Never a dull moment on TNA Impact
I’m guessing that a lot of people probably hated Thursday night’s episode of TNA Impact. When Kevin Nash was put in charge of the show (in the story line) and he announced the lineup for the evening, I thought I would hate it, too. But, God help me, I actually found it entertaining.
At one point, Mike Tenay remarked that the show – which featured a man vs. woman match, a mud wrestling match, a women’s Trailer Park Throwdown (the competitors had to down a six-pack of beer before the match) and a TNA title match awarded to the highest bidder – had Nash’s fingerprints all over it. Of course, the truth is that it was Vince Russo’s fingerprints.
Russo’s irreverent “Crash TV” often misses the mark, but not this time. The show never dragged, and you can’t ask for more than that. Don’t get me wrong. I wouldn’t want to see this kind of show every week. I do like shows that feature in-ring action, but I don’t think it’s a bad idea to mix things up.
The best part of the show was the footage of Mick Foley trying to track down Jeff Jarrett in Tennessee. Not much happened in the first couple segments, but Foley has the ability to make even the mundane watchable. The payoff was good, as Foley found a scruffy Jarrett sitting at a bar and convinced him to return to the Impact Zone next week.
Foley and Jarrett spoke in vague terms about TNA president Dixie Carter mistreating Jarrett and how “the punishment did not fit the crime.” When discussing coming back, Jarrett also asked “What about Kurt?” Yes, TNA is going there.
Personally, I think a Jarrett-Angle feud playing off their real-life issues (Jarrett is in a relationship with Angle’s ex-wife) could be really good.
Other thoughts on Thursday’s show:
With all the gimmick matches on the program, it has to be considered a major upset that there wasn’t a pole match. ...
I suppose the politically correct thing to do would be to condemn the mud wrestling match between Lacey Von Erich and Velvet Sky (refereed by Madison Rayne), but as a red-blooded male, I just can’t do it. The “match” was actually tamer than I thought it would be. The mud made it difficult for the women to keep their balance, so they were slipping all over the place. In other words, Von Erich gave her typical performance. ...
I find it funny that TNA used to promote its women as more athletic and skilled than WWE’s divas, and now the Knockouts are wrestling in mud, which is the kind of thing the divas don’t do anymore. ...
The ODB-Tara Trailer Park Throwdown – which was won by ODB – was a fun weapons match. Yes, I do see the irony of Tara participating in a match in which she had to drink a six-pack of beer before competing a week after she said she left WWE because she was treated as a joke and wanted real competition. ...
There were a number of funny lines on the show, but one of the funniest had to be when Taz said that “Nash has a future booking wrestling matches.” Anyone who remembers Nash’s tenure as the leader of the booking committee in WCW in 1999 knows just how hilarious it really is. ...
Another good Taz line occurred during the ODB-Tara match. After Tara hit ODB low with a kendo stick, he said, “Would that even really hurt? Well, who knows with ODB.” ...
It only lasted about two seconds, but Russo and writing partner Ed Ferrara had a cameo when Foley was searching the TNA offices for Jarrett. As anyone who reads this blog regularly knows, I’m not a big fan of Russo as a booker, but I did find him entertaining as a performer in WCW (although not in large doses). I wouldn’t mind seeing him back on TV as a character, but only if he gave up his writing position. We don’t need to see Russo booking himself as world champion again. ...
When Foley mentioned that he couldn’t be fired under any circumstances, he said that he could even say “Gewirtz” on television. That was a reference to Raw head writer Brian Gewirtz, which reportedly was the name that was bleeped out on last week’s show when Foley was asked who the smartest person he knows is. Like a lot of stuff in TNA, I’m sure only a small percentage of viewers got the reference. ...
I’m glad the A.J. Styles-Desmond Wolfe match – which Styles won after Wolfe was distracted by Daniels – for the TNA world title lasted only five minutes. Actually, that may have been five minutes too long. Styles-Wolfe is a marquee matchup, and their first meeting shouldn’t be given away on free TV. ...
The Eric Young-Hamada match was entertaining for what it was. I liked that Young had to win with his feet on the ropes. It gets heat on him because he cheated to beat a woman, and it makes Hamada look tough for holding her own and losing under those circumstances. ...
Normally, I wouldn’t be in favor of one guy beating three – especially when two of the three are the tag team champions – but I liked Chris Sabin overcoming the odds and defeating all three members of The British Invasion. It worked because Rob Terry was the one who did the job. ...
Scott Steiner was hilarious on this show. When Christy Hemme was interviewing him, for some reason she put her hand on his chest, and he grabbed it and pushed it lower. Then after she asked a question that he didn’t like, he said, “You’ve replaced JB [Jeremy Borash] and you’re already [ticking] me off!’ The best, however, was when he threatened to beat up Bobby and Kristal Lashley’s son. “Isn’t he two?” Hemme asked. “No, he one and a half,” Steiner replied. “I don’t discriminate against age. I’ll beat anybody up.” ...
