The Official TNA / Impact / GFW Discussion Thread

[bigtplaystew]

<p>What a true legend Sting is, man. Whenever he leaves for an extended period of time he just about always puts someone else over in the process. I love how he did it last night, especially with Magnus, it was just the right touch. Not too heavy handed that it didnt work.</p><p> </p><p>

Shame not all the legends that made their way through TNA have that kind of class and respect, BROTHER.</p>

[Rone Rivendale]

Anyone else find it weird that Bully Ray brought up Anderson's fandom of Stone Cold Steve Austin on a TNA program?

[Arrows]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="LordJaguar" data-cite="LordJaguar" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25170" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>If Pac Man and Dequin? got beat up it would make news too, they didn't need to go over 2 actual wrestlers. In the words of Jake Roberts, Kaz and Daniels have to wrestle for a living, Pac Man doesn't!</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Let's be fair, no credibility was lost.</p><p> </p><p> The only real stupid part about the whole deal was the lack of acknowledging Pac Man's past with TNA.</p><p> </p><p> Two football players vs. two wrestlers? Even if you try to make it "real", football players are TOUGH, man. They could hold their own.</p>

[Jaysin]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Arrows" data-cite="Arrows" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25170" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>The only real stupid part about the whole deal was the lack of acknowledging Pac Man's past with TNA.<p> </p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> They did acknowledge it. Dixie repeatedly told him "welcome home, welcome back!" and Pacman said "It's good to be back, I've missed ya'll!".</p>

[Arrows]

<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>They did acknowledge it. Dixie repeatedly told him "welcome home, welcome back!" and Pacman said "It's good to be back, I've missed ya'll!".</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Must've dozed off from the endless stream of pointless segments. Didn't hear the commentary team mention it during the whole thing happening. Acted like they were shocked either knew a wrestling move.</p>

[Jaysin]

It was literally the first segment. The show opened back stage with Dixie talking to Pacman.

 

What pointless segments are you referring to? Compared to the majority of modern wrestling, especially TNA's product, last night was fairly streamlined.

 

It was a highly enjoyable show. At least I thought so.

 

There were only two segments with Pacman. The opening segment and the Bad Influence segment.

[Arrows]

<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 was literally the first segment. The show opened back stage with Dixie talking to Pacman. <p> </p><p> What pointless segments are you referring to? Compared to the majority of modern wrestling, especially TNA's product, last night was fairly streamlined.</p><p> </p><p> It was a highly enjoyable show. At least I thought so.</p><p> </p><p> There were only two segments with Pacman. The opening segment and the Bad Influence segment.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Ah. Missed the first couple of minutes wrapping up work for my break. First time I saw him was the shot in the crowd. Just struck me as odd that Tenay and Taz both seemed surprised at the body slams.</p><p> </p><p> Last night just seemed like a LOT of talking. Not just involving him, but in general. Seems like since BFG, we've been given an awful lot of segments, and it's kind of taken me back out of the excitement I had coming into this past couple of weeks.</p><p> </p><p> Were several times I thought about going back to work early and not bothering to watch the rest of the show.</p>

[Jaysin]

I'll give you that it was a talk heavy episode, but for once I felt the segments actually mattered and they were furthering storylines.

 

Sting's promo was one of the better ones he's had in a few years. Angle, Joe, and Magnus cut some really good ones as well.

 

Angle and Roode's brawls throughout the show were intense and really sold their storyline. Brooke went from being eye candy to actually being a fairly solid in ring worker. Her diving elbow drop is almost picture perfect. Velvet isn't a train wreck in the ring anymore either. The twerking and rope grinding followed by ODB using her breasts as weapons was gold.

 

Other than Bound for Glory, this was the first wrestling I've watched in months. I tried watching the Impact right after BFG and just wasn't entertained so I turned it off.

 

The main event was top notch and Sabin and Jeffro beat the snot out of each other. They had some really well planned spots and didn't turn the match into a spot fest either. Sabin looked like someone who belongs in the main event slot and Jeff looked incredible. Sabin yanking on Jeff's ear gauge holes made me cringe though.

 

That rope hung neckbreaker onto the ladder? OUCH.

 

Also, the Aces & Eights swerve was fantastic.

