The Katz Files
Lockdown Preview & Predictions

The Kingfish Arnie Katz gets you ready for TNA’s April pay per view with an entire card conducted inside the cage.

Lockdown, one of TNA’s better gimmick ideas, comes as the promotion is seeing some glimmers of hope. The last two PPVs got good critical notice, if not strong buy-rates, and the 1.1 rating for the second hour on the 4/12 iMPACT is also a positive sign.

Let’s look at the matches:

RVD vs. James Storm
For Advantage in the Lethal Lockdown
The Back Story: This is an offshoot of the developing war between the two teams. The winner of this contest gains the man advantage during the Team Hogan vs. Team Flair match.
My Prediction: From a dramatic standpoint, it makes sense to give Storm (and Team Flair) the edge. This could well degenerate into a vicious beatdown.
Predicted Grade: B-

Shannon Moore vs. Kaz vs. Douglas Williams
X-Division Championship
Three Way Dance
The Back Story: Kaz and Moore returned to TNA fairly recently and have already become top contenders for the belt currently held by Williams. The British Bad Boy criticized the X Division’s flyers and will have his hands full with two of the best.
My Prediction: Williams is not a very charismatic champion, so this might be a good opportunity to lift the gold without hurting his status too much. These three-ways can be hard to figure, but it looks to me like Shannon Moore might get the strap—and then defend it against the former champion and, perhaps, Suicide.
Predicted Grade: B+

The Beautiful People vs. Angelina Love & Tara</B?
Both Knockout Championships
The Back Story: Angelina Love has returned to TNA with vengeance against her former partners in her heart. Although Angelina and Tara are far from friends, they find themselves allied to defeat a common enemy.
My Prediction: This could be very straightforward, a win for Angelina Love and Tara, with Tara scoring the win and then subsequently meeting Angelina for the title. Presumably, they would first lose their tag titles due to miscommunication and then battle each other for the Knockout World Championship.
Predicted Grade: B

Mr. Anderson vs. Kurt Angle
The Back Story: Mr. Anderson is trying to become famous by destroying Kurt Angle. That’s quite an assignment. Now they’ll rumble in the cage.
My Prediction: The story is lame, and pretty much the same one Desmond Wolfe had, but the match should be pretty good. Another tainted win for Mr. Anderson would be too much, so this is probably where Kurt Angle ekes out a tough victory and then heads toward another run for the gold.
Predicted Grade: B+

Kevin Nash vs. Eric Young
The Back Story: Kevin Nash seemed to befriend Eric Young, but his betrayal lead to a shocking three-on-one attack by Nash and his buddies in The Band.
My Prediction: Much as I’d like to see EY get his revenge, Nash will get the decision, possibly with some kind of help from Sean Waltman.
Predicted Grade: B-

The Band vs. Team 3D
The Back Story: Hall and Waltman forced their way into TNA and now have contracts. Team 3D can be a formidable obstacle when they are motivated. When these four step into the cage, it will be a true Clash of the Titans.
My Prediction: The Band should beat Team 3D with heel tactics. That way, the Band, including Kevin Nash, could fight Team 3D and Young.
Predicted Grade: B

AJ Styles vs. The Pope
TNA World Championship
The Back Story: The Pope won the right to face Styles for the title in a PPV tournament.
My Prediction: Ric Flair will do something to help the Phenomenal One turn back The Pope’s challenge.
Predicted Grade: B+

<B Team Flair (Sting, Desmond Wolfe, Robert Roode, James Storm) vs. Team Hogan (Abyss, Jeff Jarrett, Rob Van Dam,
Jeff Hardy)
Lethal Lockdown
The Back Story: Hulk Hogan brought in Ric Flair when he came to TNA, but they have definitely gone their separate ways since then. This four-on-four elimination match gives them an excuse to let out a lot of mutual hatred. So far, Tem Flair’s dirty tactics have made life miserable for Hogan’s foursome, but things could well turn around once Lethal Lockdown gets going full blast.
My Prediction: This will be exciting match that Team Hogan will eventually win. It could actually come down to Flair and Hogan battling in the ringside area.
Predicted Grade: B+

That’s all for this installment of the Internet’s fastest-rising pro wrestling column. I’ll be back on Monday with my analysis. I hope you’ll join me then and, please, bring your friends.

\– Arnie Katz
Executive Editor
Crossfire4@cox.net
(4/17/09)