Post by Talon Thorne on Apr 16, 2008 19:14:27 GMT -5
TNA 101
This is TNA Wrestling
By Talon Thorne
Hello once again my students. It is time for yet another episode on TNA 101. This was a roller coaster of a week filled with good and bad news. Most of all this week saw an extreme amount of criticism from all different angles. This special edition of TNA 101 is called “This is TNA Wrestling” and will feature a small article on what the TNA Brand is! Let’s get to the subjects at hand
A Few Notes
-TNA 101 is officially announcing that “Wrestling News Site” Gerweck.net is UNRELIABLE. Gerweck recently started a rumor that Samoa Joe’s contract was up in June. Many other sites including this one followed suit and reported it as well. Understandably they didn’t want to be behind in the news which is why they reported it. But when it was confirmed that Samoa Joe contract doesn’t end for a few years, most sites reported the change citing the confusion. Gerweck.net decided to dig themselves a bigger hole by lying again and stating that Samoa Joe recently signed a new contract, which is false. Gerweck was also the site that began the rumors that TNA was thinking about phasing out the X Division Title and also reported that Joe only made 50,000 dollars a year. Scholars, Gerweck.net joins Steveswrestling.com as a faulty source, don’t get your news there.
-I suggest that all of you head over to Wrestlezone.com and listen to the Konnan vs Glen Gilberti debate. I personally enjoyed it and if you want an idea on how TNA Booking is thinking, this is perfect for you.
-On Paul Heyman: Heyman recently did a report “shooting” on TNA and burying the product saying TNA has no brand. I have mixed feelings about this as TNA does have branded stars unlike what Paul Heyman said. They do need to figure out where they are taking the company and they do need to differentiate themselves from the WWE more. How ROH has its own brand when most fans don’t even know what ROH is, is beyond me. But this is from Paul Heyman who could never build a niche product. ECW was definitely branded, but was never #2 in the wrestling war.
-On Mike Johnson: I respect and like Mike Johnson. On most cases his and Pwinsider.com’s reports happen to be true. Unlike other sites to remain nameless, he is actually pretty positive towards the TNA Product. Lastly whenever I email him a question, he always replies to the best of his knowledge.
-On Abyss potentially losing his mask: While this hasn’t been reported, let me say that if this happens, it will be a HUGE mistake. Abyss is a TNA Branded character (despite what Paul Heyman might tell you. The mask is part of his persona. Completely changing his character would kill any momentum he has. If he loses the mask, he will likely become a generic wrestler like many others. With that said, I am enjoying this angle he is involved in.
-On the recent Smartmark Column- I just can’t fathom someone coming on a TNA site to run down the company the site is dedicated to. Then to tell the fans of TNA to watch Ring of Honor’s, horribly produced show is ludicrous (as Glen Gilbertti would say).
TNA Cross the Line
For me, if TNA’s Cross the Line slogan truly could be a slogan they could follow. Why stay with “We are Wrestling” when you don’t offer as much as the opponent? I like that instead of eliminating what many fans view as negatives for the company, TNA now emphasizes. What is this line, Expectation, Tradition, Morality? Whatever it is this could be a good direction for the company that to me offers the best wrestling on TV and is continuing to correct it’s flaws.
iMPACT! Report Card
“Til Death Do us Part”
February 14, 2008
Action
-The Handicap Match (Brother Devon vs Shark Boy and Curry Man) was nothing special all the while not being bad. I liked how Mike Tenay mentioned Shark Boy dominating the past few weeks up until the level of competition rising. Brother Devon wins after Ray hit Curry Man with the scale. Hmmm, wonder what Johnny Devine’s future has in store.
-I enjoyed the Scott Steiner vs Petey Williams match. It wasn’t as good as the PPV Match but was decent. I like how both Scott Steiner’s and Petey Williams’ characters are progressing. Scott Steiner’s freak Rhaka Kahn is pretty interesting as well. TNA seems to really be playing up this “Cross the Line” slogan as Steiner played the heel (with Kahn’s interference) and the face (helping Williams up after the match). I personally like the slogan.
-I enjoyed the Tag Team Match pitting AJ and Tomko vs Samoa Joe and Kevin Nash. Christian Cage being laid out only opened up the promo from Samoa Joe saying “Come on big man, its time to go to work”. The match was a normal tag team match. I liked seeing Kevin Nash lift up the referee and put him aside so he could help his partner. Kurt Angle interfered leading to Samoa Joe taking the pin. Why couldn’t Kevin Nash take the pin? It all built up to Destination X where it will be Angle’s Alliance vs Samoa Joe, Christian Cage and Kevin Nash in a 6-Man War. Samoa Joe had a good promo where he said he couldn’t cash in on his title shot until he eliminated Angle’s Alliance.
