The Official TNA Discussion Thread

[PhenomenalPat]

I love the backwards approach that the IWC has taken. Everyone loved Jeff Hardy in WWE the past year, and raved about his performances and his program with CM Punk. Now he signs with TNA and he's a nobody, a nothing and not a big name guy. He was WWE champion because he was arguably the most over guy on the roster, and made them a TON of money on merchandising.

You can hate on his personal issues all you want, but there is no way to objectively claim that he isn't a big acquisition for TNA. I know he was in TNA before and it didn't amount too much, but there are two BIG differances between this time and last time. The first being the fact that Hardy has been out of the spotlight for only a couple of months this time, after spending months front and center in the WWE spotlight. He was a big deal there, and they made his departure a big deal too. The second being that TNA is in a better position now, with more of a mainstream name. Now only time will tell how it all plays out, but this is a smart move by TNA, they have not only gotten one of the biggest available names to sign with them, but he is also the most currently relevant name.

[The Shape]

I love the backwards approach that the IWC has taken. Everyone loved Jeff Hardy in WWE the past year, and raved about his performances and his program with CM Punk. Now he signs with TNA and he's a nobody, a nothing and not a big name guy. He was WWE champion because he was arguably the most over guy on the roster, and made them a TON of money on merchandising.

You can hate on his personal issues all you want, but there is no way to objectively claim that he isn't a big acquisition for TNA. I know he was in TNA before and it didn't amount too much, but there are two BIG differances between this time and last time. The first being the fact that Hardy has been out of the spotlight for only a couple of months this time, after spending months front and center in the WWE spotlight. He was a big deal there, and they made his departure a big deal too. The second being that TNA is in a better position now, with more of a mainstream name. Now only time will tell how it all plays out, but this is a smart move by TNA, they have not only gotten one of the biggest available names to sign with them, but he is also the most currently relevant name.

And yet look what they do with him on his debut. THAT's the issue here.

[CQI13]

Am I the only one who can't buy into Hardy as a World champion? One appearance in TNA doesn't dictate what his role will be either. Sure, he's a star, but the TNA audience has seen him already in TNA.

[Nedew]

Am I the only one who can't buy into Hardy as a World champion?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3293/3123977500_9d78bb90d7.jpg

[Sons of Kohral]

Damn.... I was going to say "pics or it didn't happen"

[Self]

Am I the only one who can't buy into Hardy as a World champion? One appearance in TNA doesn't dictate what his role will be either. Sure, he's a star, but the TNA audience has seen him already in TNA.

I don't think the point is the "TNA audience". The point is to get the WWE Audience or older fans or newer fans to tune in. You know, increase ratings, increase profit. EDIT: This worked on me. I have little-to-no respect for TNA as a television product, but with Jeff on there I'm actually planning to watch it next Thursaday.

As for buying Jeff as a World Champion... In the old days, no, but in the days of Brand Splits and the TNA belt being held by Mick Foley and Itsy Bitsy AJ, I can buy it.

Hmm. CM Punk's still doing a bit of anti-Jeff schtick on Smackdown... Wonder what'll happen to that.

[Hyde Hill]

And yet look what they do with him on his debut. THAT's the issue here.

Agreed they could have handled it better but also a lot worse. Instant title contender -> IWC gripes about ex wwe guy getting insta push.

Just a cameo or teasers -> no one believes he has signed.

Promo-> not his strong suit.

This way he can elevate the whole X-Division and it plays to his skills and after that can move on to better things. Haven't a lot of people been clamoring for more X-Division and for them to elevate it? What better way then to Have Jeff Freaking Hardy in it?

What ever your personal opinions on him as a performer/personal life he is a big name no doubt about it, actually the biggest available relevant name they could get. (not counting Rock, Austin and Lesnar here.)

Is TNA taking a risk with his court date looming yes. Could Jeff be more happier in TNA with a lighter schedule and more lifestyle freedom yes.

Could one part of that lifestyle have bad consequences? Yes. Would being in TNA increase the chance of that happening? No imho as Jeff will be Jeff and the heavier schedule puts more stress on him leading to worse choices in that category which balances out the lighter amount of control.

Dude is a big name period, crowd reaction + merchandise + match/feud approval all top notch.

Are the TNA fans sick of seeing him again? Hell No. Different Jeff, different TNA, different and more fans.

[Self]

This way he can elevate the whole X-Division and it plays to his skills

I don't think it plays into his skills at all. Other than the Whisper In The Wind and the Swanton, Jeff wrestles a pretty typical WWE style. Shine-Heat-Comeback-Finish, basic moves with a couple of highspots thrown in. He's great at that style, his matches with Punk and Morrison and Edge were fantastic, but the X-Division guys do a totally different thing. I watched AJ/ANgle and Orton/Kofi simultaniously last night, and the differences were immense. Apples and Oranges. Jeff's gives good orange juice, but I don't want him near my apple sauce.

I kinda want to see him fight Nigel.

[CQI13]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3293/3123977500_9d78bb90d7.jpg

The fact that he became World Champ, and people cheered him and were excited doesn't mean I have to buy into him being a World Champ. Yeah, it happened, but to me, it was still meh.

[GDE71]

Does anyone know when the TV ratings will be out?

I'm interested in seeing if TNA was able to do a 1.0 for the 3 hours and I also want to see how big of a drop-off there was between hour 1 and hours 2 and 3.

Last thing to be interesting is if the last half hour where Kurt & AJ put on a very good match lifted their numbers any.

[lazorbeak]

Am I the only one who can't buy into Hardy as a World champion? One appearance in TNA doesn't dictate what his role will be either. Sure, he's a star, but the TNA audience has seen him already in TNA.

Yes, yes you are. We've all read your rants about Hardy and they are just as irrelevant now as they ever were. Just let it go.

Agreed they could have handled it better but also a lot worse. Instant title contender -> IWC gripes about ex wwe guy getting insta push.

Just a cameo or teasers -> no one believes he has signed.

Promo-> not his strong suit.

Hey, here is an idea: let him debut against someone that matters even a little bit, to start up a feud? Let him face Morgan, or Lashley, or Steiner, or someone with some small level of main event credibility? Nah, let's have him punk out freaking Homicide on a show that everyone is watching to see Hulk Hogan. Doesn't feel special at all, and it looks like Jeff gets to play in the minor leagues while Hogan does some "which side will he join" shtick where he has to decide which senior citizens' group is right for him.

This way he can elevate the whole X-Division and it plays to his skills and after that can move on to better things. Haven't a lot of people been clamoring for more X-Division and for them to elevate it? What better way then to Have Jeff Freaking Hardy in it?

Have people? Has the x-division ever had any fans other than "indy" fans who love spot after meaningless spot thrown together haphazardly? I don't know, I'd just scrap the division and keep the strong tag and knockout divisions, but that's just me. And, as-stated, Hardy's 2009 style is not the X-division style, and if he changes to fit the division it will basically be wiping away 5 years of in-ring improvement to be a 30-some year old spot monkey.

[Hive]

From a casual viewer with an undying love for WCW, I enjoyed the show. For once, the backstage skits weren't annoying nor felt too long - in fact, I enjoyed them more than most of the matches. And most importantly, the show as a whole left me wanting more. So I'd say it was a success.

Speaking of matches, the main event was pretty damn good. A bit too many near-falls and finishers that left to nothing (which imo damages the perceived threat of a finisher), but overall really really good.

I was a bit dissapointed to see that Hogan brought in The Nasty Boys, Val Venis and Orlando Jordan... but at least Ed Leslie didn't show up. Don't they have enough irrelevant midcarders already? It's not like people Venis and Jordan have any real star power or anything... oh, and Bubba The Love Sponge? Why oh why?

But I enjoyed the segments with Hall, Nash, X-Pac, Bischoff and Flair... and Hogan dressing up in black and teasing going heel several times was interesting. I missed Hardy's appereance, but from what I have read it was a dreadful match and rather wasted use of him. I mean, Homicide... really? But you can also look at it this way: the guy was the WWE's biggest draw not too long ago. Their world champion. And they're dying to get him back and still talk about him quite often. But in TNA, he's just a midcarder... I don't know whether it's intentional, but it kinda sends the signal that being big in WWE doesn't equal being big in TNA. Maybe TNA wants to show that now THEY are a big dog, just like when WWE has taken TNA main eventers like Christian and stuck them into the midcard?

Anyway, the show was overall so exciting because of Hogan and the return of other WCW oldies (added some good matches) that I did not even once bother to switch over to RAW to check out Bret. And looking at their matches, it doesn't really seem like I missed anything they haven't shown 8 times during the last couple of months already...

[thatoneguy]

Well, this show pretty much put the nail in my "enjoying TNA" coffin. Just absolute garbage, with only one redeeming quality. And the AJ/Angle match wasn't even that good. It was OK. Doesn't make up for anything else though. Oh, wait, the knockouts tag match was OK as well. I don't much care about them, but they did a good job.

[Tag01]

I thought the Angle/AJ match was great. It was without a doubt my favorite TNA match since I started watching a few months ago. I'm really looking forward to Jeff Hardy in the mix, and I always liked Shannon Moore too. Not the best personality, but his matches were always exciting. I think the only problem is that TNA was trying to do too much. Using the Nasty Boys for comedy spots would be fine with me, but I wish Venis and Jordan hadn't been brought on. And it remains to be seen what they can get out of Hall and Waltman. Hogan is cool, although I was hoping for a face run. And man, Eric Bischoff can still make me hate him without breaking a sweat.

[Wrestling Century]

I agree with Hive. It brought back great memories of WCW. If TNA becomes a WCW clone then I will just love TNA even more! :p Besides that, that was the most entertaining TNA Impact ever IMO! Maybe not in match terms, but this has been the first wrestling TV Show in a while that I didn't get bored sitting through the whole thing. By the way, did I miss anything important on RAW?

[Franchise22]

The fact that he became World Champ, and people cheered him and were excited doesn't mean I have to buy into him being a World Champ. Yeah, it happened, but to me, it was still meh.

agreed. i NEVER have bought him as a main eventer or as Champ. it felt forced. Ive always stated this. With that being said, TNA and the X division is a good fit.

[Nedew]

Last thing to be interesting is if the last half hour where Kurt & AJ put on a very good match lifted their numbers any.

Stuff like this in relation to ratings always confuses the hell out of me. If someone isn't physically watching, how would a good match make them tune in? They wouldn't know about 'til afterwards at least!

[Hyde Hill]

Ok finally getting to watch this. That was not their normal Steel Asylum setup or quality, yes it is normally red with a dome on top but normally its a lot more stable etc. It really seemed thrown together last minute and the Asylum matches I have seen before have been much better in terms of presentation, length and match quality. DQ in a cage yeah bs can't say more then that. Still Jeff Hardy!!!!! Don't like the tune though or the toned down haircut etc as that is/was part of his allure.

For a good/normal Asylum match:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QXXaXLuOLM

Also X-Divison does not equate to spot monkey! Ill give you Red but the rest in that match have shown they can have a very good match . 8 People with so little time was a bad idea though.

[UkWrestleFan]

My favourite thing about last nights TNA was "The Pope" D'Angelo Dinero.

[Hyde Hill]

Womens match was on its way to being good till the flash flash pinfall. And title change why?

[sebsplex]

Victim of too much hype perhaps. Somewhat mixed on Impact... I guess we'll see the real lay of the land (so to speak) in a few shows time when things settle into place. To be honest, this show reminded me of the first 2 hour Impact where they simply crammed too much in and the lack of focus hurt. I'm disappointed in some respects, but pleased in others... mainly seeing Bischoff onscreen in his old role and Shannon Moore (I've always been a sucker for the Mattitude Follower). Not too sure on Jeff Hardy, although I have to smile at the sudden turn of a few peoples opinions. I would have rather had RVD... perhaps somewhere down the line. I certainly don't think it was the home run hit that TNA were hoping for and the cameos/debuts/redebuts whilst fun, seemed overkill.

Who knows what number the show did. Probably somewhere in the 1.4 region at best. I doubt the 'war' is on and judging by RAW this week, I really hope it wasn't an example of the WWE 'trying' or raising their game. I craved a Bret Hart comeback around the time of Backlash a few years ago when Benoit was facing HBK and thought that was probably the most opportune time if he were ever to step into a WWE return. Now that it's finally happened... it felt so empty and lacking.

Although the Monday Night War 'hype' will be gone, hopefully next week will see better on both counts.

[Hyde Hill]

Running commentary from me if ppl don't mind.

Krystal + Lashley: good promo, Halle berry looks, heel turn to face AJ.

Beautifull People: no Love unfortunately but sends strong non PG message and was better done then the ECW version imho.

Motorcade stuff nice to make it all seem extra important and who is the mystery man? Prolly Bischoff or upcoming surprise.

Flair! And he goes into AJ's room?

Hall has gained weight again but was still cool Hey Yo = mark out waltman was ok.

The Hogan promo: Cool entrance with the quasi NWO tune(, should have done same type of tune for Hardy but prolly no time,) and really milking the crowd response imho not so much the bad hip. All Day in the back ok nice snafu but can be forgiven. Other snafu that hasn't been commented on is Hall saying growing up watching Hogan wrestling is impossible as they are close to the same age. 51 - 56.

On the note of them not needing to be there to make the same statement I actually liked it better this way as it also gives you the visual and it works better in a direct confrentation way then just empty promises plus they still have some name value. Bisschoff is still great on the mic and Sting is back in the rafters. TNAManiacs, Earn your spot, learning from mistakes, changing everything for the better in the upcoming time. Good message that came across loud and clear.

PS Dixie in an interview she already gave is promising more surprises to come even in the field of signings. Sry can't remember where I read it but it was a good source imho or wouldn't type it here.

[TracyBrooksFan]

Impact was great but no Angelina made me sad. Hardy theme the same he had in 2004-2006 when he was in TNA.

[Hyde Hill]

Like Hamada's new T-Shirt although I prefer the robe. The backstage attacks is where it started getting too messy and convoluted imho. Hamada tweaked leg but still toughened it out good on her. I got two words for ya Divas.... Suck It! lolz. Should have done this match second then Tara vs ODB third so that it was unopposed.

[Tha Black Phenom]

Who knows what number the show did. Probably somewhere in the 1.4 region at best. I doubt the 'war' is on and judging by RAW this week, I really hope it wasn't an example of the WWE 'trying' or raising their game. I craved a Bret Hart comeback around the time of Backlash a few years ago when Benoit was facing HBK and thought that was probably the most opportune time if he were ever to step into a WWE return. Now that it's finally happened... it felt so empty and lacking.

Although the Monday Night War 'hype' will be gone, hopefully next week will see better on both counts.

They definitely weren't trying that. I don't think the WWE tried to up their game at all. The Bret appearance was just to put a cherry on the show, and it was something somewhat overdue(at least it happened while Bret is still able to walk). It was funny to see people think that Raw last night was drab and "as usual" when... to be honest, that was the point. They don't give a rat's ass about TNA, so why should they go out of their way to make a really special memorable show with fireworks and the like?

I think this is another case of smarks putting too much hype into this thing(by this, I mean Jan 4th). TNA was gonna pull all the stops, but hardly from WWE's part. It was just a regular night to them, and rightfully so.

I saw a good portion of this show however, mostly the main-event which I loved. But after this match, AJ and Angle better start re-building their finishers and whatnot. :\

[Hyde Hill]

Impact was great but no Angelina made me sad. Hardy theme the same he had in 2004-2006 when he was in TNA.

Lol I had forgotten that see how uninspiring that tune is lol. BTW get on camera or close to any talent?

[Hyde Hill]

They definitely weren't trying that. I don't think the WWE tried to up their game at all. The Bret appearance was just to put a cherry on the show, and it was something somewhat overdue(at least it happened while Bret is still able to walk). It was funny to see people think that Raw last night was drab and "as usual" when... to be honest, that was the point. They don't give a rat's ass about TNA, so why should they go out of their way to make a really special memorable show with fireworks and the like?

I think this is another case of smarks putting too much hype into this thing(by this, I mean Jan 4th). TNA was gonna pull all the stops, but hardly from WWE's part. It was just a regular night to them, and rightfully so.

I saw a good portion of this show however, mostly the main-event which I liked. But after this match, AJ and Angle better start re-building their finishers and whatnot. :\

Yeah Michaels and Undertaker really need to rebuild thier finishers too right? Right?

And come one WWE sure as hell is worried. Bret returning plus the 2 ppv caliber match ups. Sure just a normal RAW sure. If I was WWE I would ignore and deny as long as possible as well but the facts just don't follow. If Cena wasn't otherwise engaged already they would have saved his rematch vs Sheamus I am sure.

PS please excuse me if I am becoming too markish as I am finally getting to see the show.

[Nedew]

Talking of TNA fans, I am convinced that Russo is in the front row facing the camera. That or his twin brother...

[Hyde Hill]

Talking of TNA fans, I am convinced that Russo is in the front row facing the camera. That or his twin brother...

As I have read he is always watching the shows from the audience although normally he stays of cam.

[TracyBrooksFan]

not just Russo but the agent who put a match together is watching from the crowd

[Hyde Hill]

Lol Even Rocco and Sal aka Phi Delta Slam aka MEM Security aka Foley security are back, Foley reminding people he can kick but if he wants too = good. Nasty Boys taking up time = bad even if funny.

Raven didn't get an entrance at all and this being a nu1 contenders match = dam. It being a squash is fine but a couple o more dominating spots would have been better.

Pope rocks on the mic and given the crowd response Jordan is not long for this TNA world hehe, man is he flat especially in comparison. Pope vs Wolfe was much as the women's match showing promise of a great match and then a flash finish. Wolfe made to look weaker and D'Inero elevated but think they lost more overness overall then gained.

