TNA Impact: At least it was better than last week’s show
I’m still not sold yet on TNA’s new direction under Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff, but Thursday night’s episode of TNA Impact was an improvement over last week’s show. Still, there were some groan-inducing segments.
At the top of my gripe list is that the TNA creative team made sure to get The Nasty Boys, Bubba The Love Sponge and Sean Morley on the show, but somehow couldn’t find the time to squeeze in even a cameo for Matt Morgan, Beer Money and “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero. Those guys are not only TNA’s future, they are the present. They need to be on every week, just as stars such as Kurt Angle and A.J. Styles are.
I get it that TNA has a big roster and it’s impossible to get everyone screen time on a weekly basis, but that’s exactly why it’s so frustrating to see guys getting TV time that no one cares about.
I’m especially disappointed in the way Morgan is being handled. He had a career-making match against Angle at the Bound for Glory pay-per-view in October, but the follow-up has been terrible. Putting him in a tag team with Hernandez is definitely a step backward.
Another problem I had with Thursday’s show is how Jeff Jarrett’s character was presented. He appeared to do a heel turn two weeks ago and he also came off like a heel in his segments with BTLS last week. On Thursday, however, he was acting like a humble babyface, and it was done in such a way that you were supposed to think he was being sincere. Of course, it could be a swerve, but that would even further muddy things up.
Team 3-D also are back to being babyfaces and playing to the crowd – the same people they were insulting just a month ago. Bobby Lashley, who has been a heel as of late, came off like a babyface after he was humiliated and fired by Bischoff.
Team 3D going babyface is a move that TNA had to make, however, because no one – except for the plants in the front row wearing Nasty Boys T-shirts – is going to cheer for Brian Knobbs and Jerry Sags.
Other thoughts on Thursday’s show:
Even though Mick Foley and Bischoff are excellent performers and Hogan is doing a decent job in his on-air role, I just don’t find their story line all that compelling at this point. ...
It appeared that Hogan momentarily forget his last line during the promo with Foley and Bischoff. Right after his music started playing, Hogan blurted out that Foley and Bischoff had to work out their differences, “but that’s up to Eric.” ...
When Bischoff walked down the ramp and saw a fan holding up a sign that said, “4 sides 4 life,” he just couldn’t resist pointing it out and smiling. ...
I initially was all for putting Ric Flair with Styles, but so far, I don’t think the association is doing Styles any favors. Styles is being portrayed as a comical, wide-eyed Flair wannabe. It reminded me of his days as the goofy Prince A.J. It would be better for Styles to play a cocky heel without losing his identity. ...
Angle said that Flair wants to “strip Styles of his innocence.” What, is Styles 15 years old? Anyway, didn’t Karen Angle already do that in the men’s room a while back. ...
The main event between Mr. Anderson and Jarrett was good. Anderson looked strong by beating a top guy, and Jarrett had the built-in excuse of having ring rust after not wrestling for seven months. By the way, if Jarrett didn’t expect to be wrestling on this show, why did he bring his gear? ...
I think the Eight-Card Stud Tournament at the Against All Odds pay-per-view on Feb. 14 to determine the No. 1 contender for Styles’ TNA world title is a cool idea. ...
I was truly worried that Desmond Wolfe was going to lose to Morley in one of the tournament qualifying matches. At least TNA got that one right. As an aside, I think Chelsea is a fine addition to the roster. ...
The most disturbing moment on the show was when Knobbs looked at the camera and said: “Get used to it. We are here to stay in TNA.” The second-most disturbing moment was watching Knobbs weezing and sweating like crazy when simply cutting a promo. ...
It was nice of Earl Hebner to remind everyone to watch Bret Hart’s return to Raw on Monday. I can’t think of any other reason why he would mention Hart, Vince McMahon and Shawn Michaels when he was confessing that he screwed Angle last week because Flair bribed him and he needed the money. ...
I don’t have a problem with Daniels losing to someone like Hernandez, but it sure does appear that Daniels is not held in very high regard by the new regime, and that’s a shame. ...
Is there a logical reason why Rob Terry would give up his X Division title shot to Doug Williams just because Brutus Magnus told him to? Why does he allow them to control him? ...