-The Rellik-Eric Young Match was too short. It pretty much played up to how Young was scared of Rellik, and he ended up taking a clothesline to lose the match.
-I hated the Nascar 3-Way Match between Chris Sabin, Jimmy Rave and Homicide. The match would have been good if not for the announcing of Jimmy Spencer (who by the way sounded retarded) and the outside interactions of the Nascar Drivers. It was all to hype up the Daytona 500 this weekend.
-The Awesome Kong/ODB Street Fight was okay. I loved how ODB’s hair was sticking straight up by the end of the match. The match saw some okay action but it was too short to be broken up by a commercial. Gail Kim’s involvement was cool as we look to either be building towards a #1 Contenders Match between ODB and Gail Kim or a 3-Way involving all three ladies for Destination X.
Entertainment
-I enjoyed the Samoa Joe contract signing. I like how Jim Cornette eliminated all the problems of past contract signings (Kurt Angle, Matt Morgan, the Table). When Christian Cage came out I felt bad for Jim Cornette on how he has been trying so hard to sign Joe only for something to stop it. The interaction between Joe and Cage was good. I thought the two would go at it when Cage implied that it was Joe’s fault he lost at Against All Odds. I was excited for the tag match later in the show.
-I enjoyed the segments with Tomko. It showed that he was his own man while working on a team. He was just looking out for his own well being knowing there is strength in numbers. I am glad TNA is eliminating all the feuding partners in TNA
-I really enjoyed the segment right before the Brother Devon vs Shark Boy and Curry Man match. I am glad that TNA is using comedy in the right situation. Brother Ray was really funny here since he couldn’t make weight. He was doing some funny things like praying and removing his clothing. Earl Hebner was really good here as well.
-The Booker T segments were okay knowing he was waiting for Robert Roode, who ended up not showing up. This showed how pissed he was and how he wanted to get his hands on Roode. Cornette made a match next week where Booker will get to let go of some of his frustration against Kurt Angle.
-What was the deal with Abyss? It probably is him thinking about if it is worth the pain anymore. The storyline could be really good as long as he doesn’t end up losing the mask.
-I liked the Rellik Interview talking about how he will drill a hole in Eric Young’s head, poke his eyeballs out and mix them in a martini. Real good visual here.
-The Rhino Promo was okay but he was heavily sweating through the whole thing. It was to set up an Elevation X Match between Rhino and James Storm at Destination X.
-I have mixed reactions about the Wedding Ceremony mainly because I don’t like them. This one was surely different and it was short.
Other
-Where was Black Machismo on this show? I thought Jim Cornette promised him something big but he didn’t even make an appearance. He had a great match at Against All Odds and saved the X Division. He should at least have gotten a video package.
Grade: C+
Overall Thoughts: There was 27 minutes of okay wrestling on the show. The worst parts of the show were that there was no Jay Lethal and the Angle Wedding was okay. I liked seeing the re-introduction of Rellik as well as the other matches. The Nascar thing sucked however. Overall (creative wise) this was one of the most logical episodes of iMPACT! TNA has done recently, with good build towards Destination X. The wrestling was unfortunately below average, which takes away from the grade.
Show Rating: 1.0
Feedback
From Suzanne (my favorite critic)
On Bobby Knight coming to TNA- If it indeed does happen, I think it would be pretty good. TNA is more prone to using celebrities and sports figures in its show and this is no different. To me his role as a “Head Coach” in TNA is to move the company to a more serious one by giving pep talks and motivating the wrestlers. As long as it isn’t as much as Pacman Jones was, I would say good move TNA.
I will give you that Bob Knight is more well known then any of the other waste of space celebrities that TNA usually goes after but it comes down to it he is taking away a spot from a actual talent. I don't see what he could do for TNA even if they could sign him.
I don’t see it the same way as you do. Once again I see things for what’s best for TNA, not what’s best for the individual talent. TNA is going to bring in celebrities and sports figures because that’s their style. I truly believe they intend on bringing Bobby Knight in as a “Head Coach” of sorts to be a figure head and the face of a more serious direction for TNA. What is the bigger problem to you, too much comedy in TNA, or Jimmy Rave not receiving enough TV time?
