Eisen-verse

Let me first preface this by saying that I like TNA.... but... I love how their new thing is "Wrestling Matters" but yet, if you watch the videos from Impact Wrestling, on their own youtube site, each match is only 2-3 minutes in length; and typically start far into the action already. While a small detail, it shows that, maybe, the new marketing phrase, as we would expect, is only utilize in which to hit the WWE in the side. How about put it into practice... Cheers. E-V

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Tha Black Phenom" data-cite="Tha Black Phenom" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25169" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><span>http://i52.tinypic.com/i69zd0.gif</span></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Are you kidding me? </p><p> </p><p> I love Orton, actually, and this made me want to watch Saturday morning cartoons or something. ha.</p><p> </p><p> Cheers.</p><p> </p><p> <strong><em>E-V</em></strong></p>

<p>I'll eat my words; fair to admit it. </p><p> </p><p> I actually enjoyed what they did tonight on Impact Wrestling. When reading the spoilers, which I should never do again as it ruins things while watching the show, I came to realize that there was reasoning behind the choices. I think A) they did a great job of highlighting the X-Division; giving them something to work toward and B) Eric Bischoff's winning scenario actually made him that much more despicable as a heel. Honestly, I think they did pretty well with both; that is IF they eventually have the X-Division rebound!</p><p> </p><p> I loved the Roode/Flair scenario too... Great stuff there!</p><p> </p><p> Cheers.</p><p> </p><p> <strong><em>E-V </em></strong></p>

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="TheLeviticalLawKid3" data-cite="TheLeviticalLawKid3" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25170" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Gah, these spoilers that I keep reading just flat-out confuse me. I mean, who would even LIKE this stuff?</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I think, if it's done in a spiteful way (<span style="color:#FFFFFF;">Bischoff </span>attempting to 'raise hell' by being annoyed with talent & the network) then I guess I understand the moves. If not, if it's just done without such a focus then I'm afraid it will feel really weird; phony even. I don't mind non-wrestlers winning matches... IF... There is a story attached and it's made to, eventually, put over that babyface that he pinned. I mean, I can always go for a good 'McMahon vs. Austin' vibe.</p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#FFFFFF;">As for Abyss winning the X-Division gold... </span>Again I think it's suitable for such a storyline IF it's used in which to strengthen the X-Division as a whole. Now, initially it looks like a terrible decision; however, it COULD shed light on the fliers as they stand up for what it is that they love. In the end, we could have one, if not more, standout people coming forward as the 'faces' of the division by gaining the title back!</p>

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="TheLeviticalLawKid3" data-cite="TheLeviticalLawKid3" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25170" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Another nail in the frame of an eventual coffin, E-V.<p> </p><p> </p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;">I haven't watched a bunch of TNA since the pre-Angle days...I wasn't even around to get my heart ripped out by Hogan and Bischoff.</div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> That spoiler is garbage if it's true. Who books this stuff? </div><img alt=":eek:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/eek.png.0e09df00fa222c85760b9bc1700b5405.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> I'm hoping, as I haven't read the spoilers all together, mostly cause I want to watch the show and see it unfold, that there is a story behind it all. I'm sure it has something to do with Bischoff and the X-Division wrestlers who spray-painted their car last week. That said, it just seems odd to go that route; unless there is a concrete story that follows. </div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Is it just me or is there a severe lack of basic booking 101 these days? I mean, I know that almost every angle has been done thus far, in a way, but there's nothing wrong with a basic wrestling framework for storytelling... Just adding some new twists into the fold along the way. </div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Meh.</div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Cheers.</div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong><em>E-V</em></strong></div><p></p>

<p>From what I've read on wrestlezone, It looks like TNA is continuing to make some really questionable decisions... </p><p> </p><p> Highlight underneath to find out...</p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#FFFFFF;">Abyss is the new X-Division Champion... Really?!?! God, I hope there is a REAL good reason the change was made because this makes no sense to me..</span></p>

<p>I just read something on Wrestlezone.com that best explains the gaping hole that lies between TNA & the WWE...</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25170" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>The 5/16 edition of Tough Enough did a 1.6 rating with 2,442,000 viewers. Last weeks edition of Tough Enough also did a 1.6 rating.<p> </p><p> The replay of Tough Enough that aired after Raw did a 1.14 rating with 1,641,000 viewers which is nearly the same as last week.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I love TNA but it's pretty sad when the WWE's reality show ends up beating your flagship program...</p><p> </p><p> TNA pulled around a 1.26 rating.</p>