Edit: Almost Forgot Val Venis was lol. And since they where going to revisit the BP anyways was no problem although Angelina joining as well or instead would have been better.

[Tha Black Phenom]

Yeah Michaels and Undertaker really need to rebuild thier finishers too right? Right?

And come one WWE sure as hell is worried. Bret returning plus the 2 ppv caliber match ups. Sure just a normal RAW sure. If I was WWE I would ignore and deny as long as possible as well but the facts just don't follow. If Cena wasn't otherwise engaged already they would have saved his rematch vs Sheamus I am sure.

PS please excuse me if I am becoming too markish as I am finally getting to see the show.

Not really, since Michaels/Taker wasn't Near Falls land.

And I honestly think all the things they sprinkled onto last night's show was simply to make up for the fact Cena wasn't there last night. He's a sizeable factor into the ratings. The blow-off matches were inevitable anyway, whatnot with the long road to the Rumble. With Jericho's status on Raw in jeopardy, they couldn't keep that up for long.

[Hyde Hill]

Hmm saw plenty of near falls in it they just did the old WWE I do my finisher but to tired to cover trick more.

[lazorbeak]

Yeah Michaels and Undertaker really need to rebuild thier finishers too right? Right?

And come one WWE sure as hell is worried. Bret returning plus the 2 ppv caliber match ups. Sure just a normal RAW sure. If I was WWE I would ignore and deny as long as possible as well but the facts just don't follow. If Cena wasn't otherwise engaged already they would have saved his rematch vs Sheamus I am sure.

PS please excuse me if I am becoming too markish as I am finally getting to see the show.


WWE has always tried to make the first show of the year into a big deal. Why you would equate that with some sort of fear of TNA would be a mystery if you weren't such a giant TNA mark. Seriously, Big Show losing the title to Triple H in WWF's first show of the year 10 years ago could ONLY mean they were terrified of WCW's upcoming Medusa vs. Oklahoma match at that month's Souled Out, right? Seriously correlation =/ causation.

If there had been any "swerve" booking, big-time announcements other than what was advertised, or even some casual references or insults of Hogan, I could maybe see some support, but "they put on a good show" really isn't any justification at all.

[Hyde Hill]

Yep but we will never know either way but starting the whole Hitman stuff after 12 years absence after Hogan announcement is just too much a coincidence for my taste. And you bashing TNA wouldn't be such a mystery if you weren't such a giant TNA hater.;)

[justtxyank]

I am not a TNA mark and I definitely think WWE was trying to do something a little special last night. Not because they are afraid of TNA, because they have no reason to be. At the same time though, Raw is vulnerable in the key demographics and they know it. They don't want to lose any viewers to TNA.

It's not that they are afraid of TNA reaching or surpassing them, but they are definitely afraid of TNA siphoning off viewers from the key demographic that gives Raw (WWE) so much clout with USA.

[jwt13]

I really dont think Ric will wrestle in TNA I think they did the whole angle with him walking into AJ's locker room so that maybe Ric as AJ's manger? That would be great becuase the only thing about AJ that holds him back is his mic skills. Overall I give Impact a 7.5/10 and Raw a 5.5/10

[Hyde Hill]

Bubba got the Orlando Jordon treatment from the crowd taking over from JB, bye bye. (hope)

Revisiting the Hogan angle on the same f'n show = bad. Takes up time.

AJ + JB + Biscchoff was sweet but should have been in the first hour or at least announcing another Main Event.

Jeff Jarrett gave a very decent speech imho, loved the crowd reaction. "Screw The Critics" lol. The Hogan promo on Jarrett was a bit weird as they want the same thing and was a bit overly aggressive. Should have been more respect what you have done and we want the same thing but everyone is on a level playing field.

Screwing Daniels out of time for weirdness with JB was bad. Take JB out of the equation and at the end of the promo have Foley walk in and Hemme and Daniels being surprised = easy fix.

Joe vs Abyss could become a good feud finally takes Abyss out of Stevie land and gives Joe something to do till he cashes in. No need to cut to Sting in the middle of the match in the back short rafter shot somewhere would have been better. Abyss should have gotten more offense in and the match could have been better but it was a good showcase for Joe. Due to the chair shot Abyss has an "excuse"

[Wrestling Century]

Lol I had forgotten that see how uninspiring that tune is lol. BTW get on camera or close to any talent?

Dude, Jeff Hardy's OWN BAND made that song. Also, I thought that it was pretty funny when he started mouthing the words right before they cut to a commercial.

[Nedew]

Daniels getting cut off not only got him on the show, it also gives him a reason to not like Hogan et al (i remember him telling AJ that things were gonna change for the better when Hogan came in, that maybe Daniels would get the shots AJ got etc.).

Gives him enough reason to feel persecuted, a role he plays well.

[Hyde Hill]

Yeah but still not a good song for him from a wrestling show standpoint. Would you want Micky James coming out to country soon?

Forgot to mention that showing Brooke in the crowd was a good idea. And yeah way, way too much happening. Cramming 4/5 hours into three this time. Could have saved a lot of stuff for next weeks Impact: Mystery Attacker/Foley/Jarrett or leave it off: Nasty Boys, Jordon, Sponge, backstage attacks.

[Hyde Hill]

Daniels getting cut off not only got him on the show, it also gives him a reason to not like Hogan et al (i remember him telling AJ that things were gonna change for the better when Hogan came in, that maybe Daniels would get the shots AJ got etc.).

Gives him enough reason to feel persecuted, a role he plays well.

Depends which route they take as he could hate Hogan for booking it that way aka breaking kayfabe or in a kayfabe way hate JB and/or Foley. Still dude was number one contender not long ago should have gotten more time.

Edit: Btw if you mean the bearded dude on the front row as Russo he is a Die Hard TNA fan always there.

[Wrestling Century]

Yeah but still not a good song for him from a wrestling show standpoint. Would you want Micky James coming out to country soon?


Hmm...good point. But then again, I have no idea what genre of tune is fit to be Jeff's entrance theme.

[stratusfaction]

Just read on rajahwwf.com

TNA's 6-sided ring may make its last appearance tonight. There's been talk of the ring being destroyed in some sort of angle tonight with a traditional four-sided ring being brought in for the next batch of tapings on January 18th.

Please, tell me this isn't true? Hogan what have you done? This is what makes TNA different then any other company. I hope this isn't true and if it is...then it will be a sad sad day in wrestling history.

[justtxyank]

In general, the sound system TNA uses sucks. They need to amplify their music pretty badly. They also really need to work on the production crew. Their camera work was pretty spotty.

[Wrestling Century]

Please, tell me this isn't true? Hogan what have you done? This is what makes TNA different then any other company. I hope this isn't true and if it is...then it will be a sad sad day in wrestling history.

No! I love the six-sided ring! Please no! :(

[justtxyank]

Wait...lol...people actually like the six sided ring? Seriously?

I think that's one of the worst parts of TNA lol.

[Wrestling Century]

Wait...lol...people actually like the six sided ring? Seriously?

I think that's one of the worst parts of TNA lol.

I just think that it gives the workers more room to wrestle. It is bigger than the WWE IMO. Is it? :p Plus, I like the extra turnbuckles. Don't ask me why, I just do!

[alden]

I love the six sided ring......reminds me alot of a lucha ring.....

by the way........it is smaller then the wwe and normal rings it appears.....

[stratusfaction]

Wait...lol...people actually like the six sided ring? Seriously?

I think that's one of the worst parts of TNA lol.

Even if people don't like it....it still sets it apart from other promotions. Get rid of that...and they really have nothing. The Knockouts are really all TNA has that will set them apart from say the WWE. But I'm sure now that Hogan and Bischoff are running things we will see the Knockouts become Divas.

WCW all over again :(

[The Shape]

It sets them apart, but in a negative way. They clearly want to be like WCW/WWE, sports entertainment and all that, yet the ring has served it's purpose.

[justtxyank]

Even if people don't like it....it still sets it apart from other promotions. Get rid of that...and they really have nothing. The Knockouts are really all TNA has that will set them apart from say the WWE. But I'm sure now that Hogan and Bischoff are running things we will see the Knockouts become Divas.

WCW all over again :(


Sure it sets them apart, but they could make all their wrestlers bark like dogs instead of talk and that would be different too.

The six sided ring has always looked amateur and has been mocked routinely. I can't wait for it to be gone. I also can't wait for them to improve the setups they use as cages and ultimate x bars. It all looks cheap.

[Wrestling Century]

Sure it sets them apart, but they could make all their wrestlers bark like dogs instead of talk and that would be different too.

The six sided ring has always looked amateur and has been mocked routinely. I can't wait for it to be gone. I also can't wait for them to improve the setups they use as cages and ultimate x bars. It all looks cheap.

Now I remember why I liked the six sided ring! The six sides of steel looked even more merciless then WWE's Hell in a Cell IMO. Please, the six sides must remain! The six sides of steel is one of my favorite parts to TNA! If they take it away, Lockdown won't be special anymore! :(

[justtxyank]

Jeff Hardy has been indicted on his drug charges and the case will go to Superior Court. They decided to skip the January 27th hearing and just went straight to the Grand Jury to get their indictment.

Bad news for Jeff.

[Bigpapa42]

Yep but we will never know either way but starting the whole Hitman stuff after 12 years absence after Hogan announcement is just too much a coincidence for my taste. And you bashing TNA wouldn't be such a mystery if you weren't such a giant TNA hater.;)

Does anyone know how long the WWE and Hart were in negototations? I honestly don't and I don't know if that's ever been Assuming that they jumped at the Hogan announcement and rushed to get something done might not be accurate at all. The timing might have even been what was originally intended or hoped.

Is Hart coming back a big deal? Yeah, for most fans it was. One of the most "must see" guests hosts so far... well, maybe the only one. And while that resulted in the WWE putting on one of the best Raw's in awhile, this was not the WWE going all out. Not at all. Yeah, they featured some good matches, but they were mostly ones that fit the storylines and thus moved things along. They didn't bring in talent from other brands (Jericho doesn't count in my mind). They didn' throw together random super-matches just for the sake of it. They didn't even bring in their top babyface from his night off (assuming it was planned well in advance rather than them just feeling they didn't need Cena, which is far more disrespectful). So to me, this was nowhere near "WWE all guns blazing". I doubt that would have resulted in a better show, to be honest, but this was just them following the standard formula for the most part, with a notable guest host.

[TheOmniWarrior]

Was anyone else surprised with all the ex-wwe talent they were bringing in that they didnt have London or Kendrick. I was actually expecting one of them to come out during the show.

[Wrestling Century]

Was anyone else surprised with all the ex-wwe talent they were bringing in that they didnt have London or Kendrick. I was actually expecting one of them to come out during the show.

Meh, they would've just become some more X Division talent IMO.

[Gouge]

I heard rumors of Kendrick being in the Asylum match. Would have been a nice surprise, but I'd be better off forgetting that mess even happened.

But yeah, Londrick would be a great addition honestly disregarding the whole WWE reject argument. I've always wanted to see them vs. MCMG and now that the Young Bucks at in TNA too, that could be another fun match.

[Hyde Hill]

Don't care about the six sides either way as long as they keep the tighter ropes for the cooler spring boards imho. And yes now that they got marketing and mainstream attention and a very good number of stars next on the list should be a better production crew and quality (apart from RVD and Kennedy lol.)

Just saw the AJ vs Angle match, great match to bad about the commercial, the run in was fun with Angle chasing him off rare to see that. Flair showing up why and what did it do? Reminded me of Tazz showing up and somehow giving Joe the power to get out of the Scorpion. With AJ in this case getting out of the grapevine lock.

I agree too many Finishers used given the amount of time the match had. Especially the grapevine lock, super angle slam and Styles Clash where somewhat devalued but not too greatly imho. Enjoyed the hell out of the match. "Who needs Bret" chant lol. Dam high octane and quality match.

Hogan promo and cliffhanger ending with all the interactions was cool. Coulda used some Beautifull boobies though.:p

Overall after seeing both RAW had almost no flaws and was an all around good show with great production but not as epic as I had hoped with Bret or overall.

Impact was way way too busy and some weird/faulty booking as always but dam was it more exciting and had the better matches in the end.

Lets see where this all moves on as Impact leaves us with a lot of questions big and small and too many and RAW leaves us with one big question.

In the end the winner is/will be us the fans!! Say it loud! I love wrestling and I am proud!

Edit: I don't think changing it would make people stop watching but the current one apparently stops some people from doing so, so from a business standpoint why not. And also in some respects I have read it actually limits moves etc as it is smaller then the E ring.

[Hyde Hill]

Meh, they would've just become some more X Division talent IMO.

For me both Kendrick and London would be interesting signings doubling up as X-Division and Tag team plus letting them cut lose and hopefully rebranding them like they did Morgan and Dinero.

[CQI13]

The Miami Herald had a nice review of both events last night.

Link below:

http://www.miamiherald.com/626/story/1410650.html

[Hyde Hill]

The originally live post show has now been posted on mycontent for anyone interested. You need some patience as it takes a while to start and you may need to register.

http://www.mycontent.com/tna#product=4849

[TracyBrooksFan]

TNA stars Traci Brooks and Frankie Kazarian (Suicide) are slated to get married this week, so our best to the happy couple.

[Hyde Hill]

Lol apart from Russo some of that mycontent stuff was real good.

[Hyde Hill]

Congrats Brookside.

Edit And after a very long day I am out Peace! Hope I wasn't too offensive or uber markish as that wasn't my intent. Say it Loud! I love wrestling and I am proud!

[lazorbeak]

Yep but we will never know either way but starting the whole Hitman stuff after 12 years absence after Hogan announcement is just too much a coincidence for my taste. And you bashing TNA wouldn't be such a mystery if you weren't such a giant TNA hater.;)

Haha I guess calling out completely obvious cheerleading makes me an auto-hater? Seriously, where do you get off? I actually liked some of what I saw of the show, in that train-wreck, these guys need practice, what the hell is going to go wrong now sort of way. It's unpredictable, and that's a good thing. So seriously, stop for just a minute in your pro-TNA trolling and THINK about the things you post. You didn't ask for an opinion, because you don't want a conversation. I'm sure you're aware of the problems TNA has, but calling people that point out their issues a hater just makes your opinion infinitely less valuable on any topic. If you're not interested in conversation, and if you think any criticism at all is bashing, don't contribute. Just put your fingers in your ears and keep your comments to yourself. But I don't need to be told what I like based on an objective post I make in response to blind fanboy-ism.

[Wrestling Century]

TNA stars Traci Brooks and Frankie Kazarian (Suicide) are slated to get married this week, so our best to the happy couple.

Wow. I didn't even know that they were dating.

[BurningHamster]

Wait...lol...people actually like the six sided ring? Seriously?

I think that's one of the worst parts of TNA lol.

I concur, which is odd because I dug the hell out of the six sided ring when Toryumon guys were using it in Mexico. TNA just had it to be different and it took a couple years for guys to learn how to use it. And by use it I mean ignore it and work around how crappy it is.

I feel so out of the loop not seeing WWE or TNA as it sounds like a huge night of insanity and WTFness. I guess I'll have some downloading to do.

[Tyler Gadzinski]

Wow. I didn't even know that they were dating.

They have been for quite some time now.. back when it was Kazarian, Bentley and Traci as a team.. They were dating when Kaz was in WWE even.

I hope everything goes well for them. They are a very low-key quiet type couple.

Also, Christy Hemme got engaged over the Christmas break. If you didn't know.

[TracyBrooksFan]

Damn KAz a lucky SOB :D:p

[Wrestling Century]

Who else is hoping for Jeff Hardy vs Raven? I am! They look so similar to each other that they could make a great storyline with Raven calling him a copycat look alike.

[TracyBrooksFan]

Word is going around that last night's live 3-hour edition of TNA iMPACT! drew a 1.5 average cable rating for the entire show. At this time, ratings data is not available for the individual hours or quarter hours, but it will be released shortly.

WWE RAW did a 3.37 which is not good at all for Bret Hart's return. More shortly.


1.5 dont seem high but for TNA and on a monday its damn good and high
Let not forget TNA went head to head with the Fiesta Bowl

[TracyBrooksFan]

Who else is hoping for Jeff Hardy vs Raven? I am! They look so similar to each other that they could make a great storyline with Raven calling him a copycat look alike.

they feuded in 2005 in TNA

[Wrestling Century]

they feuded in 2005 in TNA

Oh. Then here's hoping to AJ vs Hardy! :D

[haloed]

Oh. Then here's hoping to AJ vs Hardy! :D

They wrestled last time Hardy was with TNA. Not saying I wouldn't want to see it again though.

[TracyBrooksFan]

They wrestled last time Hardy was with TNA. Not saying I wouldn't want to see it again though.

true but never feuded

[BurningHamster]

I personally want to see Hardy and Scott Hall compete in what could be the most mind-altered match in recorded history.

[BHK1978]

I personally want to see Hardy and Scott Hall compete in what could be the most mind-altered match in recorded history.

Yeah there would be so many demons in that match that instead of a referee they could use an exorcist.

[dvdWarrior]

I personally want to see Hardy and Scott Hall compete in what could be the most mind-altered match in recorded history.

Just saw this one today on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNtwSF8Hmj8

:)

[Bigpapa42]

First rumors about the ratings for Impact - 1.5.

Very impressive if accurate.

[James Casey]

Let's see what the rating for next week is, though. If reports I've read are accurate, it wasn't a great show - and overloaded with has-beens and never-weres. Will people want to watch that week in, week out?

I have to say, I'm not going to go out of my way to catch it when it shows over here.

[Wrestling Century]

They wrestled last time Hardy was with TNA. Not saying I wouldn't want to see it again though.

Darn it! Then what could be a dream match now that he's in TNA?

