411’s PPV Round Table Preview: TNA Slammiversary 2007
Posted by Larry Csonka on 06.16.2007
Come celebrate TNA’s 5th Slammiversary as the 411 staff joins together to break down the big card!
Introduction:
A day many thought would never come is what we are about to discuss. Welcome to 411's PPV Round Table Preview of the latest PPV offering, TNA Slammiversary 2007! Today we come together to break down the card that will celebrate the 5th anniversary of the TNA promotion. And what better way for them to celebrate than to go back to the place where they held 2-years of PPV, Nashville Tennessee! The matches are set, the staff is assembled and it is now time to meet them and break this card down!
The Staff:
IWA-MS DVD Reviewer John Gregory!
From TV and Movies Scotty Flamingo!
The Shimmy's Andy Clark!
Steve Cook's nemesis Bayani Domingo!
ECW Reviewer Michael Bauer!
The Navigation Log's Matt Short!
Shining a Spotlight's Michael Weyer!
Destiny's Matt Adamson!
Bayani Domingo's nemesis Steve Cook!
Weekend Warrior Stuart Carapola!
Column of Honor's Ari Berenstein!
411's Sports Aficionado Neil Borenstein
And the big boss, Larry Csonka!
TNA SLAMMIVERSARY 2007~!
Frank Wycheck and Jerry Lynn vs. James Storm w/Miss Jackie and Ron Killings
John Gregory: Seriously? Storm and Harris work their asses off and next month this is where they are at. Unfortunately for Wycheck a lucky lateral will not win a wrestling match. Plus that was a forward pass back then anyway.
Winner: James Storm
Scotty Flamingo: Does anyone honestly care? This match is worthless to anyone who is a fan and only serves to get a little bit of mainstream press. On top of that, Harris and Storm are on an incredible hot streak and don't need to be wasted on crap like this.
Winner: Wycheck after Harris interferes.
Andy Clark: Actually, this was one of the three (make that now two) matches on the card I was interested in. I'll be curious to see how Wycheck does in the ring. Might he take a beer bottle shot? I think not.
Winner: Frank Wycheck
Bayani Domingo: I have no idea why Lynn and Killings were added to this match. Oh wait, yes I do, because Frank Wycheck should not be allowed to wrestle a match by himself. He's no Lawrence Taylor you know. Considering that Killings was a "face" when he left and now aligned with the ‘heels', my guess is this is a way to get him over now more than Wycheck. Still, most celebrity matches end with them winning the match and hopefully this is where that logic ends. No clue why Killings was put in with Storm, but I'd love to see him come out with a white chick as a valet…stop and look at Storm and then high five in a touching moment in the ring. Then again, I wouldn't be surprised to see this come out as Killings being the one to blow up Vince's limo thinking it was actually John Cena's instead. What's up??
Winner: Frank n' Jerry
Michael Bauer: Now this makes less sense as before as Killings was supposedly a fan favorite. And isn't he injured? And none of them are from Buffalo, so why bother?
Winner: Frank "Legal Lateral" Wycheck and Lynn
Matt Short: This is a damn shame. James Storm has been great since he and Harris broke up and started feuding. And now he's doing the job for local celebrities. I actually like the fact that they've added to this match, as it saves us from a potentially huge amount of suckage. Lynn is always good and is a great guy to have in there in case the match gets way of course. The only really odd thing is Ron Killings being thrown into this for what appears to be no reason. The most Killings has done as of late was have a stare down with John Cena and then blog about it. The man is flirting with irrelevancy at this point and being booked into this match at the last minute isn't going to help. No way is the hometown hero going to lose here.
Winners: Frank Wycheck and Jerry Lynn
Michael Weyer: I'm having horrible flashbacks to the past times TNA has used sports stars (White Sox players for example). It was going to be bad enough as a one-on-one but pulling Lynn into it makes it a bit worse. And what are Storm and Killings doing as a team? But since celebrities usually come out on top in these things, give it to the Titans.
WINNER: Wycheck & Lynn
Matt Adamson: Well, this is a little odd. I just don't see Storm and Killings as a team. Should they call them the Suntanned Cowboys or the Tennessee Supermen? Either way... LAME! Wycheck is taking this one hands down. Hasn't just about every "celebrity" involved in TNA matches come out on the winning end? No reason to change something that nobody but the locals cares about.
Winner: Wycheck and Lynn
Steve Cook: You know, if they were in Cincinnati and had a match with Anthony Munoz or Boomer Esiason or Chris Henry, I'd be all over this like white on rice. Especially if it was Henry in the match because I'd be hoping that Storm superkicks him for real. Since it involves a Tennessee Titan I haven't seen in years, I really couldn't care less. I guess it serves its purpose if it puts butts in seats, but has it really? On the bright side, Ron Killings is much more effective as a heel than as a babyface (check out his very early TNA work for proof), so I'm hoping he's got his head in the gane and this starts a good mid-card heel run for him.
