Predictions from the Faculty
TNA Slammiversary X Edition
June 10, 2012
Predictions by: Wrestleview Columnists and Staff
Written by: Anthony J. Valvo of Wrestleview.com
Introduction
Welcome to the Round #9 of “Predictions from the Faculty” (Season #4). This weekend, we gathered our thoughts for the upcoming TNA Pay-Per-View, as we will provide our selections for the 10th Anniversary of TNA, Slammiversary X! The show will be held at College Park Center in Arlington, TX.
The card is currently booked to have nine matches.
In case you are new to reading these predictions, here is the format. Each Pay-Per-View a few of the columnists, recappers, and radio hosts at Wrestleview provide predictions on who they think will win the matches. We accumulate the records throughout the end of the Faculty’s year (in this case, the 2013 Royal Rumble or WreslteMania XXIX as we are unsure of the decision).
What makes this entirely different to others is that you, the reader, can provide your picks for a spot to have yours posted in an upcoming PPV. You can participate by contacting me in any means under the “Dismissal” portion of this piece. The winner among the “Wrestleview Students” will win an opportunity to post their picks as a “Student of the Week” (if they outright defeat the reigning Students of the Week). We all thank you for your participation.
Tie-Breakers will determine standings!
I have decided to prevent some tiebreakers, I will issue points to Title Matches that are predicted correctly. There will be three championship matches on the card, so the maximum amount of points to go along with the win/loss standing will be THREE points. Also, if I throw out a pick for a championship, then obviously no bonus will be counted for that particular match.
But wait, to the Wrestleview “students”, there is more!
I got approval for this decision, and for the SECOND time in our four seasons the students will compete for PRIZES!!! That is right; we felt that your loyalty to the article shall be rewarded. However, the prizes* will not be handed out until the FINAL PPV Prediction of the season (which will be WWE’s Royal Rumble 2013). So not only will one get a chance to earn a Gold Star and be a part of this game, but it will be for a competition.
*Prizes go out to the top three (the most picked correctly and if needed tiebreaker points) positions and the worst (most matches picked incorrectly with the fewest tiebreaker points).
The 2012-2013 Wrestleview Staff Standings (As of WWE Over the Limit)
1) Nick Gray (Independent Roundtable Host)………………………………………44-10 (6-0)
2) Evan O’Brien (WV International Desk)………………………………………………42-12 (6-0)
3) Josh Boutwell (Impact Recaps/Viva La Raza)…………………………………40-14 (4-2)
4) David Stephens (WWE Raw Recaps/Teacher’s Lounge)………………………39-15 (5-1)
5) Anthony Valvo (From the Desk of Mr. V/Teacher’s Lounge)…………..39-15 (6-0)
6) Jason Namako (ROH/Superstars/FCW Recaps/Ind. Round. Host)……39-15 (5-1)
7) Greg McNeish (WV International Desk/WV Telemundo)……………………37-17 (6-0)
8) Matt O’Brien (Notes from the Nosebleeds/WV Polls)…………………………36-18 (5-1)
9) Darragh O’Connor (WV International Desk)…………………………………….36-18 (6-0)
10) Wrestleview Readers……………………………………………………………………………36-18 (5-1)
11) Gregory “Grash” Walek (WWE NXT Recapper)……………………………………34-20 (5-1)
12) Jose Marrero (Wrestling Rumblings/Eye Gouge)…………………………………33-15 (NR)
13) Mike Tedesco (WWE Smackdown Recapper/WV Telemundo)……………31-9 (6-0)
Tie-Breaker Points – Which are based on Championship matches correct
26: Nick Gray; Evan O’Brien; Dave Stephens
24; Josh Boutwell; Anthony Valvo
23: Matt O’Brien; Jason Namako; Greg McNeish
21: Darragh O’Connor
20: Gregory “Grash” Walek
19: Jose Marrero; Mike Tedesco
The Best of the Class (Top 3 earn a prize. Tie-Breaker Points in parentheses)
**To the Top Three and the person with the most incorrect picks please contact me and we will talk about what prize you will receive.**
Just an update: One of the prizes was shipped. Still hearing word on the others.
Prizes:
1st Place – A DVD Set of our choosing (max 3 disc set).
2nd Place – A T-Shirt
3rd Place – A Coffee Mug
Worst – TNA Victory Road 2009 (or 2011) DVD.
