Showing posts with label dixie carter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dixie carter. Show all posts
Sunday, 15 September 2013
Saturday, 27 April 2013
Thursday, 24 January 2013
Phil Allely Meets TNA Wrestlers, Dublin Jan 2013
This January Phil Allely caught up with a number of TNA wrestlers at the first night of the Maximum Impact UK/Ireland Tour. Here are some pictures, interviews and more coming soon.
Tuesday, 23 October 2012
TNA announce Manchester TV taping for Jan 2013
Sunday, 21 October 2012
Eric Bischoff Interview Highlights
Eric Bischoff called into Extreme Pro Wrestling Radio on 100.3 FM The Fan in Minneapolis (on Twitter at EPWRadio) to discuss a number of topics with Big D, Tim and Crisco including the creative team for TNA Wrestling, who was going to be the third man in the nWo storyline before Hulk Hogan got on board, his current relationship with Vince McMahon and more. Highlights from the interview are as follows:
Comparing Bruce Prichard with Vince Russo in their roles writing for TNA Wrestling what are Bruce’s strengths: “It’s hard to compare, two entirely different people with entirely different skill sets and backgrounds and experiences and things like that so it’s kind of a waste of energy to try and compare them other than to say they are two completely different people. I enjoyed working with Vince, I don’t wanna ever sound like I didn’t. It was a challenge for me and it was a challenge for Vince because of our personalities and because of the way we approach things, but it was never personal for me…in TNA and I don’t think it was for him either.
“I like working with Bruce a lot because Bruce has more experience than I do. I’ve been in the business for 25 years and I have a lot of experience but Bruce has more than I do. Not only does he have more experience than I do but he experienced the peak of WWE, the formulas that worked there and the processes that work there, he understands production very very well. I’m actually very impressed with his knowledge of production. I love his sensibility and his philosophy regarding wrestling story and finishes in particular. We see, not eye to eye, because that’s not very good when two people agree on everything.
“We do have our moments, we had one about 24 hours ago I thought was going to last for 24 hours. But I respect him, he’s been there, he’s done that a couple times and he has the t-shirts. His philosophy is rooted very much in strong wrestling fundamentals. Wrestling is no different from comedy, it’s no different than drama, it’s no different than a really good action film, in that it all comes down to basic storytelling fundamentals.
“If you focus on the fundamentals, if you focus on the details and don’t shortcut, chances are your stuff will probably be pretty good. It’s when you try to get so off the wall and throw so much stuff up against the wall and try and be wacky for the sake of being wacky and you abandon simple fundamental story telling that’s when you crater and that’s what I like about working with Bruce. Even though we may disagree on certain things I know that when he is disagreeing he’s disagreeing from a point of good strong fundamentals and I respect that.”
Is there an angle or storyline that hasn’t been done yet: “First of all, if I did…or if I could..I wouldn’t do it here. Secondly, I’d be lying to you if I said I saw some secret sauce back in the cupboard in the back that nobody has figured out yet. Nah, I don’t think there is. Again, I don’t know how many different basic stories there are but someone told me a longtime ago that was a film major, basically there is seven basic stories…boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl back. There’s only seven different ways to tell a story and the art of storytelling and entertainment is just finding ways that feel new and camouflaging those seven basic stories so that it feels like something you haven’t seen before.
“I think we’re there with professional wrestling particularly over the last 15 years because of the just plethora of programming that’s out there. Going back to when Nitro was three hours and Thunder was two and Raw was three and then it was two and then it was three again and Smackdown is two hours then there’s a bunch of shows in syndication, a bunch of replays on cable. It’s like, I don’t know how we’ve survived as long as we have… Well, I do but it’s hard, it’s really hard to come up with a story that hasn’t been done before that the audience will accept. It’s funny, we just got done doing two days of really intensive research in a couple different cities. Fascinating research by the way. I’m a little bit of a research nerd.
“One of the things I have known for a longtime but it becomes very apparent when you’re sitting in a focus group of people who are identified as serious wrestling fans is that they’re very… they take ownership, they’re very particular, they’re almost obsessive compulsive about it for the most part and they expect you to treat their product, because they look at it as their product, with a tremendous amount of respect. The minute you try to get too cute with it, you really piss them off. So when you ask me, is there some new storyline, some new way of doing it, some new angles, some new talent, whatever…
“Yeah, there’s a couple different things we could try that have never been done before but I’m pretty sure how the audience would react that because it would be too far outside their box and comfort zone. It’s just like Nascar fans, if Nascar decided if instead of turning left for 400 miles they’re gonna turn right? People would just have seizures and die all over the country. Yeah, it’s never been done before, it’s really cool, feels different, feels fresh. It would be horrible, it’s the same with wrestling. You gotta be real careful with that, believe me…I have the scar tissue to prove it.”it.
Bischoff also remarks on scrapped plans to bring Sting into the now, his thoughts on son Garett’s wrestling career, his current relationship with Vince McMahon, and more. Click LIKE and listen to the interview here – www.facebook.com/extremeprowrestlingradio.
Friday, 5 October 2012
Chavo Guerrero Interview Highlights
Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez spoke with Monday Night Mayhem. Here are some highlights.
How the situation presented itself for Chavo to become part of the TNA roster and why the company has indeed lived up to his personal and professional expectations thus far: "To be honest, I didn't really know if I was going to TNA, or if I was gonna stop wrestling, or what I really was going to do. I knew I was going to take some time off, and regroup, and regain some of my sanity after going 12 years in the WWE. Sometimes you have to do that. We just started talking back and forth a bit, me and TNA, over a two-month period, and we decided that would be a good fit. We tried, and it has been working really, really good. I'm just so happy to be there. It's just nice to have people really appreciate your work, because sometimes people just expect that and never thank you, so it's a good thing."
Their initial thoughts when they found out they were going to team up together and why their tag team is "a completely different dynamic" from Los Guerreros or The LAX: (Hernandez): "When Chavo came to TNA, everyone talked about the family heritage and experience, but what they don't realize is that this guy is reinventing himself. Every match, he's breaking out something you haven't seen before, or he hasn't done in a while."
(Chavo): "Don't confuse our tag team with Hernandez's previous tag team partners. Much respect to Homicide. He's my boy. And with Konnan, the only thing we have in common is that we are Latinos. We are not LAX. They are not just plugging me in as 'the new Mexican guy.' It's a completely different dynamic. This is not Los Guerreros or LAX. It's completely different."
Why they are looking forward to their three-way Match (vs. Kurt Angle/"The Phenomenal AJ Styles and "The Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels/Kazarian) for the TNA World Tag Team Titles at Bound For Glory: (Hernandez): "Kurt Angle, in my opinion, is hands down the best performer in the world right now. That's just how it goes. AJ is AJ. He is the man. This guy truly is phenomenal. He could do anything his body lets him do it's just crazy. It's going to take all of my power and everything Chavo can come up with to become (TNA World) Tag Team Champions."
(Chavo): "Kazarian and Daniels are the champs, and they are both really good. They both know how to hold onto those Tag Team belts. I think we match really well against them, because one thing they don't have is the power. I'm just looking forward to getting to Bound for Glory and facing them."
Friday, 14 September 2012
TNA Announce Bound For Glory PPV US Theatre Deal
TNA WRESTLING ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH SCREENVISION TO BRING “BOUND FOR GLORY” PAY-PER-VIEW EVENT TO THEATERS NATIONWIDE
TNA Wrestling’s Biggest Pay-Per-View Event of the Year “Bound For Glory” to be shown Live on Sunday, October 14, 2012 in more than 100 theaters across the United States
NASHVILLE, TN (September 13, 2012) – TNA Wrestling teams up with Screenvision, a leading innovator in cinema advertising and alternative content programming, to once again bring the biggest Pay-Per-View event of the year, “Bound For Glory,” to fans nationwide in more than 100 theaters across the country live on October 14. The event, presented by Direct Auto Insurance, will be delivered to theaters primarily by Microspace Digital Cinema's satellite distribution system.
The exciting collaboration of TNA and Screenvision forms a one-of-a-kind viewing experience. TNA offers this exclusive event in high-definition and surround sound because nothing means more to IMPACT WRESTLING than its dedicated fan-base. In addition to this unique experience, everyone attending this live in-theater event will receive special messaging explaining how to receive free TNA “Bound For Glory” 2012 T-shirts.
"Following the success of our previous events, TNA Wrestling is thrilled to continue our partnership with Screenvision," stated TNA Vice President of Marketing, Michael Weber. "Screenvision has proven to be a dynamic partner with an exciting platform that offers a captivating fan experience."
"Theater, concerts and sporting events like ‘Bound for Glory’ are all hugely popular with cinema-goers," said Darryl Schaffer, executive vice president, operations and exhibitor relations for Screenvision. "Based on its past performance and its still-expanding fan base, we’re excited to once again bring the 'Bound for Glory' opportunity to our exhibitor partners.”
The superstars of Spike’s “IMPACT WRESTLING” will headline “Bound For Glory,” including Hulk Hogan, current TNA World Heavyweight Champion Austin Aries, Sting, Jeff Hardy, Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle, Rob Van Dam, Mr. Anderson, “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles, “The Samoan Submission Machine” Samoa Joe, the lovely and lethal TNA Knockouts, the stars of the X-Division and many more. “Bound For Glory” will feature the winner of the “Bound For Glory Series” in the main event for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.
Tickets for the in-theater event will retail between $14.99 and $19.99.
Start time will be 7:30PM ET.
For more information, theaters or tickets go to: TNAonscreen.com
TNA Announce British Boot Camp TV Series
Aspiring UK wrestlers pursue their TNA Wrestling dream on Challenge TV
First non-game show commission for Challenge TV backs Sky’s commitment
to home-grown entertainment content
TNA Wrestling: British Boot Camp starts December 2012 (6x30mins episodes)
Challenge TV today announces TNA Wrestling: British Boot Camp a new series which marks the channel’s first full commission with TNA Productions. The thrilling six-part entertainment series follows four aspiring professional British wrestlers, who are trying to make it big in the ultra-competitive world of American impact wrestling.
