It feels like almost every single year I am responding to comments that just rub me the wrong way. Now, before I get all the way into this – I respect Rob Van Dam and am a fan of his work, but it’s stuff like this that makes me lose every bit of respect for him.
“I’d imagine a lot of the old TNA guys are feeling like they’re taking a back seat. The thing is… you can’t argue with the numbers.”
While true, that doesn’t mean you have earned the right to discredit everything those “old TNA guys” did for not just wresting, not just TNA, not just for the fans, but for YOU.
“Last week TNA broke new all-time records for ratings! TNA needed a change. The 6-Sided Ring and the great technical wrestlers – that nobody knew – wasn’t working. TNA brought in two rock stars, and looking at the company now!”
This is the biggest joke of a comment I have ever read. You see, I get that the ratings are up in TNA (just a bit) but guess what – it’s called a team effort. If it wasn’t for AJ Styles then Van Dam wouldn’t have a chance to “boost” ratings like he thinks. I don’t care if Rob Van Dam thinks his s*** don’t stink when it comes to pro-wrestling but to discredit the hard work, which is what he did, of guys like AJ Styles is utterly unprofessional. The “great technical wrestlers that nobody knew about” is the reason TNA is still in business because people watched the program then to see THEM.
“Too, young, too green, too selfish to have the correct perspective.”
Too Young? Too Green? Too Selfish? Wow, talk about an egomaniac. Is he trying to give Hogan a run for his money? I think saying someone is “too selfish” is the pot calling the kettle black. AJ Styles, Jay Lethal, Kazarian, aren’t the ones creating a little blog to trash the talent that made the company what it is. Too green? I would love for Van Dam to explain how some of the TNA roster is “too green”, I would love for him to explain to me who exactly is “green” besides Rob Terry, Jesse Neal, and Magnus. Now, back to the “too selfish” part, he and Hogan should start an official “To Full Of Our Own Crap” club where they can stroke their own egos.
“More people watching TNA means more people exposed to the other wrestlers on the card too…as long as they’re good enough to hang around with the rising standards.”
I don’t think the “TNA Talent” is too selfish, it’s guys like Rob Van Dam who think because they worked for that company up north, their crap don’t stink. I think Rob needs to think back to that ECW in that little bingo hall about 10 years ago and think about what if a “superstar” from WWF or WCW would have came into ECW and said that stuff. Yeah, I’m glad TNA’s ratings are getting higher but it’s not by much, so stop stroking your own ego with that, Rob.
If you seriously think Van Dam has a right to say “as long as they’re good enough to hang around with the rising standards”, you’re out of your mind! There are about two “new” signings that can actually still go in the ring (or people actually care about in the ring) which are Rob Van Dam and Mr. Anderson. I didn’t include Jeff Hardy because he was there in the past… hey Rob.. what did that do for ratings back then? Oh wait, nothing. But, I digress. There are no “rising standards” it’s just Van Dam stroking his own ego and blowing smoke.
Van Dam is great talent but his ego stroking has to go before it kills the backstage morale in TNA. I don’t like to work with an egotistical jerk who decides to put himself over because he worked for some other company. I don’t care what you did in ECW nor WWE, this isn’t there and now isn’t then. This is a different time and it’s attitudes like this that WAS the down fall of WCW.
I am reminded of something that Mr. Anderson talked about in his shoot interview when he was talking about the WWE but it fits here now, apparently. There are two types of guys in the wrestling business. There those that are helping people to get the top of the mountain by throwing ropes down and encouraging you while the others are trying to kick you off and stay on their mountain. Which one is Rob Van Dam? You decide, I have my theory and my opinion… form your own.
[I would like to thank the great folks over at Kayfabe Commentaries for providing me with a copy of "YouShoot: Live" with Dixie Carter for this review!]
The DVD kicked off as your typical shoot interview with the ever so classic questions like “Where you a wrestling fan growing up?”, “How did you get into the wrestling business?”, etc, etc but the DVD gets pretty juicy! We of course couldn’t have an interview with the TNA President without the questions surrounding Vince Russo and comparisons to WCW. Carter really stood at the plate and took every single question thrown at her to which she answered straight forward, for the most part. There were a few questions that she tippy-toed around such as when she was asked about what current WWE star she would like to have in TNA Wrestling, while she didn’t exactly not answer the question, I got the feeling that she didn’t honestly answer the question because she made it seem like she wouldn’t sign anyone from the WWE because she was happy with the roster. I’m happy that she’s happy with the roster but I felt that was a cop-out answer to the question instead of answering it all the way.