Winners: Wycheck and Lynn
Stuart Carapola: To the frustration of workrate freaks everywhere, Jerry Lynn is little more than a jobber these days and his partner is a non-wrestler. Storm is (at least theoretically) getting a push and this is Ron Killings' return to the ring after a knee injury, so barring a run-in from John Cena, I pick them to go over.
Winner: James Storm and Ron Killings
Ari Berenstein: To borrow a phrase from the Figure Four Weekly message boards: ZERO BUYS. Although, it's a shame since this may have had the potential to do something, but we'll never know. I mean last week Don West says something to the effect of "Frank Wycheck has been working like an animal in preparation for this fight!" Yet the match was set up in ONE segment done two weeks ago. And do we actually SEE any training vignettes? No-ope. Not even Wycheck trying to catch a chicken or downing some eggs. Ron Killings? Isn't he still feuding with John Cena? To transition him our of that feud into this one without a resolution makes no sense. As does Killings return...as a heel, when he was previously a whacky face playing a role as a wrestling trying to succeed in the movies. As does this match on a pay per view, when ANYTHING would have been more acceptable, including Harris vs. Storm one more time. Even The Naturals vs. The Red Shirt Security would have been better.
Winner: Frank Wycheck is in the mail and Jerry Lynn
Neil Borenstein: This match is a waste of time to me. Hey, lets bring in a former football player to try and not make himself look like a fool inside a wrestling ring, just because he'd played in Tennessee! Um, no. Jerry Lynn and Ron Killings have been added to the match to make it a tag just in case some backup is needed if Wycheck really does make himself look like a good, but they're seemingly getting wasted here too. At the end of the day, the team of Lynn and Wycheck are going to win because Wycheck is the home guy, but this match just seems entirely pointless to me.
Winners: Wycheck and Jerry Lynn
Larry Csonka: So Killings gets a return with no hype and Storm gets rewarded work awesome work with a football player? Yeah, this is TNA.
Winner: Wycheck and Jerry Lynn
VKM vs. Basham and Damaja w/Hemme
John Gregory: Basham and Damaja might have a future in TNA's tag ranks. VKM shouldn't.
Winner" Basham and Damaja
Scotty Flamingo: This match sucked at Sacrifice, so why not do it again? I have been a lot more patient with VKM than most and tried to give their angles a chance, but they are just not doing it. They are pretty much consistently the worst thing on every TNA show.
Winner: The World's Worst Name for a Tag Team (Basham and Damaja)
Andy Clark: I would have figured they'd have brought in Buff Bagwell to replace Scott Steiner and added these two teams to make the title match a Four-Way. In fact, I still think they might. I don't see VKM beating anybody this side of Serotonin though.
Winners: Basham & Damaja
Bayani Domingo: VKM are just retarded. I somehow figure they're going to run an equally bad vignette about a limo during the PPV as well. I hope Hemme's boys erase them off the face of the roster. If this feud is over and VKM is done then B&D go over, if not then this'll be the worst Ex-WWE based feud since…the last one TNA had. Just out of curiosity; who are supposed to be the "heels" here?
Winner: *Prays* Basham and Damaja
Michael Bauer: Please to god, get this crap off my television.
Winner: VKM
Matt Short: The problem here is that this match should have already happened. Last time I was interested because I wanted to see the Bashams in action. But now that I've already seen that (in a terrible match) I don't care because Basham and Damaja have done nothing since then. This has to end here, another month of this is useless and a waste of a good team. Finish this and let Basham and Damaja move into a better program. Even if the name Damaja is silly.
Winners: Basham and Damaja
Michael Weyer: I still stick by my ignoring most anything having to do with this incredibly stupid angle and this is unlikely to change things.
WINNER: VKM.
Matt Adamson: Not again! I wish there were more to say about this, but there simply isn't. At least Hemme is there to look at.
Winners: Basham and Damaja
Steve Cook: I like Basham & Damaja, but can't we find anybody else for them to feud with? Here's hoping VKM soon meets the same storyline fate of the real VKM. One thing's for sure...Christy Hemme's a big step up from Shaniqua.
Winners: Basham & Damaja
Stuart Carapola: Is this feud still going on?
Winner: Basham and Damaja
Ari Berenstein: At the beginning of this Christy Hemme wanted to show that women could do it for themselves and they didn't have to be sex objects. She now looks like the most whored out, trashy heel bitch manager character there ever was. That wasn't a compliment. Let's just hope VKM actually sell for Basham and Damaja and make them credible. OH WHO AM I KIDDING?
Winner: VKM
Neil Borenstein: I would be interested in this match if the angle didn't seem so stale at this point. I do really think a feud between these two teams could work, but something new needs to be added to it in order to spark the interest level back up. I doubt that's going to happen and it's just going to be Hemme once again leading her boys to defend her honor against the guys that don't respect her in the business. It's enough already and Slammiversary needs to be where something new happens between these teams or the feud just needs to end so both teams can go onto something else.