[Blackman]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="LordJaguar" data-cite="LordJaguar" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25170" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>If Pac Man and Dequin? got beat up it would make news too, they didn't need to go over 2 actual wrestlers. In the words of Jake Roberts, Kaz and Daniels have to wrestle for a living, Pac Man doesn't!</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I don't believe getting beat up by non-wrestlers makes their 'credibility' go down. Can't really explain why, though. <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[LordJaguar]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Blackman" data-cite="Blackman" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25170" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I don't believe getting beat up by non-wrestlers makes their 'credibility' go down. Can't really explain why, though. <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I guess my old school mentality of wrestlers are supposed to be tougher than non wrestling people is what I am referring to. Kaz and Daniels have to wrestle, yet they are the guys Pac Man and friend slammed like jabronies. It's like when Rodman or Malone were slamming and beating up guys in WCW. Football players may be tough, but no one is supposed to be "wrestler tough."</p>

[Big Roguey]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="LordJaguar" data-cite="LordJaguar" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25170" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I guess my old school mentality of wrestlers are supposed to be tougher than non wrestling people is what I am referring to. Kaz and Daniels have to wrestle, yet they are the guys Pac Man and friend slammed like jabronies. It's like when Rodman or Malone were slamming and beating up guys in WCW. Football players may be tough, but no one is supposed to be "wrestler tough."</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I think it works better when guys like Daniels and Kaz are slammed about by football players personally. They don't look like the prototypical tough guy wrestler so why should they suddenly have the strength to go up against guys like Pacman Jones?</p>

[LordJaguar]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="MichiganHero" data-cite="MichiganHero" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25170" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I think it works better when guys like Daniels and Kaz are slammed about by football players personally. They don't look like the prototypical tough guy wrestler so why should they suddenly have the strength to go up against guys like Pacman Jones?</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I see your point, but I think if they were tackled or shoulder blocked it may have set better with me then dual body slams.</p>

[Jaysin]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="LordJaguar" data-cite="LordJaguar" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25170" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I see your point, but I think if they were tackled or shoulder blocked it may have set better with me then dual body slams.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> It is far easier to properly body slam someone then it is to tackle or shoulder block them.</p>

[bigtplaystew]

It was a dumb segment to (without result) get some headlines and highlights on ESPN. It's already gotten far more thought an interpretation than it deserves.

[D-Lyrium]

I haven't seen the latest (Pacman) show yet, so can't comment on that at the moment. But is it just me who's a little confused by this tournament idea?

 

They take months to play out the BFG Series (which is essentially a long-form number one contender's tournament). Dixie decides she doesn't like the winner (I can't even remember why, now. It's one of the few things she doesn't constantly repeat every week).

 

So then she decides that she should just have a title tournament for the title AJ has, claiming that his is now worthless and just a costume (the ruins of kayfabe screaming at her all the while).

 

And Magnus, BFG Series Finalist, vanquisher of The Icon Sting and general all-around next big thing, has to qualify for this tournament? In a match featuring the guy he just beat at Bound For Glory and three tag team wrestlers? One of which is Eric Young? Ooo-kaaayyy...

 

Not only that, but his first round opponent is babyface Samoa Joe (which if they're trying to push Magnus as a face isn't a great start). Mind you, it's not as if there really is a Main Event Mafia any more. Angle hasn't mentioned them for ages (at all, since he came back just before BFG), it's become more of a "Sting is Magnus' buddy and sometimes Joe shows up" type of stable.

 

They seem to have forgotten that the whole reason the MEM reformed was to "rid TNA of the Aces and Eights", and now that job has fallen to Ken Anderson. By himself. And he's about as effective. Despite being constantly 'arrested'.

 

And what happens when Dixie Carter arbitrarily hates the new champion?