And him coming to TNA doesn’t necessarily take TV time away from anyone. Not saying they will, but the Bobby Knight Segments make in turn eliminate other repetitive segments in TNA.
On the return of World’s X Cup- For anyone who said TNA doesn’t listen to its fans, this is proof that in fact they do. A specialty of the X Division will be returning to TNA this year. I have loved past World’s X Cup Tournaments and look forward to this year’s as well. Way to go TNA.
I am sorry but just because TNA is finally bringing back something that they never should have gotten rid of in the first place like the World’s X Cup Tournaments in no way indicates that the Creative Team in TNA remotely care about what fans think.
The reason they eliminated the World’s X Cup in the first place is because it was too much of a hassle to bring in talent. On the forums around the net multiple people have asked for the World’s X Cup to return because they like seeing it. TNA is bringing back the World’s X Cup which is what the fans wanted and will help improve the X Division.
As for you saying TNA doesn’t care what the fans think, (By the way in future e-mails I receive please don’t include vulgarity or profanity, I don’t accept this kind of feedback and I won’t respond to it furthermore).that is a ludicrous statement. Despite what all the critics say, TNA is improving slowly. Fans complained that Petey Williams was being ignored, and now he is in the midst of storylines. Samoa Joe should be World Champion, and currently is being groomed for a run at Destination X or Lockdown. You complained that the X Division was in shambles, and they just did a huge storyline building up Jay Lethal, the Machine Guns and Johnny Devine amongst others. There is a large number of things TNA has corrected over time that fans tend to ignore.
(On Renaissance Fans) critics of TNA are those traditional ones who are set in their ways. Are you a renaissance fan?
NO they are not, most critics of TNA are people who are what you call Renaissance Fans who clearly can see that TNA is f**king up one of the most talented rosters in this business ever by not learning from the mistakes of wrestling companies that came before TNA that are no longer around.
First of all, I invented the term Renaissance Fans so I define what they are, not you. The reason I call TNA loyalists, Renaissance Fans is because TNA has undergone a HUGE change from the days of 2005. RF’s (Renaissance Fans) love all kinds of styles of wrestling/ entertainment.
There are stars in TNA that the company doesn’t use very well like Fallen Angel. However there are many stars being built to be huge stars. As for your final statement, I will agree with you when an actor wins the World Title.
TNA’s biggest enemy right now isn’t WWE but the TNA Critics.
You are right TNA’s biggest enemy right now isn’t WWE, its themselves. They need to forget that their is a WWE and focus on TNA and nothing other then TNA. The fact that they do not do that is why they have critics because almost all of the wrestling websites have Vince McMahon with a passion and would love TNA to eventually down the road in the future compete and then take him out but they are also smart enough to see that TNA is never going to be competition for WWE unless they make some major changes and I mean now.
I agree that there are many things I would like TNA to improve on. TNA is in its growing stages like WWE, WCW, ECW, and the NWA were before it. It has made many mistakes of the past and will continue making them. TNA will learn from those mistakes but not all at once. It will be a step by step thing and eventually work itself out. There are changes that do need to be made but should the not be made soon, doesn’t mean TNA will die. TNA will not die a year from now or five years from now. The reason is because while TNA is making mistakes, they are intelligent enough to know when it is time for a change. The soonest I would see TNA dying if it does indeed die is in the least 5 years from now (which won’t happen). Bank on it!
The WWE Style of Wrestling: More In-Ring Psychology. Heavyweight Style, Slower, hard hitting wrestling. Contained, old school style of wrestling where many high flying moves are banned as well as dangerous moves. Rules are heavily enforced.
WWE does not ban moves. They may not allow certain wrestlers to use certain moves but that is because another wrestler already uses the move and they don't want the guys doing the same things. They don't stop people from doing highspots but they don't want you to do alot of them in one match because they want those moves to have actual meaning. Which TNA should probably do also because alot of their matches while entertaining when they happen are forgettable the next day if not before the end of a card and the same goes for garbage spots.
The Shooting Star Press and 450 Splash are both banned maneuvers because they are considered dangerous. Also Chokeholds are now banned and for the most part so are Piledrivers.
TNA has better wrestling on most occasions (Consist of mix of both IWC and Mainstream Wrestling Fans)
ROH does but no TNA does not have better wrestling at all, its not even close. They should because they are deeper but they simply don't.
