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411 PPV Roundtable Preview – TNA Destination X 2012
Welcome, 411 wrestling readers, to 411Mania’s TNA Pay-Per-View Roundtable! This month, TNA presents Destination X as Austin Aries exchanges his X-Division Championship for a shot at Bobby Roode’s World Championship! Plus Christopher Daniels versus AJ Styles in a last man standing match, an old feud is renewed when Samoa Joe faces Kurt Angle, and a new X-Division Champion will be crowned in Ultimate X!
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Here is our crack staff of analysts here with your Destination X Roundtable:
And your’s truly, Greg DeMarco!
THE CARD:
A New X-Division Champion Will Be Crowned
Format: Eight wrestlers will battle in four single matches in the opening round of the tournament. The four winners will advance to the championship match that evening where the X-Division title will hang in the balance in Ultimate X!
Participants Announced:
Zema Ion, Kid Kash, Douglas Williams, Rashad Cameron, Sonjay Dutt, Flip Casanova, Kenny King, and a final qualifier
TJ Hawke: These matches should be a lot of fun, and I hope that they all get some time to play out. The sprints on Impact have been for debuts, but PPV matches should get more time unless they are squashes. I also want to say that I am glad that Kenny King didn’t get blocked by ROH from appearing.
Ultimate X Participants: Zema Ion, Sonjay Dutt, Kenny King, Kid Kash
New X-Division Champion: Zema Ion
James Wright:After slating TNA last month and being delightfully proved wrong (although I’ll still stand by the statement that for a 10th anniversary it was pretty poorly booked) as Slammiversary was actually a solid PPV, TNA is continuing the trend of a lightly built PPV that focuses more on match quality than storytelling. However when it comes to the X Division this is a good thing since it is all about the fast paced action, and not so much about the story behind it so this PPV could really work. Again I may be proved wrong but this tournament to crown a new X Division champion is certainly a step in the right direction. I could criticize TNA for not having enough on air X Division talent and having to bring a bunch of guys in that no one knows, but it’s hard to criticize a company for giving new talent a shot at the big time. I will say though that once again they are cutting it a little close and making it really hard for us to talk about these PPVs when they leave most of their booking to the show JUST BEFORE it.
Ultimate X Participants: Well again since not all of the participants have been announced yet (as of the time I’m writing this at least) it is hard to pick this. However I would like to see Zema Ion, Douglas Williams and Sonjay Dutt in the match with another guy thrown in, if I could pick anyone it would be The Brian Kendrick but that is pretty unlikely at this point (It will probably be Kazarian). In the end I think if there was more substance to the division then this could have all been held on Impact and we could have just had an 8-man Ultimate X match for the title, which would be in the true spirit of the division, but this isn’t really a bad way to pad the PPV out really. Still assuming that he gets in The Guru is my emotional favorite because I always thought he was massively underrated and he has the storyline behind him of returning and having never won the title before, so he gets my vote to win the whole thing.
New X-Division Champion: Sonjay Dutt
Michael Weyer: A bit complicated in the rules but a great mix of guys who can give us some great bouts. With three spots yet to be announced, could be a suprise entry who will win it all but I think TNA will want someone a bit more established. In which case, I believe Zema Ion will get it as they’ve done a great job building him up and be amazing to see a fresh face with the title. This is a good way to build up a new champ and keep the X Division alive.
Ultimate X Participants: Ion, Williams, Dutt and one of the mystery entrys to keep it more wild.
New X-Division Champion: Zema Ion
Stephen Randle: With Aries gone, it really showcases how thin the X Division is right now, which is a shame since we’re headed into the “X Division PPV”. By my count we’re still short one guy (unless they announced him and I missed it), but I think this one is Ion’s to lose, since there’s a bunch of possibilities for feuds involving the guy “too reckless for the X Division”.
Ultimate X Participants: Zema Ion, Dutt, Kenny King, the 8th Man
New X-Division Champion: Zema Ion
Greg DeMarco: After two exciting weeks of Impact Wrestling’s Destination X Qualifying Matches, we now have a (nearly) full field! I’d say that week one was a little more exciting than week two, but the second installment likely featured the breakout star of the bunch—Kenny King. I don’t want to give anything away, but I fully expect a big showing from “The Pretty Boy Pitbull.” Methinks we might have Austin Aries to thank for this one.
The field currently sits at seven, with King being joined by fellow qualifers Sonjay Dutt, Rashad Cameron, and Flip Casanova—along with established X-Division stars Zema Ion, Kid Kash, and Douglas Williams. The first round pairings weren’t available at the time of this writing, and the final spot will be filled by the winner of a final qualifier on the PPV itself between qualifier losers Rubix, Mason Andrews, Dakota Darsow and Lars Only.