[LordJaguar]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="D-Lyrium" data-cite="D-Lyrium" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25170" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I haven't seen the latest (Pacman) show yet, so can't comment on that at the moment. But is it just me who's a little confused by this tournament idea?<p> </p><p> They take months to play out the BFG Series (which is essentially a long-form number one contender's tournament). Dixie decides she doesn't like the winner (I can't even remember why, now. It's one of the few things she doesn't constantly repeat every week).</p><p> </p><p> So then she decides that she should just have a title tournament for the title AJ has, claiming that his is now worthless and just a costume (the ruins of kayfabe screaming at her all the while).</p><p> </p><p> And Magnus, BFG Series Finalist, vanquisher of The Icon Sting and general all-around next big thing, has to qualify for this tournament? In a match featuring the guy he just beat at Bound For Glory and three tag team wrestlers? One of which is Eric Young? Ooo-kaaayyy...</p><p> </p><p> Not only that, but his first round opponent is babyface Samoa Joe (which if they're trying to push Magnus as a face isn't a great start). Mind you, it's not as if there really is a Main Event Mafia any more. Angle hasn't mentioned them for ages (at all, since he came back just before BFG), it's become more of a "Sting is Magnus' buddy and sometimes Joe shows up" type of stable.</p><p> </p><p> They seem to have forgotten that the whole reason the MEM reformed was to "rid TNA of the Aces and Eights", and now that job has fallen to Ken Anderson. By himself. And he's about as effective. Despite being constantly 'arrested'.</p><p> </p><p> And what happens when Dixie Carter arbitrarily hates the new champion? <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> They actually do something with the MEM on this show that should make you pretty happy...</p>

[evileddie10]

<p>WWE recently offered AJ Styles a developmental deal that was described as being about "one-fifth" of what he is currently making working for TNA according to a report by</p><p>

Dave Meltzer. No official word on if he has agreed to a new deal with TNA beyond the recent three month extension, but given the storyline they are running with him being a champion</p><p>

working outside the company it's believed something would have to be in place.</p><p> </p><p>

A source we spoke with in WWE confirmed a developmental deal was offered and that while Styles was described as being a "good fit" for the WWE roster, the same source added the offer extended to him was considered fair with the expectation of a long transition period in developmental. Styles' mic work was among the main discussion points of how he could survive on the roster, but not get past a certain level given where that is now.</p><p> </p><p>

The source added, "Giving him the big money up front just doesn't make sense."</p><p> </p><p>

Source: The Wrestling Observer Newsletter</p>

[D-Lyrium]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="LordJaguar" data-cite="LordJaguar" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25170" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>They actually do something with the MEM on this show that should make you pretty happy...</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Yeah, that was pretty cool. As, in fact, was the whole show pretty much.</p><p> </p><p> The less Dixie there is, the better the show is. Exponentially.</p><p> </p><p> Roode/Angle is great, the thing with Styles is interesting (except that it directly involves Dixie ¬_¬). Anderson/Bully Ray looks like being one of the best Bully Ray matches in a long time. </p><p> </p><p> Even the Knockouts match was good (when did Velvet Sky become not shit?). Gail Kim's "eat the feet" thing is not only the worst named, but also least effective-looking move I've ever seen though. ¬_¬ And yay, Tapa did something! Will be interesting to see who answers her open challenge though. I guess someone like Kana is too much to hope for. ¬_¬ I'd love Sara Del Rey but she's signed to WWE (unless something happened when I wasn't looking?).</p><p> </p><p> "This guy is DOING THIS TO ME!" - Dixie Carter 2013.</p><p> </p><p> The Aces and Eights swerve was awesome though. Loved the Austin reference, and it says something about late 90s WWF that everyone remembers "the first rule" over a decade later. I know I did. It was like remembering my birthday. <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png"> We just haven't had a memorable promo like that (meaning the Austin one) for years. These days we just have Dixie Carter complaining that "This man is DOING THIS TO ME!" ¬_¬.</p><p> </p><p> Do TNA only have two jobbers? Or are there only two active wrestlers in the world small enough to make EC3's finisher look decent? ¬_¬ Seriously though, squash debuts are one thing, but squashing two jobbers twice each is taking the piss. Especially when he delivers that bloody catchphrase every time. Although I do LOVE how the referee just rolls the guy out of the ring and lets him fall on his face.</p><p> </p><p> Bad Influence/Park and Young was fun, nothing more or less though.</p><p> </p><p> Aries/Angle submission match was kinda predictable. Insofar as I predicted it as soon as I saw the wheel and I don't even know the stips that are on it. ¬_¬ </p><p> </p><p> Roode/Storm will be first blood, because it's Roode and Storm. Magnus and Joe though... I dunno.</p><p> </p><p> Full Metal Mayhem was awesome though. And that ladder-assisted senton was ridiculous. I always have masses of respect for guys like Hardy, not just for taking the risks, but for managing to work a match where there's so much crap lying around, and managing to get everything where it needs to be with (usually, other than folding away table legs) not much contrivance. For instance, Hardy kicking the ladder away from the corner as he crawled to the turnbuckles because he knew that in a few moves time Sabin would be splashing him in it. Little things like that.</p><p> </p><p> Hardy winning was never really in doubt since Sabin is X-Division champion, but I do love Sabin's new gimmick and attitude. Not a big fan of his babyface valet though. Mostly because she's got no real character in the sense that I have no real reason to feel sorry for her. Just dump the bastard, srsly. It's not like they've ever developed how or why she became his girlfriend and why she can't just leave him.</p><p> </p><p> Heel/Face pairings can work (Tajiri/Torrie Wilson, Elizabeth/Savage. Bit worrying I thought of those in that order... ¬_¬), but not without a decent reason for her putting up with it. I quite like the opposite too (a babyface with a heel manager that he doesn't want but is contractually obliged to keep).</p><p> </p><p> I wish they'd separate the X Division and World Title divisions more though. I can't help thinking back to me mentioning before BFG that everyone in the Ultimate X was a former world champion, and in the World Title Tournament we have 4 of the same guys (Sabin, Hardy, Joe, Aries). Hopefully now Sabin's out they'll start having him face more midcard guys, Kenny King etc.</p><p> </p><p> Anyway, great show I thought. Good things happened.</p><p> </p><p> I have a general question: If Impact is taped and not live, why do we still miss stuff during ad breaks? To they just do it to give the impression of being live?</p>

