After an interesting week for the Anthem-owned promotion, TNA will focus on its own show tonight (April 11) when their big Rebellion pay-per-view comes our way from Cleveland’s Wolstein Center.
There are five championship matches on the card; the Knockouts Tag titles are the only big omission, and that’s because the Elegance Brand is in a Hardcore Country match with the returning trio of Mickie James, ODB, and Taryn Terrell.
It’s a lot to digest. But we do have two regular Impact-watchers on staff
who had some thoughts on how each of the 10 announced matches will play out. And to give you a little more bang for your buck, we’ve thrown in the latest odds for each as of this morning (from betonline).
TNA REBELLION PREDICTIONS
TNA World Championship: Mike Santana (c) vs. Eddie Edwards
Josh Jagler: One of TNA’s main story beats for the better part of the last year was Mike Santana getting to the top of the mountain and staying there. I just don’t see Eddie Edwards being the guy to knock him back down. Pick: Mike Santana
Manolo H. Pizzazz: The night of the System will fail at the top with Santana retaining, and that’s when the Most Wanted Man cashes in the Call Your Shot trophy in his hometown. Pick: Nic Nemeth as new world champion
Odds: Edwards is a slight favorite (-150) over Santana (+110)
TNA World Tag Team Championship: The Hardys (c) vs. Brian Myers & Bear Bronson of the System
Josh Jagler: I feel like the Hardys’ title reign is on borrowed time and fresh champions are needed to breathe some life into the division. While I figured The Righteous would be the ones to dethrone the former Team Xtreme, them costing the Hardys the titles would be a good way to continue their feud and give The System more legitimacy. Pick: Brian Myers & Bear Bronson
Manolo H. Pizzazz: Whether it be nefarious activity from the System or the Righteous being spoilsports, this feels like the right time for the Hardys to lose gold. Pick: The System
Odds: The System is favored (-250) over The Hardys (+170)
Knockouts Championship: Arianna Grace (c) vs. Lei Ying Lee
Josh Jagler: I’m more inclined to think that they keep the strap on Arianna here, leading to a feud with Indi Hartwell eventually, although they could jumpstart two stories here if Lee wins and splits with Xia Brookside. Pick: Arianna Grace (reluctantly)
Manolo H. Pizzazz: Arianna is okay in the ring, but she is a weak spot as Knockouts champion. Santino’s daughter is improving each time out, however, it’s time to strap a TNA talent again. Plus, there’s no value in Lee losing again when there was no reason to book this matchup in the first place. That leads me to believe that Lee wins the title here. Pick: Lei Ying Lee
Odds: Grace is favored (-300) over Lee (+200)
X-Division Championship: Leon Slater (c) vs. Cedric Alexander
Josh Jagler: Leon should win here, but I could see TNA going the route where Cedric and Myers & Bronson both win their title matches, putting pressure on Eddie to complete the trifecta in the main event. Plus, a Cedric win frees Slater up to move into the main event picture, which is where he should be. That dude is a star. Pick: Cedric Alexander (with shenanigans)
Manolo H. Pizzazz: The night of the System starts strong with a title change, and it’s time to move Slater to the world title picture. Pick: Cedric Alexander
Odds: It’s a push! Each wrestler is listed at -120.
TNA International Championship: Trey Miguel (c) vs. Mustafa Ali
Josh Jagler: This might end up being the match of the night when all is said and done, and will hopefully be a feud that they are able to run back another time or two. Methinks Mustafa will win the International Title eventually but I think Trey retains here. Pick: Trey Miguel
Manolo H. Pizzazz: Sometimes, heels win. Pick: Mustafa Ali
Odds: Ali is favored (-250) over Miguel (+170)
Hardcore Country Match: Mickie James, ODB, & Taryn Terrell vs. Ash, Heather, & M by Elegance
Josh Jagler: Booking conventions tell me that The Elegance Brand should win here to further establish themselves as a legitimate faction…… but I just don’t think TNA brings back three legendary Knockouts to lose a gimmick match like this. Pick: Mickie, ODB, and Taryn
Manolo H. Pizzazz: Mickie James and friends will spank the behinds of the Elegance Brand. Don’t name a novelty match after a beloved legend and have her lose. Pick: Knockouts legends
Odds: It’s a push! Each team is listed at -120.
Frankie Kazarian vs. Elijah
Josh Jagler: This is one of the tougher ones for me to call because I just don’t know where each of these guys will go next. Going to go with who I’d personally rather see win. Pick: Elijah
Manolo H. Pizzazz: Pulling a con game in the cemetery is despicable. The music man is going to break the king like a cheap guitar. Pick: Elijah
Odds: Elias Ezekial Elijah is favored (-165) over Kaz (+120)
Nic Nemeth (with Bernie Kosar) vs. AJ Francis
Josh Jagler: With how this match came to be, it feels like AJ Francis is the one that should be getting the push here, but I don’t see TNA bringing in Bernie Kosar to back a losing horse. Pick: Nick Nemeth
Manolo H. Pizzazz: I’m calling a heel turn from Bernie Kosar. Surely, Kosar likes that money, money, money. This sour result will lay the tracks for Nemeth to surprise on a world title cash-in when you least expect. Pick: AJ Francis
Odds: Ali is favored (-250) over Miguel (+170)
Moose vs. Special Agent Zero
Josh Jagler: Moose’s business is obviously going to be getting back at The System after they unceremoniously kicked him out of the group a few months ago. This feels like a detour from that and there’s really no reason Special Agent Zero should be picking up a win here. Pick: MOOSE!
Manolo H. Pizzazz: Always favor a moose in a hoss fight. Pick: Moose
Odds: It’s a push! Each wrestler is listed at -120.
BDE vs. Ryan Nemeth
Josh Jagler: There is no planet on which BDE should be losing here. Pick: BDE
Manolo H. Pizzazz: Nic’s younger brother won’t win feuds on his own. Pick: BDE
Odds: Not listed
Who are you taking, Cagesiders? Sock it to us in the comments. What would make this a perfect PPV?