TNA Wrestling: British Boot Camp will go behind-the-scenes of TNA Wrestling’s search for a UK superstar. Exclusive to Challenge TV, the series documents the story of four aspiring home-grown wrestlers as they pursue a professional wrestling contract with TNA Wrestling.
Challenge viewers will experience the triumphs and tribulations of Manchester-based female tag-team wrestling twins Hannah and Holly Blossom, along with two male wrestlers Marty Scurll and Rockstar Spud from Cambridge and Birmingham, as they embark on their ambition to join TNA’s wrestling roster. Cameras follow them as they travel from their homes in the UK to the USA, get trained and mentored by famous names from the world of UK and US wrestling, and meet TNA’s President Dixie Carter.
The finalists will enter the TNA developmental system, to hone their wrestling skills, and be put to the test by legendary British wrestlers and current TNA stars including Rollerball Rocco and Hulk Hogan. Culminating with a match at the TNA Impact Zone in Orlando, Florida, they compete to impress the judges and Dixie Carter. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime for the professional wrestlers. At the end of the series the successful candidate(s) will get signed to a contract by TNA and have the chance to appear in front of a home crowd on the TNA World Tour which travels to London’s Wembley Arena in January 2013.
“TNA Wrestling: British Boot Camp really is compulsive viewing,” adds Dominic Wilkins, Acting Director of Challenge TV. “TNA Wrestling has a huge fanbase in the UK and it’s great to be able to commission exclusive original content which cements Challenge TV as the UK home for TNA Wrestling. This series will provide unmissable entertainment content which resonates with our viewers.”
John Jelley, Sky Commissioning Executive for factual and features said: “We are confident that this show’s focus on four of Britain’s most promising wrestlers will inspire Challenge’s passionate TNA fans, and draw in a new audience to professional wrestling, as we track their daunting journey from the UK, through TNA boot camp to the high pressure finale in Florida.”
TNA Wrestling: British Boot Camp marks Sky’s first non-game show commission for Challenge TV since it re-launched on Freeview last year. It aims to compliment the burgeoning success of the TNA Impact series which is one of the top performing series on the channel and aims to enhance the channels late night male-skewed audience. The series supports Sky’s commitment to increase its investment in home grown content to £600m by 2014, and will let viewers see first-hand what it really takes to become one of the superstars of TNA Impact Wrestling.
For further information visit: www.challenge.co.uk
www.impactwrestling.com
By Phil Allely
Saturday, 17 September 2011
TNA DVD Review - Immortal
TNA DVD Review – Immortal
By Phil Allely
When wrestling legend Hulk Hogan joined TNA it seemed as if the wrestling world had truned on its head. Yes Hogan had jumped ship once before form the WWE to join its rival WCW and he was instrumental in creating the most exciting faction in wrestling the N.W.O. Hogan at that time was one of the world’s hottest stars and he alongside WCW almost broke the. WWE as they warred over Monday Night TV ratings.
This is something TNA must have surely longed to happen once again when they signed Hogan to a big money contract, company President Dixie Carter and her organisation had of course big plans to push TNA to the max with Hogan on board.
So here in this double disc DVD set we get to see just how those plans have progressed. The only issue being that many of the comments, interviews and talking heads are in full on storyline/character mode and that does take away from the task at hand.
If you can bypass the fact that everyone featured talks about events like they are reality then this set will work for you.
We kick off with the Hulk Hogan/TNA signing press conference and proceed at speed to a spirited (and baffling) backstage speech by Dixie to the TNA roster. We also see Hogan’s business partner Eric Bischoff get cemented into proceedings too.
Hogan’s TNA debut made headlines across the globe (your reviewer even broke the story in the mainstream UK press) his initial in-ring appearance made for entertaining viewing and he was the Hogan of old during it.
Across these discs we get to see some of Hulk’s old pals make guest appearances (Scott Hall, Sean Waltman et all), plus we get to see his initial encounters with Ric Flair and Mick Foley. Alongside the signings of Foley and Flair we see former WWE superstar Jeff Hardy turn up on TNA TV and even the former Mr Kennedy (Ken Anderson) all of which certainly livened up the TNA product.
One big thing about the Hogan regime has been the removal of the six-sided ring. This was one of the things that made TNA different from its rivals and removing it did create an awful lot of bad blood. The once unique X Division also got lost in the mix as Hogan/Bischoff took control of things, yet again this made TNA stand out from the crowd.
One more featured story here is the ill-fated jump to live programming by TNA, at least those concerned do talk honestly about this experiment. TNA did find the error of their ways pretty sharply and returned to their old time slot asap.
This box set has got an awful lot going on in it and over its six hour run time you do get to see just how much Hogan and Bischoff have brought/changed in relation to TNA’s product.
We also get to relive the exciting (if slightly disappointing) match between Hogan and Flair, alongside AJ Styles and Abyss, the Fortune/Immortal Lockdown main event and a few other matches. The emphasis here is of course more on the storylines and talking than the in-ring activity.
Immortal does fulfil its end of the bargain to a degree, it highlights the Hulkster’s TNA career to date and it showcases the good and bad that it has led to. The inclusion of the EV2 feud and some candid comments by legend Sting all help too.
Immortal is available now from all good retailers.
By Phil Allely
When wrestling legend Hulk Hogan joined TNA it seemed as if the wrestling world had truned on its head. Yes Hogan had jumped ship once before form the WWE to join its rival WCW and he was instrumental in creating the most exciting faction in wrestling the N.W.O. Hogan at that time was one of the world’s hottest stars and he alongside WCW almost broke the. WWE as they warred over Monday Night TV ratings.
This is something TNA must have surely longed to happen once again when they signed Hogan to a big money contract, company President Dixie Carter and her organisation had of course big plans to push TNA to the max with Hogan on board.
So here in this double disc DVD set we get to see just how those plans have progressed. The only issue being that many of the comments, interviews and talking heads are in full on storyline/character mode and that does take away from the task at hand.
If you can bypass the fact that everyone featured talks about events like they are reality then this set will work for you.
We kick off with the Hulk Hogan/TNA signing press conference and proceed at speed to a spirited (and baffling) backstage speech by Dixie to the TNA roster. We also see Hogan’s business partner Eric Bischoff get cemented into proceedings too.
Hogan’s TNA debut made headlines across the globe (your reviewer even broke the story in the mainstream UK press) his initial in-ring appearance made for entertaining viewing and he was the Hogan of old during it.
Across these discs we get to see some of Hulk’s old pals make guest appearances (Scott Hall, Sean Waltman et all), plus we get to see his initial encounters with Ric Flair and Mick Foley. Alongside the signings of Foley and Flair we see former WWE superstar Jeff Hardy turn up on TNA TV and even the former Mr Kennedy (Ken Anderson) all of which certainly livened up the TNA product.
One big thing about the Hogan regime has been the removal of the six-sided ring. This was one of the things that made TNA different from its rivals and removing it did create an awful lot of bad blood. The once unique X Division also got lost in the mix as Hogan/Bischoff took control of things, yet again this made TNA stand out from the crowd.
One more featured story here is the ill-fated jump to live programming by TNA, at least those concerned do talk honestly about this experiment. TNA did find the error of their ways pretty sharply and returned to their old time slot asap.
This box set has got an awful lot going on in it and over its six hour run time you do get to see just how much Hogan and Bischoff have brought/changed in relation to TNA’s product.
We also get to relive the exciting (if slightly disappointing) match between Hogan and Flair, alongside AJ Styles and Abyss, the Fortune/Immortal Lockdown main event and a few other matches. The emphasis here is of course more on the storylines and talking than the in-ring activity.
Immortal does fulfil its end of the bargain to a degree, it highlights the Hulkster’s TNA career to date and it showcases the good and bad that it has led to. The inclusion of the EV2 feud and some candid comments by legend Sting all help too.
Immortal is available now from all good retailers.
Monday, 18 April 2011
Hulk Hogan Discusses Desmond Wolfe's TNA future
Hulk Hogan addressed Desmond Wolfe’s status with TNA Wrestling Friday on his Twitter account.
When asked when fans can expect Wolfe to return to television, Hogan responded, “Desmond’s situation is beyond TNA’s control, the ball is completely in his court.”
Wolfe and Magnus were scheduled to face Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin for the TNA World Tag Team Championship at No Surrender, but were pulled from the event at the last minute, with the organization citing a “personal issue” as the reason. The Pro Wrestling Torch reported that according to multiple sources within TNA, Wolfe was pulled from the pay-per-view event due to concerns with concussion side effects.
His on-screen absence was explained by Magnus, who claimed that in an attempt to become a dual athlete, Wolfe had traveled to London to tryout for Chelsea F.C.
Company president Dixie Carter announced on November 21, 2010 that Wolfe would be returning to television. On the December 16, 2010 edition of iMPACT!, Magnus met his former tag team partner Douglas Williams and informed him that Wolfe would be returning soon, while also telling him that they had gotten rid of Chelsea. Wolfe made his return in a non–televised segment at the December 10, 2010 iMPACT! taping when he and Magnus saved Douglas Williams from Fortune members AJ Styles and Rob Terry. The segment, however, did not air on the January 6, 2011 iMPACT telecast. Wolfe has not appeared for the organization since then.
When asked when fans can expect Wolfe to return to television, Hogan responded, “Desmond’s situation is beyond TNA’s control, the ball is completely in his court.”
Wolfe and Magnus were scheduled to face Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin for the TNA World Tag Team Championship at No Surrender, but were pulled from the event at the last minute, with the organization citing a “personal issue” as the reason. The Pro Wrestling Torch reported that according to multiple sources within TNA, Wolfe was pulled from the pay-per-view event due to concerns with concussion side effects.
