-finals of the TNA World Heavyweight Championship Tournament headlining as the Pope takes on Mr. Anderson, and Kurt Angle takes on Jeff Hardy, all with the hope of making it to the finals at Bound for Glory. Members of EV2.0 see action as Rhino takes on Abyss in a Falls Count Anywhere match, Sabu challenges Douglas Williams for the X-Division Championship, and Tommy Dreamer tries to make AJ Styles say "I quit" in a match that may or may not be for the TNA TV Title. The Motor City Machine Guns defend the Tag Titles against London Brawling, Samoa Joe joins Jeff Jarrett to try and take down Sting and Kevin Nash, and Madison Rayne wants revenge against her former BFF Velvet Sky. It's another packed show from TNA, so let's get right down 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:

Smackdown recapper and 411mania newbie, Nick Bazar!
Raw and Impact recapper, Ronnie LaFianza!
The man who shines a spotlight on wrestling each and every week, Michael Weyer!
Four 4Rs master and writer of the Hush-Hush News Report, Jeremy Thomas!
And of course, yours truly Chad Nevett!

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


The Pope! Anderson! Hardy! Angle! Not too shabby...



TNA NO SURRENDER 2010

THE CARD:

Kevin Nash & Sting vs. Jeff Jarrett & Samoa Joe

Nick Bazar: If they absolutely have to go with a match involving Sting and Nash as a team, I guess this is one of the better ways of doing it. I was impressed by Nash last week against Jarrett; their match exceeded my low expectations. Still, this match does not get me excited. As for the result, I'm torn- Nash and Sting have both scored pinfalls against Jarrett in separate singles matches so that would imply that Jarrett goes over here. However, I still expect Jarrett to get his payback next month at Bound for Glory with Hogan as his partner.

Winner: Sting and Kevin Nash

Ronnie LaFianza: This match will probably suck something fierce and has 0 heat. There are multiple ways this can go down. 1) Joe picks up the win, and all is fine and dandy in the world until Nash and Sting get revenge post match, which will lead to a rematch at BFG. 2) Joe turns on Jarrett and goes to the dark side for the 33rd time or 3) Joe hit's a move a Jarrett covers for the win. Joe gets pissed and he and Jeff have a match at Bound for Glory. So many options, but I do figure we'll get a rematch at BFG with Joe turning on Jeff there, so option #1 dammit.

Winner: Samoa Joe and Jeff Jarrett

Michael Weyer: The build has been good, one of the better examples of the "tag partners who hate each other" scenario. Nash will hopefully be kept to a minimum of in-ring action, allowing Sting to carry on with Jarrett and Joe. I expect it to thus be okay but doubt it'll be truly sensational given the ages of three of the participants and the lack of fan heat on the whole thing as the faces will win it but with tension.

Winner: Jeff Jarrett and Samoa Joe

Jeremy Thomas: I think this will be better than people are expecting, because outside of Nash all of these guys can go when properly motivated. People seem to be expecting Joe to turn on Jarrett but I don't think he will, and I think that Jarrett will get the pin on Nash so that he can face Sting at Bound for Glory. Maybe afterward Joe will attack Jarrett, but not during.

Winner: Jeff Jarrett and Samoa Joe

Chad Nevett: With rumors of Samoe Joe's name being tossed around as a possible inclusion in Sting and Nash's new Wolfpac-esque faction, I wouldn't be surprised if there's a swerve here as Joe turns on Jarrett. Hey, it will be like having half of the Main Event Mafia together again! And people loved that group by the time Joe joined, right? Right? I say the heels go over because that's vaguely more interesting.

Winners: Sting and Kevin Nash

411Mania Roundtable Consensus: Jeff Jarrett and Samoa Joe (3-2)

Madison Rayne vs. Velvet Sky

Nick Bazar: I lost $50 in the "Who is the biker chick?" bet. I had my money on ODB. Not really excited for this match even though they have been building toward it for months now. On Impact, Rayne pinned Sky, so Wrestling 101 says Sky wins at No Surrender. I'm going to argue with Wrestling 101 a little later down the card, but I won't here.

