Column: TNA 101 - The iMPACT Zone Report by Talon Thorne on 09/02/2008 at 02:59 PM
TNA 101- The iMPACT Zone
August 28, 2008
By Talon Thorne
Intro to the show and intro to my new format. This is the iMPACT format where I recap a show and insert news and my opinions on the product.
Steve Borden AKA Sting arrives at the arena. He is interviewed by Lauren. He says the “time has come” and “tonight is the night”
iMPACT Opening, same videogame we have been seeing.
§ Knockouts in Action
§ 4 Ways to Glory Qualifier as Kurt Angle battles Kevin Nash
§ Sting Speaks
AWESOME KONG VS SOJOURNER BOLT (I Think)
A video highlights last week on IMPACT where Kong defeated the recently departed Gail Kim. Mike Tenay announced that as a result of the beating by Awesome Kong, Gail Kim and TNA parted ways. Kong “creams” Bolt with a double sledge but misses the spinning back fist. A second time connects and it is time for the Awesome Bomb for the win. Your winner: AWESOME KONG. Move of the match is the Awesome Bomb. Good quick decisive victory for the new face of the Knockouts Division.
After the match Raisha Saeed brings in a chair. Kong looks like she will Awesome Bomb Bolt through the chairs but ODB comes in for the save. ODB takes out both Saeed and then ODB and Kong fight it out. Referee Slick Johnson tries to get in between. Tornado DDT on Awesome Kong by ODB. ODB pounding Kong as referees and security finally pull off ODB.
Thoughts: The match was effective in getting over Awesome Kong as the dominant one in TNA. I was amazed that Mike Tenay mentioned Gail Kim departing. It looks like ODB will now be the top dog in the Knockouts Division. This isn’t so bad stating that she and Roxxi got bigger cheers than Gail.
To the back, JB is with AJ Styles. Next week AJ faces Christian Cage in a Four Ways to Glory Qualifier. AJ said whenever the world title is involved he is interested. AJ said Christian is one of the best wrestlers he has ever faced so it will be an honor to face him next week. When asked about Kurt Angle’s medal, AJ corrected him by saying they were his gold medals and AJ said they were in a safe place.
____________________
Commercial Break
During these Commercial Breaks I will post my behind the scenes/exclusive news stories and happenings in what has been happening at TNA:
Contract Status (Part One):
Sting- From what I understand, TNA and Sting were attempting to work out a contract extension for the Stinger. His contract ends in January of 2009 so an extension was important for both the Millionaire’s vs New Blood feud and retirement angle. From what I understand, Sting would not return to TV until the negotiations were finished. Since he was on TV tonight, it seems like negotiations are finished.
Team 3D- Their contracts end in October. Both members of Team 3D has stated multiple times that they are happy in TNA so I don’t expect either to go elsewhere. The WWE isn’t interested in tag team wrestling so I don’t expect them to sign there. ROH is a glorified indy league and I am pretty sure 3D wants to be seen by more than 10 people (at least in Canada). Team 3D in TNA for now.
____________________
In another Roughcut, Creed said he came into contact with TNA through e-mail. He got advice by Terry Taylor, who said he has a wonderful personality such as integrity and charisma. Footage was shown of his time in NWA Anarchy where he was presented with his TNA Contract. He said when you go through that tunnel, it’s gametime.
Thoughts: The Rough Cut segments are some of the best things in TNA. TNA is good with that reality TV style segment. Rough Cut, Spin Cycle and the Global iMPACT Segment plus the Kurt Angle vs Samoa Joe feud were all excellent. I am surprised they don’t do this type of thing more.
SHEIK ABDUL BASHIR & PETEY WILLIAMS (w/ Rhaka Khan) VS CONSEQUENCES CREED & BLACK MACHISMO
Footage is shown of last week’s horrific Karen’s Angle where SoCal was knocked out. It is my understanding that Sonjay Dutt and Black Machismo will face off in a “Wedding Ring on a Pole” Match. Creed and Lethal take out the heels early on until the Middle Eastern Nightmare takes control. Creed takes control but Rhaka Khan knocks him onto the apron. I am loving the Sheik Abdul character even more than when he was in the WWE. Petey is also a talented wrestler, whose combos I love. HOT TAG to Black Machismo. Lethal hits a Lethal Combo on Petey while DDT’ing Bashir (AWESOME). Bashir prevents Lethal from hitting the elbow drop but Creed knocks Bashir into Petey, who was going for the Canadian Destroyer. Lethal rolls up Williams for the win. After the match Petey and Bashir get into a scuffle.
