The Official TNA / Impact / GFW Discussion Thread

[sebsplex]

Just a mind boggling booking decision. It's not like Hardy even nabbed the belt on Impact, he won it in at TNA's biggest event of the year in the climax to ECIII's run. Sure, it was a cop out that ECIII didn't take the fall (because ultimately, if he's going to get pinned cleanly, then surely it should go down at your largest event), but I understood TNA trying to squeeze some more juice out of his run. To just completely undo the result only days later though... I just can't see how this idea got suggested, let alone accepted as the best way forward.

 

I get that TNA are throwing all their eggs into this "World Cup" style tournament, with group rankings and such, but how is anyone supposed to invest any interest in such a concept when they've basically just told their fans that the main event at Bound For Glory, didn't matter. In fact, that Royal Rumble-type gauntlet that Tyrus won for a title shot at the same ppv... I guess that doesn't matter now either or will Tyrus get to "cash in" at some unspecified point which in turn kinda negates the outcome of the upcoming series?

 

I actually thought TNA having to scale back might help them get back to basics and establish/re-establish their own identity, but this brand honestly feels damaged beyond repair at this point.

[Dave_Scott]

I see this thread hasn't been used in almost a month. Ah, it's so sad TNA is just a shell of what it has been. So I'll pump out a few questions to try and get the conversation flowing again.

 

What do you guys think of the world title series?

Who do you want to win it?

What's your take on Robbie E getting a push?

What's your take on TNA burying Crimson?

Knockouts main evented this past IMPACT. Did you watch and was it good?

Is Matt Hardy on Time Decline?

Has EC3 hit a halt?

[Mootinie]

Not a watcher, but I can be impartial when I want to be.

 

What do you guys think of the world title series?

I think it's a good idea in concept, but I think the way they got to that point was a complete head scratcher. Then again, I honestly think TNA was told that they were being booted off Destination America in October, hence why they didn't hold any tapings for the months after. I think they came up with the World Title Series stuff as a backup plan just in case they got an extension and well, here we are.

 

Who do you want to win it?

I still can't quite figure out why they had to take the title off EC3. TNA gets a lot of flak but not pushing homegrown talent and in EC3, they had a star that could fly that flag for them. I don't really mind Lashley winning it, or Bobby Roode. Outside of that, I can't think of anybody else that should be holding their title in 2015.

 

What's your take on Robbie E getting a push?

He's always been serviceable but sadly, his best quality was that he made his opponents look so good. I think, considering he's been in TNA for so long and has always been kept at the same level, he's probably earned a push now. If he knocks out the park, good for him.

 

What's your take on TNA burying Crimson?

I don't think his initial undefeated streak worked. He had go away heat, nobody was buying it and he disappeared soon after it ended. I'm not too familiar with his recent work so I can't say.

 

Knockouts main evented this past IMPACT. Did you watch and was it good?

I didn't watch but Garrett Kidney over at Voices Of Wrestling did and he rated it **3/4. Considering he's watched more TNA than anybody else I could possibly name, he's probably right in that it was an above average match that was nowhere near the level of their initial TNA work.

 

Is Matt Hardy on Time Decline?

Yes. He's out of shape and should never have won the title in my opinion. I'm all for underdog stories but when you want to do that and you have Rockstar Spud - who actually has underdog charisma, I can't understand why you choose Matt Hardy. He's not a Champion calibre talent in my estimation, especially not now.

[Dave_Scott]

Not a watcher, but I can be impartial when I want to be.

 

What do you guys think of the world title series?

I think it's a good idea in concept, but I think the way they got to that point was a complete head scratcher. Then again, I honestly think TNA was told that they were being booted off Destination America in October, hence why they didn't hold any tapings for the months after. I think they came up with the World Title Series stuff as a backup plan just in case they got an extension and well, here we are.

 

Who do you want to win it?

I still can't quite figure out why they had to take the title off EC3. TNA gets a lot of flak but not pushing homegrown talent and in EC3, they had a star that could fly that flag for them. I don't really mind Lashley winning it, or Bobby Roode. Outside of that, I can't think of anybody else that should be holding their title in 2015.

 

What's your take on Robbie E getting a push?

He's always been serviceable but sadly, his best quality was that he made his opponents look so good. I think, considering he's been in TNA for so long and has always been kept at the same level, he's probably earned a push now. If he knocks out the park, good for him.

 

What's your take on TNA burying Crimson?

I don't think his initial undefeated streak worked. He had go away heat, nobody was buying it and he disappeared soon after it ended. I'm not too familiar with his recent work so I can't say.

