The Official TNA Discussion Thread

[jesterx7769]

Bill Goldberg did an interview with TulsaWorld.com to promote appearing on The Celebrity Apprentice. In the interview, Goldberg responded to a January statement where Hulk Hogan said that he may be joining TNA by saying, "Pardon my French, but Hulk Hogan's full of crap because I was never in negotiations with TNA." About returning to wrestling he said, "Do I see myself getting back in the wrestling ring? I'm 43 years old. Do I want to be Ric Flair? Do I want to be Hulk Hogan? In the twilight of my life, do I want to be running around in my underwear trying to injure people? Absolutely not."

that ends any arguing on that :p

[Nedew]

'Trying to injure people'? Well, at least now we know where ol' Bill was going wrong :p

[Hyde Hill]

that ends any arguing on that :p

Well kinda as the sources saying Hogan thought Bill would come in or some sort could be very unreliable plus in the full interview Bill said the classic never say never. And with Bisch and Vinny Ru onboard a work is never out of the possibilities.

[thommohawk]

There's only one thing about TNA at the moment that kind of irks me, though I understand their need to do this....in any case it's the fact that Disney Carter (i laughed so hard when hogan said that) said that they don't want to repeat history they want to make history - yet we have a ton of rehashed talent and rehashed feuds from a bygone era. Don't get me wrong it's more than watchable for me but the statement from Disney C and the product on television at the moment don't exactly dovetail well right now. I have a feeling that's all about to change though.

Also does anyone think we might see Paul Heyman in TNA alongside RVD ? He'd be great in a creative consultant role. Who better for the creative team than to pick Paul Heyman's mind ?

[PeterHilton]

Also does anyone think we might see Paul Heyman in TNA alongside RVD ? He'd be great in a creative consultant role. Who better for the creative team than to pick Paul Heyman's mind ?

No. Doubt it. He dislikes Russo, hate Eric's guts, and has shown zero interest in the business since he lef tthe WWE.

[tristram]

Okay. Color me confused here. What does Fred Savage's character on The Wonder Years have to do with your point about Goldberg?

As in someone who struggles to break what they're initially known for. A lot of childhood stars go through it where they struggle to get meaningful work later on as they're always remembered for something they can no longer be or it makes minimal sense to be. Some try and rehash it and trot it out, but generally fail. The point is Goldberg suffers this effect. If Goldberg is involved with wrestling people automatically associate him with the streak, it would take a very good creative mind to get people's mind past that and onto something new with him.

[tristram]

So much bad armchair booking here. Goldberg wasn't able to follow up after his loss to Nash because he hurt himself on TV and WCW had to find some excuse to remove him. I don't care who you put over him having him lose and then disappear isn't exactly going to keep the crowd hot.



Ugh, no. Flair, in the worst shape of his life, fifty years old, is going to beat Goldberg with a low blow? Why not just tell every mark in the audience to just leave? There's a reason Flair wasn't booked as an active wrestler during this time period in WCW, and the idea that a guy like him who would receive almost zero rub from ending the streak should've been the guy to do it is just a bad idea.

Nash was the right choice: he got a big win out of it, have him go from tweener to heel turn, re-unite the NWO, all of that was fine. Right up until the point when they put the belt on Hogan AGAIN. Nobody wanted to see that either by that point.

But that was the point, wasn't it? Rather than make something meaningful out of someone going over Goldberg, it was basically a charade to get the belt back on Hogan. It was an epic fail. There are so many better creative options for all concerned, as long as it is a meaningful change and results in long term options, rather than basically construct a program that ends up with Hogan getting the belt in the finger poke of doom.

[thommohawk]

No. Doubt it. He dislikes Russo, hate Eric's guts, and has shown zero interest in the business since he lef tthe WWE.

Totally. Though never say never as stranger things have happened, right ? Bisch to WWE? Bret to WWE? Bret and Shawn burying the hatchet live on Raw? Main thread through all these is WWE's exposure and money neither of which TNA have right now though the point is still the same that much like with my Taker/HBK to TNA thing, although it's doubtful you can never outright rule it out.

What bets on JBL turning up tonight for the live Impact ? Unless his statement about him being the hottest free agent in wrestling was a joke, I could conceivably see this happening as you can bet that at least 1 as yet unnanounced surprise debut will occur much like how Jeff Hardy debuted at the last live Impact special and nobody knew.

Unfortunately with it being a huge night for TNA you can guarantee that Orlando Jordan will be stinking up the show, I don't know what it is about him but I've always hated that guy.....I hate him even more now that he's being booked as this superstar talent when Lacey Von Erich has more talent in her boobs than he has in his entire body lol.

[cappyboy]

As in someone who struggles to break what they're initially known for. A lot of childhood stars go through it where they struggle to get meaningful work later on as they're always remembered for something they can no longer be or it makes minimal sense to be. Some try and rehash it and trot it out, but generally fail. The point is Goldberg suffers this effect. If Goldberg is involved with wrestling people automatically associate him with the streak, it would take a very good creative mind to get people's mind past that and onto something new with him.

Ah yes, the Baby Brent thing from Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs. I'm with ya. Except I don't know if the Fred Savage example fully works. He followed the path of folks like Potsie Webber and Jerry the dentist from The Bob Newhart Show. He went behind the camera. And while you and I may not know him for that as such, the people who need to know to get their shows made do.

[jesterx7769]

TNA officially confirmed Sting will appear tonight. No official word on RVD/Hardy but of course its rumoured they will at least show up (I expect at the very least a video hype of RVD)

You guys probably saw too but it appears Hall/Waltman will have a match against Nash/Young. here's hoping we are all wrong in speculating Nash turns on Young to reform the nWo, or the oWo (old world order) although I dont see Hall/Waltman leaving anytime soon now that Hall has his little youtube video and creates hype which TNA loves

[lazorbeak]

Jeff Hardy goes to trial next week for several drug charges next week in North Carolina, so I would be pretty shocked if TNA makes any reference to him at all.

[thommohawk]

Why would you be shocked ? It was already established he was in deep **** with the drug bust and yet TNA still had him appear on the live special that they did as well as the subsequent episode of Impact. Plus Hardy's trial isn't until NEXT week, so why wouldn't TNA use him tonight ? After next week is a totally different story obviously but as for tonight, man think about it there's no reason not to use him tonight for effect if he's available, which all signs point to him showing up tonight. Along with Sting and RVD.

But I've got a funny feeling we'll be seeing at least 1 *major* shock tonight that we don't yet know about. Also what of this Samoa Joe abduction angle ? I'm assuming it gets resolved tonight or the plot otherwise seriously thickens but at this point I'm not sure where it's going or what it's amounting to.

[brashleyholland]

Why would you be shocked ? It was already established he was in deep **** with the drug bust and yet TNA still had him appear on the live special that they did as well as the subsequent episode of Impact. Plus Hardy's trial isn't until NEXT week, so why wouldn't TNA use him tonight ? After next week is a totally different story obviously but as for tonight, man think about it there's no reason not to use him tonight for effect if he's available, which all signs point to him showing up tonight. Along with Sting and RVD.



Well it'd make no sense introducing him to all the additional viewers they are expecting to get when they don't know what the outcome of his trail will be. Is he facing prison, restrictions on travel etc that might prevent them from using him for a period of time?

I supposed they could use him in the capacity of fighting RVD for a contract and losing. It's be a good way to get two 'names' into a one-off, high-profile bout, and would explain why Hardy doesn't show up next week if he isn't able to. If all goes well with the trail, Hardy gets a 'second chance' in a couple of weeks.

[Johnny Fenoli]

Well it'd make no sense introducing him to all the additional viewers they are expecting to get when they don't know what the outcome of his trail will be. Is he facing prison, restrictions on travel etc that might prevent them from using him for a period of time?

I supposed they could use him in the capacity of fighting RVD for a contract and losing. It's be a good way to get two 'names' into a one-off, high-profile bout, and would explain why Hardy doesn't show up next week if he isn't able to. If all goes well with the trail, Hardy gets a 'second chance' in a couple of weeks.

Great idea! Give them 20 minutes. A ladder. And a contract suspended from above. Winner stays in TNA and faces AJ at destination x for the title.

[Hyde Hill]

http://www.fanhouse.com/2010/03/05/chat-live-with-tna-star-desmond-wolfe-on-monday-4pm-et

Live chat with Desmond Wolfe just started for those interested.

Finished now. Was all in character, somewhat entertaining not revealing at all.

[Wrestling Century]

Edit

[BHK1978]

His favorite wrestler growing up was The Ultimate Warrior?:D

I would have thought it would be someone with actual talent....

[Hyde Hill]

Yeah isn't Edge's fav growing up also the Warrior? I guess its more an age then a talent thing lol.

Oh btw for those that don't know.

wanker = someone who pleasures himself a lot.

the two finger salute = up yours = up your sphincter.

Tried to keep it PG.

[alden]

I enjoy desmend alot......but i don't think i understood a word of his last promo on impact lol.........I thought i knew what some of it ment but way off i think. although i think that might be the point ;)........you get some guy to go speak "street" in the uk and it would be the same way i assume.....

[Hyde Hill]

Lol be glad he didn't go carney that stuff is evil and not understandable.

[jesterx7769]

For those arguing about Hardy spoiler is in white as it has been made clear whether or not he will appear tonight.

He is there and will appear

[jesterx7769]

I actually really enjoy Wolfe alot. He is a fresh heel in my mind. he isn't amonster, and isn't just a straight up arrogant heel (like all that WWE appears to be capable of now a days)

[thommohawk]

Being English myself I absolutely love Desmonde Wolfe I think he's absolutely hilarious. Brilliant wrestler too. Was he like that as Nigel McGuiness as well ? Very English slang I mean.

[Wrestling Century]

Desmond Wolfe callling people "wankers" is hilarious IMO. I live in America and I know what it means. I honestly can't believe that they don't censor that on iMPACT in the US. Do they censor that in the UK?

[Slagaholic]

The UK isn't nearly as censor-happy as we are when it comes to language

[jesterx7769]

I remember Madonna b*tching about the newspapers there showing nudity and how thats not right for her child...yet over here in US she makes a naked sex book for money...sorry just had to take a dive at Madonna, dont get many opps too :p

[Self]

The mild swearing does nothing for me, but the wordplay in his promo on Thursday was just my cup of tea. Pulling apart an old cliche, positioning himself as a guy who defies expectations and plays by his own rules, but keeps a strong grasp of his British roots. Took a downturn when Chelsea opened her trap, but on the whole I loved it. The highlight of Impact.

[jesterx7769]

Its a shame he isnt a main eventer and they did nothing with Chelsea wanting the ring b/c that could have been a cool storyline, the ring is kind of odd maybe her wanting something like Angles gold medal would work better.

[MattitudeV2]

The mild swearing does nothing for me, but the wordplay in his promo on Thursday was just my cup of tea. Pulling apart an old cliche, positioning himself as a guy who defies expectations and plays by his own rules, but keeps a strong grasp of his British roots. Took a downturn when Chelsea opened her trap, but on the whole I loved it. The highlight of Impact.

Does anyone find it odd he is supposebly dating an American Girl

[Remianen]

The very definition of a guy who went into wrestling because his 'real career' fell a little short.

And what was that 'real career'? He sucked balls as a D-lineman.

edit: Two other things that stick out to me that I've thought for awhile. The name, while TNA is getting more popular they really to get away from the "dirty" name, when i mentioned it to my girlfriend she asked me if it was porn and mentioned the tits and ass. Ignorant? Yes. But how do you expect people to react when they don't know you? I'm sure there are parents out there that would much rather have their kids watch WWE than give this new TNA thing a try. Ignorant? Yes, but once again they know WWE, they don't know TNA, and wrestling already has a bad image. I know someone will probably say "then what do you want them to be called!?" just replace the N with a W, Total Wrestling Action, TWA doesn't give off such a bad image.

I can't agree with this. While branding is indeed important, UNIQUE branding is even moreso. Having a name that's all your own and doesn't evoke the typical wrestling images (and the stigma that often comes with those images) is a strength, not a weakness. Ignorant people remain so until they're educated. While they make excellent fans (what's the saying about a fool and his/her money?), eventually you need to bring them around. There are people who frequent this community who think WWE is wrestling (ALL wrestling) even though "everyone" here knows that's not true.

Sorry, I just think that basing a branding strategy on ignorant people is a fool's errand. Ha! Get it? Fool's errand. :rolleyes:

Why name a store Target (complete with a bullseye for a logo) if it doesn't sell guns primarily?

As in someone who struggles to break what they're initially known for. A lot of childhood stars go through it where they struggle to get meaningful work later on as they're always remembered for something they can no longer be or it makes minimal sense to be. Some try and rehash it and trot it out, but generally fail. The point is Goldberg suffers this effect. If Goldberg is involved with wrestling people automatically associate him with the streak, it would take a very good creative mind to get people's mind past that and onto something new with him.

Soleil Moon Frye comes to mind. Most people know her as Punky Brewster. Some people know her as the girl who had a breast reduction due to her boobs actually being so large as to give her disc issues.

Ah yes, the Baby Brent thing from Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs. I'm with ya. Except I don't know if the Fred Savage example fully works. He followed the path of folks like Potsie Webber and Jerry the dentist from The Bob Newhart Show. He went behind the camera. And while you and I may not know him for that as such, the people who need to know to get their shows made do.

Um, no cappyboy, you kinda missed the point. You can't compare Anson Williams in this respect. Try his former castmate though. Ron became more known as a director than anything else due primarily to the fact that the audience at large (read: younger people) are familiar with him primarily in that capacity. Likewise, few people remember Jerry O'Connell for what used to be his best known role ('Stand by Me'). He's known as 'Jerry O'Connell' not as 'the fat kid from Stand by Me'. Fred Savage hasn't gotten there yet. To be fair though, neither has his little brother. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying he can't get there but to suggest that people remember him NOW for anything other than The Wonder Years, is a bit of a stretch. No one brings up Happy Days when Ron Howard pitches a film project. Film directors being FAR more hyped and promoted than TV directors (especially CHILDREN'S TV directors) contributes to that.


I think folks need to manage their expectations for tonight's show. Don't expect great, just expect 'halfway passable'. It'll help take the edge off the disappointment. :p

[brashleyholland]

Does anyone find it odd he is supposebly dating an American Girl

Not even slightly. If there is one thing that's guarenteed to pull an American bird, it's the good ol' English accent ;) That's how we get your wimins :D

[Remianen]

Not even slightly. If there is one thing that's guarenteed to pull an American bird, it's the good ol' English accent ;) That's how we get your wimins :D

Works both ways. An English (or even better, Australian) accent makes even a fat girl look like Giselle Brady. :p

[jesterx7769]

How is having a name that relates to sex unique and their own? The wrestling industry also has a bad name so I would have to say it def. evokes what people think of wrestling, its not like the name is, Family Friendly No Violence Entertainment. I would call TNA very far from a unique name "heh heh, hey butthead lets be cool and edgy and call it TNA so its like a cool/sex reference that the WWE even named a stable but it will stand for Totan Nonstop Action because we are are all about the action! Yeah Man Cross the Line!"

As far as basing it around ignorant people, apparentley there are so many ignorant people TNA barely exists (which is more Panda Energy than a wrestling company), and as many have said and read its questionable just how profitble they are, so how is it they dont need ignorant fans? We all make fun of the WWE demographic and how it is no longer us but they are raking in lots of dough. I'm not even saying they have to put wreslting in their name if they want to be different, call it TAA Total Awesome Action, but you how will they educate people that wont give them a chance? Go to every mall in the country telling people TNA doesnt stand for tits n ass and yes there is another wrestling company besides WWE on TV? You know there are parents out there saying

"TNA wrestling!? Youre not watching Tits N' Ass wrestling WWE is bad enough"

"but Mom! thats not what it stands for!" (As the beautiful people shake their ass on the ropes)

"No But's mister!"

That is my point. For 8 years or w/e theyve tried to be cool and let people come to their side and their ratings haven't changed much since Spike and while they have more fans they still run free shows out of Universal, at least companies like RoH are out their putting on shows and making money not relying on Daddy. I'm not saying that changing the name will make their booking better or suddenly bring in lots of money, I'm just saying how there is a laundry list of excuses people can give as to not watch TNA and not even give them a chance, which back to ratings, isn't happening.

As far as the Target reaon, Target's Initials arent' G.U.N.S. with their name being Great Universal New Shopping, then saying, why do parents think we sell guns?

[alden]

Works both ways. An English (or even better, Australian) accent makes even a fat girl look like Giselle Brady. :p

Hell yah! i spend a little time in in the uk in high school.....i am serious that every girl was a little bit hotter *atleast a little bit lol* just because of the accent.

but back on topic lol.......i am looking forward to the show tonight....although i am glad in the days of dvr i don't have to choose which one to watch. although i think i am dvring raw and watching impact. because i find my self fast forwarding raw alot more then impact lately.

[Tag01]

These camera angles are a little odd, but this crowd seems pretty hot (for TNA).

[Tag01]

The first five minutes and the big match of the evening is already over, plus a bizarre heel turn from Sting. Here we go again....

[jesterx7769]

At least Sting appeared, I was really worried it was just the match, good thing i turned back in time

[brashleyholland]

Ahhh, it's Christopher Daniels again. Good times :)

[jesterx7769]

Who's that? Wasn't he the guy who lost to Val Venis? :p

[Tag01]

That match was awesome! And yay Shannon Moore!

[brashleyholland]

Great TV bout.

But Moore vs Williams at Destination X? Dunno about that.

[liontamer]

why do they keep bringing back moore? I don't get it. He doesn't have much name value and the beautiful people could take him.

[brashleyholland]

That match was awesome! And yay Shannon Moore!

Is Moore any good? I remember him vaguely from 3-Count, but not much else.

[haloed]

Is Moore any good? I remember him vaguely from 3-Count, but not much else.

He's alright, but not that great. He's there mostly cuz of Jeff Hardy.



Edit: Although 3 count had some really good matches with the Jung Dragons in the dying days of WCW.

[liontamer]

He's alright, but not that great. He's there mostly cuz of Jeff Hardy.



Edit: Although 3 count had some really good matches with the Jung Dragons in the dying days of WCW.


Has Hardy done anything since returning? All I've seen him do is climb and sit on the cage when he redebuted in Jan.

[brashleyholland]

Has Hardy done anything since returning? All I've seen him do is climb and sit on the cage when he redebuted in Jan.

Havent seen him since I don't think.

[brashleyholland]

Edit: Although 3 count had some really good matches with the Jung Dragons in the dying days of WCW.

Just had a really bizzare flashback. Uncensored 2000, 3-Count vs Brian Knobs Hardcore Title match. Yuck.

[haloed]

Has Hardy done anything since returning? All I've seen him do is climb and sit on the cage when he redebuted in Jan.

No, but I think TNA are waiting on his Trial before featuring him on television. Which is smart considering he may be facing jail time but I'm not sure positive about the jail time. Still his association with Shannon Moore is what makes Moore an attractive talent to TNA as it helps keep Hardy happy with one of his best friends (Moore) around. Of course is depends on Hardy's drug trial.


Awesome comment from Taz about 4:20. Wonder who that could be?;)

[jesterx7769]

No he hasn't appeared since at that episode.

BTW, looks like Sting vs. RVD? That would be sweet. Worried it will be Sting vs Mick Foley or Jarrett

[Tag01]

Moore looks like a douche and doesn't have much in way of personality, but his matches are great. I like Doug Williams but there are better places for him than the X-Division.

And it looks like RVD vs. Sting later. Sweet.

[Tag01]

No, but I think TNA are waiting on his Trial before featuring him on television. Which is smart considering he may be facing jail time but I'm not sure positive about the jail time. Still his association with Shannon Moore is what makes Moore an attractive talent to TNA as it helps keep Hardy happy with one of his best friends (Moore) around. Of course is depends on Hardy's drug trial.


Awesome comment from Taz about 4:20. Wonder who that could be?

Hardy will have a pretty good idea of what he's looking at with his legal situation. Hopefully he'll plea and get probation before it goes to trial. I want to see Jeff Hardy back to work!

[jesterx7769]

Dough Williams finisher is sweet, I said that before, that alone wins me over since so many finishers arent impressive anymore

[haloed]

Hardy will have a pretty good idea of what he's looking at with his legal situation. Hopefully he'll plea and get probation before it goes to trial. I want to see Jeff Hardy back to work!