Thoughts: I don’t know if they are building a three way or trying to turn Petey face but I am betting on the three way at No Surrender. This match was solid but the lack of real in-ring psychology hurts the wrestling. By the way, is their a plane crashing in Bashir’s entrance theme?
A CROSS THE LINE VIDEO AIRS
Lauren interviews ODB. ODB is one dirty bitch. ODB doesn’t sweat Kong. ODB is wasted half the time, the zoo isn’t big enough for the both of them. The ODB saloon is open so they are serving up booze and beer. BAM!!!
Thoughts: Okay that was a weird promo.
____________
Commercial Break
Contract Status (Part 2) Continued
Kevin Nash- Nash is currently involved in a main event feud with Samoa Joe yet his contract runs out in a month. Rumors circulated that Nash tried to position himself so he could make more money if he is re-signed. Now personally I would like to see the feud play out and finish but the whole deal where Nash’s creative control gets in the way of storylines, needs to stop. TNA should work on figuring out contracts months before they expire because it will allow time for the stars to put over wrestlers who are staying with the company.
Christian Cage- Cage is someone I have heard contrasting reports about. On one hand I have heard his contract is ending in a few months and on the other hand I have been told he signed a 3 year earlier this year. I have heard he is happy in TNA and with the schedule but I have also been told he is disappointed that Scott D’Amore left and isn’t content with booking. Cage could easily go back to the WWE but 2 questions arise: will Cage sacrifice the lighter schedule and will Cage risk his spot atop the ranks because in WWE he will only be used as a midcard act.
____________
On Karen’s Angle with Abyss. Abyss is Chris Parks, that’s what he says. He said the mental institution was his home. Abyss said he doesn’t know where Chris Parks will go or where Abyss will go but right now they are one. Since Karen is single now, Abyss read her a poem. Then he gave her a gift, a strand of his hair.
Thoughts: I loved this segment. I don’t know what it does for the long term product but I was entertained by both Abyss’ character and Karen as the terrorized victim.
Lauren Interviews the Beautiful People but leaves suddenly. She calls out the wannabe beauty, Taylor Wilde and the beast, Roxxi. At No Surrender it is Angelina Love vs Taylor Wilde. At No Surrender Angelina Love will take the championship and pin her cottage cheese ass.
Thoughts: This felt very staged and unreal. I still don’t know how to feel about the addition of Cute Kip to the Beautiful People.
____________
Commercial Break
Contract Status (Part 3) Continued
Tomko- SPOILER ALERT: Tomko will be returning to TNA soon!!! However he hasn’t resigned a new contract. What the deal is, is that he intended on going to Japan or WWE but WWE wasn’t interested and Japan is cutting down their schedule. Tomko wants to work a lighter schedule and not be a full-time worker and TNA is happy with doing that.
Awesome Kong- I understand that Kong loves being in TNA. I expect her to resign. She also doesn’t like the WWE work schedule so don’t ever expect her to go to the WWE.
Homicide- I believe Homicide’s contract ends around January 2009. The main reason TNA wanted to split up LAX was because of Homicide’s status with the company. Some think he will resign for enough money. Homicide is happy being part of LAX and I understand he makes a significant amount more than in ROH. TNA has only scratched the surface with Homicide so hopefully he re-signed. Otherwise expect a huge singles push for Hernandez.
____________
In the back JB is with Kurt Angle and Frank Trigg. Angle got mad that JB called him a former Olympic Gold Medalist. Frank Trigg says he’s got AJ and told Kurt not to worry about it. Trigg said he wouldn’t leave Kurt like Tomko did, wanting to go to Japan and be a shoot fighter.
