January 1, WWE Legend Returns to Shake Up Wrestling World

Wyatt’s Take

• TNA’s Slammiversary event in Boston features every championship on the line in action-packed matches that showcase real athletic competition
• Former WWE superstar Nic Nemeth challenges for the world title after calling his shot, proving wrestling still rewards bold confidence
• The Ultimate X match and four-way ladder match deliver the kind of high-stakes entertainment working Americans deserve for their hard-earned dollar

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling puts on one of its biggest shows of the year Sunday night when Slammiversary hits Boston. This isn’t some corporate entertainment product — it’s championship wrestling the way it ought to be.

Every single title in TNA will be defended at the Agganis Arena. The X Division Championship goes up in an Ultimate X match, and the World Tag Team Championship features a four-way ladder match.

The pre-show kicks off at 3 p.m. Eastern, with the main card starting at 4 p.m. Fans can catch all the action on TNA+ and PPV.com.

Pre-Show Action

The opening triple-threat match pits Indi Hartwell against Mara Sadè and Elayna Black. Each competitor wants the win to climb toward a shot at the Knockouts World Championship.

Prediction: Mara Sadè picks up a huge win and inches closer to a title shot.

Ricky Sosa vs. Eric Young

Ricky Sosa made his TNA debut back in March and immediately collided with veteran Eric Young. Young put the newcomer on the shelf for weeks after that debut.

Sosa came back to Impact looking for revenge, and Slammiversary gives him his best chance to get it.

Prediction: Ricky Sosa finds success over Eric Young.

A.J. Francis vs. Elijah

A.J. Francis has been racking up wins and cutting deals backstage on Impact. One of those deals involved Elijah’s music rights — creating bad blood between the two wrestlers.

If Elijah wins, Francis has to return his music rights. Francis promised to “own” Elijah in the ring. Elijah said he’s taking back everything that matters to him. This one should be physical.

Prediction: Elijah wins over Francis.

Knockouts Tag Team Championship

The Elegance Brand — Heather and M — captured the Knockouts World Tag Team Championship against The Iinspiration back in January. They’ve kept that momentum rolling.

But Rosemary and Allie reunited as a team and quickly became a threat, earning this title shot at Slammiversary. The champions have experience, but the challengers have the crowd behind them.

Prediction: Rosemary and Allie capture the gold.

Ultimate X Match for X Division Championship

The Ultimate X match stands as one of TNA’s most innovative creations. Six competitors fight for the X Division Championship, which hangs suspended over the ring on cables.

Wrestlers have to climb and shimmy across the cables to grab the title. Anything can happen in this kind of match.

Cedric Alexander defends against Amazing Red, Leon Slater, Frankie Kazarian, Fabian Aichner, KC Navarro and Mr. Elegance.

Prediction: Cedric Alexander retains in a highly entertaining match.

TNA International Championship

Mustafa Ali faces a mystery challenger for the International Championship. Ali has proven himself as champion, defeating everyone who stepped up.

He won the title over Trey Miguel at Rebellion. His challenger at Slammiversary will also have to deal with Tasha Steelz and Special Agent Zero at ringside.

Prediction: Mystery challenger defeats Ali.

Eddie Edwards vs. Moose

This grudge match has been building for weeks. Eddie Edwards and The System attacked Moose backstage, putting him out of action temporarily.

Moose returned to support The Hardys when they confronted Bear Bronson and Brian Myers. Edwards wants to remind Moose “you can’t beat The System.” But Moose wants revenge.

Prediction: Moose tops Eddie Edwards.

Knockouts World Championship

Former friends Lei Ying Lee and Brookside clash after their relationship fractured beyond repair. Lee won the Knockouts World Championship weeks ago over Arianna Grace.

Brookside stepped up as one of Lee’s first challengers. Brookside already betrayed Lee earlier this year, officially ending their friendship.

Prediction: Lei Ying Lee retains the TNA Knockouts World Championship.

Four-Way Ladder Match for World Tag Team Championship

Matt and Jeff Hardy seemed finished after losing the Wicked Garden match against The Righteous’ Vincent and Dutch. But their fighting spirit survived, and a ladder match got booked.

They won’t be alone though. Bear Bronson and Brian Myers defend their World Tag Team Championship in this match. The Great Hands — Jason Hotch and John Skyler — join the chaos too.

Four teams. One ladder match. Two championships on the line.

Prediction: The Righteous become the new TNA tag champions.

TNA World Championship: Mike Santana vs. Nic Nemeth

Nic Nemeth called his shot earlier this month and challenged Mike Santana for the World Championship at Slammiversary. He even waited for the pay-per-view instead of demanding an immediate opportunity.

Santana will be healthy and ready for his latest challenger. He’s held that championship since last year’s Bound for Glory, proving himself one of TNA’s best champions over the past year.

But Nemeth — a wrestling veteran who made his name in WWE — wants a second reign as TNA champion.

Prediction: Nic Nemeth ends Mike Santana’s reign.

Wyatt Matters

Real wrestling fans appreciate when promotions put their best foot forward and stack a card with actual championship matches. TNA delivers that Sunday night in Boston — title defenses, grudge matches, and athletic competition that respects the audience’s intelligence. That’s entertainment worth the price of admission for working families looking for honest value.