Victoria, Raven, Shane Douglas shake up TNA Impact
Three familiar faces were introduced into the mix on TNA Impact Thursday night, as former WWE diva Victoria made her debut and Raven and Shane Douglas returned.
I think all three can make positive contributions to the company, but Victoria is clearly the most significant acquisition of the three. She immediately adds credibility to a women’s division that has been struggling to find its way since Gail Kim left for WWE. It’s interesting how Kim, the centerpiece of TNA’s women’s division, is lost in the shuffle in WWE, and now Victoria, who was vastly under-used in WWE, will likely fill Kim’s role as the top babyface in TNA.
The angle to introduce Victoria, who was referred to by that name (it had been speculated that she would go by her real name, Lisa Marie Varon), was perfectly executed. TNA women’s champ Angelina Love was cutting a promo about having no competition, when Victoria came out and cleared the ring of Love, Velvet Sky and Madison Rayne. I’m looking forward to a Victoria-Love program, as well as a Victoria-Awesome Kong program down the line.
Raven’s appearance also was well done, as he was reunited with his former crony in ECW and WCW, “Dr. Stevie” Richards. It initially looked as if Raven – who came through the crowd – was going to save Abyss from a beat-down by Dr. Stevie, but he ended up attacking Abyss instead.
I liked Raven’s promo in which he gave several possible reasons why he went after Abyss, and then said he may have done it simply because he could. I have always enjoyed Raven’s promos because he has such a distinctive style. Daffney wasn’t acknowledged, but she was standing with Raven and Dr. Stevie during the promo. With the direction her character has taken, she fits in perfectly with those two. Now if TNA would sign Vampiro and bring back Father James Mitchell, we’d have a really compelling “dark” heel faction.
As for Shane Douglas’ return, I am going to withhold judgment until I see where the story line is headed. Douglas, who attacked Daniels after Daniels’ loss to A.J. Styles, looked heavier than the last time he was in TNA. At this point in his career, he might be more valuable in a non-wrestling role, as Douglas has always been good on the stick.
On a side note, I wonder if Mick Foley had anything to do with Douglas getting an opportunity with TNA. Foley and Douglas met in the early 1980s when they were both training under former WWWF star Dominic DeNucci.
Other thoughts on Thursday’s show:
Victoria got a nice pop when she came out, and the crowd response to Raven was OK, but there wasn’t much reaction to Douglas. ...
I wonder if there is going to be an ECW angle at some point. Quite a few ECW alums are now on the roster: Raven, Richards, Douglas, Team 3D, Rhino and Tazz (who has yet to appear on camera). Foley, of course, also was at one time a major player in ECW, but I think everyone thinks of him as a WWE guy. ...
Speaking of Richards, he’s definitely underrated when it comes to cutting promos. ...
Having Sting boot the women out of the Main Event Mafia was a good move. Actually, I would have kept Sharmell, but I don’t sense that the audience cares at all about Jenna Morasca. ...
How many people were waiting for Beer Money to attack Team 3D with the trophies? I know I was. I don’t believe that Beer Money’s babyface turn is for real. ...
Samoa Joe told Kurt Angle that he had been ordered to kill him. I know that the audience chants “Joe’s gonna kill you” (well, they used to) at his opponents, but Joe saying that sounded ridiculous. Then again, Joe was threatening to slit people’s throats with a machete not too long ago. ...
I was surprised to see the show open with a match (Suicide vs. Amazing Red). I can’t recall the last time Impact didn’t kick off the show with a long promo. I’m not saying that I have a problem with the promos, but it’s good every now and then to do something different. ...
I liked the Styles-Daniels match, but what in the blue hell was going on with those guys rapping during Styles’ entrance music? Where are The West Texas Rednecks when you need them. Actually, don’t answer that.
I think Eric Young is going to be a good heel. I always thought the guy had talent, but I just didn’t care for the goofy character that he used to play. ...
Speaking of good heels, I’m a fan of Cute Kip’s act, and I hope we haven’t seen the last of him now that The Beautiful People have given him the boot. ...
During the Doug Williams-Cody Deaner ladder match, Deaner took a scary-looking bump off the ladder and over the top rope. It appeared that Deaner was supposed to crotch himself on the rope, but he didn’t catch it quite right and he tumbled awkwardly to the floor. He seemed to be OK after the match, but he easily could have been seriously injured.
