Post by Talon Thorne on Apr 16, 2008 19:19:44 GMT -5
TNA 101
April 1, 2008
By Talon Thorne
Wrestlemania has come and gone. This weekend was the biggest for wrestling fans all across the nation from TNA to WWE to even little ROH. Now lets get to the April Fool’s Day Edition of TNA 101, from your teacher.
iMPACT! Report Card
First Ever Live Episode of iMPACT!
“Sting Returns”
March 27, 2008
The show
-iMPACT opened with Robert Roode, Booker T, Payton Banks and Traci Brooks all brawling. After security separated them, Jim Cornette came out and announced Booker T vs Robert Roode tonight where the fans will get to choose the stipulation: Last Man Standing, I Quit or First Blood.
-Johnny Devine defeated Alex Shelley in a Xscape Match Qualifying Match. Team 3D originally accompanied Devine to ringside until the lights went out and they retreated to the back in fear of Sting. Devine won after using the Paparazzi Cam Tripod on Alex Shelley. Irony if you look at it.
-The Black Machismo, So Cal Val courtship continued in a weight room. Val spotted Lethal until Sonjay Dutt once again interrupted the date and stole away Val leaving Lethal under the pressure of the weights.
-LAX (Homicide, Hernandez and Salinas) defeated Scott Steiner, Petey Williams and Rhaka Khan in a Six Person Tag Match when Homicide pinned Petey with a bridging T-Bone Suplex.
-Another edition of Rough Cut aired this time focusing on the results of Feast or Fired.
-Mike Tenay interviewed Karen Angle who talked about how bad Kurt was and that there was someone who cared about her in TNA.
-After a training video with him, Samoa Joe was interviewed live about his match at Lockdown. He said Kurt lacked heart and that Joe wouldn’t make excuses on why he lost to Kurt in the past but he doesn’t want to be in TNA if he can’t be World Champion.
-We got the Exhibition Match between Kurt Angle, Tomko and AJ Styles. Kurt went down with Tomko while AJ ran from Kurt. After the match, Team Cage came to the ring and trash talked all three guys, Team Cage got into it with Tomko and Styles while Kurt ran from the ring. Team 3D jumped Team Cage until Sting returned to TNA and cleared the faces. Sting said he was part of Team Cage and challenged Team Tomko to an 8-Man Tag Tonight.
-Booker T defeated Robert Roode in a First Blood Match, as voted by the fans, after Booker busted Roode open by catapulting him into the ring post.
-Awesome Kong defeated ODB to retain the Knockouts Title after an Awesome Bomb.
-In the main event, Team Cage defeated Team Tomko when Sting forced Brother Devon to tap out to the Scorpion Deathlock. Team Cage celebrated after the match until Cowboy James Storm snuck in and smashed a beer bottle over the head of Sting. Team Tomko beat up the rest of Team Cage. Team Tomko and James Storm celebrated to end the show.
Notes
-TNA had a new intro video with their new slogan “Cross the Line”. The new slogan also appeared on the ring apron as well. The slogan was hyped with different videos throughout the show.
-WWE’s Robbie McAllister appeared in the crowd and TNA hyped that he was at a TNA show. Apparently he left right after that because the WWE was angry at him. Also at the show were members of the Detroit Tigers, and a Pittsburgh Steeler
-MMA Fighter, Frank Trigg joined Mike Tenay and Don West on commentary during the MMA Exhibition.
-TNA lost audio during a hype video for Lockdown and during a vignette for Consequences Creed.
-Tomko busted his eye pretty bad during the MMA Exhibition.
Grade: A-
Overall Thoughts: This could be one of the best episodes of iMPACT in the past two years. There were excellent matches from the Knockouts Match to the First Blood Match to the excellent Main Event. Sting’ return was great, TNA hyped Lockdown and there were no horrible negatives for the show. If Live is what is needed for TNA iMPACT to be a great show, than give them Live. The worse parts of the show to me were the few production problems and my dislike for the MMA Angle. This episode of iMPACT felt very special and I hope it gets the rating it deserves.