I as well want to see Hardy back. Has some really good potenial matchups with the TNA roster.

[Tag01]

Yes!!!!!

[b0shey]

i dont give a crap about TNA but finally The Beautiful People won the belts.

[liontamer]

So what's the storyline going to be for sting's turn?

that hogan is ruining TNA with all the crappy old guys they've added? unsettled beef with hogan? just get bored sitting at home?

[brashleyholland]

Well.....that was a bit of overkill. I guess they needed something big to fully turn Sting heel.

[jesterx7769]

Dissapointing...a 5 second match with no splash or vandaminator, no awesome entrance (if they were going to have him sneak attack why put his name up on the screen? him doing the thumbs on stage would have been huge) followed by 10 minutes of back and forth back beat up and had to get Hogan in of course

[jesterx7769]

Well.....that was a bit of overkill.

lol TRUE!

[Johnny Fenoli]

I am loving this show so far!! Sting has gone crazy and turned into TNA's version of The Joker... why so Serious Stinger??!

[haloed]

I for one didn't mind the debut of RVD. He gets a quick squash over Sting, to my knowledge I don't think they have ever crossed paths in a ring before. Sting destroys him with the black bat and TNA may finally have successfully turned Sting into a full fledged heel. No one has really managed that before. So RVD saves face for his victory while TNA gets Sting over a bad guy.

[LoganRodzen]

Dissapointing...a 5 second match with no splash or vandaminator, no awesome entrance (if they were going to have him sneak attack why put his name up on the screen? him doing the thumbs on stage would have been huge) followed by 10 minutes of back and forth back beat up and had to get Hogan in of course

The splash on the screen was necessary to get Sting to look up at the ramp for so long. I thought overall that segment was awesome. Sting is a solid heel and you could tell the crowd wasn't into it at first, but by the end of that segment Hogan and RVD had put him over as a full-fledged heel.

I've enjoyed the first hour. The camera angles on The Beautiful People were amazing! :D

[haloed]

I must say thought that it was AWESOME to see RVD return to TV and debut for TNA. Even if it was short it was great.

[brashleyholland]

"Hall is wasted" chant :-p

Only wrestling could turn someones slow, alcohol related death into a humerous chant :-p

[LoganRodzen]

I must say thought that it was AWESOME to see RVD return to TV and debut for TNA. Even if it was short it was great.

The debut did what it needed to. It put RVD over with a win and kept Sting strong as well. I would definitely like to see RVD vs Sting for a full match though.

[Tag01]

I liked RVD! This segment is weak, and it seems like it's setting up a fingerpoke of doom type win for Hall so that he and X-Pac both get their contracts. Meh.

[Tag01]

Beer Money heel turn???? okay.....

[brashleyholland]

Hmmm, so we're gonna see a Jeff Hardy run in during/after the main event or not at all?

Unless they are setting Jeff up to be a major player, seems a bit wierd...

[Johnny Fenoli]

Hmmm, so we're gonna see a Jeff Hardy run in during/after the main event or not at all?

Unless they are setting Jeff up to be a major player, seems a bit wierd...

Or, if the rumors are true that he IS there... then maybe they are saving him to use next week, since they are taping that too... dont know.

[brashleyholland]

Or, if the rumors are true that he IS there... then maybe they are saving him to use next week, since they are taping that too... dont know.

Ahh, didn't realise that...thought they were live every Monday now.

Still, you'd think they'd maybe have some sort of video hyping his appearence or something.

[brashleyholland]

Hmmm, so we're gonna see a Jeff Hardy run in during/after the main event or not at all?

Unless they are setting Jeff up to be a major player, seems a bit wierd...

Called it...lol at the cut-off before the swanton though :-p

[LoganRodzen]

Ahh, didn't realise that...thought they were live every Monday now.

Still, you'd think they'd maybe have some sort of video hyping his appearence or something.

I think the every-other-week could be good for them. Gives them time to build up their live show like its a Saturday Night Main Event type thing. It also saves their asses next week when Austin is host of RAW. I wouldn't want to see the ratings if they went head-to-head next week. :eek:

[Tha Black Phenom]

The cutoff right before the Swanton Bomb was downright hilarious.

As for the RVD debut.. I liked it and hated it. Yeah, RVD got the win and Sting got over as a heel, but Christ in the night did they have to drag the segment like they did? It really seemed like RVD would snap out of it eventually and get some form of comeuppance but instead we got Hogan sticking his old geezer in and stealing the spotlight off Van Dam. It helps a lot that Hogan kicked off the show and would end the show. Ergh.

[mizzou24]

overall pretty good stuff this week.. i was watching it more than raw so i guess it caught my attention more so that the WWE this week..

[brashleyholland]

I think the every-other-week could be good for them. Gives them time to build up their live show like its a Saturday Night Main Event type thing. It also saves their asses next week when Austin is host of RAW. I wouldn't want to see the ratings if they went head-to-head next week. :eek:

Wait, so they're not even on Monday next week?

[GDE71]

Wait, so they're not even on Monday next week?

Live on tape next Monday.....

[mizzou24]

yeah they are.. it just wont be live i believe is what he is saying.

[TDubTNA]

there always going to be on monday just not live every week every other week they'll be live but the show will always be on monday

[LoganRodzen]

You guys are right. I just don't follow as much as I used to. I think they're going to find out fast enough their taped shows won't be getting as great reviews as the live ones. :rolleyes:

[brashleyholland]

I remember back in the day people in the US with certain satalite dishes could intercept the Smackdown feed when they taped it on Tuesdays. Pity there wasn't an online file-sharing community around back then :-p

[Slagaholic]

Overall it was a pretty good show, much better than the 1/4/10 Show.

Bischoff admitting the X-Division had been forgotten has me excited as well, since Bischoff is a great booker for juniors.

[djthefunkchris]

Overall it was a pretty good show, much better than the 1/4/10 Show.

Bischoff admitting the X-Division had been forgotten has me excited as well, since Bischoff is a great booker for juniors.

The "Adrenalin" of TNA is how he put it. I liked that as well, and am not even a fan of the X-Division. Hopefully some full storylines will come out of it.

I supported this show, watched it more then RAW just because:D. I did watch RAW as well, but I just wanted to say one thing about TNA.

I am probably the biggest fan of Hogan, or very close, on this sight. If this were a TEW game I think I would have recieved the "Used too much" for him this particular show. Seemed like he was in every other segment, and although I like Brook as well, I think they could have done with only one segment with her crying (preferably the one with Hogan in it).

Liked RVD's fast victory, long beating. I have to admit I really like Sting as a bad guy, didn't know I would. Didn't really think it was possible (kind of like Taker getting boo's to me...). Liked Hardy coming in at the end.

Could have done without the Knockouts stuff... Just felt like a commercial type match to me. I ussualy love the knockouts segments.

I really wish they would do something different with Jeff... and Foley for that matter. Just when I think I can get into Jeff as a character, they do things that just don't make any sense to me....

Anyways, this show should have been a 1.5 or so (Yep, I'm predicting). Maybe even better. Hopefully they can get better, but the answer is not to put Hogan/Sting/Angle, etc.. In our face's all night long. They need to make the show flow more, get storyline parts in and out without coming back and bassically "riding" it out just so they can have "X" personality on the screen. If it wasn't so obvious I wouldn't mind, but it was.

[Tha Black Phenom]

-- Bubba the Love Sponge said on his morning show today that he wanted Hulk Hogan to talk to Dixie Carter about doing a "Bubba Night" on iMPACT!. Hogan responded by saying TNA first needs "to get out of the studio," meaning the Impact Zone.

lol, what a git.

[b0shey]

The "Adrenalin" of TNA is how he put it. I liked that as well, and am not even a fan of the X-Division. Hopefully some full storylines will come out of it.

Anyways, this show should have been a 1.5 or so (Yep, I'm predicting). <- :eek:
can you give me the winning lottery numbers for next week?
no way they pull off 1.5 (1.3)

[djthefunkchris]

Anyways, this show should have been a 1.5 or so (Yep, I'm predicting). <- :eek:
can you give me the winning lottery numbers for next week?
no way they pull off 1.5 (1.3)

I have a minimal chance of being right, but that's my prediction. We will see who it closer:D. In all honesty, I hope I win, but only because I'm hoping for them to have some sort of bragging rights.

There is one more thing about the show that was very unpleasant for me (made me switch to be honest). The crowd at the beginning. I come back in time to see Sting at the end of that, and them talking about it (Caught the whole thing when they showed it over again). The crowd with their "TNA/TNA/TNA" sounded so planted and without any real reason to say it. It's like when I used to do DJ battle's, and the other guys sometimes had a few "Plants" in the crowd to get everyone to chant something that would never even have been thought of before they started. It makes them look bad, and ussually really bad (at least by the time I get done;)). I know this is not TNA's doing, which even annoy's me more, because that is exactly what it looks like. These guys in the crowd need to grow up a bit, and quit distracting the show.

[falling_star]

I want to like Impact! more than I did, but I'm struggling to truly accept just how far removed wrestling is now from the wrestling I know & love. Is it really such a horrible thing to have, say, 30 minutes of actual wrestling matches on wrestling show? They could have accomplished everything that they wanted and still done actual WRESTLING along the way.

Instead of having a 'false start' main event, they could've opened hot with Hogan & Abyss coming out to cut a promo with Flair & Styles eventually joining them in the ring. Just before things spill over into physicality, the lights go out, Sting shows up and takes out Hogan & Abyss, dispatches Flair & Styles from the ring, and gives Hogan the beating that was otherwise pointlessly given to RVD (way to kill the momentum of someone people have been wanting you to sign for months in just one night). They can start selling from this point that the main event for the night is in question, which is why everyone will be trying to talk Hulk out of it.

Back from commercial, and the X Division segment & match with Kaz/Daniels/Williams goes on just as it did including the bit with Moore at the end. In the back, Abyss is losing it because his former mentor Sting has attacked him while Brooke & company are crying about Hulk before commercial.

Come back and do the Nash/Young segment, Hall & Waltman come out of the crowd, Bischoff gets involved, but instead of the match happening 'right now' Young vs Waltman is later tonight (we're probably at the 30 minute mark here, give-or-take 5). The Beautiful People are warming up in the back as we head to commercial.

Then we have the Knockout Tag title match go on just as it did, and then go to Pope in the back for a promo. He talks about constantly getting the best of Wolfe, winning the 8 Card Stud tournament, etc. Annoyed, Wolfe shows up onscreen and attacks before the break.

Wolfe is on his way to the ring for a match when we come back, Taz & Tenay selling his rough luck and bad temper recently. Wolfe has been sent out to try and dispatch Jarrett tonight, and they have a short match with Pope getting his revenge by helping Jarrett win (work Foley in there somewhere, guest ref or what-have-you).

As we come up on the hour, we have Young vs Waltman now in a fast-paced match that easily goes Young's way along with Sting walking backstage and more people trying to talk Hogan out of the main event. Already, in the first hour, I have included more wrestling and done most of what they wanted to get across.

Then in the second hour there is room for the Angle/Anderson promo, time to put on, say, Beer Money vs MCMG to put over both the Tag Title & Tag Title #1 Contender Ultimate X match, have RVD debut by squashing a ****y Brian Kendrick ("They told me my opponent tonight is some superstar, but not compared to me, etc. etc." kinda thing only to get taken care of in a minute or so by RVD's signature spots), and still build the tag team main event & put it on as they did with Hardy showing up.

Again, is 30 minutes of wrestling REALLY that much to ask of wrestling program? I jotted all that down just from looking at an Impact! report. . . and I managed to put in 7 matches (1 knockout and, basically, 2 squashes. . . which is still 4 matches. . . Impact had 5 tonight, if you count Sting vs RVD & Young vs Waltman as matches. . . 6 is you count the main event & false start as 2); I conveyed every point that they wanted to make, and more.

Oi. . . sorry, the stoned, irritated wrestling fan/fantasy booker in me came out there. I totally understand how Jim Cornette feels. :mad:

[TommyDreamerFan]

okay first, the show was great and TNA have really been living up to their name of Total Nonstop Action because the show litterally runs at full-steam to the end. If I have one true complaint is that the pacing is so fast everything got kinda jumbled in together, but for this show, it had to be that way.

And them zooming in on Anderson being beaten down by the army guys. Homeboys could not throw a punch and they totall exposed that when a wide angle shot would of been better.

A really minor complaint was RVD being fed to Sting. Now, okay, it's Sting. His star power is equal to RVD, so it's not that bad, still it's a crying shame because seeing RVD in TNA could of had that OMG he debuted moment but that was killed the moment the match was over. HOWEVER I believe the segment got Sting over as a killer Heel and thats whats important.

Rating prediction: 1.3 at least, 1.8 at most. TNA's offical fanbase hovers at that 1.3. I'm willing to bet there was enough interest in the show from the IWC to bump the show up a tad.

[djthefunkchris]

okay first, the show was great and TNA have really been living up to their name of Total Nonstop Action because the show litterally runs at full-steam to the end.

The problem is they have less in ring action then their "competition" does, and their competition is pretty bad at having much in ring action as well.

So if that's what you call living up to their name, so be it.

However, I did like the show in a whole, and only the points I brought out actually effected me (the crowd mainly at the beginning, and too much Hogan).

[TracyBrooksFan]

was great i was there live.

and met Lacey Von Erich wow gorgeous in person.

[BHK1978]

was great i was there live.

and met Lacey Von Erich wow gorgeous in person.

This has nothing to do with tonight's show, but TracyBrooksFan how far in advance do you usually show up for the show?

I know when WCW was doing their tapings at MGM, they would beg people to come to the show.

Just wondering because I might want to go to a show down there sometime.

[alden]

A really minor complaint was RVD being fed to Sting. Now, okay, it's Sting. His star power is equal to RVD, so it's not that bad,
.

Had to comment on that one sorry.....I am a rvd fan big time.........but saying saying stings star power is equal to rvd got me laughing a little. Sting is HUGE!!!!!!!!! like almost flair/hogan level huge. Yeah it is true that in tna he has looked a little weaker lately but you have to look at the history of sting. For rvd to come in and basicly get a squah win over him is giant. Sting has been a top draw in every company he has worked in. He has been a money draw for almost twenty years now. Ok sorry rant over lol..........

I enjoyed the show. i thought brook's acting was a little over the top....her begging him not to get back in the ring...he says he won't then a few segments later..........is back in the ring?????? ok sure.....

They need to keep up this type of show.

[mizzou24]

agreed on the RVD being equal to sting.. no way in hell is RVD close to sting, but still the match was disappointing. Instead of the long ass attack with the bat they should of had a slightly longer match with a little revenge from sting with the bat.. it was too long of a segment.. just was kinda dull to me.. but great show regardless and was better than RAW this week.

[TracyBrooksFan]

This has nothing to do with tonight's show, but TracyBrooksFan how far in advance do you usually show up for the show?

I know when WCW was doing their tapings at MGM, they would beg people to come to the show.

Just wondering because I might want to go to a show down there sometime.

we got there around 1:30 but had VIP they let us in the impact zone at after 8:00.

Only reason we got there so early was to make sure we got our VIP tickets since they only handed out a certain amount.

[Hyde Hill]

Yeah you need to get VIP status for guaranteed entry you can do this via e-mail or something similar. One of the TNA die hard fans explained it on the podcast I posted a while back. Its In park vip first, then out of park vip, then in park, then out of park. Thats how the whole pissed off bubba army thing started on the 4th as they where out of park vip's so and because of the high turnout of in park vip's they didn't all get in which Bubba had rpomised.

[thommohawk]

I enjoyed the show last night, I could see Sting's turn from a mile away but I still enjoyed how dominant he was with that baseball bat, if they work it right Sting could be cool again! ;)

Disappointed not to see any total surprises, though I told you they'd use Jeff Hardy lol - no reason for them not to, this week!

It was nice to see the fans chanting RVD before he came out, but on the other hand it was disappointing if you didn't know already - speaking of the idiots in the crowd ruining the show who was that prick who kept shouting anndersooooonnnn during Kurt Angle's promo ?! FFS that's so annoying!.....But talking of the show itself and although it was a good show I did have 2 niggles, 1) the Hogan's not named Hulk - this is TNA Wrestling not Hogan Knows Best!! 2) Unless I missed it I don't believe they furthered the Samoa Joe abduction angle at all....I don't know what that's all about.

Interesting that Jeff Hardy got the loudest pop by far....still don't get it but no doubt being as over as he is he's a massive coup for TNA.

If they want to make some serious money and pull some real interest they should have Hardy vs RVD at the PPV after Destination X, forgive me I'm still not versed in TNA PPVs on what comes when I'm a very recent WWE convert. But yeah RVD vs Jeff Hardy both of them having their first real matches in TNA....with proper build.....and a good 20 minute barnstorm match - then when both guys are spent having both kicked out of each others finisher, Sting comes out and gets the match thrown out and bloodies RVD to set up their feud good and proper. Though obviously their feud is already setup in the real, I'm really looking forward to that!

But getting back to the Samoa Joe abduction angle...where do you guys think that is going ? I'm stumped. Especially because they've hardly promoted it since. I'm guessing Joe comes back at Destination X or just after it....but to what end I don't know, and who were the group of masked men that abducted him ? I can't believe TNA hasn't promoted this whodunnit more!

[Hyde Hill]

Think that Joe is probably getting some rest after working through a lot of nagging injuries last year. And he will hopefully come back as lean and mean as he was in the beginning of his TNA career. Overall I really enjoyed the show just some minor flaws here and there but generally very well done.

RVD! RVD! RVD! RVD!

[liontamer]

I don't think it'll be RVD vs hardy off the bat. I think we'll see RVD vs sting and AJ vs Abyss with interference from wolfe and a save by hardy (to set up AJ vs hardy).

As for Joe, I have no idea where they are going with the current angle. seems kinda odd. Abduction makes me think either hall and xpac got him and will use him as leverage to get contracts, Raven's starting a new flock (not sure how joe fits in -seems like it'd be a big demotion), or they have some new ''outsiders'' that have got him.

[jesterx7769]

I am sad to admit I did not watch the last half hour, I turned on Family Guy :( sorry but I just couldnt take it anymore and I'm glad I missed JJ and the tag match.

[TracyBrooksFan]

Yeah you need to get VIP status for guaranteed entry you can do this via e-mail or something similar. One of the TNA die hard fans explained it on the podcast I posted a while back. Its In park vip first, then out of park vip, then in park, then out of park. Thats how the whole pissed off bubba army thing started on the 4th as they where out of park vip's so and because of the high turnout of in park vip's they didn't all get in which Bubba had rpomised.

yes that how it goes it also dnt hurt knowing some the crew and wrestlers

[jesterx7769]

Alright, after being so dissapointed hopefully my weekly rundown will make me tune in next week b/c right its get DVR'd with a lot of use of the skip button.

Opening Match

To me this is where it all started. It was one of my theories as to the "5 minutes" and all excitment I had just went down hill. My gf was actually "watching" while reading her magazine (shes never watched TNA with me before but since The Bachelor is over she was content in having it on and reading) and as soon as the show started I said "This sucks already!" and she was like "What?" but anyways, I digress, point is I was vocally upset, I actually switched over to RAW to see if Undertaker would be anybetter.

I switched back with the match still going on then Sting comes in, I'm like sweet they're doing something righ! EEHHHH! Wrong! it isn't enough to just have one of the biggest stars in wrestling return, he has to have a heel turn, vintage Bischoff/Russo. This ruined it AGAIN for me. If they want to turn Sting go for it, but cant you wait until next week or the end of the show and let us enjoy it and say haha WWE never got Sting?

After all this big to do, we get to see the match I initially switched off later in the show in the main event, *sarcastic* yaaaay.

20 minutes later, here is Kaz

Promos weren't the best but hey we got a real match! Action was actually a little dissapointed to me as none of the guys hit their big moves until Williams at the end, who's move I love, so in TEW terms "This match lifted the crowd" Oh Shannon Moore? NVM, this match did not lift the crowd, I would have rather had one of the other X division wrestlers (you know, who has been with the company) come in, Moore cant even bring in WWE fans since he is SO different now (and has been) go Hardy...

