Topic #1: What are your thoughts on the Bound for Glory card?
David Martell: I have to say that the Bound for Glory card shaped up pretty nicely. I would like to start off with Al Snow vs. Joey Ryan. This was definitely a match that I wasn’t sure I would ever see but I am not disappointed about it. I have no idea if Al Snow can still go but I am excited to see Joey Ryan wrestle again in a TNA ring. I don’t really see a point if Joey Ryan doesn’t win so most likely he will be the victor in what should be a decent little match. Tara vs. Tessmacher for the Knockout’s Title should be ok at best. This match is nothing new and the least exciting match on the card in my opinion. I still think Tessmacher will win and continue her reign. Samoa Joe vs. Magnus for the TV Title makes complete sense to me. These guys are former tag team champions together and during their sit down to see who would go for the TV Title, you could see things already heating up. This could very well be the sleeper match on the card and I fully expect Joe to win here. Bobby Roode vs. James Storm in a street fight with King Mo being the special enforcer is actually the match I am most looking forward to. These guys already have a great story that has been going on for well over a year now. I think this should be the end all to be all for these guys for quite some time now and I imagine we will see some blood here. It will be interesting to see where King Mo gets involved but this should be a great match nonetheless and I expect Storm to get the win here. The Triple Threat Tag Team Title match between Daniels and Kaz, Angle and AJ, and Chavo and Hernandez should be decent as long as they have some chemistry. The match between Angle, Chavo and Daniels a few weeks back was not very good by any means so hopefully they can fix whatever problem they were having. I would love for Daniels and Kaz to win here because they have been complete gold for the past few months but I believe that Angle and AJ will win here so they can get their full revenge on these two. The Aces and Eights tag match with Sting and Bully Ray will be interesting to say the least. I honestly believe that this will end up a huge set up where Bully Ray turns on Sting and reveals that he is in fact the leader of Aces and Eights. Aces and Eights have to win here or otherwise this whole summer storyline was a complete waste. Finally we have Austin Aries vs. Jeff Hardy for the TNA World Title. I have no doubt in my mind that this will be a great match. Aries should win here to continue his reign. The interesting part here will be if Aries ends up turning heel. I think this is a big possibility definitely if Aries ends up losing. Overall, this is a pretty solid card and if you are a fan of TNA, or just a wrestling fan in general, this is a must buy card.
Zach Brown: I like most aspects of the Bound for Glory card, but I am overall concerned with who was actually left off the card. There were some big TNA names that are just nowhere to be found at TNA’s biggest event of the year. Mr. Anderson and RVD are namely who I’m talking about, and there’s no X-Division title match either. I guess they had to make room for the Aces and Eights stuff and Al Snow vs. Joey Ryan. But oh well. First up, we have Magnus vs. Samoa Joe for the TV Title. I think this match looks good. It has a good backstory between these two men and it’s a good instant feud to head into Bound for Glory. Joe winning is a no-brainer though. It should be a decent match and a good opener. Joey Ryan vs. Al Snow…I have no idea what the quality of this match will be. Joey Ryan is a great wrestler but I’m willing to bet that Snow has a considerable amount of ring rust to shake off here. Obviously, I predict Joey Ryan to win and get a full-time TNA contract, which is long overdue. I can’t wait to see that. Aces & 8s vs. Sting and Bully Ray has probably the best story going into it. Predicting the swerve here where Bully Ray turns on Sting and is the leader of Aces and Eights. Please TNA, make it happen! Tara vs. Tessmacher is more unpredictable than I like to admit. Tara has been very solid lately, and still wants that belt. But I think they will let Tessmacher keep it because she is the younger star with the brighter future. Bobby Roode vs. James Storm is certainly a hot feud and one of the best storylines going right now. I will go ahead and predict James Storm to win here, and I think this is one match that could steal the show if done right. The Triple Threat Tag match is certainly entertaining and there are a lot of big names in there. I hope it doesn’t turn into a spotfest; it could be something very special if done right. I believe Daniels and Kazarian will retain here. It doesn’t make a ton of sense to have the belt on either of the other parties. And finally, Jeff Hardy vs. Austin Aries in a match that makes my stomach turn. I predict Hardy to win here, unfortunately. TNA wants to push Jeff Hardy towards the top position once again because he is a huge star and sells a ton of merch. I don’t really blame them but it doesn’t mean it’s the right decision either. Austin Aries is a great champion and I really wish he could retain here. Overall, Bound for Glory is a solid card and a must buy for TNA fans.