TNA has just as good of wrestling that ROH does. The only problem is that at times the booking constrains it or gets in the way of it. Judged solely on the wrestling, TNA would have way more MOTY candidates.
(WWE) Emphasis on Entertainment/ TNA emphasizes both Action and Entertainment. 50/50 in the company.
Storylines take over more of the show on RAW not ECW or SMACKDOWN and TNA IMPACT has just as much storylines then any RAW show.
TNA has more storylines than Raw. However some of the storylines get mixed in with the action. However the action is much better in TNA.
(WWE) Women are used more for T&A purposes. The women’s division has few great wrestlers (exceptions are Beth Phoenix, Mickie James, Candice Michelle and Victoria)
I would say that talent wise over all WWE Divas are just as talented as TNA Knockouts. Inside the ring the Knockouts get more respect but out side of the ring Divas are treated with alot more respect.
I love seeing you compare the TNA Knockouts to the WWE Divas. With the exception of the four girls above the rest just can’t put on a decent match. TNA has Awesome Kong, Gail Kim, ODB, Roxxi Laveaux, Jackie Moore, Traci Brooks, Payton Banks and so many more. I don’t know how you consider that the Divas get more respect outside the ring than the Knockouts.
(TNA) Best Women’s Division in wrestling today
Actually SHIMMER is the best Women's wrestling today.
Shimmer is such a great organization that anytime TNA comes calling, the stars leave SHIMMER and go to TNA.
(TNA) Above average emphasis on tag team wrestling. Mild emphasis on short term teams with a lot of long term tag teams
Neither TNA nor WWE focus on tag team wrestling.
TNA has many tag teams within its ranks. While currently the Tag Division isn’t the focal point it definitely is important. However I will say that Ring of Honor has a great tag division.
(ROH) Smallest company with smallest, but most vocal fanbase. (Mostly from the IWC)
ROH is just as big as TNA is. The only difference is TNA has a TV deal and ROH does not.
Wrong again! Comparing 1.3 Million fans to 5,000 is just a joke. TNA has a videogame deal, a toy deal, a bigger audience, star studded talent, and celebrity involvement.
(ROH) ROH Style of Wrestling: Different version of TNA’s Style with buildup finishes and “no selling” of moves.
Let me help you out here the ROH style is a Japanees Strong Style not a TNA style.
I sure hope that the Japanese people aren’t insulted by your lack of spelling ability.
(ROH) Drew 36 buys for a recent PPV in Canada (Ouch)
TNA isn't much better in Canada then ROH is.
I believe the TNA scored around 380 buys for that certain PPV while ROH scored 36 for theirs. TNA indeed needs to advertise better but PPV Buys have never been its strong point. Ring of Honor’s is its only selling point. I am embarrassed even compare ROH and TNA but TNA sadly only garnered 10 time the fans that Ring of Honor did, 36 (LOL).
You forgot to mention ROH like WWE makes a profit where TNA is in debt of $50 Million.
I have spoken on this before. First of all TNA spends way more than ROH. When you have horrible production, no well known talent as well as other low budget crap, you don’t spend a lot. Speaking of ROH, they must not be doing so well if they have to cut costs. You should definitely make money when you spend 98% less than what TNA spends.
It is much easier to make 1,000 dollars when you spend 999 dollars. From what I understand while TNA doesn’t make way more than what they spend, they do make up for what they spend. That means the income for the company is much greater than what ROH is. That brings that value of the company way up. Talon forbid, TNA or ROH ever gets sold. It will be a laughing stock how much less ROH will be worth than TNA.
Thank you Suzanne for your feedback.
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From Nick Norton,
Hey Talon if you could sign any ROH stars who would you sin?
I would only sign a handful and leave the rest to develop a more rounded out roster to raid once again in the future. The list of stars I would take now are:
1) Delirious- I have always liked the character. With TNA re-building its X Division, he would be a perfect wrestler to be in it.
2) Jimmy Jacobs- Keep the Emo gimmick, give him a new name and you have another X Star
3) The Briscoe Brothers- I am a huge fan of this team. Keep their Southern Redneck gimmick and give them feuds with the Machine Guns and LAX and you got MOTY Candidates
4) Claudio Castagnoli- I heard a while back that TNA was interested in this guy, which is good because I like him.
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From Andy the Handy Pansy,
Eh Talon, Could you do any of these in the future
*What TNA needs to do to be better
*Title Histories
*Years in Review
*What is unique to TNA
NUFF SAID!