Women's Tag Match

Really?...really? This is the first Live Monday "War" show and this is what we get? I've been consistent all along and while I dont hate womens wrestling, history has shown it doesnt draw and I think TNA needs to focus on other things. This match took the place of a MCMG type match so that upsets me. Match was too long given who was involved then the BP get that long victory angle? WTF? We get it writers, you like getting sucked

Dinero/Wolfe

Okay, this is fun, we get a Pope promo which is entertaining, then we see he is going to face Wolfe, cool should be fun, OH NO! Wolfe attacks Pope no match. Once again, another way to p*ss me off... I watched the BP wrestle I deserve a real match now and they just took it off.
(is there an echo in here?)

Sting vs. ???

Here we go folks! Best part of the night! I was truely psyched, we all knew it was going to be RVD as an opponent, they stretch out Stings entrance, I am getting butterflies thinking "this is why TNA is good, forget the other stuff" RVD appears on the screen, YES! they didnt throw a curve ball!, Wait, RVD is coming out of the crowd to ambush Sting? Kicks him, splashes him, yay go RVD beat him up!...its over? WTF!!!!!! This followed by a 15 minuted bat angle where nothing happens, he doesnt focus on breaking RVD's leg, just walks back and forth and oh here comes Hogan! Because he hasn't been on my TV enough tonight...what just went from the best part of the night went to easily the worst "This match was going to bring the crowd down but it couldnt go any lower"

The Band

Oh boy, here comes the band. Just sit through it and will be done soon, nash gets time then we go to commerical...and its still goin. Nash/Waltman take their time getting to the ring, blah blah Hey Yo I'm old, blah blah oh a match! And seriously, can the annoucners at least stop questioning how Nash and Walman get in? We get it, you've said it every Impact for the last three months now, theyre sneaky. Match was decent for what it was, would have liked it to turn into an outside of the ring brawl but it could have been worse. At the same, why did this storyline get such a long angle and match?

Captain Angle

So now Angle is hugely army, honestly it was a little much. This whole bit went on long for what it was, positive is it moved the storyline along being something different which is what I've said I have enjoyed about this feud. It was just too long and seeing the Army assault a TNA contracted worker was a bit dumb, oh but Angle poses with the flag, lame.

Bubba/Hogan, wait, this doesn't warrant its on part

JJ/Foley

Started watching this then changed to Family Guy b/c it was awful and of course didnt make sense (big surprise folks!) and instead of seeing Beer Money vs. a tag team in a REAL match, we get another angle which is now a synonym for match. Flipped in on family guy commercials and the same stupid thing was going on, Foley who is the ref/boss (hes still part owner or something w/JJ isnt' he?) gives JJ a bat then the ref goes against two of his bosses to take the obviously plastic barbed wire bat away, and big surprise JJ loses. Waste of time, glad I missed most of it.

Here it is folks we promised you a great main event tonight...

Didnt watch it. Had no interest in it when it was announced, had no interested when my TNA support meter was at 0 last night. Flipped in and out, same stuff, blah blah, then Jeff Hardy. If Hardy was there, where was he at the beginning of the show? Blah, I dont care about Jeff anyway, the dude has never been a big draw for either promotion and hasnt worked 6 months straight in years. He will flake and be out of TNA by the end of the year (either back to WWE for just back to nothing like usual)

Random Questions/Thoughts

-Samoa Joe- like someone said maybe hes getting rest, but Samoa Joe was one of the companies biggest draws, appears to have a big feud with AJ set up, then gets kidnapped, and has no not been heard from for almost a month. If they wanted him off tv, why not just have Flair/AJ break his legs with a figure four? once again, more lose ends.

-Pope- Umm apparentley he lost the #1 contendership to Abyss? Seriously, what the hell is going on? Are they only writing these episodes/feuds before that week? We had this big Pope thing callin D*ck Flair out and now its nothing...thx for treating me stupid TNA! Also, I get it, hes injured and cant compete, this is the 2nd time they have done this with him, since they clearly regret pushing him, why did they even do it to being with!?

-Bischoff- I thought he was used well this week. He got his TV time but when he did it was important (like I mentioned last week) bad news, Hogan got all his and the Nasty Boyz excess time.

Overall Score: 3 Last week was a good Impact and I rated it high and high hopes for this show but looking at the segments none of them stood as being great, there were alot of let downs with one average segment (three way match) and the only high points were people debuting, so is TNA just going to have 3 people debut each week B/c they sure as hell can't write.

[jesterx7769]

http://pwinsider.com/article/45748/chris-jericho-shoots-on-how-tna-booked-rob-van-dam-last-night.html?p=1

Poor RVD :( didnt even get to finish his thumbs

[Tempest Kane]

after reading your post... jesterx7769... maybe wrestling isnt for you?

how about volly ball?

And as for how they booked RVD, he got a clean win over Sting in a short match that both made him look like a huge star and protected Sting who... if anyone can remmber a few months ago with AJ can barely work a match over 5mins anymore without getting confused and lost...

He then was used to establish Sting as a legitimate heel, Hello... nobody has been able to succesfuly book Sting heel in ... well.. ever. It always fails. This looked like it worked.

And to top it off... it setup 2 big money matchs.

RVD vs Sting @ Lockdown... and more importantly... Hogan vs Sting for Bound for Glory.

Get with the program people, RVD is booked weak on a debut? lol no... your far too inpatient ... he is the whole f'in show and this was a great use of him to set things in motion and despite what the people crying are saying.. in the end, it wont hurt him a single bit.

As for Jericho... seems like someone is talking about the competition a bit more than Vinny Mac would like, i expect him to be Joey Styles'd shortly re:twitter.

[jesterx7769]

I actually gave Impact an 8 last week when I did that review pages back.

Nice edit ;)

I didnt say we wont get good things in the future but that post was about last nights impact and judging it for what it was, like I have been doing. I would also argue about RVD's win being clean, it was pretty tainted. He ambushed him off the turnbuckle and got a quick pin not even giving Sting time to take off his trench coat. I def. hope we get to see Sting/RVD in a real match but thats what I thought we were getting last night, instead we saw more of a Hogan/Sting feud

[Self]

Didn't watch last night (either show) but I'm pretty sure Pope is still getting a title shot at Lockdown. I think that was the plan, they just decided to shove an AJ-Abyss feud in the middle of the AJ-Pope thing. Bit convoluted for my tastes, but there you go.

Pope's selling the Pillman-ising more than most folks in modern renditions, but it's a bit ridiculous to hamper one of the few babyfaces who can 'go' with a worked injury. I assume they're trying to give Pope 'sympathy' but Pope was getting over just being Pope

[jesterx7769]

Pope's selling the Pillman-ising more than most folks in modern renditions, but it's a bit ridiculous to hamper one of the few babyfaces who can 'go' with a worked injury. I assume they're trying to give Pope 'sympathy' but Pope was getting over just being Pope

That's why I get upset over Pope, as you said he was getting over, Pope cutting good angles made people cheer and now he's in this big mess of getting his ankle/leg broken every other week.

I admit I'm harsh about last night but its b/c i was expecting great things and didn't see them, I said I marked out for Sting/RVD but just by having them on the show doesn't make the show as a whole good. We were teased two PPV quality matches and didn't get them (Pope/Wolfe, Sting/RVD) and instead saw two joke matches (JJ's and Young/Waltman) and saw Hogan on TV for an hour out of the two hours.

I guess a good question to cheer me up would be what did the people that liked the show like about it specifically to help me look at the positive and get my TNA hope back?

[justtxyank]

Can someone clear something up for me...

Why is Abyss getting the title shot at DX instead of Pope?

[MattitudeV2]

Can someone clear something up for me...

Why is Abyss getting the title shot at DX instead of Pope?

Cause pope's title shot is for Lockdown!

[jesterx7769]

B/c Pope is injured and for some reason when Pope won his title shot it was for Lockdown (which doesnt make sense b/c when you win a title shot, isnt it for the next PPV? unless its the RR of course)

yeah I dont have a straight answer for you, I've been trying to justify everything in my head. Next week they better explain it, just have Bischoff say "Since you broke Pope's leg you will now be facing Abyss!" they kinda skipped that step

edit: BTW the Ultimate X card does look sweet. Too bad i dont order them :p hopefully next week has some good set up matches/angles

[Self]

I believe it's always been Lockdown. When Pope won the tournament, they said Lockdown. I was actually shocked that Lockdown wasn't the next PPV on the schedule, but there you go. Nothing changed. The injury, as far as I can tell, has nothing to do with when he's getting his shot. I presume its just a way to get him out of the title picture while Hogan and his special sidekick take center stage.

P.S. I'm not a huge Pope fan, but I sure get a kick out of calling him Pope/

[pate]

There was a point during the show were I was expecting Joe's abductor to be revealed as Sting, and then Joe to come out in similar paint. I am very glad this did not happen.

[LoganRodzen]

I could seriously watch The Beautiful People all night I think. Seems like the biggest complaint from everyone is the Knockout tag match. I'm just weak when it comes to three blondies I guess. I've only watched TNA during the live shows they've put on... basically to bring me back to that warm and fuzzy Monday night wrestling feeling, but I know enough that women's tag team titles shouldn't exist in a 'mainstream' company.

I noticed that the camera angles seemed way better than the Jan. 4th show. Like I said, I'm not a regular viewer so maybe that's been changed up for a while, but that was always my biggest pet-peeve about TNA. Their production (not talking pyro or other cosmetics) always seems to lack. It didn't as much last night.

[Tempest Kane]

The Pope @ Lockdown thing is real simple... Pope might have been getting over on his own, but i think we can all agree he isnt their YET.

So you have him win the title shot, you put it 2 months ahead and you now have time to build this guy, do i agree with how they are doing so? maybe not, but i do agree with why they are doing it. Desmond wolfe is a strong enough heel at this point in the upper midcard that he can get Pope were he needs to be... (if enough screen time is directed at this now side project build).

The Pope is pretty unlikely to even go over at Lockdown, but that isnt the point of the the whole situation to start with, the money isnt in the face getting the title, its in the heel holding and the face chasing the strap... but the real point here is to make Pope seem like a legitimate contender in his own right without the need for a plot device like a tourny every time they want him to co-headline a ppv.

Pope now needs a month of solid matchs under him with Desmond and a varity of additional fly by night heel debuts over the next few impacts to just put him in the right spot for Lockdown, he then likely needs to heel turn again after lockdown and get a decent run under him of atleast 6-8 months.... and by the time he turns face again, THEN he will be ready.

But again too much impatience. Pope isnt their yet. He isnt even close... this isnt the end of the story... this is page one for him... stop trying to skip to the end people ;)

EDIT: BTW... About RVD again, by the sounds of his recent blog on what it would take for him to sign with a company, the guy atleast has some percentage of control of his character and use, i wont go as far as to say he has creative control... but he wouldnt let himself be used in any way that didnt make him feel comfotable, bare that in mind folks.

[djthefunkchris]

EDIT: BTW... About RVD again, by the sounds of his recent blog on what it would take for him to sign with a company, the guy atleast has some percentage of control of his character and use, i wont go as far as to say he has creative control... but he wouldnt let himself be used in any way that didnt make him feel comfotable, bare that in mind folks.

That really wouldn't change anyone's opinion on anything... except on how smart they think RVD is.

[dcxbox]

i loved the main event, rvd had an awesome debut which instantly sets up rvd sting, and also pushes sting as a heel (finally i love heel sting, this is his first real heal run since hot stuff international in uwf, jcp ) hogan sting seems like may happen, that will prob be on ppv, but i hope they build it for tv. tna can afford to give big matches away right now, as ppvs aren't making a lot for them, and they need to get more viewers .

each week its looking like we will see a new horsemen group. flair, aj style wolfe, i hope maybe beer money is added.

[Fleisch]

Now i have been a big fan of TNA since day 1 and have wanted to see them succeed (I still do) but if last nights Impact is the best they can do, forget it. I am so sick of every 5 minutes Hulk Hogan appearing on screen. It isn't needed and I don't care what anyone else says. AJ Styles looks like a bag of crap champion. He doesn't NEED Flair. Oh Flair and Hogan are legends, there's no mistake, thing about legEND. Who didn't see the Hogan/Abyss v Flair/AJ match ending up as the main event? Yeah they opened the show... spent an hour during the rest of the show involved somehow and then bam! Main Event match as well. Seriously. Hogan is full of crap if he expects anyone to think he has TNA's best interests at heart. Hogan cares about Hogan, period. I know the argument is always gonna be "TNA needs Hogan/Flair/Nash/Angle etc.... to succeed". Well sorry but after 7+ years if you've not been able to get any of your other stars over by that time, give up. AJ has beaten Angle, Sting etc, he's a great talent and was building his character and reputation, now he's "A Nature Boy"? Please. Like AJ needs Flair to get over. Bottom line is this... if TNA had the exposure of WWE (which on Spike it never will) then they have the better talent pool and would stand a chance when it comes time to go head to head with WWE, but they don't and not 90 minutes of Hogan bumbling about like a geriatric without his walking stick or the eccentric grandaddy Flair is going to mask that fact. Blading is becoming retarded, I don't need to see a near 60 year old man bleed to make me think "wow... I gotta watch next week to see what happens" it makes me think "well that sucked. Screw watching it next week".

To ANYONE who thinks TNA are going to catch WWE, you're dreaming... and that's coming from someone who can't stand the WWE product. well quite frankly I can't stand either company at the minute which is a shame because i was really entertained when I tuned into Impact. I'm no "smark" so don't even pull that card on me because I'll just chuck it back at you with an "idiot card" as a bonus, I'm not a mark either. I'm a fan of wrestling who has had enough of being fed nothing but **** for the past 2 or 3 months. Wouldn't surprise me if Hogan and Flair were on the WWE payroll to ensure TNA doesn't succeed (ok so thats doubtful but you get the feeling when Hogan tells you the TNA product now is better than it was before he turned up. That's BS.)

The above is my opinion. I don't expect you to agree, everyone is entitled to their opinion.

[jesterx7769]

I dont think last night hurt RVD's image, Sting is one of top wrestlers over the past 20 years and the biggest modern age star not to be in the 'E, and it may build to something in the future. But personally I watched it live (instead of DVR'ing so I can skip commercials like usual) was to see Sting and RVD debut, and you have to admit it wasn't the best way to debut the hottest free agent in your first live Monday show going to head to head. And actually what really killed it for me was Hogan coming in b/c it made it a Sting/Hogan feud instead of a RVD/Sting feud, if Sting beats up RVD then walks away, we have "why did Sting beat up RVD? Will RVD get revenge?" now its why did Sting attack Hogan, and oh yeah, the hottest free agent has been lying in the ring for 10 minutes, welcome to TNA!

I agree with you on the Pope thing though since I didnt think he deserved to be the #1 contender yet either, but kinda like you said, its a bit odd how they've gone about getting him over by having him break his ankle twice, and I think if they just would have had Wolfe/Pope feud for the past months would have worked better. As I said, it just upsets they make him the #1 contender, let him do a great in ring promo against Flair, then never mention it again while Abyss gets pushed to the moon

EDIT: Fleisch, as you can see by my previous page post I agree with you!

[TommyDreamerFan]

Going back to what I said earlier, about Sting/RVD being equals in terms of name value. I mean it's not like they did the same angle and fed RVD to Samoa Joe. Both wrestlers are known to the casual fan, and thats the important thing.

Also stop bitching that RVD got beaten down for ten minutes. There is no shame in getting beaten down by Sting!

I figure after Destination-X, Abyss will be pushed off to the side for the moment and Pope will be thrust out into the spotlight.

Also, and this is something I humbly believe in, is that with the wrestling product you can't look into it as deeply as we all do. We're die hards, we're watching this show like "omg how are they gonna pull this off? What's happening here? What competeing with this on the other show?" and I honestly don't believe the main-fanbase, the casual wrestling fan cares at all about that. Their sheep in fact! I don't think they tune into the WWE for any other reason then the fact the WWE's name is on it.

Literally all TNA has to do to catch up to the WWE is stick around long enough and get the WWESheep to be interested. They have RVD, Jeff Hardy, Hulk Hogan, Kurt Angle, Mr. Kennedy.... That really a creme de la creme of names and talent. Its just a matter of getting them to flick over to Spike.

[Hyde Hill]

That really wouldn't change anyone's opinion on anything... except on how smart they think RVD is.

He got into a program with TNA's second/third biggest known mainstream name. Who has a boatload of heat of a heel turn right of the bat. If I am RVD I am happy. With Angle and AJ occupied and Hogan being a face this is great for him. Now the execution could have been better but it was good for what it was.

[dvdWarrior]

I thought the show was pretty darn good myself, (of course TNA hasn't really set too high of a bar in recent years). To me, they've done a good job at creating some believable heat between a few wrestlers, and that's step one on the road to greatness. My first guess is that Sting is still upset at the thought that WCW brought in Hogan way back when and that Hogan essentially took his spot, and now Dixie's brought Hogan into TNA so that history can repeat itself. That's the impression I got from that particular angle anyway, it may pan out that I'm wrong, but if I'm right, then it sounds pretty believable to me.

Hope I got all that out all right - I typed it in kind of a hurry.

Anywho, I think they created some pretty good heat for some characters last night, and I'm happy with that.

Dunno about replacing Kaz in the X-Title match at 'Designation-X' with Shannon Moore though. I like Moore, but I'm not sure putting a guy who's won like 5 matches in the last 10 years, (or so it seems), in the number one contender's spot is the best spotlight for the division.

Think that's about all I have for now.

[TheOmniWarrior]

Abyss needs to crawl into a corner and die.
TNA has Mick Foley they dont need a parody of Mankind with a ring that gives him super powers.

[dvdWarrior]

TNA has Mick Foley they dont need a parody of Mankind with a ring that gives him super powers.

I was actually thinking the ring thing might be step one of a long-range masterplan - Hogan gave his HOF ring to Abyss, Flair could give his ring to AJ Styles, if Macho Man ever gets into the HOF, they'll bring him in to give his ring to Black Machismo, Stone Cold will join TNA and give his ring to Shark Boy, and, (if The Steiners ever get into the Hall), Scott Steiner can give his ring to a returning Little Petey Pump.

It's all part of an incredible Captain Planet-style storyline that will catapult TNA to insurmountable ratings dominance.

"By Your Powers Combined, I AM THE ULTIMATE WARRIOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

No?

:p

[justtxyank]

LOL

It's just a rip off of Hogan/Evad from WCW circa 1995.

[TheOmniWarrior]

They need to have Christopher Daniels suddenly obsessed with unmasking Shark Boy... or Suicide

[sebsplex]

For all of the hype around what Hogan was going to bring to TNA, it still lacks one of the WWE's main strengths. A really simple one.

Focus.

Seriously, I've watched every edition of Impact since Hogan's arrival was announced (and how ever many before that) and the focus is still all over the place. Storylines that start, disappear, reappear 3 weeks later, have a big setpiece, have no conclusion, no payoff, etc. Characters who seem to change personalities as if some has hit a switch in between segments. For as much as the WWE can deservedly be criticised for a lot of it's repetitive, paint-by-numbers, style of booking. They keep it simple and consistent. Most feuds and storyline have some sort of place or plot point each week. TNA is still all over the shop, whether it be the pointless pseudo-shoot Bobby Lashley "I want to quit, I'll beat up everyone if you don't let me quit, actually I don't want to quit, but now I'm fired anyway" story or AJ's 'mystery' attacker turns out to be Tomko pre-loaded with taped video segments from Tomko saying he was the masked attacker before their 'impromtu' match booked the same night... it just seems such on-the-fly booking.

Take the Orlando Screwjob that meant virtually nothing a whole week later and the only thing it achieved was a reason to keep Earl Hebner off TV and make Hogan (eventually) trusted to Kurt. Kurt doesn't trust Hogan, Kurt thinks Hogan had Pac and Hall attack him, Kurt hates Hogan, Hogan tells Kurt he can trust him, Hogan 'screws' Kurt, Kurt forgives him, Hogan beats up The Band, The Band don't really seem to care afterwards, Kurt starts feud with Anderson, Hogan befriends Abyss... that's a lot of work to establish so little.

I like RVD, I like Hardy, heck I even like Moore, but where the heck do they all go? TNA can't even give half their roster TV-time at the moment, yet they just keep packing the names in there and it's hurting their momentum (too much TEW, I know). For instance, 2 weeks ago The Band take out Nash and EY. The following week, we get 'hype' to tune in next week to see what Nash and EY's 'thoughts' are on the subject!? MCMG lose to Generation Me, then don't show up for what, 2 weeks? Kendrick debuts and then isn't seen again until a six man tag match weeks later, then disappears for another week or so, etc, etc.