Winners: Basham and Damaja w/Christy Hemme
Larry Csonka: Do you think VKM will kill themselves to one up Vince? I can dream.
Winner: Basham and Damaja w/Christy Hemme
Alex Shelley vs. Mr. Bob Backlund
John Gregory: This one should be obvious unless Shelley will get the win back next month.
Winner: Alex Shelley
Scotty Flamingo: I like Mr. Backlund, but it is time for him to get away from the X-Division guys, specifically Shelley who is WAY better than this. I'm interested to see if Backlund can still go, and it won't surprise me if he can. This could be the surprise of the night. I see Backlund winning since one more loss really isn't gonna hurt Shelley anymore than he already is.
Winner: Backlund
Andy Clark: Wow, I could really care less. Why aren't the MCMGs competing together again? Shelley & Sabin vs. Backlund & Lynn would be much better than this. Of course Alex is tapping to the chicken wing, it's TNA after all.
Winner: Bob Backlund
Bayani Domingo: Shelley can't lose here…I can't see this happening unless they really want to bury him in favor of Backlund who has no upside or reason to go over. That being said I still assume Backlund is involved somehow in Sabin losing the belt as retaliation but I'm hoping TNA does the right thing here.
Winner: Alex Shelley
Michael Bauer: This should be hilarious given how Bob can go off. But come on, does anyone really believe Shelley can lose to this guy?
Winner: Alex Shelley
Matt Short: Despite not know how capable Backlund still is in the ring, I think this match could surprise people. And mostly it's good to see TNA use him for something other than wackiness. Not that there's anything wrong with wackiness. It's also great to see Alex Shelley get a singles match, since he seems to have just been regulated to X Division multi-man matches where he often didn't even figure into the finish. The smart money is on Backlund, but Shelley is going to start teaming with Chris Sabin soon (or so we've been told) and a win here would give him some much-needed credibility.
Winner: Alex Shelley
Michael Weyer: Now, I like Backlund as the comic relief crazy guy but seeing him in the ring may be rough. Shelly is deserving of more of a push than this but it is Backlund and even up there, he has some great skills. And I doubt they'd pull him out of retirement just to job him like this.
WINNER: Mr. Backlund.
Matt Adamson: It doesn't make a whole lot of sense to have Backlund go over Shelley. If that does indeed happen I'll be a sad panda. Shelley is a star, Backlund was a star. TNA needs to sort out their priorities.
Winner: Alex Shelley.
Steve Cook: This is the match I'm looking forward to most on this show. It's either going to be a shockingly great wrestling match or a complete train wreck. I see no middle ground here. Shelley's got the technical skills to hang with Backlund's typical style, and if there's any 56 year old that can bring the conditioning and won't blow up on ya, it's Mr. Backlund. Of course, they could end up being on completely different pages and the match could suck a dick. But that's why I'm looking forward to it, I have no idea what's going to happen here.
Winner: Alex Shelley
Stuart Carapola: I'm looking forward to this match. Backlund's still in great shape and definitely has always been able to wrestle. Shelley's young, in shape, and no slouch when it comes too technical wrestling either. I have a funny feeling experience will beat out youth this time around.
Winner: Bob Backlund
Ari Berenstein: I have to say this one got lost in the shuffle. I do appreciate Backlund's nod to my alma mater by wearing a Midwood High School Wrestling team T-shirt (from right here in Brooklyn, New York, thumbs up) during the book-stealing vignette.
Winner: Alex Shelley steals one.
Neil Borenstein: I'd like to think this match can be good, but I just don't think Bob Backlund has the skill left in him to pull off something incredible. Alex Shelley could make things work with Backlund chemistry-wise, but Backlund's best days are far behind him. I think we'll be looking at a decent match between the two, but nothing spectacular. There's nothing wrong with that, though, since anytime you can get Backlund into the ring again is a good time.
Winner: Alex Shelley
Larry Csonka: I expect Shelley and Sabin to lose to fully kick off the MCMG era in TNA.
Winner: Mr. Backlund
LAX vs. Chris Harris and Rhino w/Hector Guerrero
John Gregory: LAX was been stuck in limbo since losing the tag belts, apparently because TNA feels they are nothing without Konnan. Riiiiiggghhhttt. I'll give this to Harris and Rhino.
Winners: Chris Harris and Rhino by TNA politics
Scotty Flamingo: Once again, it is insane for Harris to be in a filler match when he's been tearing the house down with Storm. This is the "match of misused talent". All four guys can go and TNA has nothing better for any of them to do.
Winner: LAX after Storm gets payback
Andy Clark: To quote the Hip-Hopipotomas "Random, r-r-random." Glad to see Chris Harris left the tag team ranks. The countdown to Johnny Ace giving Hernandez a call begins...now.