Jacob San Antonio: Interesting PPV, dead ahead. Samoa Joe defends his TV Title against Magnus, which is an easy pick for Joe. I see a big reign to come from Joe with the TV belt, so there's no way he loses it here so quickly. Joey Ryan has his back against the corner with a "win and you're in" match against Al Snow. Considering the kind of momentum Ryan has built up to this point, I don't see Snow winning this match. Ryan looks like he has some good stuff to offer TNA, so they'd be crazy to stop him at this point. Tara tries to take the Knockouts Title from Miss Tessmacher, and I have the feeling that she just might get her way. Tessmacher's held the title for a respectable length, but I think her run has finally come to an end. Bobby Roode and James Storm try to settle their bad blood in a street fight with King Mo reffing their showdown. I really feel this could be a toss up, to be honest. If Roode wins, this angle continues. I see nothing wrong with that, as it's been fun watching these two get closer and closer to this boiling point. If Storm wins, there might be one more throwaway match but for the most part the angle ends. With that in mind, I've got my fingers crossed on Roode winning the fight. I'd like to see more matches between these two. Kurt Angle & AJ Styles, Chavo & Hernandenz, and Daniels & Kazarian give each other the business for the TNA Tag Titles, and I kinda want Daniels & Kaz to retain again. They're the most entertaining team on TNA, and their matches have consistently been exciting to watch. I could see Styles & Angle winning the belts, given the big feud between the two teams, but I'd rather the win go to the champions. More Daniels & Kaz, please. Austin Aries defends his TNA Championship against a Jeff Hardy with a ton of momentum behind him. I think when it's all said and done, Aries gets clutch in the moment and fends off Hardy. For now, anyway. "But what about the BFG Series?!" TNA goofed once, they can do it again. Finally, Aces and Eights take on Sting and Bully Ray. I'd love to see Sting and Bully win, given how desperately I'd like to see Aces and Eights finally get theirs, but that's just not possible. If Bully Ray stays face through this match, I'll be surprised. The lead-up to this match, and the big showdown they've teased for a while now, everything makes me think this will be the turning point for Bully Ray. Overall, a very interesting card with some great possible matchups along the way. I'm going to go so far as to say this might just be the must-see TNA PPV of the year. Shocking, I know.
Topic #2: There has been a lot of teasing of a CM Punk vs. Stone Cold match as of late. Do you think this match will ever happen?
David Martell: God I hope so. If this match does take place it has to take place at Cowboys Stadium. If you want a match to sell out that place for a Wrestlemania, it has to be this match. The best part is that I only live 45 minutes away. Maybe that is a little selfish but honestly, who doesn’t want to see this match. I believe Stone Cold wants it. After doing Tough Enough and then watching the Rock come back and tear the house down, how could he not want to wrestle one more match? We know the guy can go, and we all want to see it. If you know anything about Stone Cold, it’s that he does care about his fans. He has even gone on record saying that if he would come back for any match it would be against CM Punk. I think after all this teasing, it is bound to happen and I will be the first one in line to get tickets to see that event.
Zach Brown: Well if it does, it’s definitely not happening at this year’s Wrestlemania. I think these two men have wanted a Wrestlemania match with each other for some time now. The only factor is Austin’s health, and if everything falls into place with that, I’m positive it will happen. The match would be total money, and it’s even more important for the legacy of both men. I agree with Jacob here; if it does happen, it’s most likely to take place at Wrestlemania 30. We’ll have to see what the future holds. I think it’s honestly a 50/50 possibility at this point in time.