 

Knockouts main evented this past IMPACT. Did you watch and was it good?

I didn't watch but Garrett Kidney over at Voices Of Wrestling did and he rated it **3/4. Considering he's watched more TNA than anybody else I could possibly name, he's probably right in that it was an above average match that was nowhere near the level of their initial TNA work.

 

Is Matt Hardy on Time Decline?

Yes. He's out of shape and should never have won the title in my opinion. I'm all for underdog stories but when you want to do that and you have Rockstar Spud - who actually has underdog charisma, I can't understand why you choose Matt Hardy. He's not a Champion calibre talent in my estimation, especially not now.

 

Agreeing with you more than anything on Matt. I have nothing against Matt. The guy sent me a video shout-out for my birthday. He's an awesome dude. But he's just not a good wrestler. His in-shape/out of-shape'ness has always been off and on. There's been times where I thought he looked good, then recent times like now where I've just been saying, just wrestle with a shirt on already, please Matt! I think TNA just wanted to give him the World Title to let him be able to say he was a World Champ in a major company. Spud should definitely be getting a push if anyone. As for Robbie E, I've met the guy and he is SO nice. Like you said, he's jobbed to literally everyone forever. He well over do for a push of his own. Another guy I'd like to see get one more one with the World Title is EY. He's been with them from almost the beginning, was comedic relief for SO long, but his recent heel - maniac character, I've just loved. I know you yourself don't like him or at least his feud with Angle, but for getting older, he's still a da** good wrestler in my eyes and has a great character. He would make for a good if not great World Champ.

[Rayelek]

What do you guys think of the world title series?

Neat idea, but I think they went overboard in terms of quantity of groups.

 

Who do you want to win it?

Definitely going with EC3. He's just so fun as the cocky heel.

 

What's your take on Robbie E getting a push?

I've never been a fan, but he's not doing awful with it. Just so long as he doesn't end up sputtering out after losing his first World title shot like so many previous World Title shot.

 

What's your take on TNA burying Crimson?

I like Crimson. I don't know if I'd say he's getting buried, but I'd like to see him get pushed more.

 

Knockouts main evented this past IMPACT. Did you watch and was it good?

Don't have Destination America, all I watch is the 1-2 minute Youtube clips TNA puts in their recaps.

 

Is Matt Hardy on Time Decline?

Don't know, but I'm really sick of him.

 

Has EC3 hit a halt?

Kinda. He can only do so much with an undefeated streak before he has to lose, and I think they want to keep him chasing the World Title because that's where his character is best. Being a smarmy, winning champion until they find someone to beat his undefeated streak is a lot less interesting than this scenario, which I like.

[Dave_Scott]

What do you guys think of the world title series?

Neat idea, but I think they went overboard in terms of quantity of groups.

 

Who do you want to win it?

Definitely going with EC3. He's just so fun as the cocky heel.

 

What's your take on Robbie E getting a push?

I've never been a fan, but he's not doing awful with it. Just so long as he doesn't end up sputtering out after losing his first World title shot like so many previous World Title shot.

 

What's your take on TNA burying Crimson?

I like Crimson. I don't know if I'd say he's getting buried, but I'd like to see him get pushed more.

 

Knockouts main evented this past IMPACT. Did you watch and was it good?

Don't have Destination America, all I watch is the 1-2 minute Youtube clips TNA puts in their recaps.

 

Is Matt Hardy on Time Decline?

Don't know, but I'm really sick of him.

 

Has EC3 hit a halt?

Kinda. He can only do so much with an undefeated streak before he has to lose, and I think they want to keep him chasing the World Title because that's where his character is best. Being a smarmy, winning champion until they find someone to beat his undefeated streak is a lot less interesting than this scenario, which I like.

 

After all this time, and looking at TNA's current sitch, I'm running out of guys to name to break the streak.

[Warhawk8492]

After all this time, and looking at TNA's current sitch, I'm running out of guys to name to break the streak.

 

That is a difficult situation for TNA. I am a die hard TNA fan. I never give up hope on them. I still like them better then WWE even today. I have had many arguments with WWE fanboys about this. I like TNA Impact better then ANY WWE product, yes even NXT.

[Big Roguey]

Perfect person to break ECIII's streak and become ace of TNA.

 

http://img.bleacherreport.net/img/images/photos/003/244/744/7c0fdbed3a50eb49976dee53b9f6d095_crop_north.jpg?w=630&h=420&q=75

[lukess11]

Perfect person to break ECIII's streak and become ace of TNA.