Current Season “Fave Five” (as of WWE Over the Limit)
Wrestleview Readers Predictions (as of WWE Over the Limit)
1) Bob Zabran……………………………………………43-11 (6-0) (26)
2) Damon Clark………………………………………..42-12 (6-0) (27)
3) Wade Bradford………………………………………41-13 (6-0) (24) (SOTW due to 6-0 Over The Limit score)
4) Ryan Rivera………………………………………….40-14 (5-1) (25)
5) Jamie Sowter……………………………………….40-14 (6-0) (23)
Our Student of the Week this week is Wade Bradford. Mr. Bradford went a perfect 6-0 as the Student of the Week at Over the Limit. With that, he retained his “good standing”.
As of Press Time, Greg McNeish (my sincere condolences), Jose Marrero, and Mike Tedesco did not provide predictions. If they e-mails them, I will post them in the “comments”.
Predictions for TNA Slammiversary X
(Note: N/A means that a person’s picks are “not available” at the moment).
*** Non-Title Matches ***
Singles Match
Hernandez vs. Kid Kash
Nick G. – HERNANDEZ.
Evan O. – HERNANDEZ.
Josh B. – HERNANDEZ.
David S. – HERNANDEZ would win in real life, plus I like him.
Anthony V. – HERNANDEZ. He is awesome and no one can change my mind.
Jason N. – HERNANDEZ.
Greg M. – N/A.
Matt O. – HERNANDEZ.
Darragh O. – KID KASH.
Grash – HERNANDEZ.
Jose M. – N/A.
Mike T. – N/A.
Wade B. – Who’s doing what to who? Isn’t this one of TNA’s biggest PPVs of the year? Then why is it being booked like somebody just threw darts at pictures on a wall? Half these matches make no sense. As for this one… uh. HERNANDEZ wins, because he’s, like, bigger and stuff.
CONSENSUS: HERNANDEZ 9-1. The match was simply thrown together, and the vast majority believe that Super Mex will be the winner.
Open Challenge Match
Crimson vs. TBA
(Staff had an option, for no credit, on who the “TBA” will be).
Nick G. – CRIMSON (TBA: Matt Morgan).
Evan O. – CRIMSON.
Josh B. – CRIMSON (TBA will be Matt Morgan).
David S. – CRIMSON totally wins against Christian?
Anthony V. – Man, Crimson has been cocky on the mic (but still not there). The streak has to end, and now is a good time to finally put an end to it. Matt Morgan is the man to do it. So I am going with TO BE ANNOUNCED to win the challenge. Fingers crossed.
Jason N. – Whoever accepts Crimson’s open challenge (TBA).
Greg M. – N/A.
Matt O. – TBA (TBA will be Brooke Hogan).
Darragh O. – CRIMSON.
Grash – CRIMSON (Crimson will face Christian).
Jose M. – N/A.
Mike T. – N/A.
Wade B. – I think “The Streak” has gone about as far as it’s gonna go. The act’s getting old, it’s a major PPV, and the way Crimson kept bragging on Thursday made me think he’s going down. For him to just plow through somebody else would be tired and boring. The MYSTERY OPPONENT wins. Probably Matt Morgan.
CONSENSUS: CRIMSON 6-4. It is nowhere near a runaway. Many in the world believe that Crimson’s streak will end soon. However, in a split decision he gets the victory over the mystery guest.
Singles Match
Bully Ray vs. Joseph Park
Nick G. – BULLAY~!
Evan O. – BULLY RAY.
Josh B. – RAY.
David S. – I hope Abyss runs in to interfere. PARK wins.
Anthony V. – What I saw on Impact was interesting with Abyss on the screen to yell at both wrestlers (I know it is Park is Abyss, don’t send me letters). JOSEPH PARK unleashes his inner monster and puts an end to this feud. Bully is set for other things.
Jason N. – JOSEPH PARK.
Greg M. – N/A.
Matt O. – JOSEPH PARK.
Darragh O. – JOSEPH PARK.
Grash – JOSEPH PARK.
Jose M. – N/A.
Mike T. – N/A.
Wade B. – The lamest secret identity since Clark Kent is exposed. Parks takes off his glasses, his teeth, puts on the mask, and Abyss destroys Ray. JOSPEH PARK/ABYSS wins.