I could ramble more, but I won't. I like TNA and generally I'm enjoying it far more than the WWE in the past year, but I struggle to see them reeling in and keeping so many casual viewers with shows that sometimes feel like they barely follow on from one another.

I also agree that Flair really isn't bringing much to AJ. He was a far stronger character and champion before his heel turn. If anything, Flair would have been more use to Daniels.

[jesterx7769]

While I have calmed down and tried to be more optimistic this just made me laugh. I go to pwinsider for news and I read the guys article on Impact. he starts it by saying how it was the best impact since the new year and before that, yet he goes on to not like 9 of the segments, likes 4 of them, and says 2 are okay, lol is that really a "best show"? I think someone is overusing best

edit: I emailed him and he emailed back saying he didn't like 90% of the past Impacts and it was his favorite since the Nash books Impact episode. So it seems someone doesn't like TNA :p

[Fleisch]

It's booking for the Alzheimers generation!

Wow, awesome, what happened last week? Ah yeah... no wait that didn't, who am I now? No one panick! We can...wait, hold on Nasty Boys! Saviours.... oooooh.... wait? Bischoff make Jeff flip burgers.... never has a storyline been more intense! "Best burgers last week"... well stick to it Jarrett because me and Hogan wanna screw this promotion up.... wait.... scrap that! I'm gonna put my efforts into a midget promotion... screw TNA... Hogan, we need you to be booked on say 1 hour 15 of our 2 hour show.... that should block the holes.... no! Abyss is on the booking team! Better team him with you Terry as... well it makes no sense.... just give him your Hall of Fame ring. Yeah cos that's where the powers been all these years brother.... anybody seen Kendrick? Ric... can you get really pissed about it... what the hell?!?! Where'd this Chelsea bird come from? Jason Statham... sorry Desmond Wolfe, lets chuck you into the mix as well. I know it makes no sense, but hell most of these idiots will watch any crap we put in front of them.... Anyone seen Kendrick? What do you mean there's a tag team called Motor City Machine Guns? Never heard of them. You guys here for tryouts? Seriously, any sign of Kendrick? No? Ok Shannon Moore, get in there for no reason other than you're around the same weight... hey Doug, you don't mind if Shannon... hold on where the hell has Pope gone? Damn people just keep disappearing around this place! Angle, think you could trust Hogan? Hey no... now that we think of it, I know you were working some sort of program with Hogan and the Band, but we figured Anderson would be better... the fans won't notice! They're a bunch of inbred morons... Hogans going to team with Abyss for no reason other than, well Chris needs him. What about AJ? He's got Flair making him look like a piece of crap? Yeah we know but we're already throwing Desmond into the mix... just do some armed forces angle... yeah, ummmm... where the hell is Homicide? My god it's like a black hole around here! Wrestlers keep getting sucked into oblivion.... talking of Oblivion, Brutus Magnus, you can get some fingers crunched by Big Rob Terry... Rob you can destroy Andersons momentum by pinning him... hell no we're not pushing you... Angles gonna mess him up with a chair first... you keep the belt, but that's it. Right what next? Jeff Hardy wants to run in again for no reason? Does the guy only work Mondays? Ok... run in for the monday main event for no reason... disappear.. Sting! you can return, but because Terry is a face, you're gonna have to be heel, we're also putting RVD over you in say 30 seconds? No you won't look weak cos you get to destroy him after the match... with a bat... but I don't think a Sting/RVD segement will get over so we'll put Hogan in it too... he wants revenge and the spotlight. You know what... we'll put this all out and if it don't stick, hell we'll just change everything next week. The fans will eat it up, we're not gonna beat WWE anyway o to hell with it, lets just throw **** at the wall and see what sticks... what do you mean that was what happened towards the end of WCW............

Booking meeting Closed.

Hey last word... we can change the initials! TNH: Total Nonstop Hogan!

[cappyboy]

Um, no cappyboy, you kinda missed the point. You can't compare Anson Williams in this respect. Try his former castmate though. Ron became more known as a director than anything else due primarily to the fact that the audience at large (read: younger people) are familiar with him primarily in that capacity. Likewise, few people remember Jerry O'Connell for what used to be his best known role ('Stand by Me'). He's known as 'Jerry O'Connell' not as 'the fat kid from Stand by Me'. Fred Savage hasn't gotten there yet. To be fair though, neither has his little brother. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying he can't get there but to suggest that people remember him NOW for anything other than The Wonder Years, is a bit of a stretch. No one brings up Happy Days when Ron Howard pitches a film project. Film directors being FAR more hyped and promoted than TV directors (especially CHILDREN'S TV directors) contributes to that.


And you seem to have missed at least a part of mine, Remi. I wasn't talking about transcending what Joe Blow knows. Ron Howard is so far above what I was saying that HE is the one that's out of place. Precisely because he has transcended Opie Taylor and Richie Cunningham with his directing.

And while you and I may not know him for that as such, the people who need to know to get their shows made do.

Here's the part you appear to be rushing past. To the average person, Fred Savage may be typecast as Kevin Arnold just as Anson Williams is as Potsie Webber and Peter Bonerz is as Jerry the dentist. But they are still above Goldberg and Baby Brent because those who need to know of their work behind the camera do know about it and take advantage. You and I don't need to know that as much. So it doesn't play in to their public profile like it does a Ron Howard. How many TV directors can the average person name? Few to none. And why is that? Because rarely is anything made of them the way it is a film director like Howard. Heck, I wouldn't even know about Savage, Williams, or Bonerz if I weren't a lifelong credits junkie.

[jesterx7769]

Fleisch...are you Eric Bischoff spying on this board?

[Fleisch]

Fleisch...are you Eric Bischoff spying on this board?

Now that would be telling... :D

[Hyde Hill]

While I have calmed down and tried to be more optimistic this just made me laugh. I go to pwinsider for news and I read the guys article on Impact. he starts it by saying how it was the best impact since the new year and before that, yet he goes on to not like 9 of the segments, likes 4 of them, and says 2 are okay, lol is that really a "best show"? I think someone is overusing best

edit: I emailed him and he emailed back saying he didn't like 90% of the past Impacts and it was his favorite since the Nash books Impact episode. So it seems someone doesn't like TNA :p

Nah you just have very different tastes. I liked this Impact a hell of a lot better then the two before it for instance.

[spikedave]

Jeff Hardy wants to run in again for no reason? Does the guy only work Mondays?
I laughed so hard at this line

[Hyde Hill]

Hmm nice dichotomy here sometimes. We don't want the predictable stale boring storylines of the E but when TNA does unexpected things its also bad. I agree TNA is maybe doing too much unexpected things but at least they are actually DOING something!

Oh and on the Abyss hater, first off the power ring was done a bit overboard beyond symbolism but is in essence still a symbolism also expect Hogan to tell him that in the future. Abyss =not Mankind ffs. He is a Kane/Mankind/Chriss Parks mix which makes him an unique personality in the wrestling world. Much more unique then 80 percent of the competitions roster. Just as the Pope =not the Rock he just also refers to himself in the third person and cuts great promo's, for the rest he is a unique character.

Am I saying TNA was/is perfect hells no! Was this a good and entertaining show! Hell yes. Was it flawed in some places? Yeps. Was it way better then boring same old RAW? The only show better atm is Smackdown because of the higher amount of wrestling and the better personalities and logic on the show. Still its not as exciting too me.

[Fleisch]

Hmm nice dichotomy here sometimes. We don't want the predictable stale boring storylines of the E but when TNA does unexpected things its also bad. I agree TNA is maybe doing too much unexpected things but at least they are actually DOING something!

Oh and on the Abyss hater, first off the power ring was done a bit overboard beyond symbolism but is in essence still a symbolism also expect Hogan to tell him that in the future. Abyss =not Mankind ffs. He is a Kane/Mankind/Chriss Parks mix which makes him an unique personality in the wrestling world. Much more unique then 80 percent of the competitions roster. Just as the Pope =not the Rock he just also refers to himself in the third person and cuts great promo's, for the rest he is a unique character.

Am I saying TNA was/is perfect hells no! Was this a good and entertaining show! Hell yes. Was it flawed in some places? Yeps. Was it way better then boring same old RAW? The only show better atm is Smackdown because of the higher amount of wrestling and the better personalities and logic on the show. Still its not as exciting too me.

I don't think the guy was hating on Abyss, just the stupid HOF ring storyline. Yeah Hogan we get it, you're in the Hall of Fame. Time how long Hogan get's on Camera in a single episode of Impact, then compare it to actual decent in ring performers and other peoples exposure on screen.

I don't know what "dichotomy" has to do with anything. Just because people want something different, doesn't mean they HAVE to like what TNA is throwing out. Yes it's a little different and doing some different things, but they're crap at the minute as well! The minute Dixie Carter told Sting he'd have a match with a mystery opponent, only a blind, deaf kid chewing a crayon didn't know who that was going to be! For the record, until Hogan showed up I thought the Sting/RVD bit was going to save the show, but Hogan just has to be in on everything on screen and it's a piss poor attempt to get people thinking it's him that is drawing. I've said it time and time again, Hogan has done alot for Sports Entertainment, but how many more times are people going to cheer for "point, punch, clothesline, leg drop" seriously.

I'm glad you enjoyed the show, but a hell of alot of us didn't and that doesn't make you right and us wrong, or us right and you wrong, it's about preference and seeing a form of entertainment I've loved since the late 80's end up in the ****ter. I'm not saying, "hey man Impact was ****, you are stupid for liking it" merely saying that people don't have to like it because it's different. Marmalade is different to Marmite, but I still don't like either! :p

[Hyde Hill]

Yep I get the whole different tastes for different people but sometimes people tend to go overboard with the negativity in my opinion. Also sometimes the lines seem to get blurred between what people want personally and what they think would be best for TNA to do as there is a big difference there. I am not calling out anyone in particular its just a general observation.

[djthefunkchris]

Hmm nice dichotomy here sometimes. We don't want the predictable stale boring storylines of the E but when TNA does unexpected things its also bad. I agree TNA is maybe doing too much unexpected things but at least they are actually DOING something!
.

Doing something does not = better. Doing something that people care about, makes sense, and gives you something to think about is good. Doing things that no one cares about, doesn't make sense, and no one is going to think about anything other then how bad it was is bad.- This is just a comment for the quoted, the rest is general conversation not necessarily meant for anyone in particular.

I liked this show, but Hogan's storyline took too much from the show. The Knockouts should probably drop the tag team division, and concentrate on just the single's title.

I understand why Hogan was used, and I don't fault them for it... He was used because he is the biggest draw on their roster. This was done in hopes of keeping people tuned in, and that is all there is to that. I don't think this will be the norm though, as it was just for the "first" night.

I look at Ric/AJ as Flair teaching Styles how to be a better heel, more then anything. Perhaps it was something Styles wanted for all I know. It's also a way to associate Styles and Abyss with established stars, where they are not. I know some people would like to dissagree with me, and say AJ, Joe, Abyss, etc.. are all established stars, and to a "TNA" degree your correct. However, you have two well established stars rubbing elbows with them right now, and these two are known all around the world, weather or not your a wrestling fan or not. Rubbing elbows with them, and as Hogan said, Abyss actually "Protecting" him, should have a desirable effect in the future.

I actually don't see it anywhere near as hectic and unfocused as they were "before" Hogan showed up, but they are not what I would call "Focused" either... Just not as bad.

[djthefunkchris]

Yep I get the whole different tastes for different people but sometimes people tend to go overboard with the negativity in my opinion. Also sometimes the lines seem to get blurred between what people want personally and what they think would be best for TNA to do as there is a big difference there. I am not calling out anyone in particular its just a general observation.

You wrote this while I was typing. I have to agree 100% here. I felt like certain "Legends" were way over-used, but I understand why. I also understand that it might have actually worked, we will find out when the numbers come out I guess.

I agree though, I think alot of people are complaining about the product changing, as if it's for the worse, but all the while Impact has picked up their ratings. Does AJ need Flair? No... But Flair IS giving him the rub, and I believe it's working. Abyss to me is a bigger star now then I can ever remember thinking of him in the past. People like Angle, Sting, etc.. don't need it, but Abyss and AJ are looking "bigger" to me.

[Hyde Hill]

Doing something does not = better. Doing something that people care about, makes sense, and gives you something to think about is good. Doing things that no one cares about, doesn't make sense, and no one is going to think about anything other then how bad it was is bad.- This is just a comment for the quoted, the rest is general conversation not necessarily meant for anyone in particular.

We are in agreement there but of the things TNA are doing the majority are not that bad. The Sting heel turn is good, the Anderson/Angle storyline is good, the two mentor programs have their flaws but are somewhat interesting especially for marks, Dinero and Wolf getting a lot of exposure is good, The Band storyline while not my cup of tea hasn't been extremely bad. I was more saying I would prefer 1 good thing 2 mediocre thing and 2 bad things then 4 mediocre things and 1 bad thing. If you catch my drift. Also fully agree with the rest of your points.

Poll on PWI atm btw:

TNA IMPACT - What did you think of the show? (1344 votes)
Excellent - 454 votes (33.8%)

Good - 505 votes (37.6%)

Average - 128 votes (9.5%)

Fair - 65 votes (4.8%)

Poor - 110 votes (8.2%)

Didn't watch it. - 82 votes (6.1%)



WWE RAW - What did you think of the show? (1277 votes)
Excellent - 108 votes (8.5%)

Good - 188 votes (14.7%)

Average - 415 votes (32.5%)

Fair - 171 votes (13.4%)

Poor - 171 votes (13.4%)

Didn't watch it. - 224 votes (17.5%)

Read into it what you will.

[Hyde Hill]

On the Hogan used to much part I would have sped up the Sting, RVD and him bit and removed Bubba. Him being involved wasn't so bad. Yes it took away from the RVD debut but it helped cement Sting's heel turn. RVD is the big time Smark babyface, Hogan atm is the big time Mark babyface and he beat down both. Would have also removed the backstage segment with Brook and Hogans girlfriend and the Hogan with Bubba and Hebner bit. Would have used that to build up the Jarrett vs Beer Money deal a bit more which felt a bit rushed.

Does would be the only changes I would have made if I wanted to do what TNA was intending storyline etc wise.

[brashleyholland]

He got into a program with TNA's second/third biggest known mainstream name. Who has a boatload of heat of a heel turn right of the bat.

I like what you did there :-p

[djthefunkchris]

We are in agreement there but of the things TNA are doing the majority are not that bad. The Sting heel turn is good, the Anderson/Angle storyline is good, the two mentor programs have their flaws but are somewhat interesting especially for marks, Dinero and Wolf getting a lot of exposure is good, The Band storyline while not my cup of tea hasn't been extremely bad. I was more saying I would prefer 1 good thing 2 mediocre thing and 2 bad things then 4 mediocre things and 1 bad thing. If you catch my drift. Also fully agree with the rest of your points.

Poll on PWI atm btw:

TNA IMPACT - What did you think of the show? (1344 votes)
Excellent - 454 votes (33.8%)

Good - 505 votes (37.6%)

Average - 128 votes (9.5%)

Fair - 65 votes (4.8%)

Poor - 110 votes (8.2%)

Didn't watch it. - 82 votes (6.1%)



WWE RAW - What did you think of the show? (1277 votes)
Excellent - 108 votes (8.5%)

Good - 188 votes (14.7%)

Average - 415 votes (32.5%)

Fair - 171 votes (13.4%)

Poor - 171 votes (13.4%)

Didn't watch it. - 224 votes (17.5%)

Read into it what you will.

You can't read anything into that really, except that TNA marks still watch WWE. For one thing, you have more folks that voted on TNA then WWE, which there in and by itself tells another story.... especially when you know that WWE probably had twice as much viewers (or close). So that to me looks as if it was a poll mostly addressed by TNA marks, with a few trying to be "Fair".

EDIT: To make it clear, I liked Impact better then Raw Monday Night, just in case that isnt' clear. I'm not trying to put down TNA, just trying to be somewhat objective.

[Hyde Hill]

Hmm the poll wasn't adressed to anyone specificly and had a direct link on both the RAW and Impact recap and one of its own. If you are arguing that the TNA fans are more IWC and more passionate then you could be right. Still its a big difference from other polls on the same site with a TNA vs WWE scenario.

[djthefunkchris]

Hmm the poll wasn't adressed to anyone specificly and had a direct link on both the RAW and Impact recap and one of its own. If you are arguing that the TNA fans are more IWC and more passionate then you could be right. Still its a big difference from other polls on the same site with a TNA vs WWE scenario.

Or they got their first, knew about it moreso, etc... All kinds of reasons. Specifically what I'm saying is that it looks like alot of folks that watched Impact, went ahead and filled out both (not all of them, but alot of them).

Not too many WWE fans actually voted, is what I'm saying. I have no idea if I'm right, but it's how it looks to me. I also think more TNA fans are into the internet then WWE fans. Just saying, as just about anywhere you see any type of forums about wrestling (even on Youtube), you always see more TNA fans lurking around then WWE fans (or that's how it seems).

[jesterx7769]

just wanted to throw this out there, what all do you think the policy on spoilers should be since TNA will be taping every other Tuesday now? The argument of if you dont want to see spoilers dont read the TNA thread doesnt really work since people could be discussing TNA w/o wanting to know the spoilers and the white font only works if people dont quote it.

[Hyde Hill]

Nice recap of Impact that I agree on for a high degee:

http://www.pwinsider.com/article/45754/looking-at-a-making-a-big-and-bloody-splash-edition-of-tna-impact.html?p=1

[cappyboy]

Opening Match

To me this is where it all started. It was one of my theories as to the "5 minutes" and all excitment I had just went down hill. My gf was actually "watching" while reading her magazine (shes never watched TNA with me before but since The Bachelor is over she was content in having it on and reading) and as soon as the show started I said "This sucks already!" and she was like "What?" but anyways, I digress, point is I was vocally upset, I actually switched over to RAW to see if Undertaker would be anybetter.

I switched back with the match still going on then Sting comes in, I'm like sweet they're doing something righ! EEHHHH! Wrong! it isn't enough to just have one of the biggest stars in wrestling return, he has to have a heel turn, vintage Bischoff/Russo. This ruined it AGAIN for me. If they want to turn Sting go for it, but cant you wait until next week or the end of the show and let us enjoy it and say haha WWE never got Sting?

After all this big to do, we get to see the match I initially switched off later in the show in the main event, *sarcastic* yaaaay.

You know I didn't care for this much at first either. I was wondering what they thinking putting the main event first. Struck me a bit little annoying old saw about eating dessert first. I was so glad when they announced the continuation. Without it, I probably would have bailed on the show on the basis of how could anything follow Hogan/Abyss vs Flair/Styles?

20 minutes later, here is Kaz

Promos weren't the best but hey we got a real match! Action was actually a little dissapointed to me as none of the guys hit their big moves until Williams at the end, who's move I love, so in TEW terms "This match lifted the crowd" Oh Shannon Moore? NVM, this match did not lift the crowd, I would have rather had one of the other X division wrestlers (you know, who has been with the company) come in, Moore cant even bring in WWE fans since he is SO different now (and has been) go Hardy...

Tend to agree but I'm not sure I really buy into Kazarian. The last time he was himself and not Suicide my cable company was still treating Spike TV as caviar for the digital crowd. As such I have no loyalty to his character and no great desire to see him hotshotted into immediate X Division contention.

Will be rooting hard for Williams to retain at Destination X and hoping for him to move on to someone else. Besides, musclebound lump though Rob Terry may be, he owes Williams one for snatching the X Division title case out from under him. And that would be best done while Williams is still champ. A nice title vs title match maybe. Then once Terry has fully settled up with Williams and gotten the belt that should have been his all along (story-wise) maybe he can be out-quicked for the belt by either Kazarian or Daniels and life can go on as usual.

Did love how Bischoff described the X Division in setting up this match though
If we're supposed to look at him as a face or tweener type, this is the kind of deal that will put it over rather than some of the other stuff he's tried. For all the smarm and grease in his personality, Bischoff can make a compelling case when he doesn't try to oversell it. I don't say this often. But bravura, Easy E.