 

http://img.bleacherreport.net/img/images/photos/003/244/744/7c0fdbed3a50eb49976dee53b9f6d095_crop_north.jpg?w=630&h=420&q=75

 

BUFFALO.

[Warhawk8492]

Perfect person to break ECIII's streak and become ace of TNA.

 

http://img.bleacherreport.net/img/images/photos/003/244/744/7c0fdbed3a50eb49976dee53b9f6d095_crop_north.jpg?w=630&h=420&q=75

 

I know your joking dude, Tatanka was awesome but he is 54 now. He might still be working the indies, the guy that beats ECIII needs to be someone who has something to gain from it. Could have been Drew Galloway, he would have been a good choice at BFG.

[Big Roguey]

I know your joking dude, Tatanka was awesome but he is 54 now. He might still be working the indies, the guy that beats ECIII needs to be someone who has something to gain from it. Could have been Drew Galloway, he would have been a good choice at BFG.

 

Not joking at all. I believe that Tatanka can fully bring TNA to glory.

[Dave_Scott]

That is a difficult situation for TNA. I am a die hard TNA fan. I never give up hope on them. I still like them better then WWE even today. I have had many arguments with WWE fanboys about this. I like TNA Impact better then ANY WWE product, yes even NXT.

 

I can definitely respect that. It's very rare I find another person who still loves TNA. While I can't say I 'love' them at the moment, I still continue to watch them just to see what they do. I really hope they can turn themselves around. The first step is putting the strap back on EC3.

[Dave_Scott]

I know your joking dude, Tatanka was awesome but he is 54 now. He might still be working the indies, the guy that beats ECIII needs to be someone who has something to gain from it. Could have been Drew Galloway, he would have been a good choice at BFG.

 

Drew still might break the streak.................in my diary! Leave your predictions now! Lol, cheap plug.

[The_CoC]

The guy that should break it is AJ Styles, but that never will happen. Spud or Tryus are plan B.

[Rayelek]

For anyone who is like me and doesn't get Destination America, TNA has put full episodes of the entire World Title Series to this point on Youtube.

[K-Nection]

Post Removed due to great advise....

[Jaysin]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="K-Nection" data-cite="K-Nection" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25170" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I don't have cable because I no longer need it! This website is like having the WWE network but for all wrestling</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> It's also an illegal streaming site, which posting those here is against the rules. You should probably remove it.</p>

[Fleisch]

<p><strong>What do you guys think of the world title series?</strong></p><p>

An absolute joke. TNA do a title tournament every 3 months it seems and to be honest, it was a pointless waste of time. Whoever booked it should be fired.</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Who do you want to win it?</strong></p><p>

Do not care in the slightest. That belt means as much as the WCW Hardcore title these days.</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>What's your take on Robbie E getting a push?</strong></p><p>

Robbie E is one of the most hardworking guys on the roster. He has improved 100 fold since he first rocked up as a Jersey Shore knockoff. He has a good look, and would be the guy I'd like to see end the streak of ECIII (if Galloway doesn't).</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>What's your take on TNA burying Crimson?</strong></p><p>

Was never a fan of Crimson to be honest, but that is just a personal preference.</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Knockouts main evented this past IMPACT. Did you watch and was it good?</strong></p><p>

No but I imagine it was better than at least 90% of the show. The women in that company deserve all the credit they get.</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Is Matt Hardy on Time Decline?</strong></p><p>

Matt's a veteran and certainly past his best (as is Jeff). I wouldn't say he's declining as much, but he won't get fans into TNA either. He's been gone from the spotlight too long to have any positive impact on er... Impact.</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Has EC3 hit a halt?</strong></p><p>

To be honest, TNA taking that World Title off him was yet another huge mistake in TNA. It's as if their creative staff have got a giant hat with 1000's of scenarios in and just pick one at random every couple of weeks because this World Title situation has had ZERO effect in getting people watching again, ZERO effect in getting people speaking positively about the product, and ZERO ****'s have been given by the vast majority.</p><p> </p><p>

I know that may be harsh, but as I've said before, TNA is worse than WCW's product was in 2000 - and they haven't even reached a 1/4 of WCW's popularity.</p><p> </p><p>

They could have, but then Dixie happened.</p>

[Mootinie]

Dixie did save TNA, but she definitely shouldn't be hands-on in the management of the company. The fact that even she can't see this is very alarming.