I was personally looking forward to the live questions asked by the audience but in the end, I felt a little dis-appointed as there wasn’t that many questions actually asked. There might have been 10 (maybe a little more, maybe a little less) questions asked by the live audience and while it was a neat concept, I just felt it wasn’t all there but that was obviously something Kayfabe Commentaries couldn’t control. Also, what would a “YouShoot” be without Jim Cornette? Everyone’s favorite person makes an appearance where he asks Dixie Carter straight up: Why Vince Russo has a job in the wrestling business? Dixie Carter pulled no punches when replying to Jim Cornette’s question by stating that some of the things that the crowd was chanting “Fire Russo” at wasn’t even booked by Vince Russo, but by Jim Cornette’s good friend – Dutch Mantel. Ouch!
I’m sure this DVD will have it’s critics that say that Dixie Carter made excuses for TNA’s problems but the reasons Carter gave behind certain questions, made sense. She broke down why certain people are pushed, why certain things are done, and so on. I think overall is a great addition to any pro-wrestling fan’s DVD collection as this most likely will be your only chance to own a DVD where the owner of a major wrestling organization sits down and answers your questions! This will be the closet many of us will ever get to knowing what truly goes on behind the curtain in TNA Wrestling! You can purchase your copy at KayfabeCommentaries.com and picking it up.
Side Note: I would like to give the guys at Kayfabe Commentaries a huge amount of credit and respect for their production of all of the DVDs they put out. They are by far the best produced shoot interviews I have ever seen. You guys have revolutionized the world of shoot interviews, and my hat is off to you!
The game play is pretty much the same (if not identical) to it’s console counter part which is either a really good thing or a really bad thing depending which way you look at it. I for one loved the original game so I don’t mind the fact that the gameplay didn’t really change but I do feel that the gameplay works ten times better on a handheld platform compared to a console. Graphics are pretty standard for a handheld game but look great compared to some games I own for my Playstation Portable. Unfortunately, the playstation portable version really didn’t change a whole lot as far as the roster goes. There were a few guys removed from the game like Christian Cage while Consequences Creed was added. Is it weird I marked out over the fact Consequences Creed was added? Oh well. I’m disappointed in that due to the Nintendo DS version looking almost completely different as far as the roster goes. They not only had Hulk Hogan added but almost 100% of the roster was given updated attires with the exception of a few. I really enjoyed the multiplayer aspect of the game and felt it added a lot to the experience. I personally feel it’s the strongest aspect to an already strong game.
The final verdict is that I think the game is overall good for the price point which is $30 and could be one of the best wrestling games released on the Playstation Portable platform. I highly recommend you pick it up at your local GameStop or Walmart as it is well worth it just for the hours of fun playing multiplayer with friends.
I am for one hoping that SouthPeak releases not only a console version of TNA iMPACT (2?) in the future but gets an TNA application into the Apple store!
Rating: 4/5
(The lack of updated attires brought the rating down)
[Note: On behalf of everyone here at TNARevolution.com, I would like to send a special thank you out to Geoffrey Blair for sending out the review copies!]
First, sorry for the delay in getting this up but it’s here so let’s move on.
Before the pay-per-view began, those of us who had purchased the “Slammin’ Celebration” package was given a backstage tour. The tour was great and a fun little addition to set the experience apart from any other fan experiences TNA has done in the past. We got a great look at how everything is laid out at the iMPACT Zone and just had a good time. It was neat to learn that Mr. Anderson has multiple microphones hanging in the iMPACT Zone (one above the ring, one above the stage, and one above the interview set) instead of just one. We then were able to walk up the “gorilla position”, up onto the stage, down the ramp and into the stands which was pretty sweet.