Jacob San Antonio: If the match happens, it's gotta happen at WM30. It gives time for Austin to recover from surgery and get himself back in shape for the ring. Any venue later than that, and you run the risk of age finally catching up with Austin. He's no senior citizen, mind you, but the wrestling industry leaves its mark on your body's integrity as you get older. Give some time for the idea to fully develop, get both men healthy, and then strike while the fire's hot. I think any wrestling fan who knows even a tiny bit of Attitude Era wrestling would die to see this match. That said, there's always some hurdles that just can't be avoided when setting these things up.
Topic #3: What are your thoughts on The Band (Heath Slater, Drew McIntyre, and Jinder Mahal)?
David Martell: I am totally down with The Band and I am not talking about the former NWO. I can honestly say that I was a self-proclaimed Slater Hater. After the past few months, Slater has grown on me and I must say that I enjoy almost all of his segments. The guy is a heat magnet and he is incredibly hilarious. The WWE obviously thought the same thing because he has been getting time on RAW week in and week out. I also like the return of Drew McIntyre. I have been a fan of his for a long time but I have never understood why they took him off TV for so long. I thought he had a great run with the IC Title a while back and his brief team up with Cody Rhodes was a lot of fun. I hope this group will rejuvenate his career and we can get more of Drew McIntyre on of television screens. I have never been a fan of Jinder Mahal but I think this group could do wonders for him. The biggest thing Mahal is lacking is charisma and teaming up with these two guys could do wonders for that department. Mahal has great size and a good look but without charisma you just aren’t going anywhere. In the end, I hope this group works out for all of them and maybe this will lead to some gold going to one of these guys.
Zach Brown: First of all, there has already been a stable called The Band, and it consisted of Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, X-Pac and eventually Eric Young. So poo-poo on you, WWE. But I can tell you, I was not thrilled with this WWE version of “The Band.” If this stable becomes popular, color me surprised. The only addition I liked was Drew McIntyre. Because where has that guy been? He’s talented, good on the mic, and had his push killed faster than you can say, “Tiffany what are you doin?” And while David will tell you that he used to be a huge Slater Hater, I can tell you with certainty that I never stopped being one. Heath Slater still strikes me as a talent-less clown who won’t be able to draw if his life depended on it. I may eat my words one day, but I don’t think Heath Slater will ever become greater than a midcard comedy act. And finally, Jinder Mahal. No. Maybe WWE sees big things in this guy, but I do not. And where was JTG when this stable was being built? He couldn’t even get a piece of this pie? Jeez that guy just cannot catch a break. Seriously though, I think this stable will go down in history as one of the worst in WWE history. I may be wrong, and yes I’m being negative, but I am a realist and I think it’s the most likely possibility. Poor Drew McIntyre.
Jacob San Antonio: It's 2012, and I can't believe I'm saying this, but if The Band gets over with some serious heat it will all be on Heath Slater's shoulders. He's the premier jobber for the WWE right now, and he does it fantastically. With two other cronies at his side, it might be just the right combination to make him unbearable. I'm interested in seeing how it develops, if only because of the two other wrestlers attached to this idea. Drew McIntyre has not found solid footing in the WWE since arriving here; even when he was "big" it had more to do with the WWE cramming him down our throats than his own abilities. Jinder Mahal has the tallest ladder to climb, since his big debut involved a ton of Great Khali, which is the equivalent of taking part in the Kentucky Derby with a donkey. Given that these three are desperate to climb a little higher up the card, I find myself really pulling for The Band's success. Whatever they have to do to get over, I've no doubt they'll do. Here's hoping it works well with the crowd.
Topic #4: What are your thoughts on the rumors that Ryback could be facing The Undertaker at Wrestlemania?
David Martell: At this point in The Undertaker’s career, all of his Wrestlemania matches need to be special. Having a match with Ryback is nothing special. No offense to Ryback, but it’s way too soon to even be considering such a match. Ryback still hasn’t had a real opponent or a feud for that matter and him facing Taker just doesn’t make any sense. We need to see a Taker vs. Cena match well before we see a Taker vs. Ryback match. I am sure somewhere down the road Ryback will have big Wrestlemania matches but I doubt it will ever be with Taker and Taker might even be long retired by that point.