Women's Tag Match

Really?...really? This is the first Live Monday "War" show and this is what we get? I've been consistent all along and while I dont hate womens wrestling, history has shown it doesnt draw and I think TNA needs to focus on other things. This match took the place of a MCMG type match so that upsets me. Match was too long given who was involved then the BP get that long victory angle? WTF? We get it writers, you like getting sucked

I'll give you the fact that a MCMG vs Generation Me match of some type would have been good here. But the Knockouts are one of the trademarks of the TNA undercard and The Beautiful People have been the belles of that ball lately. If that hadn't gotten some kind of recognition on this show, I would have been deeming that a mark against the show. You give the Knockout Tag belts a reason to be again after being a recent afterthought. You reinforce the division's most prominent storyline and build up the singles feud between Tara and Daffney. I'd say they got a lot done for folks who care about the Knockouts and applied Perfect Show theory by giving those who don't a cool-down. So I'm not about to complain about this segment. It achieved everything you could asked for given your historical perspective.

Of course I am a fan of women's wrestling. So I suppose you can throw some bias in to temper what I'm saying if you really must.

Dinero/Wolfe

Okay, this is fun, we get a Pope promo which is entertaining, then we see he is going to face Wolfe, cool should be fun, OH NO! Wolfe attacks Pope no match. Once again, another way to p*ss me off... I watched the BP wrestle I deserve a real match now and they just took it off.
(is there an echo in here?)

Can't be as strong about it as you are. But can't deny I was disappointed to see this match not happen as well. At least it continues the fued and will make Pope's victory sweeter when they do finally cross paths.

Sting vs. ???

Here we go folks! Best part of the night! I was truely psyched, we all knew it was going to be RVD as an opponent, they stretch out Stings entrance, I am getting butterflies thinking "this is why TNA is good, forget the other stuff" RVD appears on the screen, YES! they didnt throw a curve ball!, Wait, RVD is coming out of the crowd to ambush Sting? Kicks him, splashes him, yay go RVD beat him up!...its over? WTF!!!!!! This followed by a 15 minuted bat angle where nothing happens, he doesnt focus on breaking RVD's leg, just walks back and forth and oh here comes Hogan! Because he hasn't been on my TV enough tonight...what just went from the best part of the night went to easily the worst "This match was going to bring the crowd down but it couldnt go any lower"

I don't know about best part of the night. I definitely liked the set up and the quick squash was some good poetic justice for Dixie. But I really questioned using RVD here. I'm sorry but I don't get how having to face a debuting RVD is punishment. I'd heard Dixie say that about Sting would find out when everyone else did and was thinking they'd signed a Big Show or Great Khali type that had snuck under the radar due to RVD signing. That's a guy you use as a punishment opponent more so than a RVD. He's more a "Oh you don't feel you're getting competition do ya? Try this on for size" type of guy.

And while the extended beating did solidify Sting as a heel and sold RVD's heart as a face, I felt it went on entirely too long. Sting struck RVD so many times it kinda pulled me out of the illusion. It went from good old fashioned markish outrage to "Okay we get it already" territory.

As for Hogan showing up to save the day, on many other days, I would have been ticked off and seen it as scenery chewing. But on this particular show, it worked for me. It distracted me from wondering why RVD wasn't getting stretchered out and allowed me to refocus on the moment.

The Band

Oh boy, here comes the band. Just sit through it and will be done soon, nash gets time then we go to commerical...and its still goin. Nash/Waltman take their time getting to the ring, blah blah Hey Yo I'm old, blah blah oh a match! And seriously, can the annoucners at least stop questioning how Nash and Walman get in? We get it, you've said it every Impact for the last three months now, theyre sneaky. Match was decent for what it was, would have liked it to turn into an outside of the ring brawl but it could have been worse. At the same, why did this storyline get such a long angle and match?

Again, I'm okay with it. But it feels like it's getting time to fish or cut bait with The Band storyline. Either Nash and Young defeat them and run them out of TNA for good or Nash has to turn and reveal he's been playing EY and by extension all of us from the beginning of this rivalry. If it's going to continue being worthwhile enduring Hall (especially) and Waltman, the dynamic has to change somehow. They've run their course as it is. As such I consider this match the first real signpost as to whether this Hogan experiment is going to be worth seeing through over the long haul.

Captain Angle

So now Angle is hugely army, honestly it was a little much. This whole bit went on long for what it was, positive is it moved the storyline along being something different which is what I've said I have enjoyed about this feud. It was just too long and seeing the Army assault a TNA contracted worker was a bit dumb, oh but Angle poses with the flag, lame.

And here we disagree mightily. I found this even better than the Sting/RVD segment. While I question if Angle's on solid enough face ground to be doing this right now, it did sell the connection being Angle and our troops quite well. What else says "you can just forget about getting the drop on me tonight" like encircling the ring with Army troops? And this humiliation for Anderson beats Rob Terry wrestling him in unconscious form all to pieces. I can see your point about having Army troops attacking a wrestler. But seeing as it was Anderson, I went with it and had a blast watching him get the lumberjack match treatment every time Angle pitched him out of the ring. Between that beating and flag pose by Angle, Anderson officially has his work cut out for him. I feel like Angle's final feel-good victory is going to have to come sooner rather than later now. I question if a mimic like Anderson can come up with creative enough a response to get back on equal footing and keep this feud alive.

Bubba/Hogan, wait, this doesn't warrant its on part

To me it does. Because I really feel like the stuff with Bubba and with Brooke added to the mood of the night. Both added to the spectacle feeling of the evening and in that regard I enjoyed this element of the show.

JJ/Foley

Started watching this then changed to Family Guy b/c it was awful and of course didnt make sense (big surprise folks!) and instead of seeing Beer Money vs. a tag team in a REAL match, we get another angle which is now a synonym for match. Flipped in on family guy commercials and the same stupid thing was going on, Foley who is the ref/boss (hes still part owner or something w/JJ isnt' he?) gives JJ a bat then the ref goes against two of his bosses to take the obviously plastic barbed wire bat away, and big surprise JJ loses. Waste of time, glad I missed most of it.

Not really a big fan of the Beer Money turn. Felt a bit sudden. Nor can I say I blame them given how they've been pushed to the background lately. So that really hurts the effect. I mean come on Jeff, all the stuff you said to appeal to their decency may be well and true. But you've known from Day One that these guys had a mercenary streak. Even when they got on the crowd's good side by showing respect for Team 3D as opponents, everyone knew it. It does no good to be shocked now.

Here it is folks we promised you a great main event tonight...

Didnt watch it. Had no interest in it when it was announced, had no interested when my TNA support meter was at 0 last night. Flipped in and out, same stuff, blah blah, then Jeff Hardy. If Hardy was there, where was he at the beginning of the show? Blah, I dont care about Jeff anyway, the dude has never been a big draw for either promotion and hasnt worked 6 months straight in years. He will flake and be out of TNA by the end of the year (either back to WWE for just back to nothing like usual)

And I enjoyed it. This show was all about spectacle and on that level the show delivered. If I had been expecting a workrate classic, I'd have been sorely disappointed. But I knew this wasn't going to be that going in, so I tempered my expectations and tried to go with what they gave me.

And before you give me the stuff about Styles and Abyss being overshadowed by the old guys, riddle me this. When was the last match AJ or Abyss has been in that has been as pure a spectacle as this match was? Even if you can make the case they were played as flunkies in this scenario, it was big for AJ and Abyss to get the chance to show they could do spectacle. For where it appears that TNA wants to go, that's huge for both AJ and Abyss.

Plus you had the attack from Desmond Wolfe to thicken the plot and the arrival of Jeff Hardy to give people hope at the end. I amazed they "gave this show away." This is as close to PPV as I've ever seen on free TV and really wish I'd thought to tape this show last night. I can see it being right there with the old Saturday night's Main Events as far as wanting to revisit it in years to come.

[Hyde Hill]

just wanted to throw this out there, what all do you think the policy on spoilers should be since TNA will be taping every other Tuesday now? The argument of if you dont want to see spoilers dont read the TNA thread doesnt really work since people could be discussing TNA w/o wanting to know the spoilers and the white font only works if people dont quote it.

Well that is the best way the white front and don't quote system. Is it flawed? Yep. Can I think of something better? Nope.


On that note spoilers in white highlight to read:


Kenny Dykstra/Doane and Spike Dudley are backstage at Impact and are reportedly going to be used. Kenny has some long term potential, Spike not so much maybe a squash by Moore to build him up some? Still at this time I hope they are both one shot deals as the roster is over stacked as is.

[Hyde Hill]

Besides, musclebound lump though Rob Terry may be, he owes Williams one for snatching the X Division title case out from under him. And that would be best done while Williams is still champ. A nice title vs title match maybe.

Ehm happened on last weeks Impact non title match-up Terry basically squashed him in what I thought was bad booking. Not the idea of the match itself but the Squash part.

[Self]

The ratings are in.

TNA 1.0
RAW 3.4

They gave it a shot, can't fault 'em for that.

[Hyde Hill]

Damn the reported ratings so far for Monday are bad for both companies and wrestling in general.

TNA 1.0
RAW 3.4

Either a lot of people tivod etc both or the wrestling audience has shrunk plus no Fiesta bowl this time around.

[Self]

To be fair, this is the first 'normal' week of the New Monday Night War. The January 4th shows had all of the Bret/Hogan returning hullaballoo, so are obviously bloated from the norm. 1.0 is fine. They went opposite RAW and only went down a little. In fact, it could be argued that they stole 0.4 from RAW... Although you could also put the blame for that on Criss Angel.

[b0shey]

lol @ rating

[jesterx7769]

Just researched it and if its final that is the lowest rating since new years show of last year. Their average on thursday with a hour show was 1.0 and their average during their two hour show on thursday was 1.2, the big January 4th show did a 1.5 and ratings have consistently dropped since.

That is pretty bad from a mainstream point considering the Olympics and The Bachelor are over, not neccessarily their main demographic but with two of the highest rated shows in February off tv you thought it might have helped

edit: However as some mentioned it is WM time of year for WWE so throw that in there

[TheOmniWarrior]

To be fair, this is the first 'normal' week of the New Monday Night War. The January 4th shows had all of the Bret/Hogan returning hullaballoo, so are obviously bloated from the norm. 1.0 is fine. They went opposite RAW and only went down a little. In fact, it could be argued that they stole 0.4 from RAW... Although you could also put the blame for that on Criss Angel.

I was kind of hoping Santino would put the knife in the wrong cup

[Hyde Hill]

Plus no Fiesta bowl this time. Still lets hope the total ratings go up due to "war" buzz. Anyone have the data on their head to head rating so excluding the first hour of the Jan 4th show? If the total ratings keep around this for a couple of weeks TNA needs to go 8-10 asap.

[jesterx7769]

Plus no Fiesta bowl this time. Still lets hope the total ratings go up due to "war" buzz. Anyone have the data on their head to head rating so excluding the first hour of the Jan 4th show? If the total ratings keep around this for a couple of weeks TNA needs to go 8-10 asap.

I also felt an 8-10 would work better since you may get people who watch RAW for the first hour and maybe even until 10 so they wouldn't miss RAW's main event, good in theory, hard to know if it would actually work.

[lazorbeak]

Watching Impact now, first time I've done it in about a month, but I'm curious to see if things have improved. I'd say yes and no.

The Good: The Sting turn is a positive, probably one of the two best parts of the show, because unlike about 90% of this, it's not a re-hash or a worked shoot or an excuse for 60 year old men to try to sell. Everybody has said Sting as a heel won't work, but feud him with RVD and anybody can be a heel. Steve Austin himself can work heel with RVD. Keep Sting away from Flair and give him a program with Abyss or something, but I like the guy and I have no problem with him as a heel.

Angle/Kennedy confrontation: simple, old-school storytelling, with Angle as the "changed man" and Anderson as the jerkass who doesn't respect anybody. Very good stuff.

Also in the net positive is the Beautiful People's win. The Knockouts are one of the biggest draws when it comes to TV, so I don't know what jesterx is talking about, and the tag belts seem tailor (not Taylor) made for them.

The Bad: It's a shame that there wasn't better/more wrestling so we could get the never-ending Hogan-drama, and it doesn't hurt that so many of the best workers were left off the show entirely or appeared for about 1 minute (Pope and Wolfe).

The Beer Money heel turn is pretty stupid, but both guys are good heels, and maybe we'll actually get some tag team wrestling out of it. TNA has one of the best tag divisions in wrestling, not that you'd ever know it from this show.

TNA living in the distant past: beyond the fact that Abyss is not a great worker, the program with him and Styles is not too bad. But TNA is still booking like it's 1998. Way too much of the main event was Hogan/Flair (it would've been a bigger deal if we only saw them in the ring for part of the match or if Hogan could actually sell that he wasn't 100%), and beyond that we got the Band featuring 3 men who would be retired or on worker's comp in most professions and Eric freaking Young (who hits the trifecta of being small, a middling worker and impossible to listen to on the mic), a worked shoot about Steve Borden and an attack which saw him taking out another guy who's only known for what he did 5+ years ago. Why aren't legit talented workers like Homicide and Hernandez, Matt Morgan, the MCMGs, etc. not on the show at all so we can have this terrible nostalgia trip? Instead of just talking about how great things were 12 years ago, give the audience something new, TNA! Raven doesn't need another flock: make somebody new a creepy, terrible music-influenced heel.

The Ugly: Flair and Hogan blading. Way to make it all about you, guys. And Hogan taking an unprotected chair shot was just stupid.

Brooke Hogan's acting: "to everyone else, you're the Hulkster, but to me, you're like my dad."

Spike cutting off Jeff Hardy's return: whoops! Also how retarded is TNA to bring in a guy a week out from a criminal trial where he's being charged with drug trafficking? What if he's found guilty? I mean it's not like TNA has a lot of prestige so this wouldn't hurt them the way it would a large publicly traded entity, but it does make TNA look like a haven for guys who can't pass WWE's drug policies. Just incredibly stupid. Wait until AFTER the trial, TNA. Assuming he doesn't get jail time (which is a pretty huge if).

[Hyde Hill]

http://www.tnawrestlingnews.com/headlines/270185472.shtml

If this is correct, and its a big if, it seems at least the key demo's where up compared to last Thursday (,which was a mediocre/bad rating anyways,) and it seems a lot of people DVR/Tivo TNA which never gets reported on. Bischoff mentioned that in his facebook that if you calculate the DVR/Tivo people in they have around 2 mil viewers.

Can't wait for the segment to segment ratings. Not that that tells you much.

[Bigpapa42]

Actually, the segment to segment ratings will at least show if they gained or lost viewers throughout the show, and where.

I don't know that trying to factor in the DVR/TIVO people is that valid. I mean, You could argue that a similar number do the same with the WWE and therefore their ratings should be upped by that as well.

To be honest, I don't think this one was that bad. The unknown of the "new era" under Hogan had a lot of momentum at the start of January. Even just to hold most of their regular viewers on a move head-to-head with the WWE is an accomplishment.

[Hyde Hill]

Excellent podcast by Bill Behrens on first the Impact show but mainly on the IWC. While he sometimes gets his math confused he does have very valid insights.

http://whosslammingwho.podomatic.com/entry/2010-03-09T12_55_25-08_00

If you don't know who Bill Behrens is he used to operate NWA-Wildside WCW's former dev territory and semi successful independent, which is now NWA Anarchy which he is involved in. He has worked for TNA and is the agent for many of the TNA talents.

[Hyde Hill]

Actually, the segment to segment ratings will at least show if they gained or lost viewers throughout the show, and where.

I don't know that trying to factor in the DVR/TIVO people is that valid. I mean, You could argue that a similar number do the same with the WWE and therefore their ratings should be upped by that as well.

To be honest, I don't think this one was that bad. The unknown of the "new era" under Hogan had a lot of momentum at the start of January. Even just to hold most of their regular viewers on a move head-to-head with the WWE is an accomplishment.

Yep they should be added to both or at least get reported on. What is important is not so much the amount though as the ratio. And yeah after the initial disappointment its not hugely bad just hoped for better. As usual the next weeks will be the real test. Which they failed after the Jan 4th show btw.

[SaySo]

Here ya go.

Impact Live on 3/8

0.99 Hogan/Abyss vs Flair/Styles, Sting interrupts the match and beats on Hogan/Abyss.

0.98 Sting continues to beat on Hogan/Abyss, Short Sting segment backstage with Dixie Carter, Flair/Styles interview backstage, Short Abyss segment backstage, Short Brooke Hogan segment backstage, Kaz, Daniels, Williams talk in the ring.

1.00 Kaz vs Daniels vs Williams, Moore comes to the ring, Short Dixie Carter interview backstage, Beautiful People vs Tara/Love vsWilde/Sarita.

1.07 Daffney comes to the ring to interfere, Pope interview backstage Wolfe attacks Pope, Beautiful People interview backstage, Sting comes to the ring for his match.

1.07 Sting vs RVD short match with Sting beating on RVD after the match, Hogan comes to the ring Sting beats on him, Nash/Young in the ring call out Hall/Pac.

1.03 Nash/Young/Hall/Pac talk in the ring, Young vs Pac short match, US Army walk down ramp, Angle talks in the ring.

0.95 Mr. Anderson starts to talk Angle attacks him they brawl to the ring, Bubba/Hogan/Earl Hebner talk backstage, Jarrett and James Storm talk backstage.

0.76 Jarrett vs Beer money 2 on 1 handicap match Foley referee, Hogan/Abyss/Brooke Hogan talk backstage, Hogan/Abyss vs Flair/Styles.

1.01 Q9 Overrun Hogan/Abyss vs Flair/Styles ends, After the match Wolfe, Pope, Hardy come to the ring.

[Bigpapa42]

Yep they should be added to both or at least get reported on. What is important is not so much the amount though as the ratio. And yeah after the initial disappointment its not hugely bad just hoped for better. As usual the next weeks will be the real test. Which they failed after the Jan 4th show btw.

Might not get reported as its probably a tough things to measure. I'm not sure there's any legit way to do it. But to me, leaving those out is the same as leaving out those who watch rebroadcasts. You want the legit, live number of veiwers and that should be the measure.

They did falter after the January 4th show, but its tough to say where. Did the booking result in some of those viewers losing interest? Was the initial curisoity of seeing Hogan, Flair, etc, not sustained by everything else after? Did those tuning in for the promise of "more wrestling" than the WWE get turned off by an (in my opinion) idle promise? I think those in charge need to take a long hard look at what worked and what didn't in that two month period and use that as ammunition going foraward... but I'm not sure they will...

[liontamer]

Here ya go.

Impact Live on 3/8

0.99 Hogan/Abyss vs Flair/Styles, Sting interrupts the match and beats on Hogan/Abyss.

0.98 Sting continues to beat on Hogan/Abyss, Short Sting segment backstage with Dixie Carter, Flair/Styles interview backstage, Short Abyss segment backstage, Short Brooke Hogan segment backstage, Kaz, Daniels, Williams talk in the ring.

1.00 Kaz vs Daniels vs Williams, Moore comes to the ring, Short Dixie Carter interview backstage, Beautiful People vs Tara/Love vsWilde/Sarita.

1.07 Daffney comes to the ring to interfere, Pope interview backstage Wolfe attacks Pope, Beautiful People interview backstage, Sting comes to the ring for his match.

1.07 Sting vs RVD short match with Sting beating on RVD after the match, Hogan comes to the ring Sting beats on him, Nash/Young in the ring call out Hall/Pac.

1.03 Nash/Young/Hall/Pac talk in the ring, Young vs Pac short match, US Army walk down ramp, Angle talks in the ring.

0.95 Mr. Anderson starts to talk Angle attacks him they brawl to the ring, Bubba/Hogan/Earl Hebner talk backstage, Jarrett and James Storm talk backstage.

0.76 Jarrett vs Beer money 2 on 1 handicap match Foley referee, Hogan/Abyss/Brooke Hogan talk backstage, Hogan/Abyss vs Flair/Styles.

1.01 Q9 Overrun Hogan/Abyss vs Flair/Styles ends, After the match Wolfe, Pope, Hardy come to the ring.

hopefully they'll get a hint and drop the stupid Jarrett storyline they have going. I don't mind seeing him wrestle, but he had no business having a match that late in the show given the recent storylines and he's not as big of a name as most of the others on the show. Angle's segment stunk pretty bad too.

Speaking of Jarret, they've been trying to bill bear money as TNA's best tag team, so why does the guy that lost to val venis and Anderson suddenly almost take them in a handicap?

And the overall rating is kind of around where I thought it'd be. The test will also be to see what the thurs replay gets (per the website it appears they replay this thurs and then no replay) in case people forgot about the timeslot change and then the next couple of weeks.