His on-screen absence was explained by Magnus, who claimed that in an attempt to become a dual athlete, Wolfe had traveled to London to tryout for Chelsea F.C.
Company president Dixie Carter announced on November 21, 2010 that Wolfe would be returning to television. On the December 16, 2010 edition of iMPACT!, Magnus met his former tag team partner Douglas Williams and informed him that Wolfe would be returning soon, while also telling him that they had gotten rid of Chelsea. Wolfe made his return in a non–televised segment at the December 10, 2010 iMPACT! taping when he and Magnus saved Douglas Williams from Fortune members AJ Styles and Rob Terry. The segment, however, did not air on the January 6, 2011 iMPACT telecast. Wolfe has not appeared for the organization since then.
Thursday, 14 April 2011
TNA's Mickie James - Exclusive Interview by Phil Allely
Mickie James - My Contract Release Rejuvenated Me!
By Phil Allely
Mickie James is a living legend in the world of professional wrestling and has a proven track record of not letting fans down in or out of the ring.
As an enthusiastic young wrestler fresh to the scene Mickie quickly progressed from a Indy show opening act receiving low payments, to a prized top spot with the WWE in 2005 as Trish Straus’ number one fan.
Never looking back the mid-card draw continued to work hard and learn the ropes from then Diva's trainer (the recently released) Finlay, this dedication leading to multiple WWE Women’s Championship reigns for the lovely Miss James. However the dream came to an end when the company made the shock decision to release her and many other performers from their contracts in 2010. After some time gathering up her thoughts she resides on the TNA roster, where her scrapes with Tara have revitalised the recently dormant TNA Knockouts Division.
Having pretty much done it all in the industry in a relatively short time, just what else does the future hold for the glamorous lady from Virginia?
Phil Allely caught up with Mickie prior to TNA's Lockdown Pay-Per-View to find out her thoughts on her release, life in TNA and her future beyond wrestling
“You know when I was let go (by WWE) I had a real crossroads to face, when I left there it was like on one hand I was a 12 year veteran with so much to still give, on the other I felt rejected. But you know one night I was doing what I do in the ring every time I compete and I was at this small independent show, the response and atmosphere there it kind of switched on a button and I though yeah this is what I got into this for, it rejuvenated that drive in me. I’d spoken to Dixie (Carter, TNA's President) since my release and not really thought of going to TNA,unless I felt I needed to. That night changed my mind. My in-ring work and my music is appreciated here in TNA, I have everything I need to enjoy my work.”
In her relatively short tenure in TNA Mickie has been embroiled in a feud with TNA Knockouts Champion Madison Rayne, of course her associate Tara has been there to assist Miss Rayne if need be too. This coming week at TNA’s Lockdown PPV the odds will be very different indeed. Perhaps James’ title pursuit may bear fruit after all?
“Yeah the stipulation at Lockdown has my hair on the line against her belt, you know most people would worry, but not me. I’ve been after the title for a long time now and this time she is locked in a cage, so she can’t cheat or run away, no one can help her out it’s just us. Cage matches are a big thing for us girls, its not often we get to do them and risk our bodies like that. Tara and I did one on Impact! recently and it was rough we hurt for a long time afterwards. I think we are stepping up the game even more with this one. The guys do these types of matches often, I don’t know how they take the punishment. So I realise it will be a tough match to be in. A cage match though will bring out the best in us I’m sure.”
TNA’s all cage match pay-per-view offers forth some interesting and intriguing bouts each year. This year there will be many feuds ending in the confines of the steel structure and perhaps some new ones starting.
“Lockdown is a unique event for us as it all takes place in the cage and each stipulation and match has its own perils. What I’m looking forward to is seeing how we all embrace the matches and work around the confines of the cage. There are some great matches there apart from our own of course.”
Mickie was a TNA star long before her WWE debut though, taking a place on the roster during her formative years in the profession. It’s interesting to hear how she feels TNA has changed since then.
“You know back then (2003) it was a formative business here, TNA was still trying to get its place and brand right. They had key players (some are still here which is great) and they worked so hard, you know it’s grown so much, with TV deals, PPV events and now worldwide tours, those and so much more help it. It’s so much better than I remember from back then. It is unbelievable to be here now and see the growth of this company, TNA has found its niche now. The fans are great too, because they feel as much of it as we do, they have been with us for so long and want us to succeed. One area I see great expansion in is the UK, it is a big fan base for us. UK fans in my experience are unbelievable, with TNA I get to do meet and greets, access events and it is fun to get a natural feedback from them, that is something I never really could do before. They really embrace and get us, it’s a family type thing, they came along with TNA for the ride and we love having them here.”
Assuming Mickie doesn’t lose her hair at Lockdown or lose via another decision will the Knockouts Title mean that she has no other challenges left in wrestling?
“Well when I get the title I’d love to be able to say I was the longest reigning TNA Knockouts Champ, to be the greatest women‘s champion would be indescribable for me. It’s a matter of proving you are the best at what you do and I want to be able to that. Lockdown will be the start of that for me in TNA.”
With such a rich career to date behind her and so much more ahead it must be tough for someone like Mickie James to choose a few events from her personal highlight reel.
“Well Wresltemania 22 is a huge event in my life, to be able to participate at that was amazing, working alongside my idol Trish Stratus is another one, then there is Lita’s last match, Lita was a great inspiration and friend, she always took time and helped me. Another great memory for me is a non-televised match against Beth Phoenix, we tore the place apart in that, the fans ate it up. I loved being fortunate enough to wrestle in the Tokyo Dome, Madison Square Garden and most of I am proud to have main event shows, so rarely women main event and it is a great honour to do so."
Even if still signed to TNA would Mickie ever return to the WWE for such an event as the Hall Of Fame ceremony.
“I’d be crazy not to agree to attend that, its an incredible honour. I mean even if they (other wrestlers) say they don’t want it, they do really. The Hall of Fame lets you see acknowledgement for your hard work, it would be an honour to be nominated and thought of in that way I think. if I ever got picked I would welcome it."
TNA is often said to be a better environment for wrestlers to actively pursue outside interests and push them selves in directions that previous companies would not allow them too.
"I think its great they let us pursue our dreams (in TNA) and take opportunities as they come up, whether it's my music, acting roles, or anything else, it's refreshing to be able to act on them and not regret missing them. I get to showcase my music here (Mickie sings her own entrance tune) and they are open to seeing the potential in letting us do things we are offered. It all helps TNA in the long run and reflects good on them, we get the opporunity and everybody wins."
Wrestling is a form of entertainment where many performers retire early or leave once they have achieved everything they feel they can in the industry. However many have no idea of what they want to do when ring life ends for them.
"Well when I decide to retire (which won't be for a while yet) I will of course Continue singing, I'd love to become an ambassador for wrestling, that would be awesome. I grew up on a horse farm, so when I'm settled in my life maybe I'll set up a rescue type of farm for horses and have it for diasbled or troubled kids, theres a bond with animals that could help people release that pressure and let them feel emotions they have, I'd love to do that sort of work to help them, it would be amazing."
You can catch TNA in the UK on TV Channel Challenge:
TNA iMPACT! on Tuesdays at 22.00 , followed by TNA Xplosion
TNA PPVs air on Wednesdays at 22.00
Lockdown is Sunday April 17 2011.
Challenge channel numbers are: Sky #125, Virgin Media #139 and Freeview #46.
By Phil Allely
Mickie James is a living legend in the world of professional wrestling and has a proven track record of not letting fans down in or out of the ring.
As an enthusiastic young wrestler fresh to the scene Mickie quickly progressed from a Indy show opening act receiving low payments, to a prized top spot with the WWE in 2005 as Trish Straus’ number one fan.
Never looking back the mid-card draw continued to work hard and learn the ropes from then Diva's trainer (the recently released) Finlay, this dedication leading to multiple WWE Women’s Championship reigns for the lovely Miss James. However the dream came to an end when the company made the shock decision to release her and many other performers from their contracts in 2010. After some time gathering up her thoughts she resides on the TNA roster, where her scrapes with Tara have revitalised the recently dormant TNA Knockouts Division.
Having pretty much done it all in the industry in a relatively short time, just what else does the future hold for the glamorous lady from Virginia?
Phil Allely caught up with Mickie prior to TNA's Lockdown Pay-Per-View to find out her thoughts on her release, life in TNA and her future beyond wrestling
“You know when I was let go (by WWE) I had a real crossroads to face, when I left there it was like on one hand I was a 12 year veteran with so much to still give, on the other I felt rejected. But you know one night I was doing what I do in the ring every time I compete and I was at this small independent show, the response and atmosphere there it kind of switched on a button and I though yeah this is what I got into this for, it rejuvenated that drive in me. I’d spoken to Dixie (Carter, TNA's President) since my release and not really thought of going to TNA,unless I felt I needed to. That night changed my mind. My in-ring work and my music is appreciated here in TNA, I have everything I need to enjoy my work.”
In her relatively short tenure in TNA Mickie has been embroiled in a feud with TNA Knockouts Champion Madison Rayne, of course her associate Tara has been there to assist Miss Rayne if need be too. This coming week at TNA’s Lockdown PPV the odds will be very different indeed. Perhaps James’ title pursuit may bear fruit after all?
“Yeah the stipulation at Lockdown has my hair on the line against her belt, you know most people would worry, but not me. I’ve been after the title for a long time now and this time she is locked in a cage, so she can’t cheat or run away, no one can help her out it’s just us. Cage matches are a big thing for us girls, its not often we get to do them and risk our bodies like that. Tara and I did one on Impact! recently and it was rough we hurt for a long time afterwards. I think we are stepping up the game even more with this one. The guys do these types of matches often, I don’t know how they take the punishment. So I realise it will be a tough match to be in. A cage match though will bring out the best in us I’m sure.”
TNA’s all cage match pay-per-view offers forth some interesting and intriguing bouts each year. This year there will be many feuds ending in the confines of the steel structure and perhaps some new ones starting.
