Showing posts with label impact. Show all posts
Showing posts with label impact. Show all posts
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
Monday, 16 May 2011
Hulk Hogan Interview Highlights
Hulk Hogan spoke with The LAW during a media scrum prior to his appearance at the CWI 'Brawl at the Bush 2' event this past weekend and spoke at length on a variety of topics and the entire chat can be downloaded by clicking here.
On wrestling one more match: "Well it's a calculated risk, it's not like 'Oh my God he's an idiot with all the back surgeries he's going to wrestle in Brantford and if he gets knocked down he's in a wheelchair' - it's not that story. If I do get in the ring it's a calculated risk, these guys are professionals and instead of being body slammed someone can hit me in the throat, rake me in the eye, I can crumble down to the ring or take a bump on the back of my neck and shoulders and not hurt my lower back. There are a lot of ways to do it and if you think of the risk versus reward, it does matter, it's a pretty foolish thing to think about wrestling after eight back surgeries but then there's also the love of the business and how I love being around the guys, the fans and you guys so I'm torn between what really makes sense and what I feel. It probably has a lot to do with ego, which I try not to get involved with, I like to take ego when it comes up and put it on the wall and go back to what makes sense so it doesn't make a lot of sense when you ask the question but it's a consideration at this point."
The struggle of getting the television audience to purchase TNA pay-per-view events: "A lot of it has to do with awareness and the fact that we can get to the people. If I go into my hotel room in Chicago there are certain cable networks that are on like USA Network - there is no Spike TV. I mean a lot of it depends on who you can get to and who you can reach there is a lot more than 'the fans aren't buying it' there is more to the equation and that's a very shallow statement and that's not a fact. The people that see it are buying it, there just aren't enough people seeing it. That's what it is - it's creating awareness, a marketing plan we have to work with Spike TV and boost them up the ladder. I don't know how many cable networks there are in the States if it's 25 or 35 but in the paper it shows you who the top ten are so if we can get Spike up to that number one position the whole equation would change on how many people are buying it and change the equation and someone wouldn't say 'no one is buying it' well the people that are seeing it are buying it so it's creating that awareness to make people more aware that the product is there and that they can get it and when they walk into a hotel in Brantford that Spike is available."
On wrestling one more match: "Well it's a calculated risk, it's not like 'Oh my God he's an idiot with all the back surgeries he's going to wrestle in Brantford and if he gets knocked down he's in a wheelchair' - it's not that story. If I do get in the ring it's a calculated risk, these guys are professionals and instead of being body slammed someone can hit me in the throat, rake me in the eye, I can crumble down to the ring or take a bump on the back of my neck and shoulders and not hurt my lower back. There are a lot of ways to do it and if you think of the risk versus reward, it does matter, it's a pretty foolish thing to think about wrestling after eight back surgeries but then there's also the love of the business and how I love being around the guys, the fans and you guys so I'm torn between what really makes sense and what I feel. It probably has a lot to do with ego, which I try not to get involved with, I like to take ego when it comes up and put it on the wall and go back to what makes sense so it doesn't make a lot of sense when you ask the question but it's a consideration at this point."
The struggle of getting the television audience to purchase TNA pay-per-view events: "A lot of it has to do with awareness and the fact that we can get to the people. If I go into my hotel room in Chicago there are certain cable networks that are on like USA Network - there is no Spike TV. I mean a lot of it depends on who you can get to and who you can reach there is a lot more than 'the fans aren't buying it' there is more to the equation and that's a very shallow statement and that's not a fact. The people that see it are buying it, there just aren't enough people seeing it. That's what it is - it's creating awareness, a marketing plan we have to work with Spike TV and boost them up the ladder. I don't know how many cable networks there are in the States if it's 25 or 35 but in the paper it shows you who the top ten are so if we can get Spike up to that number one position the whole equation would change on how many people are buying it and change the equation and someone wouldn't say 'no one is buying it' well the people that are seeing it are buying it so it's creating that awareness to make people more aware that the product is there and that they can get it and when they walk into a hotel in Brantford that Spike is available."
Wednesday, 11 May 2011
TNA DVD Review - Global Impact! Japan
TNA DVD Review: Global Impact! Japan
By Phil Allely
Back in 2008 TNA struck a deal with New Japan Pro Wrestling (still today they have contact there) this release features an event held in the infamous Tokyo Dome venue where TNA stars faced off against some of NJPW’s finest.
Japanese fans are so different than UK and US ones they fully appreciate high-risk moves, set-pieces and in-ring moments, but they are unusually quiet until a match ends and then they show their appreciation. So with this in mind TNA’s performers were forced to tell more of a story and work without the crowd reaction they are used to on home shores. Of course the hometown guys were in no such position and made the TNA crew prove themselves.
This was also of course back when TNA used a six-sided ring and NJPW favoured the traditional four-sided version, so the crew were already working under stressful conditions.
Apart from a few interesting pre-match interview segments the main reason to seek out this release are the quality of the matches on offer.
Things kick off with a three man tag team match, featuring TNA’s Christian cage, Petey Williams and AJ Styles against NJPW’s Milano Collection AT, Minoru and Prince Devitt. This is an enjoyable encounter and one that shows how well TNA’s roster can blend together as a unit when needed.
Wataru Inoue’s defence of his IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship title against Christopher Daniels is a superb display of endurance and athleticism.
