The Highlight Reel presents This Week's Recap for June 26th

This Week’s Recap…

Superstar of the Week: Nik Wallenda

 

On Sunday night, the country became abuzz with talk of a man crossing the Grand Canyon on a tightrope without a harness or safety net below. Was he insane? Was he suicidal? Would he fall? Would we get to see it? I know I had those questions run through my mind while watching the two-hour special. On a special entitled Skywalk on the Discovery Channel, Nik Wallenda – a seventh generation tightrope walker – successfully crossed the Grand Canyon in a little over 22 minutes. 

As simple and pointless as it sounds on paper, actually witnessing someone cross one of the natural wonders of the world on a two-inch wide wire is cool. That said, the two hours of hype before the actual event did cause many – including myself – to root for the worst to happen from time to time just to make this colossal investment of time feel worth it. Wallenda successfully did the unthinkable though as he crossed the Grand Canyon. Many viewed Wallenda’s walk as an act of human stupidity on the grandest scale. Others viewed it as a testament to God’s glory since Wallenda said, “I love you, Jesus,” more than Tim Tebow after getting out of New York and “Oh God” more than busty porn stars do on any given afternoon in the San Fernando Valley. The reality is Wallenda did something that we will never see again in our lifetimes. As much as the cynic in me would like to, I cannot hate on him for his achievement. Congratulations to Nik Wallenda for raising the bar for daredevils everywhere… even though you did it wearing Mom jeans.

Jerk of the Week: Food Network, QVC, Smithfield Pork products, Wal-Mart, and anyone else giving Paula Deen a hard time

 

The Paula Deen Empire came crumbling down last week in the aftermath of a deposition released to the public while a trial is currently underway after the television chef was sued for sexual and racial discrimination. In the deposition, Deen admitted to using the “n-word” in her past. When this became public knowledge, Deen might as well have kicked a puppy, stole candy from a baby, and sang the praises of Adolph Hitler because things could not have gotten any worse. As the lynch mob mentality of the American Public reacted to the revelation, Food Network pulled all of Paula Deen’s programming from the network. QVC then announced they were “reviewing their contract” with Deen. Smithfield Pork, a longtime sponsor for Deen, canceled their contract with Deen. Wal-Mart pulled all of Deen’s merchandise from their stores. Paula Deen’s empire crumbled before her feet in less than a week.

I want to know why. Why did Paula Deen become Public Enemy #1 over admitting to saying the “n-word” in the past? 

I do not think saying the “n-word” is acceptable behavior and I am not justifying the usage of the hateful racial slur. However, I am criticizing America’s reaction to Paula Deen’s usage of the word because she is one of only a handful of people to receive this kind of backlash from use of the word. More importantly, Deen did not say this hateful word in the present – she admitted to saying it 20 years ago. This is not a Michael Richards situation where it was said in a public venue and a recording lives online forever. There was no denial from Deen, only apology after apology. Yet, Paula Deen is the devil for this and I want to know why.

I guess another reason I want to know why is because the “n-word” – this horrible, ugly, vicious word – is said by 99% of all African-American comedians, actors, and rappers within the context of their craft on a daily basis. Not a whimper of backlash comes from this. Paula Deen, a white woman, admits to saying it 20 years ago in the context of a joke and it is the end of the world as we know it. I call BS on that. This is the very definition of hypocrisy. 

I cannot imagine how horrible it is to be the victim of that racial slur. Of course, if it as horrible and angering as many claim, you would think they would not celebrate people of their own race using this vulgar and hate-filled term. The word would be eliminated outright; not acceptable for usage by some and grounds for persecution and slanderous accusations upon usage by others. If people in America lost their job for using a racial slur of any kind – yes, there are racial slurs for every single race as the “n-word” is not alone – America would have unemployment rates reaching 99%. That is not an overestimation of how many say these words currently or have said them once in their past; that is a fact. Cold. Hard. Truth.