Lacey Von Erich was barely in the ring during the six-woman tag match between The Beautiful People and Awesome Kong, Hamada and Tara, which once again demonstrates how little faith TNA has in her as a wrestler. Her job clearly is to just stand there and look good while Velvet Sky and Madison Rayne do the work. At least she does her job very well. ...
I really enjoyed the six-man tag match that saw Brian Kendrick and The Motor City Machine Guns defeat Generation Me and Amazing Red.
Note: Matt Morgan posted on his Twitter account Thursday that his father is doing well after undergoing surgery to remove a brain tumor. Morgan did not go on TNA’s current tour of the United Kingdom so that he could be with his family. I wish Morgan – who is one of the truly nice guys in the business – and his family well as his father continues his battle with cancer.
Comments
This week was definitely a step up from last week but just about anything would've been.
Though I don't care for every angle they're working right now I was at least a little reassured by them progressing a few of them forward in ways that appear to follow some sort of sense.
It does look like right now they're in a pattern where some guys get time one week and don't the next, but I do want the more promising ones on TV every week. It's important to keep them exposed to the fans so they remain interested. I do wonder if the Pope was a little hurt legitimately and if that played into him being off this week, but it feels more like a roster too big for everyone to always be shown. Of course, the non-wrestling angles waste a bit too much time as well.
Still, it was something of an improvement and I want to see more of that.
Posted by: James | January 29, 2010 11:57 PM
First off, I hadn't heard about Morgan's family situation. Best wishes to them.
This episode was an improvement over last week, but that is really not saying much. After last week, I decided to give TNA 4 more weeks to keep me, and they are at least improving. I am getting more convinced that a lot of this change is an anglelike the WWE/WCW invasion storyline. What really led me to think that is Bischoff's random firing of people.
Finally, I agree completely on what is being done with AJ Styles. His character is just a cheap imitation of Flair and it makes AJ look like an idiot and completely unoriginal. Just a few short weeks ago his character felt very fresh and unique. It is really sad.
Posted by: Mike in AZ | January 30, 2010 12:01 AM
Why would Hebner remind us to watch Raw on Monday night? Shouldn't TNA be trying to steer us away from WWE?
RESPONSE FROM KE: Yes, I was being sarcastic.
Posted by: Matthew | January 30, 2010 12:06 AM
Hey Kev,
I didn't see iMPACT this week because, well, frankly, I don't watch wrestling anymore. I just kinda keep tabs on things by reading your blog. I think that you watch it in the way that I used to and you understand what makes a match work and that it necessary to have balance on a show. I love a well worked match but there aren't many of those anymore.
That said, this whole thing reeks of swerve to me. Eric Bischoff is a smart guy and knows full-well that no one wants to see the Nasty Boys. Eventually the young guys will revolt and they'll do something with that. I still won't watch though. They will evenually find some other way to blow it.
Posted by: JGavin | January 30, 2010 2:14 AM
As a huge AJ Styles fan i'm totally baffled by his heel turn.
Not only is this character far too big a reach for AJ to play well but there was no need for him to turn in the first place.
His previous gimmick worked beautifully for years (and was still working perfectly fine) and the role suited AJ down to the ground.
This reeks of a turn for turn's sake.
Posted by: John | January 30, 2010 2:36 AM
Well since Rob Terry just won the Global Championship off of Eric Young on the Europe tour, I think there is going to be quite a falling out over the next couple of weeks with World Elite
Posted by: Jesse D in Wpg | January 30, 2010 3:04 AM
Who else cringes every time TNA pays some kind of tribute to The WWE? Talk about Minor League.
By the way I too love the new pic, Kev. Who woulda thought Lance Bass watched wrestling?
RESPONSE FROM KE: Lance Bass?! You're killing me.
Posted by: Bignasty247 | January 30, 2010 4:23 AM
I think Brian Knobbs needs an oxygen tank when he is talking.
Posted by: Edward | January 30, 2010 4:54 AM
TNA will get better once the Nasty Boys are off tv. I was waiting for Knobbs to have a heart attack after that promo. Being a huge Ric Flair fan I cant belive Im going to write this but I hope Hebner got a cashiers check or money order from Flair for that screwjob b/c I think a regular check from the Nature Boy is nothing but trouble.