This is TNA Wrestling
By Talon Thorne
Hello once again my students. It is time for yet another episode on TNA 101. This was a roller coaster of a week filled with good and bad news. Most of all this week saw an extreme amount of criticism from all different angles. This special edition of TNA 101 is called “This is TNA Wrestling” and will feature a small article on what the TNA Brand is! Let’s get to the subjects at hand
A Few Notes
-TNA 101 is officially announcing that “Wrestling News Site” Gerweck.net is UNRELIABLE. Gerweck recently started a rumor that Samoa Joe’s contract was up in June. Many other sites including this one followed suit and reported it as well. Understandably they didn’t want to be behind in the news which is why they reported it. But when it was confirmed that Samoa Joe contract doesn’t end for a few years, most sites reported the change citing the confusion. Gerweck.net decided to dig themselves a bigger hole by lying again and stating that Samoa Joe recently signed a new contract, which is false. Gerweck was also the site that began the rumors that TNA was thinking about phasing out the X Division Title and also reported that Joe only made 50,000 dollars a year. Scholars, Gerweck.net joins Steveswrestling.com as a faulty source, don’t get your news there.
-I suggest that all of you head over to Wrestlezone.com and listen to the Konnan vs Glen Gilberti debate. I personally enjoyed it and if you want an idea on how TNA Booking is thinking, this is perfect for you.
-On Paul Heyman: Heyman recently did a report “shooting” on TNA and burying the product saying TNA has no brand. I have mixed feelings about this as TNA does have branded stars unlike what Paul Heyman said. They do need to figure out where they are taking the company and they do need to differentiate themselves from the WWE more. How ROH has its own brand when most fans don’t even know what ROH is, is beyond me. But this is from Paul Heyman who could never build a niche product. ECW was definitely branded, but was never #2 in the wrestling war.
-On Mike Johnson: I respect and like Mike Johnson. On most cases his and Pwinsider.com’s reports happen to be true. Unlike other sites to remain nameless, he is actually pretty positive towards the TNA Product. Lastly whenever I email him a question, he always replies to the best of his knowledge.
-On Abyss potentially losing his mask: While this hasn’t been reported, let me say that if this happens, it will be a HUGE mistake. Abyss is a TNA Branded character (despite what Paul Heyman might tell you. The mask is part of his persona. Completely changing his character would kill any momentum he has. If he loses the mask, he will likely become a generic wrestler like many others. With that said, I am enjoying this angle he is involved in.
-On the recent Smartmark Column- I just can’t fathom someone coming on a TNA site to run down the company the site is dedicated to. Then to tell the fans of TNA to watch Ring of Honor’s, horribly produced show is ludicrous (as Glen Gilbertti would say).
TNA Cross the Line
For me, if TNA’s Cross the Line slogan truly could be a slogan they could follow. Why stay with “We are Wrestling” when you don’t offer as much as the opponent? I like that instead of eliminating what many fans view as negatives for the company, TNA now emphasizes. What is this line, Expectation, Tradition, Morality? Whatever it is this could be a good direction for the company that to me offers the best wrestling on TV and is continuing to correct it’s flaws.
iMPACT! Report Card
“Til Death Do us Part”
February 14, 2008
Action
-The Handicap Match (Brother Devon vs Shark Boy and Curry Man) was nothing special all the while not being bad. I liked how Mike Tenay mentioned Shark Boy dominating the past few weeks up until the level of competition rising. Brother Devon wins after Ray hit Curry Man with the scale. Hmmm, wonder what Johnny Devine’s future has in store.
-I enjoyed the Scott Steiner vs Petey Williams match. It wasn’t as good as the PPV Match but was decent. I like how both Scott Steiner’s and Petey Williams’ characters are progressing. Scott Steiner’s freak Rhaka Kahn is pretty interesting as well. TNA seems to really be playing up this “Cross the Line” slogan as Steiner played the heel (with Kahn’s interference) and the face (helping Williams up after the match). I personally like the slogan.
-I enjoyed the Tag Team Match pitting AJ and Tomko vs Samoa Joe and Kevin Nash. Christian Cage being laid out only opened up the promo from Samoa Joe saying “Come on big man, its time to go to work”. The match was a normal tag team match. I liked seeing Kevin Nash lift up the referee and put him aside so he could help his partner. Kurt Angle interfered leading to Samoa Joe taking the pin. Why couldn’t Kevin Nash take the pin? It all built up to Destination X where it will be Angle’s Alliance vs Samoa Joe, Christian Cage and Kevin Nash in a 6-Man War. Samoa Joe had a good promo where he said he couldn’t cash in on his title shot until he eliminated Angle’s Alliance.