[TracyBrooksFan]

Hardy vs Red

Hardy vs Homicide

Hardy vs Sting

[Bigpapa42]

Let's see what the rating for next week is, though. If reports I've read are accurate, it wasn't a great show - and overloaded with has-beens and never-weres. Will people want to watch that week in, week out?

I have to say, I'm not going to go out of my way to catch it when it shows over here.

That will be the true measure. Despite Hogan's outrageous (and quite honestly stupid) claims of being able to hit 3.0, a 1.5 would be a very strong rating given the circumstances. But that won't mean much if they drop back down to 1.0 in the coming weeks.

The show, in my opinion, was very hit-or-miss. If the thought of seeing Hall and Waltman, the Nasty Boys, and Val Venis interests and excties you, then you probably enjoyed it. The storylines and such were typical TNA - uneven. Good and bad. Very solid main event, however.

[TracyBrooksFan]

Credit: Bleacher Report, who broke the story on Jeff and Shannon signing with TNA yesterday

Two of my sources, one of which being the source that let me to inform Joe Burgett that Jeff Hardy and Shannon Moore had signed with TNA-(beating every other news outlet in the world mind you), have informed me that Shane Helms, better known as WWE's resident natural disaster, the Hurricane, has made an informal request for his release.

Helms has long wanted to form a tag team again, and joining Moore in TNA would allow him to do so. * Side-note-there have been zero Evan Karagias sightings, this is a very good thing.*

Helms could file an official request for a release as early as 8AM Eastern time tomorrow, and much like Tommy Dreamer would more than likely be granted his release.

One of the sources also dropped the much larger piece of news that Matt Hardy might want to join his brother Jeff and his friend(s) Shannon and potentially Shane Helms in TNA if the WWE would grant him his release.

Again, he could request it as early as 8AM Eastern time, but it's more likely that Matt Hardy would wait until after the Royal Rumble to do so.

Hardy has been adamant about being close to his brother Jeff, and the WWE may block a potential request fearing that once Jeff's year is up in TNA, they might try to reform the Hardyz in the 6 sided ring, rather than have him resign with the WWE.

Matt is scheduled to meet with agents after the Smackdown tapings tonight, and as I said, could be in a meeting tomorrow morning with Helms requesting his release to join Jeff in TNA.

When Joe and I broke the Jeff/Shannon news people thought it was a joke, but like that tid-bit, this is the real deal.

[TheOmniWarrior]

If thats right hopefully TNA wont job out Matt Hardy like the E is doing.

[BurningHamster]

Helms has long wanted to form a tag team again, and joining Moore in TNA would allow him to do so. * Side-note-there have been zero Evan Karagias sightings, this is a very good thing.*


I disagree with this. I miss Evan Karagias and would mark out to see a Three Count reunion. Hell, bring in Kid Romeo while they are at it. TNA is obviously going for a late era WCW vibe so why not do it properly.

[Nedew]

Yeah there would be so many demons in that match that instead of a referee they could use an exorcist.

This isn't getting anywhere near the credit it deserves :D

I disagree with this. I miss Evan Karagias and would mark out to see a Three Count reunion. Hell, bring in Kid Romeo while they are at it. TNA is obviously going for a late era WCW vibe so why not do it properly.

Yes please! Three Count are on my all-time top stables. All we need is the Filthy Animals and Misfits In Action and we're set. All Russo creations might i add ;)

[TheOmniWarrior]

I wonder if TNA is gonna bring Rick Steiner back now

[BHK1978]

I wonder if TNA is gonna bring Rick Steiner back now

I am a big Rick Steiner fan but even I would not want to see him come back. He wasn't all that good the last time he came back.

Speaking of the Steiners where was Scott last night? Not that I missed mumbles but I have been a fan of his delusional character that he has been portraying recently.

[lazorbeak]

Just saw this one today on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNtwSF8Hmj8

:)

I'll see you that and raise you this: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1wne2_jeff-hardy-vs-razor-ramon


This comes from 1996, 14 years ago. Seriously.

[TheOmniWarrior]

No matter how bad Rick is right now, the Steiners being back in tag team division could be REALLY GOOD, if they use them to make the younger teams look good. Id also like TNA to bring in Alex Wright and make him... more than a dancing fool... maybe slap Lance Storms WWE gimmick on him lol

[BurningHamster]

I wonder if TNA is gonna bring Rick Steiner back now

The Steiner brothers obviously need to reunite to feud with the Nasty Boys, maybe they could have a match with Meng as the special guest referee or something.

Seriously, reading about what's going on with TNA is kind of like that point in a TEW game where your attempts to just roll along and stick to a booking plan become unhinged by your own lack of patience and you start hiring everyone and putting together shows without having a clue what it's leading to.

What's Warrior doing these days? Why isn't he in a stable with Hulk and Flair to feud with the Wolfpac? Seriously Russo, get a move on man!

[Nedew]

What's Warrior doing these days? Why isn't he in a stable with Hulk and Flair to feud with the Wolfpac? Seriously Russo, get a move on man!

If I were Russo, i'd constantly drop really unsubtle hints of an 'Ultimate' surprise just to wind up the IWC.

[TheOmniWarrior]

So when is everyone under the age of 30 getting fired?

[BurningHamster]

If I were Russo, i'd constantly drop really unsubtle hints of an 'Ultimate' surprise just to wind up the IWC.

Then it would turn out the ultimate surprise is just Elix Skipper in a funny hat.

[Nedew]

Then it would turn out the ultimate surprise is just Elix Skipper in a funny hat.

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l304/Weden7/skipper3hat2.jpg

:D

(that took way longer than it should've :o)

[BurningHamster]

Hahaha oh dear.

But yes, that is the most important rule of Russo booking. Keep the fans on their toes by occasionally bringing in big names as surprises but then spend the rest of the time hinting at things that are never going to happen.

[alden]

the ratings are in! the rating are in! lol

Source: PWTorch.com

Monday's 3-hour live edition of TNA iMPACT! featuring the debut of Hulk Hogan drew an impressive 1.5 cable rating. The show had an average viewership of 2.2 million, making it the most watched episode of iMPACT! in history.

The hourly ratings were 1.7, 1.4 and 1.2. The highest rated quarter hour of the show was the start of hour 2, featuring the debut of Hulk Hogan. The segment, which went head-to-head against Bret Hart's return to WWE television, drew a 1.9 rating.

[dcxbox]

Spike's TNA Wrestling Special Draws 2.2 Million Viewers
WWE Trounces TNA In Head-To-Head Matchup
by R. Thomas Umstead -- Multichannel News, 1/5/2010 5:52:36 PM

Spike TV's TNA Impact! pro wrestling show set a viewership record during last night's three-hour special featuring Hulk Hogan, but failed to pin down more viewers than pro wrestling rival WWE's Monday Night Raw series.
TNA Impact! drew 2.2 million viewers for its Jan. 4 special featuring the ring return of former WWE star Hogan, easily outdistancing the former high mark of 1.9 million viewers the series set in April 2008, according to Spike TV officials. The first hour of the special averaged 2.5 million viewers, according to Spike.
TNA Impact! however was no match for USA Network's popular WWE Monday Night Raw series. Raw drew an average of 5.5 million viewers from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., well above the 2 million viewers the TNA Impact! special averaged during the same time period on Spike, according to Nielsen data.

****
if tna keeps this up they should be on mondays very soon, maybe in the fall. they will have another monday special in 3 months sometime spike execs said they would do them every quarter and if they do ok they could get on weekly.

this is tna highest ever. and the past several weeks tna have barley got a 1.0
just imagine if raw didnt have bret hart that night tna could have got a little bigger, and raws rating was crap bret didnt even help them out

[Bigpapa42]

the ratings are in! the rating are in! lol

Source: PWTorch.com

Monday's 3-hour live edition of TNA iMPACT! featuring the debut of Hulk Hogan drew an impressive 1.5 cable rating. The show had an average viewership of 2.2 million, making it the most watched episode of iMPACT! in history.

The hourly ratings were 1.7, 1.4 and 1.2. The highest rated quarter hour of the show was the start of hour 2, featuring the debut of Hulk Hogan. The segment, which went head-to-head against Bret Hart's return to WWE television, drew a 1.9 rating.

I posted that a page ago and it got ignored by everyone except JC.

Very good ratings. Impressive. They didn't hurt Raw, which also drew very well. In a way, that's even more impressive. The key - as JC said - will be whether they can maintain or even build next week and beyond.

[djthefunkchris]

Sounds like TNA succeeded then. WWE didn't lose many (if any) viewer's either, perhaps more then ussual it sounds. So now we have 6.0 viewer's watching wrestling (or they were flipping, for all I know).

[Wrestling Century]

I'm glad that TNA got better ratings than they usually do.

[TracyBrooksFan]

Also dont forget TNA was going up against Fiesta Bowl

[jbergey_2005]

Also dont forget TNA was going up against Fiesta Bowl

As was the WWE;)

[TracyBrooksFan]

As was the WWE;)

true but TNA went up against it 3 hours not just two

[Hive]

I just read a description of what went down at tonight's Impact tapings, and I must say that I was somewhat excited. I haven't been this excited about anything wrestling in years, but I really like much of what they're going with here.

[BHK1978]

I have always read that there was an audience that just stopped watching wrestling after WCW closed down. Maybe that would explain why TNA gained some and the WWF did not lose any rating. Maybe the old WCW fans decided to watch TNA due to all of the old WCW stars being on the show.

[Stennick]

Thats my thing where did these extra two million viewers come from, hell even RAW had its highest rating since Summerslam. So really where did three million viewers come from and thats not counting the Fiesta Bowl.

[Zeel1]

Thats my thing where did these extra two million viewers come from, hell even RAW had its highest rating since Summerslam. So really where did three million viewers come from and thats not counting the Fiesta Bowl.

I think a big part of it has to do with people skipping back and forth. I know I was doing quite a bit of that once RAW came on. The only segment I actually watched in full from start-to-finish was Bret Hart's opening segment.

[MattitudeV2]

Seen Spoliers and the Masked Man's identity is...
Tomko

[jbergey_2005]

The name Hulk Hogan has been known to do wonders no matter how old or out of shape he is.

It was probably a lot of 35-50 year olds that just turned it to see him.

I know of atleast 5-6 people that turned it there just to see him that have no interest in wrestling anymore.

Who knows how accurate these ratings are anymore.

I was flipping between the football game and TNA while I DVR'd RAW. RAW was the only show I watched start to finish but who knows if something like that counts on its rating.

[tristram]

I have always read that there was an audience that just stopped watching wrestling after WCW closed down. Maybe that would explain why TNA gained some and the WWF did not lose any rating. Maybe the old WCW fans decided to watch TNA due to all of the old WCW stars being on the show.

You could put me in that category. I tried watching WWE's product post WCW, gave them the benefit of the doubt, and then was haunted to tears by their version of the Invasion which was horrid to say the least. Since then, I don't think I've ever watched a full TV wrestling broadcast. TNA has been close with it's better in ring action, but lacks final end storyline execution to compel me to truly try it.

I don't know if I'd be tempted by what I read on this show. While there's a lot of familiar faces I like including Flair and Hall, I need logical booking of someone like Jeff Hardy, and perhaps the addition of more relevant workers who cna go a good storyline like RVD and Kennedy to really consider it. There are sections I love of their product including the Knock Outs and the likes of Kurt Angle, but the fact that the likes of MCMG seem to go nowhere, nor does the likes of Jay Lethal or the like, it makes it difficult despite yearning for a truly competitive wrestling environment.

[Stennick]

So next weeks program seems just as cluttered. I won't spoil anything but its hard to see who the main eventers are. Before this it seemed like AJ, Daniels, Joe, Angle and Wolfe were main eventers. I thought TNA was the little company that was just barely making it yet they got Hogan, Flair, Bischoff, Hall, Nash, Foley, Sting. A few years ago it was a big deal that Spike was footing some of Sting's payday you can't tell me Spike is paying the rest of these guys as well.

[BHK1978]

So next weeks program seems just as cluttered. I won't spoil anything but its hard to see who the main eventers are. Before this it seemed like AJ, Daniels, Joe, Angle and Wolfe were main eventers. I thought TNA was the little company that was just barely making it yet they got Hogan, Flair, Bischoff, Hall, Nash, Foley, Sting. A few years ago it was a big deal that Spike was footing some of Sting's payday you can't tell me Spike is paying the rest of these guys as well.

I am not sure about Nash, Foley, Bischoff, Sting or Hall, but I have read that both Hogan and Flair have contracts with Panda Energy. Therefore, if TNA were to go out of business, Hogan and Flair would still be paid the rest of their contract because they are not employed directly by TNA. They are employed by its parent company.

[Stennick]

Well if Sting's contract is the same as it was when he started then Spike is paying for him. Of course then again if I'm Spike and their bringing in the likes of Hogan, Flair, etc I'm saying 'Hey pay you're own bills"

[Hyde Hill]

Yep but we will never know either way but starting the whole Hitman stuff after 12 years absence after Hogan announcement is just too much a coincidence for my taste. And you bashing TNA wouldn't be such a mystery if you weren't such a giant TNA hater.;)

Haha I guess calling out completely obvious cheerleading makes me an auto-hater? Seriously, where do you get off? I actually liked some of what I saw of the show, in that train-wreck, these guys need practice, what the hell is going to go wrong now sort of way. It's unpredictable, and that's a good thing. So seriously, stop for just a minute in your pro-TNA trolling and THINK about the things you post. You didn't ask for an opinion, because you don't want a conversation. I'm sure you're aware of the problems TNA has, but calling people that point out their issues a hater just makes your opinion infinitely less valuable on any topic. If you're not interested in conversation, and if you think any criticism at all is bashing, don't contribute. Just put your fingers in your ears and keep your comments to yourself. But I don't need to be told what I like based on an objective post I make in response to blind fanboy-ism.

I PM emd him back as I didn't want to respond on this in the thread but since I didn't get a response here is the pm I sent:

Dude did you miss the wink? It meant I didn't mean it.

I like criticism etc as I am critical of the product as well as I have pointed out and you could have noticed.

I do tend to get defensive as I do disagree with some opinions to some extent. But your line made it look like I am a blind mark which I am not and I know you are not a blind hater. Hence the wink, maybe rolls eyes would have been better.

Things don't always translate in text alas.

[Hyde Hill]

Gotta love Cornette:

http://whosslammingwho.podOmatic.com/entry/2010-01-05T11_03_21-08_00

[BurningHamster]

Gotta love Cornette:

http://whosslammingwho.podOmatic.com/entry/2010-01-05T11_03_21-08_00

Oh god, that is incredible. Cornette has seemed more just a vaguely grumpy old man in recent times but that is his good old fashioned justifiable rage in full effect.

Also, be advised that the language in that isn't for the easily offended.

[supershot]

Gotta love Cornette:

http://whosslammingwho.podOmatic.com/entry/2010-01-05T11_03_21-08_00

Lmao.. I love it.

Its roll over the floor once he talks about hogan and his limo driving around.. haha!

[Woodsmeister]

The whole Hogan / Limo thing annoyed me not because of he was in the limo but the fact it took him an hour to get there but then when he came to the ring the first thing he said was Ive been in the back all day with the boys!!!

WTF

[I<3Karagias]

I love Evan Karagias! I'd love to see him back in the ring and by the way there is absolutely no Three Count without Evan Karagias! If no one knows that, they have to be an idiot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:):):):)

[Teresa]

To be able to see Three Count make a come back would be the best. I have seen Evan recently and he is, just HOT as ever. It would be worth the show .......!!!

[PrettyLady]

Two of my sources, one of which being the source that let me to inform Joe Burgett that Jeff Hardy and Shannon Moore had signed with TNA-(beating every other news outlet in the world mind you), have informed me that Shane Helms, better known as WWE's resident natural disaster, the Hurricane, has made an informal request for his release.

Helms has long wanted to form a tag team again, and joining Moore in TNA would allow him to do so. * Side-note-there have been zero Evan Karagias sightings, this is a very good thing.*


Why would it ever be a good thing for no Evan sightings? Are you blind or just jealous?? He is only the sexiest wrestler EVER! Three Count wouldn't be complete without Evan Karagias. To even suggest or hint that someone could take his spot is ridiculous. If they tried to have 3 Count without Evan, I would stop watching TNA.

[Stennick]

I agree with everything he said. You go frame by frame and TNA failed at every turn. Then I read the spoilers for the next show and there not any better so I'm done with TNA until the next change in power.

The X division is so much of a joke I don't even think there is an X Division match next week. Atleast Bischoff in WCW knew that you compliment the old guys that can't go with young guys that can go above and beyond. TNA has told me for years their the alternative.... alternative to what exactly? Where is this highly talked about X Division? That division has been dead since Daniels vs. AJ vs. Joe in 2005. Its sad when you have all these guys on the roster that were hired specifically for the person to go at each other in that environment and their wasted.

Then you got the Knockouts who have consintantly out drawn Kurt Angle, Sting, Nash and everyone else as far as t.v ratings per segment go. Again their different their women actually wrestle. Well I don't know how we could have known that when both of their matches were so short that to the common fan the only thing you can gather from this is that their women are less attractive that wrestle. I'm not saying that has to do with their wrestling skill but when you're given no time to actually show off your skills all that guys (who make up most of the market) are going to look at is well.....looks.

Then you litter the show with guys from the Monday Night Wars. Seriously for weeks Nash said Hogan told him their getting the band back together. Nash then tells Hogan he said that and Hogan has no response? Like not even a "thats not what I said" or "you misunderstood me brother" or even a "yeah I wanna get us back together and lead by example for these young guys".

Then you got AJ Styles who is what like a FIVE TIME champion in TNA? I mean seriously the guy has been world champion of your company FIVE times. You don't become a four or five time World Champoin of a company and still get talked about as "the future". I know its a different time but think about when Hogan, Hart, Michaels, Flair, etc were five time World Champions. Hell think about HHH's fifth time as World Champion, how many times has Kurt Angle been their World Champion? My point is AJ's great and he's shown that when he can be himself he's decent enough on the microphone but for heavens sake please stop talking about this guy like he's a 21 year old kid. AJ's 32 he's not a spring chicken anymore.