Winners: Chris Harris & Rhino (due to Hector-ference)
Bayani Domingo: This is so random. I have no logical reason to believe Harris/Rhino will go over, but that hasn't stopped TNA from screwing with me in the past. I have no idea where this angle is going and adding Hector to the mix means nothing to anyone here. LAX looks like the next challengers to Team 3D so I say they go over here.
Winners: LAX
Michael Bauer: Another WTF match. Harris and Rhino make no sense as a team and LAX has been a treadmill lately. Gotta go with normal wisdom here.
Winner: LAX
Matt Short: Like I said for Storm's match, this is a damn shame. These guys will give us a good match, but being throw into a random match like this and the random team of Harris and Rhino isn't a good sign. They really had nothing else to with these guys? The real shame is LAX who has been amazing all year until they ran into Team 3D and seemed to loose a lot of their momentum they had as champions. Harris could definitely be used better given his track record in singles matches lately. Best case scenario would be James Storm doing a run in distracting Harris long enough for LAX to double team Rhino. The total opposite of that would Harris and Rhino get into a long feud with LAX from this match. BAD. If they want to do Hector Guerrero vs. LAX then Hector they should have Hector bring in some guys from Mexico.
Winners: LAX
Michael Weyer: Another teaming that makes little sense as I don't recall any previous history with Harris and Rhino. I do like the Latino angle and we know LAX can bring it to the table. Still jarring to see Hector looking so much like Eddie but this could be a fun brawl with the real team getting the win over the ad hoc one.
WINNER: LAX
Matt Adamson: Why can't they just reunited AMW and we can have this awesome match. Instead we get Rhino who isn't exactly a great tag team wrestler. I have a good hunch that Guerrero turns on Harris and Rhino and joins the LAX. It would be more interesting that way at least.
Winners: LAX
Steve Cook: I watch Impact on a fairly regular basis, and I have no idea why Harris & Rhino are representing Hector against LAX. Did Russo purchase Dusty's booking dartboard?
Winners: LAX
Stuart Carapola: Poor Chris Harris...wasn't he getting some kind of push or something? So much for that, now he's stuck teaming with the Black Hole Of Pushes himself, Rhino. I don't think Eddy's older brother is going to be much help.
Winner: LAX
Ari Berenstein: If Hector doesn't turn here and it was revealed to be all a SWERVE to show how foolish the gringos can be, then Vince Russo has lost his edge. Homicide deserves better than this.
Winner: LAX
Neil Borenstein: Um, sure? I don't even really know what to say. Outside of a Hector Guerrero heel turn, I don't get the point of this match. I don't get why Chris Harris and Rhino are the next logical opponents for LAX. Of course, this is Vince Russo logic and thankfully I don't have that. But still, I'm only looking for a Hector turn here.
Winners: LAX
Larry Csonka: So LAX gets rewarded for their great tag run with a random program with a retired guy and Rhino who has done nothing, and Harris gets rewarded for good work by being pals with a retired guy and Rhino who has done nothing? Yup, this is TNA.
Winner: LAX
Freedom Match
: Eric Young vs. Robert Roode w/Miss Brooks
John Gregory: THIS is still going on?
Winner: Eric Young
Scotty Flamingo: Roode impressed the hell out of me at Sacrifice and it is time for him to move up the card. However, the fans love Eric Young and if he loses, then we have to keep this angle going for six more months with Eric trying to get back in TNA. I don't want to see that, but that's where I see it going. As long as they move Roode on to a new feud and let Eric's interactions be with someone else, I'll live.
Winner: Roode
Andy Clark: I find it incredibly hard to care about anything Robert Roode does. Then again I didn't see his match with Jarrett. Then again EY is no Jarrett.
Winner: Robert Roode (because this will NEVER end)
Bayani Domingo: Give us, us free!! Eric needs to win and put this whole storyline behind us. How long has this thing dragged out for already? Geeeeez. I'm hoping Eric Young knocks out Roode in the ring, then puts a guitar to the side of Traci's head after the match and just gives her the "business" right there in the middle of the ring. There you go, total closure all the way around.
Winner: Eric Young via "Underground Railroad"
Michael Bauer: Please for the love of everything sacred, let this fucking end!
Winner: Eric Young
Matt Short: I've really started to come around to Robert Roode. Maybe it was the greatness of his match with Jeff Jarrett or his win over Jerry Lynn on Impact. Or maybe that I really love his entrance music, but either way I care about Roode finally. Nothing wrong with an old school rich guy heel. This story line has gone on for a really long time and it's about time to end it. If they really wanted to turn the heat up for Roode they'll have him win and then immediately fire Eric Young and just beat the piss out of him.
Winner: Robert Roode
Michael Weyer: Hopefully, this ends this overlong storyline and gets Young back on track as the fan favorite. It should also help push Roode, whose character makeover hasn't led to any real progress yet. The match should be fun but I see Young getting the win to help both men go on to better things.
WINNER: Don't Fire Eric!