Show Rating: 1.0
News and Notes from Wrestlemaniax Weekend
Live Rating
I am saddened to announce that the first ever Live Edition of iMPACT only scored a 1.0 rating. There are many possible reasons for this: the lack of advertising or build for the show, the lack of hype for a big time match and that TNA ran head to head against the NCAA March Madness Tournament. I don’t know how TNA and Spike TV Officials will react but to me the fault wasn’t on the actual show because I thought it was very good. Hopefully Spike TV or TNA doesn’t take this to heart and gets another chance at it. TNA Live last night had such a good buzz that it would be a disappointment to not go live later this year. Finally TNA should see if Lockdown gets a much higher buyrate than any normal PPV because Buyrates are where TNA has been struggling.
Robbie McAllister
I have been hearing on the net about how everyone is up in arms about how TNA disrespected the career of Mr. McAllister. I have two trains of thought on this one:
1) It was Robbie’s fault, he knew the risks of going to a TNA event even after WWE told him to stay away from the TNA stars. He should have known that TNA would have played off of his popularity and the fact that he is a WWE wrestler. If he didn’t want to be shown, he should have told somebody like his friend Johnny Devine beforehand.
2) TNA is also to blame. This weekend they have used many tactics to promote their own product including being involved in different WWE events, flying a TNA Banner over the Citrus Bowl during Wrestlemania and more, did they really need to do this as well. TNA could have been professional enough to at least ask Robbie ahead of time if they could show him on TV.
My thoughts on Wrestlemania Weekend
I have a condo in Orlando that I get for two weeks out of the year. I need it to get away from some pretty crappy weather that I am part of day in and day out. Originally my family was going to be down in Orlando this weekend for Wrestlemania, but due to other reasons we changed our minds and didn’t attend. My wrestlefriend Bill did end up going to my condo and seeing the show. What a weekend it was for even a fan like me, who witnessed it on TV. The Live iMPACT, the two wrestling videogame presentations, the Hall of Fame and of course Wrestlemania. I would say it was the biggest weekend in the past 5 years of wrestling for me. I wish things went differently and I ended up going down to Orlando. All I can do is leave a message for Konnan who thinks the wrestling IS what keeps the fans going saying that we don’t have lives outside of wrestling and live off of him. This weekend proved otherwise.
Anybody else find it ironic that three days after Sting returned to wrestling, Ric Flair retired from it.
Thoughts on the TNA iMPACT! Videogame
From what I have read so far regarding Midway’s TNA iMPACT Videogame, it should re-invent wrestling videogames. The primary focus for it seems to be gameplay, Ultimate X and the Story Mode. From what I understand Six Sides of Steel will not make it into the game. Apparently this game will be solid on it’s own but will segue way (spelling) into the second TNA Video Game to be released less than a year from NOW. It is said to include more matches, more wrestlers on the screen, the TNA Knockouts, more features that will be left out this iteration and 15 more superstars in the game. I am excited nonetheless for both TNA iMPACT and TNA iMPACT 2.
Thoughts on WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2009
THQ presented the next WWE videogame to be released. This one will feature new tag team elements like Tag Team Finishers, Hot Tags and Tag Team Actions. It will also be the debut of Create-A-Finisher. I am hesitant on what kind of game this will be because every time THQ promises something, they end up not fulfilling it or sacrifice something else for it. We shall see. I hope both the TNA Videogame and Smackdown Videogames are excellent.
My thoughts on Wrestlemania 24
According to my friend Bill, Wrestlemania was a mixed bag. I didn’t order it because of the lack of importance of the show except for Ric Flair’s deal and because of the price. Apparently the Ric Flair/Shawn Michaels Match was very good, the Money in the Bank Match was good and the World Title Match was good. He also witnessed a 10 second ECW Title Match, a Lackluster Bunnymania Match and Umaga vs Batista which speaks for itself. I am happy that Randy Orton retained the title and that Kane won semi-major title (equivalent of the US Title) and am saddened that Ric Flair’s Career Came to an end. I will be buying the DVD for these reasons and for the interesting Hall of Fame Ceremony.
Other TNA News
Early projections are that TNA will be "significantly profitable" in 2008. TNA has many revenue streams coming in, including rights fees for Impact, the increase in demand for their talent, the upcoming Midway Video Game, overseas TV rights sales and house shows. With these taken into consideration TNA is expected to turn the corner financially, even with their PPV buy rates being lower than they were.