Paula Deen is paying the price for being honest – regardless of how ugly honesty can be – in the United States of Hypocrisy. I just hope that everyone who is as offended by what Paula Deen said 20 years ago get as offended by what Chris Rock says in his next stand-up special. I hope they get just as offended by the photo of Honey Boo Boo making “oriental eyes” or the next time Gabriel Iglesias makes a joke about “honkeys” or “gringos.” They will not though because that is not how the United States of Hypocrisy rolls. 

Babe of the Week: Carrie Underwood

 

A Melancholy Happy Trails to…
- Jackie Fargo, 82 - American professional wrestler famed in the Memphis region (June 24th)
- Richard Matheson, 87 - American author and screenwriter best known for episodes of The Twilight Zone, Duel, and I Am Legend (June 23rd)
- Allen Simonsen, 34 - Danish race car driver killed during the 2013 24 Hours of Le Mans (June 22nd)
- Chet Flippo, 69 - American music journalist and music critic (June 19th)
- James Gandolfini, 51 - American actor best known for The Sopranos (June 19th)
- Slim Whitman, 90 - American country singer-songwriter (June 19th)

A Very Special Finger Wag of Shame to… Aaron Hernandez

 

The world of former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez has come crashing down around him over the last two weeks after the murder of his friend, Odin Lloyd.

On June 18th, North Attleborough, Massachusetts police searched the home of Hernandez after Lloyd’s body was found a day earlier in an industrial park one mile away from the Hernandez property. Lloyd was shot multiple times in the chest and back. During this search, and subsequent searches, Massachusetts authorities noted Hernandez intentionally destroyed his home’s video surveillance system and cell phone as well as hired professional cleaners multiple times to clean his property. Finally, on June 26th, Massachusetts authorities arrested Hernandez and charged the former Patriots tight end with first-degree murder and five additional gun-related charges.

This story is still developing at this time. However, one fact is that Aaron Hernandez either murdered his friend or was covering up for someone else who murdered his friend with the destruction of evidence. Ultimately, Aaron Hernandez took a life that could have been full of joy, wealth, and success as an NFL player and threw it away because of youthful arrogance and pure ignorance. He will never play another down in the NFL. In fact, in a world where OJ Simpson got away with murder and Ray Lewis may have gotten away with murder, Aaron Hernandez may become an exception to the rule and actually pay the price for his crime. We still do not have a motive or the gruesome details yet but those will certainly come out in time because this is the sports story of the summer. That is a shame too when the story of the summer could have been whether or not Tim Tebow would last in New England.

Breaking Down the 2013 TNA Bound for Glory Series

Wrestling with Emotion – Breaking Down the 2013 TNA Bound for Glory Series

 

On Thursday night, the 2013 Bound for Glory Series begins on Impact Wrestling. For the third year, 12 of TNA’s premiere athletes will compete in a series of matches that ultimately will see one man earn a TNA World Heavyweight Championship match at the biggest pay-per-view of the year: October’s Bound for Glory. 

While I was initially skeptical of the Bound for Glory Series, I do not believe anyone can deny the success rate of the Bound for Glory Series. Stars have emerged and grown from the annual summer series. In 2011, Bobby Roode won the BFG Series. While unsuccessful at Bound for Glory against then-champion Kurt Angle, Roode’s stock with the fans reached an all-time high. A month later, Roode turned on long-time Beer Money partner James Storm and started the longest reign in TNA World Heavyweight Championship history. Without his success and character growth in the BFG Series, I doubt Roode would have succeeded at the level he did in late 2011. Jeff Hardy won the 2012 BFG Series and later defeated Austin Aries for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship at Bound for Glory. Hardy’s BFG Series was not about character development; it was a story about career redemption. Hardy’s victory showed fans Jeff Hardy was now trusted again to carry the weight of the company on his shoulders after damaging the company and his career so badly 18 months earlier with a drug-fueled performance at the 2011 Victory Road pay-per-view. 