You bring in Ric Flair one of the best promo men in the business. He was handcuffed in the WWE by writers (or I would hope so since I can't remember a single great promo) you bring in the greatest talker of last generation and you have him do what exactly? Stand around and do nothing the whole show? Shannon Moore got more mic time than Ric Flair.

I won't even go into the whole dropping the ball on the Hardy situation. Hogan or whoever wrote this show would rather rehash 1996 than personally put the biggest star of 2008 in the ring and shine a real spotlight on him. I mean Sting was in the RAFTERS!!!! I mean come the heck on. Bischoff, Hogan and the Wolfpac were in the ring doing a huge promo, and Sting's lurking in the rafters. No this isn't a Nitro in 1997 this is TNA Impact in 2010.

I won't even get into the heart felt promo by Jeff Jarrett to get cut off by Hogan and Hogan turns heel but in a face way on him? Seriously tell me that Hogan didn't write this show. BTW that prompted the second "B.S" promo of the night. The first came before they were a qtr hour into the show. The biggest show in the history of your company and ten minutes in your bleeping out the fans cursing at your show. Great job guys yeah you really know what you're doing.

the nWo, Foley, Val Venis, The Nasty Boys, Ric Flair, these guys all got more face time than Matt Morgan who by the way should be being pushed as a main eventer and another future of this company and instead gets 30 seconds of face time.

That brings me to my next point. Didn't Desmond Wolfe debut the very same night that they announced Hogan signing with TNA? If not then damn close. Why push Desmond out of the box like that and make him a big threat and a main event talking about bringing in someone else and then he goes from that to losing to the Pope last night. Now don't get me wrong I like the Pope but wasn't he just competing against Suicide and the like just a few weeks ago? He goes from that to beating cleanly a guy that was beating down the biggest star in the company a few weeks ago.

Remember when Joe was treated as a big deal and a huge future star of the company? Yeah neither do I because that was five years ago. Seriously the only redeeming quality of this show was the main event. The Guys I like to see aren't going to be featured, everyone's worst fears are in place with 1997 being relived all over again. I thought maybe it was just this show but after reading next weeks spoilers it sounds even worse. I understand giving it a chance but as a writer if I pursue the same storyline for two straight weeks I'm then not going to suddently switch gears and focus on a whole new set of guys.....well I might if I'm Hogan/Carter/Russo/Bischoff/Who knows who else.

I mean these guys realize that this isn't 96/97 anymore. They realize that by 1998 people were sick of seeing Hogan and his friends. They realize that the same guys in that ring right now were the same guys doing all time lows for the company in 2000/01 right? Didn't Hall show up DRUNK to a show a few months ago? So let me get this straight a guy can show up toasted to a show and just cuz Hulk says he's good to go brother he's good to go? Like Hulk's even seen this guy since 1999. At some point as the owner of this company who witnessed first hand what Hall was doing don't you say "you know what I can't allow him back in here after that". The guys had several chances with the company and he's blown them and yet he gets another one. This just reeks of a WCW move.....oh wait because he did the same thing with them. Atleast he actually MADE them money to get some slack.
RAW was no better with me enjoying the Bret/Shawn and Bret/Vince promos and that was it. This was a night both shows had to show me what they were gonna be about.

RAW is going to be about making sure I can't enjoy a single character. The guys I want to enjoy, Legacy, Kofi and some others they make sure and make as uninteresting as possible. I've been giving RAW chance after chance but the Gods honest truth is there isn't a single person on that roster that I care about. There isn't one match up that I can say "I want to see that at Wrestlemania".

I think Jim's right its just time to find something else to do on Monday nights, or whatever night these two shows air anymore.

[masterded]

Though I don't disagree completely with Cornette. I saw both shows as meh I have seen a lot better I have seen a lot worst. I got to ask when is the last time Cornette did anything good as a booker? The way he talks you would think he was the worlds greatest booker and I can't think of anything he has done that was good in like 20 years. When he was part of the creative for TNA it was just as bad as now. Any credit he would get for his time with WWF's creative has to be taken away the same way he takes away anything Rosso did at that time (in past interviews he talks about it). So in the last 20 years what has he done?


Not one of those who thinks you need to have done something to have a valid opinion (and admit his is valid). It just seems (more from past interviews) that he thinks he is a great booker.

[justtxyank]

While I think TNA messed up their Monday night show, I think people are overreacting big time. We have no idea where things are going, so how can we judge whether it will be good? They put AJ Styles over big on that show. Everyone was talking him up. I also don't get why the spoilers for next week are bad.

I'm not good at imaging a show based on spoilers, but from I read it sounds interesting.

I think TNA has potential to go places with what they are doing, but I think it will require them to do a great job at booking, something I'm not overly confident they can do.

Raw has been dead to me for years. They can string a few good shows together every now and then, but on the whole they suck at creating characters now.

[Stennick]

The biggest problem I have with TNA is that yeah they put AJ Styles over in the last ten minutes of the show.

The biggest problem I have with last night show is there was all this talk of the young guys yet someone point out to me where these young guys where? Beer Money? Abyss? Desmond Wolfe? Matt Morgan? how much mic time did they get? how much mic time did the Nasty's get? the nWo v. 4,567 got 30 minutes in one segment and then got to end the show as well. Most of these guys got thirty seconds or less on the show. Seriously did we even see Beer Money's faces? What about Abyss?

Was the show the worst TNA show I've seen? Oh no its not that bad. But where are these young guys at? By looking at the Spoilers its the same group of guys again. Val Venis gets a match on Impact seriously tell me what he has that 30 guys in the back couldn't give out there. Couldn't that match be given to these "young guys" that I kept hearing about for weeks?

Thats my problem was that Hogan promised a blend of vets that have been in these trenches before and the young guys and two weeks in I'm still waiting on the young guys.

In the real Monday Night Wars you didn't get two weeks to get your show together. They want to declare war and spend so much time talking about former employers and defunct promotions. How many weeks should they get?

WCW promoted Starrcade 97 as THE must see event. The show that big things were going to happen, the peak of a dynasty. They didn't deliver and three months later Vince stopped that 84 week streak Bischoff was on.

TNA was better than RAW but thats not saying much since I haven't seen a RAW in years that I thought was solid top to bottom.

[Hive]

The biggest problem I have with TNA is that yeah they put AJ Styles over in the last ten minutes of the show.

22 mintues, not 10. The main event match was 22 minutes. And apart from that, they put Styles over on at least two other occations, first when Flair showed an interest in him (I'd say the mere association with Flair helps put him over) and secondly, and more importantly, when Hogan showed up and hyped him on on the mic.

The biggest problem I have with last night show is there was all this talk of the young guys yet someone point out to me where these young guys where? Beer Money? Abyss? Desmond Wolfe? Matt Morgan? how much mic time did they get? how much mic time did the Nasty's get? the nWo v. 4,567 got 30 minutes in one segment and then got to end the show as well. Most of these guys got thirty seconds or less on the show. Seriously did we even see Beer Money's faces? What about Abyss?

Was the show the worst TNA show I've seen? Oh no its not that bad. But where are these young guys at? By looking at the Spoilers its the same group of guys again. Val Venis gets a match on Impact seriously tell me what he has that 30 guys in the back couldn't give out there. Couldn't that match be given to these "young guys" that I kept hearing about for weeks?

Why does everything have to come down to mic time? There are other ways to get over, and it makes sense to me to put those on the mic who are good at it. Or are you claiming that guys like Abyss and Matt Morgan do better promos than Hogan, Nash, Hall and Bischoff?

They are pushing Morgan and Hernandez with a MAJOR squash surprise victory against two veterans, setting them up for the tag team titles. They are throwing Hall & Nash into a program with Beer Money, probably to push the latter. They are seemingly giving Styles, who is NOT great at the mic, one of the best mouth pieces ever as manager. They are throwing in one of the biggest names in WWE 6 months ago into the X-Division to elevate the guys there. Granted, the use of The Nasty Boys and Sean Morley doesn't make all that much sense... but you can't expect it all to be perfect right from the first shot.

Thats my problem was that Hogan promised a blend of vets that have been in these trenches before and the young guys and two weeks in I'm still waiting on the young guys.

You're very impatient.

In the real Monday Night Wars you didn't get two weeks to get your show together. They want to declare war and spend so much time talking about former employers and defunct promotions. How many weeks should they get?

Dude, have you ever watched the first episode of Monday Nitro? Last night's Impact was FAR better imo - and I'm a huge fan of WCW.

TNA was better than RAW but thats not saying much since I haven't seen a RAW in years that I thought was solid top to bottom.

If Impact is better than RAW and more people will now tune into Impact because of the presence of Hulk Hogan, more people should also realize exactly that and permanently switch their allegiance.

[Hyde Hill]

If Impact is better than RAW and more people will now tune into Impact because of the presence of Hulk Hogan, more people should also realize exactly that and permanently switch their allegiance.

Or simply watch both as long as TNA is on thursday. And yes this Impact had a lot of faults and even I a big fan is giving them till the ppv after Genesis to get things together or else I will switch to just gaming and the C-Verse after I give ROH 2 months to interest me.

[Remianen]

What was with Hogans promos tonight?

He was in back all day yet being shown coming in his limo???

Telling JJ that workers can no longer rest on their name alone and have to earn their spot. An interesting choice to deliver that promo I thought.

Yeah, that was funny to me.

I guess Im just trying to piece together what all of these additions(Hogan, Flair, Hall) that cant wrestle are going to do when TNA has a few workers already doing that exact same thing.

Flair can still wrestle the kind of match he always did. He never was a particularly high impact sort but he can still do a traditional style match better than 96% of TNA's current roster.

Hall and Pac basically bring some name value. They will be gone within a few months I guarantee it. There is no way either one is motivated enough to do anything but screw up. Flair is a waste. He is the definition of a guy that can just not let it go. He should have a great thing gonig as a manager or GM in WWE but he refuses to let it go. Your 60! Your going to die in the ring...quit getting married and divorced...save some money and let you body have a rest.

Gonna throw out some names here: Lou Thesz, Karl Gotch, Mil Mascaras. All of them able to do what they did, better than many (if not most) of their contemporaries, despite (or perhaps because of) their age. I'd put the Legends belt on Flair and let him teach the younger guys how to feed off a crowd, how to work a match on the fly, how to structure a match that makes sense, and for TNA, good God I'd let him teach them how to cut a promo. Sure he doesn't look as good physically but Flair has never been known for his physique. Hogan looks like he might be ready for a C cup, after all.

Flair can still wrestle. Can he work TNA's spot-heavy style? Probably not. But someone needs to school the spot monkeys on how to be cruiserweights/juniors and if one match per night has to run at a different pace to accomplish that, I wouldn't mind it.

X-Pac is far from worthless. Next to Shawn, he is easily the best worker of the Kliq.

You must be freebasing Drano. While I'm not a fan, saying Sean Waltman is better than Triple H isn't even opinion. It's a transparent fallacy. Can you explain to me what 'Triple H heat' is and whether it's a universal term synonymous with 'awful crowd reaction'? Because I know that 'X-Pac Heat' is.

My favourite thing about last nights TNA was "The Pope" D'Angelo Dinero.

Yeah, he's nothing if not entertaining ("Wolfie"). I really wish they'd put the X title on him rather than have Mr I Couldn't Entertain a Church Full of Relatives without help but I can do the flippity floppity dance all day.

Hamada tweaked leg but still toughened it out good on her. I got two words for ya Divas.... Suck It!

That's not fair. The divas (by and large) aren't wrestlers. You can't compare even Mickie to someone like Sarah Stock not even mentioning Kong (who worked/was champion in the most prominent women's promotion to date) or Hamada (who's done it since she was like 16, in both Japan and Mexico). It's like comparing high school football teams to say the Detroit Lions. Even the best high school team isn't as good as the worst NFL team. I bet even Fuuka could wrestle circles around the divas.

[Hyde Hill]

That's not fair. The divas (by and large) aren't wrestlers. You can't compare even Mickie to someone like Sarah Stock not even mentioning Kong (who worked/was champion in the most prominent women's promotion to date) or Hamada (who's done it since she was like 16, in both Japan and Mexico). It's like comparing high school football teams to say the Detroit Lions. Even the best high school team isn't as good as the worst NFL team. I bet even Fuuka could wrestle circles around the divas.

Yeah that was not fair but it was meant more tongue and cheeck and a a joke given DX had a tag match as well and I think at the same time which wasn't bad tbh imho.

Again doesn't translate to text.

[justtxyank]

To the people who are complaining about the old guys being on TNA's television show.

Guess what, all the young guys who are great workers are not drawing people in.

The goal is to get people to tune in to watch the Outsiders and Hogan and Flair and see what they are doing. When they see Hogan Flair putting AJ Styles over like the greatest thing ever, maybe he will gain some name value with the mainstream fans. Maybe if Beer Money can go over The Outsiders they will be more than a tag team on a niche show and will actually gain some drawing power in the industry.

TNA was not growing with their homegrown talent. They need to get viewers to tune in out of curiosity or nostalgia and then hook them. It's way too early to say whether they have done a good job.

[Hive]

To the people who are complaining about the old guys being on TNA's television show.

Guess what, all the young guys who are great workers are not drawing people in.

The goal is to get people to tune in to watch the Outsiders and Hogan and Flair and see what they are doing. When they see Hogan Flair putting AJ Styles over like the greatest thing ever, maybe he will gain some name value with the mainstream fans. Maybe if Beer Money can go over The Outsiders they will be more than a tag team on a niche show and will actually gain some drawing power in the industry.

TNA was not growing with their homegrown talent. They need to get viewers to tune in out of curiosity or nostalgia and then hook them. It's way too early to say whether they have done a good job.

Exactly. And it's working already on someone like myself. Would I ever tune in on Impact in order to see Beer Money vs. British Invasion or someone like that? Never. Would I tune in to see Beer Money vs. Hall and Nash? Definately. Would I want to watch an AJ Styles promo? Not really, no. Would I want to watch Ric Flair cutting a promo on his behalf? Yeah, I would.

[justtxyank]

It's worked on me too. I will watch next week's Impact based on the Spoilers. Spoilers in white.

And I think I am going to buy the TNA ppv to see Beer Money vs The Outsiders. I'm hoping to see The Nasty Boys vs Team 3D as well. Maybe that makes me a loser in the IWC, but guess what, TNA has another viewer they can try to hold on to. Maybe while I'm watching for these guys I'll become enamored enough with Beer Money that I'll want to watch a show for them the way I used to want to watch for the Outsiders. Hopefully they get that rub.

TNA may totally botch this up, but they haven't yet. Also, the IWC was moaning for years about Sean Morley deserving a real push as he was such a good wrestler blah blah. When he returned to WWE people voted for him to get a world title shot lol. Now that TNA has had him on for like 5 minutes it's "OH HE'S A HASBEEN NEVER WAS WWE REJECT TNA SUXORS!"

Let's give them a chance to run with what they are trying to do and see where it goes.

[Eisen-verse]

Also, the IWC was moaning for years about Sean Morley deserving a real push as he was such a good wrestler blah blah. When he returned to WWE people voted for him to get a world title shot lol. Now that TNA has had him on for like 5 minutes it's "OH HE'S A HASBEEN NEVER WAS WWE REJECT TNA SUXORS!"

Amen.

I think here in lies the problem with most people who want to "bash" TNA before even giving them a shot. Sure, the first show wasn't an A* in TEW terms, however, it wasn't as bad as some are blasting it to be. Believe me, I'm no endless TNA-supporter as I have barely watched their shows over the years due to the fact that I couldn't stand their booking. That being said, the WWE is in absolute shambles as well.... So, lets give TNA an opportunity (under their new direction) to actually flesh out their plans.

Many are too quick to judge TNA despite the fact that this last monday was their first EVER event. Sure, I can see you attacking the show itself, however, to claim that this is how the company will go forward from here on out is just simply wrong. Why? They need to lay a groundwork for what they're trying to do. ya know? Give them time to tell the stories that they want to tell... evaluate the talent that they want to use... And before we drive them into the dirt at least give them a shot to entertain.

[lazorbeak]

Amen.

I think here in lies the problem with most people who want to "bash" TNA before even giving them a shot. Sure, the first show wasn't an A* in TEW terms, however, it wasn't as bad as some are blasting it to be. Believe me, I'm no endless TNA-supporter as I have barely watched their shows over the years due to the fact that I couldn't stand their booking. That being said, the WWE is in absolute shambles as well.... So, lets give TNA an opportunity (under their new direction) to actually flesh out their plans.

Many are too quick to judge TNA despite the fact that this last monday was their first EVER event. Sure, I can see you attacking the show itself, however, to claim that this is how the company will go forward from here on out is just simply wrong. Why? They need to lay a groundwork for what they're trying to do. ya know? Give them time to tell the stories that they want to tell... evaluate the talent that they want to use... And before we drive them into the dirt at least give them a shot to entertain.


Yeah, but look at his debut? He's STILL doing a gimmick that was tired when he went back to it for nostalgia in what, 2004? Six years ago? And the debut didn't showcase his wrestling skills, it basically showed that he has Cute Kip's old job, a guy that was basically a non-speaking manager to a stable of women. I mean, it didn't get Shawn Stasiak a main event push, did it?

If you gave Morley a new character, and had him show up and pick up a win over someone on the roster that isn't a jobber, then you'd say "hey, finally Sean Morley is getting a chance to do something different." Instead you've got him debuting in a non-wrestling role doing 13 year old shtick.