Next up Abyss tackled Manabu Nakanishi in a pretty good big man brawl. Abyss of course taking things to the extreme for the benefit of the 30,000 in attendance by bringing his bag of thumb tack along for the trip.
Team 3D’s hard core match with Makabe and Yano proved how well that team worked in 2008. The combo’s both seemed to savour the brutality of what they were doing and gave their all in pleasing the crowd. Outside interference, weapons shots and more all brought this up to an above average level.
The following match is a great treat for long time wrestling fans, featuring former WWE and WCW/NWA Tag Team Champions the Steiner Brothers against the huge duo of Giant Bernard and Tomko (defending their IWGP tag gold). This title match is one that proves that the Steiner boys can still hold their own against the best NJPW can offer.
The main event for the IWGP championship that saw Kurt Angle battling Yuji Nagata was a superb example of how Angle even in his battered sate of body can pull off some of the best matches possible no matter who he faces. Angle’s IWGP belt on the line made this a really gruelling match up.
Global Impact is a great example of how TNA’s roster can fare against some of the world’s finest grapplers. The match-ups are well received, the participants are all firing on all cylinders and not one bout falsl below the above average mark.
Global Impact is available now from www.tnawrestling.com and all good retailers
By Phil Allely
Back in 2008 TNA struck a deal with New Japan Pro Wrestling (still today they have contact there) this release features an event held in the infamous Tokyo Dome venue where TNA stars faced off against some of NJPW’s finest.
Japanese fans are so different than UK and US ones they fully appreciate high-risk moves, set-pieces and in-ring moments, but they are unusually quiet until a match ends and then they show their appreciation. So with this in mind TNA’s performers were forced to tell more of a story and work without the crowd reaction they are used to on home shores. Of course the hometown guys were in no such position and made the TNA crew prove themselves.
This was also of course back when TNA used a six-sided ring and NJPW favoured the traditional four-sided version, so the crew were already working under stressful conditions.
Apart from a few interesting pre-match interview segments the main reason to seek out this release are the quality of the matches on offer.
Things kick off with a three man tag team match, featuring TNA’s Christian cage, Petey Williams and AJ Styles against NJPW’s Milano Collection AT, Minoru and Prince Devitt. This is an enjoyable encounter and one that shows how well TNA’s roster can blend together as a unit when needed.
Wataru Inoue’s defence of his IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship title against Christopher Daniels is a superb display of endurance and athleticism.
Next up Abyss tackled Manabu Nakanishi in a pretty good big man brawl. Abyss of course taking things to the extreme for the benefit of the 30,000 in attendance by bringing his bag of thumb tack along for the trip.
Team 3D’s hard core match with Makabe and Yano proved how well that team worked in 2008. The combo’s both seemed to savour the brutality of what they were doing and gave their all in pleasing the crowd. Outside interference, weapons shots and more all brought this up to an above average level.
The following match is a great treat for long time wrestling fans, featuring former WWE and WCW/NWA Tag Team Champions the Steiner Brothers against the huge duo of Giant Bernard and Tomko (defending their IWGP tag gold). This title match is one that proves that the Steiner boys can still hold their own against the best NJPW can offer.
The main event for the IWGP championship that saw Kurt Angle battling Yuji Nagata was a superb example of how Angle even in his battered sate of body can pull off some of the best matches possible no matter who he faces. Angle’s IWGP belt on the line made this a really gruelling match up.
Global Impact is a great example of how TNA’s roster can fare against some of the world’s finest grapplers. The match-ups are well received, the participants are all firing on all cylinders and not one bout falsl below the above average mark.
Global Impact is available now from www.tnawrestling.com and all good retailers
Friday, 15 April 2011
Wednesday, 30 March 2011
Interview With Jeremy Borash
http://www.sportvibe.co.uk/ interview with Jeremy Borash.
However across the pond in the United States wrestling is a billion dollar industry and TNA (Total Nonstop Action) are making a real impact on the wrestling scene competing with the likes of the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment).
This modern day company is a far cry from the wrestling witnessed by British fans in the 70’s. Today the wrestlers are some of the finest athletes in sport, putting their bodies on the line all for the entertainment of the raucous crowds.
http://www.sportsvibe.co.uk/articles/other/jeremy-borash-on-why-wrestling-can-be-a-uk-success/
The company was founded in 2002 and one man that has been there from the start is ring announcer Jeremy Borash. Given the role of interviewing wrestlers, geeing up the crowd and creating a pulsating atmosphere, Borash is a core member of the successful company.
“I was the first employee in the company and have seen an idea born on a boat,” Borash said. “Nine years down the line, we are seen world wide across all four corners of the globe.
“Not everyone has the experience of being able to take an idea like that and seeing it through all the way. I will always have a huge place in my heart for TNA, I feel like I have helped give birth to this idea.”
TNA have toured over in the United Kingdom for the last three years, each time there have been sell-out crowds in all the arenas they have performed in.
The 36-year-old ring announcer believes that one day in the not to distant future we will see an episode of TNA’s flagship show IMPACT! or even a PPV (Pay Per View) filmed in the UK.
“I would love to say yes and we will be able to film an episode of IMPACT! in the UK tomorrow,” Borash continued. “When it happens it will be the greatest IMPACT! ever, I know that because the crowd would be insane.
“There is a lot of work to make that happen, but when we’re ready it will happen, and I can’t wait. The Wembley Arena show and M.E.N show we did during our last tour will be incredible on PPV.”