-The Rellik-Eric Young Match was too short. It pretty much played up to how Young was scared of Rellik, and he ended up taking a clothesline to lose the match.
-I hated the Nascar 3-Way Match between Chris Sabin, Jimmy Rave and Homicide. The match would have been good if not for the announcing of Jimmy Spencer (who by the way sounded retarded) and the outside interactions of the Nascar Drivers. It was all to hype up the Daytona 500 this weekend.
-The Awesome Kong/ODB Street Fight was okay. I loved how ODB’s hair was sticking straight up by the end of the match. The match saw some okay action but it was too short to be broken up by a commercial. Gail Kim’s involvement was cool as we look to either be building towards a #1 Contenders Match between ODB and Gail Kim or a 3-Way involving all three ladies for Destination X.
Entertainment
-I enjoyed the Samoa Joe contract signing. I like how Jim Cornette eliminated all the problems of past contract signings (Kurt Angle, Matt Morgan, the Table). When Christian Cage came out I felt bad for Jim Cornette on how he has been trying so hard to sign Joe only for something to stop it. The interaction between Joe and Cage was good. I thought the two would go at it when Cage implied that it was Joe’s fault he lost at Against All Odds. I was excited for the tag match later in the show.
-I enjoyed the segments with Tomko. It showed that he was his own man while working on a team. He was just looking out for his own well being knowing there is strength in numbers. I am glad TNA is eliminating all the feuding partners in TNA
-I really enjoyed the segment right before the Brother Devon vs Shark Boy and Curry Man match. I am glad that TNA is using comedy in the right situation. Brother Ray was really funny here since he couldn’t make weight. He was doing some funny things like praying and removing his clothing. Earl Hebner was really good here as well.
-The Booker T segments were okay knowing he was waiting for Robert Roode, who ended up not showing up. This showed how pissed he was and how he wanted to get his hands on Roode. Cornette made a match next week where Booker will get to let go of some of his frustration against Kurt Angle.
-What was the deal with Abyss? It probably is him thinking about if it is worth the pain anymore. The storyline could be really good as long as he doesn’t end up losing the mask.
-I liked the Rellik Interview talking about how he will drill a hole in Eric Young’s head, poke his eyeballs out and mix them in a martini. Real good visual here.
-The Rhino Promo was okay but he was heavily sweating through the whole thing. It was to set up an Elevation X Match between Rhino and James Storm at Destination X.
-I have mixed reactions about the Wedding Ceremony mainly because I don’t like them. This one was surely different and it was short.
Other
-Where was Black Machismo on this show? I thought Jim Cornette promised him something big but he didn’t even make an appearance. He had a great match at Against All Odds and saved the X Division. He should at least have gotten a video package.
Grade: C+
Overall Thoughts: There was 27 minutes of okay wrestling on the show. The worst parts of the show were that there was no Jay Lethal and the Angle Wedding was okay. I liked seeing the re-introduction of Rellik as well as the other matches. The Nascar thing sucked however. Overall (creative wise) this was one of the most logical episodes of iMPACT! TNA has done recently, with good build towards Destination X. The wrestling was unfortunately below average, which takes away from the grade.
Show Rating: 1.0
Feedback
From Suzanne (my favorite critic)
On Bobby Knight coming to TNA- If it indeed does happen, I think it would be pretty good. TNA is more prone to using celebrities and sports figures in its show and this is no different. To me his role as a “Head Coach” in TNA is to move the company to a more serious one by giving pep talks and motivating the wrestlers. As long as it isn’t as much as Pacman Jones was, I would say good move TNA.
I will give you that Bob Knight is more well known then any of the other waste of space celebrities that TNA usually goes after but it comes down to it he is taking away a spot from a actual talent. I don't see what he could do for TNA even if they could sign him.
I don’t see it the same way as you do. Once again I see things for what’s best for TNA, not what’s best for the individual talent. TNA is going to bring in celebrities and sports figures because that’s their style. I truly believe they intend on bringing Bobby Knight in as a “Head Coach” of sorts to be a figure head and the face of a more serious direction for TNA. What is the bigger problem to you, too much comedy in TNA, or Jimmy Rave not receiving enough TV time?