Now, onto the pay-per-view. I was surprised that there was no pre-show dark match but Kurt Angle vs. Kazarian kicking off the pay-per-view got the crowd into the show. I felt like every match on the pay-per-view delivered to my expectations. I felt that AJ Styles vs. Jay Lethal was defiantly the match of the night for me followed up by Beer Money Inc vs. Mr. Anderson & Jeff Hardy as a close second. The main event between Sting vs. Van Dam was good but not Slammiversary main-event caliber to be fair. I did like the fact Jeff Jarrett showed up to cost Sting the championship as I think it worked more so than a regular finish would. The only compliant I have about the pay-per-view as a whole was the pre-match promos before some of the match. We had three pre-match promos in the ring, back to back! I understand doing one for Madison Rayne vs. Roxxi as that was a way to change the stipulation. Matt Morgan and Hernandez’s promo made sense and worked but there was zero need for Jesse Neal and Brother Ray to have one. First, it just killed the momentum of the show along with the pace of the show and second off, nobody bought it. I just didn’t see the point of the pre-match promo before Ray/Neal.
Of course, I need to talk about the debut of Tommy Dreamer. Due to the my seating in the iMPACT Zone, I was stuck behind where Dreamer showed up and when he showed up everyone stood up in front of me so I actually had no idea who or what was happening in the crowd until the “ECW” chant happened but still, didn’t explain who it was. When I got back to the hotel, I checked and saw it was Tommy Dreamer. While I’m not hating on Dreamer nor him being in TNA, I just expected something different for a surprise. Did I expect an earth shattering surprise? Not at all but just a little disappointed by Dreamer being the surprise.
The Slammiversary coverage continues with the final posting until all the festivities begin on Saturday night. So, let’s get straight into my predictions and thoughts on the actual card on paper.
Brother Ray vs. Jesse Neal
Quite possibly, the weakest match on the card. It’s not so much I’m expecting it to be a horrible match nor not looking forward to it, for a major event it doesn’t fit. TNA could’ve done something better with the X-Division but I digress. I expect it’ll be a half-way decent match with Jesse Neal picking up the victory. I just don’t see the point in creating a tag team, only for them to have one tag team match on pay-per-view for Jesse Neal to go back to a single match the next month. Plus, do you really care who wins this match? It’s one of those matches where no matter who wins.. it doesn’t change anything.
Prediction: Jesse Neal
Madison Rayne vs. Roxxi
I do not understand why Roxxi is getting a title shot. Sure, she picked up a pinfall win over Madison Rayne but does that really count as a way for a pay-per-view title shot? To me, no it does not. Roxxi has always been a hot and cold type deal. One minute she’s there, she’s over, and she’s doing good.. and then other times, she’s cutting a promo and making your ears bleed. Is she deserving of a title shot due to her talent in the ring? Yes. In storyline? No. If they would’ve had a #1 contenders battle royal or tournament and then she won, fine. But, getting a win over Rayne on iMPACT shouldn’t exactly be the way to pick up a title shot in my opinion. I do not see Rayne dropping the belt this soon, thankfully.
Prediction: Madison Rayne
Desmond Wolfe vs. Abyss
Again? Whatever. I’m a big fan of Desmond Wolfe and I honestly think TNA is starting to see that the fans do NOT want Abyss winning like he’s Hulk Hogan 2010. I just don’t see the reason for this match. Wolfe is going to get Chelsea back a few days after the pay-per-view due to the stipulation.. so why have the match?
Prediction: Desmond Wolfe
Brian Kendrick vs. Douglas Williams
While this match has received the least amount of build-up on iMPACT, I’m defiantly looking forward to this one. You have to two great in-ring competitors in this match with two different styles. I just wish this match had a bit more build-up but what can you do when you only have a certain amount of TV time a week? I do fully expect Douglas Williams to walk out still the TNA X-Division Champion and hope after Slammiversary, we can get the X-Division back going like it was early this year.
Prediction: Douglas Williams
Kurt Angle vs. Kazarian
I am really looking forward to this match without a doubt. I loved the match these two had on iMPACT in 2007 since they put on a phenomenal match. If they were able to do that on an iMPACT match-time, I’m really looking forward to what they can do with 20, 25, or even 30 minutes. I think this has good enough build up and it doesn’t really need a long-drawn out storyline of “I HATE YOU!” and “I HATE YOU MORE!” with 25 segments of brawling. It’s Kurt Angle wanting to earn a title shot and not just be handed one. Great idea.