JIMMY RAVE VS CURRY MAN
The fans love Curry Man. Curry started the match by senton’ing Jimmy Rave who was standing on the outside. Christy distracts Curry while Rave hit the apron STO. Curry counters the Rock the World from Rave and fights back. Hits a Domo Lariato and a springboard Crossbody. Spice Rack gets the win for Curry Man. After the match Lance Rock and Christy jump Curry Man. Rock hits a Reverse Crucifix Bomb on Curry. The Prince Justice Brotherhood comes out and clears the Rock N Rave Infection.
Thoughts: Not a bad match but TNA desperately needs to do something with the Rock N Rave Infection. I would personally just tweak the characters by getting rid of the pre-match intro and guitar hero guitars. Curry Man showed a lot in this match.
In his office, Cornette announces The Rock N Rave Infection vs The Prince Justice Brotherhood in a Six Person Tag. Traci Brooks enters the office. Cornette tells Traci that she gets the job as Knockout Law. He told her that by any means necessary she needs to keep control of the Knockouts Division. He then goes on a ramble about wrestlers being products and having shelf lives. When their shelf lives are up, you let them go. Cornette left, Lauren asked Traci what he meant by shelf life. Traci said she might just find out first hand.
Thoughts: I am unsure about the 6-Person Tag at No Surrender. I actually like the Prince Justice Brotherhood but the lineup seems to be stacked without the match. I like having Traci as the Law of the Knockouts Division as it utilizes her without having her weigh down matches. I found Cornette’s statement about wrestlers being products interesting.
In Booker’s locker room, Booker was with “Jeremiah”, Sharmelle and Team 3D. Booker was using his weird accent again. Team 3D was whining over the coats they were wearing. Booker was paying close attention to Sting’s speech tonight. Brother Ray accidentally spilled his drink on Sharmelle and Booker got pissed. During this segment, a “Who is Suicide” teaser appeared.
Thought: Find an accent and stick with it Booker.
JB interviewed Kevin Nash. Nash brought back history saying Cornette owed him for clearing his office awhile back. Nash said he was looking for Joe, but couldn’t find him. Nash claimed that at No Surrender he was going to watch Joe’s back but if Joe isn’t ready in Toronto, Nash would win the World Title for the sixth time.
____________
Commercial Break
The whole deal with Suicide is this. Suicide is a character in the TNA iMPACT videogame. He has a skull attire. TNA is repackaging Kaz as Suicide. TNA Management likes Kaz and wants to really push him. Despite previous rumors I have been told that Suicide will not be part of the Prince Justice Brotherhood and actually pushed in the main event scene. Kaz’s biggest problem in TNA was lack of charisma and that the fans were turning on the golden boy of 2008. I believe he won’t be talking in his new role and the new character will have a big future.
____________
FOUR WAYS TO GLORY QUALIFIER: KURT ANGLE VS KEVIN NASH
Samoa Joe made his way to ringside, and joined Tenay and West on commentary. We get more videogame footage which has gotten old by now. Tenay mentioned Samoa Joe’s Achilles heel, his temper. Joe said his temper is what has gotten him where he is at today. The match was very slow paced which is a nice change. Nash wears Angle down with a backbreaker. Nash using strategy to set up the Jackknife Powerbomb. We cut to commercials as Nash is in control.
____________
Commercial Break
Christopher Daniels AKA Curry Man- Many people have complained that Daniels is being underutilized as Curry Man despite the Curry Man character receiving bigger ovations than Daniels. Now Curry Man is in the middle of an angle with the Prince Justice Brotherhood so you can’t switch him back now. However I have an alternative.
Why not air promos/vignettes on a returning Fallen Angel. Instead of Fallen Angel replacing Curry Man, have both men be part of TNA. You could use Daniels in two roles that don’t have anything to do with each other. Curry Man can continue his role while Daniels could be inserted in the Heavyweight Division in the main event. Daniels could eventually win the World Title while Curry is slowly phased out.
