How the Kevin Nash-Samoa Joe angle should go down
I have to admit that I’ve become more intrigued by the Kevin Nash-Samoa Joe story line, especially because Joe made it clear last night on TNA Impact that he’s “not stupid” and “doesn’t trust anyone.” Establishing that Joe is not a naïve babyface is important for his character moving forward.
After a heated verbal confrontation between the two last night, the show concluded with Nash accidentally – or accidentally on purpose – smashing Joe on the arm with a chair. The question is whether Nash will turn on Joe when he is the special enforcer for the King of the Mountain match on the Slammiversary pay-per-view on Sunday.
By all accounts, TNA is committed to Joe as world champion, so he probably isn’t losing the title on Sunday. However, I think TNA has an opportunity to elevate someone on its roster at Slammiversary by having them win the title when almost no one expects it to happen.
Here’s how I’d like to see the Nash-Joe saga play out on the pay-per-view:
During the TNA world title match between Joe, Booker T., Christian Cage, Rhino and Robert Roode, Nash inadvertently costs Joe the match, giving Roode the victory and the title. On the ensuing Impact, an angry Joe confronts Nash, who claims it was an accident. Joe doesn’t buy it and demands a match with Nash for later in the show. Nash says he’s tired of Joe’s paranoia and accepts the challenge. During their match, just as Joe is about to finish off Nash, Roode interferes and batters Joe with a chair. Nash eventually gets to his feet and halts Roode’s attack on Joe. Roode begs off, as Nash looks him in the eye and makes a throat-slash gesture. A few seconds later, they both break into smiles, and the two of them continue the attack on Joe.
The following week, Nash cuts a promo in which he reminds fans that he said that he always goes where the money is – and no one has more money than Roode. He reveals that Roode paid him to help him win the title, and now Roode is retaining his services as a bodyguard (recreating the old Shawn Michaels/Diesel act). Nash says that, “It’s not personal. It’s just business.” He says that the fans thought he was going to turn on Joe because he wanted the title, but he’d rather have money than the belt. He also acknowledges that Joe was right for not trusting him, and even though Joe saw it coming, he couldn’t prevent it because the odds were stacked against him.
From there, Joe wrestles Roode for the title at the next pay-per-view but loses due to Nash’s interference, which then leads to a Nash-Joe program. I would love to see this story line happen because I think Roode would make a fine heel champion – especially with Nash in his corner. Do I think it will happen? No. Like I said, I don’t think Joe is dropping the strap this soon after winning it, and I’m not sure that TNA management really sees Roode as world champion material (as evidenced by all the times he jobbed to Eric Young). If Joe does lose the title on Sunday, most likely it will be to Booker T.
Here are some other thoughts on last night’s show:
There was a good mix of wrestling and backstage vignettes. The Black Machismo bachelor party segments were lighthearted fun and they did not dominate the show. Kip James showing up as a stripper was just silly enough that I couldn’t help but laugh, especially when Shark Boy began throwing up on a potted plant. …
A.J. Styles showed a lot of fire both in the ring and on the mic. I do wish that, as part of his transformation from dim-witted second banana to angry, competent babyface, Styles had cut a promo explaining his character’s actions over the past year. Maybe he could have said something about losing his focus and getting complacent, which allowed him to become a follower instead of a leader, but the recent beat-downs have been a wakeup call and reignited his desire to be the best. …
The Kurt and Karen Angle debate was really good at times, but no so good at others. In other words, Kurt was tremendous, while Karen was really overacting. The Angles’ marital strife would be a lot more compelling if TNA hadn’t done it on Karen’s very first appearance, which, of course, turned out to be a ruse. …
It was evident by watching this show that TNA has turned too many wrestlers over the past several months. Roode and Booker just had a very heated, very personal feud, and now they’re teaming up. Tomko and Styles both turned on Cage and joined Angle, and then Tomko and Angle turned on Styles, and now Styles and Cage are allies again. It’s difficult to get emotionally invested in the characters when they switch sides so often. One major turn has more impact than five. …
The King of the Mountain match, which Kaz won, was good, but it probably would have seemed even better if I hadn’t watched the awesome Edge-Undertaker TLC match last Sunday. …
Mickie Knuckles, who has built a reputation on the independent scene as the most hardcore female wrestler around, debuted as the “muscle” for The Beautiful People. Angelina Love and Velvet Sky have been really clicking as a heel act, so I don’t think I would tinker with them by adding another member at this point. It’s a cliché, but Booker T. was right when he said, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” during a conference call on Tuesday. …
The street fight between Sky and ODB was a little sloppy but fun – which probably describes a night out with ODB. …
It was great to see former WCW star Daffney back on TV even if it was just to be obliterated by Awesome Kong. I’m surprised that Daffney hasn’t gotten a spot in TNA, because one of the main strengths of its women’s division is that it is comprised of distinctive characters and not cookie-cutter bikini models. I was always a fan of her gothic “Scream Queen” character in WCW. She also was one of the coolest people in the company when I worked there.
