Eisen-verse Posted June 11, 2014 Share Posted June 11, 2014 <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="dpoolez" data-cite="dpoolez" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25170" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Maybe they should've taken up Paul Heyman's offer several years back and just given him full control of the promotion.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I wonder what would have actually happened to TNA if Heyman had been given such control in TNA. Instead, Bischoff and Hogan came in and now, leading out of that era, it looks like the company is struggling to stay alive. Hindsight is always 20-20 but there's a lot that went on since Hogan/Bischoff that have really pulled this ship downward.</p><p> </p><p> Would Heyman have done anything better? Was TNA destined to flounder and eventually die off (regardless of who came along -- the WWE is just too powerful to challenge)? As a wrestling fan, I wish it would have gone the Heyman way.</p> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dpoolez Posted June 11, 2014 Share Posted June 11, 2014 <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Eisen-verse" data-cite="Eisen-verse" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25170" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I wonder what would have actually happened to TNA if Heyman had been given such control in TNA. Instead, Bischoff and Hogan came in and now, leading out of that era, it looks like the company is struggling to stay alive. Hindsight is always 20-20 but there's a lot that went on since Hogan/Bischoff that have really pulled this ship downward.<p> </p><p> Would Heyman have done anything better? Was TNA destined to flounder and eventually die off (regardless of who came along -- the WWE is just too powerful to challenge)? As a wrestling fan, I wish it would have gone the Heyman way.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> In Heyman's defense when he made the offer he had already done all of the good Smackdown 02-03 booking so its not like a big company hasnt taken a gamble on Heyman's booking before and come out better because of it, although it may have been too much for Heyman to ask for any financial control given ECW.</p><p> </p><p> I think a Heyman booked TNA would at least be in a better position than they've been since 2009. I read an interview not too long ago about a former ECW interviewer who said that they were close to taking things to the next level but they just never had that financial backing to take things into another level. With The Carters' financial backing and Heyman's booking, not to mention the great roster that they had in that time period, and I think TNA would've been the best alternative to WWE since 1997.</p><p> </p><p> Again, asking for financial control was a little bit too much from Heyman IMO but I find it weird that Dixie wouldn't let one of the GOAT bookers take over TNA but she let an out of his prime Hulk Hogan do so.</p> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rickymex Posted June 11, 2014 Share Posted June 11, 2014 <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="dpoolez" data-cite="dpoolez" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25170" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>In Heyman's defense when he made the offer he had already done all of the good Smackdown 02-03 booking so its not like a big company hasnt taken a gamble on Heyman's booking before and come out better because of it, although it may have been too much for Heyman to ask for any financial control given ECW.<p> </p><p> I think a Heyman booked TNA would at least be in a better position than they've been since 2009. I read an interview not too long ago about a former ECW interviewer who said that they were close to taking things to the next level but they just never had that financial backing to take things into another level. With The Carters' financial backing and Heyman's booking, not to mention the great roster that they had in that time period, and I think TNA would've been the best alternative to WWE since 1997.</p><p> </p><p> Again, asking for financial control was a little bit too much from Heyman IMO but I find it weird that Dixie wouldn't let one of the GOAT bookers take over TNA but she let an out of his prime Hulk Hogan do so.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> From what I remember from the interview Heyman did with Stone Cold it was the PPV companies that found it cheaper to let ECW go bankrupt instead of paying him the money they owed along with a certain pro wrestling supporter leaving from a key position screwing their TV deals IIRC.</p><p> </p><p> I don't think Heyman is as bad with money as us the IWC believe.</p> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Macca316 Posted June 11, 2014 Share Posted June 11, 2014 <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Bigpapa42" data-cite="Bigpapa42" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25170" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I stopped watching TNA quite some time ago. I let my PVR record it every week as I get a perverse sense of joy from deleting it unwatched. But of the few different sites I visit that have discussion about pro wreslting, there is ridiculously little positive being said about it right now. Even when I watched it and it was at its worst, there were TNA defenders. They don't seem to bother anymore. That is not a good sign.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I watch TNA every week, anyone who reads this thread will have heard me say why before but to bring anyone in the dark up to speed, I live in the UK without Sky sports or a WWE Network subscription so TNA is all I get wrestling wise. </p><p> </p><p> I'll defend TNA fairly and justly on their merits and demerits, If they do something right I'll praise them and I do, If they do something i don't like or don't enjoy I'll call them on it. </p><p> </p><p> Really at the moment I'm split they do alot of things I really do enjoy, equally though they do alot of things that I do not enjoy, The menagerie... The booking of Magnus as champion, their hotshot revolving door main event policy, the fact they only have 3 or 4 tag teams.