In addition to the series winners, the Bound for Glory Series has served as a catalyst to career heights for multiple wrestlers. Bully Ray reached new levels of success in the aftermath of both the 2011 and 2012 BFG Series as he went from a solid mid-card heel to the premiere heel in the business and a World Championship caliber performer thanks to the BFG Series. James Storm left the 2012 BFG Series – a series he appeared destined to win – arguably hotter even in defeat. Only nagging injuries and a cluttered main event picture have stalled Storm’s momentum. 

The 2013 Bound for Glory Series boasts a unique lineup of established main event stars, mid-card talent on the verge of greatness, and one young rookie to TNA Wrestling ready to breakout. 

As I look at the 2013 Bound for Glory Series, my initial impression is that this is the coming out party for AJ Styles: Lone Wolf. With his new edge as an in-ring competitor and loner attitude, AJ Styles is currently in the midst of reinventing himself. Many are justifiably making comparisons between Styles and Sting’s persona in 1996-98. Styles is neither a TNA savior nor an Aces and Eights member. AJ Styles is wrestling for AJ Styles. Doing and saying so little adds so much to one of the best pound-for-pound performers in the industry today. I believe Styles has a date with the TNA World Heavyweight Championship in the near future. A victory in the Bound for Glory Series would make that date October 20th, 2013 in San Diego, California.

Jeff Hardy, Bobby Roode, Austin Aries, Samoa Joe, and Ken Anderson are additional former TNA World Heavyweight Champions in the 2013 Bound for Glory Series. While all are former world champions, all are also at different places within their careers. Jeff Hardy has a rivalry with current champion Bully Ray that may never end. I think it would be a great mistake for Hardy to win the BFG Series again but I would not be surprised. Bobby Roode and Austin Aries both are outstanding heels. However, with Bully Ray also as a heel champion, that severely diminishes their chances of winning. A good series for either man though would set him up for another main event run after spending most of 2013 in the tag team ranks. Many years removed from his time in the TNA main event picture, Samoa Joe is still among the top submission wrestlers and big match players. While I doubt his chances of being a major player in the BFG Series rankings, Joe will play spoiler to many and provide some excellent matches in the process. Ken Anderson, the lone Aces and Eights representative, is also a completely different man from the former three-time TNA World Heavyweight Champion. I do not believe Anderson will win the series. However, the series is important for Anderson’s career because he must show himself once again to be a consistent big match player. Anderson has been stagnant for the better part of 18 months now. I believe Ken Anderson is a lot better than the third banana of a wrestling faction. The 2013 Bound for Glory Series is his time to show his worth.

The members of Bad Influence – Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian – are both a part of the 2013 BFG Series. There is a part of me believing this series could ultimately lead to the split of this great tag team as anything putting egotistic tag team partners against one another is sure to lead to a break-up. Earlier in 2013, many fans were talking of Daniels as the next TNA World Champion when he unsuccessfully faced then-champion Jeff Hardy. I believe Daniels will leave the 2013 BFG Series with the “Bully Ray Rub.” Despite losing, Christopher Daniels’ star will rise to a point where he will be a main event performer in the aftermath of the series. As for Kazarian, I think his career will benefit from a solid showing in the BFG Series. Kazarian is never going to be a World Champion – although after marrying Traci Brooks, I question that since he is already a champion in the “landing hot wives” department. I think Kaz can leave the BFG Series will enough momentum to either go after the X-Division title or the TV title.

Magnus is an interesting case. He has tons of fan momentum right now – including great international appeal as the Brit is indeed popular all over Europe. He has management solidly behind him as agents and bookers see Magnus as one of the bright young stars in the industry today while management sees him as a company man great for promotional purposes. Magnus has a ton of potential. Of course, I felt like I said that last year and the year before too. For the record, I believe Magnus has all of the qualities making him worthy of main event status. I just question whether TNA will finally give the Brit the ball so he can run. Magnus will not win the BFG series. However, I think he may finally get a chance to run with the ball and show what he can do on bigger stages. Magnus could leave this Bound for Glory Series similar to how Bobby Roode left in 2011 – on the verge of greatness.

