World X Cup Preview
Team Japan def. Team USA
If there is anything TNA knows how to do, it is start off it's pay-per-view events. This match was surprisingly
fantastic. Team Japan consisted of Black Tiger, Minoru Tanaka, and Hirooki Goto while Sonjay Dutt, Jay Lethal, and
Alex Shelley represented the USA. The Japanese wrestlers were simply amazing and worked very well in the right with
their American counterparts. This match featured some very amazing spots that will be sure to make this year's World
X Cup that much more exciting.
X Division Match
Senshi (mystery opponent) def. "The Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels
Senshi (formerly Low-Ki) came back to TNA and looked like he hadn't missed a step. Not too many fans caught on with
his new ring name, though. The two former tag team partners worked very well. A feud between this two is sure to follow
with the finish this match had. If so, I look forward to many great matches.
Arm Wrestling Challenge
"Bullet" Bob Armstrong def. Konnan
The arm wrestling part was boring and the lashings right after wasn't much better until B.G. James semi-"Brocked"
when he called Kip James "Billy". The typical LAX vs. James Gang brawl finished this part of the PPV.
Six-way Xscape Match
Chris Sabin def. Petey Williams, Elix Skipper, Chase Stevens, Shark Boy, and Puma
This was your typical every man for himself match with each wrestler being eliminated until only two remained. Victory
then meant escaping from the cage. This match featured some great spots which made good use of the cage and the final
two ended up being Sabin and Williams...who never have a bad match when they face each other.
TNA X Division Championship
Samoa Joe (Champion) def. Sabu
This turned out to be a "safe" match...at least by Sabu's standards since he had a broken arm. Nevertheless, this
hardcore legend wrestled anyway and put on a decent match with Joe. This match was more straight up wrestling than
anything else, but was still good.
Capture the Flag Anthem Match
Team 3D def. Team Canada
It's been a long time since I've seen a Flag match but this one was awesome. This Six-man Tag match was very entertaining.
Brother Runt (formerly Spike Dudley) hasn't missed a step in his time away from the ring and ended up being a key part
of this match. There were some technical issues with the US National Anthem after the match so the fans sang
"The Star-Spangeled Banner" without music which was awesome.
NWA World Heavyweight Championship
Christian Cage (Champion) def. Abyss
Oh the things that can happen when Christian Cage gets a little bit of freedom. This match turned into a hardcore match
after Abyss introduced thumbtacks...twice! The biggest spot of this match was Cage's frog splash off the top of the cage.
Lethal Lockdown
Sting, AJ Styles, Ron Killings, and Rhino def. Jeff Jarrett, Scott Steiner, and America's Most Wanted
This match has to be seen to be believed. Once all eight men were in the ring and the weapon filled top of the cage
was put in place, the real magic began. I won't say what happened, but if AJ Styles wasn't a wrestling legend already,
he is now.
Overall: A pay-per-view with nothing but steel cages? A bad idea? For the second year in a row, the stars of TNA were impressive in what looks to be a new major wrestling event. The 2006 version featured some great matches and brought the crowd in attendance on their feet and me on the edge of my seat. TNA just gets better from one month to the next and I can't wait to see what is coming next. And I am already looking forward to this event next year.
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