Panda Energy has not had to put any money into the promotion for over a year, which means that TNA has actually become a self-sufficient company. The feeling is that the company either broke even or made a small profit in 2007. (Wrestling Observer)
I told you so. Back when I discussed ROH, saying TNA has made a profit, I was right. All I can say is congratulations about being a self sufficient company and making a profit. Now the critics can stop spouting at the mouth about Panda Energy shutting them down for so much lost money. The good news is that Panda Energy will likely be willing to loan TNA money in the future if needed.
Jeff Jarrett wants to take the TNA product in a more serious direction, ala the Angle vs. Joe build. Jarrett wants more in ring time and the serious edge, while Vince Russo likes doing more pre-tapes and promos, and adding cute lines to them. Dutch Mantell wants what ever Jeff Jarrett wants. (Wrestling Observer)
Look below and you will know that one of the major things I want TNA to improve on is more wrestling. I think TNA needs to be both a serious promotion and have the backstage segments. TNA is good at comedy, let them have a little bit. I hope TNA improves what they are doing well and doesn’t completely shift into an MMA Company like Kurt Angle wants.
The World X-Cup is set for May, but nothing official has been announced for a Team Mexico or Japan yet. (Wrestling Observer)
Another thing I want TNA to improve on, as seen below is their build, advertising and hype for major matches and concepts. If the World’s X Cup is returning in May then why haven’t we heard about it on TNA Programming. In 2006 they mentioned and set up the World’s X Cup back at Destination X of that year. I personally would like to see the World’s X Cup be a Summer tradition that takes place during TNA’s August PPV, Hard justice with the MVP eventually getting an X Division Title Shot against whomever the champion is at the time. Having it in May just mashes everything together by being in between Lockdown and Slammiversary.
I hope we see some big X Stars make an appearance at this year’s World’s X Cup including Mistico, Shocker, Jushin Lyger and many more.
Total Nonstop Interaction
A fan on the forums gave me an idea for a little more interactivity on my column. His idea was for me to post an Interactive Topic that would allow the readers to give their opinions on certain TNA Subjects. I would collect the feedback and send it to TNA via e-mail. That way TNA would “know” what the fans wanted. I will experiment with this idea for the first ever Total Nonstop Interaction Article. Unfortunately I don’t have access to polling so it will be strictly feedback through e-mail, mine is Talon_DR@yahoo.com
As you may have noticed I have changed around my Report Card Segment to me more brief but to the point. Something I eliminated from there but will use here is my Six Points of iMPACT segment.
‘
The topic: What top things would you do to improve the TNA Product on an Entertainment Basis.
1) More Wrestling on iMPACT- There is more than adequate enough wrestling on PPVs but as for the TV Show, not enough. I personally like TNA’s new format of showing 5 or 6 matches per TV Show. While there may be a lot more wrestling per show, the matches need to be longer. I like it when the matches on TV equal the amount of time they receive on PPV. Cut out the commercials and you have your TV Match. There needs to be between 40 and 55 minutes of wrestling per show in my opinion. Wrestling is a big reason why TNA
2) Tone down the Comedy and Campy Matches- TNA has improved in this category recently but I still see some big time mistakes here and there. The biggest one recently was the Fish Market Street Fight at Destination X. Some may have liked it but I thought it was really stupid. I had trouble believing that Brother Ray would be distracted by a twinky. TNA has their comedy characters with Eric Young, Curry Man and Shark Boy but that should be the limit character-wise. There can be humor in the wrestling segments, as long as it doesn’t detract from the main picture. Also they need to tone down the comedy characters in the X Division. The X Division needs to be more serious but its main wrestlers are comedy driven.