CONSENSUS: PARK 7-3. In what may be a shock to the readers, the majority of the staff pick “the lawyer” over the “experienced professional wrestler”. Will there be an Abyss sighting? The majority believes so, especially for Slammiversary.
Tag Team Match
Devon and Garett Bischoff vs. Robbie E and Robbie T
Nick G. – TEAM GARETT.
Evan O. – DEVON AND GARETT BISCHOFF.
Josh B. – DEVON & GARETT.
David S. – I have a bad feeling that DEVON AND GARETT are going to win.
Anthony V. – DEVON and GARETT. I don’t want them to win, but TNA is pushing Garett to those that get a reaction with the crowd. Devon gets a crowd reaction. Problem solved.
Jason N. – THE ROBBIES.
Greg M. – N/A.
Matt O. – DEVON AND GE.
Darragh O. – ROBBIE E AND ROBBIE T.
Grash – DEVON AND GARETT BISCHOFF.
Jose M. – N/A.
Mike T. – N/A.
Wade B. – Why isn’t this match the main event? Somebody seriously messed up with that booking. I think it’s obvious to everyone Garrett’s the one Rayne’s crushing on. Maybe she helps, maybe she doesn’t. It’s not like they need her to. DEVON AND GARETT win.
CONSENSUS: DEVON and BISCHOFF 8-2. The one obvious prediction is that both Robbies will wear the same sweater. However, the wardrobe choice will be the only thing the Robbies win, as the staff predict Devon and Garett as the winners.
Singles Match
Austin Aries vs. Samoa Joe
Nick G. – JOE.
Evan O. – AUSTIN ARIES.
Josh B. – ARIES.
David S. – I’d like to see ARIES win, he’ll lose, but I’d like to see him win
Anthony V. – Five years ago Joe would crush ARIES in 2 minutes. And this started over water? WATER?!?!?! Since Aries is the X Division Champion and Destination X is the next PPV, I am going with Aries. It could be a match of the night candidate.
Jason N. – JOE.
Greg M. – N/A.
Matt O. – AUSTIN ARIES.
Darragh O. – AUSTIN ARIES.
Grash – AUSTIN ARIES.
Jose M. – N/A.
Mike T. – N/A.
Wade B. – My God, the X-division desperately needs a second guy to step up. Right now, the X-division consists of Aires, his title, and that’s it. He’s the champion of himself. Why is Joe mad at him? Who even cares? Who booked this match? AUSTIN ARIES wins.
CONSENSUS: ARIES 8-2. Everyone but the hosts of “The Independent Roundtable” went with The Greatest Man That Ever Lived. It may be wise to go with The X-Division Champion as the victor in what could be a good match.
3-Way Match to determine the #1 Contender for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship
Jeff Hardy vs. Rob Van Dam vs. Mr. Anderson
Nick G. – ANDERSON.
Evan O. – JEFF HARDY.
Josh B. – JEFFERY NERO HARDY.
David S. – It’s time for JEFF HARDY to have another run, I’m feeling it.
Anthony V. – ANDERSON. This is a random guess. I am going with the fact that Anderson is the (sorta) heel and will get a cheap pin off of Van Dam after RVD hits Hardy with a 5-Star Frog Splash.
Jason N. – ANDERSON.
Greg M. – N/A.
Matt O. – JEFF HARDY.
Darragh O. – JEFF HARDY.
Grash – MR. ANDERSON.
Jose M. – N/A.
Mike T. – N/A.
Wade B. – This match is just a popularity contest for the title match on Thursday, and in a popularity contest we all know who’s winning. JEFF HARDY wins.
CONSENSUS: JEFF HARDY with 6 picks (Anderson received 4 and Van Dam did not get any picks). Hardy is arguably their most popular wrestler and it would make for good television on Thursday. Hardy vs. the TNA Champion should be a good drawing point, which is why the split majority are going with Hardy as the winner.
*** Championship Matches ***
Singles Match for the TNA Knockouts Championship
Gail Kim (c) vs. Brooke Tessmacher
Nick G. – GAIL.
Evan O. – GAIL KIM.
Josh B. – GAIL.
David S. – Brooke has gotten a surprising amount of press for this match. Still, I think KIM retains.
Anthony V. – KIM. I won’t be shocked if Tessmacher wins, but on this show it would not make sense. Kim has been there for years, while Tessmacher was there how long?
Jason N. – TESSMACHER.
Greg M. – N/A.