Winner: Velvet Sky

Ronnie LaFianza: I have no interest in this feud now that Angelina and Velvet have reunited. Madison to win, and we get a Four Way for the belt at BFG.

Winner: Madison Rayne

Michael Weyer: The build hasn't been as good as you'd think as the revelation of the biker chick was a letdown. I'll give it to Sky here and figure they'll set up a big battle for the Knockouts title at BFG so hopefully the gals will make it passable.

Winner: Velvet Sky

Jeremy Thomas: Well, with Madison being the former champion and Velvet being the ally of the current champion, the smart money for me says that Madison gets the win. I'm going to guess she wins when Angelina tries to interfere, allowing Tara to then get involved and in the confusion, Rayne gets the roll-up. That will set up something greater along the way. I'm not incredibly enthused for this match but it should have its moments.

Winner: Madison Rayne

Chad Nevett: This story has mostly been bad, especially the matches. But, I see Madison Rayne winning via interference to continue to through to Bound for Glory.

Winner: Madison Rayne

411Mania Roundtable Consensus: Madison Rayne (3-2)

FALLS COUNT ANYWHERE MATCH
Abyss vs. Rhino

Nick Bazar: These two guys have wrestled each other many, many times in TNA. In fact, this isn't even their first Falls Count Anywhere match on PPV; they had one at Against All Odds 2006. From what I remember, their matches were not that bad, so I expect at least average stuff here.

Winner: Abyss

Ronnie LaFianza: This match was more interesting when it took place 4 years ago at Against All Odds. Now, Rhino's made about 8 appearances on Impact this past year, and Abyss is just Abyss. This will be hardcore without a doubt, and could possibly be good, but it's just not doing much for me. Also, why would we get this under falls count anywhere rules. Like a Monster's Ball or Cage match wouldn't suffice, instead we get to witness these two face off in a match they've already faced off in when both were in better form, which will clearly leave this match as a let down. And for the winner, like it's even in doubt.

Winner: Abyss

Michael Weyer: And we get our "this again?" bout of the evening. Look, we all know these two can do big hardcore battles and all but Rhino is getting up there with injuries and Abyss seems stuck in place for the last couple of years. It'll be okay but they've both done a lot better and this just seems filler.

Winner: Abyss

Jeremy Thomas: I'm sorry, I know that Rhino has the hardcore cred but he lost his effectiveness in TNA a long time ago and it hasn't really returned since he's been back. This is a chance for them to get wild and woolly and the match should be fun, but if anyone thinks "TNA's John Cena" is losing this match, then they've got another thing coming.

Winner: Abyss

Chad Nevett: How will this be any different from their brawl from last week? I fast-forwarded through that and have no interest in seeing this match. Maybe it will be good, but I don't know. Let's give it to the Monster, because he actually matters in TNA.

Winner: Abyss

411Mania Roundtable Consensus: Abyss (5-0)

I QUIT MATCH (FOR THE TNA TELEVISION TITLE?)
AJ Styles (C) vs. Tommy Dreamer

Nick Bazar: I think they are really rushing the "I Quit" stip; where do they go next from here? I'm not going to dwell on that though as TNA has numbed me on it at this point. As for the match, it should be good. If Dreamer can have a decent match with Raven, he will do fine with Styles.