____________
Back from commercials, Kurt Angle is in control wearing down the knee of Nash. Angle locks in the Figure Four Leglock (vintage Jeff Jarrett). Nash finally gets to the ropes but the damage may be done. Nash with a huge side slam on Kurt and the ref is counting both men out. Both men get up and brawl. Nash with Snake Eyes and limps over to a rope guillotine. Nash hits a shoulder tackle (not something we would have seen). Nash clotheslines Angle outside. Nash smacks Joe telling him to keep his eyes on him. Joe is pissed and gets up on the apron. Angle low blows Nash and hits the Olympic Slam for the win. Angle is now in the Four Ways to Glory Match at No Surrender. After the match Joe jaws at Nash telling Nash to practice what he preaches.
Thoughts: Joe was very good tonight and didn’t look like an arrogant ass. I am getting into his temper Achilles heel storyline but tonight it backfired on Nash who shouldn’t have pissed off Joe. So it is Joe vs Angle vs Booker vs Christian Cage/AJ Styles at No Surrender. That will be the centerpiece for the Old Guard vs New Blood Feud.
____________
Commercial Break
I am thoroughly impressed with the youth movement of the WWE. While TNA needs to be the new breed of wrestling company, its WWE that’s making an impact. Let’s look at it.
Raw- (Main Event) CM Punk, Randy Orton, John Cena, Batista (Tomorrow’s stars/ High Card) Cody Rhodes, Deuce, Kofi Kingston, Lance Cade, Paul Burchill, Santino Marella, Ted Dibiase (Newcomers) Primo Colon
ECW- (Tomorrow) Bam Neely, Evan Bourne, John Morrison, Matt Hardy, Mike Knox, Ricky Ortiz, The Miz
Smackdown- (Main Event) Edge, Umaga (Tomorrow’s Star) Carlito, Curt Hawkins, Jeff Hardy, MVP, Mr. Kennedy, Shelton Benjamin, The Brian Kendrick, Vladimir Koslov, Zach Ryder.
As opposed to TNA’s whose main event scene will be like it is for awhile- (Main Event) Abyss, AJ Styles, Christian Cage, Samoa Joe (Tomorrow-Most with a lot of work) Chris Sabin, Christopher Daniels, Eric Young, Hernandez, James Storm, Jay Lethal, Matt Morgan, Lance Rock and Robert Roode
____________
A history video played on the mystery of the guitar. It showed many clips of Jeff Jarrett. The video showed
A Jeff Jarrett highlight video aired. It showed Jarrett finding TNA, him walking away after Bound For Glory, the unfortunate death of his wife. It ended by saying what is next for the King of the Mountain.
Thoughts: These were good packages but I am unsure on if TNA is playing up on the death of Jarrett’s wife to get sympathy. I don’t think they are but many fans will think that determined on how many more times she is mentioned. I am looking forward to Jarrett’s return.
Lauren was with SoCal Val who had a “black eye”. She said that if Dutt and Lethal want her than they will fight for her. At No Surrender they will hang a wedding ring from the ring and the winner can have her.
Thoughts: So now they are having a match over who will marry Val. This is a horrible feud! What’s left, battling over the custody of a child in a Ladder Match?
THE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE (w/ Cute Kip James) VS ROXXI & TAYLOR WILDE
All four of the ladies are gorgeous. I think the Knockouts Division will easily live on without Gail Kim. Taylor was in control when Angelina hit her in the head with a makeup case. We go to commercial as Angelina is in control of Taylor
____________
Commercial Break
I recently spoke to my “inside” friend and got a scoop on TNA Management’s views on the Knockouts and X Division:
Apparently both the Knockouts and X Division are looked on as Side-Show/Special Attractions for the company. They both add to the identity of the company but aren’t considered the core identity.
One of the biggest reasons TNA “lowballed” Gail Kim was because the bread and butter in TNA is the Heavyweight Division or World Title division. The Knockouts are still new to the company and while they are treated with more respect than the Divas of the WWE they aren’t considered on the same level as the men of TNA.