[Hyde Hill]

Spoiler in white next week on Morley (just for you lazor wink,wink):

He gets the best of Daniels in a fight on screen in the ring. definitely not a jobber more out of Venus's leaugue imho.

[Eisen-verse]

Yeah, but look at his debut? He's STILL doing a gimmick that was tired when he went back to it for nostalgia in what, 2004? Six years ago? And the debut didn't showcase his wrestling skills, it basically showed that he has Cute Kip's old job, a guy that was basically a non-speaking manager to a stable of women. I mean, it didn't get Shawn Stasiak a main event push, did it?

If you gave Morley a new character, and had him show up and pick up a win over someone on the roster that isn't a jobber, then you'd say "hey, finally Sean Morley is getting a chance to do something different." Instead you've got him debuting in a non-wrestling role doing 13 year old shtick.

That's true, I'll give you that. It would be nice to see Sean land a new character as "Val Venus" has been overplayed by now. However, at the same point, some would say that the "Venus" character is his staple. When people who are sick of the WWE (maybe because they want people like Morley to succeed) turn to TNA... Seeing "Val Venus" actually getting the ability to rise up the ranks as the character they know & love is something that is def. just as good as creating a whole new character. ya know?

I have no problem with him continuing this character as it fits in with the vibe they are creating right now.

[SaySo]

Some more spoilers...highlight.

A source described last night's Impact tapings in Orlando, FL as "disorganized."

- An Observer said there were "boring" chants. Segments had to be re-taped, and fans chanted "we want wresting."

- The attendance was said to be less than capacity.

- TNA was handling out Twizzlers at the show

- Scott Hall is apparently under the impression he won't be around after the Genesis PPV.

- Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff arrived to the show together. Bischoff's business partner Jason Hervey was also backstage.

- Prior to the taping, Hogan spent much time in is office. (Yes, he does have his own office). Bischoff and Vince Russo were seen running around engaging talent backstage and putting plans into motion.

- Team 3-D arrived at Universal Studios around 5:30PM following a flight back to the States after working the 1/4 Tokyo Dome show.

- Orlando Jordan was backstage last night.

- The young girls seen in the Jeff Hardy-Shannon Moore outdoor segment Monday night are apparently related to Tomko. They girls were also at last night's taping.

[Eisen-verse]

After thinking about it some more.... I think I know why I'm trying to give TNA as much time as possible to possibly "turn things around"....

And this is why....


... Pro Wrestling Sucks right now ...

It's as simple as that.

The WWE bores me half to death. Even the Bret Hart/HBK thing was done in a way where it kinda felt hollow. I did, however, enjoy the Hart/McMahon scenario as I wasn't expecting to see McMahon attack Hart (I was actually thinking it would be the other way around).

With the lackluster WWE product going forward... I'm hoping, wishing, and praying (in a way), to see TNA rise from the ashes of Pro Wrestling as we know it & develop something actually engaging to watch. Sure, the first show wasn't amazing (however, I did enjoy it)... BUT... There comes a time that you have to give someone the chance to DEVELOP a program versus just throwing everything together in one night. Ya know?

To be honest, I'm not a huge fan of bringing in a bunch of old talent in which to clutter up the company, however, if it means an engaging storyline then I'm okay with it as long as there's an outcome. I think, what they are trying to do, is convey this "Go big or go home" mentality in TNA... Everyone has to prove themselves, and most likely, none of these guys will be around in 2 months time as the true TNA'ers show that they are better than those who just fluttered in out of nowhere.

The initial rise of the "oldies" was to generate an early ratings boost... However, in the long run, I don't see them pushing these guys to the moon without slipping into exactly what hurt WCW in it's ending days.

In all reality.... Hulk Hogan, and especially Eric Bischoff, want to see this company thrive as neither want to go back to Vinnie. I mean, honestly, do you think Eric Bischoff would allow another company he's part of fold in which to give Vince McMahon another victory? God no.

Lets give TNA some time... Stop watching like an overly attentive smark and allow yourself to "enjoy" the process.

NOW, if things continue to seem cluttered 4-6 months down the road then I would call this new environment a failure in TNA. Until then... We don't know that.

Cheers.

[cappyboy]

Count another who's not quite going to freak out about the old guys just yet. The folks who are all up in arms about about Hall and Waltman got more screen time than X, Shannon Moore got more mic time than Y, Jeff Hardy did more than Z, sound like the same folks who were griping about the whole Main Event Mafia story arc. But you know what? While you may be able to cite missteps along the path, they ended MEM just when they ought to have. At Bound For Glory. Let's see what all these folks are going to do and for how long. Because personally there are some combos for new and old I think could be a lot of fun to see in the short term.

Like for instance, how about the Outsiders vs Beer Money? A notorious drunk and a guy who thinks like a tycoon versus guys who play both for the cameras. The authenicity of the Outsiders vs the character abilities of Beer Money could make for a good little feud.

Or the Nasty Boys. With them in the fold you have a perfect excuse to test drive some new tag teams. Maybe have the Nastys steamroll through a few who don't work out. Then you debut those Young Turks or whatever the new signees are called, have the Nastys dismiss them as another throwaway only to secure their place by showing up the aging veterans. Having triumphed over one of the greatest tag teams of all time could be a good foundation for showing the Young Turks as egomaniacs if you choose to play them as heels.

And at some point, I want to see both Knobbs and Saggs in with Jay Lethal. Perhaps you could have a Lethal Consequences vs Nastys match that the young guys win. So Lethal challenges them to be part of his legends invitational hoping to get it back on track after his losses to Neidhart and Tatanka. With all these veteran coming in with Hogan, they should really do something with that.

With Val, I liked the interaction with The Beautiful People. Between the girls mocking the foolishness of the poker fad and the mixture of highly sexualized personas of both genders, they really upped the entertainment value of what could have been annoying throwaway segments. I want to see more of Val and TBP together. Is Val going to want to try and make them into his personal harem or is he going to embrace and accept the way they operate? Is he going to get jealous when they try stunts like seducing Slick Johnson for professional gain? And if he does, how do they respond? Will they crumble like Divas or try to scam some up and comer into eliminating Val? And there's the talk they have the Angelina problem worked out and she's coming back. How does she relate to Val in relation to the other three? Many good angles to be had here with the four (five?) of them.

Heck, even the guy I didn't recognize as Orlando Jordan until I got on here could be useful. Since he's acting like he's got more name and face value than he really does, maybe he could be put in the ear of Consequences Creed. Thus Lethal has to fight Jordan for Creed's "soul" and the friendship that forms the basis of the Lethal Consequences tag team. Perhaps even an uneasy alliance between Lethal and Pope over Jordan the way Orlando dissed Pope on Monday night.

If you want to grunt and groan over all the locker room politics stuff, that's your prerogative. But in the short term I'm willing to ride along with what they are doing with the veteran infusion. By this time next year will I be? Who knows? We'll have to see how things shake out. But backstage drama aside, there is the potential for some pretty good entertainment here in the short term. The better they do in playing to that fact, the more patient I will be. Since they were able to resist the temptation of over-extending the Main Event Mafia's life cycle, I'll give some benefit of the doubt here. But how long that lasts is up to them.

[Slim Jim]

"we want wresting."

Should go watch an Orton match then :D

[SaySo]

More Backstage happenings--

Hulk Hogan was said to be very stressed backstage at iMPACT on Monday, and feels the company has organizational issues. TNA was still filming pre-tapes late in the day, and it was said to be a very chaotic atmosphere for Hulk compared to the treatment he was used to in WCW and WWE.

Hogan held a meeting with the TNA roster prior to the show, which was described as a basic pep talk meeting. Hulk told the wrestlers that he’s looking forward to getting to know them all. He told them his door is always open, and gave the impression that he and Bischoff are running the show, although Vince Russo is still handling his usual backstage duties.

Some backstage sources say Russo came across as withdrawn, and after the show was telling people he had no idea what the storyline direction will be going forward.

[Stennick]

It will be interesting to see if these "old guys" can pop a rating for two weeks in a row. If TNA's rating is higher for its second week than usual then I'll say "do whatever you want". However I would be shocked if Sting, Christian, Angle, Foley, Nash, all of these names couldn't move the meter much. I personally won't be watching but I can't argue TNA's business practice if these "new era" they have can continue to draw ratings.

[Eisen-verse]

It will be interesting to see if these "old guys" can pop a rating for two weeks in a row. If TNA's rating is higher for its second week than usual then I'll say "do whatever you want". However I would be shocked if Sting, Christian, Angle, Foley, Nash, all of these names couldn't move the meter much. I personally won't be watching but I can't argue TNA's business practice if these "new era" they have can continue to draw ratings.

While true, I think TNA's tone is something unseen for the company to this point & that alone can drive better ratings. This whole "We are going to be the number one company in the world", attacking a wrestling TV show from a production standpoint (Bischoff talking about segments being too long, etc.), overall "Prove yourself" mentality may pay off for them along with the addition of the "old guard".

I just wish they would permanently move to Monday Night. Not because I want to see some resurfacing of the "Monday Night Wars" but rather because I'm never able to catch TNA's programming on Thursday Nights as I tend to work that night every week.

[masterded]

More Backstage spoilers. Highlight.

Hulk Hogan was said to be very stressed backstage at iMPACT on Monday, and feels the company has organizational issues. TNA was still filming pre-tapes late in the day, and it was said to be a very chaotic atmosphere for Hulk compared to the treatment he was used to in WCW and WWE.

Hogan held a meeting with the TNA roster prior to the show, which was described as a basic pep talk meeting. Hulk told the wrestlers that he’s looking forward to getting to know them all. He told them his door is always open, and gave the impression that he and Bischoff are running the show, although Vince Russo is still handling his usual backstage duties.

Some backstage sources say Russo came across as withdrawn, and after the show was telling people he had no idea what the storyline direction will be going forward.


I know quoting what you posted makes what you did pointless, but none of that was spoilers as no results were posted. Also if the only thing to come out of this when all is said and done is TNA gets organized it will have been worth it (assuming an organized backstage equals an organized show which I think it would).

[brashleyholland]

Ok, so I'm on a mission to rediscover what I loved about wrestling as a kid/teenager for an article I'm writing. It's turning into something of a monster.

As part of this, I endeavoured to spend some time over the hollidays watching the last few months of TNA programming ahead of Monday's big show. I think I got to know the characters and where they were going with various storylines etc.

I should say also that the last time I followed (watched weekly) wrestling was around 97-2000. I was a fan of the early NWO at that time; Knowing that Hogan would be returning, along with Hall and with Nash and Sting already there, thats why I chose TNA to catch up on.

Here's my thoughts on the show.

- Hogan driving to the show for an hour then announcing that he'd been back all day - unintentionally hillarious.

- Ric Flair look OLD. Old man old. I'm sure he can still do a slow paced match, but I remember this guy having to wear a shirt back in 99 when he wrestled. I dread to think what he looks like a decade later. Hogan's physique may have deteriorated, but at least he still looks like an old wrestler, rather than an old man. I hope they Ric him as a mouthpiece, but he didn't exactly get much time to speak on Monday...

- It was cool to see Hall, Nash, X-Pac/Syxx/Waltman, Hogan and Easy-E back in the same ring and Sting in the rafters. Cool for me, because that was the last time I loved wrestling - realising that it was 13 years ago worries me.

- It seems that Hall, Nash and Waltman have become parodies of themselves. Nash admits he's in it for the money - Hall and Waltman 'want to party' despite both looking like they have done more then enough of that.

- Hogan saying that "Things would be different" really bothered me. Saying that with the same four guys you've been rehashing the same gig with for over a decade seems pointless. Sting is back in the rafters. His buddy Bubba the Love Sponge is working backstage. What exactly is different?

- Abyss is a poor man's Mankind. Started off as a monster, now is some kind of mentaly simple clapping fool. He doesn't seem to have the charisma of Foley to pull either roll off well though.

- Speaking of Foley, wow, he's been my biggest let down of this entire project. He's bounced through all his persona's so many times it's hard to keep up. Now he's just a watered down amalgamation of Foley/Cactus/Mankind. He's fooling around backstage, then he's using a barb-wire bat in the ring, then he's a shareholder. Give me one of those three and I'm happy, not weak versions of all three.

- Seriously, the Nasty Boys? I don't even remember them being around in the Attitude era - they were early 90's right? So its not like they are popular enough to give anyone else a rub, they are simply taking a spot on the roster from someone more deserving. At least Hall, Nash and co can add something that people want to see. What next, Brutus Beefcake? And did I really hear one of the Nastys call Bubba Ray Dudley fat? Talk about pot and kettle...

- Matt Morgan, Hernandez, Samoa Joe, Daniels, Beer Money, Eric Young - where were these guys? Shouldn't the focus of the show have been on them, seeing as they are supposed to be the stars that sepparate TNA from the WWE?

- Wolf - for the past few weeks he's been the man to beat, holding his own against Angle, portrayed as a dangerous man. Now he gets squashed in a couple of minutes? Why weren't Hall, Nash, Waltman, Val Venis and the Nasty Boys out there taking the fall for these new guys?

I'm gonna leave it there as I'm aware that I'm rambling. If I had to sum it up...

- Not enough wrestling (outside of Angle/Styles)
- Too many old faces bringing nothing to the table - Bring in the Nasty Boyz, but have them losing in double quick time to Beer Money
- Poor use of guys that could make a difference (Hardy, Wolf, etc)
- Disjointed production

If this show was suppose dto hook me in - it didn't. I'm going to give them time, it's not fair to judged based on one show - maybe I'm just out of touch on what makes good wrestling, but I've enjoyed the past few months of Impact much more than I did last night.

[brashleyholland]

This is probably a really stupid question - but is all this talk of Hogan/Bischoff "running the show" storyline, or have they actually bought in to TNA?

Are they actually writing/booking events now?

[BHK1978]

- Abyss is a poor man's Mankind. Started off as a monster, now is some kind of mentaly simple clapping fool. He doesn't seem to have the charisma of Foley to pull either roll off well though.

Yeah I was a huge Abyss fan but I hate what they have done to him. I hate when he does that stupid clapping, it just makes him look like a fool. He should be out there beating the crap out of people instead of acting like a damn fool.

[jwt13]

This is probably a really stupid question - but is all this talk of Hogan/Bischoff "running the show" storyline, or have they actually bought in to TNA?

Are they actually writing/booking events now?

Hogan is booker now from what ive heard

[dvdWarrior]

Personally, I'm not sure I'm a fan of the whole 'New Beginnings' thing...

Announcing a change in command, announcing a new company order, (though they kind of had to announce Hogan's coming in, can't keep a thing like that a secret), seems like it would lift the fans expectations through the roof, and from my experience, these 'New Beginnings' rarely if ever live up to those expectations.

Way back in WCW, way back when, you never really heard about it when there was a power change behind the scenes, (at least I didn't). You didn't notice that the product was better or worse until it was.

Then came all the changes, the Vinnie Ru Era and all of those, and we know how all that turned out.

The festive night monday did bring out the mark in me, and I enjoyed Impact quite a lot as I watched it, but going forward, I can't help but wonder how TNA's gonna fare once the new wears off.

Hope some of this makes sense, it sounded so much better in my head.

:o

[Purple Cowboy]

Gotta love Cornette:

http://whosslammingwho.podOmatic.com/entry/2010-01-05T11_03_21-08_00

lol this was great!

[Craig Edwards]

I'm surprise you guys haven't been talking about the guy that got into Hogans Limo. They shoed it and Taz and Mike talk about who could it be but then it was never brought up again

[Hyde Hill]

Either Bisschoff or an upcoming surprise. Better not be Leslie or *shudders* Nick as they didn't show him in the crowd. Edit: Or Horace for that matter, man that guy is so inconsequential he doesn't even get mentioned when people bring up Hogan hangers on Lackey's and he is his freaking nephew lol.

[Wrestling Century]

I don't really care, to be honest. I'm pretty sure that it was Bischoff.

[Hyde Hill]

Someone over at PWI took a close look apparently and in his article he mentions that the dude had different clothes on then Biscchoff had later in the show. He thought it was a fake tease for Shane O Mac.

Link:

http://www.pwinsiderxtra.com/ViewArticle.php?id=15279&p=1

He makes some other nice points as well.

BTW If Shane shows I am sure Hell will be melting asap given the rage of McMahon and the office staffers he will kill. Lol

[G-Prime]

Link:

http://www.pwinsiderxtra.com/ViewArticle.php?id=15279&p=1

He makes some other nice points as well.


He also says that Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Chris Jericho and The Big Show have never drawn viewers in their whole careers, so I think his "nice points" might be a touch biased.

[SaySo]

He also says that Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Chris Jericho and The Big Show have never drawn viewers in their whole careers, so I think his "nice points" might be a touch biased.

Really, lol. I bet he works for TNA and wants wrestling to return to the days of Andre and Ultimate Warrior.

[benjacko]

Shane would never go to TNA, just can't see it ever happening.

I'm all for competition but the production of iMPACT needs improving and not liking so many older guys being brought in.

Scott Hall looks to be not even close to being in decent shape and can the Nasty Boys actually wrestle still? It'd be a complete disaster to let them into the ring at all.

The AJ Styles and Angle match was superb but TNA seem to be trying far too hard to be identical to WWE, I'd love them to just concentrate on themselves and making their impressive young wrestlers look like legit stars.

This is sounding like a rant against TNA but I really want them to succeed and not throw away several years of hard work and graft which has got them where they are.

[SaySo]

Wrestling Observer:

The Wrestling Observer reported earlier today that Ric Flair has signed a 65 date deal with TNA which will see him work those dates over the course of a year.

I spoke to a source today who has provided me with more details concerning Flair's current TNA deal. Apparently, Flair had been holding out on signing a deal with TNA as he was unsure about the contract he was receiving and wanted a deal directly with Panda Energy. However, in an effort to get Flair on Impact this past Monday night, TNA offered him a much higher amount of money than he had expected, which made the deal something Flair could not refuse.

