Friday, 15 July 2011
X Division gets new blood
TNA Hype X Division Revival
By Phil Allely
After the success of its Destination X pay-per-view TNA (Impact Wrestling) have made the official announcement that Austin Aries signing as new roster member is the first of many to reinvigorate the faltering X Division.
Aries will offically join TNA this week after winning a hard fought four-way match against Low Ki, Zema Ion and Jack Evans at the PPV.
TNA Vice president of Talent Relations Bruce Pritchard is stated as saying that 'yes the fans did chant sign them all. But Austin's unique style and intensity will be a great addition to the X Division. He brings an arrogance and a confidence, backed by tremendous pyhsical ability. Based on the various X Division performances throughout qualifying events on Impact Wrestling and the outstanding Destination X event we (TNA) will be signing new additions to the X Division roster in coming weeks. Our goal now is to reinvent and redefine the X Division as something unique to all of pro wrestling.'
The X Division was once the jewel in the crown of TNA and maybe now the opportunity has arisen to see it do so again. The success of Destination X and the enthusaism of the wrestlers involed may just have helped the talented performers involed get the recognition they so rightly deserve.
By Phil Allely
After the success of its Destination X pay-per-view TNA (Impact Wrestling) have made the official announcement that Austin Aries signing as new roster member is the first of many to reinvigorate the faltering X Division.
Aries will offically join TNA this week after winning a hard fought four-way match against Low Ki, Zema Ion and Jack Evans at the PPV.
TNA Vice president of Talent Relations Bruce Pritchard is stated as saying that 'yes the fans did chant sign them all. But Austin's unique style and intensity will be a great addition to the X Division. He brings an arrogance and a confidence, backed by tremendous pyhsical ability. Based on the various X Division performances throughout qualifying events on Impact Wrestling and the outstanding Destination X event we (TNA) will be signing new additions to the X Division roster in coming weeks. Our goal now is to reinvent and redefine the X Division as something unique to all of pro wrestling.'
The X Division was once the jewel in the crown of TNA and maybe now the opportunity has arisen to see it do so again. The success of Destination X and the enthusaism of the wrestlers involed may just have helped the talented performers involed get the recognition they so rightly deserve.
Thursday, 14 July 2011
TNA Against All Odds 2011 DVD Review
TNA Against All Odds DVD Review
By Phil Allely
Against All Odds was a monumental event for TNA in the UK, as it was the first event shown under its new deal with cable channel Challenge. This deal meant that potentially a huge amount of new viewers could watch a show that whilst entertaining and worth watching was buried on a rather obscure channel or even worse not available for viewing at all.
This DVD lets us see just what the company pulled together in this its first big UK wide PPV.
Opening up with Robbie E claiming the number one contender spot for the X Division Title (after Generation Me were stuck in transit) by forfeit, things kicked off as champ Kazarian took umbridge at E’s gloating and decided he would defend his gold there and then.
Next up the boozed up trio of Scott Steiner and TNA Tag Team Champions Beer Money took on the team of Rob Terry, Gunner and Murphy. AJ Styles on colour commentary and the presence of Fortune’s ring masters Roode and Storm all helped ensure the lesser in-ring experienced Immortal members looked decent throughout. Steiner’s first match back in TNA went well too.
The ongoing Pope and Samoa Joe feud continued next, with both men trading the offensive and Joe’s cameraman Okado getting himself involved in proceedings too.
In a bout missing from the UK broadcast due to a technical fault (which saw Challenge lose it‘s feed for a short time) TNA Knockouts Champion Madison Rayne faced Mickie James in a Last Knockout Standing brawl. Holding nothing back the pair battled around the ringside area and both went for it with gusto.
The RVD versus Matt Hardy scrap that followed was every bit as involving as their previous encounters and the pair were able to bring new depth and creativity to it as well.
Former tag team greats Team 3D’s separation had become increasingly violent and with Devon’s sons now involved it got worse.
Kurt Angle’s very sanity was on the line in the penultimate match-up, he was placing the custody of his own children up against his walking ex-wife Karen up the aisle for her wedding vow renewal with current husband Jeff Jarrett.
The main event for the TNA World Championship was everything it was expected to be, a violent, high-spot heavy ladder-based match up that saw challenger Jeff Hardy in his element and any limitations between him and his opponent Mr Kennedy become lost amongst the in-ring spectacle.