At the moment, not just in TNA, but also in rival promotions, there are a number of British wrestlers plying their trade in the States. However the World Championship is the one belt that has eluded the Brits over in America, but Borash doesn’t think it will be long before we see a British grappler hold the main title in TNA.
“It should have already happened,” the 36-year-old continued. “There is great talent that we have and more that we are yet to discover.
“Desmond Wolfe is incredible, Doug Williams is excellent. Magnus is only 24-years-old, he can already talk and if I was to pick the next huge breakout star in this business Magnus has got it, he has everything
“Just the experience he has already got at such a young age. I remember his first night when he came out at Wembley, none of us knew what to expect, but now we do it is just a matter of watching him soar.”
Away from the ring, Borash is a regular user of Twitter and revealed a surprising person that he follows from the British sporting world.
“The most famous person I follow on Twitter is Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor,” Borash revealed. “As far as I’m concerned he is tops, he’s the man. My dream is that one day I will be able to say the numbers ‘180’ and I will say it like it has never been said before.
“My first introduction to darts was 10 years ago over in England, and the announcers would hook me on it with the crowd and everything.
“I brought darts over to the states and showed the guys in the locker-room, and they are hooked, they watch it and say ‘this is amazing’ and that type of crowd reaction is something you only get in the UK.”
Many Brits may not have embraced wrestling yet, but darts is a prime example of how the British audiences love to be entertained and there are many similarities between the two sports with all the razzmatazz to get the crowds involved in the action.
If TNA keeps growing across the pond and during their arena tours of the UK, there is no reason why the sport can’t become as successful on these shores.
However across the pond in the United States wrestling is a billion dollar industry and TNA (Total Nonstop Action) are making a real impact on the wrestling scene competing with the likes of the WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment).
This modern day company is a far cry from the wrestling witnessed by British fans in the 70’s. Today the wrestlers are some of the finest athletes in sport, putting their bodies on the line all for the entertainment of the raucous crowds.
http://www.sportsvibe.co.uk/articles/other/jeremy-borash-on-why-wrestling-can-be-a-uk-success/
The company was founded in 2002 and one man that has been there from the start is ring announcer Jeremy Borash. Given the role of interviewing wrestlers, geeing up the crowd and creating a pulsating atmosphere, Borash is a core member of the successful company.
“I was the first employee in the company and have seen an idea born on a boat,” Borash said. “Nine years down the line, we are seen world wide across all four corners of the globe.
“Not everyone has the experience of being able to take an idea like that and seeing it through all the way. I will always have a huge place in my heart for TNA, I feel like I have helped give birth to this idea.”
TNA have toured over in the United Kingdom for the last three years, each time there have been sell-out crowds in all the arenas they have performed in.
The 36-year-old ring announcer believes that one day in the not to distant future we will see an episode of TNA’s flagship show IMPACT! or even a PPV (Pay Per View) filmed in the UK.
“I would love to say yes and we will be able to film an episode of IMPACT! in the UK tomorrow,” Borash continued. “When it happens it will be the greatest IMPACT! ever, I know that because the crowd would be insane.
“There is a lot of work to make that happen, but when we’re ready it will happen, and I can’t wait. The Wembley Arena show and M.E.N show we did during our last tour will be incredible on PPV.”
At the moment, not just in TNA, but also in rival promotions, there are a number of British wrestlers plying their trade in the States. However the World Championship is the one belt that has eluded the Brits over in America, but Borash doesn’t think it will be long before we see a British grappler hold the main title in TNA.
“It should have already happened,” the 36-year-old continued. “There is great talent that we have and more that we are yet to discover.
“Desmond Wolfe is incredible, Doug Williams is excellent. Magnus is only 24-years-old, he can already talk and if I was to pick the next huge breakout star in this business Magnus has got it, he has everything
“Just the experience he has already got at such a young age. I remember his first night when he came out at Wembley, none of us knew what to expect, but now we do it is just a matter of watching him soar.”
Away from the ring, Borash is a regular user of Twitter and revealed a surprising person that he follows from the British sporting world.
“The most famous person I follow on Twitter is Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor,” Borash revealed. “As far as I’m concerned he is tops, he’s the man. My dream is that one day I will be able to say the numbers ‘180’ and I will say it like it has never been said before.
“My first introduction to darts was 10 years ago over in England, and the announcers would hook me on it with the crowd and everything.
“I brought darts over to the states and showed the guys in the locker-room, and they are hooked, they watch it and say ‘this is amazing’ and that type of crowd reaction is something you only get in the UK.”
Many Brits may not have embraced wrestling yet, but darts is a prime example of how the British audiences love to be entertained and there are many similarities between the two sports with all the razzmatazz to get the crowds involved in the action.
If TNA keeps growing across the pond and during their arena tours of the UK, there is no reason why the sport can’t become as successful on these shores.
Tuesday, 29 March 2011
Wednesday, 16 March 2011
TNA Knockout Daffney gone!
Daffney issued a statement today on her Twitter account concerning her status with TNA Wrestling and she confirms that she has parted ways with the organization. Her contract expires today and company officials opted not to renew it. The "Scream Queen" claims she is unsure if her contract not being renewed is tied to her filing a workers' compensation claim against the organization due to injuries she sustained working for them.
"Yesterday my picture was taken down off of the TNA roster page. My contract expires today and TNA did not renew it," she wrote. "I do not know if it has anything to do with it, but I've made a Worker’s Comp claim against them due to injuries I've sustained in the ring and my lawyers said to not go into anymore details."