“Lockdown is a unique event for us as it all takes place in the cage and each stipulation and match has its own perils. What I’m looking forward to is seeing how we all embrace the matches and work around the confines of the cage. There are some great matches there apart from our own of course.”
Mickie was a TNA star long before her WWE debut though, taking a place on the roster during her formative years in the profession. It’s interesting to hear how she feels TNA has changed since then.
“You know back then (2003) it was a formative business here, TNA was still trying to get its place and brand right. They had key players (some are still here which is great) and they worked so hard, you know it’s grown so much, with TV deals, PPV events and now worldwide tours, those and so much more help it. It’s so much better than I remember from back then. It is unbelievable to be here now and see the growth of this company, TNA has found its niche now. The fans are great too, because they feel as much of it as we do, they have been with us for so long and want us to succeed. One area I see great expansion in is the UK, it is a big fan base for us. UK fans in my experience are unbelievable, with TNA I get to do meet and greets, access events and it is fun to get a natural feedback from them, that is something I never really could do before. They really embrace and get us, it’s a family type thing, they came along with TNA for the ride and we love having them here.”
Assuming Mickie doesn’t lose her hair at Lockdown or lose via another decision will the Knockouts Title mean that she has no other challenges left in wrestling?
“Well when I get the title I’d love to be able to say I was the longest reigning TNA Knockouts Champ, to be the greatest women‘s champion would be indescribable for me. It’s a matter of proving you are the best at what you do and I want to be able to that. Lockdown will be the start of that for me in TNA.”
With such a rich career to date behind her and so much more ahead it must be tough for someone like Mickie James to choose a few events from her personal highlight reel.
“Well Wresltemania 22 is a huge event in my life, to be able to participate at that was amazing, working alongside my idol Trish Stratus is another one, then there is Lita’s last match, Lita was a great inspiration and friend, she always took time and helped me. Another great memory for me is a non-televised match against Beth Phoenix, we tore the place apart in that, the fans ate it up. I loved being fortunate enough to wrestle in the Tokyo Dome, Madison Square Garden and most of I am proud to have main event shows, so rarely women main event and it is a great honour to do so."
Even if still signed to TNA would Mickie ever return to the WWE for such an event as the Hall Of Fame ceremony.
“I’d be crazy not to agree to attend that, its an incredible honour. I mean even if they (other wrestlers) say they don’t want it, they do really. The Hall of Fame lets you see acknowledgement for your hard work, it would be an honour to be nominated and thought of in that way I think. if I ever got picked I would welcome it."
TNA is often said to be a better environment for wrestlers to actively pursue outside interests and push them selves in directions that previous companies would not allow them too.
"I think its great they let us pursue our dreams (in TNA) and take opportunities as they come up, whether it's my music, acting roles, or anything else, it's refreshing to be able to act on them and not regret missing them. I get to showcase my music here (Mickie sings her own entrance tune) and they are open to seeing the potential in letting us do things we are offered. It all helps TNA in the long run and reflects good on them, we get the opporunity and everybody wins."
Wrestling is a form of entertainment where many performers retire early or leave once they have achieved everything they feel they can in the industry. However many have no idea of what they want to do when ring life ends for them.
"Well when I decide to retire (which won't be for a while yet) I will of course Continue singing, I'd love to become an ambassador for wrestling, that would be awesome. I grew up on a horse farm, so when I'm settled in my life maybe I'll set up a rescue type of farm for horses and have it for diasbled or troubled kids, theres a bond with animals that could help people release that pressure and let them feel emotions they have, I'd love to do that sort of work to help them, it would be amazing."
You can catch TNA in the UK on TV Channel Challenge:
TNA iMPACT! on Tuesdays at 22.00 , followed by TNA Xplosion
TNA PPVs air on Wednesdays at 22.00
Lockdown is Sunday April 17 2011.
Challenge channel numbers are: Sky #125, Virgin Media #139 and Freeview #46.
Phil Allely meets Mickie James January 2011, Dublin
Tuesday, 29 March 2011
Rob Van Dam Exclusive Interview
By Phil Allely
This past January (during the first leg of the UK Maximum Impact tour) Phil Allely was fortunate enough to chat with former TNA Heavyweight Champion Rob Van Dam about how his life has changed since he decided to take a spot in TNA.
Leaving the WWE after a long run the former ECW headliner had no immediate intentions of returning to the world of wrestling unless it was on his terms and the company he chose to work for gave him the backing he felt his former employers never really did.
“I was fortunate enough to be able to pick and chose what I wanted to do when I left the WWE, so many of the guys can’t afford to do that for various reasons. I just needed to recharge my batteries, pursue my many outside interests and see if I still wanted to step back in the ring again.”
During his break from mainstream wrestling the former ECW star was a major part of American Wrestling Rampage’s European Tour, there he shared the ring with Sabu, Scotty Too Hotty, Kid Kash and Sean Waltman amongst others. Tearing down houses and seemingly relighting along absent inner fire along the way.
“I loved those shows, you know Sabu is one of my closest friends and we enjoyed bringing back that ECW element to something like that. We did some crazy things in some very intimate venues and they went down a storm. It was great to be able to take our extreme influenced performances to people who only ever saw us on video or DVD. Those small arenas were just what I needed to get myself back into the frame of mind to compete again. But we knew it was a limited thing, we can’t keep doing that year in year out. I’d love to have him (Sabu) here with me now in TNA, but as Dixie has explained his stint here wasn’t long term and I understand that. We are in a business after all and he had a decent run before he moved on“.
Many were not shocked by Van Dam’s jump to TNA, but when it was mentioned he may be seeking work for Dixie Carter’s company there were rumours he may have been approached by the WWE in an attempt to stop another big name joining the opposition.
“Man I love TNA, it’s a wonderful place to work (after some of the places I was in before) I was probably one of the last guys approached by them though. There were big plans in motion it seems (if I’d joined right away) a spot in the Main Event Mafia was brought up, but I’m not and never have been one for sharing the spotlight, I prefer to be the star and in the limelight by myself. Plus I’d just came out of the WWE, I was ready for a break from the business at that point so that plan went away. WWE had really burnt me out, my contract stated I’d be given breaks and they never gave them to me, I heard many excuses why and wasn‘t happy about it. You know they did that constantly and they probably wrecked the chances of many guys going back by treating the talent that way. “When my contract ended (with the WWE) I just needed time to clear my head and find myself. Yes TNA tried to get me straight away, they tried (to hit me for my wrestling) passion and I said no. Bischoff called me, Dixie Carter called me, even Jason Hervey picked up the phone. But I said to myself they are not serious because Hogan hasn’t called yet.
Then he did, I was doing my radio show and he called in. The guy spent a half hour explaining on the air why I should join him in TNA.“
Hogan was at that point the major player in TNA and instead of filling the top tier of the company with his hangers on (like he had in WCW) he seemed to go head hunting genuine talent that would benefit Dixie Carter’s group as it grew and re-built its sometimes tarnished reputation.
“That was what got me here, Hulk is the most recognised guy there is in the industry, I value his opinion and knew he was doing what he felt was best for us all when he brought guys like myself to TNA. He has a presence, no matter where he features in the company he can make a difference, he may not be performing any more after his surgery, but he can still entertain and do what he does best, be a legend. People will always want to see him.”
RVD has pursued many outside interests since he left the WWE and continues to do so. Opening comic book stores, acting, hosting a radio show and creating his own reality TV series.
“Something WWE never let me do were acting jobs, they turned them down for me, but now (being in TNA) I’ m in a situation where I can do these things. WWE just didn’t see the potential of these opportunities and they really ruined my chances back then. I was in some very good places and they (WWE) just blew it for me, by refusing point blank to negotiate anything. Whereas Dixie let’s us explore our possibilities and gives us that chance. Her philosophy is that our extended profile helps TNA enhance its own and of course it does.”
Dixie Carter has been the driving force behind TNA for most of its life and continues to work very hard in making her brand a more family friendly, approachable and personable one than its rival. Van Dam like the every roster member we interview has only good things to say about the company President.
“Dixie is a real people person, she is what fuels TNA, we all feed of her enthusiasm for the company. She wants first hand connection with our fans. It’s so different to how Vince runs his company. At this stage of my career they take so much better care of me, than the WWE ever did at any point. I’d go as far as to say I mean more to TNA than I did at any point with them.”
TNA’s roster has featured/still features many former WWE/WCW/ECW, who work very well with their own homegrown talent, allowing both to thrive in the organisation. Many former big names though have tried and failed in TNA, their fate is something that Rob understands and explains with ease.
“I for one love the freedom here and I know the other guys do too. There are many people who want to work here that find the opportunity isn’t the easy ride they expected it to be. An awful lot of them can’t meet the standards and be in the same zone as the rest of us are. I mean look at Sabu, he has had an unbelievable career and yet he was let go, no matter who you are you need to prove yourself and if you don’t you’re gone. This company needs to continually trim the fat to keep ourselves up where we are. We need to be consistent. It keeps you on your toes.”
If the WWE came calling would Rob return for one last run, like some of his peers such as Booker T and Kevin Nash.
“You know fair play to anyone who does go back, but you know I was so burnt out and had so much trouble in my last year there that I just wanted away from that scenario. I couldn’t enjoy going out to the ring and doing my thing, it was killing me. My contract ended and I wanted out, they offered me a new one and I said no. I’m so happy being able to have the freedom at last to juggle my other projects and still go out each night and be the whole f’n show.”
Saturday, 19 March 2011
TNA Victory Road 2011 PPV Review
Tna-Against All Odds/Victory Road 2011
Victory Road proves bumpy for TNA!
By Phil Allely
TNA’s Victory Road card had great potential, recent editions of Impact! were very well received and the 2011 pay-per-view output to date has been too, so perhaps we should not let one poor main event ruin a good thing? The PPV itself was forged around Sting’s return and shock world heavyweight title win over Hulk Hogan‘s Immortal brand, his much-hyped re-match with Jeff Hardy being the expected highlight of a card that was designed to build things up for the upcoming usually feud-ending Lockdown PPV. Unfortunately things went a bit awry and Sting ended up squashing Hardy in a main event match that lasted mere seconds.