Comments
I agree with the Joe-Nash angle and how you play it out. I thought TNA has dropped the ball a couple time with Roode and since there is not a secondary title (like a IC or US title) Roode has to go for the heavyweight.
Also, I see TNA having way too many top tier stars (like Cage, Rhino, Angle and Booker) so Roode may like a lower tier guy with the biggest prize (i.e Page in WCW). If TNA has not made too many mistakes with Roode and will the fans accept Roode with the title, this may be the interesting situation. Only time will tell.
Posted by: Kevin Smith | June 6, 2008 10:13 AM
So I live in Nashville, you want me to run by TNA HQ and get you an application? Seriously Kev, and this is no BS, your columns on "what could have been" are what TNA needs... They think wrestling fans are stupid and don't pay attention to the story lines, when in all reality it's what brings us to the dance, so to speak!
What you seem to do every week is give them ways to apply clarity to a VERY muddled show. I would watch it a lot more, I know that! I really hope Dixie reads this column!!
thanks for the great read(s)!!
-jimmy
RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: Thanks for the nice words. One of the things I enjoy doing is playing "armchair booker" from time to time. When I was in Orlando, Dixie Carter, as well as Mike Tenay and Jeremy Borash among others, told me that they read this blog. As far as TNA thinking wrestling fans are stupid, when I worked for WCW, Vince Russo told me more than once that I "think too much like a wrestling fan."
Posted by: Jimmy Street | June 6, 2008 11:15 AM
KOTM is the stupidest gimmick match ever.
You need a Masters Degree to figure out what the hell is going on.
Posted by: Elevation | June 6, 2008 11:43 AM
Kevin:
You interviewing for a "booker" job soon?
RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: No, although I did interview with WWE in 2000 for a spot on their creative team.
Posted by: Matt | June 6, 2008 11:58 AM
Kevin,
I think that Angle with Joe, Nash and Roode would be fabulous. I think it would be great if TNA elevated Roode like that - he's their own guy, with virtually no ties to WWE at all.
I really respect that Roode (and James Storm, too) works as an old-school heel, rather than a cool heel. There's always been a divide of opinion on Roode - some people including me think he's great, others think he's got nothing. But I think TNA would do well to elevate one of its own.
Yeah, they'd take a hit in the sheets for taking the belt off of Joe so quickly, but they never got any credit for putting it on him, so who cares? The last thing they should do is book to please PWT, the Observer or whoever.
Speaking of which, I can't agree with you about the recent turns. I loved the way AJ and Christian's turns were done slowly in a "will he or won't he" way. I'm glad TNA generally doesn't book its turns in cookie-cutter, a four-year-old could figure it out WWE way.
It made sense when Christian re-aligned with Rhino and now with AJ. Likewise, I think it's supposed to be ironic and heighten the turn of Booker T that he is now allied with Roode.
And TNA did a good job of having Roode acknowledge that in a promo, whereas WWE would be just as likely to pretend the two never had an issue previously, even though it was recent.
Also agree on Daffney - I hope this was a tryout and that she'll be back.
Posted by: JHThree | June 6, 2008 2:42 PM
So Kevin, would you say that iMPACT and the overall TNA Product has improved from last year
RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: Yes.
Posted by: Talon_DR | June 6, 2008 5:45 PM
I watched the King of the Mountain match. I like the idea of hanging an X above the ring, but the penalty box unneccessarily convolutes the whole thing.