Also I've seen it posted in a bunch of spots here and elsewhere. Hardy was not the biggest pop of the night. RVD, Hogan, and even Sting had bigger pops. Sting also had the most heat.

What I will say is that I checked into Raw a few times and never saw anything of interest so I think TNA may go up a little nextweek if the opening is good and the last two matches are done well. It'll be a week to week thing, sometimes as low as maybe 0.8 and sometimes as high as maybe 1.4

[TommyDreamerFan]

The ratings are in.

TNA 1.0
RAW 3.4

They gave it a shot, can't fault 'em for that.

This is not a disappointment. The TNA audience has always been a static 1.0 for a while now with a plus or minus game always over that 1.0. It's great. It means they can hold their audience against raw. As long as they keep their rating at least this high, it'll keep spike TV happy.

No one expected good news for TNA today, if there is any, it's that they held their own against the behemoth of the WWE. A company with tremendous name value that building towards the biggest night in the industry: Wrestlemania.

Anyone who was expecting a big rating for TNA today is an idiot.

[Hyde Hill]

Looks like the Hogan talky and match also hurt. The over run could be guys switching off from RAW. Also it wasn't so much expecting a "big" rating more hoping.

[TommyDreamerFan]

This is directed at anyone bitching about there not being enough wreslting on TNA. I fully do believe in Russo's train of thought that it doesn't really matter what the promotion is doing so long as it's entertaining.

****, the highest rated WWE segment was The Rock and Mankind's this is your life segment. In fact, when vince gave away Christian/RVD for the IC title in a ladder match and Brock Lesnar vs Kurt Angle 60 minute iron man match for the Undisputed Championship on free tv ratings? THEY ACTUALLY WERE POOR! AND THIS WAS WELL BEFORE THE E GOT STAGNANT!

And I'm not a TNA mark, though I am a fan. I've never been bored watching their shows since Hogan took over, and if I have any complaint, it's that I'm to over-stimulated! So much **** flying at you at once, they really need to learn to pace themselves and not burn out the crowd.

Also it was fine for this time, but I *NEVER* want to see Flair or Hogan in a match again... Okay maybe Hogan, but only on PPV, only with a kick ass storyline, only with a worker that can carry him, and only if it's done to put over the worker. I can only see Hogan wrestling in TNA if it's ala Terry Funk "I'm an old man, I don't got what it takes anymore" gimmick.

[Bigpapa42]

This is directed at anyone bitching about there not being enough wreslting on TNA. I fully do believe in Russo's train of thought that it doesn't really matter what the promotion is doing so long as it's entertaining.

****, the highest rated WWE segment was The Rock and Mankind's this is your life segment. In fact, when vince gave away Christian/RVD for the IC title in a ladder match and Brock Lesnar vs Kurt Angle 60 minute iron man match for the Undisputed Championship on free tv ratings? THEY ACTUALLY WERE POOR! AND THIS WAS WELL BEFORE THE E GOT STAGNANT!

And I'm not a TNA mark, though I am a fan. I've never been bored watching their shows since Hogan took over, and if I have any complaint, it's that I'm to over-stimulated! So much **** flying at you at once, they really need to learn to pace themselves and not burn out the crowd.

Also it was fine for this time, but I *NEVER* want to see Flair or Hogan in a match again... Okay maybe Hogan, but only on PPV, only with a kick ass storyline, only with a worker that can carry him, and only if it's done to put over the worker. I can only see Hogan wrestling in TNA if it's ala Terry Funk "I'm an old man, I don't got what it takes anymore" gimmick.

The only real issue I have with TNA not featuring very much wrestling at all is that they try to bill themselves as being "about wrestling". Which is hypocritical bull. That bothers me. Just because you're willing to still call it wrestling while the E calls it "entertainment" instead, it doesn't change what it is.

Agree on them throwing too much around. The shows feel like they lack focus. There's too much going on at once, without enough time taken to fully develop stuff.

As for Hogan use a Funk approach, I seriously doubt that will happen. Hogan has too much pride and ego for that to happen.

[TommyDreamerFan]

The only real issue I have with TNA not featuring very much wrestling at all is that they try to bill themselves as being "about wrestling". Which is hypocritical bull. That bothers me. Just because you're willing to still call it wrestling while the E calls it "entertainment" instead, it doesn't change what it is.

Agree on them throwing too much around. The shows feel like they lack focus. There's too much going on at once, without enough time taken to fully develop stuff.

As for Hogan use a Funk approach, I seriously doubt that will happen. Hogan has too much pride and ego for that to happen.

Since when? They haven't used the "We Are Wrestling" line in quite sometime, and even so, I consider TNA way more about the cores of the industry then the E is presently. With all their scripts, and their movies, the E is about trying to make Pro-Wrestling a friendly main-stream like Disney while disowning as much about their past as possible.

TNA gives the guys the talking points and tells them to go. And this is why I love Vinnie Ru, he'll talk with Talent and come up with characters based on their personality. And of course, the TNA roster is much more talented charisma wise and in-ring wise.

And about Hogan, your kidding right? The entire build up for the match was Hogan bassically being all "I'm too old for this ****, I gotta do it, but man is this a bad idea".... WE SAW HIM GET BEAT UP ALL OVER THE PLACE THIS PAST MONDAY! He put over Flair and AJ at the opening, and Sting in the middle of the show. I think he'd totally be willing to pull the whole Terry Funk thing for someone, it's just a matter of finding the right guy to give a rub. The last one he gave it to ran off to join UFC!

[Bigpapa42]

Since when? They haven't used the "We Are Wrestling" line in quite sometime, and even so, I consider TNA way more about the cores of the industry then the E is presently. With all their scripts, and their movies, the E is about trying to make Pro-Wrestling a friendly main-stream like Disney while disowning as much about their past as possible.

TNA gives the guys the talking points and tells them to go. And this is why I love Vinnie Ru, he'll talk with Talent and come up with characters based on their personality. And of course, the TNA roster is much more talented charisma wise and in-ring wise.

And about Hogan, your kidding right? The entire build up for the match was Hogan bassically being all "I'm too old for this ****, I gotta do it, but man is this a bad idea".... WE SAW HIM GET BEAT UP ALL OVER THE PLACE THIS PAST MONDAY! He put over Flair and AJ at the opening, and Sting in the middle of the show. I think he'd totally be willing to pull the whole Terry Funk thing for someone, it's just a matter of finding the right guy to give a rub. The last one he gave it to ran off to join UFC!

Seem to remember them talking about it a bunch when Hogan first showed up at the start of January.... Memory could be fuzzy, as like you said, TNA does throw a ton of stuff around.

Sure, we got the awesome segments of Bubba and Brooke trying to talk Hogan out of it... but he does it anyway because "he's the Hulkster". He's still willing and demanding more after the opening match. He's still willing to get in the ring after the Sting attack. Why? Cuz he's Hogan. You can put him down, but he's Hulking right back up. I still see it as an geriatric variation of his standard Hulk approach. You can put him down, make him bleed, whatever... but he is getting back up. Not saying he's unwilling to take a beating, but he's going to find a way to come out looking good, to some extent. That's the Hogan ego to me.

[TommyDreamerFan]

I think your confusing ego with that being the only way Hogan knows how to work a match. And maybe it's me, but from a character stand point all I got from it was that Hogan was only doing this because he had to. Because he's their top draw, and the young talent are counting on him to pull TNA on his back and help solidify their future.

Actually, wouldn't it be a great OMG moment for Hogan to start doing the whole Hulking Up routine and then the young monster he's putting over ducks the big boot and smashes hogan with a Lesnar-esque clothesline? And just kills Hogan? That do huge!

God but thats the problem with this industry! You build guys up like Lashley and Lesnar, put a rocket on their back and every oppurtunity, and then they piss it all way! That's probably the real reason, if any, Hogan wouldn't do this. I can't imagine him clinging to ego or a payday, he's too old to be in the ring and I think he realizes that this is it. THere is no more paydays coming, he's milked everything from his bones, and he has to start giving back now or he'll forever be remembered as a selfish *******. Which, yeah, he probably was... and then I remember **** like how he gave Lesnar the honor of being the 1st person to kill Hulkamania.

[Hyde Hill]

We shall see in the future. And yes Bigpapa your memory isn't cheating you they said stuff like that on the Jan 4th show. Gave it lip service the shows after and finally almost did it tonight.

BTW something that hasn't been mentioned and has been one of the big positives. That you can see and feel that the TNA promo's aren't over scripted anymore. Good old bullet points and go get em feel. SO much better even if it does result in an occasional snafu.

[djthefunkchris]

I'm gonna have to agree with TommyDreamerFan myself. Hogan hasn't really done anything till they went head to head with WWE, and it's pretty obvious that was because they know he is the top draw, and so they threw him all over the place. The whole time he acknowledged it was a bad idea, "Abyss, your going to have to protect me out there brotha!" He is going to do this because he has to do it, not because he wants to do it (this was the storyline throughout the night).

All this talk about bringing up Hulk as a show stealer and such isn't very believable while watching this unfold, as he has been exactly what he said he was going to be when this all was first announced. That is, trying to make "bigger" stars out of these guys. All the promo's sound alot better then they have since I been watching, and even the product over-all seems to have improved in every area. Even the in ring psychology has improved. This is not "coincidence" but a direct effect of having Hogan and friends around to help with these things. It's not 200% better, but they have definately improved the whole show overall.

I feel that Hogan was used too much, and it come off looking a bit desperate. I understand why they did it though, and it has nothing to do with Hogan's ego, it's just common sense. I think they just don't realise how far they have really come since Hogan started, and treated Monday night as if it were his (and Flair's) first night in TNA.

[Bigpapa42]

Alright, well if Hogan has no ego involved at this point, I assume we will see him move back into the background, so we won't have twenty-five minutes worth of Hogan per 120 minutes. And if he does get in the ring, I expect that lack of ego will see see put over some young talent cleanly.

[brashleyholland]

Alright, well if Hogan has no ego involved at this point, I assume we will see him move back into the background, so we won't have twenty-five minutes worth of Hogan per 120 minutes. And if he does get in the ring, I expect that lack of ego will see see put over some young talent cleanly.

Promise you're not holding your breath...I want to read the rest of your TCW diary :-p

[lazorbeak]

Yes there was a bunch of build-up about how Hulk is too old, Hulk can't do it any more, etc.......



And then Hulk went out and had the same tag team match he's been having since 1987. If that is the only story he can tell in the ring, don't even bother putting him in the ring. To actually see a Hogan that needed saving, a Hogan that couldn't keep fighting would've been huge because not only would it fit in with the story they've been telling us it would be something the audience hasn't seen a million times before.

One of the best things about the Monday Night War is you would regularly see things you had never seen before. There was a few bright spots of that from TNA but a lot of it is just nostalgia.

[Bigpapa42]

Promise you're not holding your breath...I want to read the rest of your TCW diary :-p

Nah, won't be holding my breath. But I'll be more than happy to be proven wrong on this. I would prefer not to see Hogan as not still driven by his ego, but I see what I see.

[tristram]

This is directed at anyone bitching about there not being enough wreslting on TNA. I fully do believe in Russo's train of thought that it doesn't really matter what the promotion is doing so long as it's entertaining.

****, the highest rated WWE segment was The Rock and Mankind's this is your life segment. In fact, when vince gave away Christian/RVD for the IC title in a ladder match and Brock Lesnar vs Kurt Angle 60 minute iron man match for the Undisputed Championship on free tv ratings? THEY ACTUALLY WERE POOR! AND THIS WAS WELL BEFORE THE E GOT STAGNANT!

And I'm not a TNA mark, though I am a fan. I've never been bored watching their shows since Hogan took over, and if I have any complaint, it's that I'm to over-stimulated! So much **** flying at you at once, they really need to learn to pace themselves and not burn out the crowd.

Also it was fine for this time, but I *NEVER* want to see Flair or Hogan in a match again... Okay maybe Hogan, but only on PPV, only with a kick ass storyline, only with a worker that can carry him, and only if it's done to put over the worker. I can only see Hogan wrestling in TNA if it's ala Terry Funk "I'm an old man, I don't got what it takes anymore" gimmick.

I agree with your basic sentiment. Professional wrestling has evolved enormously over the past 25 years. The entire environment has changed. Heck, you only need to look at the proliferation of fast food restaurants to realise that because of concepts like globalisation and the increased delivery of multimedia and the variety that brings that people quickly change views unless they are constantly invigorated by something new. Such as it was there were times when wrestlers wouldn't 'turn' for 10 years, now they swerve every which way but how. Its all about media capitalisation, and about ensuring the product is always changing, always hard hitting, always developing conflict and impact that prevents the viewer from switching channels. There is nothing worse than to have a hundred cable TV channel options at your disposal and alternatively sitting and watching a bloke in a choke hold on the mat, unless it has suspense captivation delivered by superior psychology and the energy of the characters and crowd.

But you are also right that the ... I guess, crash TV nature of things that goes on today can burn out a crowd, and I don't think anyone really has hit the balance of the constant need to view something because its important, exciting, and changing everything we know, versus crowd energy maintenance.

[Stennick]

The ratings are in TNA did a 1.0 and RAW did a 3.4.

Talk about a huge downturn they lost half their audience from their last monday night show

That being said I think Spike T.V was ok with a 1.0 and the true indication of how they did will be revealed next week. I'd say with everything they threw out there this week they need to atleast maintain this rating next week. I would think their offifcial start to the monday night wars would garner them a similar rating. I mean they were up against Bret Hart on the 4th and did twice this number. Strange...

[sabataged]

The ratings are in TNA did a 1.0 and RAW did a 3.4.

Talk about a huge downturn they lost half their audience from their last monday night show

That being said I think Spike T.V was ok with a 1.0 and the true indication of how they did will be revealed next week. I'd say with everything they threw out there this week they need to atleast maintain this rating next week. I would think their offifcial start to the monday night wars would garner them a similar rating. I mean they were up against Bret Hart on the 4th and did twice this number. Strange...

I would say anything above a 1.0 should be considered a success at this point as they move their audience to Mondays. Just wait until Monday night football comes back around.

[alden]

The important part of the raitings is that raw lost more viewers then tna lost.......that is a good think for tna. They knew they were going to loose viewers........they knew they were not going to beat raw.....that is YEARS away. But they did not get destroyed either.

[Hyde Hill]

Also factor in that Jan 4th had an unopposed hour and was way way more hyped then this one. RAW seems stacked next week so two weeks from now will be a good test.

Plus don't forget the DVR's and people not knowing about the move although like bigpapa said not sure if anything can be gleamed from the DVR numbers. Would still like to see them published though.

Edit: Yip they changed the name from stars to roster on their TNA page. Ok so its not wrestlers but still an improvement.

[thommohawk]

I enjoyed the show, it's the start of the Monday Night Wars II and obviously both WWE and TNA each took a small share of the other's usual audience on the night. Again there's way too much negativity for TNA, WAY too much! You have to have perspective folks and look at the positives - TNA on Mondays, LIVE every other Monday, RVD in TNA, one of the most over wrestlers in the world in TNA now (Jeff Hardy), Ken Anderson in TNA, Sting return, X Division etc....lots of things to be positive about.

But the negatives aren't exactly without merit either, Hogan/Bubba/BROOKE I could happily do without being on my TV set. And regarding the nonsensical booking I have two points of contention that I noticed - Samoa Joe abduction not being promoted hardly at all in the last month, as is it's a major storyline not being told ?! And secondly, unless I missed it, but last time I checked Beer Money were the most over fan favorite tag team in all of TNA by far and yet this week they are heels ?? When did the turn happen and more to the point WHY ?! With Sting I get it, but Beer Money I do not.....

Has to be said though, that for all TNA's faults and WWE's few pro's these days, TNA still has by far the better product in my honest opinion. Though I may have to start watching Smackdown again....

But it also has to be said that for how many people knock TNA publicly, they still keep on growing. The other thing to remember is TNA is 7 years old, 7 years old and look where they are now and some of the talent they have - that's crazy and one hell of a meteoric rise if I ever saw one! And clearly it's still going on.....

[cappyboy]

Ehm happened on last weeks Impact non title match-up Terry basically squashed him in what I thought was bad booking. Not the idea of the match itself but the Squash part.

And I wouldn't count that. You call that a blow-off? I don't. I call that a building block to get Terry to the blow-off and prep him for his bid at securing justice. You said it yourself. NON-TITLE. What reason other than just pure pride is there for Williams to not just live with having gotten squashed if it saves him for another day? That settles nothing. That's not Terry giving Williams the one he owes him. That's just the company making Terry prove he deserves the chance to get Williams back. If TNA takes your response for an answer, that would be the truly bad booking.

[Hyde Hill]

Wasn't sure if you had seen it. And yes I was unhappy with it on more points then just the squash. It could get a blow off but we shall see.

[Franchise22]

The important part of the raitings is that raw lost more viewers then tna lost.......that is a good think for tna. They knew they were going to loose viewers........they knew they were not going to beat raw.....that is YEARS away. But they did not get destroyed either.

good point UNTIL the last sentence. Yes, they did get crushed. 1.0 and 3.4 are not close.

[Hyde Hill]

Destroyed is losing a lot of your fanbase by the move. They lost some as the last three ratings before it where in the 1.2-1.1 range.

[Tag01]

The Beer Money turn was definitely the thing that irked me the most. They were super over! And that was the clunkiest, most pointless turn ever! They just decided they were going to be *******s last Monday?

It's more frustrating given how great I thought the Sting turn went. I could have done without the Main Event restart, but the entire thing with him just brutalizing people with the bat really was great.

[Self]

I have to say, looking at the ratings for March 8th and January 4th, that I'm surprised. I know the hardcore internet wrestling community often has definite divide between WWE & TNA fans, but I thought that amongst casual viewers there was less brand loyalty and more of a general "I like wrestling shows, so I watch wrestling shows" mentality. I figured at least half of the folks who watched TNA Impact on Thursday nights, also watched RAW on Mondays. So I'm surprised that on Monday both shows pretty much kept their typical viewership. I'm surprised that both shows do indeed have their own, fairly unique, audience.

Looking at other shows with similar genre's... Family Guy & South Park for example. Sure, there's some hardcore loyalists on t'internet fighting for each show's dominance, but I reckon at least 50% of their audience is like me. They like adult cartoon comedy, so they watch both. CSI & Law & Order, same thing. If you like procedural cop shows, why wouldn't you watch both? Why does wrestling have such a war-like mentality?

WWE may not consider TNA a threat, but here's proof that there is 0.98 of a rating point's worth of extra wrestling fans out there (minus the dvr figures). If WWE could lure them in, they could potentially increase their audience by almost 30%... without having to get people over the always tricky "it's wrestling" hurdle.

[CQI13]

Not sure I agree with your assessment Self. I can definitely see where you're coming from though.

But I know several people who LOVE any and all Law & Orders. But they'll only watch CSI:Miami (or won't watch CSI). I for example, can take or leave Seinfeld. I watched it when it was on, but I wasn't crazy about it. Curb Your Enthusiasm did absolutely nothing for me except make me want to turn it off.

More on point, if ROH was on mainstream TV, not sure I'd watch that, even if I did watch TNA or WWE. Partially because there are other things to do, and partially because I don't feel the production values would be very good.

[justtxyank]

Finally watched it last night.

I have to say, I LOVED the Sting heel turn. I loved the segment with him beating the crap out of RVD and I don't think it hurt RVD at all. It was totally understandable that he took that beating after being cheap shotted repeatedly. In fact, I thought RVD came out of it looking good because everytime Sting gave him a chance to breathe he got up and tried to defend himself.

Even the segment with Sting putting his hand on Dixie's throat was masterful at making him a heel, though I am STUNNED that Sting agreed to do that.

This is the first attempt at turning Sting that I think actually worked and I hope they book him well going forward.

So what didn't I like about that part? Why in the world would security be holding Hogan back while Sting beat on RVD? Why wouldn't they go stop Sting? Also, Hogan took two bat shots to the midsection after RVD got walloped repeatedly in the stomach, legs, back throat, etc., so were security and medical personnel worried about Hogan instead?

I hate Abyssamania. So dumb. But I thought Hogan had a lot more energy in the ring then I remember from his last few matches. He and Flair didn't embarrass themselves.

[thommohawk]

Even the segment with Sting putting his hand on Dixie's throat was masterful at making him a heel, though I am STUNNED that Sting agreed to do that.