The X Division is looked on as a proving ground type of division. TNA knows that the stars of the X Division have great matches which is why they usually open up PPV shows. The X Division Title isn’t on the same level as the World Title of TNA, and should be considered more of a secondary belt. While TNA doesn’t think that the X Division can main event a TNA Show, two breakout stars of the division definitely could, such as what AJ Styles, Fallen Angel and Samoa Joe were. Right now the breakout stars appear to be Kaz and Jay Lethal. At one point it was Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley but with their recent attitude problems many don’t see huge futures for either of them. That isn’t to say there isn’t a future in the X Division because when a star develops himself enough into a moneymaker, then he will break out of the X Division into the main division into TNA, at one point called the Heavyweight Division but hopefully being ridden of weight limits.
One thing I have been told though is that as long as there is TNA, there will always be an X Division.
____________
Back from break and Roxxi is in charge. Roxxi with a Sunset Flip for two and a spinebuster for another 2. All four knockouts are in, Taylor misses a splash. Roxxi goes for the Voodoo Drop but Velvet Sky sprays hairspray in her eyes. Velvet and Angelina hit the combination Bicycle Kick/Russian Leg Sweep for the win. After the match Cute Kip paperbags Roxxi. Taylor slaps Cute Kip but the Beautiful People beat her down. The Beautiful People are going to cut her hair but “War Machine” Rhino (copyrighted) comes in for the save. Wrestling promotions might be “fake” but at least they are smart enough to copyright their material.
Thoughts: The reason I mentioned the copyright thing was because there is currently a UFC Fighter who was trying to go by the name War Machine. Unfortunately UFC was not permitted to use it because it was copyrighted by TNA and by Rhino. The UFC Fighter went on a rant about a fake sport and such. How do you have a fake sport? How stupid must you look for whining about someone else following protocol by copyrighting a name?
____________
Commercial Break
I am loving how this “Old Guard vs New Blood” storyline is going. I believe TNA is trying to feature it as a Point of View angle where the fans decide who is right and who is wrong, therefore determining the faces and heels. The old guard seem to be made up of Sting, Angle, Booker T, Kevin Nash and Team 3D while AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, Jeff Jarrett, Matt Morgan, Abyss and Christian Cage hold down the fort for the new blood.
On one hand you might agree with the old guard that the young guns are disrespectful to the veterans who paved the way for them. On the other hand you may agree that the veterans need to be in turn respectful to the young kids and allow opportunity instead of holding them down. This angle is a big one and has many possible great points to it so stay tuned.
____________
It is time for Sting’s speech. Another “Who is Suicide” teaser is shown. Sting explained that he acted the way he did because the young kids in TNA cannot carry the company into the future. He said they have no respect and that he knew he couldn’t leave because of who would carry the torch. He explained the reason he attacked Joe at Victory Road was because Joe took it too far by flipping him off and attempting to hurt Booker T instead of just beating him. He explained that he got involved at Hard Justice because AJ Styles called him a coward and said he owed him. He said AJ took it too far by attacking Kurt Angle after the Last Man Standing Match. Sting said he paved the way for AJ and Joe and most of the spoiled young brats in the locker room. Sting said he would be the unpopular parent or the babysitter here in TNA. He called out someone to say different. That person was AJ Styles who said he respected and idolized Sting. AJ questioned Sting paving the way for him even though he helped build TNA from the ground. Sting said he would give AJ and opportunity at revenge as he handed his bat to AJ and turned around telling AJ to smack him in the head. AJ wouldn’t do it. AJ decided to spin Sting around but when he did, Sting hit the Scorpion Death Drop on AJ. All of a sudden Jeff Jarrett’s music played as the show came to a close.
Thoughts: This was a VERY good segment. Sting rushed in the beginning but did very well later on. The fans seem to be siding with Sting which is okay since this is a perspective storyline. Later on if they want the fans to sympathize with the young blood they really need to let them tell their sides of the story. I am looking forward to next week’s show, No Surrender and Bound For Glory. I seriously thought Jeff Jarrett was going to return tonight. While I prefer AJ vs Sting I do understand having Jarrett vs Sting soon as well. Jarrett has outsmarted Sting in the past, so he should worry. But then again, who hasn’t outsmarted Sting?
Show Grade: B+ No horrible parts of the show. Sting’s speech made the show interesting!
Show Rating: 1.1
Six Points of iMPACT (The Six most intriguing aspects of the product)
