TNA Impact comes up empty
Sorry about getting this up much later than expected. Life is a little crazy right now.
Thursday’s episode of Impact was a perfect example of why I am so frustrated with TNA.
I’m always in favor of thinking outside the box, so I definitely think TNA was onto something by building the show around an empty arena match between Kurt Angle and Sting. But despite the unique nature of the match and outstanding efforts by the two veterans, the gaps in logic in the story line and the asinine writing and general silliness throughout the show were just too much to overcome.
No matter how much talent or star power is on TNA’s roster, the company is never going to realize its full potential until the glaring booking problems are addressed.
While I’m sure Vince Russo and the powers that be in TNA are doing cartwheels over the company-record 1.3 rating for the episode, I wouldn’t get too excited. The Angle-Sting empty arena match obviously enticed more people to watch, but what those additional viewers saw was a show worthy of several chapters in the next WrestleCrap book.
Let’s begin with the Angle-Sting match. These guys went from being tight to wanting to kill each other within a matter of weeks, and I still don’t know exactly why there is so much hatred between them. That kind of intensity should be reserved for highly personal programs such as Angle-Jeff Jarrett or Shawn Michaels-Chris Jericho.
I haven’t really understood the motivation for Sting’s character since the inception of the Main Event Mafia-Frontline story line. The original premise was that Sting was upset because he felt the younger guys didn’t show the veterans the proper respect. For some reason, Sting believed that the best way to teach them about respect was to join the Main Event Mafia, the type of thuggish heel faction that Sting had battled his entire career. The MEM showed no respect to their fellow wrestlers, authority figures or fans, yet Sting embraced them, all the while acting like a babyface.
After a few months of harmony within the MEM, Angle decided out of nowhere that he had a problem with Sting, and the next thing you know they are brawling in an empty arena match. After several minutes of Angle and Sting going at each other with incredible ferocity, Kevin Nash and Scott Steiner showed up and got between them, and then security also helped restore order. All of those people entering the building pretty much defeated the entire purpose of the match.
Anyway, Nash yelled at Angle and Sting to shake hands, and, inexplicably, Sting extended his hand. So Samoa Joe and A.J. Styles are disrespectful (whatever that means) and need to be taught a lesson, but Angle is easily forgiven for attempting to main him. Sure, that makes sense. Angle wasn’t having any of that handshaking business, however, and he spit right in Sting’s face, making Sting look foolish and touching off a pull-apart brawl.
As I said earlier, Angle and Sting were very good in their roles, but the motivation for their characters just isn’t believable. All that intensity means nothing if there isn’t a logical reason for it.
Other thoughts on the show:
TNA does deserve credit for making the empty arena match seem like a big deal. Showing the fans and wrestlers filing out of the building and later cutting away to shots of raucous fans gathered outside the Impact Zone were nice touches. …
Perhaps because the Angle-Sting stuff was so over-the-top intense, the TNA writers felt the need to inject humor into just about everything else, even when it was totally inappropriate to the tone of the scene. For example, when Rhino was cutting a serious and believable promo about the injuries that could occur in an empty arena match, Brother Ray interrupted and made a crack about once tearing an ab while doing crunches.
Then the conversation turned to strip clubs and Devon’s penchant for overweight women. It seemed like something I should be watching as an outtake on DVD extras rather than a scene that actually made it on the air. All too often I get the impression that the writers and some of the talent use the show strictly as a vehicle to entertain themselves.