Posted by: jason | January 30, 2010 6:15 AM
You know,actucally enjoyed the show.Hogan/Easy E have figured out the crowd is behind the TNA core and is using them as faces for the time being.The Earl Hebner thing was just bad..Glad to see Jarrett wrestle and come off face to the crowd,thou truthfully they didn't have a choice.Sooo,when is Easy E going to stab Hogan and a power struggle going to happen?
Posted by: David Baugus | January 30, 2010 7:14 AM
Kev, does TNA have a developmental program like the WWE has? Lacey could benefit from that.
Impact wasn't much better this week and, once again, fans need a program in keeping up with whose heel and whose face.
Is Scott Hall physically capable of doing anything more than a stomping on opponents? Never mind.....I'm afraid I know the answer.
Posted by: Va Beach Bum | January 30, 2010 7:16 AM
With the size if the roster now, isn't it about time Bischoff decides to add another two hour show. TNA Thunder, anyone?
Posted by: Jerry | January 30, 2010 7:38 AM
The show certainly was an improvement and at least it appears now that it hasa little more structure and direction to it.
Don't think we need to say any more about the Nasty "boys".....
I agree about Morgan, there was an opportunity months ago to make him a huge star. Now he is just being buried.
I don't actually mind the Styles - Flair partnership but it isn't working right now. As you say it is just maaking Styles look like an idiot rather than a big star. Also, someone needs to point out that AJ is deeply religious with a wife and children rather than ignoring it. I think it would work really well if they could use Daniels to remind AJ of that, the two always cut great promos together, especially Daniels. It would properly establish AJ as a heel as well if he gives a good response.
Finally, what is happening with Sting? Is it possible AJ Styles will face him at the next PPV, Bischoff hinted at something like that.
There definitely needs to be more of the X Division.
Where is this Earl Hebner thing going? It doesn't seem that Hebner is leaving so will they just have him return without a word in a few weeks? Can't really see what they will do with it but I'm sure Vince Russo will come up with something entertaining and original.....
Posted by: Rexel | January 30, 2010 9:22 AM
Kevin, you wrote that The Nasty Boys, Sean Morley and others (I assume you mean being Hall and Waltman) as being "guys getting TV time that no one cares about.." Well, I take issue with this comment, just because YOU don't like them doesn't mean EVERYONE doesn't like them! I, for one, enjoy seeing the Sean Morley, Waltman and especially Hall! So please, do not generalize your feelings onto the entire wrestling watching community.
Also, WWE does ALOT more burying of the younger talent then TNA does, yet you never mention that as being an issue with you on RAW. HHH, Michaels, Undertaker, Vinny Mac, Mysterio, et al, get pushes over all of the younger talent except Orton and Sheamus.
As far as the changes in JJ, 3D and Styles, this is due to the changes on the TNA roster. New players have been introduced to the show so now JJ, 3D and Styles are reacting to these changes. It's pretty simple to follow, not rocket science.
Finally, Big Show and Mark Henry are just as fat and out of shap as Nobbs, but you never smack them around as weezing and sweating easily. You really need to put your individual biases aside and write objectively, something you appear to not be doing.
Other then that, I respect your opinion and enjoy your blog.
Cheers!
RESPONSE FROM KE: I've gone over this with others in the past. I am not biased, but in this blof I do express my opinion. There is a difference, but people will believe what they want.
Saying that "no one wants to see them" was mean to be a hyperbolic statement. I do believe that the majority of fans don't want to see them..
I disagree with your contention that I don't point out what I consider to be booking mistakes in WWE. I have said that Jericho and Punk do too many jobs; Sheamus doesn't deserve his spot;Swagger, R-Truth, MVP and Bourne deserve much better treatment than they are getting, etc
As for Henry and Big Show, I have said that Henry at times looks as if he is moving in slow motion. However, I still think he has more to offer than the Nasty Boys. I actually think Show moves well for a guy of his size.
Posted by: charles | January 30, 2010 9:27 AM
after watching last weeks TNA this was like watching masterpeice theatre. I am guessing lashley was fired because he is fighting on the Strikeforce Card tonight and thier probably giving him some time off after his fight but as far as AJ & Flair to me thheir backstage segment looked cheesy they couldn't find a bigger better looking room for that segment and him trying to be Flair is crazy I don't know why they wouldn't try AJ resisting trying to be like flair abd hating the cheating until he just eventually evoled it would I hope made it more believable right now this is just hiarious.