The preceding bouts fared far better though and served their purpose well.
Kicking things off Tommy Dreamer faced Bully Ray in an enjoyable ECW style No DQ/Falls Count Anywhere brawl that featured comic spots, weapons, an inflatable doll and a Devon run-in to give Dreamer the win.
Unlikely champs Angelina Love and Winter then lost their TNA Knockouts Tag Team Belts to the feisty duo of Sarita and Rosita in a decent Knockouts outing.
Matt Morgan and Hernandez went down the ‘first blood’ route next with a fast, furious and vicious at times, brawl, that ending confusingly as a mystery man ran in for the ref bump and gave Supermex the opportunity to coat Morgan in fake blood and gain the win.
The X Division then took things high octane with the Ultimate X four man match between Generation ME, Robbie E and champ Kazarian, the mix of career shortening moves, risk-taking action and even a tease of a Buck brothers break-up all kept this flowing, Kaz though justified his spot as champ by retaining his title for Fortune.
Fortune’s Beer Money defended their tag team straps in a reasonable match with challengers Ink Inc. Jesse Neal and Shannon Moore tried their utmost to keep up with TNA’s finest tandem, but they fell short, a DUI on Moore keeping the gold in the Fortune camp for a while anyway.
AJ Styles faced Matt Hardy in a Fortune/Immortal bout that saw Ric Flair join in the action. Styles was as impressive as ever and Hardy showed signs of his old self. Styles taking the win with a little help from referee Earl Hebner.
The Penultimate bout saw Rob Van Dam tackle Mr Anderson and saw both go though their trademark moves, strut their stuff and enthusiastically vie for the no 1 contenders spot. The crowd were hot for this one and yet even after so many close calls the match ended as a (unpopular result of a) double count out.
Which of course made the main event all the poorer for it duration and content (Eric Bischoff had more ring time than Jeff Hardy), TNA are now in full on damage limitation mode, US fans have been offered great incentives for supporting Victory Road and UK fans have been privy to some unique fan interaction events, here’s hoping Lockdown gets them back on track and resumes normal service for the organisation
Victory Road proves bumpy for TNA!By Phil Allely
TNA’s Victory Road card had great potential, recent editions of Impact! were very well received and the 2011 pay-per-view output to date has been too, so perhaps we should not let one poor main event ruin a good thing? The PPV itself was forged around Sting’s return and shock world heavyweight title win over Hulk Hogan‘s Immortal brand, his much-hyped re-match with Jeff Hardy being the expected highlight of a card that was designed to build things up for the upcoming usually feud-ending Lockdown PPV. Unfortunately things went a bit awry and Sting ended up squashing Hardy in a main event match that lasted mere seconds.
The preceding bouts fared far better though and served their purpose well.
Kicking things off Tommy Dreamer faced Bully Ray in an enjoyable ECW style No DQ/Falls Count Anywhere brawl that featured comic spots, weapons, an inflatable doll and a Devon run-in to give Dreamer the win.
Unlikely champs Angelina Love and Winter then lost their TNA Knockouts Tag Team Belts to the feisty duo of Sarita and Rosita in a decent Knockouts outing.
Matt Morgan and Hernandez went down the ‘first blood’ route next with a fast, furious and vicious at times, brawl, that ending confusingly as a mystery man ran in for the ref bump and gave Supermex the opportunity to coat Morgan in fake blood and gain the win.
The X Division then took things high octane with the Ultimate X four man match between Generation ME, Robbie E and champ Kazarian, the mix of career shortening moves, risk-taking action and even a tease of a Buck brothers break-up all kept this flowing, Kaz though justified his spot as champ by retaining his title for Fortune.
Fortune’s Beer Money defended their tag team straps in a reasonable match with challengers Ink Inc. Jesse Neal and Shannon Moore tried their utmost to keep up with TNA’s finest tandem, but they fell short, a DUI on Moore keeping the gold in the Fortune camp for a while anyway.
AJ Styles faced Matt Hardy in a Fortune/Immortal bout that saw Ric Flair join in the action. Styles was as impressive as ever and Hardy showed signs of his old self. Styles taking the win with a little help from referee Earl Hebner.
The Penultimate bout saw Rob Van Dam tackle Mr Anderson and saw both go though their trademark moves, strut their stuff and enthusiastically vie for the no 1 contenders spot. The crowd were hot for this one and yet even after so many close calls the match ended as a (unpopular result of a) double count out.
Which of course made the main event all the poorer for it duration and content (Eric Bischoff had more ring time than Jeff Hardy), TNA are now in full on damage limitation mode, US fans have been offered great incentives for supporting Victory Road and UK fans have been privy to some unique fan interaction events, here’s hoping Lockdown gets them back on track and resumes normal service for the organisation
Monday, 14 March 2011
Sting & Jeff Hardy TNA Victory Road
as is customary with my wrestling reviews I prefer to watch the event when it is on here in the UK to give it the semi-live feel to it. I kow there are many reports about the main event of last nights Victory Road PPV going about the web, until I see the match in full I will hold off comments. Check back here on Thursday though.
Saturday, 5 March 2011
Dixie Carter Interview HIghlights
Dixie Carter recently appeared on The Total Nonstop Podcast to promote last night's iMPACT and here are some highlights, courtesy of PW Torch:
Re-signing Sting for last night's show:
"We do have one big surprise and I think the thing about surprises is there are very few of them in this business; there's very few sure things. This is something I've worked on and I've worked on very hard. To me, this is one of the sure things, for me, in this business. People will have to tune in and see. I hope they are as happy and excited as I am."
Having a role on TV:
"It's something I never wanted to do, but I took a tremendous amount of pressure. It's pretty hard when someone looks at you and says, 'Okay, if you could be a part of something that maybe makes an impact positively on the company,' why would you not do that? I think the reason is I didn't know if I could do it, quite honestly. I think I've gone from absolutely not wanting to do it to it's just more of an evolution of me how I've grown in this role since I first started."
More TNA programming:
"Having more shows on television in the U.S., to me, is a critical element of our growth. It's hard to compete with two hours of TV against ten or 12 hours of television (from WWE) every week."
Taking iMPACT on the road:
"We know that it would be important to take Impact out and tour, but when I talk about running this company like a business, I don't put my head on the pillow every night without thinking about staying in business and turning a profit and giving these great wrestlers and fans a company 10, 15, 20 years from now. And we have to make good business decisions."
"Touring is extremely expensive. It's extremely expensive to take a production like we have on the road for television. We have to be smart about it. Yes, we know it's critical. Yes, we know it's absolutely the next step in the evolution of TNA... For us to grow, we need to take Impact on the road."
Re-signing Sting for last night's show:
"We do have one big surprise and I think the thing about surprises is there are very few of them in this business; there's very few sure things. This is something I've worked on and I've worked on very hard. To me, this is one of the sure things, for me, in this business. People will have to tune in and see. I hope they are as happy and excited as I am."
Having a role on TV:
"It's something I never wanted to do, but I took a tremendous amount of pressure. It's pretty hard when someone looks at you and says, 'Okay, if you could be a part of something that maybe makes an impact positively on the company,' why would you not do that? I think the reason is I didn't know if I could do it, quite honestly. I think I've gone from absolutely not wanting to do it to it's just more of an evolution of me how I've grown in this role since I first started."
More TNA programming:
"Having more shows on television in the U.S., to me, is a critical element of our growth. It's hard to compete with two hours of TV against ten or 12 hours of television (from WWE) every week."
Taking iMPACT on the road:
"We know that it would be important to take Impact out and tour, but when I talk about running this company like a business, I don't put my head on the pillow every night without thinking about staying in business and turning a profit and giving these great wrestlers and fans a company 10, 15, 20 years from now. And we have to make good business decisions."
"Touring is extremely expensive. It's extremely expensive to take a production like we have on the road for television. We have to be smart about it. Yes, we know it's critical. Yes, we know it's absolutely the next step in the evolution of TNA... For us to grow, we need to take Impact on the road."
Tuesday, 8 February 2011
Dixie Carter Full Q&A Highlights
By Phil Allely
She is Dixie Carter, perhaps the most approachable wrestling company boss in the world, she turns up at as many of the companies events as possible and always makes time for fans and her staff alike.
With TNA’s return to UK TV this week on Challenge the Nashville based company’s figurehead took to the web (you can catch Dixie on Twitter @TNADixie or Facebook.com/TNADixie) to answer some questions from eager TNA fans, here are a few highlights.
Q: is tna going to get a new world belt so they won’t all wear the hardy belt?
Dixie: Are you kidding, YES!! The sooner the better.
Q:do you plan on moving the Impact Zone to somewhere else. I believe that keeping it in Universal is crippling the audience numbers
Dixie: There are no plans to move the production to another single facility. However, we are excited about taking the iMPACT! taping on the road to Fayetteville, NC on February 24th, and hope to do more iMPACT! tapings from different locations in the future.
Q: hi dixie what have been your best moment(s) in tna alan (scotland)
Dixie: Signing the Spike deal was huge. The Kurt Angle/Thursday night Spike announcement, the Hogan press conference in NYC, Wembley Arena… Too many to mention. But every time I am out on the floor at a show with the fans is the single best part of my job. I have REALLY missed doing that since October. Getting back out on the UK/European Tour felt great.
Q: What has been the biggest mistake you've made so far running TNA? I know the list is long but narrow it to 1 if possible.
Dixie: The move to Monday nights. We have a loyal audience on Thursdays and that move proved that. Even the ratings of the Thursday replay (which did not force viewers to watch on Monday), were as high or higher than the debut telecast.
Q: you asked us on Twitter and on Facebook to send her questions that she will answer. Will she avoid negative questions?
Dixie: No, I won’t avoid them.