Against All Odds is available now from all good retailers and via www.tnawrestling.com
By Phil Allely
Against All Odds was a monumental event for TNA in the UK, as it was the first event shown under its new deal with cable channel Challenge. This deal meant that potentially a huge amount of new viewers could watch a show that whilst entertaining and worth watching was buried on a rather obscure channel or even worse not available for viewing at all.
This DVD lets us see just what the company pulled together in this its first big UK wide PPV.
Opening up with Robbie E claiming the number one contender spot for the X Division Title (after Generation Me were stuck in transit) by forfeit, things kicked off as champ Kazarian took umbridge at E’s gloating and decided he would defend his gold there and then.
Next up the boozed up trio of Scott Steiner and TNA Tag Team Champions Beer Money took on the team of Rob Terry, Gunner and Murphy. AJ Styles on colour commentary and the presence of Fortune’s ring masters Roode and Storm all helped ensure the lesser in-ring experienced Immortal members looked decent throughout. Steiner’s first match back in TNA went well too.
The ongoing Pope and Samoa Joe feud continued next, with both men trading the offensive and Joe’s cameraman Okado getting himself involved in proceedings too.
In a bout missing from the UK broadcast due to a technical fault (which saw Challenge lose it‘s feed for a short time) TNA Knockouts Champion Madison Rayne faced Mickie James in a Last Knockout Standing brawl. Holding nothing back the pair battled around the ringside area and both went for it with gusto.
The RVD versus Matt Hardy scrap that followed was every bit as involving as their previous encounters and the pair were able to bring new depth and creativity to it as well.
Former tag team greats Team 3D’s separation had become increasingly violent and with Devon’s sons now involved it got worse.
Kurt Angle’s very sanity was on the line in the penultimate match-up, he was placing the custody of his own children up against his walking ex-wife Karen up the aisle for her wedding vow renewal with current husband Jeff Jarrett.
The main event for the TNA World Championship was everything it was expected to be, a violent, high-spot heavy ladder-based match up that saw challenger Jeff Hardy in his element and any limitations between him and his opponent Mr Kennedy become lost amongst the in-ring spectacle.
Against All Odds is available now from all good retailers and via www.tnawrestling.com
Wednesday, 13 July 2011
TNA Destination X 2011 Review
X hits the spot!
By Phil Allely
TNA’s X Division themed Pay-Per-View Destination X proved to be night of thrills, spills and a return to form for the company. Recent months of belittling and punishing the high flyers of the roster all led up to this, their chance to shine. The much missed six-sided ring returned to the Impact Zone once again too.
Kicking things off Samoa Joe and Kazarian put forth a pretty decent back and forth scrap. Fortune’s Kaz snagging a quick roll-up to win to put away hard-hitter Joe.
After impressing management during the last UK tour British star Mark Haskins debuted as Douglas Williams’ challenger. Alongside ring general Williams he worked hard and the pair gelled well. A slightly botched move or two marred things somewhat though for Haskins, who fell to a Williams pin.
Next up Shark Boy teamed with Eric Young to face Generation Me in a fun and entertaining bout. The unorthodox Young and ‘Stone Cold’ Sharky prevailed over their young opponents after some fair exchanges.
Ultimate X match was as expected an overly booked spot-fest. Robbie E, Alex Shelley, Amazing Red and Shannon Moore all risked life and limb to outdo each other. Shelley outlasting the field to grab the X.
Veteran Jerry Lynn then rolled back the years against Rob Van Dam. Battling in and out of the ring the duo took things old school, a steel chair helped end things in a bloody RVD’s favour.
With a TNA contract on the line the four-way brawl between Austin Aries, Jack Evans, Low Ki and Zema Ion was a perfect example of X Division talent. The foursome showcasing their styles nicely, Aries’ win was well deserved.
A ref bump and series of run-ins saw Brian Kendrick relieve Immortal’s Abyss of the X Division Title in an average David/Goliath type brawl. Kendrick receiving a heroes ovation in reclaiming the gold for his peers.
The main event saw good friends AJ Styles and Daniels try to surpass their previous well documented show stealing battles. Perhaps not on a par with some of their outings, this was still one of the best top line TNA match-ups in recent memory. The pair utilising their full arsenal of high risk moves, well scouted set-pieces and some career threatening exchanges. Daniels post-match handshake/hug with winner Styles was a nice touch too.