3) More build, advertising and reasoning for big time matches, gimmick matches and important concepts/ideas- What hurt the Live Edition of iMPACT’s rating was the lack of hype for it. TNA is horrible for not hyping, advertising or building big time matches. This includes matches never seen before, gimmick matches and big-time concepts. Recently on iMPACT, Booker T faced AJ Styles for the first time. In some circles it would seem like a big match, but it came across as not important because of the lack of build. This is the same case with gimmick matches. Ladder Matches are happening without no build or hype. Big time matches are happening as well. These things need build to make them seem important. If you don’t properly build them, fans end up not knowing it happened or forget later about it. (Notice I didn’t say anything about lowering the amount of gimmick matches in TNA) The other problem TNA has with gimmick matches is that they happen without reason. For example you might have a Street Fight between two guys who haven’t even had a singles match. Sometimes what can be accomplished in a Gimmick Match can also be accomplished without wasting a gimmick match.
4) Less Interference and Non-Clean Finishes- Too much does interference and unclean finishes happen in TNA. Fans across the TNA Fandom want to see less interference, I do as well.
5) Better placement of Commercials- I hate having commercials cut in during a hot match on iMPACT. What is sad is the matches end up being too short after the cutout of the 3 minute commercial wrestling. To me commercials should happen in before matches, during entrances or during long matches (that are usually more than 11 minutes long)
6) More emphasis on the Knockouts, X Division and Tag Teams of TNA as well as what makes TNA unique- What separates TNA from the WWE is many things: The Knockouts, the Tag Team Division, the X Division, the unique matches and concepts and the unique attitude towards characters (no true faces or heels). TNA should not only keep these things in TNA but they should also emphasize them more. Give the Knockouts, Tag Teams and X Division more spotlight and time. Let the fans be aware that TNA cares about Women’s Wrestling, Tag Team Wrestling and High Flying Wrestling (unlike WWE). On top of that change back the rule on championships changing hands on Disqualifications as it makes TNA unique. By the way management Six Sides of Steel Matches (with the exception of the Xscape Match) don’t end when you escape the cage and Battle Royal don’t happen in TNA. TNA likes to emphasize that matches should be won clearly by pinfalls, submissions or Disqualifications. They think running away is wimpy and that a pinfall should decide a battle (look at TNA’s Last Man Standing Match and Gauntlet Match)
While I posted six things I only want you guys to tell me the three biggest things you want improves whether it be what I said or something original. My e-mail is Talon_DR@yahoo.com
I have Spoken!
April 1, 2008
By Talon Thorne
Wrestlemania has come and gone. This weekend was the biggest for wrestling fans all across the nation from TNA to WWE to even little ROH. Now lets get to the April Fool’s Day Edition of TNA 101, from your teacher.
iMPACT! Report Card
First Ever Live Episode of iMPACT!
“Sting Returns”
March 27, 2008
The show
-iMPACT opened with Robert Roode, Booker T, Payton Banks and Traci Brooks all brawling. After security separated them, Jim Cornette came out and announced Booker T vs Robert Roode tonight where the fans will get to choose the stipulation: Last Man Standing, I Quit or First Blood.
-Johnny Devine defeated Alex Shelley in a Xscape Match Qualifying Match. Team 3D originally accompanied Devine to ringside until the lights went out and they retreated to the back in fear of Sting. Devine won after using the Paparazzi Cam Tripod on Alex Shelley. Irony if you look at it.
-The Black Machismo, So Cal Val courtship continued in a weight room. Val spotted Lethal until Sonjay Dutt once again interrupted the date and stole away Val leaving Lethal under the pressure of the weights.
-LAX (Homicide, Hernandez and Salinas) defeated Scott Steiner, Petey Williams and Rhaka Khan in a Six Person Tag Match when Homicide pinned Petey with a bridging T-Bone Suplex.
-Another edition of Rough Cut aired this time focusing on the results of Feast or Fired.
-Mike Tenay interviewed Karen Angle who talked about how bad Kurt was and that there was someone who cared about her in TNA.
-After a training video with him, Samoa Joe was interviewed live about his match at Lockdown. He said Kurt lacked heart and that Joe wouldn’t make excuses on why he lost to Kurt in the past but he doesn’t want to be in TNA if he can’t be World Champion.
-We got the Exhibition Match between Kurt Angle, Tomko and AJ Styles. Kurt went down with Tomko while AJ ran from Kurt. After the match, Team Cage came to the ring and trash talked all three guys, Team Cage got into it with Tomko and Styles while Kurt ran from the ring. Team 3D jumped Team Cage until Sting returned to TNA and cleared the faces. Sting said he was part of Team Cage and challenged Team Tomko to an 8-Man Tag Tonight.