Considering how he is bouncing between the multiple faces of Chris Park, I am interested in seeing how Joseph Park performs in the BFG Series. Currently the TNA TV Champion under the guise of Abyss, he qualified for the BFG Series as Abyss’ brother – the Chicago-based lawyer Joseph Park. I think Park will play spoiler for a couple of performers and offer a few moments of comic relief during the series.

Hernandez is worthless. Sorry but it is true. I have no idea why Hernandez and not Chavo Guerrero received this spot in the Bound for Glory Series. Guerrero would provide a higher quality of matches for his opponents and would work a lot safer too. The only benefit Hernandez brings to the BFG Series is a victory for opponents over a physically larger opponent. 

As for the TNA rookie participant, I do not believe Jay Bradley has a chance. However, Jay Bradley can come out of the series with a win in the long-term if he impresses the fans and management with his performances. Bradley, a veteran all over the world, is a TNA Gut Check winner and essentially a rookie to the company. Having a spot in this competition at all shows that the company sees something special in Bradley to put him in the same storyline as men like Styles, Roode, Hardy, Aries, and Anderson. Top stars like James Storm and Kurt Angle are not even involved. I like Bradley a lot and believe he will impress many despite a losing effort in the Bound for Glory Series.

I think the 2013 Bound for Glory Series could be the best BFG series yet. The unpredictable finish of last year’s series – going to Jeff Hardy after seemingly being custom-made for James Storm – makes me leery of thinking this year’s series is all about building AJ Styles. With that said, I believe this year’s series is all about building AJ Styles for a Bound for Glory showdown with Aces and Eights leader Bully Ray for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.

 

The Highlight Reel presents This Week's Recap for June 17th

THIS WEEK’S RECAP…

Superstar of the Week: Superman

 

Nobody - real or fictional - had a better week than Clark Kent, a.k.a. Superman, did. The new Superman film, Man of Steel, opened to mixed reviews from critics and rave reviews from the majority of audiences this weekend while bringing in a June-record $113.1 million at the box office during its opening weekend. Another reboot of the Superman film franchise, Man of Steel boasted an all-star cast including Amy Adams, Kevin Costner, Russell Crowe, and Henry Cavill as Superman. 

I have yet to see the movie but plan on seeing it soon. Still, the success of Man of Steel is undeniable. Man of Steel is one of the brightest spots so far for Hollywood in 2013. Audiences are leaving happy, money is being made, and a sequel is already in the works as Man of Steel appears to have launched the next big superhero film series. For a superhero I have referred to as “vanilla ice cream,” vanilla is in this week. Man of Steel is the movie and pop culture icon of the moment.

Jerk of the Week: Chad Johnson

A head-butt got him in trouble; a slap on the butt got him in jail: this is the Chad Johnson Story.

Many say Broward County Circuit Judge Kathleen McHugh overreacted when NFL free agent wide receiver Chad Johnson slapped his lawyer on the butt in a congratulatory manner following the announcement Johnson was not going to receive jail time for violating his parole in the aftermath of a domestic battery arrest in 2012. Many say McHugh’s decision to incarcerate Johnson for thirty days was a horrible abuse of judicial power. I was not among those people.

Chad Johnson married Basketball Wives reality TV star Evelyn Lozada on July 4th, 2012 after two years of dating. On August 11th, 2012, Johnson was arrested on charges on domestic battery after he allegedly head-butted his wife following an argument in the parking lot of a Davie, Florida CVS over condoms. Later that day, the Miami Dolphins released Johnson. Three days later, Lozada filed for divorce. Johnson entered a plea of no contest to misdemeanor domestic battery and avoided jail time because of an agreement between prosecutors and Lozada. Instead, Johnson received a year of probation. In May, Johnson violated his probation by failing to meet with probation officers in February and March. That is what led Johnson to being in court this past Monday when Johnson finally met a judge who said “enough is enough (it’s time for a change!).”

