Shannon: My Sacrifice Predictions!
Our resident philosopher, Jay Shannon, gives his views on this Sunday’s TNA Pay-Per-View
This year’s Sacrifice really only has four “matches”: the World Title match, The Knockout Make-over match, the tag team tournament and Terrordome. I’m going to do my best to decipher this somewhat chaotic situation and make my choices in the matches.
The Deuces Wild Tag Team Tournament
As of Friday morning, we know six of the eight teams for this match. Kip James & Matt Morgan and Sting & James Storm were partnered on Thursday’s Impact. The other four teams were set earlier. Those teams are: Team 3D, LAX, A.J. Styles & Eric Young, and Christian Cage & Rhino. The other four stars that have yet to be paired are Booker T, Robert Roode, BG James and Awesome Kong.
First, let me suggest how I think the last four individuals will be paired up. Booker T and Roode are likely to be teamed up. This tournament seems to be tilted towards teaming enemies together. That would leave BG and Kong as the final team.
The final two teams, in my opinion, will be LAX and Sting/Storm. Most of the make-shift teams will likely implode somewhere along the way. The final match will be an excellent see-saw battle that will see LAX come out on top. LAX is getting too heavily pushed to not take the match. LAX would have several great contenders lined up to face them. Team 3D, Cage/Rhino, Storm/Roode, and others would give the latinos a run for their money. TNA really pushes the tag titles, so they need a good team to walk out of Sacrifice with the titles.
Predicted Winner: LAX
Predicted Grade: A
“Black Machismo” Jay Lethal v Sonjay Dutt v Curry Man v Shark Boy v Kaz v Consequences Creed v Alex Shelley v Chris Sabin v Jimmy Rave v Johnny Devine
The Terrordome Match
This match is the next generation of the various X-matches that TNA has created. This should not be confused with the World Class Terrordome which was a match where three cages were placed inside each other. The winner of that match had to get to the center cage to win. In this match, the goal is to navigate through the twisted steel to reach the escape hole at the top.
When choosing a winner, you have to look for the quickest and more agile. I’m going for Kaz in this one. When he lost in the opening round of the Deuces Wild Tournament, I figured that there was another plan for Kid Lightning. Kaz is due a title shot for all his hard work for the company. His tag team title run was short-circuited by the whole Eric/Super Eric mess. Kaz would make a fantastic X-Division champion. Since Petey Williams’ ability to wrestle is still questionable, Kaz may end up taking out Petey so he can have time to heal.
Predicted Winner: Kaz
Predicted Grade: A+
ODB v Gail Kim v Traci Brooks v Jacqueline Moore v Angelina Love v Velvet Sky v Roxxi Laveaux v Christy Hemme v Salinas
Knockout Make-over Battle Royal
This match is a two-parter. The winner of the match will get a title shot against Kong. The runner-up will get her head shaved. Gail Kim won immunity against losing her hair, thanks to a Pole Match win on Impact.
When choosing who will get the title shot, I think it’s time for someone new to go up against Kong. Kong has destroyed just about everyone in her path. She really needs to battle a fresh star that has some experience. Jacqueline Moore was a multiple time WWE Women’s champion. She has been so under-used since becoming James Storm’s valet. Jacqueline would be the best choice to take the win.
As far as losing her hair, I think Gail Kim’s immunity will come into play. I think that immunity protection will force ODB to lose her hair. ODB just seems the most likely to agree to losing her hair. It could also set up a feud between Gail and ODB. ODB would be upset that she lost her hair because of Gail.
Predicted Winner: Jacqueline Moore
Predicted Loser: ODB
Predicted Grade: C
Samoa Joe v Kurt Angle v Scott Steiner
Triple Threat World Title Match
This match is going to be brutal and nasty. Frank Trig, Rick Steiner and Kevin Nash are all going to accompany their men to the ring. This one should be simple to call, but it’s not. Kur Angle has been an excellent champion, in the past. It makes sense that he would be the champ. Samoa Joe had to beat Kurt at Lockdown to save his career. That desire isn’t there for this one.
Scott Steiner is hungry. He hasn’t held a major singles title in quite some time. He would love to get back on top. Taking the title from Joe would definitely put him right back at the top of the rock. Also, Rick will be at Scott’s side. Of all the seconds, Rick is the best of the bunch. I just don’t know if Scott has what it takes to upset either Joe or Angle.
Joe needs a lengthy reign to cement himself as a quality competitor. Dropping the title to either Kurt or Scott would massively derail his momentum. The problem is that Joe doesn’t have to be pinned to lose the title. Angle could take out Steiner and end up champion.
In the final analysis, I have to go with the champ to retain. Joe should over-run Kurt to get the best push for his career. Steiner just simply isn’t in the same league as Kurt or Joe. Steiner should join with Petey and go after the tag titles. Somehow, Joe will pull a rabbit out of the hat and take the win.
Predicted Winner: Samoa Joe
Predicted Grade: B
Final Grade: B
Final Thoughts: This Pay-per-view isn’t going to be all that spectacular. The tag tourney is going to be lackluster, at best. No one really cares who is going to get their head shaved. No matter who takes the win in the Knockout match, she will likely end up another of Kong’s victim. It would make no sense for Joe to drop the title, at this point. The only match that should be interesting is the new Terrordome match. That will be the match of the night.
– Jay Shannon
JayofPWD@SBCGlobal.net
(5/9/08)
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