I do have to say that since TNA announced that they would be cutting down to four "major" PPVs, I was doubtful that they could give these shows the epic feel they deserve. TNA would need to make each of their four major PPVs unmissable and memorable. This means that every match must mean something and every match should have great build to it.
The build to Slammiversary XI doesn't quite have that epic event feel to me. Matches that I thought would happen on this show played out on IMPACT Wrestling while others were made just a few weeks ago. With that said, I am very excited for this show. Many of the matches compel me while I also know that this PPV could be the event of the year in terms of wrestling.
The BFG Series will be returning this year (to my delight) and the first competitor will be made in this match. Both of these men are Gutcheck winners and unfortunately haven't seen much TV time since their win. I am a huge fan of both guys and feel they could be huge assets to TNA in the future. I haven't seen enough of either guy to determine if I think this match will go well. I personally feel Jay Bradley is much readier at this point than Sam Shaw is so I give him the "W" here.
Alot of the matches on this show have build to them, but many don't have creative build. They usually involve a series of run-ins between the competitors. The three TNA heroes have all been taken out by the Aces and Eights and one point or another. Magnus was slammed into the walkway, Joe's nose was broken by brass knux and Jeff Hardy was hurt in Full Metal Mayhem. The stars align here as the heroes look for revenge.
The most interesting thing here will be the return of Jeff Hardy, who hasn't been seen in months. Its the time in the storyline where the seams of the Aces and Eights are starting to show. I don't feel Bully needs the group anymore and that the members could break off and do their own thing. Its time to start giving the heroes the much needed momentum.
It's been about one year since Joseph Park's in-ring debut and he has come a long way. If you remember, Park actually faced Devon earlier this year at Genesis and came out on the losing end. Devon is a guy I don't feel elevates the Television Title. The TV Title is one that I feel should be used for main eventers/future main eventers. With that said, Joseph Park's character also doesn't fit that bill.
I am most compelled by what Abyss does. Abyss' return a few weeks ago was a highlight of the year for me. It was Abyss' music that cost Devon the match this past Thursday. While I don't expect to see Abyss at Slammiversary, I could see Joseph Park snap into "Abyss mode" after Devon busts him open. I also expect Joseph Park to leave Slammiversary as the TV Champion.
There are different kinds of natural areas, or habitats, where many different plants and animals live together.
I have really enjoyed the simplistic nature of this feud. Taryn Terrell was referee and accidentally cost Gail Kim the title. Gail abused Taryn to the point where Terrell snapped, losing her job in the process. Taryn became a wrestler and ended up upsetting Gail in a match. This caused Gail to tap into her vicious side and hurt wrestlers (Taryn, Tara and Velvet Sky) in the process. Taryn returned a few weeks ago to exact revenge on Kim, setting up this Last Knockout's Standing Match at Slammiversary.
Taryn has yet to become a great wrestler, but is extremely gorgeous which makes me excited to see her. Gail can probably work enough for both of them to make this a good match. The hardcore nature of it might also add to it. I love the Last Man Standing stipulation as this thing has escalated to that point. I see Gail's Figure Four playing a part in this leading to her victory here.
My feelings on X Division: Evolved are mixed. I think the new rules have brought a new found interest into the division. There is a much bigger focus on the division and the title than anytime in the past few years. It is also awesome to see the returns of Chris Sabin, Petey Williams, Sonjay Dutt, Suicide and more. On the other side is the fact that the traditional storytelling of pro wrestling is out the window. TNA will need to get creative with its storytelling to build strong rivalries in the division.
I think TNA has done a good job with making me care about the match. This match has three unique personalities that have received their own character development. The mysterious Suicide just returned, Chris Sabin is battling back from two years worth of injuries and King is the Emperor of the X Division who has become arrogant. Its the character development that has become the storytelling of the division.
I feel Option C will be the determining factor here. The winner will have the option in the upcoming weeks to trade in the X Division Title for a World Title shot. Any three of these guys I could see doing that. The most likely for me though is Chris Sabin, who has a good feel-good story. I see him winning the title here, coming close to defeating Bully Ray for the World Title, and either aiding James Storm or feuding with Bobby Roode. The X Division would then be open to a new (or old) champion.
It is great to see Ultimate X return. Its one of my favorite match types ever and I am usually never disappointed with it. These three participants will probably deliver a Match of the Year Contender.
The tag team scene is a strange one. Bad Influence, Chavo and Hernandez and Roode/Aries have been feuding since January. We have gotten almost every possible combination out of these three teams (sometimes many times). Recently, James Storm got involved after refereeing one of those matches. He decided the tag team titles looked good when he was attacked backstage. He just needed a partner.