Johnson was going to receive more probation. He was going to cash in on his fame and fortune by skirting the grip of the law again when Judge McHugh finally had enough of Johnson’s arrogant and disgustingly privileged existence. Instead of showing a semblance of maturity, he smacked his lawyer on the butt for getting him out of a real punishment again. Johnson does not deserve 30 days in jail for smacking his lawyer’s butt. He deserves a few months of jail time for head-butting his wife a year ago. 

Sadly, after a phony apology and the backlash of media members who apparently wanted to save Chad Johnson, he only served seven of the 30-day sentence for his crime. Johnson also received an additional three months of probation and 25 hours of community service. In the grand scheme of things, Johnson is still getting off light. Nevertheless, a judge finally called out one of these cocky and wealthy athletes for being a jerk in the face of authority. Even though he only served a week behind bars, it was a week more than he expected solely because of his star status. That is a good thing.

Babe of the Week: Kacey Musgraves

 

A Melancholy Happy Trails to…
- Al Green, 57 - American professional wrestler best known as a jobber in WCW (June 14th)
- Jason Leffler, 37 - American race car driver (June 12th)
- Richard Ramirez, 53 - American serial killer best known as “The Night Stalker” (June 7th)
- Mark Starr, 50 - American professional wrestler best known as a jobber in WCW (June 7th)
- Esther Williams, 91 - American actress and swimmer (June 6th)
- Deacon Jones, 74 - American Hall of Fame football player best known for coining the term “quarterback sack” (June 3rd)
- Jean Stapleton, 90 - American actress best known for All in the Family (May 31st)

A Sign The End is Upon Us… the Arrival of the Kimye

 

Yes, Crazy Ralph. We are doomed. On June 15th at around 3PM EST, the skies grew dark, the air grew still, and an eerie calm came upon us all. It was at that very moment when the spawn of ego, delusional self-worth, and fame for no reason emerged from the hairy, spray-tanned, gapping cavern where they filmed The Descent. The lovechild of fame whore Kim Kardashian and moronic rapper Kanye West - the Kimye - was born.

The attention the spawn of these two wicked, evil, famous-for-nothing monsters will receive over the duration of its life will surely lead to mass suicides, psychotic events, and the loss of millions of lives as the human race finally reaches its breaking point. Crazy Ralph is right: The Kimye has doomed us all. 

 

May God have mercy on our souls. 

Wrestling with Emotion -- Quinton "Rampage" Jackson -or- TNA's Next Mistake

Wrestling with Emotion – One Step Forward and Two Steps Back: the TNA Wrestling Story

On Sunday night, the wrestling world was abuzz in the aftermath of TNA Wrestling’s latest pay-per-view as Slammiversary XI showed TNA at its very best. Bully Ray defeated Sting to retain the TNA World Heavyweight Championship in a brutal No Holds Barred match while Kurt Angle defeated AJ Styles in the best pure professional wrestling match in years. Taryn Terrell and Gail Kim garnered national attention even outside the wrestling world for their surprisingly brutal and high-impact Last Knockout Standing match won by Terrell. From James Storm and Gunner winning the TNA World Tag Team Championships to the returning Abyss winning the Television title to Chris Sabin winning his fifth X-Division Championship in an outstanding Ultimate X match, the card exceeded expectations in all aspects. Only the most ignorant and blind of TNA Wrestling “haters” could deny that Slammiversary was the best pay-per-view event of 2013.

Then, Tuesday happened.

Late last week, TNA owner/president Dixie Carter announced on Twitter that TNA had signed a major free agent. The wrestling world buzzed over whom TNA could have landed. After all, there is a ton of talent out there without a contract right now. I could see Montel Vontavious Porter, John Hennigan (the former John Morrison), Chris Mordetzky (the former Chris Masters), Carlito Colon, Rob Conway (current NWA World Champion), or Shelton Benjamin as all major acquisitions for TNA Wrestling. Hell, they could have went into Ring of Honor and grabbed Davey Richards, Eddie Edwards, Roderick Strong, or Michael Elgin and pulled off a huge coup. The point is that TNA could have grabbed any number of professional wrestling talents currently on the sidelines or in a lesser promotion. 

