The Katz Files Final Resolution Preview & Predictions
The Kingfish Arnie Katz gets you ready for TNA’s last pay per view before the arrival of Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff.
Final Resolution may be TNA’s most aptly named pay per view of 2009. It is likely to be the site of quite a few “final resolutions” of old story lines before the new regime takes control.
Making accurate predictions about a pay per view under these circumstances is just about impossible. The current bookers can do just about anything, secure in the knowledge that Hogan and Bischoff will change things radically on the January 4th iMPACT.
Final Resolution may well offer more clues about what’s in store for TNA fans after the turn of the year. It looks like the newcomers are already having some effect – look at all the recent turns – and a few additional early tweaks may sneak into the show.
Let’s look at the matches:
The Back Story:
My Prediction:
Predicted Grade:
Motor City Machineguns vs. The British Invasion
TNA World Tag Team Title Match
The Back Story: The British Invasion used every trick in the book to capture the title. Shelley and Sabin have more than a few tricks of their own.
My Prediction: This might be a goodtime to move the title to the Motor City Machine Guns. I believe they are getting ready to separate Rob Terry from Brutus Magnus and Doug Williams, so the Brits may blow the title due to a mistake by their ringside buddy.
Predicted Grade: B+
Tara vs. ODB
TNA Knockouts Title Match
The Back Story: These two women have been on a collision course for a couple of months. ODB has become rougher and tougher as she tries to fend off Tara’s challenge.
My Prediction: ODB is probably the better raw, but Tara presents a more appealing visual for promotional purposes. Either could hold the championship successfully, but I believe this match will end with ODB still champion – and pointed directly at Roxxi.
Predicted Grade: B+
Desmond Wolfe vs. Kurt Angle
Three Degrees of Pain Matches
The Back Story: Wolfe took deadly aim at the former Olympian from the minute he invaded TNA. This will be a grueling test for both men as each seeks to establish domination over the other.
My Prediction: Angle should win the first fall, because it’s a straight wrestling match, even though standard booking would be for the heel to get off to a fast start. I predict that TNA will opt for drama over logic and give the first fall to Wolfe, undoubtedly as a result of some sort of chicanery. Angle will take the second fall and somehow gain the third. This will set him up for his title match against AJ Styles.
Predicted Grade: A-
Scott Steiner vs. Bobby Lashley
Last Man Standing Match
The Back Story: Big Poppa Pump is a strong body, but a weak mind. Steiner is beset by the delusions that the Main Event Mafia still exists and that Mrs. Lashley wants to be his sex toy. The Boss will try to pound some sense into him.
My Prediction: We can only hope that this won’t be yet another match in which the heel menaces the wife to distract the husband before stealing the match from the worried spouse. Lashley seems the obvious choice, the only sensible choice, for winner, but Hogan may have other ideas.
Predicted Grade: B-
Mick Foley & Abyss vs. Raven & Dr. Stevie
Challenge Match
The Back Story: Foley and Abyss are allies again. This time they plan to put an end to both Raven and Dr. Stevie.
My Prediction: This looks like a surefire win for Foley and Abyss. Neither of the heels has done much in TNA, so there’s no reason to think they are going to suddenly get a big victory. Frankly, anything less than a big victory for the Foley and Abyss might be viewed as tantamount to sabotage.
Predicted Grade: B
D’Angelo Dinero, Matt Morgan, Suicide & Hernandez vs. Team 3D, Rhino & Jesse Neal
Eight-Man Elimination Match
The Back Story: These two groups have battled each other relentlessly. This elimination match should end the Group Feud, though there may be some individual scores left unsettled.
My Prediction: Does it really matter who wins? If it comes down to Jesse Neal and Suicide, for instance, either could take the pinning cover without much trouble. I would book it with D’Agelo Dinero turning heel and helping the heels wins the match by pinning his old enemy Suicide.
Predicted Grade: A-
Samoa Joe, Robert Roode, James Storm, Kevin Nash, Eric Young and Sheik Bashir vs. Kiyoshi, Homicide, Jay Lethal, Consequences Creed and Cody Deaner
Feast or Fired Match
The Back Story: One TNA performer will be leaving, while others will gain title shots. Who will rise and who will fall as a result of this unique match.
My Prediction: Here’s one tradition that Hogan can safely drop after he takes power. The candidates fort he exit pass are Cody Deanner and Kiyoshi, neither of whom would leave much of a hole in the roster. Samoa Joe gets the world title shot and Lethal takes the X Division briefcase.
Predicted Grade: B+
Daniels vs. AJ Styles
TNA World Heavyweight Title Match
The Back Story: These former friends are now bitter enemies, thanks to Samoa Joe’s machinations. Daniels will get a chance to unseat the champ in a one-on-one showdown.
My Prediction: The Phenomenal One will keep the belt, at least for now. It ought to be one tremendous match. There is one possible swerve. If Hulk has input, Daniels could win so that Angle could play face when the two clash for the belt.
Predicted Grade: A
That’s all for this installment of the Internet’s fastest-rising pro wrestling column. I’ll be back on Monday with my recap and analysis. I hope you’ll join me then and, please, bring your friends.
\– Arnie Katz
Crossfire4@cox.net
(12/19/09)