-Booker T defeated Robert Roode in a First Blood Match, as voted by the fans, after Booker busted Roode open by catapulting him into the ring post.
-Awesome Kong defeated ODB to retain the Knockouts Title after an Awesome Bomb.
-In the main event, Team Cage defeated Team Tomko when Sting forced Brother Devon to tap out to the Scorpion Deathlock. Team Cage celebrated after the match until Cowboy James Storm snuck in and smashed a beer bottle over the head of Sting. Team Tomko beat up the rest of Team Cage. Team Tomko and James Storm celebrated to end the show.
Notes
-TNA had a new intro video with their new slogan “Cross the Line”. The new slogan also appeared on the ring apron as well. The slogan was hyped with different videos throughout the show.
-WWE’s Robbie McAllister appeared in the crowd and TNA hyped that he was at a TNA show. Apparently he left right after that because the WWE was angry at him. Also at the show were members of the Detroit Tigers, and a Pittsburgh Steeler
-MMA Fighter, Frank Trigg joined Mike Tenay and Don West on commentary during the MMA Exhibition.
-TNA lost audio during a hype video for Lockdown and during a vignette for Consequences Creed.
-Tomko busted his eye pretty bad during the MMA Exhibition.
Grade: A-
Overall Thoughts: This could be one of the best episodes of iMPACT in the past two years. There were excellent matches from the Knockouts Match to the First Blood Match to the excellent Main Event. Sting’ return was great, TNA hyped Lockdown and there were no horrible negatives for the show. If Live is what is needed for TNA iMPACT to be a great show, than give them Live. The worse parts of the show to me were the few production problems and my dislike for the MMA Angle. This episode of iMPACT felt very special and I hope it gets the rating it deserves.
Show Rating: 1.0
News and Notes from Wrestlemaniax Weekend
Live Rating
I am saddened to announce that the first ever Live Edition of iMPACT only scored a 1.0 rating. There are many possible reasons for this: the lack of advertising or build for the show, the lack of hype for a big time match and that TNA ran head to head against the NCAA March Madness Tournament. I don’t know how TNA and Spike TV Officials will react but to me the fault wasn’t on the actual show because I thought it was very good. Hopefully Spike TV or TNA doesn’t take this to heart and gets another chance at it. TNA Live last night had such a good buzz that it would be a disappointment to not go live later this year. Finally TNA should see if Lockdown gets a much higher buyrate than any normal PPV because Buyrates are where TNA has been struggling.
Robbie McAllister
I have been hearing on the net about how everyone is up in arms about how TNA disrespected the career of Mr. McAllister. I have two trains of thought on this one:
1) It was Robbie’s fault, he knew the risks of going to a TNA event even after WWE told him to stay away from the TNA stars. He should have known that TNA would have played off of his popularity and the fact that he is a WWE wrestler. If he didn’t want to be shown, he should have told somebody like his friend Johnny Devine beforehand.
2) TNA is also to blame. This weekend they have used many tactics to promote their own product including being involved in different WWE events, flying a TNA Banner over the Citrus Bowl during Wrestlemania and more, did they really need to do this as well. TNA could have been professional enough to at least ask Robbie ahead of time if they could show him on TV.
My thoughts on Wrestlemania Weekend
I have a condo in Orlando that I get for two weeks out of the year. I need it to get away from some pretty crappy weather that I am part of day in and day out. Originally my family was going to be down in Orlando this weekend for Wrestlemania, but due to other reasons we changed our minds and didn’t attend. My wrestlefriend Bill did end up going to my condo and seeing the show. What a weekend it was for even a fan like me, who witnessed it on TV. The Live iMPACT, the two wrestling videogame presentations, the Hall of Fame and of course Wrestlemania. I would say it was the biggest weekend in the past 5 years of wrestling for me. I wish things went differently and I ended up going down to Orlando. All I can do is leave a message for Konnan who thinks the wrestling IS what keeps the fans going saying that we don’t have lives outside of wrestling and live off of him. This weekend proved otherwise.