Additionally, it's being said that TNA is very high on Flair at the moment because they see him as someone who could potentially boost the company's popularity in various international markets. TNA wants to use him as an ambassador of sorts, and as someone who can represent the company internationally to ultimately help make it appear more major league.

Some feel, however, that Flair's heart is not really in TNA, and that he is simply taking the big pay day without much interest in where the company actually goes.

It should also be noted that in addition to using Flair as an "ambassador," TNA still plans to use him as an on-air character and as a sporadic wrestler.

I wonder how much.

[TheOmniWarrior]

Wait its possible it was shane o' mac. If it was it can only mean one thing IT REALLY IS WCW ALL OVER AGAIN. Vinnie Mac owning the "alternative" I think I just puked.

[jbergey_2005]

Wait its possible it was shane o' mac. If it was it can only mean one thing IT REALLY IS WCW ALL OVER AGAIN. Vinnie Mac owning the "alternative" I think I just puked.

Bingo!

Why would Shane turn his back on his family? It's not like Vince and Shane had some type of huge fallout.

So if it was Shane it would mean exactly what you said in your post.

I cant think of one possible reason Shane would get into TNA. He will never need money, if he wanted to stay in wrestling he would have stayed with the E or used his name to start up a new company.

[Hive]

Seriously, why would Vince organise another wrestling company having shows at the same time as RAW? Far out conspiracy theory...

[jbergey_2005]

Seriously, why would Vince organise another wrestling company having shows at the same time as RAW? Far out conspiracy theory...

Haha! Very good point. Bring in Bret Hart the same night as he is trying to organize another show with headliners such as Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, and Jeff Hardy would be bizzarre.

He is Vince McMahon though so anything is possible.

[Nedew]

The fact that you would use that point as evidence that he doesn't own both is exactly why he would do it! :p

[TheOmniWarrior]

Actually, I was just saying what it WOULD BE if it REALLY was shane mcmahon. But now you have me wanting to defend it lol.

Maybe Vince wants to make revenue from certain wrestlers that can STILL PULL MONEY, but he doesnt want them on his A COMPANY so he got himself a B COMPANY. Lol

READ THIS: This is a joke. If it really happens know that I was JOKING. Vinnie Mac, if your reading this BUY TNA. Its a good stop for your STARS WHO ARE TO EXHAUSTED FOR THE ROAD LIFE, Keep them here a while, till they are up to going back to your A COMPANY lol

[jbergey_2005]

The fact that you would use that point as evidence that he doesn't own both is exactly why he would do it! :p

And the terrible production of the show as another point of evidence.

If Vince had hired Hogan and he had made the mistakes he did on Impact the other night. Vince probably would have come out and fired him on the spot:)

[Nedew]

And the terrible production of the show as another point of evidence.

If Vince had hired Hogan and he had made the mistakes he did on Impact the other night. Vince probably would have come out and fired him on the spot:)

Like this (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x15f8g_hulk-hogan-messes-up_sport)? :p

[jbergey_2005]

Like this (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x15f8g_hulk-hogan-messes-up_sport)? :p

LOL, yeah he bombed on that one big time also.

[Moe Hunter]

WCW promoted Starrcade 97 as THE must see event. The show that big things were going to happen, the peak of a dynasty. They didn't deliver and three months later Vince stopped that 84 week streak Bischoff was on.

I could have sworn it was January 1999, when Foley won the World Title, that WCW's 83 Week Ratings streak ended. A little over a year after Starrcade 97.

[The Network Guy]

I could have sworn it was January 1999, when Foley won the World Title, that WCW's 83 Week Ratings streak ended. A little over a year after Starrcade 97.

Nah it was early 98' that WCW's streak ended in the ratings. When Foley won the title in January 99' that was the point where WCW never won the ratings war ever again when up against RAW.

[The Final Countdown]

Wasn't it the time they teased a McMahon/Austin match on Raw (which wound up being a setup for a Foley heel turn) that ended Nitro's streak?

[sabataged]

I am and always have been a Sean Morely mark. I never could understand why he didnt get a big push once he got away from the Val Venis gimmick. I thought he had a good gimmick going with Bischof back int the day

[Stennick]

Nah it was early 98' that WCW's streak ended in the ratings. When Foley won the title in January 99' that was the point where WCW never won the ratings war ever again when up against RAW.

The night after Wrestlemania 14 is when RAW first one the night X Pac debuted, etc.

I think the last time WCW won in the ratings was when Flair reformed the Horseman. Legend goes that people were tuned in for Nitro for whatever reason that night when the Foley comment tipped them in favor of winning the night.

[tristram]

And then to bank on the aspect of the promotion that gave it back some popularity after starting to stagnate (IE the Four Horsemen), WCW did the honourable thing and basically booked it and the workers in it into the ground. I have never been so fired up for a fight as to when Ric Flair rips on Bischoff that night when the Horsemen reform, it is such a hot segment. Pity, like the way the Sting-Hogan feud had been booked, that the pay-off dates are poorly executed and all the stigma and work that goes into it all is blown to smitherenes.

I hope they use the nWo-ites and the Hogan-allies to help put over the likes of Beer Money, Jay Lethal, Samoa Joe and the like. In my mind, I have no problem with the older guys coming in if they intermingle with the lower card and help build them up to go over. I'm not saying to job the first night, I'm saying to built up interest, and then to let their opponents superior wrestling skills take over. Of the newcomers, aside from Flair of course, the guy I'm looking forward to the most is Jeff Hardy.

[Franchise22]

The night after Wrestlemania 14 is when RAW first one the night X Pac debuted, etc.

I think the last time WCW won in the ratings was when Flair reformed the Horseman. Legend goes that people were tuned in for Nitro for whatever reason that night when the Foley comment tipped them in favor of winning the night.

a lot of speculation, so ill throw mine in. im sure the exact correct info is out there somewhere. i think the last rarings win was when goldberg went over hogan for the belt at the georgia dome.

[Stennick]

That might be but the Flair thing happened aftewards so I guess its just a matter of it Flair's reformation of the Horseman.

Flair's thing happened on Sept 14th 1998. That show scored a 4.5 rating against RAW that did a 4.0 according to a few different websites I checked.

On Oct 26th of 98 RAW did a 4.5 and Nitro did a 5.1.

In the new year of 99 Nitro scored three 5.0 ratings out of four weeks in the month of January but RAW never did under 5.5 with 5.7 being their highest for the month. So it looks like to be that Oct 26th was the last time they won the ratings war in 1998.

Now I'm going to head over and see what took place on that show.This was the show right after Havoc 98 where it was DDP/Goldberg and Warrior/Hogan. If you remember which I do because my parents bought the ppv the show cut out in the middle of the Hogan/Warrior match and we never got to see Goldberg/DDP.

So this show airs the main event of Havoc in its entirety. The main event of this show is DDP/Hart where DDP wins the U.S Title.

RAW on the other hand was the week after Austin made Vince piss his pants while forcing him to give him a brand new contract. I'm guessing Vince screwed him out of a match and it cost him his "career". The Main event was Shamrock vs. Austin in an I Quit Match.

So yeah really you give away a match between WCW's two biggest babyfaces of the ppv caliber for free and you're gonna get a big rating and they did just that for their final win ever.

[SaySo]

^ I heard WCW had to refund PPV viewers for the mishap of DDP/Goldberg because of the incident.

Jeff Cohen sent in the following recap:

Howard Stern played a clip of the Hogan/Nash/Hall/X-Pac/Bischoff segment this am.

Now these are all casual fans who don't follow the business and they had no idea what Hogan and Hall were talking about, "doing the right thing for the business," etc.

This is what happens when the writers script stuff that is so "inside" or coded – they lose the 99 percent of the audience that doesn't understand the lingo, or has followed the convoluted storylines.

Plus, Stern pointed out that the content was completely scripted, noting that every line was enunciated and they were waiting for the crowd to pop after every sentence.

I know it's tough to write a promo where guys say they want to make easy money by working main events and holding back young talent.

But they didn't even try.

Stern lost interest and changed the subject in two minutes.

He came back to staffers explaining the NWO gimmick from WCW. One staffer did know the backstory of Waltman and Hall being fired "from every organization for being drunks." The other staffer talked about how Tara's tights got pulled down.

They talked about how Hogan is going to run the company differently, Robin interjected, "Who cares who runs the company?" Basically killing the premise of using feuding booking factions as a way to draw money.

"I can't imagine that Bubba is into this," Hogan said. "I mean, he must like getting the money for being a backstage announcer. But Bubba's a pretty smart guy. Bubba knows this is not real, right?"

Stern also kept talking about Hogan was out there "in his bathing suit," when Hulk was decked in the shirt and pants, etc.

Stern was making fun of "guys in thongs out there talking," and did a lot of "isn't this gay" talk. Then again, this is coming from a guy who spent 10 minutes talking about "Conveyer Belt of Love" as great TV.

[Purple Cowboy]

I listen to Howard a lot so just thought I'd say Howards comments are probably meant to be friendly shots at Bubba rather than his honest take since Bubba of course replays his show on one of Howard's stations at Sirius. They constantly do whatever crossover they can to get people to listen to both shows. So then Bubba talks about it to his audience and sends some of them to Stern, etc..

But that said, Howard also isn't a wrestling fan.

[TracyBrooksFan]

Daniels Twitter

Frankie and Traci's wedding was a beautiful affair. Some tears were shed, but the joy overflowed!! Absolutely fabulous!!

http://i49.tinypic.com/51ole8.jpg


LOL@Tommy

THETOMMYDREAMER

@facdaniels That's awesome tell the happy couple I said congrats I hope Brother Ray doesn't eat the entire wedding cake


Taylor's Twitter

A very special wedding day between 2 very special people. So much <3 in the air. Yup, I'm going to be a big girly mess!

[Hyde Hill]

Dammit just read on PWI that Hogan said on the Spunge show he wants to scrap the Steel Asylum.

Apparently 10 idiots told him it had a good door for a door escape (I hate those and would totally kill the gimmick) then before going live they saw it had no door, duh. And that no one could escape out the top?? How in the blue hell did Daniels, Kaz and I think Lethal do it before then? So they decided on a DQ finish?? How is that better? Why not have Suicide win as you know he can do it or do a time limit finish? Seeing it was a non title match. Should make Suicide number 1 contender and then Homicide can blackmail him with his identity either after Suicide wins the title or to get the shot.

They also mentioned that doing a big bump in the structure was impossible, hmm yeah not like there where any big bumps in the previous editions.:rolleyes:

No mention of the shoddy camera work and homicide taking way to long to escape out the top. So him being unable to do so was the plan?

Way to kill a nice (not great) gimmick match TNA in five minutes. Like I said before Steel Asylum itself has given some decent/good matches. Spotty yes but also entertaining. Return to page 52 for a link to the last one.

Good Bye Steel Asylum, you will be missed. Well at least by me.

[TracyBrooksFan]

damn i like the terror dome

[Bigpapa42]

Dammit just read on PWI that Hogan said on the Spunge show he wants to scrap the Steel Asylum.

Apparently 10 idiots told him it had a good door for a door escape (I hate those and would totally kill the gimmick) then before going live they saw it had no door, duh. And that no one could escape out the top?? How in the blue hell did Daniels, Kaz and I think Lethal do it before then? So they decided on a DQ finish?? How is that better? Why not have Suicide win as you know he can do it or do a time limit finish? Seeing it was a non title match. Should make Suicide number 1 contender and then Homicide can blackmail him with his identity either after Suicide wins the title or to get the shot.

They also mentioned that doing a big bump in the structure was impossible, hmm yeah not like there where any big bumps in the previous editions.:rolleyes:

No mention of the shoddy camera work and homicide taking way to long to escape out the top. So him being unable to do so was the plan?

Way to kill a nice (not great) gimmick match TNA in five minutes. Like I said before Steel Asylum itself has given some decent/good matches. Spotty yes but also entertaining. Return to page 52 for a link to the last one.

Good Bye Steel Asylum, you will be missed. Well at least by me.

So Hogan had no idea about the steel asylum cage and how it works? That's... worrisome...

[Moe Hunter]

I just read that Hogan had no idea that the TNA ring had six sides, and said "well doesn't that leave a whole bunch of exposed turnbuckles if you only have 12 pads?"

Yeah.... Oh Wait! I don't believe everything I read. Like that guy who "scooped" us all about Hardy, when Dixie had already announced his appearance via Twitter.


Anywho, having finally seen the show via torrent since it doesn't get broadcast here...

Steel Asylum was a pile of crap. No sense at all, most of the moves you couldn't even tell who was doing what to who as they were all so contrived and assisted. Amazing Red really seems to suck bad.

As has been said, all the Hogan promos were awful. So he wants to put over that he's not going back to the old ways, and he's gonna push the young guys? A better way of doing that would be... Not having the old guys on at all, and actually featuring the young guys!

ODB tries way too hard on her gimmick, it's akin to the cheesey BS New Zealand wrestling we have on at the moment from KPW. Other than that, very impressed with the Knockouts. Confused as to what The Beautiful People's gimmick is though, how self-aware are they? They seem to be going in and out of character at whim.

Glad to see Burke find his "time to shine!" finally. McMahon really should have followed through with him after announcing him as the future on ECW. Wolfe is pretty awesome, too bad these guys didn't get more time.

Is it just me, or did Foley say "here's a video package for Dixie and Hulk", stare into the camera, and then NOTHING played? Then he just continues to try and get in the building.

Very anticlimatic and not dramatic at all, all of the "trying to get in" and "oh no, someone's been taken out!" crap. Bubba the Love Sponge is an idiot too. I don't like Borash, but I like this guy even less.

In general, why even feature matches that go for only a minute or two, on a THREE HOUR SHOW? For a company that claims, and fans that chant "this is wrestling", there was very little wrestling to be seen.


Oh, and did anyone notice that sign "TNA - The New Era"? Yeah, nice acronym dude!

[BurningHamster]

Confused as to what The Beautiful People's gimmick is though, how self-aware are they? They seem to be going in and out of character at whim.


You know those chicks who are on facebook and have 2000 friends and all their photos include them holding up an alcoholic beverage while pressing their face against someone who looks like their equally fake-tanned twin? They are probably pouting too?

That is pretty much what I always saw them as being. I too have to admit being confused as to how self-aware they are though.

[Zeel1]

Oh, and did anyone notice that sign "TNA - The New Era"? Yeah, nice acronym dude!

Afterwards, he was probably thinking "Damn it, I knew I should've went with The New Age!" :p

[Hyde Hill]

So Hogan had no idea about the steel asylum cage and how it works? That's... worrisome...

Here is the article about what he apparently said on the Sponge show. No chance in hell that I am gonna listen to it and as it is PWI I am thinking it is probably a correct excerpt.

http://www.pwinsider.com/article/44167/hulk-hogan-is-going-to-try-to-move-impact-to-monday-nights-says-jim-cornette-is-bitter-talks-about-the-finish-to-mondays-cage-match-and-more-.html?p=1

He also talks about Cornette and moving to Mondays.

And Linkage to a real steel asylum match to see what we will be missing for those that don't want to scroll back:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QXXaXLuOLM

[Stennick]

And Linkage to a real steel asylum match to see what we will be missing for those that don't want to scroll back:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QXXaXLuOLM

I still don't see what makes the match so great. The bright red steel makes my eyes hurt, there are too many guys in the ring to try and follow while forcing my eyes to see through the steel. Sometimes TNA tries to out gimmick themselves. I like it that they try to be different and sometimes it works. Ultimate X was a fun match. But Monsters Ball, King of the Mountain, Steel Asylum, these just don't really work for me.

I for one would be ok with that and the six sided ring going bye bye. I like that they want to be different as I said but some things just don't work for me.

[Fleisch]

I had hoped I'd be proven wrong about Hogan coming in and TNA getting an influx of his cronies to "help get the promotion noticed". More like get his has been/never where friends a cushy little pay day! Who the hell wants to see the Nasty Boys? They were a pile of feces in the early 90's - I doubt they've learned anything new since then. Brian Knobbs is about 200lbs overweight and Jerry Saggs - well he's Jerry Saggs! They are going to blow the tag division into new heights!!! I think not. The once proud tag team division just got downgraded.

Who the hell is Bubba the Love Sponge? He sounds like a gay pornstar!

Hogans name mentioned every two minutes... way to take away from the talent doing a better job than he ever did in ring. Don't get me wrong, Hogan has done alot for the business, but his best was like 15/20 years ago. The guy was a big deal when I first started watching wrestling in 1990 at the tender age of 8... I'm now nearly 28! My friends kids watch it and you mention Hogan to them, and they'd rather see John Cena! If the shows are going to revolve around him and his merry band of men then sadly I see TNA tanking big time, which is a shame because they really do have some good talent and up until they decided to "compete" (what a laugh) they were putting on some entertaining shows.

I'm not even going to comment on the steel asylum match - it was like Hogan came in and thought "I'm not having these guys upstage my debut - tonight is about ME and my buddies - rubbish finish please to p*** off and alienate the fans we have."

All in all, this week and next week are 2 of the crappest shows in TNA history.

[Hyde Hill]

The replay did a 0.9 rating. Even taking into account people that watched it twice or thought it would be a new show (and decided to stick around) that is still a very good rating. If you ad say half on top of the 1.5 you get close to Smackdown ratings.

[TracyBrooksFan]

The replay did a 0.9 rating. Even taking into account people that watched it twice or thought it would be a new show (and decided to stick around) that is still a very good rating. If you ad say half on top of the 1.5 you get close to Smackdown ratings.

it a good replay rating and remember that it was on against BCS title game

[Stennick]

The replay did a 0.9 rating. Even taking into account people that watched it twice or thought it would be a new show (and decided to stick around) that is still a very good rating. If you ad say half on top of the 1.5 you get close to Smackdown ratings.