This is the first attempt at turning Sting that I think actually worked and I hope they book him well going forward.


I think it also helps that this Sting turn as in the actual swerve and his actions have been booked right and 100% heel tactics whereas before it was in WCW dark days and he'd cost someone the title and high five Hogan or something - in other words they didn't change his disposition too much before...now they have and it worked. So far. But this is Sting and TNA we are talking about, I'll be surprised if the heel heat lasts. I hope it does though because it's compelling entertainment and besides Sting vs RVD as well as Sting vs Hogan should draw very well or rather would draw well - but again this is TNA. Same wrestlers headlining a WWE event and it'd be crazy money....as it's TNA however nothing seems to stick which is a little worrying.

[justtxyank]

By the way, I have been an enormous mark for RVD since his days in ECW and I remember being devastated when he got hurt and didn't go get the ECW World Title.

That said, man it's crazy how over he is. LOL. The E blew it with him for so many years, I just don't get it. From day one when he jumped to the E people swooned for RVD. Everybody loves him. Does he not draw well despite his popularity? I know he's not a great talker, but so what? If the E could push Jeff Hardy as big as they did, it sucks that RVD never got that run. I'm so glad he's back and I will commit to watching TNA as long as he is around.

Another thing I want to say about last night, I love Scott Hall. He just cracks me up every time. "Hogan's not the one running the Shizzow." LOL "I'll be the one that looks like Elvis." HA! He's just got such great delivery. I hope he makes a real effort this time, because while he can't give much as an in ring worker at this point, I think if TNA gives him a shot to become an announcer like he wants he could be a valuable asset.

Sting vs RVD at Lockdown should be a lot of fun. Sting vs Hogan at Bound for Glory seems like a lock to me at this point.

[cappyboy]

Wasn't sure if you had seen it. And yes I was unhappy with it on more points then just the squash. It could get a blow off but we shall see.

It had better. Terry doesn't have much to recommend him to begin with. At least if he's given a proper blow-off with Williams, we can have a bit more closure when they figure it out and Terry can have had a moment in the sun.

[djthefunkchris]

RVD was getting the biggest push in a long time, with holding both title's at once. He lost them at once because he was pulled over by the police with drugs in possession. They couldn't push him after that, and that's how that went...

Otherwise he was set up pretty sweet before that happened (IN the WWE).

[justtxyank]

RVD was getting the biggest push in a long time, with holding both title's at once. He lost them at once because he was pulled over by the police with drugs in possession. They couldn't push him after that, and that's how that went...

Yeah I know that, it just seems silly.

Otherwise he was set up pretty sweet before that happened (IN the WWE).

I don't mean to imply he was "weakly pushed" prior to the ECW relaunch run, but he had been with the company for a while and had never been pushed as a serious world title threat despite being one of the company's most over workers. I don't get why RVD wasn't headlining for the E.

[thommohawk]

RVD wasn't headlining for WWE because Vince loves to promote his own creations at the top of his shows....and rightly so....Randy Orton, John Cena, Jeff Hardy all fall into this category. RVD, Benoit, Tommy Dreamer, Sabu, Goldberg, Booker T all those guys while top talent elsewhere do not. Hence why those guys were never really at the top of the card. CM Punk on the other hand, isn't strictly a WWE made talent, but he IS talented and over not to mention he never headlined for a rival company like the others did. Not really.

[CQI13]

Dreamer & Sabu should NEVER be mentioned as people who Vince should have pushed heavily. They are not top talents. Certainly useful as pieces of the roster, but not someone that should be headlining WWE. And Benoit, well, never really liked him from a superstar standpoint (by that meaning the complete package). He was BORING on the mic, and pretty small. Not top belt material in WWE.

[Nedew]

Dreamer & Sabu should NEVER be mentioned as people who Vince should have pushed heavily. They are not top talents. Certainly useful as pieces of the roster, but not someone that should be headlining WWE. And Benoit, well, never really liked him from a superstar standpoint (by that meaning the complete package). He was BORING on the mic, and pretty small. Not top belt material in WWE.

Benoit had intensity though, which more than made up for lack of size. Like Tazz, or even Angle.

[Self]

Not going to argue about whether RVD getting batted upside the head made him look 'weak', but I have to say I don't like the idea of Van Dam getting hotshotted into an immediate feud. This might just be me, but I don't want to see RVD in 'feuds'. I just want to see RVD kick ass and be awesome. I want to see hint 'Shine' for a while. In the ring, RVD is a beautiful, unique snowflake. A Special Attraction. As soon as he starts getting involved with sneak attacks and swerves and backstage beatdowns and interacting with Bischoff and Hogan and Flair... He becomes just like everyone else on Impact. RVD should be special.

On the Benoit note, I was never a huge fan either (just not the sort of guy I relate to) but I agree with Nedew on the intensity factor. That, and the selection of talent he could have awesome matches with, made him worthy of the top-spot. For a while at least.

[djthefunkchris]

I don't get why RVD wasn't headlining for the E.

I agree with the rest, but I although I have no real answer for this that I quoted, I have my own thoughts.

Not everyone can be "Main Event"... The best I can do is give you an example.

If I have Batista, Cena, Rock, Austin, Sting, Hogan, HBK, Undertaker, etc... Let's say 10 pluss guys with that kind of Overness, I'm not able to make them all "Main Event". It would help me alot more if I choose 4 for Main Event, 4 for Midcard, and 2 for lower card push. They are all making me money, but now they all have a way to help me with the rest of the roster, and they aren't just fighting each other all the time.

I don't know if that makes sense to you or not, but historically the WWE has always had people I would consider Main Event material in their undercards. People like Randy Savage, Honky Tonk Man, Jake the Snake, etc. List goes on and on, although some may have eventually headlined, most were put lower on the card and alot of times they stole the show (HBK ladder match).\

I know it's an old saying, and sounds like a "Cop-Out", but really, that's one of the WWE's most traditional playbook rule. Everyone can't be on top, and you have to have interest in the lower card to make the top look that much better. The better your undercard looks, the better the top looks.

Right now in the WWE, I think we have alot of undercard nobodies (for example), with only a few sticking out, which doesn't help the top look all that great. People like Morrison, "R" Truth, etc. stand out, but they do look like mid-carder's, and they are closest to the top, which makes Cena and the rest look a bit weaker then if they felt like Main Event for example, if you had Jeff Hardy, Christian, RVD, CM Punk, Jericho, Big Show, etc. all midcard, that would make the upper card look alot tougher. As it is now, they all "feel" like they should be Main Event or are Main Event and thus although they are really lower card workers in comparison, they make the top feel a bit more weak.

I don't know if you follow or not, but in my opinion your undercard needs a few people that could be Main Event without a problem, to keep the uppercards feeling stronger. That being said, you don't want a bunch of jobber's on the uppercard either, lol.

[justtxyank]

Not going to argue about whether RVD getting batted upside the head made him look 'weak', but I have to say I don't like the idea of Van Dam getting hotshotted into an immediate feud. This might just be me, but I don't want to see RVD in 'feuds'. I just want to see RVD kick ass and be awesome. I want to see hint 'Shine' for a while. In the ring, RVD is a beautiful, unique snowflake. A Special Attraction. As soon as he starts getting involved with sneak attacks and swerves and backstage beatdowns and interacting with Bischoff and Hogan and Flair... He becomes just like everyone else on Impact. RVD should be special.

So he should just wrestle meaningless matches and be involved in no angles?

[liontamer]

One thing I haven't seen much on here is that WWE is moving towards wrestlemania, this is their biggest buildup of the year so naturally it should draw people away from watching TNA, just as I would hope raw dips a little while TNA builds towards bound for glory.

And if I'm not mistaken WWE viewership usually drops off a bit after wrestlemania. This should give TNA a good chance to try to get heir ratings back up a bit and draw some new fans, or at least get back to the ratings they had on thursdays.

I think putting epics before impact is a good idea to bring fans in before raw and impact go head to head. Of course I think it'd be better to move impact ahead one hour (semipermanently -until TNA is closer in ratings) and have epics go head to head with the last hour of raw.

My bigger concern is, that with all the big names that they've brought in and thier bigger contracts, what happens if the ratings start to hurt them financially?

[Tha Black Phenom]

Not wanting to sound like some angsty insider, but I would gather the main reason RVD hasn't been pushed in the WWE is partly because of Triple H. At least, that's what I gathered. H holding the man down because he didn't 'like' him and thought he wouldn't be able to be a top draw, up until 2006 when RVD came back from injury and got tremendous ovations all around, Triple H knew he couldn't holds on no more and finally let RVD run with the ball. I believe Trips admitted that himself through an interview when he was talking about Hogan not letting Randy Orton [and HBK] win at SummerSlam. But even with that, I would figure RVD fits as the Jericho type of main-eventer, the kind of star power always fluctuating between upper-midcardership and main-event. Perfect booking tool to put newcomers/rising stars over and such. But I guess with the things that transpired, it wasn't meant to be.

If you think about it, RVD's win of the WWE/ECW titles was similar to Jericho's Undisputed title win and I'd imagine that much like Jericho, it would be a feat RVD or the announcers would ride off as factual evidence afterwards should he have stayed in the E. Back to TNA matters I just felt the segment was very.. weird. Don't have any gripe with letting Sting get some powerful heat, just Hogan strolling in like Mr. Big **** felt so out of place. But I guess they did a good job of hinting constantly at RVD fighting back.

[djthefunkchris]

One thing I haven't seen much on here is that WWE is moving towards wrestlemania, this is their biggest buildup of the year so naturally it should draw people away from watching TNA, just as I would hope raw dips a little while TNA builds towards bound for glory.

And if I'm not mistaken WWE viewership usually drops off a bit after wrestlemania. This should give TNA a good chance to try to get heir ratings back up a bit and draw some new fans, or at least get back to the ratings they had on thursdays.

I think putting epics before impact is a good idea to bring fans in before raw and impact go head to head. Of course I think it'd be better to move impact ahead one hour (semipermanently -until TNA is closer in ratings) and have epics go head to head with the last hour of raw.

My bigger concern is, that with all the big names that they've brought in and thier bigger contracts, what happens if the ratings start to hurt them financially?

Yeah, I think your on to something. For me, this is the perfect timing for TNA to go head to head, and take their loss's for now while building on the Monday night thing.

However, what I think is going to hurt TNA more then anything is showing Impact twice a week. If they are going to show the same show on Thursday, there is no real need for people to tune in instead of watching RAW. Again, this is probably good strategy, with Wrestlemania around the corner, it gives them a chance to "build" up afterward, and maybe even gain some fans during the E's slow period. However, being on Thursdays is always going to make the ratings worse for them on Mondays, not that they care though.

It's a good time in Wrestling really, it's going to be interesting if nothing else.

EDIT: I would like to see them do a Brand split with it though, instead of showing a re-run, and keep the biggest draws on Impact (monday), yet keep a couple for Thursday as well. Perhaps have AJ/Abyss, etc. on Impact, With Angle on their Thursday night show or something.

[justtxyank]

EDIT: I would like to see them do a Brand split with it though, instead of showing a re-run, and keep the biggest draws on Impact (monday), yet keep a couple for Thursday as well. Perhaps have AJ/Abyss, etc. on Impact, With Angle on their Thursday night show or something.

Are you serious? If TNA does a brand split I'll quit watching.

[BuddyGarner]

And Benoit, well, never really liked him from a superstar standpoint (by that meaning the complete package). He was BORING on the mic, and pretty small. Not top belt material in WWE.

The problem with Benoit is that he Kurt Angle and Eddie G. used a lot of the same psychology in their matches and had the whole rolling suplex variations.

It's like seeing the same match three times a week.

[CQI13]

The problem with Benoit is that he Kurt Angle and Eddie G. used a lot of the same psychology in their matches and had the whole rolling suplex variations.

It's like seeing the same match three times a week.

And also the fact that Guerrero and Angle had loads more charisma than Benoit. He would have been fine as an Upper Mid who got the occasional title shot. But a top guy he was not. Maybe in ROH or a smaller outfit.

[Tha Black Phenom]

It's like seeing the same match three times a week.

I wasn't complaining. :p

Well from Eddie's end it wasn't that noticeable, Eddie drifted well off with his high-flyer Lucha-like variations, as for Angle/Benoit I guess it helped them set themselves apart from the rest of the roster rather than each other. Technical masterpieces in the ring above all else.

And Benoit winning the top belt showed me WWE is willing to step out of their cocoon every once in a while. That in itself got me interested in his title run, even if it lacked in substance.

And ditto on showing their replays every Thursday. I figure Spike TV would at least let them know that.

[Self]

So he should just wrestle meaningless matches and be involved in no angles?

Wouldn't go that far, but I'd have eased him into the TNA landscape a little. Big strong first appearance, sure, but then I'd just have him do fun all-but-squash matches for a month or two. Doug Williams. Machineguns. I'd feed him anyone good/over who isn't on an upcoming PPV, to make him look like the greatest ass kicker the world has ever seen, and promote what he can do differently to everyone else. Maybe a few relaxed, laid-back promos about his long-term title aspirations in TNA. Maybe a PPV match against a fellow potential title challenger (Desmond Wolfe springs to mind) but no blood-feuds.

This might sound odd coming from me, a self-professed Sports Entertainment guy who believes with all his heart that TV writers should be writing wresting... but TNA is overwritten. Calm down. Savour every moment. Let RVD settle in for a bit, then go thwack-happy on his with a baseball bat.

[justtxyank]

Wouldn't go that far, but I'd have eased him into the TNA landscape a little. Big strong first appearance, sure, but then I'd just have him do fun all-but-squash matches for a month or two. Doug Williams. Machineguns. I'd feed him anyone good/over who isn't on an upcoming PPV, to make him look like the greatest ass kicker the world has ever seen, and promote what he can do differently to everyone else. Maybe a few relaxed, laid-back promos about his long-term title aspirations in TNA. Maybe a PPV match against a fellow potential title challenger (Desmond Wolfe springs to mind) but no blood-feuds.

This might sound odd coming from me, a self-professed Sports Entertainment guy who believes with all his heart that TV writers should be writing wresting... but TNA is overwritten. Calm down. Savour every moment. Let RVD settle in for a bit, then go thwack-happy on his with a baseball bat.

While I see what you are saying,the reason the Sting heel turn worked yesterday was because of RVD.

[Tag01]

Would I like a second TNA show per week? Yes. With a brand split? No way.

[Hyde Hill]

One thing I haven't seen much on here is that WWE is moving towards wrestlemania, this is their biggest buildup of the year so naturally it should draw people away from watching TNA, just as I would hope raw dips a little while TNA builds towards bound for glory.

And if I'm not mistaken WWE viewership usually drops off a bit after wrestlemania. This should give TNA a good chance to try to get heir ratings back up a bit and draw some new fans, or at least get back to the ratings they had on thursdays.

I think putting epics before impact is a good idea to bring fans in before raw and impact go head to head. Of course I think it'd be better to move impact ahead one hour (semipermanently -until TNA is closer in ratings) and have epics go head to head with the last hour of raw.

My bigger concern is, that with all the big names that they've brought in and thier bigger contracts, what happens if the ratings start to hurt them financially?

It won't as that is not how TNA makes its money per se. In the US market they have a deal with Spike where Spike pays TNA a base amount for the television right fee no matter what the rating. Then Spike tries to make a profit selling the ads. If TNA delivers better then expected ratings TNA gets a bonus. If worse they still get the base amount. They extended the deal for 3 years late last year. Also the US market is just one of the markets. Is it the most important market? Yes. Is TNA solely dependent on that market? Nope.

So don't worry, unless Dixie or Bob throw their hands in the air TNA isn't going anywhere. And even if they do who is to say they sell to VKM?


Edit: on the big contracts: Yes some of those contracts will hurt financially, but they also pay themselves back via merchandise etc, also remember that a lot of the TNA roster work on a ppv type deal or with a very low downside where they can work outside of TNA as long as its not the E hehe. Kind of a weird written ppa contract in TEW terms.

Edit: On the second show, maybe a one hour non split B show. But for now if I was TNA I would rather have a stacked roster and 100 percent focus on the main show to increase fan-base. Is the roster overstacked atm? Yep but that is another discussion.

[Hyde Hill]

Preview of a London and Kendrick shoot interview. Warning viewer discretion is advised.

http://highspots.tv/london-kendrick-shoot-interview-preview/

very funny imho.

[Self]

While I see what you are saying,the reason the Sting heel turn worked yesterday was because of RVD.

Absolutely. I was thinking more in 'ideal world' fantasy booking. In reality, Sting needed a 100% babyface to mercilessly beat down. It's just a shame TNA don't have likeable enough babyfaces of their own.

[justtxyank]

Absolutely. I was thinking more in 'ideal world' fantasy booking. In reality, Sting needed a 100% babyface to mercilessly beat down. It's just a shame TNA don't have likeable enough babyfaces of their own.

I'm not sure there are that many at all to be honest. Outside of legends, who in the entire business can an ultimate babyface that is a legend himself like Sting beat up that will turn him? Even in the E.

[Self]

I'm not sure there are that many at all to be honest. Outside of legends, who in the entire business can an ultimate babyface that is a legend himself like Sting beat up that will turn him? Even in the E.

Totally. It's tough. Sting is one of those beloved veterans that people don't want to boo. So much so that it's going to be an uphill struggle to keep him Heel. Not impossible, but really tough.

I'd say the closest thing to an ultra-babyface today would be Rey Mysterio. Maybe Shawn Michaels. I would say Undertaker if not for the size thing. Jeff Hardy depending on the crowd... and yes, Van Dam. He's in that 'legend' catagory, but Ric Flair could have been the babyface depending on the context.

[alden]

Preview of a London and Kendrick shoot interview. Warning viewer discretion is advised.

http://highspots.tv/london-kendrick-shoot-interview-preview/

very funny imho.

wow.......ok i knew kedrich was a herb head but man......londone looked messed up the entire video........that is to funny. I have not seen alot of high spot videos but i am a little surprised them showed the smoking ;).

[GatorBait19]

to lazy to read through but was it posted that Impact on monday drew a .98 on the neilsen scale?

[jesterx7769]

That was hilarious, they were so drunk "Boners Dead!"

[The Celt]

Highspots, the company that sells the Youshoot DVDs of New Jack, Missy Hyatt and my personal favourite: Bob Holly? Yeah, they'll show whatever is put in front of them lol

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8f5hJD6bQE

By the way is anyone else feeling that the videos on Highspots are taking forever to load? I really want to watch the Bryan Danielson Vs Kenny Omega comedy match but it's just not loading much at any rate.

[liontamer]

It won't as that is not how TNA makes its money per se. In the US market they have a deal with Spike where Spike pays TNA a base amount for the television right fee no matter what the rating. Then Spike tries to make a profit selling the ads. If TNA delivers better then expected ratings TNA gets a bonus. If worse they still get the base amount. They extended the deal for 3 years late last year. Also the US market is just one of the markets. Is it the most important market? Yes. Is TNA solely dependent on that market? Nope.

So don't worry, unless Dixie or Bob throw their hands in the air TNA isn't going anywhere. And even if they do who is to say they sell to VKM?


Edit: on the big contracts: Yes some of those contracts will hurt financially, but they also pay themselves back via merchandise etc, also remember that a lot of the TNA roster work on a ppv type deal or with a very low downside where they can work outside of TNA as long as its not the E hehe. Kind of a weird written ppa contract in TEW terms.



Valid points, and I'll admit I know nothing about the current contracts, but I'd also suspect that if viewership drops (and it has to an extent already)so will merchandise and PPV sales, so they still get hurt financially.

[Slagaholic]

Preview of a London and Kendrick shoot interview. Warning viewer discretion is advised.

http://highspots.tv/london-kendrick-shoot-interview-preview/

very funny imho.

Holy **** that was pure gold.

[lazorbeak]

Preview of a London and Kendrick shoot interview. Warning viewer discretion is advised.

http://highspots.tv/london-kendrick-shoot-interview-preview/

very funny imho.

Maybe it's all the Mad Men I've been watching but Paul London is working the Don Draper look. TNA needs to bring him in as a constantly smoking, liquor drinking, suit-wearing bad-ass who gives fiery speeches that make no sense. God if TNA did that they could give Brooke the knockout championship and I'd still think they were the best thing ever.

[Remianen]

This is directed at anyone bitching about there not being enough wreslting on TNA. I fully do believe in Russo's train of thought that it doesn't really matter what the promotion is doing so long as it's entertaining.

