Fantasy Booking A WWE/TNA Crossover Pay-Per-View
It would appear that AEW is not the only home for the Forbidden Door, as WWE and TNA appear to be potentially working together. We saw TNA Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace appear on an NXT taping this week and will be challenging Roxanne Perez for the NXT Women’s Championship at NXT Battleground on June 9th.
This got me thinking. What if WWE and TNA did develop a working relationship similar to that of AEW and NJPW? Could we see a Forbidden Door-style pay-per-view (or premium live event if you’re lame and call it that) that showcases the best of both companies? I believe we are heading down that track, so I am going to fantasy book six matches I would like to see on this hypothetical event.
*Disclaimer, this will be booked sometime in the late Summer to early Fall to allow some injured wrestlers time to recover and make the event*
Opening Promo: LA Knight and Joe Hendry
We start off this WWE/TNA event with former TNA (then Impact Wrestling) star LA Knight cutting a promo on his former home before he is interrupted by the song that is taking over wrestling, and out comes Joe Hendry. The crowd is chanting how they believe in Joe Hendry, followed by “yeah!” chants. This is a fun way to get the crowd fired up before the action begins.
*There will be title changes in this fantasy booking, as I am booking wrestlers to appear in both companies from time to time going forward*
Ladder Match for the TNA X-Division Championship: Mustafa Ali (c) vs. KUSHIDA vs. Rich Swann vs. Ricochet vs. Ilja Dragunov vs. Montez Ford
Watching Mustafa Ali revive his career in the Indies before landing in TNA has been a sight to behold. Now, he returns to the company where he was released, now holding championship gold. This six-man ladder match for the TNA X-Division Championship has six pure athletes who will bring the fast-paced, hard-hitting style we are accustomed to. Guys Like Swann, Ricochet and Ford can use their athleticism to wow the crowd, but Ali sneaks in after an avalanche superplex from Dragunov to Ford off the ladder to steal the win and retain.
WWE Women’s Championship: Bayley (c) vs. Xia Brookside
I think this would be a good bit of fun, don’t you? Bayley is one of the most beloved women’s wrestlers of all time, someone who could get any gimmick over and would be cheered as a Face or as a Heel. Xia Brookside is young with a ton of potential. I think a matchup with her centered around Bayley telling Brookside she’s too young for the moment would be a good bit of fun. A smooth 15 minutes that sees Bayley retain as Brookside gets frustrated after not being able to put her away would be great.
WWE Intercontinental Championship: Sami Zayn (c) vs. Josh Alexander
Yes, please. Two of the best in-ring workers this decade going face to face for 20+ minutes? I’m in. Josh Alexander has built a massive reputation in TNA as being a great worker who can put on stellar matches with just about anyone. Sami Zayn is the beloved babyface who constantly turns it on when the lights are brightest. This has Match of the Year potential, and I would have Alexander go over. I think he would be a great addition to the upper mid-card of WWE for a bit, and get him in front of some new faces to showcase just how good he is.
TNA Knockouts Championship: Jordynne Grace (c) vs. Charlotte Flair
Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but Charlotte Flair returns and gets an immediate title shot.
All kidding aside, Jordynne Grace going against Charlotte Flair in a WWE/TNA crossover event for the TNA Knockouts Championship would get incredible. Both women are incredibly strong, quick, agile, and can put on a show. This one would be as hard-hitting as we have seen from a Knockouts title match, and in the end, I would likely give the win to Grace. I don’t think she will beat Perez at NXT Battleground (even though she should) and this would give her a massive win for her career and be a highlight that can be shown forever.
“Speedball” Mike Bailey vs. Seth “Freakin” Rollins (World Heavyweight Championship Contender’s Match)
There may not be a more underrated wrestler on the planet right now than “Speedball” Mike Bailey. Bailey has been on an incredible run in TNA, putting on classics over the past year. Him against a returning Seth “Freakin” Rollins to determine who gets a World Heavyweight Championship match would be fantastic drama. Give these guys 25+ minutes, and with their work rate, we are looking at a five-star classic. I would probably give the win to Rollins, as he would be going into a championship program with CM Punk as we enter WrestleMania season. Bailey loses nothing in this match and puts him on WWE fans’ radars as one of the best in the world.
TNA Heavyweight Championship: Moose (c) vs. Gunther
Finally for the main event of this WWE/TNA crossover event. Gunther won King of the Ring, earning a world title shot against Cody Rhodes. However, it is clear we are heading towards another Mania of Cody versus the Bloodline, so it doesn’t make much sense to put the title on Gunther (even though he deserves one).
So, instead, we have him challenging for the TNA Heavyweight Championship against Moose. Two beefy men slapping meat (shoutout Big E, we miss you dearly and hope you’re doing well). Moose isn’t *known* for having the longest matches, but I believe Gunther can carry him to a 20-minute bruiser that sees him winning the Championship. TNA could use a bonafide star as their top guy, and Gunther is arguably the best wrestler on the planet right now. Both sides would benefit greatly from this move and sets up a world of possibilities.
Other Matches On The Card:
- Matt Cardona vs. Logan Paul (United States Championship Match) (Winner: Matt Cardona)
- ABC vs. Johnny Gargano and Tomasso Ciampa (TNA World Tag Team Championships) (Winner: Johnny Gargano and Tomasso Ciampa)
- Trick Williams vs. Steve Maclin (NXT Championship) (Winner: Trick Williams)
- Battle Royale, Winner Gets Championship Match at Company Next PPV: Kevin Owens vs. Trey Miguel vs. Trent Seven vs. Tyler Bate vs. Pete Dunne vs. Eddie Edwards vs. Brian Meyers vs. Sheamus vs. Chad Gable vs. Hammerstone (Winner: Chad Gable)
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