TNA pushed the envelope at the end of the mixed tag match that pitted the Lashleys against Steiner and Awesome Kong. Steiner covered Kristal for the pin in a very suggestive manner, and then took it a step further by doing push-ups on top of her. Again, it’s not politically correct, but I found it humorous because it was just so over the top. ...
By the way, how is it that Nash was able to book Kristal Lashley in a match? Is she a TNA talent? Wait, let me rephrase that. Is she on the TNA roster? ...
“Black Machismo” Jay Lethal cut an awesome promo. His Randy Savage impersonation seemed even more spot-on than usual.
Comments
If one doesn't read insider wrestling websites and newsletters, how would one know why Jeff Jarrett was actually suspended?
95% of the people who watch TNA probably have no idea what the hell Foley and JJ are talking about.
TNA is so horrible. Hulk Hogan can not possibly make it anymore worse than that 2 hours of trash last night.
Posted by: Elevation | December 11, 2009 9:11 PM
Did Nash ask for the security tape? Is that a reference to the quickly forgotten thing during the Abyss-Foley feud where JB didn't want Foley looking at the security tape?
Posted by: MechanicalBull | December 11, 2009 9:35 PM
It's like TNA is trying to become even an older and staler version of the WCW that failed so badly. I just don't get it. If run well - which shouldn't be very hard, they'd be a great number 2 to WWE and probably very profitable. The way they're headed, I bet Vince buys them for chump change by the end of 2010 - so he can sell Jeff Jarrett DVDs. He'll repackage Beer Money as 2 hillbillys. But at least he'll be smart enough to never eeeeever give Kevin Nash air time.
Posted by: Ruzious | December 11, 2009 10:11 PM
Steiner, Machismo, Nash, Beautiful People made the show great. Kev, do you think we're going to see a Lashley/Morgan title feud coming soon? Seems to me Morgan is the best "prospect" in any company right now.
Posted by: Al | December 11, 2009 10:37 PM
I'm surprised you didn't mention what I found to be the most note-worthy event on Impact, when the trashcan lid flew out of Tara's hand and in the direction of the crowd/announce table.
Posted by: Michael in Virginia | December 12, 2009 2:52 AM
OK, so I'm still thinking about Nash's "We're getting the band back together" line from last week or so. Wasn't Jarrett involved in NWO 2000? maybe his coming back could lead to that sort of revival. Or maybe Jeff, who founded the company, could be booked versus Hogan and Dixie Carter's alliance, since "the punishment didn't fit the crime", upon his return. AJ, Desmond, and Kurt could play together for awhile, since Desmond and Angle have unfinished business. Angle works better as a heel, so maybe he'd hook up with Hogan and Dixie? Also it seems like Beer Money is toast (with my guess being James Storm leaving) and Robert Roode getting his singles push (I hope, I hope!). Foley, as shareholder will oppose Hogan and Dixie, too, I think, based on his recent schtick of being left out of the loop on Hogan's signing.
Posted by: jon in bradenton, florida | December 12, 2009 8:25 AM
QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
With all the gimmick matches on the program, it has to be considered a major upset that there wasn’t a pole match. ...
Posted by: John | December 12, 2009 9:08 AM
I am in agreement with Kevin on the show. At first I REALLY hated the idea when I heard the match lineup. As the show progressed I found myself really enjoying the show.
My only real complaint was Jessie Neal beating Super Mex with a gore. Give Jessie a new finisher that is his. That move doesn't work for his size. I was surpised that Hernandez didn't kick out.
I for one am hopefully for the future of TNA.
Posted by: Dale | December 12, 2009 10:48 AM
I was not a fan of the 4-on-3 handicap match where Hernandez got pinned after being speared by Jesse Neal. I thought TNA would want to make Hernandez & Matt Morgan look strong in the long run.
Posted by: Benny | December 12, 2009 12:10 PM
Steiner's comment about not discriminating against age was laugh-out-loud funny.
One thing I didn't get in his match: when Bobby Lashley went outside the ring and was touched by a concerned Kristal, the ref called it a tag.
I understand they needed a way to force Kristal into the match because Bobby was trying to avoid having to tag her in, but I've never heard of something like that being used as an explanation for it. Anyone ever see that before?
Posted by: James | December 12, 2009 1:29 PM
"TNA is so horrible. Hulk Hogan can not possibly make it anymore worse than that 2 hours of trash last night. "
Posted by: Elevation
Wanna bet?????
Posted by: Horseman420 | December 12, 2009 2:20 PM
Kev, i do not agree with ya about the AJ-Daniels thing. When that match does come around for the title, i would have feared theyd do the whole "First Time Ever" bit, which i hate to no end. But you just mentioning that match has me pumped for it already....
I am excited that next week we may see Hulk and Foley square off. Since JB was there there will definatly be some footage.