[Fleisch]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Mootinie" data-cite="Mootinie" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25170" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Dixie did save TNA, but she definitely shouldn't be hands-on in the management of the company. The fact that even she can't see this is very alarming.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Financially, you're right. Creatively she has too many people telling her "what works for WWE" when "what works for TNA" is what they were doing in the earlier days.</p><p> </p><p> TNA could become a viable alternative again (never in competition with WWE) but in order to do that, the X-Division needs to be a huge part of shows again. Make it relevant. Bring in talent from all over (seeing as they are doing tapings to keep costs low any way). Plenty of top Indy talent out there that could make the X-Division great to watch again. Make Spud a key figure in that division along with Tigre Uno.</p><p> </p><p> Their Knockouts division should continue to be pushed as more than just eye candy (one thing they are doing correctly). I liked Awesome Kong as the beast that just flung her opponents about. I know Angelina won't be back for a while due to being pregnant but Velvet Sky could be pushed as an Ice Cold, no words, just beats you up knockout. She looks like a model but that could be the gimmick. "Sexy, but Deadly". Says nothing, beats up her opponents and maybe isn't interested in winning but hurting her opponents. Bring back Cheerleader Melissa, whether it be as Alissa Flash or Melissa but bring her in for some shows. If Leva bates has finished up with NXT then bring her in for a few shows too.</p><p> </p><p> They need a strong Heavyweight division based around ECIII (who has to be billed as their #1 wrestler), Drew Galloway, Bobby Roode, Eric Young, Lashley (although not a fan) & Tyrus. Have the Hardys return to tag team action as both are past their best days and reforming The Hardy Boys is probably a better alternative at this point. The Wolves need to be kept together and made the top team in that division.</p><p> </p><p> I have so many ideas for trying to get TNA back on an even keel again (I know not all are probably good to others), but obviously I'm not in the business, don't know if people want to work for TNA, and don't know all the backstage shenanigans and who has Dixies ear or how difficult it is for their Creative to implement other ideas they may have had.</p>

[Dave_Scott]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Fleisch" data-cite="Fleisch" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25170" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Financially, you're right. Creatively she has too many people telling her "what works for WWE" when "what works for TNA" is what they were doing in the earlier days.<p> </p><p> TNA could become a viable alternative again (never in competition with WWE) but in order to do that, the X-Division needs to be a huge part of shows again. Make it relevant. Bring in talent from all over (seeing as they are doing tapings to keep costs low any way). Plenty of top Indy talent out there that could make the X-Division great to watch again. Make Spud a key figure in that division along with Tigre Uno.</p><p> </p><p> Their Knockouts division should continue to be pushed as more than just eye candy (one thing they are doing correctly). I liked Awesome Kong as the beast that just flung her opponents about. I know Angelina won't be back for a while due to being pregnant but Velvet Sky could be pushed as an Ice Cold, no words, just beats you up knockout. She looks like a model but that could be the gimmick. "Sexy, but Deadly". Says nothing, beats up her opponents and maybe isn't interested in winning but hurting her opponents. Bring back Cheerleader Melissa, whether it be as Alissa Flash or Melissa but bring her in for some shows. If Leva bates has finished up with NXT then bring her in for a few shows too.</p><p> </p><p> They need a strong Heavyweight division based around ECIII (who has to be billed as their #1 wrestler), Drew Galloway, Bobby Roode, Eric Young, Lashley (although not a fan) & Tyrus. Have the Hardys return to tag team action as both are past their best days and reforming The Hardy Boys is probably a better alternative at this point. The Wolves need to be kept together and made the top team in that division.</p><p> </p><p> I have so many ideas for trying to get TNA back on an even keel again (I know not all are probably good to others), but obviously I'm not in the business, don't know if people want to work for TNA, and don't know all the backstage shenanigans and who has Dixies ear or how difficult it is for their Creative to implement other ideas they may have had.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> You really should write a diary <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[Dawn]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Fleisch" data-cite="Fleisch" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25170" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Financially, you're right. Creatively she has too many people telling her "what works for WWE" when "what works for TNA" is what they were doing in the earlier days.<p> </p><p> TNA could become a viable alternative again (never in competition with WWE) but in order to do that, the X-Division needs to be a huge part of shows again. Make it relevant. Bring in talent from all over (seeing as they are doing tapings to keep costs low any way). Plenty of top Indy talent out there that could make the X-Division great to watch again. Make Spud a key figure in that division along with Tigre Uno.</p><p> </p><p> Their Knockouts division should continue to be pushed as more than just eye candy (one thing they are doing correctly). I liked Awesome Kong as the beast that just flung her opponents about. I know Angelina won't be back for a while due to being pregnant but Velvet Sky could be pushed as an Ice Cold, no words, just beats you up knockout. She looks like a model but that could be the gimmick. "Sexy, but Deadly". Says nothing, beats up her opponents and maybe isn't interested in winning but hurting her opponents. Bring back Cheerleader Melissa, whether it be as Alissa Flash or Melissa but bring her in for some shows. If Leva bates has finished up with NXT then bring her in for a few shows too.</p><p> </p><p> They need a strong Heavyweight division based around ECIII (who has to be billed as their #1 wrestler), Drew Galloway, Bobby Roode, Eric Young, Lashley (although not a fan) & Tyrus. Have the Hardys return to tag team action as both are past their best days and reforming The Hardy Boys is probably a better alternative at this point. The Wolves need to be kept together and made the top team in that division.</p><p> </p><p> I have so many ideas for trying to get TNA back on an even keel again (I know not all are probably good to others), but obviously I'm not in the business, don't know if people want to work for TNA, and don't know all the backstage shenanigans and who has Dixies ear or how difficult it is for their Creative to implement other ideas they may have had.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> It seems that we both have the same mindset, Fleisch. TNA could have been so much more if Dixie hadn't started being a member of the creative team. Their attempts to mirror WWE (in a more than terrible way) were foolish and buried the company even more.</p>