What is 1.5 wasn't that their original rating for this? Are you saying that if you add 1.5 plus the .9 you get 2.4 and thats close to Smackdown numbers?

its a great replay number. Like Cornette said next weeks rating will be the true test. No Fiesta Bowl, no BCS title game. If the fans come back next week as strong as they did the debut week or if they get an even BIGGER number then I'll have no choice but to say that whatever Hogan is doing is working for TNA and Spike no matter how much I don't enjoy their product currently.

That being said if their rating drops I hope we're not met with a ton of excuses on why their rating dropped. People within TNA and TNA fans both feel this was a homerun show and if you hit a home run show with your biggest audience ever then it would make sense if said audience returns and with the replay being as strong as it is that to me says that they told their friends who chose to watch RAW to check out the replay.

So now we'll see if fans are enjoying this or if they fall back to the dreaded 1.0. Honestly its weird that the replay did the number it did, I almost wonder if Thursdays may be whats holding them back from producing a good number. I say if this show does lower numbers put it on Monday night again and compare the two.

[Hyde Hill]

Yeah 1.5 was the original number. And 2.4 is actually better then Smackdown as they are around a 2.1/2.0 lately if I remember correctly as far as the numbers have been released.

Spike and TNA have indicated that returning to Monday occasionally or permanently could be an option.

Homerun show no imho, Run batted in yeah.

[cappyboy]

Daniels Twitter

Frankie and Traci's wedding was a beautiful affair. Some tears were shed, but the joy overflowed!! Absolutely fabulous!!

http://i49.tinypic.com/51ole8.jpg

Taylor's Twitter

A very special wedding day between 2 very special people. So much <3 in the air. Yup, I'm going to be a big girly mess!

I can believe Taylor as a "big girly mess" but man oh man that must have been mild compared to the waitresses who saw Daniels in that suit. The formalwear really suits him if you will pardon the pun.

[sabataged]

So Monday did a 1.5 and Thursday did a .9 and you think you can add this up for a final rating? I'm sorry but that that might be the stupidest thing I read on these boards in a few days, and beleive me it has some stiff competition. The ratings don't work like that. TNA needs to stick to defeating ECW, before moving on to Smackdown, or even Competing with RAW for that matter.

If we are doing totals for ratings why aren't we including AM RAW that runs Saturday mornings? It generally does a .6-.7

[MrCanada]

So Monday did a 1.5 and Thursday did a .9 and you think you can add this up for a final rating? I'm sorry but that that might be the stupidest thing I read on these boards in a few days, and beleive me it has some stiff competition. The ratings don't work like that. TNA needs to stick to defeating ECW, before moving on to Smackdown, or even Competing with RAW for that matter.

If we are doing totals for ratings why aren't we including AM RAW that runs Saturday mornings? It generally does a .6-.7

If you could do that do you count WWE replays too? Outside of the highlight shows? I know up here, RAW airs 9:15-9:30 and then replays from 12:00-2:00am right after (well there's 30 min of sports highlights).

EDIT:

I think I like this method of judging things though. By that arguement, if you add up all the cheers Amazing Red has EVER received in his wrestling career (from post-TNA when he debut in like 2000-until today) he is technically more over then Hogan was Monday in the impact zone, and therefore is the more over wrestler.

[sabataged]

If you could do that do you count WWE replays too? Outside of the highlight shows? I know up here, RAW airs 9:15-9:30 and then replays from 12:00-2:00am right after (well there's 30 min of sports highlights).

EDIT:

I think I like this method of judging things though. By that arguement, if you add up all the cheers Amazing Red has EVER received in his wrestling career (from post-TNA when he debut in like 2000-until today) he is technically more over then Hogan was Monday in the impact zone, and therefore is the more over wrestler.

Exactly the idea of combing the two editions of Impact into one rating to say it is already at Smackdown level is crazy. Besides that who the heck even gets MyNetworkTV. I give smackdown credit for pulling down a 2+ on MyNetworkTV. If Smackdown was on USA or Spike it would be getting 3+

[HughBatey4]

TNA isn't ready to compete with WWE on a WEEKLY basis.

On a one-night battle, TNA can go toe-to-toe. They can't pull out major signings like Hardy and Flair each week.

This is why TNA should have spent 2002 until 2009 building their talent instead of pushing Christian, Angle, Booker T, Sting, Team 3D, and Scott Steiner.

The only TNA guys that have been built as legit stars are AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, and Abyss. The rest may be over, but if they went off TV for a couple months, barely anybody would care.

[sabataged]

TNA isn't ready to compete with WWE on a WEEKLY basis.

On a one-night battle, TNA can go toe-to-toe. They can't pull out major signings like Hardy and Flair each week.

This is why TNA should have spent 2002 until 2009 building their talent instead of pushing Christian, Angle, Booker T, Sting, Team 3D, and Scott Steiner.

The only TNA guys that have been built as legit stars are AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, and Abyss. The rest may be over, but if they went off TV for a couple months, barely anybody would care.

So TNA should build their stars? In like a developmental system or what

[BHK1978]

So TNA should build their stars? In like a developmental system or what

That is what Ring of Honor is for!:D Seriously, if I was TNA I would look into getting back the working agreement that they once had with ROH. That way they could send maybe their less over workers down there to get some work in.

The WWF fans fought to get MY Network here on my cable system and we did get it. The shows on there suck, but we get it. Who knew that wrestling fans could be such a strong lobby.

[HughBatey4]

TNA should push their stars of TV.

Like instead of say, jobbing them to a fat past-their-prime tag team, maybe have them showcase their tag team skills and abilities by beating aforementioned tag team and having a run with the tag titles. Or instead of being pinned by a fat-out-of-shape-past his prime Jim Neidhart, maybe actually get to win on TV.

TNA doesn't have a dev system, so it's different for them. They should use the "stars" to make new ones.

[Stennick]

Yeah 1.5 was the original number. And 2.4 is actually better then Smackdown as they are around a 2.1/2.0 lately if I remember correctly as far as the numbers have been released.

Just a quick reminder. Ratings for network t.v are different. Ratings are calculated by number of viewers divided by number of available homes. Therefore if your available in less homes then you need less viewers to get a bigger rating.

For instance Superstars beat Impact during their New Years Eve Knockout Special. Superstars got a .70 to Impact's .69 Big deal right? Well look at this Impact averaged a million viewers while Superstars had just over 760,000 viewers. However Superstars is seen in fewer homes than Spike therefore they need fewer viewers to get a bigger rating.

So even IF you can say 1.5 plus .9 is a 2.4 which is so in accurate. There is no way of knowing how many of those same people watched it on Monday night as well. If there is anything TNA has shown they have a VERY dedicated 1.0 rating fanbase. I find it very strange that they had the same number of viewers.

That being said even IF you say that Impact drew a 2.4 rating thats still not enough to really be in SD's class. Spike is on 100 million homes to where as MyTV is network television and available in 99 percent of homes in America.

So the ratings look close but in reality there are millions of homes that have SD available to them that Impact doesn't thus making the average rating lower if even more people are watching.

The more obvious route is that SD is on Friday nights. SD is aimed at 18-34 males, I don't know about you guys but I'm gone on Friday nights. Heck I was gone tonight didn't give SD another look.

So yeah Impact has a long long way to go before they get the viewers SD has.

[HughBatey4]

Just a quick reminder. Ratings for network t.v are different. Ratings are calculated by number of viewers divided by number of available homes. Therefore if your available in less homes then you need less viewers to get a bigger rating.

For instance Superstars beat Impact during their New Years Eve Knockout Special. Superstars got a .70 to Impact's .69 Big deal right? Well look at this Impact averaged a million viewers while Superstars had just over 760,000 viewers. However Superstars is seen in fewer homes than Spike therefore they need fewer viewers to get a bigger rating.

So even IF you can say 1.5 plus .9 is a 2.4 which is so in accurate. There is no way of knowing how many of those same people watched it on Monday night as well. If there is anything TNA has shown they have a VERY dedicated 1.0 rating fanbase. I find it very strange that they had the same number of viewers.

That being said even IF you say that Impact drew a 2.4 rating thats still not enough to really be in SD's class. Spike is on 100 million homes to where as MyTV is network television and available in 99 percent of homes in America.

So the ratings look close but in reality there are millions of homes that have SD available to them that Impact doesn't thus making the average rating lower if even more people are watching.

The more obvious route is that SD is on Friday nights. SD is aimed at 18-34 males, I don't know about you guys but I'm gone on Friday nights. Heck I was gone tonight didn't give SD another look.

So yeah Impact has a long long way to go before they get the viewers SD has.

This is an incredibly well put-together statement. Good job.

[Stennick]

Thank you :) I'm a stat freak so ratings, percentages, its kinda my thing

[HughBatey4]

Thank you :) I'm a stat freak so ratings, percentages, its kinda my thing

It's good to have this here. A lot of people don't understand ratings. Myself included.

[Hyde Hill]

So Monday did a 1.5 and Thursday did a .9 and you think you can add this up for a final rating? I'm sorry but that that might be the stupidest thing I read on these boards in a few days, and beleive me it has some stiff competition. The ratings don't work like that. TNA needs to stick to defeating ECW, before moving on to Smackdown, or even Competing with RAW for that matter.

If we are doing totals for ratings why aren't we including AM RAW that runs Saturday mornings? It generally does a .6-.7

I Never said 1.5 + 0.9 = 2.4 I said even if you ad half of the 0.9 you get close to Smackdown plus I am not an American so I didn't know exactly how Neilson works. And why wouldn't one include replay's for total ratings? Plus this was kind of a one of night so the Amazing red analogy is not valid imho.

[HughBatey4]

I Never said 1.5 + 0.9 = 2.4 I said even if you ad half of the 0.9 you get close to Smackdown plus I am not an American so I didn't know exactly how Neilson works. And why wouldn't one include replay's for total ratings? Plus this was kind of a one of night so the Amazing red analogy is not valid imho.

You don't count replays because it could be the same fans watching again.

[Hyde Hill]

The replay did a 0.9 rating. Even taking into account people that watched it twice or thought it would be a new show (and decided to stick around) that is still a very good rating. If you ad say half on top of the 1.5 you get close to Smackdown ratings.

Here is the original post I didn't know the availability part of the ratings so thanks Stennick. The second one where I did get to 2.4 was in response to Stennicks first post where he mentioned that number and asked if the 1.5 was Monday's.

[sabataged]

I Never said 1.5 + 0.9 = 2.4 I said even if you ad half of the 0.9 you get close to Smackdown plus I am not an American so I didn't know exactly how Neilson works. And why wouldn't one include replay's for total ratings? Plus this was kind of a one of night so the Amazing red analogy is not valid imho.

Smackdown pulls over a 2 consistently...Impact pulls around a 1...this time a 1.5...how is that even close?

[Stennick]

Yeah most people don't know actually. Lots of people look at SD's low number and think that. They thought it when it was on the CW as well. Its just a case of being on two networks that are available in every home. So pulling in the same viewers as RAW pulls in would result in a much lower rating than RAW. Thats why I made the Superstars/Impact example. Impact drew 250,000 more viewers but lost the ratings by one tenth of a point due to Superstars network (WGN) being available in less homes.

[sabataged]

Yeah most people don't know actually. Lots of people look at SD's low number and think that. They thought it when it was on the CW as well. Its just a case of being on two networks that are available in every home. So pulling in the same viewers as RAW pulls in would result in a much lower rating than RAW. Thats why I made the Superstars/Impact example. Impact drew 250,000 more viewers but lost the ratings by one tenth of a point due to Superstars network (WGN) being available in less homes.

Which is why Saturday Nights Main Event used to be such a big deal. A Main stream network pulls down like an 5 to 8 for a crappy regular sitcom.

[Hyde Hill]

Smackdown pulls over a 2 consistently...Impact pulls around a 1...this time a 1.5...how is that even close?

I said for this time not consistently and that 2.0 for Smackdown has been for the last 2 months or so before that they where a lot lower. 0.9 Is a lot for a replay that I do know especially when the original is a 1.5 so there must be a lot of original viewers in there. Even if it is just one third you get a 1.8 so ratings wise it is close to Smackdown. Total viewers still far of because of the different Network sizes (thanks Stennick). I am talking about this weeks show not Impact as a whole.

[Stennick]

Which is why Saturday Nights Main Event used to be such a big deal. A Main stream network pulls down like an 5 to 8 for a crappy regular sitcom.

Thats exactly why it was a huge deal especially back then because there was no RAW or SD. It was Superstars or Prime Time just syndicated shows. Not too mention in the 80's USA didn't reach a 100 million homes. Hell I bet it didn't reach half that. So to get what four, five times maybe more of a potential audience was saying something.

Come to think of it even Prime Time and Superstars were just squash matches with a semi good main event and lots of stars with promos. To take that format which reaches less than half the homes SD and RAW reach with their competitive match, soap opera content and still pull down the ppv's and business they did is very impressive.

[sabataged]

I said for this time not consistently and that 2.0 for Smackdown has been for the last 2 months or so before that they where a lot lower. 0.9 Is a lot for a replay that I do know especially when the original is a 1.5 so there must be a lot of original viewers in there. Even if it is just one third you get a 1.8 so ratings wise it is close to Smackdown. Total viewers still far of because of the different Network sizes (thanks Stennick). I am talking about this weeks show not Impact as a whole.

Your not grasping the concept that you cannot combine the ratings at all. I just looked up Smackdown for 2009 and the lowest rating it got all year was 1.7 Impacts highest is 1.5.

But that is really besides the point. MynetworkTV is on a 10th of the network Impact is on. If TNA was on mynetworktv they would be doing a .2 and if smackdown was on spike they would pull nearly a 4. You cant really just say they are close to smackdown.

[Hyde Hill]

Just a quick reminder. Ratings for network t.v are different. Ratings are calculated by number of viewers divided by number of available homes. Therefore if your available in less homes then you need less viewers to get a bigger rating.

For instance Superstars beat Impact during their New Years Eve Knockout Special. Superstars got a .70 to Impact's .69 Big deal right? Well look at this Impact averaged a million viewers while Superstars had just over 760,000 viewers. However Superstars is seen in fewer homes than Spike therefore they need fewer viewers to get a bigger rating.

So even IF you can say 1.5 plus .9 is a 2.4 which is so in accurate. There is no way of knowing how many of those same people watched it on Monday night as well. If there is anything TNA has shown they have a VERY dedicated 1.0 rating fanbase. I find it very strange that they had the same number of viewers.

That being said even IF you say that Impact drew a 2.4 rating thats still not enough to really be in SD's class. Spike is on 100 million homes to where as MyTV is network television and available in 99 percent of homes in America.

So the ratings look close but in reality there are millions of homes that have SD available to them that Impact doesn't thus making the average rating lower if even more people are watching.

The more obvious route is that SD is on Friday nights. SD is aimed at 18-34 males, I don't know about you guys but I'm gone on Friday nights. Heck I was gone tonight didn't give SD another look.

So yeah Impact has a long long way to go before they get the viewers SD has.

So wait which has a bigger potential viewing audience MyNetwork or Spike? As Stennick says MyNetwork so their 2.0 equals a lot more actual people then a 2.0 on Spike would equate too. At the same time sabataged says Spike is bigger. Maybe both are the case with MyNetwork showing in more homes and Spike being a better known network.

I agree that in normal situations you can not use the replay number but this is not a normal situation.

PS lowest for Smackdown in 52 weeks was a 1.6 btw not that it really matters.

[HughBatey4]

So wait which has a bigger potential viewing audience MyNetwork or Spike? As Stennick says MyNetwork so their 2.0 equals a lot more actual people then a 2.0 on Spike would equate too. At the same time sabataged says Spike is bigger. Maybe both are the case with MyNetwork showing in more homes and Spike being a better known network.

I agree that in normal situations you can not use the replay number but this is not a normal situation.

How is it not normal? Monday night war or not, it's still the same. The rules don't change.

[sabataged]

So wait which has a bigger potential viewing audience MyNetwork or Spike? As Stennick says MyNetwork so their 2.0 equals a lot more actual people then a 2.0 on Spike would equate too. At the same time sabataged says Spike is bigger. Maybe both are the case with MyNetwork showing in more homes and Spike being a better known network.

I agree that in normal situations you can not use the replay number but this is not a normal situation.

PS lowest for Smackdown in 52 weeks was a 1.6 btw not that it really matters.

SpikeTV has about 10 times the viewers that MyNetworkTV has. If not more...Well the website I checked said it was 1.7 so whatever I guess.

[sabataged]

How is it not normal? Monday night war or not, it's still the same. The rules don't change.

If we are using replay then RAW is dominating with 4's, even close to 5 because they have AM RAW that slims RAW down to an hour and plays saturday mornings.

[Hyde Hill]

Because a 0.9 is two thirds of a 1.5 and that 1.5 was achieved going head to head for two thirds with their biggest competitor and it was gotten in their normal time slot so there is reason to believe that a good chunck of that 0.9 are original/first time viewers.

Edit: which is not totally the case for AM Raw. What was AM Raw's rating this week btw? Plus it seems that it also uses a different format slimming down to 1 hour making it a different show of sorts.

[HughBatey4]

If we are using replay then RAW is dominating with 4's, even close to 5 because they have AM RAW that slims RAW down to an hour and plays saturday mornings.

While we're in super fantasy land. Since AM RAW is only an hour, then we should double the ratings because if it was 2 hours long, it would have obviously doubled.

[Hyde Hill]

While we're in super fantasy land. Since AM RAW is only an hour, then we should double the ratings because if it was 2 hours long, it would have obviously doubled.

lolz.