Zach Brown: Way. Too. Soon. What is the real selling point here? I think it’s clear that if WWE is resorting to these kinds of matchups for The Undertaker, then the streak has ceased being special. Ryback is not a big enough name to face The Undertaker. Take a look at the last several opponents for The Undertaker: Triple H x 2, HBK x2, Edge, Batista, Mark Henry, and Randy Orton. Ryback can’t hold any of their jockstraps yet. Especially after Taker’s last 5 to 6 Wrestlemania matches, the idea is ludicrous. Why would they throw in Ryback? It’s just sickening to tell the truth. The best big name to throw in there with Taker would probably be Brock Lesnar at this point. But no, I guess WWE isn’t smart enough to figure that match out. Honestly, if there are going to start throwing in guys like Ryback for the Streak, I think it is time for Undertaker to retire with the Streak. It’s just not worth it if all worthwhile talent is dried up.
Jacob San Antonio: Absolutely, positively, no no no no no no no no times infinity. I would rather dip my face in acid than watch these two wrestle. Ryback is still very green. He is bound to make a ton of mistakes, even by the time Mania comes around. Taker, tough veteran he may be, does not need the added risk of getting dropped or thrown the wrong way. It's way too risky for a guy as valuable as Taker, and it's way too much responsibility for Ryback to take quite yet. The rumor going around is that Vince is high on Ryback. That's great; with enough time I think we could see a big talent develop out of the guy. As it is, greatness is not achieved by having it forced on you. There is such a thing in wrestling as getting too much too soon. And that's exactly what the WWE is gambling with if they really want to push Ryback/Taker. I get that Ryback is now this unstoppable monster, and the WWE wants to show off just how amazing he is. The risk, however, is way too great with a talent like Taker. Ryback can have his own Mania moment with another talent, specifically one that's worked with him before. Don't take Taker out of his vacation and throw him into a fire pit. It's way too dangerous.
Topic #5: Do you think the Aces and Eights storyline has been successful thus far leading into Bound for Glory?
David Martell: So far, I would have to say yes. TNA has a terrible track record of creating stables and factions so for the first time they have actually come about this the right way. There are still a lot of question marks about this group and going into Bound for Glory, that is the right thing to do. Who is the leader of Aces and Eights? Why are they here? Who are the members? So many questions that are bound to answered at the PPV. See what I did there, bound, like Bound for Glory! I know; I’m hilarious. Either way, this group is far from over. The storyline overall has had its hitches but the good incredibly outweigh the bad. Let’s just hope that this group isn’t led by one Eric Bischoff because if anything could kill the group, it would be the inclusion of him.
Zach Brown: Yes, yes I do. I will say that the biggest thing that has kept Aces and Eights alive and interesting is the mystery surrounding the entire group, as well as who leads the faction. Whenever they reveal all the members that they are going to reveal, the storyline will pretty much lose all its luster. But kudos to TNA for keeping the whole storyline shrouded in mystery for so long. In WWE, this kind of storyline would be held at maximum for about a month. You have to applaud TNA for having longevity with this storyline. But I truly believe that once we know all the members and all the mystery is done, the party is over. Well, barring one tiny possibility. I think the only way to keep any momentum going is to have Bully Ray be the leader, have him cut excellent promos as the leader, and just have the stable be his platform for greatness.
Jacob San Antonio: It's been effective, yes. Well written? Not so much, but entertainment is the key word here. Does the TNA public want to see Aces and Eights get demolished once and for all? Absolutely. Despite the odd turns and subplots to the story, the one thing TNA has done right with the Aces and Eights story has been getting the audience to despise them. Bound for Glory really needs only market itself as the night that things finally get taken to the group. It's kind of remarkable, really, since when most people talk about awkward wrestling storylines the implication is that it's inherently bad. With the Aces and Eights, this is not the case. There have been tons of moments when I've cringed at the backstage segments, but those moments haven't taken away my desire to see them get wrecked. They've plagued the company for the past four months, and all I want to see at this point is to them destroyed. TNA has done a good job with the story, in that the booking has spoken far more than the backstage segments really could.
-David Martell, Zach Brown and Jacob San Antonio, DirtSheets.com