Matt O. – GAIL KIM.
Darragh O. – GAIL KIM.
Grash – GAIL KIM.
Jose M. – N/A.
Mike T. – N/A.
Wade B. – Mickie James showed signs of a jealous heel turn, so the title needs to be on a face. Besides, I think they want to have a title change to make Brooke look good at her first PPV (hold on, can’t stop laughing). MISS TESSMACHER wins the KO title.
CONSENSUS: KIM 8-2. Though Tessmacher got the upper hand more times than any other Knockout against Gail Kim, the vast majority predict that the champion retains her title.
Tag Team Match for the TNA World Tag Team Championship
Christopher Daniels and Kazarian (c’s) vs. AJ Styles and Kurt Angle
Nick G. – DANIELS/KAZ.
Evan O. – KAZARIAN AND CHRISTOPHER DANIELS.
Josh B. – KAZ & DANIELS.
David S. – This is a tough one for me. I decided on two rules for TNA PPVs this year. 1: Champions are statistically more likely to retain, b: Never pick against AJ Styles. This puts those theories in direct conflict. I’m going to say that the AJ rule trumps all. (Winners: AJ AND KURT).
Anthony V. – KAZ/DANIELS – I don’t think the feud ends. If Kazarian and Daniels were to lose the tag titles, it would go to AJ and Angle, but on Impact Wrestling. I think this smells “dusty finish”.
Jason N. – AJ/ANGLE.
Greg M. – N/A.
Matt O. – KAZ AND DANIELS.
Darragh O. – KAZARIAN AND CHRISTOPHER DANIELS.
Grash – AJ STYLES AND KURT ANGLE.
Jose M. – N/A.
Mike T. – N/A.
Wade B. – This feud’s just getting started, and it would be premature to give the belts to Styles and Angle right now. I think Dixie’s husband interferes with the weakest punch known to man, knocking Styles out with “The Whiff”, and sides with the champs. KAZ AND DANIELS retain.
CONSENSUS: KAZARIAN and DANIELS 7-3. AJ and Angle are good contenders to win the World Tag Team Titles, but in the end there might be a cheating finish that would lead the champs to retain…this time around.
Singles Match for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship
Bobby Roode (c) vs. Sting
Nick G. – ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOODE.
Evan O. – BOBBY ROODE.
Josh B. – ROODE.
David S. – I’ve put a little bit of thought into it, emphasis on little bit, and I’m going to have to go with ROODE.
Anthony V. – ROODE. Sting is wrestling well at the moment, but he does not need the title. Roode wins the title, and I think James Storm makes his return either tonight or on Thursday. Storm will be the “next-in-line”.
Jason N. – ROODE.
Greg M. – N/A.
Matt O. – ROODE.
Darragh O. – BOBBY ROODE.
Grash – BOBBY ROODE.
Jose M. – N/A.
Mike T. – N/A.
Wade B. – So, you could put the title around Sting’s aging waist, or keep it on one of the hottest heels in the biz today, whose stock keeps going up with each tainted win. BOBBY ROODE retains.
CONSENSUS: ROODE 10-0. Surprisingly out of the entire card this was the only match were all staff members agreed on the outcome. Roode retains easily.
Dismissal
Well, that does it for THE NINTH ROUND of “Predictions from the Faculty” for the 2012-2013 season.
And remember students, this is YOUR column too! Please present to me your choices and the winner of each PPV will be granted approval to join us to provide picks for the next PPV.
Well, that does it for us, class. On behalf of my peers on Wrestleview I bid you farewell. We will be taking a well-deserved 7-day recess and will be back with our predictions for the next PPV of Season #4, WWE No Way Out! As always, thank you for reading our predictions. Now go and enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Be sure to check out all the VIP material before TNA Slammiversary! For $4.99 a month you get so much for your money, including this weekend’s Pay-Per-View Post-Show hosted by Dave Stephens and Mike Tedesco. For more visit vip.wrestleview.com.
Thank you for reading and to those that do, participated in the column. We appreciate your feedback.
Once again, here is how you can join in on our predictions game. Please use these methods. If you post them under the “comments”, they will NOT be counted.
Facebook: Inbox Message to Anthony J. Valvo
Facebook: Leave your picks on my “Desk of Mr. V” Page
E-Mail: mistervwv@hotmail.com
Twitter: @TheMisterV
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