After Lauren’s backstage scene with Dr. Stevie, I actually wrote down in my notes that her acting has gotten much better. Then I crossed it out after seeing her performance during the in-ring scene with Abyss, Stevie and Raven.
Comments
Key Kevin , you joked about bringing back Vampiro to side w / Raven . How 'bout reforming the "Flock" ? ie: Scotty Riggs , Billy Kidman , Van Hammer , etc .
And while we're at it also bring back Alex Wright , Glacier , Psychosis and LaParka . Maybe Perry Saturn ........
Oh , lest I forget , Tony Schiavone .
Unfortunately , I'm not kidding .
Posted by: the artist formerly known as jack in hebron | May 29, 2009 8:46 PM
Hey man, does your wife know of your sexist attitude towards the women of the main event mafia? She might styles clash you.
Speaking of promos it seems like Tna is outshining wwe, especially Raw when it comes to those lately. Their booking might be all over the place but their guys do a good job of trying to get storylines over.
Posted by: John Smith | May 29, 2009 9:12 PM
How many ladder matches is TNA gonna put on free TV, especially between two low-carders? What if WWE had a ladder match between that a------ who patted himself on the back and the dude who pretended to be Goldberg? Watch, TNA will sign those two turd stains next.
Posted by: Cliff | May 29, 2009 9:33 PM
Loved Jack in Hebron's post. He might be onto something. Could he really be the Aritist Formerly Known as Vince Russo? Time will tell.
Posted by: Sean | May 29, 2009 10:20 PM
Whats weird is we never have been told what is the problem between Sharmell and Jenna-if anything.I remember more than a couple of long term girl fights in high school that by senior year neither girl could remembr what they were fighting about.They just hated each other,and every morning they would brawl up and down the school bus aisle all the way to school.Hair pulling,eye gouging.I was so glad when I got my license and didnt have to ride the bus anymore.
And how about Foley deciding that his drawing power was so important to the company's success that he decided he needed to prolong his title run by only defending the belt once a year? I'll bet he dreamed that one up himself,that is so classic Foley.
Posted by: Bill | May 29, 2009 10:52 PM
I just got done watching the replay of TNA . When Angelina Love was on the mike asking two times if there was anyone there that could " take her on " . Kevin , if I were there I think I would have responded . ( and she wouldn't have needed to ask twice ) .
Posted by: the artist formerly known as jack in hebron | May 29, 2009 10:55 PM
Cliff: The sad part is I'd rather watch a ladder match between said Barry Horowitz and Gillberg over the crap in TNA.
Posted by: Mr. Bronson | May 29, 2009 11:08 PM
It's great to see Victoria in what looks like a prominent role.
She's got a lot of talent, my only question mark in her knees, which could an issue, especially at her age.
Oh, and i'm glad you made mention of Stevie Richards, Kev, the guy is one of the most underrated workers (in every facet) in the business and really deserves a good push.
Now i'd like to see 'Big Stevie Cool' again, but i'm probably the only one.
Posted by: John | May 30, 2009 3:01 AM
Its nice to see Victoria in TNA where i think she would do very well. Loved the promo with MEM especially the firing of MEM security. Starting to like the British Invasion and thats only b/c I caant wait ti LAX returns to start what should be a good feud. Always been a fan of Raven and Douglas so it was nice to see them back on tv
Posted by: jason | May 30, 2009 5:07 AM
Sean- LOL !
Posted by: the artist formerly known as jack in hebron | May 30, 2009 7:52 AM
Love the new talent influx at TNA. I was really getting tired of the hour long mem promos.
I absolutely agree with your opinion on Victoria. She has always been very under used at WWE and she has the best finsher in all of the Women's division (WWE or TNA)
Posted by: Andrew | May 30, 2009 7:55 AM
The Flock??!!!! Pshaw!
Bring back Kevin Sullivan tied to the Tree of Woe!
Now that was wrestling!
Posted by: Bring back the WWWF | May 30, 2009 9:36 AM
I wasn't a fan of Shane Douglas when he was with WCW and I'm still not interested in his character now. TNA is a lot better now than it was a year ago and I always wondered if they have had any plans on going head to head with Raw on monday nights. I know that sounds crazy but my therory is Monday nights is wrestling night. It always has been and always will be. I've been watching wrestling on monday nights ever since Prime Time with Bobby Heenan and Gorrila Monsoon. Eric Bischoff once said the only way WCW could have competed with the WWE was to go head to head. Thats what made the wars. I think they'll be able to muster a better rating on monday going head to head than they do on thursday. They now have the talent roster to compete. I guess its just a pipe dream I have but you never know..