Instead, TNA Wrestling signed Quinton “Rampage” Jackson.

As you can tell by the t-shirt, TNA Wrestling is clearly his number one priority.

Yes, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson. In a multi-year partnership with Spike TV and Bellator MMA as well, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson will fight for Bellator MMA, wrestle for TNA Wrestling, and be the subject of a reality TV show for Spike TV. 

I know many TNA fans are optimistic about this signing. They see “Rampage” Jackson as a means to get national attention from sports media like ESPN and FOX Sports as well as entertainment media like Entertainment Tonight and Access Hollywood. I am definitely NOT one of those optimistic people. This signing is less TNA making a big move and more TNA taking another step backwards with a big mistake.

Quinton “Rampage” Jackson will do for TNA with this agreement what “King” Mo Lawal did for TNA Wrestling: NOTHING. Both TNA and Bellator are not getting the same Jackson who dominated the octagon in the UFC or starred in The A-Team with Liam Neeson. They are getting a Jackson who “retired” from the UFC in January after three consecutive losses had Dana White on the verge of cutting Jackson from the promotion. They are getting a Jackson who has only made direct-to-DVD movies since The A-Team and is clearly not a movie star. Unless Quinton Jackson pulls a Chris Benoit, he is not bringing TNA any of the national attention that fans are coveting. 

Of course, does TNA even need to worry about that national attention right now? I do not think so for a second. TNA needs to worry about appealing to a wrestling audience and converting the wrestling fans who are blindly following WWE’s garbage (even while complaining about WWE being garbage). TNA does not need the Access Hollywood or ESPN attention; they need the wrestling fans. TNA is a wrestling company, not an entertainment company. 

In being a professional wrestling company, TNA needs to have professional wrestlers. The “King” Mo debacle flopped. For the attention made about his arrival, the fact that he served as a guest enforcer for one match and has did nothing since means it is a failure. While Jackson may prove me wrong, the odds are also in my favor because most MMA-to-professional wrestling moves fail miserably. Ken Shamrock, a former NWA-TNA World Heavyweight Champion, WWF Intercontinental Champion, and 1998 King of the Ring, stands out as a success story. He is the rare exception to the rule. What did Tank Abbott do in professional wrestling? How did Bob Sapp or Don Frye set the world on fire in professional wrestling? Do Dan Severn’s accomplishments really mean anything in the grand scheme of things when he flopped miserably on the big stage? These men all were never the top draw or came close to bringing the drawing power that TNA now believes Quinton “Rampage” Jackson is going to bring.

For every one of you people waiting to pull the Brock Lesnar card, need I remind you that Brock Lesnar was a professional wrestling star first in the WWE? Should I remind you how Lesnar and his wrestling image was what helped elevate the UFC? How about a reminder that professional wrestling made Lesnar relevant again after he got beat in UFC and did what Lesnar does – quit when it gets hard? The wrestling machine created Brock Lesnar – his MMA background did NOT benefit the WWE when he returned.

TNA Wrestling could have made a huge signing of a free agent wrestler to create fresh matchups on Impact Wrestling. They could have added a new name to add more credibility to one of the best rosters in the business. Instead, Dixie Carter pissed away another ton of money as part of a multi-faceted agreement that will give Bellator a former UFC star, Spike TV an unwatchable reality show, and TNA a guy who will appear a handful of times and bump the ratings once. Coming off one of the best pay-per-views of all-time in Slammiversary XI, TNA takes a major step back with Dixie Carter’s worst “big announcement” yet. 