Q:what are the chances of having a tna pay per view,say a genesis etc, in England?
Dixie: Two years ago at Wembley I said we wanted to have a PPV or iMPACT! taping from the UK. To get that done Bravo would have had to be a big part of that. Now that we are on Challenge, the folks at SKY can help make that happen. I get this email all the time. You need to let them know you want to see this come to fruition. I’m sold.
Q:Can you tell me how you felt when you saw Booker T and Kevin Nash at the Royal Rumble and realized your original plans for "THEY" were screwed?
Dixie: Booker was not available for any MEM angle. Kevin Nash was under contract with TNA and was just recently released for reasons I will not disclose. From the beginning, if we did a MEM angle it would not have been with the original group and it would have been a short-term story to get to something else. To see “THEY” tune in TONIGHT on SPIKE. I’m pretty sure the fans will be happy. I know I am.
Q: Hi who has the best entrance music???
Dixie: My favorite entrance music is Beer Money (and not because my husband Serg sings it). The crowd reacts how I do to that song every time they come out. On the UK/European Tour last week I could not get Mickie James’ or Madison Rayne’s music out of my head, which is fine except when I hear it while I am sleeping. Not my favorite song, but the one I hear the most in my head at night is RVD’s music. I want to strangle Rob when I wake up some mornings. And, I actually really like my music. If you remember Goldylocks from early TNA days, she sings it and does an amazing job.
Q: you are the president of TNA and do a lot. Do you ever take a break?
Dixie: I do spend time with my family and friends; however, work is always a text, email or call away 24/7.
Q: what's the truth about the rumors that Sting has left TNA and joined WWE?!
Dixie: I have read these reports. I would really hate to see that happen.
Q: Were you disappointed by Bravo being cut and TNA being left without a home on UK TV? Poor treatment by Sky?
Dixie: We are thrilled to now be a part of SKY family with iMPACT! being shown on FREEVIEW every Tuesday at 10 pm starting February 8th. Thanks to all the fans who let SKY know they wanted to see iMPACT!. It gave SKY a quick lesson in just how passionate TNA fans are! Although SKY was undergoing a massive platform change, it was a frustrating period not being able to respond to the thousands of tweets and facebook questions fans also sent me as to when and where iMPACT! would be broadcast in the UK and Ireland. The announcement was made very quickly after the deal was done.
Q: do you ever get frustrated with some fans who never stop critiscising at taking shots at the company and the talent?
Dixie: It’s part of the job. We will never please everyone all the time. You just have to strive to please as many as you can as much of the time as possible.
Matt Jones
Why doesn't TNA start its own Hall Of Fame for the Wrestlers?
Dixie: Great question. Stay tuned!
You can catch TNA on Challenge every week:
TNA iMPACT! airs Tuesdays at 22.00 from February 8, followed by TNA Xplosion at 24.00
TNA PPVs air on Wednesdays (following US broadcast) at 22.00 to 01.00
Challenge channel numbers are: Sky #125, Virgin Media #139 and Freeview
Friday, 4 February 2011
Dixie Carter new Facebook/Twitter Q&A's
TNA President Dixie Carter is now answering fan questions on TNA's website via her Facebook and Twitter accounts. Here are some highlights from the first entry:
Q: do you plan on moving the Impact Zone to somewhere else. I believe that keeping it in Universal is crippling the audience numbers.
Dixie: There are no plans to move the production to another single facility. However, we are excited about taking the iMPACT! taping on the road to Fayetteville, NC on February 24th, and hope to do more iMPACT! tapings from different locations in the future.
Q: What has been the biggest mistake you've made so far running TNA? I know the list is long but narrow it to 1 if possible.
Dixie: The move to Monday nights. We have a loyal audience on Thursdays and that move proved that. Even the ratings of the Thursday replay (which did not force viewers to watch on Monday), were as high or higher than the debut telecast.
Q: Can you tell me how you felt when you saw Booker T and Kevin Nash at the Royal Rumble and realized your original plans for "THEY" were screwed?
Dixie: Booker was not available for any MEM angle. Kevin Nash was under contract with TNA and was just recently released for reasons I will not disclose. From the beginning, if we did a MEM angle it would not have been with the original group and it would have been a short-term story to get to something else. To see “THEY” tune in TONIGHT on SPIKE. I’m pretty sure the fans will be happy. I know I am.
Q: what's the truth about the rumors that Sting has left TNA and joined WWE?!
Dixie: I have read these reports. I would really hate to see that happen.
Q: do you plan on moving the Impact Zone to somewhere else. I believe that keeping it in Universal is crippling the audience numbers.
Dixie: There are no plans to move the production to another single facility. However, we are excited about taking the iMPACT! taping on the road to Fayetteville, NC on February 24th, and hope to do more iMPACT! tapings from different locations in the future.
Q: What has been the biggest mistake you've made so far running TNA? I know the list is long but narrow it to 1 if possible.
Dixie: The move to Monday nights. We have a loyal audience on Thursdays and that move proved that. Even the ratings of the Thursday replay (which did not force viewers to watch on Monday), were as high or higher than the debut telecast.
Q: Can you tell me how you felt when you saw Booker T and Kevin Nash at the Royal Rumble and realized your original plans for "THEY" were screwed?
Dixie: Booker was not available for any MEM angle. Kevin Nash was under contract with TNA and was just recently released for reasons I will not disclose. From the beginning, if we did a MEM angle it would not have been with the original group and it would have been a short-term story to get to something else. To see “THEY” tune in TONIGHT on SPIKE. I’m pretty sure the fans will be happy. I know I am.
Q: what's the truth about the rumors that Sting has left TNA and joined WWE?!
Dixie: I have read these reports. I would really hate to see that happen.
Friday, 28 January 2011
Madison Rayne Interview
Madison Rayne - the challenge now is to stay at the top
By Phil Allely
Madison Rayne is a young female grappler in a male dominated world, but against the odds and after a shaky start she has become one of TNA’s best Knockout Division performers. Winning all the gold that is has to offer in a short space of time compared to her peers. Currently holding the Knockouts singles title she was kind enough to give Phil Allely a few moments of her time prior to her tag bout with Tara against the team of Angelina Love and Mickie James during the Dublin, Ireland leg of TNA’s recent Maximum Impact III tour.
“I guess I have been very fortunate to make this far so fast in TNA. I took a bit of time to find my place here and perhaps through luck I wound up as one of The Beautiful People. They are a great team and they helped me out greatly, it was just one of those unplanned things when Angelina had to leave (due to Visa issues), but that moved me up the ranks of the team and I really began to get where I wanted. It’s not like I capitalised on others misfortune, I mean due to pure luck again I was included on the last UK tour as well, I replaced a girl who had to return home.”
As current TNA Knockouts singles champion the 24 year old Rayne has an awful lot of competition in the recently rejuvenated division. All of them vying for the gold and like a seasoned pro Madison never steps down from a fight, although she may bend the rules or have someone waiting in the wings to assist her if things look bleak.
“Well the challenge now is to stay on top, people think getting the belt is the big thing and you can relax. That’s not the case, now I need to be one step ahead at all times, watch my back and keep an eye on everybody. I am the target now and I know it.”
TNA are famed for their live shows and no matter how banged up the crew are no one ever seems to complain about bad shows or performances when they make the long annual trip overseas to please their fans. Rayne like the rest of this years touring performers has her own idea as to why these shows seem to be more intense than those on her home turf.
“It may sound corny, but UK fans are the best, the loudest, hottest and most appreciative we see. It could be the spectacle of what we do (well we are the best at it) or the fact that we only come here once a year, so you guys are ready and willing to see us, but you guys seem more into our show than even our loyal US fans. They are intense on a different level, but they do see us more often I guess, so know what to expect.
Then again maybe we give even more than normal here, it’s such a privilege to be selected for the tours. We have such a good and talented roster that it must be hard to choose who gets to represent the company. I think we all feel proud to be picked to be an ambassador for TNA, I know I feel that way. For a small town Ohio girl like me it is awesome to be standing in another country and calling my mom to tell her where I am, it‘s very humbling to me to be in this fortunate position.”
TNA’s roster is one that whilst slightly top heavy with former WWE, ECW and WCW stars, it has also began to build itself a talented collection of young home grown wrestlers to forge the way forward for them, as the veterans inevitably pass the torch on to the new blood.
“Our company is young and we do have a good number of younger guys and girls here like myself, personally I see it kind of like, because of that we can grow as wrestlers as in turn TNA grows and we can learn as the guys in the back do too. It’s true what they say about TNA being like a family. You can credit Dixie carter for creating that sort of atmosphere, she is a very family orientated person and that rubs off on us too. We all know we can go to her, no matter what, boyfriend/girlfriend problems, family issues or anything else. We can go to her for advice, let off some steam or whatever we need. She can give us tough love, but she knows we need it if she does. We all work better form having that sort of person to go to. We probably work so much better for being able to do that, frustrations and anger never make it into the ring. This is a business and Dixie is serious about that too, but we are indeed the TNA family. We all look after each other too, especially on foreign shores, we are more aware of how the rest of us are and we look out for each other where we can.”
Other organisations seem to neglect talent when it comes to devising characters and storylines, rumour has it that TNA involve their talent in creative ideas as often as possible and encourage their input.
“They never encourage us to do anything we are not comfortable with, there may be a suggestion and we have to explain why we fell it won’t work, but no one will force us to do something we don’t like or feel happy with. We may have to justify why it’s not for us, but if we can the idea is dropped. If we don’t agree with the writers we can go to them, it’s an open forum. Dixie and creative are only too willing to let us voice our opinions, that’s why you don’t se those gratuitous bra and panty style matches here. We are not PG rated TV and we don’t’ need to push the envelope in other directions. We’ll often trade ideas with the writers and that’s how characters grow and build like ours do. I guess for girls in this business it’s hard not to be swallowed up in the sex orientated side of things, but here we are respected and after all we all have families, parents, brothers, sisters etc, all at home watching and they don’t need to see their little girl in that situation. We’d get asked about our comfort level with a scenario and agree to it or not. TNA doesn’t need to be that way with it’s Knockouts. I came here as a wrestler and I want to wrestle.”