Posted by: frank from dundalk | January 30, 2010 9:29 AM
Finally, someone else noticed the Nasty Boy "fans" in the front row!
My question is is this- What kind of bribe does TNA have offer to get someone to actually have their images recorded for posterity and beamed across the world in Nasty Boy t- shirts? The tv tapings are free and you know they aint doing it for the free shirt. I mean "everybody has a price" but I'm having a hard time coming up with a dollar amount that would allow me to sleep at night after prostituting myself to put over the F'ING NASTY BOYS! IN 2010! My kids may see that one day. I feel dirty just thinking about it.
Posted by: JR | January 30, 2010 9:58 AM
I hope the FBI doesn't investigate Hebner for fixing the event, ala Tim Donaghy. Of course maybe he and brother Dave can pull the switcharoo in the court room, thus creating reasonable doubt and leading to acquital via mass confusion...
Posted by: Tyler From the Land of the Four Horseman | January 30, 2010 9:59 AM
Let me guess: Big Bully Busek? Don Leo Jonathan? Harley Race?
Posted by: Bring Back the WWWF | January 30, 2010 10:06 AM
This is why I find it so absurd when people waste time crying about the sides on the ring.
There are a number of reasons to not have any faith in this product
1. stale promo segments
2. matches that fail to get the crowd going (since the 1-4 Styles-Angle showdown)
3. "stars" who clearly aren't getting the reaction & pop that Hulk & Eric anticipated
4. trying to run a "flagship show" where most of your "stars" are only available every couple of weeks. How ticked must Bischoff be every time he tries to book a TNA veteran for them to pull out their contract "I'm allowed 3 weeks vacation every month, sorry Eric."
You can sort of see where they're headed. Angle & Styles were working so well together they pretty much had them wrestle like 30 consecutive times and now the program has zero appeal to it. Jeff Hardy will (maybe) pop up randomly again and we'll be expected to forget the month(s?) long void in appearances.
TNA's problem before was having a solid stable of in ring performers that needed help getting to "superstar" level. Even prior to 2010 while the booking & shows were crappy, the talent was thru the roof. Morgan, Hernandez, Joe, Styles, Wolfe, Young, Angle, Daniels, Pope, Abyss, Raven and the guys like Sting, Foley, Lashley (if used right as a big quiet wrecking machine), and etc that could step in & maybe elevate someone via status. If they had just worked with them and coached them up while using Hardy, Mr. Anderson and the like to add the much needed "OH SH*T _____ IS IN TNA!" factor for the ratings everything would be fine. Instead they bring in The Nasty Boys who are like the harbingers of every fan's "Hogan's Boys Nightmare" and Scott Hall whom has already burned this company & its fans before. Waltman & Morley could have been exciting additions if introduced right. Waltman showing up WITH Hall makes him terrible by association and Morley was introduced by coming out and cutting a super boring promo that went nowhere and was "interrupted" by Daniels whom while intended to be the heel got the pop they anticipated Morley getting because he saved the fans from the boring Morley promo.
But please, continue crying about how many sides the ring has if you wish.
Posted by: MechanicalBull | January 30, 2010 10:48 AM
I liked that the Nasty Boys listed all the tag teams they have beaten, and they are were 80s teams. Good way to remind everyone that you haven't been relevant in 20 years!
Posted by: Russ | January 30, 2010 11:01 AM
Re. the sarcasm of Hebner reminding us to watch Raw on Monday.... Is it sarcasm if it is 100% accurate? Bischoff & Hogan.... With great minds like these 2, who needs enemies???
Posted by: jay | January 30, 2010 11:02 AM
I think this regime is becoming a joke. Nastys? Mr. Anderson? Those guys are jokes. Some of the guys who have been jobbing, like Daniels and Joe, may be getting evaluated as to how they and the crowd handle their losing. More than likely you are correct though that they probably gave to play their way on the roster versus playing your way off.
No Steiner? Is he hurt, or just being buried?