Posted by: Christopher | June 6, 2008 6:05 PM
Kevin , you have a vivid imagination regarding how you'd like to see TNA championship pan out . Too bad your'e not a writer for them . One thing I'm sure of , is that the only title I think Samoa Joe has earned is possibly a hot dog eating contest .
It was nice to see A.J. Styles' attitude change . He's well rounded enough to pull off the comedy bits but now it's good to see another side of him . If given a chance he lives up to his moniker "phenomenal" . By the way , what kind of "buddy'" did Styles say Tomko was to Angle .
..... a night out with ODB "sloppy but fun" , that's an image I don't care to think about .
( 19 dayz 'til Warrior's return )
Posted by: jack in hebron | June 6, 2008 6:24 PM
I thought that was Daffney. Perfect TNA Knockout material. She could use this week's squash as a chance to "refocus" and come in to the company. Rather see her that Christy Hemme any week, and I liked her serious "street figher" edge with the gloves and mouthguard. Seriously. the TNA Knockouts is the best booked wrestling in America right now. Kong is like the old WCW Vader. Great faces in Gail, ODB and Roxxie and secondary heels in Beautiful People. Plus, the eventual fued between Kong and Cheerleader Melissa when it goes down will be epic. I have that same excited feeling like when WCW introduced the cruiserweight into mainstream wrestling (I know ECW was before, but WCW brougt it to a national audience.)
Posted by: GMan | June 6, 2008 7:44 PM
Kevin , you said that you interviewed for a WWE job in 2000 - wouldn't that have been nepotism ? Only a joke , only a joke :-)
Posted by: jack in hebron | June 6, 2008 9:33 PM
I'm open to all lifestyles so it was rather disappointing to hear TNA use two derrogatory remarks towards gays.
1. "Butt Buddy"
2. "Beat like a drag queen at a tractor pull."
Also Mickie Knuckles shoulda stayed on the independent circuit. Gross.
Posted by: Mr. Bronson | June 6, 2008 11:26 PM
Once again, I tried out TNA last night. The AJ bit was pretty awesome, and I liked the use of Kevin Nash as an enforcer during the match to make sure that there were no run-ins.
What I don't get is the preview of the KotM match on TV just three days before the PPV. Nor do I understand why Angle can't keep the serious, if insane, persona he had last night as opposed to the stupid goofy Angle that doesn't help the storyline.
I'm not sure what it is - perhaps that I don't watch Impact on a regular basis - but what in the world was Joe doing with Nash last night? Does Nash have a pattern in TNA of turning on people that he started out helping? If he doesn't, it sort of makes Joe look like a crazy, whiny b****. And that's probably not a good place for a
champion to be. If he does have said established pattern, then I take out the "whiny b****" part. He still comes off as a bit crazy.
Velvet Sky is far and away (based on last night's viewing) more talented on the mic than Angelina Love.
I'm not necessarily sure that I get why we needed so many segments on
the bachelor party...
And why is Eric Young looking for Elvis?
Posted by: Mina | June 8, 2008 12:05 AM
Mr Bronson, while the remarks were insensitive, please keep in mind that this is professional wrestling. This is the same entertainment that brought you:
- A not-so-ambiguously gay tag team's marriage ending in a beatdown (ask GLAAD how they felt about that one)
- An interracial couple, involving an 80-yr-old woman giving birth to a hand
- Constant midget humor
- A referee having "lunchtime suicides"
It's wrasslin', you can't expect it to be PC.
Posted by: Be Real | June 8, 2008 1:38 AM
Hey Kevin, U applied to WWE too, I applied in 2004, and there is another opening for WWE up on the corp. website. You should apply again, THEY NEED HELP..I used some old Job guys from Chicago and some Windy City wrestling guys as references didn't get far. Ok TNA Booking.
What should have happened last night and in the near future? Robert Roode, great choice, the fans would blow up, booing, throwing food in the ring, and Roode can talk, he can cut a promo, after the win he takes the mic and says he not some fill in PUNK! He wasn’t a last minute addition; he wasn’t waiting for his Destiny he took it! Nash was the right man for the right price! That would lead to the Nash / Joe angle- I love Joe, ever since ROH but He needs to work on his look as a Champion, something Nash could help him with. Their feud would leave Roode open to become a top level heel.