Winner: AJ Styles

Ronnie LaFianza: I'm actually pretty damn excited for this match. AJ's very underrated when it comes to hardcore matches, and his hardcore matches are some of my favorite matches of his. He's pretty damn creative when it comes to hardcore spots. Dreamer can still go too, and I think this match could steal the show. What I'm most curious about though is if this will be hardcore. TNA has a history with coming up with their own rules to shit, as they've placed DQ rules on Cage matches, Last Man Standing matches, and even I Quit matches. Not that that's a bad thing, it can just be misleading at times. I figure this will be hardcore, but a straight up wrestling match between these two wouldn't shock me. I don't think this match is for the TV title, and if not, I'm gonna go with Dreamer. Styles won on Impact which, but the unwritten code of wrestling, means he'll most likely lose on the PPV. Plus, this is TNA we're talking about. So…

Winner: Tommy Dreamer

Michael Weyer: I like Dreamer and all but the guy is past his prime and throwing him into a title match is a bit much. Making it an "I Quit" right off isn't right as that's supposed to be saved for later in a feud so maybe TNA themselves have doubts in the length of this program. But AJ is capable of putting on an excellent match with just about anyone so the two of them should be able to make this look good with AJ retaining.

Winner and still TNA TV Champion: The Phenomenal One

Jeremy Thomas: Okay, so we all know that Dreamer has no business fighting for a title at this stage of his career, but he's part of the EV2.0 angle and if anyone is going to help get a great match out of him it's AJ. I would think that AJ is the only choice to go over, but EV needs to win a match and this is the most likely of them. Believe it or not, I think this will be a decent match that will see AJ and Tommy both trying hard, and Dreamer getting the win. And then the IWC explodes in howls of derision.

Winner: Tommy Dreamer (NEW TNA TV Champion…or not if it's not a title match)

Chad Nevett: Is this actually for the belt? If not, the change to the TV Title was completely worthless. If so, they should probably hype that aspect a little more. So far, we've seen Dreamer and Styles wrestle one-on-one (they were the last two left at the end of the elimination tag match) and, so far, it's been weak. I don't buy Dreamer as a threat. I'm sorry, but I don't. Making this an "I Quit" match puts it more in his arena, but still. This is AJ Styles.

Winner (and STILL TNA Television Champion... whether or not the belt is on the line): AJ Styles

411Mania Roundtable Consensus: AJ Styles (3-2)

TNA X-DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Douglas Williams (C) vs. Sabu

Nick Bazar: This is one of the more intriguing matches on the card. Its quality depends solely on which Sabu shows up. Will we get the motivated Sabu from Hardcore Justice or the lazy, botch-errific Sabu from everywhere else. If it's the former, then this will be good as Williams should be able to carry Sabu to something other than a spotfest. In other words, Williams will be the glue, if Sabu is willing to cooperate.

Winner: Douglas Williams

Ronnie LaFianza: This match is looking very hit or miss. Sabu's basically only good when he has a chair in his hand, so how this match plays out will vary on the degree of leeway the ref gives them along with the booking. Williams has been on a roll and I don't see any reason for it to come to an end. Williams wins and defends against Lethal at Bound for Glory.

Winner: Douglas Williams

Michael Weyer: And another case of a guy who should pack it in challenging for a big belt. Sabu's wild man act has gotten way stale and I don't see him getting the belt in any way. Williams will be hammered for a while but the win will put him over with some fans and hopefully set up a cool Ultimate X at BFG.

Winner and still X Division Champion: Doug Williams

Jeremy Thomas: So if Tommy Dreamer has no business fighting in a title match at this stage of his career, that goes double for Sabu. But hey, he'll be a good opponent for Williams. These two will do some crazy stuff and I hate to say it, but the crowd probably won't care. Just kind of the way it goes. Anyway, I have few doubts that Sabu loses out here, probably due to nefarious Fortunanigans, and the feud continues through BFG.

Winner: Douglas Williams (STILL TNA X-Division Champion)

Chad Nevett: They really just looked at EV2.0 and picked someone who wasn't being used, didn't they? Sabu can hit some decent moves, but does so in slow motion, but maybe Williams can carry this to a half-decent match. I wouldn't bet on it. I also wouldn't be surprised if, somewhere backstage, someone is giggling at the idea of Sabu as the X-Division Champion and we get the upset.