TNA Slammiversary XI Preview

TNA Wrestling – Slammiversary XI Preview

On Sunday night, one of the biggest pay-per-view events on the 2013 wrestling calendar takes place at the Agganis Arena in Boston, Massachusetts when TNA Wrestling presents Slammiversary XI. This event signifies TNA Wrestling’s birthday as they celebrate 11 years in business. Not bad for a company that has suffered from ignorant wrestling fans declaring they would be out of business in “two to three weeks tops” for almost 11 years now. 

This is the third of four major pay-per-view events for TNA Wrestling in 2013 and the first pay-per-view event since TNA took Impact on the road full-time. After I felt outrage in the aftermath of March’s Lockdown, I quickly changed my tune thanks to TNA doing what it does best in the wrestling business – offering excellent storytelling. The TNA World Heavyweight Championship reign of Aces and Eights leader Bully Ray has been an excellent reign. Victories over Jeff Hardy in televised title defenses and wins in some big tag team matches have continued to right the ship on the entire TNA vs. Aces and Eights storyline. The angle will play a huge role at Slammiversary XI but is not the entire show. This card is loaded from top to bottom with some of the best in professional wrestling.

In this edition of The Highlight Reel, I am going to preview the card for tomorrow night’s huge pay-per-view spectacular. Who will win? Who should win? All of that and more in the Slammiversary XI preview.



AJ Styles vs. Kurt Angle – One of the greatest in-ring rivalries in professional wrestling history writes another chapter on Sunday when AJ Styles and Kurt Angle do battle in a good old-fashioned grudge match. Since returning to TNA Wrestling in March, AJ Styles has shown no allegiance to either TNA or Aces and Eights. In a similar vein to Sting’s saga with WCW and the nWo 16 years ago, Styles is his own man. Angle is tired of the silence – taking it as a sign of disrespect. A year after winning the tag titles at this event, Styles and Angle do battle against one another. Frankly, I believe the result of this match is a no brainer – AJ Styles wins. With Aces and Eights targeting both men, it would be foolish to say they will not play a role in this match. Ken Anderson has beef with both men. I would love seeing the match changed into a Triple Threat after early interference by Anderson but that is just me. In the end, Styles wins and gains more momentum for this lone wolf persona.

 

Taryn Terrell vs. Gail Kim in a Last Knockout Standing Match – These two women will offer a more hard-hitting Last Person Standing match than John Cena and Ryback delivered at the WWE Extreme Rules event in May. That is just a fact. I am not a big Gail Kim fan but she has really won me over in the last two months with her in-ring work and heel persona. Taryn is showing great promise in the ring in her own right. The rivalry between these two, which exploded at Lockdown, comes to a head in this brutal environment. It would not surprise me if TNA gives Taryn Terrell the win to help build her rising star status. However, if I were booking the match, Kim looks strong and dominant. Ultimately, I think Gail Kim and her ring post assisted-figure four leg lock do in the Hot Mess at Slammiversary.

 

Jeff Hardy / Magnus / Samoa Joe vs. D.O.C. / Garret Bischoff / Wes Brisco – This six-man tag team match between TNA and Aces and Eights could be one of the surprises of the night. All of these men can go in a six-man environment (even Bischoff). I believe the TNA squad of Hardy, Magnus, and Joe will win. Jeff Hardy is returning and sure to be in the championship hunt again quickly while both Magnus and Joe are preparing for sure spots in the Bound for Glory Series. I do not see TNA bookers dumb enough to job the three out to three of Aces and Eights’ lesser members. However, a good outing by D.O.C., Bischoff, and Brisco – even in a loss – would be huge for their careers.

 

Jay Bradley vs. Sam Shaw in the Gut Check Tournament Finals – I do not expect much from this match. Both are young, hungry, and are not established talent. However, one man will be among the 12 in the 2013 Bound for Glory Series with a win here. I think that Jay Bradley and his “boom stick” lariat clothesline are due for a push and a lot of television time. I believe Bradley will score the win and earn the opportunity. As long as TNA does not do something stupid with this like have it end with an Aces and Eights beat down of either competitor or some nonsense like that, I will be happy.