[Rone Rivendale]

<p>Sabin and Sky are dating irl, that's why.</p><p> </p><p>

It's like how Cena/Bella and Bryan/Bella became kayfabe couples because they are couples irl. </p><p> </p><p>

In the age of the internet you can't hide these things anymore.</p>

[Teh_Showtime]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="D-Lyrium" data-cite="D-Lyrium" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25170" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Gail Kim's "eat the feet" thing is not only the worst named, but also least effective-looking move I've ever seen though</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I usually agree, though I did see Chuck Taylor do it with his opponent's head (Generico in this case) in a chair. It looked pretty brutal then.</p>

[TheBooker]

D-Lyrium not to be mean but Gail Kim's finisher is Eat Defeat not Eat The Feet.

[Jaysin]

I loved that move when Kiyoshi did it.

[D-Lyrium]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="TheBooker" data-cite="TheBooker" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25170" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>D-Lyrium not to be mean but Gail Kim's finisher is Eat Defeat not Eat The Feet.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> That makes slightly more sense. Damn you Tazz and your Brooklyn accent. ¬_¬ I just assumed that since it involved her feet, and her opponents head, that's what it was called. <img alt=":o" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/redface.png.900245280682ef18c5d82399a93c5827.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png"></p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Teh_Showtime" data-cite="Teh_Showtime" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25170" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I usually agree, though I did see Chuck Taylor do it with his opponent's head (Generico in this case) in a chair. It looked pretty brutal then.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> To be fair, Chuck Taylor makes an invisible hand grenade look brutal. ¬_¬</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Rone Rivendale" data-cite="Rone Rivendale" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25170" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Sabin and Sky are dating irl, that's why.<p> </p><p> It's like how Cena/Bella and Bryan/Bella became kayfabe couples because they are couples irl. </p><p> </p><p> In the age of the internet you can't hide these things anymore.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Ah, wasn't aware of that. But my point is still valid. On-screen, they haven't explained at all (unless I missed it) why they're still together if he treats her like shit constantly. It's not like there aren't enough big strong guys who'd be willing to beat the shit out of him if she wanted them to. ¬_¬</p><p> </p><p> Not saying that they *should* necessarily have spent time on a storyline like that over the last few weeks/months, just that not having done so makes the partnership less than it could be, in my opinion. Might as well have her as a heel. Not to mention the fact that Velvet is back in the Knockouts picture now, so there's also the underlying "why doesn't she just kick his ass?" factor. There's a reason EY never turned heel on ODB, you know what I mean (and not just because EY turning heel would be the worst possible thing that could ever happen)? ¬_¬</p><p> </p><p> I appreciate Sabin using her as basically a weapon, it fits perfectly with his gimmick. But some sort of follow-up segment later in the show is all I'm asking for. But to be honest he hasn't done much with her on-screen lately so maybe they're phasing it out already.</p>

[Jaysin]

EY as a serious heel is awesome. The World Elite stable was great.

[Rickymex]

<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>EY as a serious heel is awesome. The World Elite stable was great.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> This</p>