Who will Machismo face next week? im hoping for Beefcake...
Posted by: Ace | December 12, 2009 2:53 PM
The Beautiful People sure put the t and a in TNA.
I liked the Eric Young-Hamada match. I know Hamada isn't a prototypical TNA Knockout but I saw the close ups of her face. I'll say it here. She's cute.
If the Lashleys are turning heel I didn't see any evidence of it. At least not for now.
Posted by: Aaron Goldstein | December 12, 2009 3:22 PM
I'll say this, if the build is to a Foley-Nash-Jarrett-Hogan storyline Dixie Carter should just fold up shop and call it a wrap. That will BURY any interest anyone has in this sport. Yeah, I say wrestling as a whole because WWE isn't wrestling anymore.
For everyone that rips HHH, HBK, Nash, Hogan, etc for abuse of backstage power, they always neglect Jarrett who was at the "center" of WCW when it died and has failed to ever notice that TNA does better when he's not around. Jarrett is a midcard talent who thinks he's Ric F'ing Flair.
Posted by: MechanicalBull | December 12, 2009 4:04 PM
Vince Russo's writing in very small doses is entertaining... but tonight's iMPACT overall is why most TNA shows arent worthwhile, and arent worth the price of a PPV order. He doesnt care about THE WRESTLING MATCHES. Wrestling fans want to believe that the matches mean something, and when he books a show like last Thursdays, we cant. Its like putting Kevin Nash in charge was an excuse for his worst impulses to run wild... handicap matches and crazy stipulations,references only smarks get, putting himself on TV,bad to no finishes... Almost nothing done last night draws money for TNA. The Good: Seeing Jeff Jarrett back, and Scott Steiner's funny promo.
Posted by: Nick Rini | December 12, 2009 7:19 PM
Hamada is cute Aaron I totally agree and also a fantastic wrestler. Great show from TNA, it was so unpolitically correct that's why I loved it.
Posted by: Seamus | December 12, 2009 7:43 PM
The line of the night for me came from Samoa Joe who said "It's heir apparent that someone is keeping me down".
Poor Joe.
The hour long build up to the Lacey vs. Velvet match was excellent and really did remind me of the way WWE expertly teased T&A throughout the Attitude Era.
Initially i wasn't sold on Brutus Magnus (his terrible first gimmick didn't help) but his in ring work has improved out of sight, he plays the pompous Brit perfectly and it was a masterstroke to pair him with Doug Williams, an experienced, solid and technically excellent worker.
Another brilliant aspect of the show was the choice to make Eric Young cheat to beat the very impressive Hamada.
The ego's of many male workers wouldn't have allowed them to take as much punishment as EY took from Hamada but it really made the match and allowed for the heat to build on EY when he eventually won the match.
Also, i was so glad to see Chris Sabin get the spotlight on Impact.
He doesn't talk as well as Shelley, but he's a better worker and has always been a better worker so i'm happy to see him be the one of the MMG's to work the handicap match.
As solid as Jay Lethal's promo was, the gimmick is really tired and old.
The guy is very talented, has a unique look and is still extremely young.
It's time to drop the Macho Man gimmick, let him be himself and push him to the moon in the X division.
As a big TNA fan i couldn't be happier with AJ Styles being the champion and just hope he gets a long run.
The guy works his arse off, will put anyone over, is incredibly reliable, is versatile and above all else, he's a genuinely nice man who isn't going to bring any negative publicity for TNA.
All those aspects will be vital when the focus on TNA becomes greater when Hogan arrives in January.
Posted by: John | December 12, 2009 10:03 PM
All I can say is , that as long as Scotty Steiner is with TNA , I will continue to watch TNA .
When is that next interview with him Kev ?
Posted by: the artist formerly known as jack in hebron | December 12, 2009 11:40 PM
I already heard who is facing Lethal and it's someone who wrestled in the WWE in the mid '90s and made a short return in the last 5 years.
Posted by: paul meade | December 13, 2009 12:53 AM
"As solid as Jay Lethal's promo was, the gimmick is really tired and old.
The guy is very talented, has a unique look and is still extremely young.
It's time to drop the Macho Man gimmick, let him be himself and push him to the moon in the X division."
Are you kidding? Without at least a short interaction with Hulk? That could be gold!
Notice I said could.
Posted by: Marko50 | December 13, 2009 11:50 PM
Steiner was gold in this episode. It seems TNA is definitely pushing more adult content as they possibly go head to head with the PG content of WWE.
Posted by: MM | December 15, 2009 8:03 PM
I haven't been able to watch the show for awhile, but I read the recaps online every week. Have they mentioned recently about the past history between Nash, Shelley, and Sabin? Maybe Nash will turn on the British Invasion and join forces with those 2 again. I wish they'd bring back the Paparrazi gimmick that Shelley used to have.
Posted by: paul meade | December 16, 2009 5:56 PM