Destination X was a gamble for TNA, giving a full PPV to its mainly low-mid card X Division stars was a risky move to make. Fortunately it paid off in the main and proved just how exciting that often overlooked section of its roster is. The six-sided ring upped the ante nostalgia wise and most grapplers pulled out all of the stops to make the event succeed. It will be interesting to see where the standout performers here factor in future events.
By Phil Allely
TNA’s X Division themed Pay-Per-View Destination X proved to be night of thrills, spills and a return to form for the company. Recent months of belittling and punishing the high flyers of the roster all led up to this, their chance to shine. The much missed six-sided ring returned to the Impact Zone once again too.
Kicking things off Samoa Joe and Kazarian put forth a pretty decent back and forth scrap. Fortune’s Kaz snagging a quick roll-up to win to put away hard-hitter Joe.
After impressing management during the last UK tour British star Mark Haskins debuted as Douglas Williams’ challenger. Alongside ring general Williams he worked hard and the pair gelled well. A slightly botched move or two marred things somewhat though for Haskins, who fell to a Williams pin.
Next up Shark Boy teamed with Eric Young to face Generation Me in a fun and entertaining bout. The unorthodox Young and ‘Stone Cold’ Sharky prevailed over their young opponents after some fair exchanges.
Ultimate X match was as expected an overly booked spot-fest. Robbie E, Alex Shelley, Amazing Red and Shannon Moore all risked life and limb to outdo each other. Shelley outlasting the field to grab the X.
Veteran Jerry Lynn then rolled back the years against Rob Van Dam. Battling in and out of the ring the duo took things old school, a steel chair helped end things in a bloody RVD’s favour.
With a TNA contract on the line the four-way brawl between Austin Aries, Jack Evans, Low Ki and Zema Ion was a perfect example of X Division talent. The foursome showcasing their styles nicely, Aries’ win was well deserved.
A ref bump and series of run-ins saw Brian Kendrick relieve Immortal’s Abyss of the X Division Title in an average David/Goliath type brawl. Kendrick receiving a heroes ovation in reclaiming the gold for his peers.
The main event saw good friends AJ Styles and Daniels try to surpass their previous well documented show stealing battles. Perhaps not on a par with some of their outings, this was still one of the best top line TNA match-ups in recent memory. The pair utilising their full arsenal of high risk moves, well scouted set-pieces and some career threatening exchanges. Daniels post-match handshake/hug with winner Styles was a nice touch too.
Destination X was a gamble for TNA, giving a full PPV to its mainly low-mid card X Division stars was a risky move to make. Fortunately it paid off in the main and proved just how exciting that often overlooked section of its roster is. The six-sided ring upped the ante nostalgia wise and most grapplers pulled out all of the stops to make the event succeed. It will be interesting to see where the standout performers here factor in future events.
Tuesday, 12 July 2011
Chris Jericho and Fozzy involved in Bus Accident
by Phil Allely
Chris Jericho’s band Fozzy was involved in an automobile accident this week in Europe. The tour bus they were traveling on skidded on two wheels for fifty feet, resulting in the side door being torn off. The former WWE Superstar and his band mates are said to be fine, they have however cancelled a scheduled appearance inn Denmark.
In a statement about the incident Jericho commented “Last night as I was riding on the Anthrax bus, Fozzy’s bus was in an accident. The band is ok thank God, but the bus is trashed so we won’t be able to play the show in Denmark. Hamburg is still on but. Its a miracle nobody got hurt, as the bus skidded on two wheels for 50 feet and the side door was completely torn off. Say a prayer for the boys and stay tuned for more info.'
Fozzy have recently made hugely successful appearances at event and festivals across Europe. Jericho is currently a much talked about figure in wrestling as specualtion rises as to when he will inevitably return to the WWE.
Chris Jericho’s band Fozzy was involved in an automobile accident this week in Europe. The tour bus they were traveling on skidded on two wheels for fifty feet, resulting in the side door being torn off. The former WWE Superstar and his band mates are said to be fine, they have however cancelled a scheduled appearance inn Denmark.