This is a hard one to really get a prediction around. But here goes…
Ultimate X Participants: Kenny King, Rashad Cameron, Douglas Williams and Zema Ion
New X-Division Champion: Kenny King (and a star is born)
411Mania Roundtable Consensus: Zema Ion (3-1-1, others including Sonjay Dutt and Kenny King)
Bound For Glory Series: Samoa Joe vs. Kurt Angle
TJ Hawke: It’s hard to believe their first match was almost six years ago. Man how time flies by when you waste it caring about wrestling. This should be great. I’m OK with either man winning, but I’m guessing that…
Winner: Kurt Angle
James Wright: Much like Aries vs. Joe last month this has had very little build but will clearly be an awesome match. Although this time there is the added storied history in TNA and the BFG series setting where both will clearly be going for submission. The only question is whether we will get a repeat of last year and have us see Joe lose the match because he is too preoccupied with the 10 points to take the 7 point win and cost himself the match. While this is likely I am going to go with the surprise reversal where we see the same thing happen to Angle and we see Joe reverse an Ankle Lock into a quick pin, because that would show Joe to have learnt more and would really make him look strong in the series, it would also protect Angle from having to tap as a face).
Winner: Samoa Joe (Not by Submission)
Michael Weyer: Remember five years ago when this was a dream match? These two are great together in the ring, we know that and this should be no different. Joe seems to be on a new push as of late, which he could use and against Angle is a good way to build him back up. I think Joe will get it but not the submission so not as many points as he could and keep this going a bit, which is always good for a PPV buy.
Winner: Samoa Joe
Stephen Randle: Looking at the standings going into D-X, especially with Storm losing a chance to gain more points on Thursday, and remembering that Joe and Storm shared a moment in their first match of the Series, I suspect they’re setting up Joe vs Storm for the final match to determine the winner.
Winner: Samoa Joe
Greg DeMarco: If there was one pairing to put on this card, it’s Joe-Angle. The two have an amazing history, and I don’t they’ve had a bad match together. Now there’s an additional stake—the Bound For Glory Series. Joe got off to a hot start—his major losses have both come to James Storm (final two in the BFG Series Gauntlet, Joe’s Open Fight Night Challenge). As for the match itself, I expect it to focus on the ground game, which will be a nice change of pace on this card. Angle is a name that will always be over, and the company seems focused on rebuilding Joe through the BFG Series. I almost get the sense TNA is preparing for life without some of the older stars. So I’m going with Joe here.
Winner: Samoa Joe (by pinfall, after a series of submission reversals)
411Mania Roundtable Consensus: Samoa Joe (4-1)
Last Man Standing Match
Christopher Daniels vs. AJ Styles
TJ Hawke: I assume Kaz will interfere to cost AJ the match. Not all of their matches over the years have been great, but I have a feeling this one may be. This angle is not something that I personally enjoy or want from pro-wrestling, but it at least has lead to a good series of matches.
Winner: Christopher Daniels
James Wright: Now I know these guy will put on another great match and I usually would be all for a long-running feud, but it just seems like for the entire past year it has just been AJ and Daniels squaring off because they don’t have anyone else to go against. At least it has been built upon from last year with the Last Man Standing stipulation. Hopefully AJ can get the big win here and we can finally put this rivalry behind us. Some people say that I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one.
Winner: AJ Styles
Michael Weyer: These two couldn’t put on a bad match if they tried so we’re in for a great encounter. As much as I loathe the storyline, these two have a great opportunity to cut loose and blow the roof off the joint with wild brawling mixed with great flying moves, no doubt using the Ultimate X for themselves. I see AJ getting the win to finally end this but should be in grand fashion.
Winner: The Phenomenal One
Stephen Randle: This whole thing is a soap opera and a half in terms of cheesiness, but at least we’ll get matches like this out of it. One would suspect Kazarian will play a role, and Styles will end up on the short end of the stick.
Winner: Christopher Daniels
Greg DeMarco: If you would have told me that AJ Styles vs. Christopher Daniels would be the match I was least looking forward to on a Destination X pay-per-view, I would have said you were nuts. Yet here we are. I know the match will deliver in the ring, but we’ve seen it so much lately. I would have preferred AJ get a partner since Kurt already has a match and involve Kazarian—or go with AJ vs. Kazarian for a change. the stipulation either means that we’re getting some shenanigans that advances the Claire storyline, or they just needed a new wrinkle to make this match seem special. I hate to say it, but I think this one will fail to live up to expectations. And I am a fan of the storyline. Daniels can’t seem to get one over on AJ on pay-per-view ever. So while the stipulation allows them to protect AJ in a loss, I think Styles comes out on top.
Winner: AJ Styles
411Mania Roundtable Consensus: AJ Styles (3-2)
TNA World Heavyweight Championship Match
Austin Aries vs. Bobby Roode (champion)
TJ Hawke: I think the story of Aries being forced to give up the X-Title was kind of great (even if the reasoning from Hogan seemed contrived). I assume Roode will win (especially since the long con is still Roode vs. Storm), but if nothing else, I hope this leads to Aries having a permanent spot in the TNA PPV Main Event group.