****, the highest rated WWE segment was The Rock and Mankind's this is your life segment. In fact, when vince gave away Christian/RVD for the IC title in a ladder match and Brock Lesnar vs Kurt Angle 60 minute iron man match for the Undisputed Championship on free tv ratings? THEY ACTUALLY WERE POOR! AND THIS WAS WELL BEFORE THE E GOT STAGNANT!

And I'm not a TNA mark, though I am a fan. I've never been bored watching their shows since Hogan took over, and if I have any complaint, it's that I'm to over-stimulated! So much **** flying at you at once, they really need to learn to pace themselves and not burn out the crowd.

Also it was fine for this time, but I *NEVER* want to see Flair or Hogan in a match again... Okay maybe Hogan, but only on PPV, only with a kick ass storyline, only with a worker that can carry him, and only if it's done to put over the worker. I can only see Hogan wrestling in TNA if it's ala Terry Funk "I'm an old man, I don't got what it takes anymore" gimmick.

Ah yes, so you promote yourself as "the alternative" to Sports Entertainment (defined and embodied by which promotion?) and then try to out-SE the personification of the concept. That makes a ton of sense. :rolleyes:

"The alternative to surgery!"..."We'll make the incision here...."

I enjoyed the show, it's the start of the Monday Night Wars II and obviously both WWE and TNA each took a small share of the other's usual audience on the night. Again there's way too much negativity for TNA, WAY too much! You have to have perspective folks and look at the positives - TNA on Mondays, LIVE every other Monday, RVD in TNA, one of the most over wrestlers in the world in TNA now (Jeff Hardy), Ken Anderson in TNA, Sting return, X Division etc....lots of things to be positive about.

Got a question. With all those people you listed off (and the ones you didn't), where are they going to find time to give the X-Division some shine? My opinion (and I doubt I'll be proven wrong): they won't. Now before someone jumps out with the 'there was an X-Division match...' tripe, that's not the same thing. Just because you have a match for the division doesn't mean you're developing characters and storylines for and around said division. It's like saying one Knockouts match per show is enough to say the Knockouts are featured. They're not. Seeing as how the X-Division is the only thing TNA has that WWE has nothing even vaguely resembling, you'd think they'd want to press that advantage. But to do so, Knobbs and Saggs and Waltman and Hall have to give up TV time (and that's not gonna happen).

Looking at other shows with similar genre's... Family Guy & South Park for example. Sure, there's some hardcore loyalists on t'internet fighting for each show's dominance, but I reckon at least 50% of their audience is like me. They like adult cartoon comedy, so they watch both. CSI & Law & Order, same thing. If you like procedural cop shows, why wouldn't you watch both? Why does wrestling have such a war-like mentality?

I dunno what it's like outside the US, but in the States, you cannot compare CSI and Law & Order. They're not even in the same solar system, ratings wise. Law & Order has been in decline for years now and NBC has tried its damndest to keep it relevant, including launching/developing multiple failed concepts (Crime & Punishment, Trial by Jury, Conviction, and soon, Los Angeles). On the other end of the spectrum, CBS has been begging Jerry Bruckheimer to produce another CSI and he refuses each time. Their audiences seem to have little in the way of overlap.

Dreamer & Sabu should NEVER be mentioned as people who Vince should have pushed heavily. They are not top talents. Certainly useful as pieces of the roster, but not someone that should be headlining WWE. And Benoit, well, never really liked him from a superstar standpoint (by that meaning the complete package). He was BORING on the mic, and pretty small. Not top belt material in WWE.

On the Benoit note, I was never a huge fan either (just not the sort of guy I relate to) but I agree with Nedew on the intensity factor. That, and the selection of talent he could have awesome matches with, made him worthy of the top-spot. For a while at least.

Yeah, I suppose some people think that a worker who could get a watchable match out of a can of Benjamin Moore paint are automatically inferior to people like the Great Khali because....OMG Khali is BIGGER. :rolleyes: There is more to being a headliner than size. Otherwise, explain why Chris Jericho is...well, Chris Jericho and the Great Khali is a proven insurance risk.

And Hyde, that is a serious oversimplification of TNA's relationship to Spike. It's deeper than that and not just for the US market. In addition, Spike still subsidizes some of their more onerous contracts. There's a lot involved with promotion and cross-pollination if you will, among all of Spike's properties. If you attend any UFC event (especially the ones Spike broadcasts "for free"), you will see no fewer than six (and up to 15 on at least one occasion I remember) TNA workers in attendance, especially if the event is held in a major city (the 15 occurred at a UFC event at the O2 Arena in London). Obviously, WWE's contract with USA isn't structured the same way.

I don't know what the new deal's specifics are (and I can't even be arsed to ask) but I don't think it would be vastly different.

[Hyde Hill]

That was hilarious, they were so drunk "Boners Dead!"

More Stoned then drunk or Strunk lol.

[Hyde Hill]

And Hyde, that is a serious oversimplification of TNA's relationship to Spike. It's deeper than that and not just for the US market. In addition, Spike still subsidizes some of their more onerous contracts. There's a lot involved with promotion and cross-pollination if you will, among all of Spike's properties. If you attend any UFC event (especially the ones Spike broadcasts "for free"), you will see no fewer than six (and up to 15 on at least one occasion I remember) TNA workers in attendance, especially if the event is held in a major city (the 15 occurred at a UFC event at the O2 Arena in London). Obviously, WWE's contract with USA isn't structured the same way.

I don't know what the new deal's specifics are (and I can't even be arsed to ask) but I don't think it would be vastly different.

Yeah I know it was a simplification but credible sources have stated that part to be true. But that part was the main thing pertaining to ratings and subsequent loss of income. It needs to go down pretty drastic before it will hurt much if at all.

Valid points, and I'll admit I know nothing about the current contracts, but I'd also suspect that if viewership drops (and it has to an extent already)so will merchandise and PPV sales, so they still get hurt financially.

Also their ppv buys have not been an important part of TNA's income. While not so low as some sites "report" they are still not that crucial. Although Bischoff has commented that ppv buys are up since them coming in. Wonder who asked that question? :rolleyes: me if ya didn't know hehe.

Right now TNA is focusing on increasing their fanbase and overall visibility and brand awareness and that is exactly what they should be doing.

And yes ratings are down and yes that is unfortunate. The end of the world or TNA? Not by a long shot.

PS I am a bit more marky on EB's Facebook so please forgive me and take everything I say there with some more salt. More blind marks, haters etc to fight there.

[alden]

I might be wrong on this one but dosen't tna fit a good portion of the talent cost? I know they don't do all of it but i heard once that they were paying a portion of angles contract.

I know spike pushes tna like crazy! ufc is a huge draw and you always see alot of tna guys on the show *and to be honest alot of wwe guys though*. I wonder if they give the same deal to ufc.

[Hyde Hill]

Spike helps with the big contracts but yes TNA foots the main part of the bill as far as is "known".

[TheOmniWarrior]

With all the re-signings, new signings TNAs been doing lately I keep expecting to see Matt Bentley or Petey Williams to come back.
And on the brand split thing I think it could work if the secondary brand revolved around X-Division and the main show revolved around the "main" workers and such

[Wrestling Century]

Why did these people leave TNA:

Petey Williams?
Matt Bentley?
Elix Skipper?
Sonjay Dutt?
Sabu?
Diamond Dallas Page?
Jimmy Rave?
Chris Harris?
Brother Runt?
Jerry Lynn?

[Zeel1]

Petey Williams? - Standard "midcarder with nothing to do gets released" here, I think.
Matt Bentley? - Contract expired.
Elix Skipper? - See Williams. Also, he's a lot older then he looks, which may have had something to do with it.
Sonjay Dutt? - Contract dispute, apparantly.
Sabu? - Left to work for WWE..remember? :p
Diamond Dallas Page? - Retired from active competition.
Jimmy Rave? - See Williams.
Chris Harris? - Some reports say that his storyline complaining about his exposure was based on reality.
Brother Runt? - See Williams.
Jerry Lynn? - Career winding down, asked for release.


Also, TNA, for a very long time, has had a very overstacked roster. This was especially true back when they were only one hour long. Aside from DDP and Sabu, that could've also been a factor in the releases.

[Moe Hunter]

Chris Harris became Braden Walker, didn't he?

Man those were the days (literally, days. Like four shows maximum).

[Self]

I dunno what it's like outside the US, but in the States, you cannot compare CSI and Law & Order. They're not even in the same solar system, ratings wise. Law & Order has been in decline for years now and NBC has tried its damndest to keep it relevant, including launching/developing multiple failed concepts (Crime & Punishment, Trial by Jury, Conviction, and soon, Los Angeles). On the other end of the spectrum, CBS has been begging Jerry Bruckheimer to produce another CSI and he refuses each time. Their audiences seem to have little in the way of overlap.

Okie doke. Bad example. I was just trying to name two well known crime shows. I assumed Law & Order was doing well over there, but come to think of it the show doesn't get much play over here either. :) NCIS? That work? This is wild speculation, but I'd have assumed half of NCIS's audience also watch some form of CSI. Then again, I was wrong about RAW/Impact, so I could easily be wrong about this.


I've said it before. I'll say it again. TNA don't deserve another show. They haven't earned it. If they can show some improvement in the rating, and keep it there, then maybe they can talk. That being said, a Knockouts-only show or an X-Division-only show would interest me to an extent.

[TommyDreamerFan]

I hear all this bitching "BUT TNA IS CLAIMING TO BE AN ALTERNATIVE!" um... just because their not Ring O' ****ing Honor doesn't make them any less of a alternative.

It's not the WWE, we're seeing guys be themselves and cut real promos. We're also seeing the some very talented under-card and some of the best stars of the past 2 decades. And when I do see wrestling, particularly from the younger talent, I'm seeing **** that I would not see over on RAW. I believe I saw a Piledriver done on monday, and that's pretty cool seeing as how you barely see those anymore.

While I see what you are saying,the reason the Sting heel turn worked yesterday was because of RVD.

Truth. and if TNA can pull off Heel Sting that'll be huge for them

[TommyDreamerFan]

Petey Williams? - Standard "midcarder with nothing to do gets released" here, I think.
Matt Bentley? - Contract expired.
Elix Skipper? - See Williams. Also, he's a lot older then he looks, which may have had something to do with it.
Sonjay Dutt? - Contract dispute, apparantly.
Sabu? - Left to work for WWE..remember? :p
Diamond Dallas Page? - Retired from active competition.
Jimmy Rave? - See Williams.
Chris Harris? - Some reports say that his storyline complaining about his exposure was based on reality.
Brother Runt? - See Williams.
Jerry Lynn? - Career winding down, asked for release.


Also, TNA, for a very long time, has had a very overstacked roster. This was especially true back when they were only one hour long. Aside from DDP and Sabu, that could've also been a factor in the releases.

Of those, the only two I'd like to see again is DDP and Petey Williams. He'll I'd trade out Kevin Nash and [TheBAND] for DDP providing he's still just as good as he was back in 2004.

I can't say Elix Skipper was much of a loss. He was talented sure, but he was ugly as sin and had a terrible voice.

[djthefunkchris]

I hear all this bitching "BUT TNA IS CLAIMING TO BE AN ALTERNATIVE!" um... just because their not Ring O' ****ing Honor doesn't make them any less of a alternative.

It's not the WWE, we're seeing guys be themselves and cut real promos. We're also seeing the some very talented under-card and some of the best stars of the past 2 decades. And when I do see wrestling, particularly from the younger talent, I'm seeing **** that I would not see over on RAW.

Part I: Your going to probably keep seeing that as long as they have less IN RING action then WWE. Meaning, they promote themselves as having more in ring action, then you watch it and you have less.

Part II: True, but after watching TNA routinely for a few months, all these incredible moves become just as boring (to me) as the one's used in WWE. The fact of the matter is, when I see it on WWE it is a rarety that actually gets over alot better then the same move would for TNA.

Pluss, part of that makes it look less realistic. I've mentioned it before, but I guess I can repeat it. When it looks like (and it does): Ok, I'm going to do my spot, CATCH ME (and that's how it looks), then you do your spot, and I'll catch you! It doesn't feel like they are actually competing, it feels like they are doing bad gymnastics (and sometimes GREAT gymnastics). I like this in smaller bytes, and I have to admit that's how it's been lately... They aren't as "Spotty" as they used to be (and that is good for me).

All in all though, as I said I really enjoy watching TNA, something I couldn't have done in the past. They have eliminated alot of the things (Or at least toned them down) that I had a problem watching. That's good for me over-all, and I am hoping that other's like me will start watching and help bring the ratings up to a competition level one day.

[FINisher]

WWE Monday Night Raw on March 8, 2010:

Final rating: 3.4 cable rating (5.1 million viewers)

Quarter hours: 3.45, 3.15, 3.27, 3.15, 3.39, 3.56, 3.27 and 3.6 with a 3.98 overrun

Other notes:
* The show finished third and fifth place
* Among people 18-49, the show did a 2.28 rating
* Among males 18-49, the show did a 2.90 rating
* Was the lowest rated night in last 5 weeks among males 18-49

TNA Impact on March 8, 2010:

Final rating: 1.0 cable rating (1.4 million viewers)

Quarter hours: .99, .98, 1.00, 1.07, 1.07, 1.03, .95 and .76 with a 1.01 overrun

Other notes:
* Spike TV’s live telecast of “TNA iMPACT” in its new timeslot on Monday, March 8 drew more men in the key demographic of Men 18-34 and Men 18-49 than the show was previously drawing on Thursday nights. M18-49: .98 (+5%) and M18-34: .92 (+11%)
* Spike TV notes that a significant portion of the audience watch on DVR over the week (Live +7 rating) – and we will not have an accurate rating until those numbers are computed in about two weeks

Q1 – 0.99: Hogan and Abyss vs. AJ and Flair/Sting Returns
* Q2 – 0.98: AJ and Flair Interview/Kazarian, Daniels, Williams, Bischoff Promo
* Q3 – 1.0: Kazarian, Daniels, Williams X-Title Match/Shannon Moore Returns/Knockouts Tag Title Match
* Q4 – 1.07: D'Angelo Dinero Interview/Beautiful People Interview/Sting vs. RVD

* Q5 - 1.07: Sting Beats Down RVD, Hogan Appearance/Nash and Young Promo With The Band
* Q6 – 1.03: Nash and Young Promo With The Band Cont./Eric Young vs. Sean Waltman/Angle Interview With Soldiers, Anderson Beatdown
* Q7 – 0.95: Bubba Talks To Hogan/JJ and Foley Talk/Beer Money vs. JJ
* Q8 – 0.76: Abyss and Hogan Promo/Hogan and Abyss vs. AJ and Flair
* Overrun was a 1.01: Hogan and Abyss vs. AJ and Flair/Jeff Hardy Returns




FAIL.

[The Shape]

LOL at the dip at the end before Hardy.

[Fleisch]

I can't say Elix Skipper was much of a loss. He was talented sure, but he was ugly as sin and had a terrible voice.

Yeah because we all want our wrestlers to be good looking and have the voice of an angel. In fact I hear that's a pre-requisite in many wrestling schools these days. Before you even enter the ring you gotta be able to walk past a mirror without it cracking and talk like Denzel Washington. :rolleyes:

[LucianCarter]

RVD may have only had such a short match due to ring rust and reduced conditioning. He's been denying all along he's coming back. Has he been keeping in shape and practice?

[Hyde Hill]

Yep and wrestling and wrestling well for that matter so that wasn't it.

[brashleyholland]

Petey Williams? - Standard "midcarder with nothing to do gets released" here, I think.
Matt Bentley? - Contract expired.
Elix Skipper? - See Williams. Also, he's a lot older then he looks, which may have had something to do with it.
Sonjay Dutt? - Contract dispute, apparantly.
Sabu? - Left to work for WWE..remember? :p
Diamond Dallas Page? - Retired from active competition.
Jimmy Rave? - See Williams.
Chris Harris? - Some reports say that his storyline complaining about his exposure was based on reality.
Brother Runt? - See Williams.
Jerry Lynn? - Career winding down, asked for release.




SPOILER IN WHITE!!!!

Brother Runt retuns on next week's Impact to team with Team 3D against Jimmy Hart and the Nasty Boyz

[Nedew]

Yeah because we all want our wrestlers to be good looking and have the voice of an angel. In fact I hear that's a pre-requisite in many wrestling schools these days. Before you even enter the ring you gotta be able to walk past a mirror without it cracking and talk like Denzel Washington. :rolleyes:

Different people look for different things in wrestling. We don't all have the same standards :rolleyes:

[Hyde Hill]

Petey Williams? - Standard "midcarder with nothing to do gets released" here, I think. Also contract was up and they did want to keep him. Plus he has more upside that most of the others here imho.

Matt Bentley? - Contract expired. Also wanted to do outside ventures with his band.

Elix Skipper? - See Williams nope. Also, he's a lot older then he looks, which may have had something to do with it. Lost in the X Shuffle as undercarder

Sonjay Dutt? - Contract dispute, apparently. Yep end of contract wanted too much money

Sabu? - Left to work for WWE..remember? :p Yep

Diamond Dallas Page? - Retired from active competition. At that time he is back wrestling occasionally now

Jimmy Rave? - See Williams. No see Skipper especially after Hoyte left

Chris Harris? - Some reports say that his storyline complaining about his exposure was based on reality. Yep plus a WWE contract came his way

Brother Runt? - See Williams. See Skipper

Jerry Lynn? - Career winding down, asked for release. Also wanted to do ROH and they had a change in Road Agents


Also, TNA, for a very long time, has had a very overstacked roster. This was especially true back when they were only one hour long. Aside from DDP and Sabu, and Harris and Petey and Sonjay that was also a factor in the releases.

You gave a very good base just added on it a tad for a fuller picture this is based of what I know and slight interpretations and is mostly apparently as that was what was reported.

I see many on this list possibly making a return but not in the near future and some like Runt only for cameos. Also EB has posted on his Facebook he will not sign DDP is that a work or shoot? You never know but I am leaning towards Shoot.

[TommyDreamerFan]

Yeah because we all want our wrestlers to be good looking and have the voice of an angel. In fact I hear that's a pre-requisite in many wrestling schools these days. Before you even enter the ring you gotta be able to walk past a mirror without it cracking and talk like Denzel Washington. :rolleyes:

Well Um, yeah, if your gonna make it to the top of this business! I imagine thats why Daniels got pushed and he was left to rot in the Diamonds In The Rough stable.

Actually I was dissapointed that after xXx broke up they didn't feud. If only to squeeze what overness Skipper had and pass it on to daniels.

EDIT: Someone wanna explain all this great things I heard about Chris Harris? back in 2004 everyone was bitching about Jarrett holding him down but I'm sorry, of America's Most Wanted I always saw James Storm having more mainevent potential.

[Fleisch]

Different people look for different things in wrestling. We don't all have the same standards :rolleyes:

Maybe so, but if I wanna see good looking people with a voice, I'll watch a movie. If I want to be entertained by a wrestling show, I'll look for in ring skill over looks. I mean isn't that why people like wrestling? Or am I missing something?

[lazorbeak]

Maybe so, but if I wanna see good looking people with a voice, I'll watch a movie. If I want to be entertained by a wrestling show, I'll look for in ring skill over looks. I mean isn't that why people like wrestling? Or am I missing something?

Short answer? NO.

Long answer? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

Haven't wrestling fans been using "movies are fake" as a response to "isn't wrestling fake?" Why would your standards be so different in what you wanted to look at in one form of entertainment vs. another? If TNA was some sort of pure ring-work promotion that pushed little ugly guys regardless of appearance, maybe you'd have a point, but the last time they tried anything close to a performance based promotion they were out of money inside of a year.

[Hyde Hill]

Agree with Lazor for a simple reference just look at TEW. See how many different skills are involved? See in how many different ways a worker can get over? See all the different product preferences etc?

Skipper was always a midcarder at best and a good undercard worker normally. I liked the guy but that's personal.

[alden]

in early tna i think skipper was actully a good draw......he was part of XXX *a good stable in my view* and he had a few runs with the tag titles. I will always remember skipper walking the top of the cage. It was insane and looked great.....the guy would take risks in the ring and i think he was pretty over in the weekley ppv era.

[Hyde Hill]

Yep but was he higher then a high midcarder / close uppermidcard? His situation at that time kinda reminds me of Shelton.