Matt Adamson: I don't see Young going anywhere any time soon besides free. Ha. This match will be fun just like the last one. I happen to really like both guys, so bonus for me.
Winner: Eric Young
Steve Cook: I don't know what Young's complaining about. Working under Miss Brooks is probably the best thing that's happened to him since he's been in TNA. Nevertheless, this feud's done run its course, so I see Eric getting the win here and moving on to getting beat up by whoever Jarrett's next opponent will be. Speaking of Jarrett, I would be shocked if he didn't appear on this show in some capacity, and this would probably be the place for it.
Winner: Eric Young
Stuart Carapola: If they have any other result than Young going over here, they've wasted months of our time.
Winner: Eric Young
Ari Berenstein: FREEDOM, FREEDOM, FREEDOM, FREEDOM, I SAY FREEDOM! YAH! This will suck.
Winner: Eric Young
Neil Borenstein: Okay, I can't stand Robert Roode and I'd rather he not be on PPV at all. In my opinion, he's worthless. But this match actually has a point, and it's probably to make Roode look like a fool while Eric Young gets his "freedom." So, I'm okay with it. I expect Roode to get the upper hand in most of this match, but Young will manage to pull through for the victory.
Winner: Eric Young
Larry Csonka: Please end the feud. Unlike others though, I like both guys and expect a pretty good match here.
Winner: ERIC~!
Christopher Daniels vs. Sting
John Gregory: This is looking to be Sting's last major feud before he leaves TNA for good at the end of the year. And he's finally doing what he should have since last year and fighting TNA's newer talent. I'm guessing this ends in a schmoz to continue building it slowly.
Winner: Christopher Daniels
Scotty Flamingo: Another candidate for surprise of the night. Everyone bitched about how poor a decision it was for TNA to pay so much for Sting, but the guy has busted his ass. He was a big part in helping Abyss going from a big spot machine to a legit main eventer and has put out good matches against guys with different styles. Daniels always delivers and I predict he'll step it up to have a classic with one of the legends in the business.
Sting wins here so that Daniels can take the next step and make the feud even nastier.
Winner: Sting
Andy Clark: I was REALLY looking forward to this match originally, but Daniels has been made to look like a bitch and I still hate the stupid face "tattoo." Daniels will probably win but Sting will get his heat back afterwards, proving exactly nothing. Still, I'm glad Daniels is getting a main event rub regardless.
"Winner:" Christopher Daniels
Bayani Domingo: I'm thinking in this match the heel goes over first since this seems to be both the payoff for Daniels' angle as well as Sting helping to put over the "younger" wrestlers. Well, "young" being a relative term. This should build up over the next PPV or two and I'm guessing ultimately Daniels should go over…so let's give him a lead going in.
Winner: Christopher Daniels
Michael Bauer: I actually like this match up as it gives Sting the chance to put somebody over who deserves it and was not signed by the company from the WWE. Daniels should get the first fall by some heelish means.
Winner: Christopher Daniels
Matt Short: I'm still not entirely sure where they're going with this, but I'm willing to give it a chance. Even though Sting's character has been about as far from a model Christian as you can possibly get, he's still been solid in the ring. Daniels is always good and I'm interested to see how he does with Sting. This is only going to be the first of what I'm sure are going to be many matches. They need to put on a strong showing here to keep people interested in seeing this continue. And Daniels needs to look like a million bucks here in order for people to believe him as more than just an old X Division guy.
Winner: Christopher Daniels
Michael Weyer: How about that, TNA actually waits for a PPV to do a big time first-ever encounter. The backstory is a bit muddled but Daniels is awesome in the ring and can bring his new edge against Sting. I see Sting basically jobbing to give Daniels the rub and help him advance back to the top ranks of the company, where he belongs.
WINNER: The Fallen Angel
Matt Adamson: Here's an opportunity to turn an extremely talented wrestler into a major star and main eventer in TNA. Too bad he isn't still using his old gimmick. The bearded weirdo isn't working for me. I think TNA knows what they have in Daniels and hopefully Sting does the job here.
Winner: Daniels
Steve Cook: That youngster Daniels needs the rub. Nevermind the fact that he was on the undercard of David vs. Goliath taking on Ric Flair. That's the great thing about Sting...when have we ever heard about him refusing to put somebody over? OK, there was that one time where he left The Police, but they were holding him back anyway.
Winner: Christopher Daniels
Stuart Carapola: Sting's been saying that this is going to be his last year in the ring, so I think it'd make sense to have him start putting people over on the way out, starting here.
Winner: Christopher Daniels
Ari Berenstein: A match with a world of promise that probably won't be fulfilled given Sting's age and the potential for overbooking. Still, I could be wrong. This could be a good one. I hope it is. I've been waiting on this one for a while.