And him coming to TNA doesn’t necessarily take TV time away from anyone. Not saying they will, but the Bobby Knight Segments make in turn eliminate other repetitive segments in TNA.
On the return of World’s X Cup- For anyone who said TNA doesn’t listen to its fans, this is proof that in fact they do. A specialty of the X Division will be returning to TNA this year. I have loved past World’s X Cup Tournaments and look forward to this year’s as well. Way to go TNA.
I am sorry but just because TNA is finally bringing back something that they never should have gotten rid of in the first place like the World’s X Cup Tournaments in no way indicates that the Creative Team in TNA remotely care about what fans think.
The reason they eliminated the World’s X Cup in the first place is because it was too much of a hassle to bring in talent. On the forums around the net multiple people have asked for the World’s X Cup to return because they like seeing it. TNA is bringing back the World’s X Cup which is what the fans wanted and will help improve the X Division.
As for you saying TNA doesn’t care what the fans think, (By the way in future e-mails I receive please don’t include vulgarity or profanity, I don’t accept this kind of feedback and I won’t respond to it furthermore).that is a ludicrous statement. Despite what all the critics say, TNA is improving slowly. Fans complained that Petey Williams was being ignored, and now he is in the midst of storylines. Samoa Joe should be World Champion, and currently is being groomed for a run at Destination X or Lockdown. You complained that the X Division was in shambles, and they just did a huge storyline building up Jay Lethal, the Machine Guns and Johnny Devine amongst others. There is a large number of things TNA has corrected over time that fans tend to ignore.
(On Renaissance Fans) critics of TNA are those traditional ones who are set in their ways. Are you a renaissance fan?
NO they are not, most critics of TNA are people who are what you call Renaissance Fans who clearly can see that TNA is f**king up one of the most talented rosters in this business ever by not learning from the mistakes of wrestling companies that came before TNA that are no longer around.
First of all, I invented the term Renaissance Fans so I define what they are, not you. The reason I call TNA loyalists, Renaissance Fans is because TNA has undergone a HUGE change from the days of 2005. RF’s (Renaissance Fans) love all kinds of styles of wrestling/ entertainment.
There are stars in TNA that the company doesn’t use very well like Fallen Angel. However there are many stars being built to be huge stars. As for your final statement, I will agree with you when an actor wins the World Title.
TNA’s biggest enemy right now isn’t WWE but the TNA Critics.
You are right TNA’s biggest enemy right now isn’t WWE, its themselves. They need to forget that their is a WWE and focus on TNA and nothing other then TNA. The fact that they do not do that is why they have critics because almost all of the wrestling websites have Vince McMahon with a passion and would love TNA to eventually down the road in the future compete and then take him out but they are also smart enough to see that TNA is never going to be competition for WWE unless they make some major changes and I mean now.
I agree that there are many things I would like TNA to improve on. TNA is in its growing stages like WWE, WCW, ECW, and the NWA were before it. It has made many mistakes of the past and will continue making them. TNA will learn from those mistakes but not all at once. It will be a step by step thing and eventually work itself out. There are changes that do need to be made but should the not be made soon, doesn’t mean TNA will die. TNA will not die a year from now or five years from now. The reason is because while TNA is making mistakes, they are intelligent enough to know when it is time for a change. The soonest I would see TNA dying if it does indeed die is in the least 5 years from now (which won’t happen). Bank on it!
The WWE Style of Wrestling: More In-Ring Psychology. Heavyweight Style, Slower, hard hitting wrestling. Contained, old school style of wrestling where many high flying moves are banned as well as dangerous moves. Rules are heavily enforced.
WWE does not ban moves. They may not allow certain wrestlers to use certain moves but that is because another wrestler already uses the move and they don't want the guys doing the same things. They don't stop people from doing highspots but they don't want you to do alot of them in one match because they want those moves to have actual meaning. Which TNA should probably do also because alot of their matches while entertaining when they happen are forgettable the next day if not before the end of a card and the same goes for garbage spots.
The Shooting Star Press and 450 Splash are both banned maneuvers because they are considered dangerous. Also Chokeholds are now banned and for the most part so are Piledrivers.
TNA has better wrestling on most occasions (Consist of mix of both IWC and Mainstream Wrestling Fans)
ROH does but no TNA does not have better wrestling at all, its not even close. They should because they are deeper but they simply don't.