And that brings me to Booker T. I have always liked Booker, but he is in danger of becoming a total cartoon. When he was King Booker in WWE, he showed the ability to go back and forth between comedic heel and serious heel depending on the situation. Now everything is a joke with him, which would be fine if he were a mid-card comedy act, but he isn’t. The verbal confrontation between him and Angle on Thursday made me cringe, as Angle was intense and serious while Booker came off as a caricature. …
The point was made a couple times during the show that the only way the MEM was going to be taken down was if it was taken down from within. Wasn’t the whole MEM-Frontline program originally designed to elevate young talent? …
The street fight between The Motor City Machine Guns and Lethal Consequences was a fun match. The back bump that Jay Lethal took after going over the top rope onto a ladder couldn’t have felt good. …
The tag match between Beer Money and Eric Young and Petey Williams also was good. The stipulation was that if Young or Williams was pinned, that person would have to leave TNA. Since it was reported last week that Williams had been released, it was no surprise that he did the job. He broke down after the match as he received a standing ovation from the crowd. It was a classy move by TNA to give Williams a sendoff on TV rather than just wishing him well in his future endeavors on its Web site. …
Is TNA even going to bother trying to get Matt Morgan over as a main-eventer? Booking him on the losing end of a random six-man tag match is mind-boggling. …
Speaking of mind-boggling, it appears that Shannon Spruill is actually going to continue doing the Sarah Palin impersonator gimmick instead of performing as Daffney. By the way, did anyone notice the guy in the front row copping a feel on her? Earlier in the show, Taylor Wilde groped “The Gov” as well. Must be the pantsuits. …
I didn’t think anything could be worse than all those Palin/Beautiful People skits, but the Abyss/Dr. Stevie segments are coming close. …
I still can’t get over the fact that there is dissension already in the Kongtourage and that Sojourner Bolt might be turning babyface. The heel group has only been together for a month, and this would be Bolt’s second turn in three months. That’s absurd even by Russo’s standards. …
As if there weren’t enough things on the show to make you embarrassed to be watching it, TNA treated us to some nice footage of animals having sex.
Comments
Not only was it peculiar for Matt Morgan to have been booked in that six man tag it was equally peculiar for Brutus Magnus to have been booked in that match as well.
Given how much Magnus was hyped why would they put him on the losing end of six man tag in his third match? I fully expected Morgan, Magnus and Bashir to win. Did Morgan or Magnus say something to annoy Jarrett?
Posted by: Aaron Goldstein | February 21, 2009 3:54 AM
you really like vince russo, don't you, kev?
Posted by: Ray | February 21, 2009 4:58 AM
Yet another disappointing episode of TNA. The most annoying thing for me is the absolute blatent misuse of talent combined with terrible booking.
Maybe it's just me, but it seems almost every match on the card at the moment seems to involve either one or two teams which are feuding with themselves. Lethal Consequences are fighting MCMG, Bolt against Kong, Angle vs Sting. And like you said Kevin, where did the beef between Angle and Sting come from?
When the MEM came together it seemed a perfect way to keep the older guys relevant whilst promoting young talent. Yet that is simply not happening. The perfect example here is probably Booker T. From what is being said in all the spoilers sections, it seems that he is pretty much ruling the roost at TNA. He seems to be calling a lot of shots and getting on many people's nerves.
There are only three reasons i'm still watching TNA. Beer Money Inc, MCMG, and of course, The Beautiful People.
I wondered why Christian would rather be in ECW than TNA, but now I don't blame him. TNA seem to be going nowhere fast. And I wouldn't be suprised to see a few more people leave in the not too distant future. Being jobless might be better for some of the younger guys than simply being a jobber the the MEM.
Posted by: Adam North | February 21, 2009 5:29 AM
I've read on some internet gossip sites that the moral at TNA is about as low as it was towards the last days of WCW . The mention of the cause actually Jeff Jarrett's bookings.
I was also surprised to see the ratings this episode had .
And speaking of sex , the background music played during the Dr. Stevie segment was reminiscent of a 80's porn movie .... or so I've been told .
Posted by: the artist formerly known as jack in hebron | February 21, 2009 7:28 AM
What a cluster F.
Is another run as GI Bro in store fro Booker? Can't be any less embarassing.