At the April 20, 2010 iMPACT taping, Daffney was injured during a dark match against a novice performer, Miss Betsy (a/k/a Rosie Lottalove). She was taken to a hospital, where she was diagnosed with a deeply bruised sternum, a severe stinger and a concussion. Daffney made her return to TNA at the June 14 Xplosion taping, but would not resurface again until the December 9 episode of iMPACT. This marked her final appearance for TNA.
"Yesterday my picture was taken down off of the TNA roster page. My contract expires today and TNA did not renew it," she wrote. "I do not know if it has anything to do with it, but I've made a Worker’s Comp claim against them due to injuries I've sustained in the ring and my lawyers said to not go into anymore details."
At the April 20, 2010 iMPACT taping, Daffney was injured during a dark match against a novice performer, Miss Betsy (a/k/a Rosie Lottalove). She was taken to a hospital, where she was diagnosed with a deeply bruised sternum, a severe stinger and a concussion. Daffney made her return to TNA at the June 14 Xplosion taping, but would not resurface again until the December 9 episode of iMPACT. This marked her final appearance for TNA.
Tuesday, 8 March 2011
Sting's Impact! return review
Hulk’s Immortal TNA Takeover has a Sting in the tail!
By Phil Allely
After months of internet rumblings and rumours about his jump elsewhere, former multiple time TNA Heavyweight Champion and WCW legend Sting finally returned to TV this week and instantly made an Impact!. The rejuvenated Stinger winning the world title from Immortal’s Jeff Hardy in a surprisingly enjoyable main event of the flagship show.
Elsewhere on the highly hyped card Hulk Hogan returned from his recent back surgery to face off against TNA President Dixie Carter (revealing he had won their court case and was now in charge of TNA). The segment saw Immortal and Fortune have a verbal battle, Flair’s former charges making the save to rescue Dixie from Hulk and Co’s clutches.
Beer Money defended their Tag Team belts against Gunner and Murphy in a fast and furious bout, the ever sharp combo of Roode and Storm got the win though. Ink Inc. then challenged them for a match at Victory Road.
Jersey Shore star Angelina, joined Robbie E and Cookie to interrupt The Beautiful People’s celebration of Velvet Sky’s win over Sarita. The sequence ending in a cat fight to build up a new feud.
Jeff and Karen Jarrett’s wedding vow renewal (parts 1 & 2) degenerated into a fun brawl that saw Karen end up face deep in her own wedding cake courtesy of her former husband Kurt Angle and an oddly amusing/vomit inducing series of love, which was rounded off by an axe wielding psychotic faced Kurt Angle taking some flak from a New York Jet member.
Rob Terry battled Scot Steiner in a muscleman scrap, Steiner continuing his impressive ways by overcoming the younger mans onslaught with brute strength for the win.
Supermex Hernandez and former tag partner Matt Morgan pummelled each other in a bloody no contest revenge match and kept their war alive until perhaps a cage match beckons.
Stings re-signing with TNA puts rumours of him either facing Undertaker at Wrestlemania or entering the Hall of Fame to bed for now at least. As one of the few still in-ring active members of wrestling’s veteran elite the invigorated Steve Borden as TNA champ is a major factor in the ongoing war with WWE. With the Hulkster and his Immortal brand being rocked by Sting, Fortune and a resilient Dixie Carter, perhaps TNA’s lead into next weeks Victory Road PPV was so perfectly planned even (much berated) head writer Vince Russo needs commended for it.
By Phil Allely
After months of internet rumblings and rumours about his jump elsewhere, former multiple time TNA Heavyweight Champion and WCW legend Sting finally returned to TV this week and instantly made an Impact!. The rejuvenated Stinger winning the world title from Immortal’s Jeff Hardy in a surprisingly enjoyable main event of the flagship show.
Elsewhere on the highly hyped card Hulk Hogan returned from his recent back surgery to face off against TNA President Dixie Carter (revealing he had won their court case and was now in charge of TNA). The segment saw Immortal and Fortune have a verbal battle, Flair’s former charges making the save to rescue Dixie from Hulk and Co’s clutches.
Beer Money defended their Tag Team belts against Gunner and Murphy in a fast and furious bout, the ever sharp combo of Roode and Storm got the win though. Ink Inc. then challenged them for a match at Victory Road.
Jersey Shore star Angelina, joined Robbie E and Cookie to interrupt The Beautiful People’s celebration of Velvet Sky’s win over Sarita. The sequence ending in a cat fight to build up a new feud.
Jeff and Karen Jarrett’s wedding vow renewal (parts 1 & 2) degenerated into a fun brawl that saw Karen end up face deep in her own wedding cake courtesy of her former husband Kurt Angle and an oddly amusing/vomit inducing series of love, which was rounded off by an axe wielding psychotic faced Kurt Angle taking some flak from a New York Jet member.
Rob Terry battled Scot Steiner in a muscleman scrap, Steiner continuing his impressive ways by overcoming the younger mans onslaught with brute strength for the win.
Supermex Hernandez and former tag partner Matt Morgan pummelled each other in a bloody no contest revenge match and kept their war alive until perhaps a cage match beckons.