<p>Thoughts on RAW last night...</p><p> </p><p> <strong>The Truth:</strong> Let me preface this by saying, I never liked the Truth when he was running around with his 'wassup' thing. It was childish, boring, and made him look like a fool. That said, I'm LOVING what they're doing with him right now. If they continue to book him this way, give him the rub on some bigger names, and have him work consistently in the main-event lights, I could see him going pretty far. Champion far? Possibly not. That said, if they develop him right, he really could be a future main eventer for them. Is the greatest on the mic? Not really but the WWE have made careers out of others with even less ability on the mic.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Kharma:</strong> I LOVE her arrival as it makes me not so depressed about the WWE's current 'character' booking. They have done some shades of some characters in the past; however, Kharma has potential to be something unique. So far, it seems like things may be centered around Kelly Kelly? If so, I'm happy; she's pretty to look at. ha.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Main Event:</strong> Is it just me or was it weird to see the Miz and Del Rio fight as much as they did? I mean, the match was a great one in my mind; back-and-forth really added a lot. Truthfully, for a WWE main event, I was pretty happy. That said, as above, it felt like they were playing Del Rio slightly as a tweener in last night's main event. In theory, which is common practice, I thought the two would team up on Rey-REy until they got annoyed with one another and THEN warred. While it's cliche, it works when it comes to explaining why two heels are laying into one another!</p>

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="GatorBait19" data-cite="GatorBait19" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25170" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I have been waiting for this. I really thought when they hyped him to the moon a couple years ago it was going to happen, then they stuck him and James Storm together (another wrestler I love)</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> The promo was golden in my eyes; a great way to sell Bobby Rude as a blue-collar worker feeling he's being held down by manipulative men (Hogan and Bischoff). If booked right, and given proper ability to talk, I honestly see a lot of promise in the guy. Out of ALL the guys in Fortune, AJ Styles included, I foresee Rude has having the highest ceiling. I know that may annoy some, as AJ is the 'prodigal son', but Rude is a strong wrestler who can bring something more on the mic (where AJ fails slightly).</p>

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="angeldelayette" data-cite="angeldelayette" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25170" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Mmmmm...Velvet Sky in a towel...*Drools*</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I forgot what website I was on and, for a brief second, looked to 'like' this... </p><p> </p><p> <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">EDIT:</span></strong> Wait a minute. Why did Eric Bischoff and Hogan seem pissed about those two guys fighting for their spot in Immortal; as if the network booked it? In case I was sleeping at the time, hazy and what not, didn't Bischoff book that match with the same conditions right before it started?</p>

Great promo from Robert Roode to open iMPACT. Honestly, this guy, if booked right, could be a star for TNA.

You do raise a good point though. While I agree with the move, from a brand-perspective for Smackdown, it could have been done in a month or two; building the match up in which to make it seems worthy of a victory. Cheers. E-V

I heard about Christian dropping the title; however, to be honest, I understand what the WWE is doing here. They moved Orton for a reason; so he could become the John Cena-figure of Smackdown (so says WWE officials within; from wrestlezone.com). In that case, it's entirely smart and, in no way, has anything to do with Orton flipping out or anything; actually quite the opposite (as he's quickly become a locker room leader on the show I guess). Would I have liked to see him hold onto the title for longer (Christian)? Sure. Did it make sense to give him a run, banking on the Shawn Michaels - "Boyhood dream" scenario? Definitely. Do I HATE the WWE for making the switch? No. I guess, sadly, my 'hopes and dreams' for the WWE have fallen by the wayside long ago. I'd LOVE for all decisions to make sense from a wrestling standpoint but, in all reality, they don't necessarily care about making sure their storylines are the greatest of all-time. While it would drive sales, possibly, in the end, they are looking to further their brand. At the end of the day, Randy Orton = marketable to a larger audience; is going to be the face of smackdown for, at least, the next year. Christian = a serviceable upper-midcarder who can put on a great match; not entirely a person to turn into a 'star' as he's already had his time before the audience (probably best to bring in new names, faces, that we don't have a good decade's worth of experience with). Cheers. E-V

Honestly, this was a poor draft for the WWE but, in my mind, not how you may think.... To me, the whole thing seemed really interesting, as in years past; however, failed to seem as grandiose as previous years. I mean, really? We get a match and all of a sudden it's worth two picks; as if from nowhere? In reality, shouldn't the main event carry more picks than other matches? Also, shouldn't there have been more of a wide-range of matches to pick who goes where? I mean, a bunch of singles matches just made it feel rather blahzay. From what I've read on the internet wrestling sites, the show felt just as it's been reported to be; Rushed. Edge retires so they feel like they have to shake things up. That's great, I'm all for that! At least, if you're going to do something like this, make it entertaining; or, at the very least, worth watching. ha. Meh. I've learned to have low expectations with wrestling programs these days...

Gotta agree with you there.