Posted by: James C | February 21, 2009 8:29 AM
Hey Kev, I'm a big fan of your blog and respect your opinion quite a bit as I am generally checking it at work when I should probably be doing other stuff. That being said, I'm a big mark for TNA and usually feel you're being a little harsh on TNA but I agree 100 % that TNA needs to take a serious look at their booking and the overall logic of a lot of things they do. I did really enjoy the fact that there were some very good exciting matches this week and TNA does seem to be getting closer to their roots by actually having a little more wrestling on it's show. For awhile there it seemed as if they used to have more wrestling on their 1 hour program than now. TNA does seem to be heading in the right direction but is (I hope) just having some growing pains and figuring out what works for them and what doesn't. I'm willing to give em the benefit of the doubt that they will eventually "get there".
One thing I will say for anyone reading this, if you haven't been to a TNA live event-GO! Not since I was a kid in Florida going to see wrestling shows have I been able to have that kind of interaction with the wrestliers. One of my fondest memories was meeting Billy Jack Haynes and getting an autographed picture of him, along with the Guerro brothers, Rick Rude, Wahoo McDaniel, Dusty, the Funks, Freebirds, Magnum TA and so on. Sorry I got nostalgic remembering what I consider the greatest era (early 80's for you younger readers) and group of wrestlers. If you go to a TNA event, many of the TNA wrestlers will bring the backstage to the crowd and pose for photos and sign autographs after the show and they all seem really thrilled to be doing it rather than begrudging the time
RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: I agree about the Impact Zone experience. I attended a taping last year.
Posted by: Derek Benschoter | February 21, 2009 8:38 AM
One of my biggest complaints with TNA is how many times they talk about killing. It seems like every opportunity they get, someone has to mention murder. I counted three references of killing within the fifteen minutes that I watched TNA. That ain't right.
Posted by: Sean the Cynic | February 21, 2009 10:52 AM
I know this has nothing to do with TNA but i always wondered/
in 1984/1985 when WWF really got going with the expansion, They acquired several GCW/NWA stars, that were gone within days or weeks. Do you know the reasons they never worked out for Vince while they were such huge names elsewhere
1) Buzz Sawyer
gone from WWF after 1 TV appearenace
2) Tommy Rich
was advertised to debut at Capitol Centre the april show after wrestlemania 1, never appeared
3) freebirds
Ok i think i heard this story where they really only wanted Michael, but they were gone after 3 weeks.
4) Spoiler and Mr Wrestling II
Spoiler brought the National Title with him, and i think II only did house shows
5) Dick Slater
The Rebel lasted the longest, about 4 months
any thoughts? thank you
Posted by: Henry | February 21, 2009 12:30 PM
The Sarah Palin angle is now PATHETIC, untimely and just plain STUPID! The writers for that must be brain dead just like the angle. The Sting/Angle match was anticlimatic and I am getting tired of Angle screaming into the camera every week. TNA Total Nonsense Association. If you ask me since Jarrett has been back into the picture TNA has become a JOKE! WOOOOO
Posted by: Ric in Baltimore | February 21, 2009 2:18 PM
Kevin,
If Impact keeps sucking, you're going to run out of titles for your Impact posts. You might just have to resort to "TNA Sucks Again".
Posted by: Cliff | February 21, 2009 2:59 PM
...who was operating Angle's pyro?
Posted by: kyle | February 21, 2009 4:05 PM
Kevin, quick question . Who runs the ship in TNA . Is it Dixie Carter ? The Jarretts ? Or a conglomeration ? I know Dixie Carter has no interest in becoming involved in the public eye , but someone has to be held accountable for this sinking ship over and above Vince Russo . I personally would still like to see it succeed as an alternative to WWE despite my lack of recent support .
RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: It's my understanding that Carter has final say, but Jarrett certainly has a lot of input on creative decisions.
Posted by: the artist formerly known as jack in hebron | February 21, 2009 4:28 PM
I'm surprised no one has mentioned the horrible fall Angle took from the stands; he clearly lost control as his hand slipped. It's amazing he kept going at such a pace!
TNA does not have enough faith in itself. That's their biggest problem. They don't believe their young guys can draw, they don't believe their ratings will improve, they don't have faith that smart stories and good action will grow a fan base. The results are hotshotting angles, disregard for continuity, elevating/lowering wrestlers shamelessly and turning wrestlers stupidly. TNA still has great workers and innovative matches; what it needs is strong leadership and the kind of vision that got it to the point of being a legit company. Unfortunately, there apparently needs to be a different person directing that vision. I had hope that Foley's voice could make the difference but (again) my hopes have been dashed.