Posted by: delon | May 30, 2009 12:55 PM
* Bring back the WWWF * said - "bring back Kevin Sullivan......" .
I stand corrected . You are so right . Bring him back w / the Varsity Club !
No , the Purple Haze , and Luna Vachon !
Maybe one day Kevin (Eck) can institute a " where are they now " type interview . I 'd love to read one with the Taskmaster !
Are you listening Kevin ?? :)
Posted by: the artist formerly known as jack in hebron | May 30, 2009 1:01 PM
After watching this show on Thursday, it is apparent that one of TNA's biggest problems is the lack of TV time they have for their product. Every single incident outside of the X-division match on Impact was part of some storyline that was beginning or already in development. There really was no time for things to really settle with the audience before something entirely different was being thrown out there. In other words, the pacing of the show needs work because there is so much going on that a lot of the major occurrences (and there were a lot this week) almost became an after thought.
TNA has a huge roster, which makes it necessary for them to have another weekly show. ECW and SmackDown arguably have more solid shows because the pacing is better and there is more time for in-ring combat. With that being said, no I don't want TNA to start releasing people again, but they should try to find a way to budget their time better.
___
Raven's return was great as I was a huge fan of his in the late 90s and even while he was feuding with Zbysko in TNA. Serotonin was somewhat disappointing, but his reunion with Stevie Richards was really cool. Just call Daffney "Beulah" and we're in a time warp. Tommy Dreamer has expressed interest in working for TNA, and it will be surreal seeing those three in the ring together at the same time again (I'm almost certain that will happen soon).
With Raven, Richards, and Douglas here, plus the rumors of Taz(z) being Joe's mentor (hopefully Bill Alfonso will join up with Taz again), plus the appearance of Mahoney and Runt (Spike) a few weeks back, plus Rhino returning to TV, plus Team 3D holding the tag titles = TNA on TNN/Spike is the new "Tribe of the Extreme" more so than that show on SciFi. They may as well bring back Kid Cash and Steve Corino.
Yeah, I want Alex Shelley to become a break out star and I want Daniels to hold the heavy-weight title, but I've come to terms with TNA being a nostalgia show now, so we all may as well just try to enjoy what we're going to get because the youth movement is stalled.
Still wish they could scrape up the dough for Bryan Danielson...and maybe the Briscoes...
Wasn't "Silver Tongue" an announcer for a brief period of time in TNA? I seem to recall him doing commercial bumpers before Hemme took over in that spot.
Posted by: Another Wrestling Mark | May 31, 2009 1:24 AM
I see Daniels turning on Styles (probably with Joe too) to form a Triple Threat with Douglas. If Douglas doesn't wrestle they will probably use Taz as the third member.
Doing an ECW battle would generate a lot of interest. Maybe TNA can sign Paul E to further it along.
I think TNA missed an opportunity with ODB. I think she should have held the belt once in the past year as she is over with the crowd and is a good worker. I do think Love will hold the title for a little while.
Posted by: Flair | May 31, 2009 11:31 AM
"Could he really be the Aritist Formerly Known as Vince Russo?"
Sorry, but that's now known as the Vince Russo Formerly Known as An Artist.
Posted by: Marko50 | May 31, 2009 6:03 PM
What happens at Slammiversary? Is there an annual match that takes place or something?
Sorry, I only started watching TNA a few months ago, so i don't really know much about the PPV's.
The MCMGs only get a two minute backstage segment where they said practically nothing...you're joking.
So when the the Bodyguards are kicked out of the group, they have to leave, but when the girls are kicked out of the group, they can stay?
I don't think beer money will remain babyfaces'. I think they will do the same thing Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch done to the Hardys.
Seriously, what the heck happened to Bobby Lashley?
Posted by: Legacy.1 | May 31, 2009 7:26 PM
You could hear crickets when Raven made his return. I expected a bigger reaction.
Posted by: J.Ray | June 1, 2009 3:19 AM
I feel like Rodney Dangerfield - No Respect . :)
Posted by: the artist formerly known as jack in hebron | June 1, 2009 4:21 PM