Predictions submitted by Matthew Evans, Alastair Sutherland & Doug Merchant:TNA World Heavyweight Championship Match:
AJ Styles W/ Ric Flair VS Samoa Joe (Special Guest Referee: Eric Bischoff)
Matthew:
“I’m not so sure about the new “heel” AJ Styles but what I’m certain of is that both he and Joe can “do the business” in the ring when the spotlight is upon them.
Flair being Styles’ corner man and Bischoff being the guest referee adds intrigue to the match and due to these factors, I think there will be some controversy in the finish. I think AJ will definitely retain his title.”
Winner: AJ Styles
Alastair:
“AJ to win with help from Flair but Hogan might do a run in.”
Winner: AJ Styles
Doug:
“AJ Styles needs to win this match in order to show that he belongs as the top man of the company. As much as a fan of Ric Flair as I may be, I am not sure about him being the manager for AJ, although I think that he does well as a manager overall. I see AJ retaining, with some help from Ric. (Although AJ may not want the help).”
Winner: AJ Styles
Tag-Team Grudge Match:
Team 3D VS The Nasty Boys
Matthew:
“I must admit that I have a fair amount of interest in this match as it features two big-name teams that have never fought (and when you think about it, The Nasty Boys were pretty violent for their time, they went as far as they could with their matches before tables, chairs and weapons became a regular thing, while Team 3D were the tag-team pioneers of table smashing and reckless brawling in the late 90’s/ new millennium).
However, Knobbs and Sags are now way past their prime and this “dream” match would have worked better a decade ago. That said, if TNA book this as a wild brawl (which I suspect they will), then there may be some entertainment value in there somewhere.”
Winners: Team 3D
Alastair:
“I think Team 3D will win this one.”
Winners: Team 3D
Doug:
“The Nasty Boys have long since left their best days behind them, and so have Team 3D. It should still be a half decent match, with a bit of intrigue behind it.”
Winners: Team 3D
The Finals Of The 8-Card Stud Tournament:
The Pope VS Desmond Wolfe
Matthew:
“These two have had great matches together in the past and it’s hard to pick a winner as TNA currently seems high on both men. At a push, I’ll pick “The Pope” as he’s been booked more favourably than Wolfe as of late.”
Winner: The Pope
Doug:
“This could be one of the best matches of the tournament, and the match that I think that I am the most divided on. I have to go for Dinero winning though, since he seems to be favoured by the Hogan/Bishoff regime.”
Winner: The Pope
Hernandez VS Matt Morgan
Matthew:
“Tag-Team Champions collide as “Super Mex” takes on “The Blueprint.” Another tough call, as TNA President Dixie Carter has reportedly been a big Hernandez supporter for a long time while Morgan is considered by some to be one of Hogan’s potential “personal projects” due to his size and look and his association with Hulk on American Gladiators.
Ultimately, I’m going to pick Matt Morgan as he in all likelihood will get a proper crack at the main event before Hernandez does.”
Winner: Matt Morgan
Doug:
“2 of the guys that TNA see as the future of the company, and decent "Big Men". I see a lot more potential in Morgan, so I will go for him to get the win.”
Winner: Matt Morgan
Kurt Angle VS Mr Anderson
Matthew:
“Anderson is the new guy in TNA and in my opinion has looked great so far, especially as an antagonist on the microphone. However, I can’t see him defeating “Olympic Gold Medallist” Kurt Angle, and at this stage in his TNA career, I don’t think he should.”
Winner: Kurt Angle
Doug:
“Kurt Angle has been one of the top contenders in TNA for quite some time, whereas Ken Anderson has just come in as part of the new regime. That being said, it makes the most sense to give the push to MISSSSTERRRRR.... Anderson... Anderson.”
Winner: Mr Anderson
Mick Foley VS Abyss
Matthew:
“Bischoff deliberately put Foley against his best friend to spite him for “being difficult” in regards to taking orders from his former WCW boss, and knowing how dejected Mick looked on “IMPACT!” this past week, I think that Foley will not give this match his all and will allow Abyss to beat him so he can offer him the opportunity to go all the way in the tournament.”
Winner: Abyss
Doug:
“Abyss and Mick Foley are supposed to be rather dysfunctional team now, so putting them up against each other just goes along with what TNA like to do best. Abyss needs the win more, but I foresee Mick winning, to lead to Abyss unmasking.”
Winner: Mick Foley
Plus The Semi-Finals (Based On Previous Predictions)
The Pope vs Matt Morgan
Matthew:
“Despite the size and strength difference, I see Pope overcoming the odds and upsetting “The Blueprint” to move on in the tournament.”
Winner: The Pope
Doug:
“I see Matt Morgan getting the win over the Pope in the second round here. It is a great chance to showcase what Matt can do when given a chance.”
Winner: Matt Morgan
Kurt Angle VS Abyss
Matthew:
“Angle and Abyss have had some wild matches in the past and if the tournament pans out this way, I predict similar things here.
Following a valiant effort from Abyss, I see Kurt forcing “The Monster” to tap out to the Ankle-Lock.”
Winner: Kurt Angle
Mr Anderson vs Mick Foley
Doug:
“I don't see this one being that hard to call, Mr Anderson will move on the to the finals.”
Winner: Mr Anderson
Final Match
The Pope VS Kurt Angle
Matthew:
“This would make a superb final match. The crowd would be divided over whom to cheer for. I truly believe that if the tournament goes this way, The Pope will emerge victorious and will swagger his way to a TNA World Heavyweight Championship Match.”
Winner: The Pope
Mr Anderson VS Matt Morgan
Doug:
“If my predictions for the tournament play out as I suspect, then the finals will come down to Mr Anderson vs Matt Morgan. Mr Anderson is the man that is being pushed as the best new talent in TNA and is my choice to win the tournament.”
Winner: Mr Anderson
Alastair:
“In regards to the 8-Card Stud Tournament overall, I suspect either Mr Anderson or Kurt Angle will win it.”
Winner: Mr Anderson Or Kurt Angle
Source: http://www.firetank.com/smashwrestling/