Anybody else find it ironic that three days after Sting returned to wrestling, Ric Flair retired from it.
Thoughts on the TNA iMPACT! Videogame
From what I have read so far regarding Midway’s TNA iMPACT Videogame, it should re-invent wrestling videogames. The primary focus for it seems to be gameplay, Ultimate X and the Story Mode. From what I understand Six Sides of Steel will not make it into the game. Apparently this game will be solid on it’s own but will segue way (spelling) into the second TNA Video Game to be released less than a year from NOW. It is said to include more matches, more wrestlers on the screen, the TNA Knockouts, more features that will be left out this iteration and 15 more superstars in the game. I am excited nonetheless for both TNA iMPACT and TNA iMPACT 2.
Thoughts on WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2009
THQ presented the next WWE videogame to be released. This one will feature new tag team elements like Tag Team Finishers, Hot Tags and Tag Team Actions. It will also be the debut of Create-A-Finisher. I am hesitant on what kind of game this will be because every time THQ promises something, they end up not fulfilling it or sacrifice something else for it. We shall see. I hope both the TNA Videogame and Smackdown Videogames are excellent.
My thoughts on Wrestlemania 24
According to my friend Bill, Wrestlemania was a mixed bag. I didn’t order it because of the lack of importance of the show except for Ric Flair’s deal and because of the price. Apparently the Ric Flair/Shawn Michaels Match was very good, the Money in the Bank Match was good and the World Title Match was good. He also witnessed a 10 second ECW Title Match, a Lackluster Bunnymania Match and Umaga vs Batista which speaks for itself. I am happy that Randy Orton retained the title and that Kane won semi-major title (equivalent of the US Title) and am saddened that Ric Flair’s Career Came to an end. I will be buying the DVD for these reasons and for the interesting Hall of Fame Ceremony.
Other TNA News
Early projections are that TNA will be "significantly profitable" in 2008. TNA has many revenue streams coming in, including rights fees for Impact, the increase in demand for their talent, the upcoming Midway Video Game, overseas TV rights sales and house shows. With these taken into consideration TNA is expected to turn the corner financially, even with their PPV buy rates being lower than they were.
Panda Energy has not had to put any money into the promotion for over a year, which means that TNA has actually become a self-sufficient company. The feeling is that the company either broke even or made a small profit in 2007. (Wrestling Observer)
I told you so. Back when I discussed ROH, saying TNA has made a profit, I was right. All I can say is congratulations about being a self sufficient company and making a profit. Now the critics can stop spouting at the mouth about Panda Energy shutting them down for so much lost money. The good news is that Panda Energy will likely be willing to loan TNA money in the future if needed.
Jeff Jarrett wants to take the TNA product in a more serious direction, ala the Angle vs. Joe build. Jarrett wants more in ring time and the serious edge, while Vince Russo likes doing more pre-tapes and promos, and adding cute lines to them. Dutch Mantell wants what ever Jeff Jarrett wants. (Wrestling Observer)
Look below and you will know that one of the major things I want TNA to improve on is more wrestling. I think TNA needs to be both a serious promotion and have the backstage segments. TNA is good at comedy, let them have a little bit. I hope TNA improves what they are doing well and doesn’t completely shift into an MMA Company like Kurt Angle wants.
The World X-Cup is set for May, but nothing official has been announced for a Team Mexico or Japan yet. (Wrestling Observer)
Another thing I want TNA to improve on, as seen below is their build, advertising and hype for major matches and concepts. If the World’s X Cup is returning in May then why haven’t we heard about it on TNA Programming. In 2006 they mentioned and set up the World’s X Cup back at Destination X of that year. I personally would like to see the World’s X Cup be a Summer tradition that takes place during TNA’s August PPV, Hard justice with the MVP eventually getting an X Division Title Shot against whomever the champion is at the time. Having it in May just mashes everything together by being in between Lockdown and Slammiversary.
I hope we see some big X Stars make an appearance at this year’s World’s X Cup including Mistico, Shocker, Jushin Lyger and many more.