Winner: Bobby Roode
James Wright: I really am expecting great things here and the crowd should be super hot for this one. If they for some reason aren’t then they should be shot because these two guys are the best TNA has to offer right now and they are vying for the title. I think everyone is pretty certain that Aries has no chance in hell here as Roode vs. Storm at BFG writes itself. Maybe TNA will pull a swerve and have Roode chase Aries leading up to their biggest PPV of the year, but I think they are more inclined to set a negative standard for the X Division champion cashing in his belt for a shot at the world title since that is the type of thing that TNA like to do. Honestly the more I think about it the more I want Aries to win since I just think it would be better all around, but I’m still going with the skeptical, although admittedly still completely acceptable choice.
Winner: Bobby Roooooooooo!
Michael Weyer: Like many, I’m annoyed at the whole “Aries has to give up X Division belt” stip but am happy TNA recognizes his main event potential. It’d be wonderful if he gets the belt, fitting for the Greatest Man Who Ever Lived but I just don’t see it happening. It’s clear we’re on our way to a Roode/Storm rematch down the road so as much as I love Aries, Roode will retain here but at least Austin gets a needed boost from things and refreshing to have someone new in the main event at last.
Winner and STILL TNA World Champion: Bobby Roode
Stephen Randle: It’s too bad for Aries, who deserves the belt, but Roode’s reign is Storm’s to end at BFG, bringing this whole last year full circle. Hey, a year-long storyline that almost made sense the whole way through. Go figure.
Winner: Bobby Roode
Greg DeMarco: On this night Austin Aries attempts to trade in his Nissan for an Infiniti—the only problem is, if he loses he doesn’t get to keep the Nissan. I get that many people don’t understand why he has to relinquish the title to have this match. It’s simple—it’s a unique stipulation that makes Destination X special, and allows the division to be revamped on a yearly basis. The company had to reboot the division last year, and found themselves in the exact same position twelve months later. They had to do something different to keep the division relevant and allow it to evolve along with their current product. And this is it.
As for the match, I suspect that it will be an amazing encounter. A possible match of the year candidate. Aries is on top of his game—doing the best work of his career and being given a big stage on which to perform. It’s crazy that he nearly called it quits less than eighteen months ago. Bobby Roode? He’s the longest reigning champion in American televised wrestling not named Austin Aries, and he’s one of the best performers in the world today. But he has a showdown with James Storm at Bound For Glory that has to happen. In fact, if it doesn’t happen, it’s a crime. On the flip side, I feel that for this stipulation to really mean something in future years, Aries has to win here. The underdog story won’t sell pay-per-views each year, but the legitimate threat will. Austin Aries can handle a loss far easier than the X-Division can. So what do you do? I think you give Austin Aries the win, and allow the X-Division to carry him on their shoulders. Then he loses at or before the next pay-per-view. Aries transitions into an eventual Bound For Glory feud with Kurt Angle, and we still have our Bound For Glory showdown between James Storm and Bobby Roode.
Winner: Austin Aries captures the TNA World Heavyweight Championship
411Mania Roundtable Consensus: Bobby Roode (4-1)
Is it worth buying?
TJ Hawke: If there was ever a TNA PPV worth buying, this may be the one. However, they are still just too damn expensive.
Buy or No Buy: No Buy but it will probably be worth a watch.
James Wright: Once again could have been booked a lot better by actually spending some time building up to the event rather than starting the BFG series and then going ‘F*ck! We’ve got that X Division themed PPV next month, what the hell are we going to do there?!’ and throwing together this tournament idea. Still I expect some great matches and high spots galore, and hell a bunch of relative unknowns on a PPV is better than having Abyss wrestle for the X Division title so whatever. The title match should definitely be one to watch and we can only hope that Aries is leaving (?) the X Division in good hands.
Buy or No Buy: Buy (Once again it’s free in England so that’s easy for me to say, well even if it wasn’t it would only be £15, you Americans are mugs!)
Michael Weyer: Last year’s Destination X was the best TNA PPV of 2011 as it focused totally on the Division. Cutting out stuff we hate (like Hardy, Anderson, Bully Ray, etc) for the X guys is good and the idea of a new champ being crowned is promising. The Roode/Aries bout should also be great to show Aries’ rise and the possibility of an upset and you can’t go wrong with Styles/Daniels or Joe/Angle. So I say buy it and hope TNA gives us another winner.
Buy or No Buy: Buy
Stephen Randle: Well, TNA’s been on such a decent roll that they even got me watching again, so that ain’t not bad. I will say that they have badly underpromoted D-X, at least in my mind, and the thin X Division roster doesn’t seem to lend it to a meaningful tournament, but hey, at least the matches all look to be between good-to-pretty damned good. TNA hasn’t gotten me to the point of paying for PPV yet, but if you’re on the fence about it, I’d tell you to go for it.
Buy or No Buy: Buy
Greg DeMarco: Did you miss Slammiversary and Sacrifice? If so you should be kicking yourself, as both were great events. TNA is really on a hot streak, putting out the best product around. This is usually where you answer the “Buy or No Buy” question. That one’s easy.
Buy or No Buy: Buy
There you have it folks…the 411Mania staff leans towards “Buy” for Destination X!
And, of course, don’t forget to join 411 on Sunday night for LIVE coverage starting at 7:30 pm eastern!
Want to listen to a preview of the event? Catch the end of this week’s Greg DeMarco Show!