In a statement about the incident Jericho commented “Last night as I was riding on the Anthrax bus, Fozzy’s bus was in an accident. The band is ok thank God, but the bus is trashed so we won’t be able to play the show in Denmark. Hamburg is still on but. Its a miracle nobody got hurt, as the bus skidded on two wheels for 50 feet and the side door was completely torn off. Say a prayer for the boys and stay tuned for more info.'
Fozzy have recently made hugely successful appearances at event and festivals across Europe. Jericho is currently a much talked about figure in wrestling as specualtion rises as to when he will inevitably return to the WWE.
Monday, 11 July 2011
Orlando Jordan Leaves TNA
Orlando out of TNA's favour
by phil Allely
TNA star Orlando Jordan is the latest casualty in TNA's current cost cutting cull. The 38 year old wrestler famous for his flamboyant performances is said to have been just one of many roster memers to be off loaded by the company in the coming months. Jordan has been awol for many months now and only appeared on TNA TV after his appearance on Hulk Hogan's ill-fated Hulkamania tour of Australia, which of course preceeded the Hulksters high profile signing with TNA. Jordan's TNA career has been short of excitement though and not seen gold-winning glory for the glitter faced grappler. His most famous in-ring showing in recent months being alongside TNA stalwart Eric Young, as one half of a disfunctional and sexually confused tag team. Jordan's TNA exit is not a huge shock to many, but it does prove to the entire TNA roster that even having a close connection to a star signing (Hogan et al) doesn't gurantee you a spot with the copmpany. TNA's recent streamlining attempts are a necesity to ensure the company satys afloat long enough to give its rival the WWE a run for its money.
by phil Allely
TNA star Orlando Jordan is the latest casualty in TNA's current cost cutting cull. The 38 year old wrestler famous for his flamboyant performances is said to have been just one of many roster memers to be off loaded by the company in the coming months. Jordan has been awol for many months now and only appeared on TNA TV after his appearance on Hulk Hogan's ill-fated Hulkamania tour of Australia, which of course preceeded the Hulksters high profile signing with TNA. Jordan's TNA career has been short of excitement though and not seen gold-winning glory for the glitter faced grappler. His most famous in-ring showing in recent months being alongside TNA stalwart Eric Young, as one half of a disfunctional and sexually confused tag team. Jordan's TNA exit is not a huge shock to many, but it does prove to the entire TNA roster that even having a close connection to a star signing (Hogan et al) doesn't gurantee you a spot with the copmpany. TNA's recent streamlining attempts are a necesity to ensure the company satys afloat long enough to give its rival the WWE a run for its money.
Finlay talks his WWE release
Earlier this year, former WWE superstar Finaly, who was working as an agent/producer behind the scenes at the time, was fired after booking an angle where The Miz interrupted the National Anthem at a live WWE event - which caused an uproar among the National Guard servicemen who were in attendance.
Finaly recently spoke to the UK's Fighting Spirit magazine and had this to say about the situation:
"I was given a lot of leeway and a lot of power in WWE, and that comes with a lot of responsibility. I made a call that caused a storm and I paid for it. They play the American national anthem over here before every event. We had Miz going out first and, because it was just before WrestleMania, we were trying to get as much heat on him as possible. So my spur-of-the-moment call, as I sat right by the technician, was to tell him to hit Miz's music while they were half-way through the national anthem. Of course, people were up in arms about it, but it was a good reaction as a heel. But there were National Guard people in the building that took exception to it, and I understand that fully. It wasn't intended to insult anybody in that way — it was just part of an entertaining show. That's what we do, we entertain — it's about cheers and boos."
Finaly recently spoke to the UK's Fighting Spirit magazine and had this to say about the situation:
"I was given a lot of leeway and a lot of power in WWE, and that comes with a lot of responsibility. I made a call that caused a storm and I paid for it. They play the American national anthem over here before every event. We had Miz going out first and, because it was just before WrestleMania, we were trying to get as much heat on him as possible. So my spur-of-the-moment call, as I sat right by the technician, was to tell him to hit Miz's music while they were half-way through the national anthem. Of course, people were up in arms about it, but it was a good reaction as a heel. But there were National Guard people in the building that took exception to it, and I understand that fully. It wasn't intended to insult anybody in that way — it was just part of an entertaining show. That's what we do, we entertain — it's about cheers and boos."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