Kurt Angle
AJ Styles vs. Jay Lethal
First, I like the idea behind this match. It’s kind of “win or go home” for Styles in the eyes of “The Nature Boy” along with trying to “impress” Flair while Kazarian does also which leads to me to believe that Kazarian will get involved. I see this match going on before Angle/Kazarian so Kazarian will come out (knowing his appearance would distract Styles), this distracts Styles, Lethal rolls up Styles for the steal. Styles looks shocked as Kazarian smiles and walks away knowing with Styles “going home” by Flair this will give him the perfect chance to step up to the plate. Later in the night, Styles costs Kazarian his match with Angle which leads to a “double turn” with Styles turning back into the babyface he should be and Kazarian officially going heel.
Prediction: Jay Lethal
The Band vs. Matt Morgan & ?
The lack of knowing the partner makes this match less interesting which makes it almost of zero intreats to a lot of people just due to The Band. I see Hernandez or Samoa Joe being Morgan’s partner leading to them not co-existing and having a future singles match.
The Band
Beer Money Inc vs. Mr. Anderson & Jeff Hardy
I’m looking forward to this match and am a huge fan of everyone in this match besides Hardy. This match could go either way with two different endings, the first is the most-obvious with Hardy and Anderson co-existing to pick up the win. But, also.. them co-existing and losing causing Anderson to attack Hardy because he’s such an a**hole. Regardless, I look for this to be a good tag team match.
Prediction: Beer Money Inc
Sting vs. Rob Van Dam
This is kind of a lack-luster main event in my opinion. Now, don’t get me wrong I have enjoyed the build up and think the match will be good. But, I just don’t feel this is a great main event for Slammiversary. Now, I could just be sucking sour-grapes due to the lack of King of the Moutain but I don’t feel Sting should be in the main event of this pay-per-view when he wasn’t won a lengthy match in a while. I can see this going either way though I have to go with Van Dam.
Prediction: Rob Van Dam
I received my complete set of “Cross the Line” two-packs from Jakks Pacific, today. So, let’s kick off the EXCLUSIVE coverage of Slammiversary with HQ Images and review!
Beer Money Incorporated
Head scans – The head scans on both Robert Roode and James Storm blew me away. I’ve been a collector of wrestling figures for a good while now and this (so far) has to be my favorite head scans of all time. I also love how they head scans reflect their characters. You have Storm rocking a very goofy smile like we’ve seen many times before while Roode has this smug look on his face. It fits both of them perfectly.
Ring Attire – Jakks Pacific did another wonderful job on the attire but seemed to hit a snag. On the back of Beer Money Inc’s tights, they rock the bottle cap with Storm’s logo inside of it with “It Pays To Be Roode” around it. Well, Jakks Pacific put “It Pays To Be Rhode” in it instead. I’m no action figure maker, but that’s a silly mistake that should’ve been avoided. Other than that, I’m happy that Jakks added “Storm” and “Roode” back to the front of their tights since it was seemingly removed a few
Over-All – I’m satisfied with the figures besides the lack of accessories included. Yes, Storm has his cowboy hat and sunglasses but nothing else. I completely understand they can’t put a beer bottle in a toy, but it would’ve been nice to include something else. A chair would’ve been fine or even the TNA World Tag Titles. But, I digress.
Rating 8/10 (due to lack of accessories and mistake on the ring gear)
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Mick Foley vs. Samoa Joe
This is a rather strange two-pack seeing as there was others that could’ve been put in this place, but let’s get to the review.
Head Scans – The TNA line so far seems to have some great head scans and these two are no different. Foley and Joe both have very detailed scans with both of this looks roughly based off around April 2009. Jakks did another great job on these scans.
Ring Attire – While both of these guys have pretty basic attires, Jakks didn’t take that many short cuts. Samoa Joe’s tight design goes from the front to the back with a nice tribal/samoan design on it. Foley is rocking his TNA released t-shirt, a rubber flannel jacket with a complete design on the back, and plain black tights. Now, Foley is also wearing his almost trademark leopard print boots that is fully designed all the way around them. They only disappointing factor is the fact Samoa Joe is NOT wearing “kickers” (kickpads) but traditional wrestling boots. It doesn’t match up with his look since he’s rarely, if ever, worn boots with kickpads.
Over All – I’m very impressed with this two pack besides the flaw with Samoa Joe. Other than that, it’s perfect.