Nash comes out with Roode and starts to cut a promo on Joe “I tried to be nice, I tried to help you and yeah I tried riding you to the bank, but there was a more lucrative horse. Bobby over here may be a snot nosed jerk, But I can be anyone's friend with what he paid me, it’s not about titles anymore for me Joe and I got enough friends, you can never have enough money. It’s nothing personal Joe, It’s just business.” Break
Joe comes to the ring and starts to cut a Turning Point style promo on Nash, Cornette comes out and cuts Joe’s mic. Joe comes walking up the ramp looking pissed at Cornette, Joe starts to Trash anything in his way, he catches up to Cornette and simply says "NASH" Jim quickly decides to give Joe what he wants a match with Nash tonight.
Sting returns this week and continues his feud with Storm after a heated confrontation in which Storm ask Sting how long he has been doing more than having drinks with Double J.
Sting Picks up the win this week
The Main event is Nash Vs Joe. 10 minutes into the match, Roode shows up the ref turns to stop him and Booker T runs in and hits Joe with the Chair, Then Kaz comes out to help and dropkicks Booker, He superkicks Nash, Kaz then dives on Roode and they Brawl. As booker is coming too Joe shakes off the shot grabs the chair, Joe nails Booker and Slick Johnson turns back to the ring to see Joe crack Nash in the gut with the chair. the ref Joe is DQ's, Joe then nails Kevin in the back two more times with the chair.
Next weeks Impact, it is announced that Nash & Bobby Roode vs Samoa Joe & Kaz in the main event. Nash comes out and "fakes" an injury from last week to his back and Ribs, He says that Joe is lucky he is in terrible pain. He says he has a note from his Dr. Scott Micheals. He says he as suitable replacement, adds Booker as his replacement for the tag team match,
Storm gets a win over Sting after a Beer bootle to the head as Jackie Distracted the ref.
Roode & Booker are in the back with Nash. Roode tells Booker that it's good see he has seen the right way of things. Booker tells Roode that IN HIS WORLD! Everyone is a means to an end. TNA is his Kingdom, be happy he gets to live in it. As he walks away Nash says too many Jacknife's in WCW made him wacky!
Booker & Roode vs Samoa Joe & Kaz, Joe tells his given partner Kaz to stay in the back, he doesn’t want any help. Kaz comes in any way about 10 minute in and Tags himself in. He goes at Booker & Roode. Kaz nails the wave of the future on Booker, but Joe tags back in and throws kaz out the ring and tells him to not your business. Roode hits the Northern Lariat on Joe and then Booker with the Axe Kick for the win after a rough 25 minute main event. After the match Kaz trys to help Joe up, Joe pushes him back and tells him catch a hint, and Handle your own business. and slaps him. Kaz then superkicks Joe!
In the Next Impact 3 Weeks from PPV
Joe confronts Kaz backstage, He tells Kaz that he is lucky that he is not his main target, but If he ever steps in his way again, I WILL TEAR YOU APART!
Angle stops Kaz saying he's looking for buddy Styles. He tells Kaz about getting in adult business; Kaz tells Angle that it looks like AJ took care of adult business in and out of the ring at Slammiversary. I'm a lil busy tonight Kurt but Next week how about we go one more time and I show you I handle Business. Kurt Says He'e be glad too, After he hurts AJ tonight He's the next victim.
Cornette is with Booker who is telling Cornette that if not for Nash he would be champion, Team 3D is with Booker and he tells Cornette he wants to challenge Joe for his re-match clause. Joe was walking in as Booker was talking was, He tells Booker, to come on to the ring, He needs a good practice match.
Joe picks up a win over Booker to retain his title re-match and says he wants it NOW. Roode tells Joe he can have it but it has to be a NO DQ match. Joe agrees. After another great match, Sky & Love try to interfere but ODB and Roxxi brawl with them. Joe is about to win the Title back as Storm comes down spits beer in Roode face and Joe locks in the Rear naked choke. Nash comes in and attacks, He hits Joe with Jackknife. Roode hits the Plex for the win. Booker & The Dudleys come down and attack, Kaz, Cage/Rhino come to the ring but Joe has been busted open.
