TNA Slammiversary 2016 Preview: Why it is worth watching

TNA is all set to roll out their first pay-per-view of the year in the form of Slammiversary. The eight annual edition of the pay-per-view is just a matter of days away and despite all the negative press that is heading their way; the promotion has a solid card to showcase on June 12, 2016.

The X-Division

The X-division has been synonymous with TNA ever since its inception. And at Slammiversary, TNA is coming up with a fatal four-way battle for the X-Division title. Reigning champion Trevor Lee will face Andrew Everett, DJZ and Eddie Edwards in the match.

Expect some high paced action from these four and they are bound to live up to the tradition that the pioneers of X-Division has built up. Shane Helms will be ring-side and his presence would be an add-on advantage to the overall storytelling of the match.

Mayhem between the brothers

Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy are making all kinds of headlines thanks to their contract signing video. While it was easy to criticize the leap that TNA took, it should be noted that they tried something new rather than going away with the usual contract signing.

The last time these two met was in I quit match and it ended in a no-contest as both the brothers refused to quit. So the score is to be settled this time around and with the chemistry they have, it could be the show stealer of the night.

Who is the king?

The rise of Eli Drake in TNA has been exceptional. He recently secured his first championship in the promotion when he won the TNA King of the Mountain Championship by cashing in his feast or fired briefcase against Bram. Bram was down and out after an attack from Bobby Lashley when the attack happened and it was only fitting of him to get his shot at Drake and the title.

It’s a simple booking strategy. Drake took advantage of Bram when he was down and it will be interesting to see if he can do the same when Bram comes with full force.

Poetic booking of Bennett vs. EC III

The most perfectly booked feud for Slammiversary would perhaps be this one. Mike Bennett only came into the roster recently and he made a huge statement when he defeated EC III to end the latter’s unpinned streak.

EC III wanted a rematch so badly, but Bennett simply refused. Bennett later laid out a stipulation that made EC III fight and win against three of his former enemies if he needed a rematch. EC III eventually defeated Rockstar Spud in a six sides of steel match, Tyrus in a last man standing match, and his third against Matt to earn his rematch.

Bennett still refused to give EC III a chance, but a decision to put EC III in charge of Impact Wrestling for one week worked in the former Champion’s favor as he went on to book Mike Bennett vs. EC III for Slammiversary.  

The question is: Can EC III get his revenge or will Mike Bennett prove that his win wasn’t a fluke.

Bobby Lashley vs. Drew Galloway

The main event of the pay-per-view will see Bobby Lashley vs. Drew Galloway for the TNA World Heavyweight championship. These two had locked horns a couple of times earlier, but almost all the time, they ended up having a chaotic ending.

As Dixie Carter didn’t want an unclear climax to the championship match at the show and that is why the Lashley vs. Galloway match will only end if one of these two taps out or gets knocked out. Due to the sheer physical style of Lashley and Galloway, a hard-hitting match is guaranteed and at the end of the day, no matter who taps out or gets knocked out, the fans are going to be treated well.

There are some exciting undercard matches lined-up for the pay-per-view as well and here is the complete match card.

*The Maria vs. Gail Kim match has been called off as Maria has broken her arm.