Rating: – 8.5/10 (lack of accessories and lack of kick-pads on Joe took away from it. Foley’s flannel t-shirt design, gave it the edge over an 8/10.
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The Main Event Mafia (Scott Steiner and Kevin Nash) – This two pack was set to be Booker T and Scott Steiner (based off their tag title run) but after Booker’s release Kevin Nash replaced him so now we can relive the greatness that was The Main Event Mafia.. well.. almost.
Head Scans – Again, another phenomenal job on head scans by Jakks Pacific. Both of them resemble themselves perfectly, down to a tee really. They also chose the perfect look for Scott Steiner with a nice screaming head scan.
Ring Attire – Jakks didn’t pull any punches with these two ring-attires. The attires, as far as I can tell, are perfect with zero detail missing. Steiner’s got his logos on both his legs and along on both of his boots. Nash is wearing his red “Mafia” attire with his log on the front with black lines on the side. Can’t get much simpler than that.
Over All – With the included accessories being perfect for Scott Steiner, it gives the advantage to them from this entire set. Steiner’s trademark sunglasses and head gear is included making this a perfect two-pack.
Rating – 10/10. Perfect.
—
Now, i’m sure you’re wanting to know “WHERE CAN I SEE THE IMAGES!?!”, take a stroll over to the the account I set up for my Slammiversary coverage to see HQ images of the figures. There are 38 images all total.. so.. enjoy! Click Here To See the Images. Check back later in the week for more coverage as we get closer to Slammiversary.
It’s a weekend so big, we’re not going to make you wait until Saturday for coverage! Check out the full details of our coverage of the mega-Slammiversary weekend that’ll be provided by me below.
Tuesday: June 8th
We’ve waited since February of 2008 for this and the time has finally arrived! I will receive the TNA Cross the Line Two-Packs featuring Beer Money Incorporated, Scott Steiner & Kevin Nash, and Mick Foley & Samoa Joe. I will provide some of the first detailed images of the complete set mint on card AND loose out of the packaging!
Thursday: June 10th
I will then take a look at the Slammiversary line up and give my thoughts and predictions on it. But, if you want to join the fun – send us YOUR Slammiversary predictions and I’ll post them along with mine.
Saturday: June 12th
I’ll bring you, whatever I can get from the Anniversary Party from the Nascar Cafe in City Walk. Many of the TNA stars will be an hand for the event including TNA Founder, Jeff Jarrett along with TNA President, Dixie Carter. Food, games, drinks, music.. and The Beautiful People. That’s a party.
Sunday: June 13th
It’s a big day for TNA in two ways. First off, that afternoon starting at 12:00PM they along side the great folks over at Jakks Pacific will officially unveil the brand new TNA Action Figures (Deluxe iMPACT Series 1) with a press conference. You think that’s cool? Not only that, due to the “Slammin’ Celebration” deal I’ll also have the COMPLETE first Series of figures and everyone from the series will be on hand including Jeff Jarrett, Kurt Angle, AJ Styles, Suicide, Samoa Joe, and Sting. Also, due to the fact I’m not going to be alone – I’ll be able to provide detailed mint on card and loose images of the figures! Then, at 6:00 – I will be treated to a backstage tour of the iMPACT Zone (along with the others who purchased the deal). And, to close off a very awesome day – TNA Slammiversary 2010 will go LIVE on pay-per-view. Stay tuned to my Twitter account for live thoughts on the show thorough the evening.
Monday: June 14th
I will have a full review of Slammiversary up on Monday before taking off to the TNA iMPACT Zone for unfortunately, my final day in Orlando with a live taping of TNA iMPACT. But, I’m not going to leave you high and dry.. I’ll be back on Thursday with a review of iMPACT with thoughts on the show as I saw it and as it aired on television. Two reviews in one, kind of.
So.. call your friends, text your friends, tweet your friends because I’m bringing you everything from Orlando, Florida with a huge Slammin’ Celebration.
First, I would like to send a big thank you over to the great folks at Tristar who were kind enough to send me out a blaster box of the new TNA Trading Cards, appropriately named “TNA: The New Era”. Unfortunately, I accidentally shot the box break video in Macro Mode so, can’t use that but don’t fret – still got you covered!
