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It seems that IMPACT wrestling can do no wrong right now. The teasers for the upcoming Slammiversary PPV have left the wrestling world talking, generating interest from non-IMPACT fans as well. Not only IMPACT, but even the released WWE stars have been teasing joining the company now, which only builds on to the intrigue surrounding the PPV.
Expectations are high from IMPACT's annual PPV, and the match card is shaping up to be a good one. But, like no suspense movie is complete without a plot twist, every wrestling event is incomplete without a surprise. All eyes will be on Slammiversary to see which released WWE superstars end up in IMPACT, and if booked well, IMPACT can be sure of getting higher ratings soon.
So without further ado, let us take a look at the five surprises that IMPACT may have in store for us at Slammiversary:
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#5 Taya Valkyrie and Rosemary implode during the Slammiversary Gauntlet Match
Let us get the easiest one out of the way first. To be honest, it is only a question of when and not if Rosemary and Taya Valkyrie are breaking up. Taya's time away from the ring saw Rosemary trying to get close to John E. Bravo (Taya's manager).
While the two knockouts seem to be on the same page right now, tensions between them have been rising slowly and steadily. These tensions can come to a head in the Knockouts Gauntlet Match at Slammiversary, where in order to become the number one contender, Taya betrays Rosemary.
The latter can eventually cost Taya the match, kickstarting a new phase of rivalry between the longtime enemies. Bravo can finally give vent to his frustrations and turn on Valkyrie, becoming Rosemary's permanent associate.
#4 EC3 returns and confronts TNA World Heavyweight Champion Moose at Slammiversary
For some time now, IMPACT has been teasing that EC3 could return at Slammiversary, with his theme playing on the Tron after Moose successfully defended his TNA World Heavyweight Championship against Michael Hernandez.
Since then, Moose has been taking shots at the former TNA World Heavyweight Champion through his social media, claiming that he's controlling EC3's narrative.
EC3 was recently on Facebook Live, confirming that he will be fighting on July 18, which is the exact date of this year's Slammiversary PPV. While this revelation by EC3 has led to fans taking it as a confirmation that EC3 will be the mystery opponent in the Impact World Title match, Impact may have a swerve in plans for us at Slammiversary.
Matt Hardy, whose move to AEW was almost a done deal in March, was continuously teasing that he'll be the leader of the Dark Order stable, which only surprised the fans when he didn't debut in that role. Impact too can pull off this swerve, by having Moose attack Tommy Dreamer before their scheduled title match, only for EC3 to fight Moose and take the Big Gold Belt from him at Slammiversary.
Or, EC3 can make his presence felt after Moose retains his title by beating down the champ. Mind you, EC3 talked about fighting on July 18, but then even a brawl qualifies as a fight.
#3 Madman Fulton wins the IMPACT Wrestling World Title at Slammiversary; Ace Austin turns face
After the breakup of Ohio Versus Everything (oVe), Madman Fulton has been enjoying his role as Ace Austin's muscleman. Given the dominant wins Fulton has been on the receiving end of since the reveal, it is safe to say that the promotion is high on him, which may lead to them revealing him to be the mystery opponent at Slammiversary.
Just think about it! Everyone is predicting either Eric Young or EC3 to come out as the mystery opponent. Fulton coming out as the mystery opponent will surely be a surprise, albeit a disappointing one.
Given his alliance with Ace Austin, the two men can dominate the majority of the match before Fulton pulls off the ultimate swerve and turns on his ally, pinning him to win the Impact World Champion.
As far as Ace Austin is concerned, this loss will kick-off a massive rivalry between him and Fulton, which will see Austin turning into an anti-hero, before becoming the face of the company. That's a role Impact surely has in mind for The Ace, given that they compared him to AJ Styles in a video package featuring the World Title contenders.
It may seem unbelievable, but then that's what all surprises are.
#2 Suicide turns heel at Slammiversary, helps Chris Bey win X-Division Championship
This week saw another development in the Chris Bey/Johnny Swinger storyline, with Swinger being able to lift the ban and be able to join Bey at ringside at Slammiversary. However, he was able to hear Bey driving his name to the mud, and thus informed Bey that he will be on his own at Slammiversary. We can even expect him to interfere, but to cost Bey the title.
Just when Swinger tries to interfere in the match, Suicide can make his presence felt by taking out Swinger. Suicide has his reasons too, as Swinger took the former's opportunity at the X-Division Championship last week when he came out as Swinger-Cide. Suicide's interference will allow Bey to finish off Willie Mack and become the new X-Division Champion. Suicide can then align with Bey, to the shock of everyone, helping the new champion in taking down Johnny Swinger.
Not only does this allow Mack to come out looking strong in a loss, but it also furthers the Mack/Bey program even after Slammiversary, possibly leading to a tag team match at the next Impact PPV.
#1 Gallows and Anderson join Bully Ray and D' Lo Brown to form Aces and Eights 2.0 at Slammiversary
The most recent teaser of the Slammiversary PPV saw the company hinting at the fact that the former World Champion (whoever that may be) returning at the PPV will not be alone. The end of the teaser confirms that at least three stars, one being a former World Champion in the company, are returning. What better choice to have Bully Ray, who has been recently released from ROH, come over to Impact, bringing along the Good Brothers with him?
It is not unknown that Luke Gallows was once a soldier of this iconic stable, and with D'Lo Brown hinting at the reunion of the group, Slammiversary might be the perfect stage to present a new iteration of the faction to the world. With Joseph Ryan getting fired, Jacob Christ and RVD can join the group too, making the group bigger and better.
Perhaps, this iteration of Aces and Eights laying out the brand new Impact World Champion will be the best way to surprise the fans and close out this year's Slammiversary PPV.
Which surprises are you looking out for at this year's Slammiversary? Be sure to voice your opinion in the comments box!