 

Devon (champion) vs. Joseph Park for the TNA Television Championship – Considering Devon never defends this title on television; I would love to see Park win the gold just for some fresh life into the championship. I am amazed with how much the Joseph Park character is over. It is funny but not in an annoying way; it is actually quite enjoyable. The flashes of Abyss we all see in Park only add to the character as you know it is only a matter of time before the Monster is unleashed full-time. I think TNA will have Devon retain his gold. However, if it was up to me, Joseph Park would gain his first championship gold at Slammiversary.

 

Kenny King (champion) vs. Chris Sabin vs. Suicide in an Ultimate X Match for the X-Division Championship – This match could steal the show as the match of the night. All three of these men can go among the best in the business. The only issue I have with the match is that it is an Ultimate X match when these three could have stolen the show in a simple Triple Threat match. The threat for injury is tremendously elevated in the Ultimate X environment and that is not a good thing for Chris Sabin – a man coming off two ACL injuries in the last two years. If injury does not play into the equation, I think Chris Sabin’s comeback story ends with gold at Slammiversary. Suicide – now with former Ring of Honor competitor TJ Perkins under the mask – will deliver some breath-taking moments while Kenny King’s natural athleticism will shine in this match. If I booked the match, King would retain via a shady manner so both opponents remain strong. However, I believe TNA pulls the gun on the title change and Chris Sabin wins his fifth X-Division title.

 

Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez (champions) vs. Austin Aries and Bobby Roode vs. Christopher Daniels and Kazarian vs. James Storm and Gunner in an Elimination Match for the TNA World Tag Team Championships – Without a doubt, this is the match I am most looking forward to seeing. This should be the match of the night. Gunner’s return to TNA and union alongside James Storm looks like a formidable pairing. While none of the teams fit the traditional mold of matching outfits and a team gimmick, three of the teams work wonderfully together and I have no doubts about the Storm/Gunner team doing so as well. I believe we will see new tag team champions at the end of the night. I would not be surprised to see one of the heel teams pick up the belts. However, when Slammiversary ends, I believe the “Cowboy” James Storm and “Mr. Intensity” Gunner will walk away with the TNA World Tag Team Championships. Storm has nothing going on in the single ranks currently while Gunner could blossom alongside the veteran. A run as World Tag Team Champions would only benefit both men.  This will be a frontrunner for match of the night.

 

Bully Ray (champion) vs. Sting in a No Holds Barred Match for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship – While this is the main event match, I think this is sixth in terms of matches I want to see on the card. There is one reason for that: Hulk Hogan. I have no doubts that TNA General Manager Hulk Hogan will have himself or that Neanderthal daughter of his, Brooke, booked as the center of attention for this championship match. I think this match will be a great brawl. Bully Ray is one of the great brawlers of all-time and a deserving world champion. Sting, even at 54 years old, is still one of the best in-ring competitors in the big game environment of pay-per-view main events. Sting can go with the best of them and elevates talent greatly. Knowing that, I hope that TNA does not allow the added stipulation of Sting never receiving another world championship match as justification to have Sting defeat Bully Ray. Sting needs to do for Bully Ray what he has done for Jeff Hardy, Ken Anderson, AJ Styles, and Bobby Roode. Sting needs to become the biggest victory yet for a new champion establishing his legacy. That is what I think will happen ultimately. Bully Ray retains. Sting puts him over. Hulk Hogan and Brooke Hogan somehow become the final story though in a move that steals the spotlight from the champion and tarnishes another TNA event.

Slammiversary is tomorrow night on PPV. If you consider yourself a professional wrestling fan, you will find a way to watch the biggest pay-per-view of the summer. Four championship matches. Ultimate X. The renewal of one of wrestling’s great rivalries. In addition, so much more. Slammiversary XI is going to be an outstanding par-per-view event. For the love of your wrestling soul, do not miss it.