You then your pretty basic cards featuring all the talent with their own card. I ended up pulling seven-teen of these cards including the TNA debut card of Jeff Hardy and Eric Bischoff’s debut TNA card! I’m sure Don West is already walking around yelling “GEM MINT ROOKIE CARD!”. What? I can’t be the only one thinking that. Anyways, the one thing I really like about the basic cards is that most of them give you little facts about each TNA wrestler, that you might not have known otherwise like the fact Lacey Von Erich owns an adverting company or even that Brian Kendrick worked as a dishwasher at a pizza parlor to earn money for his wrestling training.
The one thing I like about the Tristar cards compared to other wrestling cards is the different sub-sets they have within all the TNA lines over the past few years. This year is no different featuring “Monday Night Magic”, “Dynamic Duo”, “The Nature Boy” and of course, “The Pop Icon”. The sub-sets are pretty much self-explontary but the “Monday Night Magic” has to be my favorite sub-set so far. There are ten cards in that one sub-set that look back at the biggest night in TNA history. The cards in the “Monday Night Magic” all look back at the March 8th, 2010 edition of “TNA iMPACT”. I ended up pulling three from the “Monday Night Magic” sub-set including “TNA iMPACT! moves to Monday” which is based on the announcement by Dixie Carter & Hulk Hogan in the iMPACT Zone back in February of this year. The other sub-sets are pretty cool as well, I ended up pulling a Hulk Hogan & Abyss from the “Dynamic Duo” subset which makes my third Hulk Hogan card from this one box.
Obviously, the blaster box comes with one guaranteed autograph so I’m sure you’re wondering who I pulled. I ended up pulling a Homicide autograph card! Tristar does a great job on all their cards but there’s something about the autograph cards, that I just love. While, I love this set I’m actually kind of disappointed they didn’t do another “Then and Now” sub-set! I’m pretty sure it’s been featured on every release besides this one and it’s one of the sub-sets I look forward to, each release. I have my fingers crossed that it will return in the next release I really am impressed by Tristar and how they’re able to take such a limited in size roster and make a 100 card set out of them. I’m not going to speculate on how long Tristar & TNA’s deal is – but let’s keep our fingers crossed that it’s a partnership that never ends because it’s a great combo! My hat is off to Tristar for yet another amazing release of TNA cards. Maybe the next one could be an all X-Division set? Hmm.
If you would like to find out what stores around you carry the brand new “TNA: The New Era” trading cards, check out a list here. Also, you can pick them up from ShopTNA.com!
[Note: Check back for scans in the upcoming days!]
Over the past few years, I’ve honestly became addicted to TNA live events weather it’s a house show, a television taping, or a pay-per-view – I can’t pass up the chance to go. So, when TNA announced their return to Macon, Georgia, I knew I had to be there!
The first thing I want to talk about is the new “Meet and Greet” before the show. This show saw TNA give those of us who purchased 50.00 (first three row) seats, a meet and greet! They lead us into the venue and to Don West who explained how everything would work. It was handled pretty much the same way post-show signings are handled with the talent going around the ring and signing. TNA went beyond what they had to do for this meet and greet. They didn’t just give us the “smaller names”, oh no, they gave us everyone on the line-up besides three guys (Matt Morgan, Rob Van Dam, and Jay Lethal). You had Abyss, AJ Styles, Alex Shelley, Chris Sabin, Desmond Wolfe, Mr. Anderson, ODB, Tara, Shark Boy and James Storm all walking around the ring signing autographs and taking photos with everyone who wanted it. For a group of people who only had about 24 hours of a break before getting back on the road, they were amazing and having just as much fun as we were. But, oh no, the signing didn’t end there because Jeff Jarrett was signing over at the merchandise table for free if you had a program and $20 for a personalized 8×10 photograph! I finally got to meet Jeff Jarrett after about 5 years of trying and for someone who had been promoting all day at radio stations and TV stations, Jarrett made sure everyone who wanted an autograph got one. Then after the show, they did the usual “autograph party” so I stuck around and luckily got Jay Lethal in my new program and two 8x10s (also got Alex Shelley and CHris Sabin on 8x10s I had brought). So, if you add all that up – you pretty much got your $50 worth with the autograph signings through out the evening. [Note: Tara was signing at Intermission and Abyss was signing following the main event]
Obviously, the “main course” of the show is the actually matches. TNA always puts on the best cards possible with house shows.