Winner: Christopher Daniels
Neil Borenstein: Well, this is what we've been waiting for. We've been waiting for "The Fallen Angel" to go up against Sting, and I anticipate this will be the match to watch. I think this really is just the beginning of a good feud, so I don't think they will pull out all the stops in this encounter. But it should still be something fun to watch and the heel should get the first win.
Winner: Christopher Daniels
Larry Csonka: While the road here has been odd, I am excited for this. Sting has worked hard his entire TNA run and has said he wants to put guys over. This is a great place to start. I expect a good match here.
John Gregory: Well this match isn't happening. Though I'm sure Scotty, even with a messed up trachea, wouldn't get as blown up as Ray does. ZING! Yeah. I don't like him.
Winner: Team 3D
Scotty Flamingo: Ok, the right thing for TNA to do is to announce that Scott is injured and the match is cancelled. Plain and simple. They can hold it off until Scotty heals and then have him do a surprise beat down. Unfortunately, I see TNA trying to still cash in on the match and have Rick get a mystery partner. No matter who it is, it will disappoint, because people want 3D Vs Steiner's.
Winner: 3D wins so that Scott can come back and say they didn't beat the Steiner's. As for mystery opponent, I'll call Road Warrior Animal.
Andy Clark: I say they bring in Buff Bagwell to replace Scott and add VKM and the former Bashams and make this a Four-Way. This match is just not destined to happen. Get well soon, Scott.
Winners and STILL TNA World Tag Team Champions: Team 3D
Bayani Domingo: Kind of obvious result, but I'm just curious to see who will replace Big Poppa Pump. My worst fear is Nash. No, not Kevin, Leigh from ‘Sixpence None The Richer'.
Winner: Dudleyz
Michael Bauer: It sucks that this won't happen, but I guess this is why TNA doesn't want their superstars competing for any Indy groups.
Winner: N/A
Matt Short: I'd be excited for this match if it was happening. Also, please note that as of Thursday 12:11 AM EST TNA IS STILL ADVERTISING THIS MATCH. When they know full well that it cannot happen due to Scott Steiner having blood being pumped out of his lungs. That is too much, really. If they would own up to the fact that this happened and changed the match before hand I wouldn't have a problem with it. But at this rate they seem content to just let it wait out then bait and switch on the PPV. What the fuck. Unless Scott Steiner really is planning on being there, that's bullshit. Rick gets a mystery partner and loses, thus setting up a return match where the Steiner's are actually present.
Winners: Team 3D
Michael Weyer: Now, is this still going on? Just not sure due to Scott's health issues. If it does, he'll be slowed and let's face it, this is about seven years too late to be the dream encounter we hoped it would be. Still, it may turn out better than expected but the former Dudleyz should still retain while the Steiner's try to give them a good rub.
WINNER and still TNA World Tag Team Champions: Team 3D
Matt Adamson: Well, well, well... I was looking forward to this match until Scott got hurt. You know what TNA needs to make me care about Team 3D? Joel Gertner! I could use some of his classy humor these days. Since there is no Scotty, Team 3D is taking this one.
Winner: Team 3D
Steve Cook: Why would I talk about something that isn't going to happen? That'd be like talking about me getting laid sometime this decade or JT's Lions winning more than 7 games in a season. It's not going to happen, so I won't waste any more keystrokes on it.
Stuart Carapola: This is going to be a very interesting match because, since they haven't told us that the match isn't happening, I'm under the impression that Scott Steiner, unable to fly due to the injury, will be swimming back to Orlando from Puerto Rico so that he can wrestle. Let's just hope the fresh surgical scars don't bust open or anything.
Winner: TNA because of all the money they'll get from people who stupidly bought the show because they thought this match was going to happen.
Ari Berenstein: Card subject to change...like three weeks ago. Thanks for nothing TNA.
Winner: ____
Neil Borenstein: I really want to think The Steiner's will actually wrestle here, but it just doesn't seem likely. If we're going on the impression, though, that this match is on, it's going to be awesome. Two of the greatest tag teams in professional wrestling history could lock up here and that is definitely something to see. Sure, neither team is as good as they once were, but this has to be considering a dream match. I doubt TNA would take the belts off Brother Ray and Brother Devon for Scott and Rick Steiner, so I don't think the straps will change hands. But if this match goes on as planned, I have high hopes for it.
Winners and STILL TNA World Tag Team Champions: Team 3D
Larry Csonka: On the 6.07.07 edition of Impact, I had this to say: They ran at least two promo packages on Impact last week hyping the 3D vs. Steiner's TNA Tag Title Match. The Steiner injury happened VERY early in the week, so to me there is NO EXCUSE for NOT changing the show. They have made quicker edits in the past and should have here. The match will not take place, it will end up being false advertising because Scott Steiner may be out until late this year, early next year. The fact that this got through was bad, and since I have bashed WWE for shit like this before, I shall do the same with TNA. FOR SHAME~! Yup.
Winner: 3D I suppose if there is any match at all.
John Gregory: With Sabin about to join up with Shelley in the tag ranks, Lethal looks to end his reign on the X Division.