Two Weeks from Victory Road
Kaz is waiting in the ring and calls out Angle, But Tomko hits the ramp followed by Angle who says his Dr. has advised him not to wrestle so Tomko is his “Problem Solver” for the night, before the match can get started AJ runs out and attacks Angle and Tomko, Kaz helps out AJ fights Angle to the back, while Kaz & Tomko brawl. Back in the ring as the match continues Tomko goes for the boot, hits the ref when Kaz ducks. Tomko hits the spinning neck breaker finisher, Styles runs back out and hits the Spiral Tap on Tomko while he going for the pin. Kaz rolls him the win.
Back from Break Angle & Tomko are in Cornette’s office, Tomko says he wants AJ NOW!! Angle tells Cornette Kaz and Styles need to be fired. In comes Booker T and says he has better Idea. Back from Break, it’s
Storm & Sting are next. Set to have one final all out anything goes bloody street fight at Impact. Storm gets the last win over Sting, after Kip distracts him long enough for Storm to get a nasty SUPERKICK and a shot a chair from Jackie and a Ring Bell shot from Storm. Kip and Storm beat Sting down.
Storm is backstage after the bloody match and celebrating his win over Sting and pours beer on Roode while talking to the Beautiful People about investing into them. Roode get’s in his Storm’s face and tells him he could buy and sell his if he wanted too. James Storm laughs, drinks a bear and then spits it in his face; Secruity comes in and breaks up the Brawl. As Roode tried to leave he turns and gets nailed with the superkick, "Sorry Bout cho Damn Luck" That starts a short Heel fued with Roode & Storm.
KAZ & AJ vs Team 3D in a Tables Match. Main Event on Impact.
Match only Goes 10 Minutes before Booker & Tomko show up. Out comes Cage & Rhino, they all Brawl with Kaz putting Devon thru the table with the Flux. After the Break it is announced that AJ Styles vs Tomko with Kurt in his corner at Victory Road.
One week Till PPV
Joe isn't there, Roode comes out and cuts Promo on Joe, Kaz, AJ, Booker and Storm with Nash by his side. Jim Cornette comes to the ring and tells Nash he has 1 weeks to get healthy because he has to face Joe in a Submission Match. at Victory Road.
And that Roode will be facing James Storm for the TNA Title. He then tells Roode that to get ready because he has a match with Jay Lethal tonight.
Kip James vs Cage..
The Kipper has Team 3D try to help, Sting comes down and clears the ring. Set-up for Kip & Sting
One week from Victory Road
Kaz is backstage and calls out Booker T. He tells him that he as lost the respect he had for him and that He is starting to think that Booker is a legend in his own mind.
Booker T is in the ring 3D. Booker tells Kaz that by being allowed to Tag with the Legend that is Booker T he made a name for himself, and now he is going to find out what happens when you disrespect a legend. He tells Roode that his fantasy of being champion is almost up. Team 3D cuts a promo on Cage & Rhino about how thier careers together can't touch the Brothers.
Kaz, Cage & Rhino make their way to the ring, Jim Cornette heads out and does his, hold up this my show shtick. Cornette makes a match for Tonight, an 8-Man Match. AJ, Kaz, Cage/Rhino vs 3D, Booker, Tomko, He then makes matches Kaz vs Booker T for Victory Road
Match ends in a total Brawl.
SonJay attacks Lethal and cost him the win over Roode.
Victory Road PPV so far
Lethal vs Sonjay
Sting vs Kip James
Cage & Rhino vs Team 3D
Booker T vs Kaz
AJ Styles vs Tomko
Robert Roode vs James Storm (TNA Heavyweight Championship Match)
Nash Vs Joe (Submission Match)
Posted by: Jermine Wells | June 11, 2008 10:57 AM
RE: Kevins response to a posters question of whether he thought the TNA product had improved - his reply was a one word answer of "yes" . Stop the presses ! Frame the page ! I bet Kevins hand trembled while writing his one word response . That most have been like getting teeth pulled .
Posted by: jack in hebron | June 11, 2008 9:41 PM