Dirt sheets (online newsletters and magazines) are often criticised for their treatment of the female members of the wrestling industry. Madison and her fellow Knockouts have fallen foul of such things before and have to take them in their stride unfortunately.
“You know I really try to stay away from anything wrestling related online or in magazines. In the past I’ve cried myself dry over things I’ve read, we don’t need that in our lives. So now I keep clear if I can. We do this for our fans, we all work our tails off to please people and what I find is that our fans come to see us perform in the ring, storylines are taken note of, but a live show gives them so much more. We meet them, sign merchandise, pose for pictures, ask them and they all agree TNA Live is the thing to see. Our fans are the greatest and most respecting you could ask for”
With a heart of a determined wrestler beating in her young body the ever improving Madison Rayne has the potential to become a living legend like her fellow TNA stars Tara and Mickie James, check her out each week when TNA Impact and PPV events move to new UK TV home Challenge TV this February.
By Phil Allely
Madison Rayne is a young female grappler in a male dominated world, but against the odds and after a shaky start she has become one of TNA’s best Knockout Division performers. Winning all the gold that is has to offer in a short space of time compared to her peers. Currently holding the Knockouts singles title she was kind enough to give Phil Allely a few moments of her time prior to her tag bout with Tara against the team of Angelina Love and Mickie James during the Dublin, Ireland leg of TNA’s recent Maximum Impact III tour.
“I guess I have been very fortunate to make this far so fast in TNA. I took a bit of time to find my place here and perhaps through luck I wound up as one of The Beautiful People. They are a great team and they helped me out greatly, it was just one of those unplanned things when Angelina had to leave (due to Visa issues), but that moved me up the ranks of the team and I really began to get where I wanted. It’s not like I capitalised on others misfortune, I mean due to pure luck again I was included on the last UK tour as well, I replaced a girl who had to return home.”
As current TNA Knockouts singles champion the 24 year old Rayne has an awful lot of competition in the recently rejuvenated division. All of them vying for the gold and like a seasoned pro Madison never steps down from a fight, although she may bend the rules or have someone waiting in the wings to assist her if things look bleak.
“Well the challenge now is to stay on top, people think getting the belt is the big thing and you can relax. That’s not the case, now I need to be one step ahead at all times, watch my back and keep an eye on everybody. I am the target now and I know it.”
TNA are famed for their live shows and no matter how banged up the crew are no one ever seems to complain about bad shows or performances when they make the long annual trip overseas to please their fans. Rayne like the rest of this years touring performers has her own idea as to why these shows seem to be more intense than those on her home turf.
“It may sound corny, but UK fans are the best, the loudest, hottest and most appreciative we see. It could be the spectacle of what we do (well we are the best at it) or the fact that we only come here once a year, so you guys are ready and willing to see us, but you guys seem more into our show than even our loyal US fans. They are intense on a different level, but they do see us more often I guess, so know what to expect.
Then again maybe we give even more than normal here, it’s such a privilege to be selected for the tours. We have such a good and talented roster that it must be hard to choose who gets to represent the company. I think we all feel proud to be picked to be an ambassador for TNA, I know I feel that way. For a small town Ohio girl like me it is awesome to be standing in another country and calling my mom to tell her where I am, it‘s very humbling to me to be in this fortunate position.”
TNA’s roster is one that whilst slightly top heavy with former WWE, ECW and WCW stars, it has also began to build itself a talented collection of young home grown wrestlers to forge the way forward for them, as the veterans inevitably pass the torch on to the new blood.
“Our company is young and we do have a good number of younger guys and girls here like myself, personally I see it kind of like, because of that we can grow as wrestlers as in turn TNA grows and we can learn as the guys in the back do too. It’s true what they say about TNA being like a family. You can credit Dixie carter for creating that sort of atmosphere, she is a very family orientated person and that rubs off on us too. We all know we can go to her, no matter what, boyfriend/girlfriend problems, family issues or anything else. We can go to her for advice, let off some steam or whatever we need. She can give us tough love, but she knows we need it if she does. We all work better form having that sort of person to go to. We probably work so much better for being able to do that, frustrations and anger never make it into the ring. This is a business and Dixie is serious about that too, but we are indeed the TNA family. We all look after each other too, especially on foreign shores, we are more aware of how the rest of us are and we look out for each other where we can.”
Other organisations seem to neglect talent when it comes to devising characters and storylines, rumour has it that TNA involve their talent in creative ideas as often as possible and encourage their input.
“They never encourage us to do anything we are not comfortable with, there may be a suggestion and we have to explain why we fell it won’t work, but no one will force us to do something we don’t like or feel happy with. We may have to justify why it’s not for us, but if we can the idea is dropped. If we don’t agree with the writers we can go to them, it’s an open forum. Dixie and creative are only too willing to let us voice our opinions, that’s why you don’t se those gratuitous bra and panty style matches here. We are not PG rated TV and we don’t’ need to push the envelope in other directions. We’ll often trade ideas with the writers and that’s how characters grow and build like ours do. I guess for girls in this business it’s hard not to be swallowed up in the sex orientated side of things, but here we are respected and after all we all have families, parents, brothers, sisters etc, all at home watching and they don’t need to see their little girl in that situation. We’d get asked about our comfort level with a scenario and agree to it or not. TNA doesn’t need to be that way with it’s Knockouts. I came here as a wrestler and I want to wrestle.”
Dirt sheets (online newsletters and magazines) are often criticised for their treatment of the female members of the wrestling industry. Madison and her fellow Knockouts have fallen foul of such things before and have to take them in their stride unfortunately.
“You know I really try to stay away from anything wrestling related online or in magazines. In the past I’ve cried myself dry over things I’ve read, we don’t need that in our lives. So now I keep clear if I can. We do this for our fans, we all work our tails off to please people and what I find is that our fans come to see us perform in the ring, storylines are taken note of, but a live show gives them so much more. We meet them, sign merchandise, pose for pictures, ask them and they all agree TNA Live is the thing to see. Our fans are the greatest and most respecting you could ask for”
With a heart of a determined wrestler beating in her young body the ever improving Madison Rayne has the potential to become a living legend like her fellow TNA stars Tara and Mickie James, check her out each week when TNA Impact and PPV events move to new UK TV home Challenge TV this February.
Tuesday, 25 January 2011
TNA Live Review Dublin Jan 24 2011
Irish fans vote for Flair as TNA Invade Dublin
By Phil Allely
It’s been a heck of a year or so for TNA since they last made the long trip to the UK and Ireland. There have been ups and downs, Monday Night Wars won and lost, star signings gained and star leavings missed, Hulk Hogan and Co. joining the fray with that WWE and so much more in that short space of time. It goes to show though that TNA have grabbed fans attention when even the lack of TNA UK TV coverage (which is now sorted via Freeview, well done Dixie) couldn’t stop almost 2000 very vocal and enthusiastic Irish fans from coming out to see the show this week though.
Fair do’s to TNA they did not skimp on the roster in attendance either, from top to bottom the card had it all, cat fights, brawls, high flying action and some superb crowd-baiting fun and games. One highlight was Ric Flair’s chant and dance-athon to the sound of ‘Flair for Taoiseach’ (Irish President), considering the current political situation in Ireland, the overjoyed Flair’s appointment would not shock this journo.
In the ring things kicked off with the as normal high-octane X Division match. Dublin was treated to a three-way bout for Kazraian’s gold, with the champ opposing Chris Sabin and new boy Mark Haskins. Dragon Gate regular Haskins proved himself to be a worthy TNA roster member by not only keeping up with, but dictating the pace at times, in what was a fast and furious flurry of set-pieces, near-falls and stunning action. Sabin and Haskins failed though, Kaz nailed a brutal finisher to retain his strap.
Next up Earl Hebner tried to steal the show with his picture perfect ‘You Screwed Bret’ set-piece and accompanying hilarious tee shirt and crowd-playing combo. The Knockouts tag match he officiated was a fairly decent affair, Hebner playing his role perfectly, not only becoming a deciding factor, but even sneaking a kiss from current Knockouts Champion Madison Rayne along the way. Tara and Rayne fell to Mickie James and Angelina Love with relative ease, after some good in-ring work from all concerned though.
In a Genesis re-match RVD bettered a slightly out of shape Matt Hardy, both worked their boots off though. Hardy missing a moonsault and Van Dam barely hitting a ringside one onto the concrete to audible gasps, the hugely popular RVD recovered quick and had a blast trundling out his trademark moves and unleashing his ‘five star frog splash’ on a prone Hardy for the win. Hardy was left fuming amidst derogatory chants as RVD claimed another win for himself.
The TNA Tag Team Championships were on the line next and the re-formed duo of (UK nationals) Magnus and Douglas Williams were already on dodgy ground before they even tackled champs Beer Money Inc. With Ric Flair at ringside to manage his Fortune buddies the match was a superb mix of comedy, action and set-pieces, the aforementioned dance/chant, Flair’s ring-mastership, Roode and Storm’s abilities and those of Magnus/Williams all made this a match of the night for many (including yours truly). Beer Money kept their belts after a few heelish tactics worked in their favour and they wiped the cocky smiles off their British opponents, to great applause from the Irish fans.
The penultimate match-up saw TNA founder Jeff Jarrett pair up with The Pope to tackle the little and large duo of Matt Morgan and Shannon Moore. The pairings worked well together and had the crowd whipped up into a frenzy too, pulling those long-lost Rock‘n‘Roll Express hot tag moments out of the bag. Jarrett and Pope however couldn’t overcome the combination of speed and strength their opposing team had though, Morgan and Moore taking the win and savouring their moment.