[Dawn]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="MHero" data-cite="MHero" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25170" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Not joking at all. I believe that Tatanka can fully bring TNA to glory.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> After all, he IS the biggest WWE superstar of all time, and the biggest moment in wrestling history was his heel turn at SummerSlam 1994.</p>

[K-Nection]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Jaysin" data-cite="Jaysin" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25170" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>It's also an illegal streaming site, which posting those here is against the rules. You should probably remove it.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Sorry bud I didn't know it was against the rules it won't happen again.</p>

[Bigpapa42]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Fleisch" data-cite="Fleisch" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25170" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Financially, you're right. Creatively she has too many people telling her "what works for WWE" when "what works for TNA" is what they were doing in the earlier days.<p> </p><p> TNA could become a viable alternative again (never in competition with WWE) but in order to do that, the X-Division needs to be a huge part of shows again. Make it relevant. Bring in talent from all over (seeing as they are doing tapings to keep costs low any way). Plenty of top Indy talent out there that could make the X-Division great to watch again. Make Spud a key figure in that division along with Tigre Uno.</p><p> </p><p> Their Knockouts division should continue to be pushed as more than just eye candy (one thing they are doing correctly). I liked Awesome Kong as the beast that just flung her opponents about. I know Angelina won't be back for a while due to being pregnant but Velvet Sky could be pushed as an Ice Cold, no words, just beats you up knockout. She looks like a model but that could be the gimmick. "Sexy, but Deadly". Says nothing, beats up her opponents and maybe isn't interested in winning but hurting her opponents. Bring back Cheerleader Melissa, whether it be as Alissa Flash or Melissa but bring her in for some shows. If Leva bates has finished up with NXT then bring her in for a few shows too.</p><p> </p><p> They need a strong Heavyweight division based around ECIII (who has to be billed as their #1 wrestler), Drew Galloway, Bobby Roode, Eric Young, Lashley (although not a fan) & Tyrus. Have the Hardys return to tag team action as both are past their best days and reforming The Hardy Boys is probably a better alternative at this point. The Wolves need to be kept together and made the top team in that division.</p><p> </p><p> I have so many ideas for trying to get TNA back on an even keel again (I know not all are probably good to others), but obviously I'm not in the business, don't know if people want to work for TNA, and don't know all the backstage shenanigans and who has Dixies ear or how difficult it is for their Creative to implement other ideas they may have had.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I agree all the way around.</p><p> </p><p> One of the main things that TNA has always lacked is consistency in vision. They seem to constantly change what they are, what they are trying to be, and what their are trying to build toward. Changing that every six months doesn't tend to help build a view base. It tends to erode an existing fanbase, which seems to have happened for TNA, although very slowly. </p><p> </p><p> You do make a good point in the last paragraph - its hard to know what the actual backstage and creative dynamic is without being in that environment. It has always seemed really strange to me that TNA keeps doing these dumb, illogical things - not just in terms of on-screen creative stuff but even backstage hirings and such - that are so easy to see are stupid and damaging. And they have smart people working there, some of whom have enough experience in the business to "know better". Is it Dixie always meddling? Is she constantly changing her mind on stuff? Does she listen too much to the talent? Listen too much to everyone and try to implement 30 things that overlap and don't work together?</p>