Winner and NEW X Division Champ: Jay Lethal
Scotty Flamingo: "Snake Roberts ruined my wedding!" That line alone is why Lethal should be champ. As much as I despise Sabin, he put on a great match last month. However, it is well past time for the X-Division to move on.
Winner: "Black Machismo" Jay Lethal
Andy Clark: It would have made more sense to have Lethal win the title last month and defend it against Sonjay here freeing up Sabin to team with Shelley. Ah well.
Winner and NEW X-Division Champion: Jay Lethal
Bayani Domingo: Take the title off Sabin already so he can concentrate on the MCMGs. Without the Steiner's that only leaves 4 legit teams, 1 being VKM. Yikes… Look for Dutt or Backlund to somehow contribute to a screwy finish.
Winner: Black Machismo
Michael Bauer: I picked it before, it better happen now. Ooooh yeah, dig it!
Winner and NEW Champion: Black Machismo
Matt Short: The Jake Roberts comment had me rolling. Black Machismo has really hit it off which is great for Jay Lethal who many had a hard time caring about. It almost seems inevitable that Sabin is going to drop the X Division title to Lethal, but is Slammiversary the place for it? This is going to be a great match and I could really see it going either way. Sabin steps up big for PPV as does Lethal. In a coin toss, I say this is Lethal's night.
Winner and NEW X Division Champion: "Black Machismo" Jay Lethal
Michael Weyer: I think they should have done the title change last month. Sabin just isn't clicking as well as the champ as they had hoped and Lethal's been deserving. I just wish it was as himself not this stupid Macho Man gimmick.
WINNER and NEW X-Division Champion: Jay Lethal.
Matt Adamson: I think this is finally the big moment for the Black Machismo Jay Lethal. Sabin has had a very solid run with the X title and it's time to pass the torch. I don't necessarily think that Lethal is the right guy when Alex Shelley is around and should hold the title till he retires, but Lethal will work for now.
Winner: Jay Lethal
Steve Cook: The people want Black Machismo as their champion. The people need Black Machismo as their champion. That's why Sabin's winning the match.
Winner: Chris Sabin
Stuart Carapola: I pretty much hated Jay Lethal when I first started watching ROH, but he grew on me over time and now I think he's a really good worker. Now that he's got a fun gimmick, I wouldn't be surprised to see him get the title here, but then again, Sabin's been a strong champion for five months now and shows no sign of slowing down.
Winner: Jay Lethal
Ari Berenstein: Lethal takes a borrowed but funny gimmick all the way to the X Title. He could have done it on his own you know.
Winner: Jay Lethal
Neil Borenstein: It is definitely time for a change in the X Division, and I think Jay Lethal is where he needs to be to hold the belt. He's popular, he's definitely good in the ring and he can stand with the best of them in the division. Go ahead TNA, crown a new X Division Champion – it's good for you.
Winner and NEW TNA X Division Champion: "Black Machismo" Jay Lethal
Larry Csonka: As I said, Sabin and Shelley both lose to kick off the MCMG era and Machismo wins to kick off the feud with Ghandi Dutt.
Winner: "Black Machismo" Jay Lethal
TNA World Heavyweight Championship - King of the Mountain Match
: Kurt Angle vs. Samoa Joe vs. AJ Styles vs. Christian Cage
John Gregory: It isn't comforting how I'm just praying TNA doesn't screw this match up with overbooking. Look at the TALENT in there! But here the choice is obvious: Joe. Joe. Joe. Joe.
Winner and FINALLY TNA Champion: Samoa Joe
Scotty Flamingo: So the match that was supposed to break the glass ceiling has 3 guys who have been staples of the main event scene for the past year. I REALLY think Storm or Harris or Bobby Roode should've been included in the KOTM, but oh well. I see this going one of two ways. They either use this to cement Joe as the new big thing or they use it to make Christian an even bigger heel so it'll mean more when Joe beats him. I'll go with the latter.
Winner: Cage
Andy Clark: This is the match that may end up making me buy this show. I love the KOTM gimmick and this will be historic, crowning the first TNA World Heavyweight Champion and all. Back in March I defended the decision for Samoa Joe not to win the belt because this is where it should be done (well, last year's BFG would have been better, but this works). This is Joe's two-year anniversary with the company and the time is now. If TNA doesn't do it here then they really have missed the boat on Joe.
Winner and FIRST EVER TNA World Heavyweight Champion: Samoa Joe
Bayani Domingo: Who the hell is the last guy? How can they wait so long to announce him unless it's a "big surprise". Maybe it's just lazy booking but at this point my best guess as the 5th is either Tomko, Abyss, or Jarrett. Either way, doesn't matter cuz' this is Joe's match and his chance to shine. If not, I'm boycotting TNA coverage till he wins…or until they give me a really fantastic dirty joke for my column.