A better invasion angle would have been to bring the cronies in after 6-12 months to confront Hogan/Bischoff why they weren't hired to start with, and then have them attempt to take over the company. They could then have a real "loser goes away forever" match where the Nasty's, etc. would be gone for good.
Posted by: Flair | January 30, 2010 11:21 AM
Anytime I try to watch Impact, it just sounds like...
"Tonight, on TNA Impact! you are going to see two complete hours of nothing but WRESTLING!!! We have a wrestling ring now, and that means you are going to see WRESTLERS WRESTLE!!!!
"We don't have any celebrities who have never watched a full wrestling match in their lives! Nor are you going to see flashbacks & recaps of what has already happened, because this is TNA!!!! CROSS TEH LINE and enjoy two hours of TOTAL NONSTOP ACTION, including Ric Flair's thoughts on the TNA World champion AJ Styles and another appearance by the one & only HULK HOGAN!!! Who you will only see on TNA!!!!
(elapsed time: 2 hours)
"So, tune in next week when we will tell you again exactly what TNA has to offer!!!!"
Is TNA more enjoyable on mute?
Posted by: Mr. Sarcasm | January 30, 2010 11:44 AM
Kev,
I too have been disappointed in the inconsistent appearances of some of TNA's best talent. I'm hoping this is just temporary. I recently read that they taped three shows in two days to free up time for their European tour. Maybe they didn't want to overwork and risk injury to some key talent during those tapings. It also would explain why we saw Kong this week after hearing last week that she left TNA after her conflict with BTLS. Hopefully this means we will soon start to see less of the Nasty Boyz, Morley etc., and more of Morgan, the Pope, MCMG, Beer Money,etc.
Posted by: mike k | January 30, 2010 11:56 AM
Ok, last week i said i would never watch another TNA program again after a disgraceful show. I lied. I watched this weeks and i gotta say i was much happier. I had heard about Morgan and that is why i wasn't so upset about his absence, but i agree with you that his tag team with Hernandez is a step back for both of them. I loved the idea of the 8-Card stud tourney. My prediction? Kurt Angle vs Mistaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa...Anderson.............Anderson
RESPONSE FROM KE: I don't think Morgan's absence from TV had nothing to do with his family situation. I may be wrong about this, but I think he was present for all three days of tapings last week.
Posted by: Ace | January 30, 2010 1:03 PM
Is there any back story on Samoa Joe's inactivity? I don't know if I missed something, but in addition to Morgan, Pope & Beer Money, Joe's been relatively invisible since 1/4/10. I wonder if Bischoff/Hogan just don't see a star in Joe - it's a shame, b/c I feel like for one reason or another, there's something always holding Joe back. Seeing how he's gone through about 5 different 'looks' in the last year, something's just not connecting. The one good angle he had this year in my opinion was his short stint with Taz....z, and that ended before it began. He should have never been involved with MEM. And I don't see him as having ANY shot in WWE if that ever does become an option. Don't really see him as a "Vince" kinda guy.
Posted by: Matt | January 30, 2010 2:10 PM
I heard Hebner say that it was him that screwed Brett Hart in Montreal, not McMahon or Michaels and took that as an attempt by TNA to short circuit the Hart/McMahon storyline on Raw.
I thought that was a very clever devise actually. It even makes sense. HEbner was the ref who did the deed, after all, not Shawn or Vince.
If I chose to buy into HEbner's angle, then all the whoha about McMahon and Hart in WWE is a put on.
OR I can chose to to believe Vince, Shane and Hart and Hebner is whacked.
More likely, the famous screwjob has always been mostly a big work leveraged by all as needed to their benefit over the years. After all, wrestlers get screwed in their matches all the time so what's the big deal?
I doubt there are many TNA fans that are oblivious to WWE so I understand TNAs logic in tapping into and trying to mess wit what's going on with big brother the same as I understand why WWE does not acknowledge TNAs existence.
Maybe that will change when TNA moves to Mondays? Now that WILL be interesting.
RESPONSE FROM KE: You may be right that it was TNA's intention to take a shot at WWE's story line, but I'm not sure it didn't have the opposite effect. To me, all the constant mentions of WWE talent and WWE story lines just makes TNA look minor league. Spend more energy on your own product and your own stars.
