TNA Slammiversary 2009 DVD Review

Broadcasting from the historic Palace of Auburn Hills, TNA’s Slammiversary was looking to make an impact in the wrestling hotspot that is Detroit, Michigan. The DVD kicks off with a video homage of the last seven years of triumphs and tragedies that culminated into this groundbreaking PPV. And to ensure that crowd was pumped up and ready to go, there were plenty of TNA stars with Detroit roots on the card for them to cheer for, which was very evident throughout the DVD.

For the first time in TNA history, there are two King of the Mountain (KOTM) matches the first of which feature the coveted X-Division title. Not short on star power, the first of the two KOTM was highlighted by Detroit’s own Curtis Granderson of the Detroit Tigers. Granderson was surprisingly comfortable and smooth on the mic before heading off to his role as the keeper of the X-Division belt. And TNA couldn’t have picked a better match to start the PPV as the X-Division match was the show stealer on this DVD.

There were several different storylines that where woven in through-out the DVD, one of which were returning stars. TNA brought back Shane Douglas (vs. Daniels) and Raven (in a Monster’s Ball Mixed tag match) to help add some spark to the card. While Douglas’s performance left a lot to be desired, and Raven’s appearance was overshadowed by the women going hardcore, they were pleasant additions for nostalgic reasons to say the least.

by: Daris Brown

One of the main reasons this DVD is worth watching is the now infamous Samoa Joe heal turn. In a day where surprises are few and far between, this swerve was one that had everyone taken aback. Joe turns his backs on his fans and friends and, in a stunning move, literally hands then nemesis Kurt Angle the TNA World Heavyweight title. It’s one pay-per-view finish that will be remembered for a long time.

The PPV as a whole were solid as it had a fantastic start with the X-Division match and a memorable finish with the Samoa Joe/Main Event Mafia swerve. It’s everything you could ask out of a PPV. In addition to the card the DVD has plenty of extras for those still wanting more. TNA gave a brief peek into a Motor City Machine Guns autograph signing leading up to the event. It’s unfortunate that they didn’t take a deeper look at this, as their fan interaction is what separates them from their competition.

In a brilliant move TNA got post match interviews with several TNA stars, the most telling of which was one with Daffney after her Monster’s Ball Mixed Tag Match. Jeremy Borash got to the fallen star just in time to witness thumb tacks being removed from her scalp and back as she laughed in sick pleasure. It was one of those must see moments.


Overall TNA’s Slammiversary DVD was 8 out of 10 as it delivered a breakthrough performance for women wrestling, the X-Division and its ability to keep fans on their toes. Slammiversary is one of the biggest Pay Per Views of the year, and you definitely get the big time feel when viewing this DVD.