Finally after a hot and exciting night of top class action it all boiled down to TNA Heavyweight Champion Mr Anderson getting his hands of his nemesis Jeff Hardy. Whilst not on a par with the ‘classic’ tag match earlier, the guys worked hard. They threw everything they had into the mix, near-falls, ref bumps, run-ins and some stiff action. Even with the help of his brother Matt, Jeff fell to Anderson’s ‘mic check’ finisher to keep the gold with the (a**hole) leader.
The surprise post-match party (which is something TNA love to do) saw Flair, Beer Money, Mickie James and many others join Anderson and Dixie Carter in sharing a few beers and Dixie promising the crowd that TNA will not only be back on these shores, but on our screens very soon to ( a promise which she fulfilled a few hours later via Sun Sport).
The TNA live experience is one not to be missed and just goes to show that the company want to give their fans as much as they can, no one holds back or goes through the motions, the action never stops and with Jeremy Borash as host things never slow down a beat. Roll on Maximum Impact IV.
By Phil Allely
It’s been a heck of a year or so for TNA since they last made the long trip to the UK and Ireland. There have been ups and downs, Monday Night Wars won and lost, star signings gained and star leavings missed, Hulk Hogan and Co. joining the fray with that WWE and so much more in that short space of time. It goes to show though that TNA have grabbed fans attention when even the lack of TNA UK TV coverage (which is now sorted via Freeview, well done Dixie) couldn’t stop almost 2000 very vocal and enthusiastic Irish fans from coming out to see the show this week though.
Fair do’s to TNA they did not skimp on the roster in attendance either, from top to bottom the card had it all, cat fights, brawls, high flying action and some superb crowd-baiting fun and games. One highlight was Ric Flair’s chant and dance-athon to the sound of ‘Flair for Taoiseach’ (Irish President), considering the current political situation in Ireland, the overjoyed Flair’s appointment would not shock this journo.
In the ring things kicked off with the as normal high-octane X Division match. Dublin was treated to a three-way bout for Kazraian’s gold, with the champ opposing Chris Sabin and new boy Mark Haskins. Dragon Gate regular Haskins proved himself to be a worthy TNA roster member by not only keeping up with, but dictating the pace at times, in what was a fast and furious flurry of set-pieces, near-falls and stunning action. Sabin and Haskins failed though, Kaz nailed a brutal finisher to retain his strap.
Next up Earl Hebner tried to steal the show with his picture perfect ‘You Screwed Bret’ set-piece and accompanying hilarious tee shirt and crowd-playing combo. The Knockouts tag match he officiated was a fairly decent affair, Hebner playing his role perfectly, not only becoming a deciding factor, but even sneaking a kiss from current Knockouts Champion Madison Rayne along the way. Tara and Rayne fell to Mickie James and Angelina Love with relative ease, after some good in-ring work from all concerned though.
In a Genesis re-match RVD bettered a slightly out of shape Matt Hardy, both worked their boots off though. Hardy missing a moonsault and Van Dam barely hitting a ringside one onto the concrete to audible gasps, the hugely popular RVD recovered quick and had a blast trundling out his trademark moves and unleashing his ‘five star frog splash’ on a prone Hardy for the win. Hardy was left fuming amidst derogatory chants as RVD claimed another win for himself.
The TNA Tag Team Championships were on the line next and the re-formed duo of (UK nationals) Magnus and Douglas Williams were already on dodgy ground before they even tackled champs Beer Money Inc. With Ric Flair at ringside to manage his Fortune buddies the match was a superb mix of comedy, action and set-pieces, the aforementioned dance/chant, Flair’s ring-mastership, Roode and Storm’s abilities and those of Magnus/Williams all made this a match of the night for many (including yours truly). Beer Money kept their belts after a few heelish tactics worked in their favour and they wiped the cocky smiles off their British opponents, to great applause from the Irish fans.
The penultimate match-up saw TNA founder Jeff Jarrett pair up with The Pope to tackle the little and large duo of Matt Morgan and Shannon Moore. The pairings worked well together and had the crowd whipped up into a frenzy too, pulling those long-lost Rock‘n‘Roll Express hot tag moments out of the bag. Jarrett and Pope however couldn’t overcome the combination of speed and strength their opposing team had though, Morgan and Moore taking the win and savouring their moment.
Finally after a hot and exciting night of top class action it all boiled down to TNA Heavyweight Champion Mr Anderson getting his hands of his nemesis Jeff Hardy. Whilst not on a par with the ‘classic’ tag match earlier, the guys worked hard. They threw everything they had into the mix, near-falls, ref bumps, run-ins and some stiff action. Even with the help of his brother Matt, Jeff fell to Anderson’s ‘mic check’ finisher to keep the gold with the (a**hole) leader.
The surprise post-match party (which is something TNA love to do) saw Flair, Beer Money, Mickie James and many others join Anderson and Dixie Carter in sharing a few beers and Dixie promising the crowd that TNA will not only be back on these shores, but on our screens very soon to ( a promise which she fulfilled a few hours later via Sun Sport).
The TNA live experience is one not to be missed and just goes to show that the company want to give their fans as much as they can, no one holds back or goes through the motions, the action never stops and with Jeremy Borash as host things never slow down a beat. Roll on Maximum Impact IV.
Friday, 14 January 2011
Mickie James Interview Highlights
Recap of Mickie James & Jeremy Borash on Monsters in the Morning
By John Canton of thejohnreport.net TheJohnReport.net and MickieJames.com.
TNA’s Mickie James and Jeremy Borash were on the Monsters in the Morning show in Orlando (XM 152).
- She talked about this being her first country album, Strangers & Angels. The hosts asked her how we can get more people into country music. She said there’s a misconception about the music and now it can be a little bit of southern rock with pop too, so people should be open to the crossover that’s there. The hosts talked about how that Country Strong movie did poorly at the theatres in its opening weekend because some people get turned off by country music.
- They asked about celebrities in TNA. Borash mentioned that Toby Keith shows up once in a while and Snoop Dogg has showed up. They talked about J-Woww from Jersey Shore showing up saying they got exposure on TMZ with it. Then the hosts talked about J-Woww’s features, but Jeremy quickly moved off topic.
- They asked Mickie how the other girls treated her. Mickie said they welcomed her with open arms. They all realize that the bigger names that people have, the better it is for the company in terms of exposure.
- Mickie said that there’s a mix in the company from TNA originals, to former WWE people and wrestlers from all over the world, which makes it a cool place to work in.
- Borash talked about how he and other TNA wrestlers like Jeff Hardy & Beer Money went to Japan last week and how it helps the exposure of the company.
- They plugged Impact tapings for the next two nights at Universal in Orlando starting at around 5:30pm with free entry as always. Borash mentioned the Hardy brothers being together at the tapings last night. Mickie mentions they don’t really know what they will do on the day of the taping until you get to the building.
- The hosts asked Mickie if she’s single. She said yes. Madison Rayne said on the show yesterday she doesn’t date wrestlers and Mickie mentioned that you’re around many wrestlers all the time, so sometimes stuff happens, but she’s been single for a couple of years because she’s so busy. Borash mentioned a lot of the guys on the roster have crushes on Mickie.
- Mickie plugs the TNA theme song “Hardcore Country.” She mentions the song “Don’t Apologize” from her Strangers & Angels CD being her favorite. Then she talks about “Are You With Me?” being her first single and “Hollywood Movie Moment” being another favorite on the album. Then they started playing “Are You With Me?” She mentioned Tim McGraw being a favorite artist. She mentioned the
songs will be on iTunes again soon. (I should also note the whole CD will be available again on mickiejames.com very soon.)
- The hosts plugged the Impact tapings one more time and mentioned their close association with the the TNA brand.
By John Canton of thejohnreport.net TheJohnReport.net and MickieJames.com.
TNA’s Mickie James and Jeremy Borash were on the Monsters in the Morning show in Orlando (XM 152).
- She talked about this being her first country album, Strangers & Angels. The hosts asked her how we can get more people into country music. She said there’s a misconception about the music and now it can be a little bit of southern rock with pop too, so people should be open to the crossover that’s there. The hosts talked about how that Country Strong movie did poorly at the theatres in its opening weekend because some people get turned off by country music.
- They asked about celebrities in TNA. Borash mentioned that Toby Keith shows up once in a while and Snoop Dogg has showed up. They talked about J-Woww from Jersey Shore showing up saying they got exposure on TMZ with it. Then the hosts talked about J-Woww’s features, but Jeremy quickly moved off topic.
- They asked Mickie how the other girls treated her. Mickie said they welcomed her with open arms. They all realize that the bigger names that people have, the better it is for the company in terms of exposure.
- Mickie said that there’s a mix in the company from TNA originals, to former WWE people and wrestlers from all over the world, which makes it a cool place to work in.
- Borash talked about how he and other TNA wrestlers like Jeff Hardy & Beer Money went to Japan last week and how it helps the exposure of the company.
- They plugged Impact tapings for the next two nights at Universal in Orlando starting at around 5:30pm with free entry as always. Borash mentioned the Hardy brothers being together at the tapings last night. Mickie mentions they don’t really know what they will do on the day of the taping until you get to the building.
- The hosts asked Mickie if she’s single. She said yes. Madison Rayne said on the show yesterday she doesn’t date wrestlers and Mickie mentioned that you’re around many wrestlers all the time, so sometimes stuff happens, but she’s been single for a couple of years because she’s so busy. Borash mentioned a lot of the guys on the roster have crushes on Mickie.
- Mickie plugs the TNA theme song “Hardcore Country.” She mentions the song “Don’t Apologize” from her Strangers & Angels CD being her favorite. Then she talks about “Are You With Me?” being her first single and “Hollywood Movie Moment” being another favorite on the album. Then they started playing “Are You With Me?” She mentioned Tim McGraw being a favorite artist. She mentioned the
songs will be on iTunes again soon. (I should also note the whole CD will be available again on mickiejames.com very soon.)
- The hosts plugged the Impact tapings one more time and mentioned their close association with the the TNA brand.
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