Posted by: AMC | January 30, 2010 2:11 PM
It feels like the "Who is in charge of TNA?" storyline has been going on constantly for years dating back to when they had Zbysko and Dusty to Vince Russo to Don Callis Jim Cornette, to Jarrett, to the Main Event Mafia to Mick Foley to Hogan to Bischoff to Dixie.
Who the hell even cares who is running TNA?
Its not like it is the old Vince/Flair/WCW/Shane storyline where it actually meant something with the WWE because Vince has been in charge forever. TNA has a new authority figure feuding with another authority figure virtually every show in their history.
RESPONSE FROM KE: I totally agree. The power struggles for control of TNA jumped the shark a long time ago.
Posted by: Elevation | January 30, 2010 2:39 PM
I have to say the best part of the night was entrance of "the Beautiful People", I spoke out loud "Wow" just as the old lady walked in.
RESPONSE FROM KE: What old lady?
Posted by: shawnm | January 30, 2010 3:37 PM
Big Rob at least was given the Global Title. I wonder how EY will react on next weeks Impact! ?
Posted by: Leon | January 30, 2010 4:06 PM
I might be in the minority on this, but I love it when wrestling companies mention other companies. WCW did it all the time. WWE used to do it during the Monday Night Wars. Heyman and the guys in ECW were great at it.
Posted by: Jack Windham | January 30, 2010 5:38 PM
I'm surprised no one has mentioned Mick Foley's slip of the tongue when addressing Hogan and Bischoff.
He very clearly called Bischoff "Andrew" before hastily correcting himself.
As for the person who mentioned Scott Hall's lack of a moveset these days, he may not do much but what he does he does beautifully.
Those kicks and punches are pretty to watch and are a reminder of Hall's beautiful technical talents before he went off the rails (despite Jericho's fanciful comments in his book).
Posted by: John | January 31, 2010 12:11 AM
Styles reminds me of Benoit on the mic. Flair has been terrific in his role.
"Oldest ride - longest line..." Hilarious! Anything that keeps Flair on TV is ok by me.
Posted by: Ed | January 31, 2010 8:30 AM
I thought Lashley had a world title shot he won back when? What's going on with that?
Posted by: MitZi | January 31, 2010 1:34 PM
That guy who held the sign saying
"I travelled 6000 miles to see TNA"
must be crazy.
Posted by: legacy.1 | January 31, 2010 1:56 PM
@Charles,
Personally, I agree with your point! I have read several entries here where I've felt the words "most" and "few" would've been more effective than "everyone" and "nobody," respectively. The latter words can sound egocentric or closed-minded. Sometimes I think Kevin doesn't realize just how many readers he has. ;-)
It is the best wrestling blog online today, but even the best have room for improvement.
@Kevin,
My apologies for talking about you as if you aren't the one proof-reading and posting the comments. Keep up the good work!
Posted by: Mr. Sarcasm | January 31, 2010 4:03 PM
Where the hell is jeff hardy
Posted by: aj styles mark | January 31, 2010 9:05 PM
I guess I'm in the minority here. I thought this episode of Impact was terrible. From rehashing the Montreal Screwjob to the constant changing from heel to face I sat in utter disbelief at how anyone at the company thinks this direction as the way to go.
I think I'm gonna take a week off of work and through a series of charts, graphs, and diagrams sort out who is heel and face in TNA at the moment. However, I think that'll be for nothing since it'll change in a week anyway.
Posted by: freezeout | February 1, 2010 11:54 AM
By the way I too love the new pic, Kev. Who woulda thought Lance Bass watched wrestling?
RESPONSE FROM KE: Lance Bass?! You're killing me
"At least he didn't say Nicole Bass"
Posted by: Pudgy | February 1, 2010 3:58 PM
I think the reason why TNA has a ramp going right into the ring is because of Hogan's knees. Any truth to that?
Posted by: Nora | February 2, 2010 3:01 PM
I think the reason why TNA has a ramp going right into the ring is because of Hogan's knees. Any truth to that? -Nora
Any truth? Maybe some, as in "does not having a ramp make getting to the ring easier on Hulk's knees?" Probably! "Are Hulk's knees incapable of taking him up a ramp every show?" Probably not!
Posted by: Mr. Sarcasm | February 2, 2010 4:23 PM