TNA has just as good of wrestling that ROH does. The only problem is that at times the booking constrains it or gets in the way of it. Judged solely on the wrestling, TNA would have way more MOTY candidates.
(WWE) Emphasis on Entertainment/ TNA emphasizes both Action and Entertainment. 50/50 in the company.
Storylines take over more of the show on RAW not ECW or SMACKDOWN and TNA IMPACT has just as much storylines then any RAW show.
TNA has more storylines than Raw. However some of the storylines get mixed in with the action. However the action is much better in TNA.
(WWE) Women are used more for T&A purposes. The women’s division has few great wrestlers (exceptions are Beth Phoenix, Mickie James, Candice Michelle and Victoria)
I would say that talent wise over all WWE Divas are just as talented as TNA Knockouts. Inside the ring the Knockouts get more respect but out side of the ring Divas are treated with alot more respect.
I love seeing you compare the TNA Knockouts to the WWE Divas. With the exception of the four girls above the rest just can’t put on a decent match. TNA has Awesome Kong, Gail Kim, ODB, Roxxi Laveaux, Jackie Moore, Traci Brooks, Payton Banks and so many more. I don’t know how you consider that the Divas get more respect outside the ring than the Knockouts.
(TNA) Best Women’s Division in wrestling today
Actually SHIMMER is the best Women's wrestling today.
Shimmer is such a great organization that anytime TNA comes calling, the stars leave SHIMMER and go to TNA.
(TNA) Above average emphasis on tag team wrestling. Mild emphasis on short term teams with a lot of long term tag teams
Neither TNA nor WWE focus on tag team wrestling.
TNA has many tag teams within its ranks. While currently the Tag Division isn’t the focal point it definitely is important. However I will say that Ring of Honor has a great tag division.
(ROH) Smallest company with smallest, but most vocal fanbase. (Mostly from the IWC)
ROH is just as big as TNA is. The only difference is TNA has a TV deal and ROH does not.
Wrong again! Comparing 1.3 Million fans to 5,000 is just a joke. TNA has a videogame deal, a toy deal, a bigger audience, star studded talent, and celebrity involvement.
(ROH) ROH Style of Wrestling: Different version of TNA’s Style with buildup finishes and “no selling” of moves.
Let me help you out here the ROH style is a Japanees Strong Style not a TNA style.
I sure hope that the Japanese people aren’t insulted by your lack of spelling ability.
(ROH) Drew 36 buys for a recent PPV in Canada (Ouch)
TNA isn't much better in Canada then ROH is.
I believe the TNA scored around 380 buys for that certain PPV while ROH scored 36 for theirs. TNA indeed needs to advertise better but PPV Buys have never been its strong point. Ring of Honor’s is its only selling point. I am embarrassed even compare ROH and TNA but TNA sadly only garnered 10 time the fans that Ring of Honor did, 36 (LOL).
You forgot to mention ROH like WWE makes a profit where TNA is in debt of $50 Million.
I have spoken on this before. First of all TNA spends way more than ROH. When you have horrible production, no well known talent as well as other low budget crap, you don’t spend a lot. Speaking of ROH, they must not be doing so well if they have to cut costs. You should definitely make money when you spend 98% less than what TNA spends.
It is much easier to make 1,000 dollars when you spend 999 dollars. From what I understand while TNA doesn’t make way more than what they spend, they do make up for what they spend. That means the income for the company is much greater than what ROH is. That brings that value of the company way up. Talon forbid, TNA or ROH ever gets sold. It will be a laughing stock how much less ROH will be worth than TNA.
Thank you Suzanne for your feedback.
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From Nick Norton,
Hey Talon if you could sign any ROH stars who would you sin?
I would only sign a handful and leave the rest to develop a more rounded out roster to raid once again in the future. The list of stars I would take now are:
1) Delirious- I have always liked the character. With TNA re-building its X Division, he would be a perfect wrestler to be in it.
2) Jimmy Jacobs- Keep the Emo gimmick, give him a new name and you have another X Star
3) The Briscoe Brothers- I am a huge fan of this team. Keep their Southern Redneck gimmick and give them feuds with the Machine Guns and LAX and you got MOTY Candidates
4) Claudio Castagnoli- I heard a while back that TNA was interested in this guy, which is good because I like him.
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From Andy the Handy Pansy,
Eh Talon, Could you do any of these in the future
*What TNA needs to do to be better
*Title Histories
*Years in Review
*What is unique to TNA
NUFF SAID!