Winner: Samoa Joe
Michael Bauer: This would be a great time to give Samoa Joe the title, but there is no way in hell Russo lets it happen. AJ Styles shouldn't be the man either right now, which leaves Angle and Cage. I think Kurt Angle does need his run as champion before Joe gets the title, so I'll give him the match.
Winner and NEW Champion: Kurt Angle
Matt Short: I know KOTM usually has five guys, but I like four better actually. A nice even number where everyone gets to shine. This is not only an important match for those involved, but it's important for TNA as a whole as they will crown the first ever TNA champion. And for the first time there's no champion's disadvantage that has traditionally played a factor in this match. The two guys it seems to boil down to are Samoa Joe and Christian. Either would be a fine choice as the first TNA champion. If Christian wins, Joe chases and wins later down the road. If Joe wins, TNA can make a huge homegrown star on a grand scale. I think the odds favor Christian a little more, but I'm going to go with what I want and that's with Joe.
Winner and NEW TNA Champion: Samoa Joe
Michael Weyer: Having only four guys makes it unique, I think and may shuffle the match up. Whether for better or for worse is unknown. There's the possibility they might have AJ win as a spoiler but let's face it, they've put off Joe as champ for way too long. Even TNA has to see the fans want that and on the two-year anniversary of his joining the company, this is the perfect time. Right?
WINNER and NEW TNA World Champion: Samoa Joe
Matt Adamson: This is a really tough match to put a prediction on. First of all, all four men have about as good a reason or chance to win as any of the others. This makes the decision a bit hard. I think Russo being involved and his love for AJ Styles gives Styles that extra advantage, but I still don't think he is going to win it. Angle was stripped of the title and I have a feeling that if they wanted him to have it that he would not have been stripped. A similar argument can be made for Christian Cage. If they wanted him to have the title, why take it off him in the first place. So, that leaves only one... Samoa Joe, who I think is going to become the first true TNA Heavyweight Champion.
Winner: Samoa Joe
Steve Cook: In Fact or Fiction a couple of weeks ago, I predicted that Samoa Joe would win the title. I'm going to stick with that prediction, but anybody thinking that a KOTM match isn't going to be overbooked needs to get their head checked. That's just the nature of the beast.
Winner: Samoa Joe
Stuart Carapola: Not knowing who the fifth participant is going to be makes it a little tough to pick a winner. I don't think it's the right way for Joe or Angle to get the title. I don't think they should put it right back on Christian, and I can't decide on the mystery man (who I doubt will be Rob Van Dam) until I know who it is. But here's a little scenario I thought of: what if they did an angle where Styles double-crossed Christian at the PPV and took the World Title, then revealed that he had been playing stupid and playing the part of Christian's lackey the whole time just to get close to the title? Even though that might seem too well written to be a Vince Russo angle, it's what I'm going to go with.
Winner: AJ Styles
Ari Berenstein: I have been waiting at least one year now for Samoa Joe to win the NWA (now TNA) World Heavyweight title. Every time it looked like they might have done what they should have done so long ago, some monkey wrench got thrown in the way. It's been two years since Joe came in and said to the wrestling world "I am Joe. I am Pro Wrestling." But TNA dropped the ball with him. This is their chance to pick it up and run with it. This is their chance to put the weight of the company behind the fresh face and one of the best wrestlers around. Injured or not, Samoa Joe is still the man TNA should have booked the entire promotion around. For me, this is basically their last chance. If there is a screw job, or Jeff Jarrett comes from out of nowhere to win the title, then I'm out and I'm done. I am waiting on TNA right now.
Winner: Samoa Joe, NEW TNA World Heavyweight Champion
Neil Borenstein: It's so easy to pick Samoa Joe here because it makes sense for TNA to finally give him that title run – finally be the face of TNA. But I was never one for picking easy, and I think TNA has proven one thing with Joe – they won't give him the belt when it's most convenient. AJ Styles is currently a lackey and won't make that huge jump to champion, so he's just there to pull off the big spots in the match. That naturally makes him the man – just not the winner. Christian Cage is a very comfortable option because he was the last legitimate heavyweight champion TNA had, but I'd think an event of these proportions would steer them away from giving it back to him so soon. So, we're left with Kurt Angle and Mystery Man No. 5. If it's Jeff Jarrett, then I think TNA will give it back to him. If it's anybody else, I think TNA will run with Angle as its champ. And since I think the mystery opponent is Jarrett, I'm going with him.
Winner and NEW TNA World Heavyweight Champion: Jeff Jarrett
Larry Csonka: They are adding the 5th man, likely JJ, which is fine as LONG as he does NOT WIN. Abyss being added could be fun as he will take punishment. But they have to pay off all of this glass ceiling bullshit talk. That means AJ or Joe. AJ has been three times, and they need to pull the trigger on Joe. Make it so.
Winner: Samoa Joe
Remember to join 411 for out LIVE play by play of TNA Slammiversary, starting at 7:30pm Sunday Night!