Total Nonstop Interaction
A fan on the forums gave me an idea for a little more interactivity on my column. His idea was for me to post an Interactive Topic that would allow the readers to give their opinions on certain TNA Subjects. I would collect the feedback and send it to TNA via e-mail. That way TNA would “know” what the fans wanted. I will experiment with this idea for the first ever Total Nonstop Interaction Article. Unfortunately I don’t have access to polling so it will be strictly feedback through e-mail, mine is Talon_DR@yahoo.com
As you may have noticed I have changed around my Report Card Segment to me more brief but to the point. Something I eliminated from there but will use here is my Six Points of iMPACT segment.
‘
The topic: What top things would you do to improve the TNA Product on an Entertainment Basis.
1) More Wrestling on iMPACT- There is more than adequate enough wrestling on PPVs but as for the TV Show, not enough. I personally like TNA’s new format of showing 5 or 6 matches per TV Show. While there may be a lot more wrestling per show, the matches need to be longer. I like it when the matches on TV equal the amount of time they receive on PPV. Cut out the commercials and you have your TV Match. There needs to be between 40 and 55 minutes of wrestling per show in my opinion. Wrestling is a big reason why TNA
2) Tone down the Comedy and Campy Matches- TNA has improved in this category recently but I still see some big time mistakes here and there. The biggest one recently was the Fish Market Street Fight at Destination X. Some may have liked it but I thought it was really stupid. I had trouble believing that Brother Ray would be distracted by a twinky. TNA has their comedy characters with Eric Young, Curry Man and Shark Boy but that should be the limit character-wise. There can be humor in the wrestling segments, as long as it doesn’t detract from the main picture. Also they need to tone down the comedy characters in the X Division. The X Division needs to be more serious but its main wrestlers are comedy driven.
3) More build, advertising and reasoning for big time matches, gimmick matches and important concepts/ideas- What hurt the Live Edition of iMPACT’s rating was the lack of hype for it. TNA is horrible for not hyping, advertising or building big time matches. This includes matches never seen before, gimmick matches and big-time concepts. Recently on iMPACT, Booker T faced AJ Styles for the first time. In some circles it would seem like a big match, but it came across as not important because of the lack of build. This is the same case with gimmick matches. Ladder Matches are happening without no build or hype. Big time matches are happening as well. These things need build to make them seem important. If you don’t properly build them, fans end up not knowing it happened or forget later about it. (Notice I didn’t say anything about lowering the amount of gimmick matches in TNA) The other problem TNA has with gimmick matches is that they happen without reason. For example you might have a Street Fight between two guys who haven’t even had a singles match. Sometimes what can be accomplished in a Gimmick Match can also be accomplished without wasting a gimmick match.
4) Less Interference and Non-Clean Finishes- Too much does interference and unclean finishes happen in TNA. Fans across the TNA Fandom want to see less interference, I do as well.
5) Better placement of Commercials- I hate having commercials cut in during a hot match on iMPACT. What is sad is the matches end up being too short after the cutout of the 3 minute commercial wrestling. To me commercials should happen in before matches, during entrances or during long matches (that are usually more than 11 minutes long)
6) More emphasis on the Knockouts, X Division and Tag Teams of TNA as well as what makes TNA unique- What separates TNA from the WWE is many things: The Knockouts, the Tag Team Division, the X Division, the unique matches and concepts and the unique attitude towards characters (no true faces or heels). TNA should not only keep these things in TNA but they should also emphasize them more. Give the Knockouts, Tag Teams and X Division more spotlight and time. Let the fans be aware that TNA cares about Women’s Wrestling, Tag Team Wrestling and High Flying Wrestling (unlike WWE). On top of that change back the rule on championships changing hands on Disqualifications as it makes TNA unique. By the way management Six Sides of Steel Matches (with the exception of the Xscape Match) don’t end when you escape the cage and Battle Royal don’t happen in TNA. TNA likes to emphasize that matches should be won clearly by pinfalls, submissions or Disqualifications. They think running away is wimpy and that a pinfall should decide a battle (look at TNA’s Last Man Standing Match and Gauntlet Match)
While I posted six things I only want you guys to tell me the three biggest things you want improves whether it be what I said or something original. My e-mail is Talon_DR@yahoo.com
I have Spoken!