TNA Slammiversary 21 Review


Cedric Alexander vs Mustafa Ali

What a way to start the show. Ali had been on a role in TNA thus far, and this match is no different. Building off of their Cruiserweight Classic at WrestleMania, both Ali and Alexander throws everything at each other, providing a memorable match that got the crowd excited for the rest of the night. The ending sequence especially was great, with a Lombar Check to Tasha Steelz into a 450 Splash. Highly recommend this match if your going to watch any match from this card.

★★★★½

The System and Matt Cardona vs Dark State

Sorry, this match did nothing for me. It honestly felt like it was put here to fill out the card. I do not buy Dark State as that big of a threat, and the outcome of this match doesn't sway my opinion on this. It was nice to hear the hometown pop for Matt Cardona, but other than that, I felt nothing while watching this.

★★

Tessa Blanchard vs Indi Hartwell

Not much happened during this match. Despite the history between these two, they have little to no chemistry at all in the ring. Indi going over was the right decision, though, ans indefinitely suspending Blanchard later in the night for attacking an interviewer had me rolling. Mid match, but excellent outcome.

★★★

Title vs. Title - Masha Slamovich vs Jacy Jayne 

This is the best PPV match that Masha has had in a bit, it's a shame that she lost the title in said match. While I am kind of irritated that both TNA World titles are held by WWE talent, I've got to admit, the storytelling potential with Jacy Jayne winning the title is endless. Not to say the eyes it brings onto the TNA product as well with her winning. We'll see where this leads on both NXT and TNA, but as is, at least Jacy Jayne didn't win cleanly.

★★★★

TNA X-Division Championship - Moose vs Leon Slater

This match was absolutely incredible. For months I've been pulling for Leon Slater to become the youngest X-Division Champion, and they finally pulled the trigger on it! Excellent back-and-forth match between these two. Both of these guys were bumping like crazy for each other, and putting on insane spot after insane spot. The respect shown by Moose towards Leon Slater was truly unexpected, but added to an overall classic of a match.

★★★★★

AJ STYLES RETURNS TO TNA

After 11 years, AJ Styles has returned to TNA, with his classic TNA theme, too! The pop he got while coming out was insane, with the crowd singing along to his theme. He asks TNA if they missed him, and then talks about his history throughout the company. He then lists all the great X-Division Champions, and then puts over Leon Slater in the same breath. You can't ask for a better first X-Division Championship then having the best TNA wrestler put you over. Smart booking!

Ladder Match for the TNA World Tag Team Championships - The Nemeths vs The Rascalz vs The Hardys vs Fir$t Cla$$

When in doubt, put on a Tag Team ladder match! This match was alright, with plenty of creative spots throughout. One thing this match did show me though, is that AJ Francis can really go. That moonsault off the top of the ladder was insane. If it was me, I would've had the Rascalz winning, but I can't be too mad at the Hardys for winning. Especially with that creative spot with the rollout ladder. Hopefully the match they're building towards with the Hardys and Team 3D at Bound For Glory doesn't end up being the DX vs Brothers of Destruction for TNA.

★★★½

TNA World Championship - Trick Williams vs Mike Santana vs Joe Hendry

This was a fun main event, although with a disappointing outcome, although I understand why they did it. Having Trick retain and hold the title while confronting the Undertaker is a huge opportunity to get eyes on the company, but it's still bullshit that they screw Santana like that in his hometown. Still though, this was a very entertaining main event, where everybody got time to shine. Just wish it had a better ending.

★★★½

PPV Grade: 

Match Quality: 72/100
Show Structure: 80/100
Atmosphere: 100/100
Story: 78/100
Production: 80/100

Overall: B- (82/100)

While there was a couple of misses and questionable booking decisions, this was a very entertaining night of action from TNA. Another WWE employee winning a TNA title is without a doubt disappointing, but I'm holding onto hope that they're playing the long game with this, with a story to follow upon on the TV shows. At least the long awaited crowning of Leon Slater happened here, and it was glorious.

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