Winner and STILL X-Division Champion: Douglas Williams

411Mania Roundtable Consensus: Douglas Williams (5-0)

TNA WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
The Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) (C) vs. London Brawling (Desmond Wolfe & Brutus Magnus)

Nick Bazar: I've seen some negativity towards London Brawling and how they were introduced but quite frankly, I don't get it. I thought the mall skit was great and they have potential to be an even better version of the British Invasion. The Motor City Machine Guns can have a great match with just about anyone and London Brawling should be able to more than hold their own. If given time, this could be the match of the night.

Winner: The Motor City Machine Guns

Ronnie LaFianza: Another match that definitely has the potential to steal the show. The Guns have been putting on some the best matches of the year within the past few months, and this match could definitely continue that streak. The team of Wolfe and Magnus is interesting, but I haven't seen any of their matches to know what their chemistry is like. Still, knowing the talent involved, this will definitely be a good match, but it's up to Wolfe and Magnus' teamwork to make it even better. The winner to this can go both ways though. The Guns can win and we get a rematch of some sorts at Bound for Glory (possibly a four way tag match, but that's only a guess) where Wolfe and Magnus win there. On the other hand, we could go with the Naturals/AMW route, where Wolfe and Magnus win the titles in brutal fashion and just beat the shit out of the champs, and we get a rematch at Bound for Glory. I'm gonna go with the former though, as the longer the Guns hold the belts, the happier I'll be.

Winner: Motor City Machine Guns

Michael Weyer: Ah, now this should be good. I know LB's sudden push has annoyed a few people but they are great in the ring and come off as a real threat. MCMG are still one of the best teams out there and the four of them should put on a great battle. I'll give it to the champs to retain as MCMG just got the belts and this will set up a big rematch down the line.

Winners and still TNA World Tag Team Champions: The MCMG

Jeremy Thomas: I like London Brawling a lot and I love the name. You can never have too many Clash references. Will they beat the Guns? Yeah, not a chance. I think Magnus and Wolfe make a good team and I think TNA has a lot of potential there, but it's too soon and Shelley and Sabin need more time to settle as tag champions. These guys make a good first feud after finishing off Beer Money and the match will be good, but the Guns retain.

Winner: Motor City Machineguns (STILL TNA Tag Team Champions)

Chad Nevett: One of the few matches I want to see on this show. I haven't had a chance to see London Brawling work together, because TNA, in its infinite wisdom, has only had them wrestle on the show that people in North America DON'T get... even after they were named #1 contenders for the belt. But, I imagine Wolfe and Magnus have good chemistry. They should work well with the Guns, but who's walking away with the straps isn't even in question.

Winners and STILL TNA World Tag Team Champions: The Guns

411Mania Roundtable Consensus: The Motor City Machine Guns (5-0)

TNA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT SEMI-FINAL
Mr. Anderson vs. The Pope

Nick Bazar: They had a pretty good match back at Against All Odds with Pope going over in what appeared to be a star-making performance at the time. I think we will get a better match this time around as Pope won't be limited by having to sell his ribs from start to finish. All four men left in this tournament are faces, so I see one of them turning. I think that will be Mr. Anderson, winning here with some sort of shenanigans.

Winner: Mr. Anderson

Ronnie LaFianza: If there's any good to come out of this tournament, it gives us two good PPV matches, especially this one, where it would be weird for TNA to explain it's occurrence as it sort of needs to take place with their history, so this at least works. This match could potentially steal the show too. Both guys are up and coming stars and this is a chance for them to shine. Anderson and Pope can go with the right opponent, and they are both capable of pulling the crowd into the match. For a winner, Anderson vs Angle or Hardy makes more sense at Bound for Glory than anything else, so I'll go with him.

Winner: Mr. Anderson

Your Name: These two know each other well and we should get an even better match this time around. It's tough balancing their feud out with the overall tournament as normally, I'd give it to Pope. But TNA is pushing Anderson big so I see him winning through cheating to go into the title match in the finals.

Winner: Mr. Anderson

Jeremy Thomas: Either of these guys could work, and I honestly went back and forth on this. As a match it has a lot of potential and should make for something worth watching. In terms of the result, I think that ultimately Angle vs. Anderson is the bigger match-up and I think that Anderson picks up the win here to make that happen.