Gunner is an interesting choice versus some other possibilities. I personally feel like this is leading to the return of Crimson. Gunner and Crimson could form War Inc. (or some other military team) after turning on James Storm. I could see a mini-feud with Crimson/Gunner and Storm/Sabin throughout the Summer.
This match should be excellent. Most of these guys have been known to deliver quality matches. With the elimination aspect of it, I expect some finality in the feud. I could see any of the four teams winning. I personally don't want to see it being Chavo and Hernandez because they are my least favorite out of the tag teams. Whoever is the winner, I am hoping we get some new teams following Slammiversary.
Its interesting that AJ Styles vs Kurt Angle took place about five years ago at Slammiversary 2008. The two have faced MANY times since then, in a number of stipulation matches, over the World Title and more. They always deliver a good matchup.
The build to this one is pretty much the exact same as it was for AJ Styles and James Storm. Kurt Angle didn't have good social skills and gave AJ Styles and ultimatum to join his side. AJ Styles (who is tired of being disrespected) declined. Things escalated after that point including having AJ smack the knee of Kurt Angle a few weeks ago before turning on the Aces and Eights.
The intriguing aspect of this match is the fact that AJ Styles has a brand new character. He has incorporated a much more grounded, methodical and physical style than what he had. This included a brand new arsenal of moves including the Dropkick of Woe and the Calf Killer.
The Calf Killer is what is see being a huge instrument for AJ Styles here. AJ has been targeting the knee of Kurt Angle the past two weeks and I have a feeling he will continue to do so at Slammiversary. The real question is, will AJ's new style inhibit him from delivering a good match. I think anytime AJ and Kurt go, they go all out. My prediction is that AJ's Calf Killer leads to Kurt tapping out at Slammiversary.
Last year at Slammiversary, Dixie Carter announced that Sting would be TNA's first inductee into the Hall of Fame. While I feel Sting is a true Hall of Famer, there is one name I feel is even more deserving and that is Jeff Jarrett.
Jeff Jarrett founded TNA with his dad Jerry. Many concepts and characters seen in TNA throughout the years were the vision of Jeff Jarrett. While I don't think Dixie Carter gets as much credit as she deserves, if it wasn't for Jarrett, there wouldn't be a TNA. Jarrett was also one of the biggest faces of TNA in the early years. He is a multiple time NWA-TNA World Heavyweight Champion. The early years of TNA usually had heavy involvement from Jarrett.
It is clear that there are backstage issues involving many in TNA Management and Jarrett but every year that Jarrett is kept out of the Hall of Fame is a disservice to him and the company he founded. I feel its important to put the personal issues aside.
Three names pop up as potential candidates for the TNA Hall of Fame. The first and most deserving is Jeff Jarrett. Jerry Lynn's name can also be included because of his retirement this year. Finally you have to look at Kurt Angle. He is nearing his TNA run and has done incredible things for the company. Dixie Carter is a huge fan of his and will likely see star power in adding him to the Hall of Fame. While Jarrett is most deserving at this time, I wouldn't be surprised to see Kurt Angle being the second Hall of Famer.
I am so excited for this match. Many people can't overlook the fact that Sting is over fifty or that better wrestling could be had in the main event of Slammiversary but I am intrigued by this match.
This match has storyline build. Sting was the first victim of the Aces and Eights. Sting was used by Bully Ray for months, teaming with him and then turning on him. After Jeff Hardy, Sting was the most obvious choice as the savior of TNA. TNA has relied on Sting to be the savior for so many years. What happens if he doesn't get the job done.
The two stipulations only add to this match. No Holds Barred will only open new avenues for both men. It will allow for more hardcore action including blood and crowd fighting. It was a much needed stipulation.
I love the stipulation that if Sting loses at Slammiversary that he will never get another World Title Match. The idea of Sting lacing up his boots every night knowing he can't ever become World Champion again is an emotional one. Sting doesn't need the World Title and Bully Ray's villainy would only increase when he beats Sting.
The wildcard in this match is Brooke Hogan. After turning on her at Lockdown, Bully Ray expressed his love for her a few weeks ago on IMPACT. She is now questioning if he really loves her and if she loves him back. I can see her costing Sting the match at Slammiversary following alot of A&E interference. This would then make her the modern-day version of Stephanie McMahon in 1999.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Each match has build even though some could have better build. Between the Hall of Fame announcement and the many match of the year contenders, I look forward to celebrating TNA's 11th Year Anniversary with them in Boston.