Stings re-signing with TNA puts rumours of him either facing Undertaker at Wrestlemania or entering the Hall of Fame to bed for now at least. As one of the few still in-ring active members of wrestling’s veteran elite the invigorated Steve Borden as TNA champ is a major factor in the ongoing war with WWE. With the Hulkster and his Immortal brand being rocked by Sting, Fortune and a resilient Dixie Carter, perhaps TNA’s lead into next weeks Victory Road PPV was so perfectly planned even (much berated) head writer Vince Russo needs commended for it.
Tuesday, 1 March 2011
Chris Jericho Lets Rip On TNA
Chris Jericho appeared on the Live Audio Wrestling radio show over the weekend and ripped apart TNA for the lame "3/3/11" video that aired at the end of last week's iMPACT. TNA had hyped the "most shocking moment of the year" - and delivered a weak ripoff of WWE's recent 2/21/11 videos. Here's what Jericho said about the 3/3/11 video and why its a perfect example of whats wrong with TNA:
'It drives me nuts and I'll tell you the reason why. I am the biggest fan of TNA as a concept. I want them to be huge, Vince wants them to be huge because the more competition there is, it's better for the business, it's better for the boys, it's better is for the fans. I don't understand their obsession with copying the WWE I think it's lame, I think its bush league and I don't get it, they have some of the best talent, some great idea men. Why do they do this? Why do their guys go out there and say 'When I was in the WWE I was left behind and I was held back'."
"If I was working for TNA I would project that it's the greatest wrestling company in the world because if you're not projecting it, why is anyone going to believe it? When we were in ECW it was small, I never made more than $250 a show but you would die for that company and when you came across that way, the fans came across that way and suddenly you have this underground revolution going on and it was real, it was a revolution, people believed it was the best. No one in TNA believes they are in the best company and if they don't believe it then why am I going to believe it as a fan? Why am I going to buy their product?"
"It's just so bush league, they can do better than that and the guys on top there should know better and it really makes me mad because they're wasting money and they don't have to be wasting money but I'm not burying TNA I'm saying you should be ashamed of yourself because you can do better.
'It drives me nuts and I'll tell you the reason why. I am the biggest fan of TNA as a concept. I want them to be huge, Vince wants them to be huge because the more competition there is, it's better for the business, it's better for the boys, it's better is for the fans. I don't understand their obsession with copying the WWE I think it's lame, I think its bush league and I don't get it, they have some of the best talent, some great idea men. Why do they do this? Why do their guys go out there and say 'When I was in the WWE I was left behind and I was held back'."
"If I was working for TNA I would project that it's the greatest wrestling company in the world because if you're not projecting it, why is anyone going to believe it? When we were in ECW it was small, I never made more than $250 a show but you would die for that company and when you came across that way, the fans came across that way and suddenly you have this underground revolution going on and it was real, it was a revolution, people believed it was the best. No one in TNA believes they are in the best company and if they don't believe it then why am I going to believe it as a fan? Why am I going to buy their product?"
"It's just so bush league, they can do better than that and the guys on top there should know better and it really makes me mad because they're wasting money and they don't have to be wasting money but I'm not burying TNA I'm saying you should be ashamed of yourself because you can do better.
Saturday, 29 January 2011
TNA Impact! Highlights Jan 27 2011
Thursday's "iMPACT!" on SpikeTV featured the shocking return of Scott Steiner to assist Kurt Angle! Plus, World Heavyweight Champion Mr. Anderson battled Matt Hardy, the X Division stars in action, a brawl between Velvet Sky and Winter over Angelina Love and much more!
Thursday, 20 January 2011
Mr Anderson Interview
Mr Anderson - UK Fans will get a grade ‘A ‘performance from us
By Phil Allely
A few short days after his well deserved and surprising (to many) TNA World Heavyweight Championship win over Jeff Hardy at Genesis, new world champ Mr Anderson took some time from his busy schedule to chat to Phil Allely about his monumental win, the injury setback that almost cost him his spot and the upcoming TNA UK/Irish tour.
With no physical TV presence at the moment in the UK, TNA are striving to make the most of the situation and give their loyal fans here a reassuring nod that they are a vital component to the TNA product, the recently announced matches/roster for the Maximum Impact Tour next week are perhaps the strongest ever, as Mr Anderson agreed.
“It’s brutal that TNA is not on TV in the UK at present. I hope it won’t affect the tour, fans know what we bring to the table and we’ve even said who, and what they are going to get at each show. You know UK and Irish fans are always just so warm and receptive to TNA, we are gonna go over and put on a grade ‘A’ performance, so the fans hopefully will turn up to witness it. TNA live is like no other wrestling show.”
Mr Anderson spent 11 years bending bones to achieve his dream of a World Title and after many setbacks he has finally achieved his dream. There can be no better feeling than that of being the man who fronts the company on their annual tour as it’s main title holder.
“I’m very happy to be a representing this company any time I‘m in the ring or out, being the champ is the icing on the cake, I have been through some bad things in other organisations and thankfully I’m in such a good place now. You know compared to the U.S. the UK fans are a lot more vocal, I think it is because they don’t see us often, here (in the United States) the fans are more spoilt I guess, so we find the overseas fans savour the live event more and it’s seen as something really special.
We have a company full of unbelievable wrestlers, so many are in the title hunt and the challenges can come at me from anywhere. We have some great matches lined up for this tour, each night will be different and whilst I’m defending my title against some great guys, I’m not losing it anytime soon.”
Mr Anderson made his debut at genesis 2010 and seemed destined to win the TNA Heavyweight crown in the latter part of the year, however a botched chair-shot from Jeff Hardy set him back a month or two..