“The Monster” Abyss defeated “Cowboy” James Storm in the opening contest:
James Storm came out to an actual pretty positive fan response but typical James Storm can’t let a Georgia crowd cheer him, Storm got on the microphone pre-match and ripped into Georgia. Got a good amount of heat on him pre-match. Abyss came out to a good reaction, possibly the best reaction I’ve heard Abyss get live out of the ten shows I’ve been to. Storm controls a good percentage of the match but Abyss “Hulks Up” and hits a big boot followed by a “Black Hole Slam” for the pinfall victory. Crowd pops for Abyss’ victory. Abyss does the whole Hogan “ear cup” stuff for the fan reaction. Storm still seems a little beat up from “Lethal Lockdown” with his ribs (as reported here and on TNARevolution’s twitter).
Desmond Wolfe defeated “Black Machismo” Jay Lethal:
No pre-match promo for this match which is fine since neither one of them needed it. Lethal got a good sized pop for his entrance and a good bit of “Black Machismo” chants through out the match. Wolfe had a good bit of heat on him but it was your typical “USA!” chants which Wolfe sold beautifully. Lethal got in a good bit of offense through out the entire match but Wolfe ended up picking up the victory after he pulled the referee to block Lethal, who was on the top rope going for the “Elbow Drop”. Wolfe took the opening to crotch Lethal and hit the “Tower of London” for the pinfall victory. Wolfe leaves the ring and the referee & Lethal shake hand and share a little hug after the referee explained what happened at the end.
Tara defeated ODB
Both had their fair share of positive reaction but I think ODB might’ve been the more over of the two. Tara had some decent sized heat on her in the middle of the match but she couldn’t keep it, I guess because of the fact she’s a name in wrestling. Tara got the win with her feet on the ropes. After the match Tara beat down on ODB a bit but ODB fought back. Tara bails as ODB picks up her Flask. Good match.
Jeff Jarrett defeated Mr. Anderson… ANDERSON!
Before the match Mr. Anderson makes JB (Jeremy Borash) do push ups. Borash starts to do the push ups and for every push up he does, Anderson counts it as “1″. Anderson pokes fun at JB, really funny stuff. Jeff Jarrett comes out and hilarity soon follows. Jarrett forces Anderson to do push-ups or he was going to pay the referee to take a walk so Jarrett could have his way with Anderson using the steel chair. Anderson does the push ups and for every push up he does, we count as “1″. Anderson throws a fit and says “COUNT THEM RIGHT!”.
Jarrett lets JB count after 2-3 times of us playing with Mr. Anderson, JB gets to 10 and right as he says 10 Jarrett kicks Anderson in the ribs. The match started right then and was back and forth until a ref. bump. Anderson rolls to the floor, grabs the chair, and rolls back in. He trash talks the down referee (seriously) before placing the chair in-between the first and second turnbuckle. Anderson goes to run Jarrett into the chair but Jarrett reveres it and sends Anderson head first into it. Jarrett hits the stroke to pick up the win. Great match.
We then have intermission where the people with backstage passes go backstage and if you don’t, Tara is at the merchandise table signing.
Matt Morgan & Shark Boy defeated The Motor City Machine Guns to retain the TNA World Tag Team Titles
Pre-match Matt Morgan cuts a promo talking about how “they” were being forced to find a tag team partner for the night. He said “they” searched high and low, land and sea, but couldn’t find anymore. Can I get a Shell Yeah?! Shark Boy comes out and makes himself Morgan’s tag team partner. A good little tag team match, Morgan has a lot of heat on him. Guns & SharkBoy are getting a huge reaction (SharkBoy had one of the top pops of the night). SharkBoy gets the pinfall for the victory. Shark Boy & Morgan celebrate like they just won the World Series but it’s a short celebration for SharkBoy. He gets hit with the “Carbon Footprint” for stealing the spotlight from Morgan. Morgan takes both tag team title belts and leaves the ringside area.
Rob Van Dam defeated AJ Styles to retain the TNA World Heavyweight Championship
I was really interested in the reaction AJ Styles would get.. wow! Styles had a lot of heat on him despite it being in Georgia. Lots of “AJ Sucks” chants along with “RVD” chants even before Van Dam entered. Van Dam makes his entrance and it’s official, the Macon City Auditorium no longer has a roof. Styles controls most the match but doesn’t get in many of his usual moves, only really got in his one “normal” move, the picture-perfect drop kick. Dis-appointed in the lack of a “Pele” kick but still a great match. Van Dam picks up the victory following a Five Star Frog Splash. Van Dam celebrates.