[Stennick]

SpikeTV has about 10 times the viewers that MyNetworkTV has. If not more...Well the website I checked said it was 1.7 so whatever I guess.

Acutually Sab Mytv is in 90 plus percent of homes in America since its network television. The reason people don't know this is because it shows no new programming its all syndicated television cept for SD. However Spike T.V reaches just around a 100 million homes. If what I've read is true there is 150 plus single family homes in America. I don't know if "homes" is apartments and other such things or just purely houses. None the less My T.V has a POTENTIAL viewing audience of a 150 million roughly. Now do a 150 people watch it? No but when calculating ratings you go with how many homes its available in.

Viewers/Potential homes.

So if Impact draws in a million viewers it'd got 1 million/100 million.

So technically MyTV has more available homes but more people actually watch Spike. However the ratings aren't calculated by if people are watching your networked their calculated on who's watching versus who COULD be watching.

I hope this clears it up Hyde. In America we have NBC, CBS, FOX, ABC, The CW and MyTV are the six network televisions that any home with a television can access. Then of course depending on your cable provider and your package you can access Spike T.V, USA, etc.

[sabataged]

This might be the stupidest debate i ever been in and thats saying a lot

[Hyde Hill]

Guess I was right in my hunch that MyNetwork shows in more homes but Spike is the better known/viewed network thanks for clearing that up Stennick. And how is this debate stupid?As unfortunately by all accounts ratings matter.

I agree that one shouldn't normally ad replay ratings but don't you agree that in this case there is a good case to be made that out of the 0.9 a sizable portion where original viewers?

[HughBatey4]

Guess I was right in my hunch that MyNetwork shows in more homes but Spike is the better known/viewed network thanks for clearing that up Stennick. And how is this debate stupid?As unfortunately by all accounts ratings matter.

I agree that one shouldn't normally ad replay ratings but don't you agree that in this case there is a good case to be made that out of the 0.9 a sizable portion where original viewers?


Go to timeout.

Seriously, we'll never know if they were original viewers or not.

[Hyde Hill]

Ok just spoke to my housemate and let him read the whole thread and he is studying as a master in applied mathematics. He says it is reasonable to say that in this situation (,and this situation alone,) a third of the replay viewers can be seen as new, original viewers.

Will we know for certain no of course not, but that is true with a whole lot of things or even everything but I am not in the mood for a philosophical debate.

Again: I agree that in normal circumstances one can not say anything about replays. Under the current circumstances however it is not unreasonable to say that a part of that 0.9 audience where fresh viewers.

Those this put them close to Smackdown, apparently not as their 2.0 equates to more viewers then a 2.0 on Spike does. Does that possibly put them closer, yes.

And saying Go to timeout is so uncalled for man, especially as over in an other thread you where praising the adultness of these boards.

[HughBatey4]

Ok just spoke to my housemate and let him read the whole thread and he is studying as a master in applied mathematics. He says it is reasonable to say that in this situation (,and this situation alone,) a third of the replay viewers can be seen as new, original viewers.

Will we know for certain no of course not, but that is true with a whole lot of things or even everything but I am not in the mood for a philosophical debate.

Again: I agree that in normal circumstances one can not say anything about replays. Under the current circumstances however it is not unreasonable to say that a part of that 0.9 audience where fresh viewers.

Those this put them close to Smackdown, apparently not as their 2.0 equates to more viewers then a 2.0 on Spike does. Does that possibly put them closer, yes.

And saying Go to timeout is so uncalled for man, especially as over in an other thread you where praising the adultness of these boards.

Look, there is no possible way to EVER know if those viewers were original or not, dude,

[TheBrockLock]

Ok just spoke to my housemate and let him read the whole thread and he is studying as a master in applied mathematics. He says it is reasonable to say that in this situation (,and this situation alone,) a third of the replay viewers can be seen as new, original viewers.

Will we know for certain no of course not, but that is true with a whole lot of things or even everything but I am not in the mood for a philosophical debate.

Again: I agree that in normal circumstances one can not say anything about replays. Under the current circumstances however it is not unreasonable to say that a part of that 0.9 audience where fresh viewers.

Those this put them close to Smackdown, apparently not as their 2.0 equates to more viewers then a 2.0 on Spike does. Does that possibly put them closer, yes.

And saying Go to timeout is so uncalled for man, especially as over in an other thread you where praising the adultness of these boards.


I want to know why its "this situation and this situation alone" that we can assume that a third of the replay viewers are new viewers. Just becuase your housemate is an applied math major and has read a total of 1 thread on the topic does not mean he is a credible source. Unless your houemate follows trends in new timeslots vs. replays and the viewers of each (highly unlikely) then there is no way he could come up with this "1/3 are new viewers" hypothesis and be correct with it unless its just a lucky guess.


Like Hugh said, there is no way to know what amount of the .9 were new viewers becuase there is absoulelty no way to get that kind of information, its all just guess work, which is exactly why we can not add the 1.5 and any part of the .9 together, thats just not how these things work.

[PeterHilton]

I agree that one shouldn't normally ad replay ratings but don't you agree that in this case there is a good case to be made that out of the 0.9 a sizable portion where original viewers?

No.

Because TNA has such a proven and loyal fanbase that's actually the worse case to be made.

TNA has such a built in rating of 1.0 on Thursday (it rarely fluctuates) that I almost want to assume that it was those fans that watched again out of loyalty/habit that popped the .9.

[PeterHilton]

Ok just spoke to my housemate and let him read the whole thread and he is studying as a master in applied mathematics.

So..?

Unless he's done a masters in the viewing habits of American TV ratings with a second degree in pro wrestling fans, it's nonsense.

[Stennick]

So..?

Unless he's done a masters in the viewing habits of American TV ratings with a second degree in pro wrestling fans, it's nonsense.

LOL yeah I'm not sure what applied mathmatics has to do with who was watching and who wasn't but more power to him.

Again I find myself agreeing with PeterHilton. TNA's rating is always at the 1.0 mark so isn't it strange that it popped a .9 almost like as he said nearly everyone watched it again and just a few guys were like "nah I watched that on Monday". Rather than the theory that there were 500,000 fans out there that didn't watch it on Monday that watched it on Thursday. I just can't see 500,000 not DVRing and not watching but then tuning in on Thursday to see it for the first time.

If that were the case they should pop a HUGE rating next Thursday if they got two million people out there that watched the show.

I'll go out on a limb and predict somewhere between a 1.0 and a 1.5 for next weeks show nothing bigger.

[jwt13]

LOL yeah I'm not sure what applied mathmatics has to do with who was watching and who wasn't but more power to him.

Again I find myself agreeing with PeterHilton. TNA's rating is always at the 1.0 mark so isn't it strange that it popped a .9 almost like as he said nearly everyone watched it again and just a few guys were like "nah I watched that on Monday". Rather than the theory that there were 500,000 fans out there that didn't watch it on Monday that watched it on Thursday. I just can't see 500,000 not DVRing and not watching but then tuning in on Thursday to see it for the first time.

If that were the case they should pop a HUGE rating next Thursday if they got two million people out there that watched the show.

I'll go out on a limb and predict somewhere between a 1.0 and a 1.5 for next weeks show nothing bigger.

Not everone has a DVR or Tivo so you will have a margin of people who cant do that I do agree that it probly wasnt such a large number but I'd say maybe (just on peer guess) a extra 500- 1000 people tuned in on thursday but i also dont see people re watching the same show on a diffrent night though so..well I never watch the same wrestling show twice unless its the old Nitro stuff but thats just me

[Bigpapa42]

Have to agree with the mass here. Sorry, HH, but assuming anything about the viewers on the replay without empirical research makes it supposition. As well, ratings for repeated showings of Raw, SD, etc, are never taken into consideration and "added in" somehow, so I don't see how its at all legitimate to do it in this case, even with the assumptions.

TNA did a very impressive 1.5 rating for its live Monday Impact. Be happy about that...

[jwt13]

I've read on another forum that the reason that The Nasty Boyz, Val Venis, and OJ are on Impact and likly Mr. Kennedy soon is because of dates Hogan owes them from the Hulkamania tour, so with this being said do any of you know of this? And if so did he end his tour early?

[Hyde Hill]

Have to agree with the mass here. Sorry, HH, but assuming anything about the viewers on the replay without empirical research makes it supposition. As well, ratings for repeated showings of Raw, SD, etc, are never taken into consideration and "added in" somehow, so I don't see how its at all legitimate to do it in this case, even with the assumptions.

TNA did a very impressive 1.5 rating for its live Monday Impact. Be happy about that...

No need to apologize mate and I agree its a supposition but I stand by it as given the circumstances that one third of those 0.9 are first time viewers is not far fetched in my opinion agree to disagree as usual on these boards hehe. And yes the real next test will be next Thursday.

Plus Vince Russo was answering questions by fans on his facebook today, whatever one says about the guy that was real classy. Three most poignant things I got out of it Russo took over from Jarrett as head writer in July exactly the time when TNA started to get better and the young guys got a serious push especially once Bound For Glory was done as they had long term plans for that. I say head writer as apparently Russo hates and he capslocked underscored it hates the word Booker. And finally it looks like the six sided ring is going the way of the dodo in TNA.

[Hyde Hill]

I've read on another forum that the reason that The Nasty Boyz, Val Venis, and OJ are on Impact and likly Mr. Kennedy soon is because of dates Hogan owes them from the Hulkamania tour, so with this being said do any of you know of this? And if so did he end his tour early?

No but if I remember correctly they did scrap a few dates way back in the beginning of promoting the tour. Also there are strong rumors there will be a surprise debut at Genesis. Prolly Kennedy I think as who is left?

Oh **** Ed Leslie!!

[Wrestling Century]

No but if I remember correctly they did scrap a few dates way back in the beginning of promoting the tour. Also there are strong rumors there will be a surprise debut at Genesis. Prolly Kennedy I think as who is left?

Might be RVD. Might be Goldberg. Remind me again why Goldberg hasn't wrestled for them yet?

[Hyde Hill]

Short answer: Money!!!!

[Wrestling Century]

Short answer: Money!!!!

I think that there's enough money for big names like Goldberg if they can hire big names like Hogan and Flair. Are you sure that is why?

[Hyde Hill]

Thing is he wants Rock level of money and he just isn't worth that as his age/overness level and skill level combined with a super light schedule that he apparently wants aren't worth that. That is according to the rumors anyway not forgetting he is focusing on his TV career. I wouldn't rule out a one of appearance though as some of "his" shows are on Spike.

[Hyde Hill]

Might be RVD. Might be Goldberg. Remind me again why Goldberg hasn't wrestled for them yet?

On RVD I am currently thinking if he does come to TNA it will be after the wrestlereunion show as they are heavily promoting RVD's return to a US ring and he is an honorable guy. Plus he would want to see how things pan out first.

[tristram]

I have finally seen the show. It's the first show of any promotion for a number of years I have watched in one go. I tried watching Bret Hart's RAW, but... while I really respect Bret, the whole 'bury the hatchet' segment with HBK was just... well, nuts in my eyes. My thoughts:-

* Angle - AJ Styles match. Phenomenal, excuse the pun. In some ways, Kurt Angle is becoming as much of a favourite to me as Bret Hart. He is a world class wrestler, and a better entertainer microphone in hand than Bret, so I got to thinking in the match seeing how well he was selling that he is right now the most complete wrestler going around. The Styles Clash reruns, nice, and nicely thought out that something had to come after the Styles Clash to win, since Angle kept getting up. Even the pin covers, Angle sold well. One in particular, his eyes look dead set glazed and then he brushes Earl Hebner's hand before it comes down.

The downside to this match is simple. The match should NOT have been followed with the Foley-Hogan-Waltman-Bischoff-Hall segment. If the word from Hogan is true, that its all about the young guys, lets make a statement and end the show on the match, end the show with a celebration, and perhaps, given the Bischoff-Styles confrontation earlier, Styles having a 'respect' promo on Angle, giving him another shot at Genesis, but as a 60 Minute Iron-Man Match.

* The Steel Asulym. I don't like it from a broadcast perspective. The big red chunky steel cage, really. And I think in some ways it forgets one thing. That the show is wrestling, not gymnastics. And basically, going up into the funnel at the top to me is nothing but Nadia Kiminiski gymnastics, which I'm not here to watch. Plus, with the big red chunky steel, it's hard from a television perspective to truly see everything going on. The Homicide baton thing I think was oversold, also. It kind of came from nowhere. And it ruined anything the match could have been. Perhaps the escape to the outside should not be at the top in the middle, and can also end with pinfall.. or something. I don't know, the match just appears illogical.

* Jeff Hardy showing up, set the show off on a good tangent.

* The mystery man. Has to be someone like RVD or Goldberg, or else its a major let down in my eyes. If its someone of a lesser calibre, have them interfere midcard, not main event.

* Flair's arrival was well done, but perhaps, it might of been nice when Eric Young is at the back that Eric Young mouths off at Flair for trying to hog the limelight. Young as a heel just shaking his hand and nodding... a bit soft.

* The Mick Foley thing. Didn't mind it. But, again, it should NOT be the show closer. That belonged to Angle-Styles.

* The Hogan interruption on Jarrett. Didn't really like it, because aside from belittling Jarrett who the TNA crowd are hot for, essentially everything Hogan had said, Jarrett had already said. Didn't think it was necessary.

* Loved the Val Venis-Beautiful People segment. Sold well.

* Did not enjoy the Nasty Boys, but can cop it given they didn't wrestle. The sad thing is they're going to it looks like be popped into a feud with 3D. The problem is, 3D often win with big table spots, and I swear, the hardcore tag match the Nasty Boys had down here in Australia at Sydney was the softest lot of trash I have ever seen. Sags and Nobs can not go anymore. They barely could 10 years ago.

* Loved the Desmond Wolfe-Pope match. Loved the commentary and how they sold Desmond Wolfe's catch as catch can wrestling style and his ability to go after particular body spots. Pope sold those moves well.

* I thought the Samoa Joe-Abyss match was extremely, extremely good. The ending was outstandingly well done, as it did not destroy Abyss at all. Nice match.

* With the Bobby Lashley segment... two things. Firstly, Krystal was brilliant at getting the crowd riled up. But... but... but... Why on a show where you are trying to promote TNA to a larger audience do you want a segment where basically you are saying TNA is not good enough, or big enough, for Lashley, and that MMA is more what he strives for? I thought he strives competition?

Overall, I think someone elses comments earlier, that it wasn't a home run but an RBI is a solid summation. It did a lot of very, very, very good things, but ultimately a few things need to be logically tied together to make much sense. That said, I can watch this style of wrestling entertainment more than WWE's at the moment.

[Hyde Hill]

The entire Jan 4th show is now up on Youtube courtesy of TNA themselves in case anyone missed it or wants to see it again:

http://www.youtube.com/user/TNAwrestling#p/u

[Stennick]

This is one thing I have to give TNA credit for. They work with Youtbue. Its great promotion for your show and really its gonna be on there no matter what. Do you want some fan boys that don't work for you and have no idea how you want your company representing it for you? Or do you want to take control of your own representation to a giant internet community. They do a great job of getting things up on youtube as well as their website, the WWE for all their media marketing greatness falls down horribly both on their site and on things such as Youtube when it comes to this sort of thing.

[Hyde Hill]

Indeed although WWE's core website is way better then TNA's just compare the profiles etc. Seriously one of the points TNA should work on imho.

[tristram]

One thing to note on the broadcast down under, they must have missed some segments as there was no sight of Orlando Jordan on our show (he did appear, didn't he?) and there was no showing of Ric Flair talking to AJ Styles.

One extra thing I didn't like, I think it's when Bischoff meets Krystal. At the top of the segment he says something like that segment is too long, make it shorter... that to me is overly smarky. In some ways, I like some of the old 1980s action when the interview was so not-scripted and was off the cuff, because it felt real. That to me just said everything from here was on a format and a script. Not digging it. The second thing was the Lashley comment, that TNA didn't need him. I just think some subtle rewording would have worked the matter out fine, Lashley is still gone, but perhaps Bischoff sells his loss a bit more, maybe he shows frustration, I dunno, it just seemed to blow him apart a bit.

On the Joe-Abyss match, fanastically well worked ending. Credit to those two. Too often lately I've seen submission endings or 'near' endings that lack use of psychology. I've seen wrestlers who if they had their arm fully outstretched rather than half braced would easily get to the rope and therefore render the submission useless. The ring positioning for the finish was excellent and it was just a little basic, along with Joe's use of the chair that to me left Abyss with credit, that was very solid.

[Craig Edwards]

They only showed Flair walking into AJ's Looker Room, Plus you might not of notice Orlando Jordan with his hair. He was in the Pope interview.

[Basmat01]

Thought I'll post this Audio. Bubba The Love Sponge rips Jim Cornettes for blasting TNA.

http://www.gerweck.net/news/1263194104.shtml

[|Anderz|]

just had a random thought earlier today.. but it, for me at least, is a poor thing for TNA..

hopefully this is easy to follow...

a brand new fan tunes into TNA (this fan doesnt use the internet for Wrestling and has never seen or heard of any wrestling company ever).. the new fan enjoys TNA and begins to watch it.. but TNA keeps mentioning this WWE, so the new fan checks out WWE and begins to watch that as well.. which he likes better is irrelevant, its TNA pointing out the competition to its fans thats the problem..

on the flip side, a brand new fan tunes into WWE.. all that is talked about is the WWE.. this fan has no idea what TNA is and has no inclination to find it.. this fan stays with WWE and only WWE unless he goes out of his way to find an alternative on the internet (or another TV Channel)..

my point, WWE doesnt advertise its competition.. TNA does.. not really sure whether this can lead to a discussion is just the random thoughts of myself.. and as a disclaimer.. no Im not anti-TNA or 'bashing' TNA.. I just had the random thought and believed it was worth noting as a downside of TNA's business plan..