“Yeah my debut for TNA was at Genesis, so it’s cool to think a year down the line I won the title. It was a great feeling to do so and a night where the storytelling we do worked perfectly. It may have been a curveball of sorts (the match was an impromptu challenge from Hardy/Eric Bischoff that followed a gruelling match between Anderson and Matt Morgan). There are times when you can feel the crowd with you and you know they are joining in with you as you work. Win, lose or draw that is what I am here to do. At Genesis we had that reaction we dream of, it all fell into place and everyone believed in us. I’m happy and feel I have done my job if whether the title is on the line or not ,the fans have followed us from beginning to end and we brought them along for the ride.”
Anderson was taken off TV and live events for over two months when he suffered a serious concussion at the hands of Jeff Hardy. During that period he was itching to get back into the ring and eager to reclaim his spot on the card as the number one contender for the TNA World Title.
“It was Dixie who took me to the side at one of our live shows, I was there and ready to step back into the ring. She said ‘we think our not ready yet, go sit at home and spend time recuperating, we‘ll bring you back when you are fit and well enough.’ Maybe that’s the difference between TNA and the other places, we are not treated like racehorses and used until we are done and then dispatched without any thought for our future. Here (in TNA) we are not on the road 52 weeks a year or working 4 or more days a week. In my case I not only had two months off to get better, but then (like the rest of the locker room) after we’d finished our TV tapings, we got two full weeks to spend Christmas with my family. That kind of thing doesn’t happen anywhere else, Dixie and the company are very good at looking out for us and make it a great place to work. We are given the time and space to heal and rest up, you can see that in us all when we return from a layoff.”
Not content with one Hardy boy on its books (the now former champ Jeff) Genesis saw the TNA debut of his older brother Matt, Mr Anderson saw first hand as new boy Matt ran-in to try and sway the result of his Genesis title match. The pair have had many dealings in the past and Anderson for one is looking forward to future dealing with the elder Hardy .
“Matt was one of my favourite opponents ever, we kind of clicked in the ring and I had what I consider one of my best matches with him, it‘s even on his DVD, so if he comes up against me I’m more than happy for that. I’ve kind of got my hands full with Immortal right now though, the odds are against you every time you go out there, you take on one man and twelve are there to back him up.”
With a new title to defend, some fresh feuds in the pipeline, a UK tour to front and some all important re-matches lined up for forthcoming PPV’s Anderson would be forgiven for forgetting about past rivals who may wish to rekindle former high octane encounters and those out for an upset win to claim the gold for themselves.
“Yeah I’m the target now eh? There’s Kurt Angle for starters, odds are we’ll face each other again I’m sure, I had a great match with him at Lockdown , it is my all-time favourite bout I’ve been in and obviously if a re-match with him was there it wouldn’t be turned down. I feel that I still have some great places to go with AJ (Styles), we’ve not hit our mark yet,. (Samoa) Joe is a guy I have yet to do much with so he’d be an awesome opponent. But then I also need to be aware that there are some guys like Jay Lethal and Beer Money just waiting for an opportunity too. In my opinion TNA have the most peer talent in the business right now.”
With so many acquisitions by TNA over the past year or so, the roster is a melting pot of former WWE, WCW, ECW and UK stars, all of which seem to work well together and welcome the way the company is run and the talent managed. All of which is echoed by Anderson and his response to our query about future signings.
“TNA is a great place to work, we are all very happy here. You know I’m pleased to hear someone new has signed and welcome them to the team. But I do worry that if we sign someone new, then we may lose someone here already. If there was someone I’d say we could use and work with right now I’d have to say MVP, he has so much potential. On a different note, Chris Jericho would make a great asset, plus I never really got to work with him before, but I know we’d be great.”
TNA’s Maximum Impact! Tour kicks off in Dublin on January 24th and takes in Glasgow, Manchester and London as the week progresses.
Check out www.tnawrestling.com for more information on tour dates and ticket prices/availability.
By Phil Allely
A few short days after his well deserved and surprising (to many) TNA World Heavyweight Championship win over Jeff Hardy at Genesis, new world champ Mr Anderson took some time from his busy schedule to chat to Phil Allely about his monumental win, the injury setback that almost cost him his spot and the upcoming TNA UK/Irish tour.
With no physical TV presence at the moment in the UK, TNA are striving to make the most of the situation and give their loyal fans here a reassuring nod that they are a vital component to the TNA product, the recently announced matches/roster for the Maximum Impact Tour next week are perhaps the strongest ever, as Mr Anderson agreed.
“It’s brutal that TNA is not on TV in the UK at present. I hope it won’t affect the tour, fans know what we bring to the table and we’ve even said who, and what they are going to get at each show. You know UK and Irish fans are always just so warm and receptive to TNA, we are gonna go over and put on a grade ‘A’ performance, so the fans hopefully will turn up to witness it. TNA live is like no other wrestling show.”
Mr Anderson spent 11 years bending bones to achieve his dream of a World Title and after many setbacks he has finally achieved his dream. There can be no better feeling than that of being the man who fronts the company on their annual tour as it’s main title holder.
“I’m very happy to be a representing this company any time I‘m in the ring or out, being the champ is the icing on the cake, I have been through some bad things in other organisations and thankfully I’m in such a good place now. You know compared to the U.S. the UK fans are a lot more vocal, I think it is because they don’t see us often, here (in the United States) the fans are more spoilt I guess, so we find the overseas fans savour the live event more and it’s seen as something really special.
