TNA Slammiversary PPV Evaluation
June 2, 2013
By Nathan Kyght, PWTorch PPV specialist

BEST MATCH – TARYN TERRELL VS. GAIL KIM

Yes! Finally, after over two years of writing this column, I get to put a Divas/Knockouts match in the top spot. You can argue that the A.J. Styles vs. Kurt Angle match was technically better, but having seen it so many times it didn't stand out when I looked back on the show. But this match? Amazing. Going into the PPV, this seemed like a lock for a throw-away contest, but the two Knockouts delivered the best women's match in years. Terrell really shined here and proved her worth to the roster, and the crowd went from indifference to standing on their feet. Just a tremendous effort from both ladies, and a great match regardless of the gender involved. This was excellent.

WORST MATCH – SAM SHAW VS. JAY BRADLEY

A completely forgettable match in front of a crowd that walked around and chatted amongst themselves. This was Impact worthy at best. I think Jay Bradley is good (his work in Resistance Pro was particularly engaging), but Sam Shaw is a ways away from being ready for live TV. Not the hottest way to start the Bound for Glory Series.

BIGGEST SURPRISE – KO's

As evident in the opening of this column, I was a big fan of the Knockouts match. It's a shame that the surprise was that is was so good and was given time.

BIGGEST LETDOWN – ACES & EIGHTS INTERFERENCE

All right, TNA. It's time to book a new finish to the Aces & Eights matches. The main event was good, but yet again there was all sorts on interference leading to the win. This cost $50? And if Sting is the beloved savior of a company AT WAR with this faction, why did no one run in? None of this makes sense.

BEST QUOTE – IT'S HULK HOGAN UNCENSORED!

What in the blue hell was going on in Hulk Hogan's promo? From referring to Chris Sabin as "Mr. Sabin" (I'm convinced that Hogan forgot his first name), to accusing Aces & Eights of "foaming at the crotch" (which is horrible on a lot of levels), to introducing the babyface team in the six-man as if he were booking it on the fly (despite them having announced the match on Impact), and my personal favorite: calling Jeff Hardy "the enigmatic enigma" (that's like, REALLY enimatic), this was pure Hogan rambling insanity. I loved it.

BEST MOVE – TARYN TERRELL

An RKO from the stage to the arena floor? Really? If I'd have told you this move was going to happen before the show, how many of you would have guessed Taryn Terrell would be the one performing it? Put your hand down, Gail Kim.

BEST MATCH FINISH – KO's

After ten minutes of really hard-hitting action, the best move of the night caused the finish and Terrell got her hand raised. And, the crowd shakes their heads in disbelief.

OTHER THOUGHTS

- "Chris Sabin? Hey! It's TNA booking. You know how you blew out both knees? Well, welcome back. We're gonna go with an Ultimate X match for you." Sabin also busted himself open hardway by dropping the title on his head. The X Division belt works stiff.

- The four-team Tag Title match wasn't as good as I'd hoped, but I like the title switch. James Storm isn't doing much anyway, and it looks like Gunner is getting a big push. Will this run eclipse the legendary team of Gunner and Murphy?

- When Bully Ray got a knife during the main event, I thought "This is about to jump the Fonz while he jumps the shark." Luckily, it wasn't bad. But, after putting the piledriver over as the most dangerous move ever, should Sting have kicked out of it on the first use?

- Dear Taz: Pick a character. If you want to congratulate Kurt Angle, do so off camera. This was just bizarre.

- Dear TNA: If you don't clarify something about the A.J. Styles character, the crowd is not going to know what to do.

- Congratulations, Kurt Angle. And an awesome video tribute to boot.

- Was Devon supposed to clarify that he would defend the title against Abyss in his promo, rather than just fight him? The TV Title switch seemed really out of place.

WHAT IT’LL BE REMEMBERED FOR

It was a good show, my favorite TNA pay-per-view of the year. And it will be remembered for Taryn Terrell vs. Gail Kim. Who knew?

UPDATED 2013 PPV EVALUATION RANKINGS

1 - WWE WRESTLEMANIA XXIX (2013-04-07)
2 – WWE ROYAL RUMBLE (2013-01-27)
3 - TNA SLAMMIVERSARY (2013-06-02)
4 - TNA LOCKDOWN (2013-03-10)
5 - WWE EXTREME RULES (2013-05-19)
6 - WWE ELIMINATION CHAMBER (2013-02-17)
7 – TNA GENESIS (2013-01-13)

We suggest these recent related articles...

CALDWELL'S TNA SLAMMIVERSARY PPV RESULTS 6/28: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live PPV from Orlando - King of the Mountain match, Storm vs. Magnus, more

KYGHT'S PPV EVALUATION - TNA Bound for Glory: Best/Worst Match, What Will Be Remembered?, Updated 2014 Rankings

KYGHT'S PPV EVALUATION - TNA Slammiversary: Best/Worst Match, Biggest Surprise; Updated 2014 PPV Rankings