Van Dam then took pictures in the ring for $10, I think the price drop was because you were forced to use your own camera because the normal way, where they take your picture and then print it, wasn’t working. Great show all around. TNA really delivers every time.
A few notes:
There were a lot more kids there this time than last time. It made for a quieter crowd in my opinion. The last show in Macon, there were loads of dueling chants and chants in general but this one.. the only real chant was “AJ Sucks”. Despite two to four dives to the floor, there was very little “TNA” chants or reaction to them period. Not blaming the kids just blaming the lack of knowledge about the product. It’s like someone saw “WRESTLING SHOW” and just decided to go. That’s fine, but when it’s about 75% of your crowd, it kills the show and the matches because the wrestlers fuel off the crowd. The babyface can’t make his comeback without the fans and when there’s little to no clapping/cheering/chanting/etc for the babyface, it just makes for an eh experience. The matches and experience were great, but the crowd besides for a certain % was pretty blah.
Overall, it was well worth the $200 or so on tickets, the hour long drive, the 20 minutes to figure out where to park (seriously), and was just a lot of fun. My advice to TNA though, NEVER EVER run the Macon City Auditorium again. Parking’s a pain and the lighting is horrible. Sure, the Coliseum will look empty but at least, you’ve got easy parking and better lighting. I’ll hopefully be heading down to beautiful Orlando, Florida in June for the yearly “Slammiversary” Pay-Per-View and can’t wait. If you like me doing these write-ups for shows, I’ll be happy to keep doing them.
Show Rating [Matches, Flow, Fan Interaction, etc] 5/5
[Note: All images shown are only to be used by TNARevolution.com. These are my personal photographs and are not to be used, edited, or saved without written permission from mysself]
- Sarita vs. Alissa Flash – TNA Impact 7/16/09
- AJ Styles vs. Kurt Angle – TNA Impact (Tables Match) 1/22/09
- Sting vs. Kurt Angle – TNA Impact (Empty Arena Match) 2/19/09
- Kurt Angle vs. Jeff Jarrett – TNA Genesis 1/11/09
- Homicide vs. Amazing Red vs. Suicide vs. Motor City Machine Guns vs. Daniels -TNA Bound For Glory (Ultimate X) 10/18/09
- Sting vs. AJ Styles – TNA Bound For Glory 10/18/09
- Desmond Wolfe vs. Kurt Angle – TNA Turning Point 11/15/09
- AJ Styles vs. Samoa Joe vs. Daniels – TNA Turning Point 11/15/09
Match Selection
There is about eight matches on the DVD, which for a “best of” is kind of lacking but the selection itself makes up for here for the most part. The first match I disagree with being on the set is Sting vs. Kurt Angle from iMPACT (The Empty Arena Match). Seriously? There wasn’t a different match they could’ve picked if they just needed a “filler”? Not only that they have the audacity to call it the “Best Grudge Match” and then follow it up with Jeff Jarrett vs. Kurt Angle which was truly the “Best Grudge Match”. Secondly, the “Best iMPACT Match” is AJ Styles vs. Kurt Angle’s table match. While it wasn’t a horrible match by no means at all, it just doesn’t scream “Best iMPACT Match” to me. The other match selections are much improved but still, just seems lacking for a “Best of” DVD.
“Bonus”
Um, well, there is no real “bonus” on the DVD. The Hogan announcement, the Dixie Carter interview from iMPACT and a music video. Stuff (besides the MV) we’ve already seen.
Over-All
If you wait and get it from an “Insane Deal” or on sale at FYE, Best, Buy, etc – great. But, it’s not really worth the $14.99 ShopTNA is selling it for at all. There should’ve been more matches or at least replace Sting/Angle and Sarita/Flash with two better matches that people could “sink” their teeth into. They could’ve tossed in some interviews in-between matches or even on the “Bonus” side of things with the wrestlers, Dixie, etc giving their thoughts on the year. Just not really worth $14.99 unless your a completest.
Rating: 5/10
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