We have a company full of unbelievable wrestlers, so many are in the title hunt and the challenges can come at me from anywhere. We have some great matches lined up for this tour, each night will be different and whilst I’m defending my title against some great guys, I’m not losing it anytime soon.”
Mr Anderson made his debut at genesis 2010 and seemed destined to win the TNA Heavyweight crown in the latter part of the year, however a botched chair-shot from Jeff Hardy set him back a month or two..
“Yeah my debut for TNA was at Genesis, so it’s cool to think a year down the line I won the title. It was a great feeling to do so and a night where the storytelling we do worked perfectly. It may have been a curveball of sorts (the match was an impromptu challenge from Hardy/Eric Bischoff that followed a gruelling match between Anderson and Matt Morgan). There are times when you can feel the crowd with you and you know they are joining in with you as you work. Win, lose or draw that is what I am here to do. At Genesis we had that reaction we dream of, it all fell into place and everyone believed in us. I’m happy and feel I have done my job if whether the title is on the line or not ,the fans have followed us from beginning to end and we brought them along for the ride.”
Anderson was taken off TV and live events for over two months when he suffered a serious concussion at the hands of Jeff Hardy. During that period he was itching to get back into the ring and eager to reclaim his spot on the card as the number one contender for the TNA World Title.
“It was Dixie who took me to the side at one of our live shows, I was there and ready to step back into the ring. She said ‘we think our not ready yet, go sit at home and spend time recuperating, we‘ll bring you back when you are fit and well enough.’ Maybe that’s the difference between TNA and the other places, we are not treated like racehorses and used until we are done and then dispatched without any thought for our future. Here (in TNA) we are not on the road 52 weeks a year or working 4 or more days a week. In my case I not only had two months off to get better, but then (like the rest of the locker room) after we’d finished our TV tapings, we got two full weeks to spend Christmas with my family. That kind of thing doesn’t happen anywhere else, Dixie and the company are very good at looking out for us and make it a great place to work. We are given the time and space to heal and rest up, you can see that in us all when we return from a layoff.”
Not content with one Hardy boy on its books (the now former champ Jeff) Genesis saw the TNA debut of his older brother Matt, Mr Anderson saw first hand as new boy Matt ran-in to try and sway the result of his Genesis title match. The pair have had many dealings in the past and Anderson for one is looking forward to future dealing with the elder Hardy .
“Matt was one of my favourite opponents ever, we kind of clicked in the ring and I had what I consider one of my best matches with him, it‘s even on his DVD, so if he comes up against me I’m more than happy for that. I’ve kind of got my hands full with Immortal right now though, the odds are against you every time you go out there, you take on one man and twelve are there to back him up.”
With a new title to defend, some fresh feuds in the pipeline, a UK tour to front and some all important re-matches lined up for forthcoming PPV’s Anderson would be forgiven for forgetting about past rivals who may wish to rekindle former high octane encounters and those out for an upset win to claim the gold for themselves.
“Yeah I’m the target now eh? There’s Kurt Angle for starters, odds are we’ll face each other again I’m sure, I had a great match with him at Lockdown , it is my all-time favourite bout I’ve been in and obviously if a re-match with him was there it wouldn’t be turned down. I feel that I still have some great places to go with AJ (Styles), we’ve not hit our mark yet,. (Samoa) Joe is a guy I have yet to do much with so he’d be an awesome opponent. But then I also need to be aware that there are some guys like Jay Lethal and Beer Money just waiting for an opportunity too. In my opinion TNA have the most peer talent in the business right now.”
With so many acquisitions by TNA over the past year or so, the roster is a melting pot of former WWE, WCW, ECW and UK stars, all of which seem to work well together and welcome the way the company is run and the talent managed. All of which is echoed by Anderson and his response to our query about future signings.
“TNA is a great place to work, we are all very happy here. You know I’m pleased to hear someone new has signed and welcome them to the team. But I do worry that if we sign someone new, then we may lose someone here already. If there was someone I’d say we could use and work with right now I’d have to say MVP, he has so much potential. On a different note, Chris Jericho would make a great asset, plus I never really got to work with him before, but I know we’d be great.”
TNA’s Maximum Impact! Tour kicks off in Dublin on January 24th and takes in Glasgow, Manchester and London as the week progresses.
Sunday, 2 January 2011
Mickie James Interview Highlights
by Phil Allely
In a recent interview TNA Knockout Mickie James talked about her singing debut on Impact! and her WWE departure amongst other things, below are a few highlights of the interview.
Her Signing Debut: "I was really singing during that performance, because I thought in my mind as a performer, you know, you can do it one of two ways. Because it is a show, and TV, and you can do things a number of ways. Honestly, I found we were going to be doing that pretty much the day before we taped it. So, we were given the option, ‘Do you want to sing to your backup track?'… And I said absolutely not. I want people to see that I'm serious about this. And if I got up there and for whatever reason something goes wrong, then I only have myself to blame."
Her WWE Exit: "They had every opportunity to jump onboard if they wanted to, and I would have welcomed it. If they wanted to wrap a tour around some of the live event shows, Or maybe market the album itself. I think because it's an industry they really don't know anything about… Country music has a loyal, loyal fan base, just like wrestling, just like NASCAR, just like any diehard sport like that. So I think it's an easy crossover if it's marketed correctly. But if you're completely ignorant to the whole process, or you don't know anything about country music, you probably can't open up to that idea because it's not your world… I think if they had a little more of an open mind and actually grasped the concept and actually taken the ball and ran with it. I think they had a really killer idea on their hand that they probably dropped the ball on."