Winner: Mr. Anderson

Chad Nevett: This could be pretty good. I really like the Pope and Anderson can deliver sometimes, so who knows. TNA has continued to push Anderson for whatever reason and I don't see that changing any time soon. The Pope went over at Against All Odds, so it's Anderson's turn...

Winner: Mr. Anderson

411Mania Roundtable Consensus: Mr. Anderson (5-0)

TNA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT SEMI-FINAL
Kurt Angle vs. Jeff Hardy

Nick Bazar: I thought this match would headline Bound for Glory (and still think it should) but that obviously won't be happening. It is one of the few big matches they haven't yet given away and should be good. I don't feel as though they have hyped it up enough, being lost within the EV2/Fortune feud, which is unfortunate. I will be going under the assumption that the "Lose and I retire" storyline is still in place and go with…

Winner: Kurt Angle

Ronnie LaFianza: I'm torn on this match. On one side of things, you have Kurt Angle, who's well, Kurt F'N Angle. And on the other hand, you have Jeff Hardy, who has in one year managed to turn from one of the most popular wrestlers in the world to quite possibly the laziest. He can go when need be, but he's still extremely lazy. If I see one more botched Twist of Fate I'm just gonna give up on Hardy permanently. I'm hoping Hardy gets some motivation here and Kurt Angle just does his thing, and if all the stars are somehow aligned, this could be an awesome match. As for the winner, this one's kind of tough. Everyone's going with Angle for obvious reasons, but I have something else in mind. Abyss interferes in this match, costing Angle the win. Angle's quest for the world title has become a joke anyways now that they've dropped the top ten storyline, so why not just bring it to an end? Angle gets pissed at Abyss and demands a rematch at Bound for Glory. Hogan, being the nice guy he is, signs for the match. We've already seen Hogan overturn a decision for Angle (remember the "I won't have another title shott in 2010 stuff"?), so why not again? The "them" that Abyss has been talking about turns out to be the MEM (Nash, Sting, Joe and maybe Booker and Steiner, unless if it's only Matt Morgan, but that's a stretch), and they take out Angle at BFG. It's crazy and all, but we're talking about TNA dammit, where anything is possible. So Hardy for the win.

Winner: Jeff Hardy

Michael Weyer: The question is which Jeff Hardy is going to be here? The guy capable of great matches or the one who's basically coasting on his name? Yes, Angle can get a good match out of a lot of people but Hardy has been annoyingly hit and miss in the ring lately and even TNA has to notice that. The battle between them should be a highlight if Hardy pulls out the stops but if he isn't up to speed, it'll weigh things down. Angle should win to set up the Angle/Anderson title final which should be great.

Winner: Kurt Angle

Jeremy Thomas: I see a lot of potential here. I don't know if that potential will be realized, but I do see it. Hardy can go, Angle is awesome. What more do you need? Now, when it comes to who wins, I think this is a no-brainer. Kurt's storyline needs to have him win here and Hardy is still on trial. That puts Angle in the Finals.

Winner: Kurt Angle

Chad Nevett: I'm surprised they didn't work the brackets so this match happened at Bound for Glory, but I like the idea of pushing the Pope or Anderson as a finalist. As my fellow writers have said, the quality here will depend on whether or not Hardy actually cares. If he goes out and gives it his all, this will be one hell of a match. If he doesn't... well, Angle can still carry him to a pretty good match. TNA booked themselves into a corner with the 'win or retire' story for Kurt Angle, but I have no problem with Angle rising to the top and winning the belt.

Winner: Kurt Angle

411Mania Roundtable Consensus: Kurt Angle (4-1)

What are your overall thoughts on No Surrender? Is it worth buying or not?

Nick Bazar: I see this as a strong card for TNA. With the exception of two matches, everything on here has the potential to be anywhere between decent and very good. Unfortunately, I don't think many people even know this PPV is on Sunday, and being the last before Bound for Glory, it will most likely fair poorly buyrate-wise.