100% agree with you here. For awhile there, I was constantly pining for new storylines that hadn't been done before; however, came to realize that it was damn near impossible. The only way it IS is by thinking outside the box and going a route more like a movie/TV-show drama (Which it seems TNA is trying). Once I took a step back and realized this, watching wrestling was far more comfortable. Sure, things seem rather uninspired lately; however, that could just be me growing older and falling out of the 'mystique' of Pro Wrestling. Cheers. E-V

True. I suppose, though, at least to me, before he looked a lot like Billy Gunn; a fact that always made him feel like a re-hash to me. That said, he looks rather generic now but, maybe, they'll give him some other additions (ie: facial hair, etc.) that eventually makes him look more unique.

The WWE moving away, at least slightly, from an overtly childish product? I would think that one of their superstars smoking at ringside wouldn't be all that "Family Friendly". ha. Either way, while shocking, I hope this is a slight sign of what may be coming...

Yea. The whole water bottle thing was pretty weird too... had no reasoning really.

I'm sorry.... I just can't get into The Truth.

When it comes to the whole 'cast-off' scenario with TNA bringing in old faces, recently fired WWE wrestlers, and those who are seen as Bischoff/Hogan cronies, I continually come to this... As long as I'm entertained; I don't really care WHO TNA hires. That's what it comes down to for me. It's true, they're often seen as 'WWE-lite' to some; however, I've come to think that their production re-branding has ALREADY set them apart from McMahon's product. Honestly, between the two, I value TNA's production value, the way they shoot, their visual filter, and the way they utilize their surroundings well, as far more interesting than the WWE's tried-and-true method. In the end, It doesn't really bother me who they bring on; as long as it's though out, well-developed, and interesting from a storyline perspective. Now, just picking up someone like Shelton Benjamin tomorrow and saying 'hey, look, you use to see him on the WWE and now he's here', is simply not enough. IF he comes in with a storyline of his own, a new viewpoint of sorts, and shot in their fashion, then I think it's entirely okay.

Yea, I thought it may be because he isn't all that 'strong' in the ring but, I guess, look at what Goldberg did with a pretty limited move-set. As you said, if booked right, a guy of Terry's size could really have his pitfalls masked by the sheer power of his game. I do like the idea of Flair at his side; however, in most cases, whenever Flair is around, especially in a managing standpoint, others don't seem to really exist. Maybe it's because Flair is MORE about his own legacy; even while trying to put over another? I'd love to see him as a silent heel. Truthfully, at least with the way they've kind of killed Abyss's credibility as an evil force in the past, I think they could have someone FAR more menacing in Terry becoming a silent powerhouse than Abyss could be right now. No need for him to be anything but who he is... Just book him in a way where he looks unstoppable and wahla... Instant Main Event Monster on your hands!

Let me preface this by saying that I'm more of a cruiserweight, modern-wrestling, fan; however,... How can TNA continue to subdue Rob Terry as an unstoppable singles force? I mean, come on! ha. His look, the kind of demeanor he can play (does a pretty good pissed off look), could be absolute gold for them but it seems like don't really care to create him into a monster heel of sorts. I was never a huge Batista fan... BUT... His immense look made you think of him as an absolute juggernaut. With Terry, they could have the same thing really; start him off as a bruising heel who goes on a streak of destruction (doesn't even need to be Win's really). He could think he's being 'overlooked' and ultimately destroys others until someone takes notice (a la typical monster heel move). In the end, you'd have a major force that could, possibly, collide with Sting down the line. At that point, have Terry win, Sting puts up a good fight, but in the end you have a NEW Main Event Powerhouse after months of destroying others & then ultimately getting the rub from Sting. Just seems odd to me that he continues to be booked in, somewhat of, a weak manner. Cheers. E-V

Maybe it's just me but... I actually find it quite off-putting that the WWE is trying to strip away the 'wrestling' name to their product. I mean, I get it from a business stand-point. I know how this will help them within the states from a perceptual basis; however, I find it to be slightly sad from an actual wrestling fan. To me, the WWE, whether we like it or not, is the gold standard amongst the industry. Now, trying to distance themselves from wrestling tradition, becoming so entertainment based that they won't even mutter the dreaded word 'Wrestling', even in press releases, makes me rather fearful for the future of the industry as a whole. It's going from a beloved craft, something that was rather cool to watch, to now a thing of blandness. I know people will say that TNA has been doing this too, making impact FAR less wrestling than segments, but I still find myself firmly stepping over into their camp. Why? Despite doing a new production approach, making it seem more covert 'reality TV' like, at least they stand proudly as a WRESTLING company. Plus, with HBK gone, HHH on a limited schedule, Taker as well, I'm not really all that interested in ANY of their talent (That said, I like Miz and punk; don't get me wrong). I guess maybe this is just a rant of a man growing older; sad to see the thing he came to love turning into a shell of it's former self. Meh. Cheers. E-V

I actually don't mind the winter/BP stuff. Is it amazing? Nah. Will I turn the station? Probably not. I at least have somewhat of an intrigue on where this goes from here; how TNA is going to explain this all.