In a recent interview TNA Knockout Mickie James talked about her singing debut on Impact! and her WWE departure amongst other things, below are a few highlights of the interview.
Her Signing Debut: "I was really singing during that performance, because I thought in my mind as a performer, you know, you can do it one of two ways. Because it is a show, and TV, and you can do things a number of ways. Honestly, I found we were going to be doing that pretty much the day before we taped it. So, we were given the option, ‘Do you want to sing to your backup track?'… And I said absolutely not. I want people to see that I'm serious about this. And if I got up there and for whatever reason something goes wrong, then I only have myself to blame."
Her WWE Exit: "They had every opportunity to jump onboard if they wanted to, and I would have welcomed it. If they wanted to wrap a tour around some of the live event shows, Or maybe market the album itself. I think because it's an industry they really don't know anything about… Country music has a loyal, loyal fan base, just like wrestling, just like NASCAR, just like any diehard sport like that. So I think it's an easy crossover if it's marketed correctly. But if you're completely ignorant to the whole process, or you don't know anything about country music, you probably can't open up to that idea because it's not your world… I think if they had a little more of an open mind and actually grasped the concept and actually taken the ball and ran with it. I think they had a really killer idea on their hand that they probably dropped the ball on."
Monday, 18 October 2010
TNA Post Bound For Glory Impact! Review
An Immortal Comeback!
By Phil Allely
The Bound For Glory fallout episode of TNA Impact! This past week has proved to be the highest rated one since January this year and it’s all down to a man who many thought was past his sell by date, ‘The Immortal’ Hulk Hogan.
This weeks Impact! Had an awful lot of ground to cover and answers to give after Bound For Glory’s unveiling of a new league within the TNA hierarchy, who were aligned with new champion Jeff Hardy. That group of course were fronted by the Hulkster.
Attracting a very healthy audience of 1,985,000 viewers on Spike TV (a very impressive 1.4 rating) TNA must be extremely happy with how things are panning out right now.
Impact! Itself featured Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff officially taking control of TNA from a legally bound and gagged Dixie Carter, in a move that many think will mark the companies rise to greater heights. Hogan (still on crutches) advising all that his ‘Immortals’ were now the TNA Company.
The show also saw Ric Flair tease a feud with Hogan’s faction before hugging his one-time foe. Meaning Hogan’s Immortals and Flair’s Fortune groups have an affinity in the new TNA. The whole plan seemingly being that whilst Dixie Carter brought in inferior quality performers o pad out her under card, guys like Hogan, Jarrett, Bischoff and Flair were negotiating backstage to work her out of the company.
Jeff Hardy’s new title reign got off to a good start when Bischoff welcomed him to the fold and said he was a lynchpin in the whole deal. Former WCW/N.W.O. stalwarts Kevin Nash (in his last TNA role) and Sting both declined a part in the Immortals line-up, both citing that’s not why they were in TNA these days.
In an exciting and confrontational encounter Dixie (who is really growing into her onscreen character) confronted The Bisch and The Hulkster about what has been going down, Carter’s husband Serge even fell to a punch, as the higher powers of TNA prevailed in their quest.
Match wise the action and re-jigging of all things TNA came thick and fast, first of all first of all Madison Rayne challenged new Knockouts champion Tara to a bout, which was accepted, but Tara simply lay down for Rayne to relinquish her strap (in a nod to a very infamous WCW title change orchestrated by TNA writer Vince Russo).
Tara acted as if she has done something monumental and Rayne as if she has just been through the fight of her life to reclaim her gold. Mickie James interrupted and said that they’ve made a mockery of the championship.
Kurt Angle and Jeff Jarrett had a face-to-face meeting that in some ways hit home to many in attendance and at home, the pair arguing over the finish of the BFG title match and Kurt’s former wife (Jarrett’ new one) Karen. Angle ending up being rescued from a beating by colour commentator Taz.
The next match saw Abyss face off against a pretty annoyed Samoa Joe. Joe had the advantage throughout until Abyss used a chair and hit him with the ring bell to lose by DQ.
TNA’s Pope D’Angelo Dinero was excommunicated next as he faced the insurmountable odds of Douglas Williams, Beer Money, Kazarian and AJ Styles. The Pope did get some decent moves in and even a pop at Fair at ringside, but the numbers game prevailed and he went down for the three count.
Newcomers to TNA J Woww and Cookie had a brief braw (with Angelina Love, Velvet Sky and Lacey Von Erich in attendence) before the main event.
Rob Van Dam and Mr Anderson has been sanctioned and its time for them to hit the gorund running.
Both men have something to prove, Anderson wants his shot at the TNA World Heavyweight Title down the line and RVD is up for a shot at Jeff Hardy if he wins.
Both men went hard at it, each trading near falls, signature moves and risky set-pieces, before Bischoff makes an appearances and removes the referee from the action, leaving a prone Anderson and Van Dam to feel the brunt of a running in Hardy’s ire.
Impact! Certainly seemed to set up TNA’s new direction, the action was well paced, the talking told the story well and if viewing figures are anything to go by TNA are on course to end the year on a high.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