Buy or No Buy: Buy

Ronnie LaFianza: Look, this can go both ways. The wrestling on this show should be really good, with only a few below average matches, if that. But the thing is, this show just reeks of predictable (though I'm probably going to end up being wrong on about half of the matches. Guarantee you if I‘m wrong though it‘s about the heels winning). Hardy vs Angle, Pope vs Anderson, the Guns vs Wolfe/Magnus, and Dreamer vs Styles all look to be great matches. Rhino vs Abyss and Sabu vs Williams could be good, depending on how they're booked. Jarrett/Joe vs Nash/Sting will probably suck. But this is still one hell of a solid card, especially before their biggest PPV of the year. TNA has been on a roll with their PPV's, as they've all been ranking above average since Destination X (I haven't seen Hardcore Justice yet, but I wouldn't include it on the list for obvious reasons). But if anything, I would hold off on this if you can only choose between this and Bound for Glory. But if not, it probably wouldn't be a bad idea to check this out.

Buy or No Buy: Buy

Michael Weyer: A toughie here. The tournament matches look promising but some doubts (see Hardy) that they could be letdowns. The rest of the card is shaky as the tag title match looks good but the sight of two long-time ECW alumn challenging for TNA titles is a bit much. And the Jarrett/Joe vs Sting/Nash battle could be slow and ugly. TNA is capable of surprising with thier shows but I don't see this as much more than setting up BFG for the real goods.

Buy or No Buy: No Buy

Jeremy Thomas: This is a card with serious chances to be good. Does that guarantee it? Of course not. Nothing truly stands-out and this won't be a Pay-Per-View of the Year by any stretch, but you have a lot of solid matches and only a couple iffy ones. I'm interested to see what they do on the booking end—I always am with TNA—and the matches could be worth it. I'll give this an edge toward getting my money.

Buy or No Buy: Buy

Chad Nevett: There are eight matches on the card and only one of them is one that I really want to see with a couple more coming in at 'could be pretty good.' The rest is stuff that I want to know what happens, but not enough to pay to see the PPV. I'll just stick with Lansdell's live recap.

Buy or No Buy: No Buy

411Mania Roundtable Consensus: Buy (3-2)


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: 5-0: Abyss over Rhino, Douglas Williams over Sabu, the Motor City Machine Guns over London Brawling, and Mr. Anderson over the Pope
Anyone's Game: 3-2: Jeff Jarrett and Samoa Joe over Sting and Kevin Nash, Madison Rayne over Velvet Sky, and AJ Styles over Tommy Dreamer

And of course...the standings Year-to-Date! With only two matches announced for HardCORE Justice and everyone picking Rob Van Dam to go over Jerry Lynn (who was replaced by Sabu), the dividing match was Raven/Tommy Dreamer. Jeremy and I both picked Raven, while Weyer and Cook picked Dreamer.

Aaron Hubbard: 6 of 9 (66.67%)
Kyle Fitta: 6 of 9 (66.67%)
Andy Critchell: 6 of 9 (66.67%
Chad Nevett: 13 of 20 (65%)
Jeremy Thomas: 12 of 20 (60%)
Ronnie LaFianza: 10 of 18 (55.56%)
Michael Weyer: 5 of 9 (55.56%)
Larry Csonka: 5 of 9 (55.56%)
Steve Cook: 1 of 2 (50%)
Michael Weyer: 1 of 2 (50%)
Michael Bauer: 4 of 9 (44.44%)

Jeremy and I both got a small boost from our 2 for 2 predictions, but still remain behind the trio of Hubbard, Fitta, and Critchell. Weyer and Cook both enter the standings at 50%, slightly ahead of Bauer. It's only been three PPVs so far and there's plenty of time left for someone to come out of nowhere and shock us all before Slammiversary IX.

And, of course, don't forget to join 411's Chris Lansdell on Sunday night for LIVE coverage starting at 7:30 pm!