Thanks and keep up the great work, Kevin. Best wishes in your real life.
Posted by: TP | February 21, 2009 7:04 PM
A televised pro wrestling show came up empty? Who woulda figgered?
Posted by: JoJo | February 21, 2009 7:44 PM
The empty arena match was ruined by all of Don West and Mike Tenay's incessant over talking.
Posted by: Elevation | February 21, 2009 8:08 PM
Yes another horrible TNA the other night. I used to like watching TNA more than WWE then it just got really bad and Only have watched episodes sometimes. Have to agree with the illogical booking and just the overall inmature jokes that Vince Russo and Co write out. Episcally with the animals having sex, lol . TNA needs new writers. Kevin you should do a detailed article about TNA booking problems and the show in general, would be a good article to read.
Posted by: Zane | February 21, 2009 8:21 PM
It was a pretty awful show, with way too much use of promos, taped highlights and vignettes.
Mind you, if Velvet Sky wants to wear the same outfit each week, i don't particularly care about the quality of the show.
I'd go so far as saying that i'd sit through a two hour Matt Morgan promo (or a 30 minute Kevin Nash match) to see Velvet in that outfit again.
BTW I too saw the dude groping Daffney.
I also noticed she actually smiled when it happened.
Posted by: John | February 21, 2009 8:28 PM
sure tna makes some mistakes... but which company doesn´t^^
if you put the fact byside that tna should concentrate again more on the x-division... i think right now and the past month it was the best wrestling show for over 8-10 years....
it doesn´t feel like wrestling, there is a war going on....^^
for sure the past months made me a bigger wrestling and tna fan then i ever was in over 11 years watching wrestling...
the intensity in the storylines is reaching boiling point... the work out the details so fine, they even respond to inet haters an kritics in the shows in hidden phrases or somethin like that... angle a psycho like the wrestling game hasn´t seen for a long time(image)... thinks like integrating jeffs died wife in the story(real life based things that make me feel with them)... hard language and a hard programm(backstage brawls, blood....) not a programm rated for 5+ years lika other companys^^...
to mem, everybody knows that styles and joes.... time will come just be patient... 3 of the 5 mem members wont be in the ring by next year anymore and by that time thanks to the so called "grandpas" they will be fully established and accepted as topstars... seriously i would never have put styles or so in a league with a hbk or something if they wouldnt have fought against the big guys like steiner and angle(from wrestling skills sure but not from the image and prestige)
so from my point of view the winner of all that is tna and the young guys how have plenty of years in the ring infront of theme...
and the heel fraction has always to look stronger(ok mostly^^) i dont wanne see the good guy beeting up the bad guy how will use everything neccessery to win^^ the big bad shadow must lay over everything and on the bottom there is a small light spark that keeps fighting back... thats wrestling for me^^
the old guys are doing a pretty good job right now... its all about charisma^^ wrestling is not everything(and even steiners matches keep getting better again from the wrestling aspect)
sry for my bad english^^
Posted by: Kenan | February 22, 2009 9:52 AM
Here's a dream match for the ages: Mike Adamle vs. Don West- The Battle of the Botcharific Announcers!
Posted by: Cliff | February 22, 2009 10:44 PM
Do you remember back when WWE had HHH and the Rock do an empty arena match during the half time of a super bowl? It was boring then and it was boring on TNA.
RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: It was actually Rock and Mankind (Mick Foley) and I thought it was great.
Posted by: Paul Cooper | February 24, 2009 12:15 AM
Everybody seems to be bashing TNA right now. why not look at the bright side: They had their highest rating ever with the "empty arena" episode, and had the same rating the next week. That means the average viewer liked what they saw enough to watch again. That's a good thing.
Posted by: Biff | February 28, 2009 12:10 PM