</p><p> </p><p> They have fallen from their peek back in 07-09 which were some of the best years in the company, I also loved the early years back at the Asylum too. </p><p> </p><p> Personally I do hope they can turn things round, I really do... On the whole I enjoy the product and the characters and want to see them succeed and prosper.</p> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackman Posted June 11, 2014 Share Posted June 11, 2014 <p>I think I speak for all of us when I say we all wanted them to live long and prosper. But those days are long gone my friend. They've had lots of chances, and chose to emulate WWE (poorly), diminishing the extra cards in hand that lured people there. Things WWE didn't have. Now the E has everything they have, and more. It became a third rank WWE. Why third rank? Because conceptually there exists a large amount of would-be states that would be better then what they are now.</p><p> </p><p> I agree that they diversify their storylines more (based on what i've heard) and try new things, instead of recycling old formula's that work (the 'best for business' policy <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />).</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Bigpapa42" data-cite="Bigpapa42" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25170" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I let my PVR record it every week as I get a perverse sense of joy from deleting it unwatched.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Kudos. That's the funniest thing I've read today. And those TNA reviews were quite funny. <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheepy Posted June 11, 2014 Share Posted June 11, 2014 <p>Amazing to think how well they were booking shows in the 6 months pre Bischoff and Hogan as well.</p><p> </p><p> Wolfe and Angle was a MOTY candidate and a great feud to highlight that time.</p><p> </p><p> It finally felt like they had found an identity and way of balancing in ring action against promos etc.</p><p> </p><p> Sad thing is that their booking isn't that bad on the whole ATM. All their problems stem from failing to build stars over the last 3 years and now they're scrambling to find stars over enough to sell tickets.</p> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tigerkinney Posted June 11, 2014 Share Posted June 11, 2014 Amazing to think how well they were booking shows in the 6 months pre Bischoff and Hogan as well. Wolfe and Angle was a MOTY candidate and a great feud to highlight that time. It finally felt like they had found an identity and way of balancing in ring action against promos etc. Sad thing is that their booking isn't that bad on the whole ATM. All their problems stem from failing to build stars over the last 3 years and now they're scrambling to find stars over enough to sell tickets. People actually forget how promising that era in the second half of 2009, right before Hogan/Bischoff came in was- it wasn't perfect but things were heading in the right direction. The WWE/WCW old timers like Booker T, Sting, Kevin Nash etc were finally being faded out of the main event....AJ Styles won the TNA World Heavyweight Championship and looked to set have a decent run with the belt- whilst Christopher Daniels, Samoa Joe, Kurt Angle and Desmond Wolfe (Nigel McGuiness) were in the main event mix, the tag divisions and Knockouts divisions were decent and whilst the X-Division wasn't back to like it was in it's heyday (2004-2007) at least there was an actual division and not practically non existent like it is today. I had actually checked out of TNA during 2008, due to how tedious MEM vs Frontline was, but gradually pulled me back in the year after, and it finally seemed like they realised that what they needed to be was a 'strong alternative' and not be obsessed with 'competing' with the WWE..... And then Hogan happened, and we all know the history by now..... These days they are neither a strong alternative nor the competition for the WWE they desire to be. All their product has become, is a cheap low budget rip-off...in other words they have become the wrestling equivalent of The Asylum film studio. Right now as an entity, TNA is like the equivalent of a comatosed car crash victim, being kept alive on life support- the Carter's (the proverbial life support) probably think they are doing good by keeping it alive, but truth is they should just put the company out of it's misery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackman Posted June 12, 2014 Share Posted June 12, 2014 <p>Just watched the show anyway and - though I fell asleep during a part of it - I actually managed to watch the circus / jerseyshore segment, and had to seriously lol. How corny can a segment be. Happens that I like corny. But it was so bad it actually turned out to be the best part of the show. But that's not saying much.</p><p> </p><p> Best days for me was the start of their PPV programming. The first one had it all. A cruiserweight rumble, midgets, a decent women's match, two all-star indies squaring off, and two national stars in the main event. There was something for everyone, and something special. A reason to watch. Like many say, it's just a watered down version of WWE, which makes it strictly worse. That is unless you like clowns. <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaysin Posted June 15, 2014 Share Posted June 15, 2014 Is it sad that I'm more intrigued by Eric Young vs Bobby Lashley/Samoa Joe vs Austin Aries/Kenny King than I was for the original main event of Eric Young vs MVP? I love MVP, but I hate that storyline so much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Macca316 Posted June 18, 2014 Share Posted June 18, 2014 <p>So Matt Hardy is back? does anyone know if its full time or just for the NYC tapings? </p><p> </p><p> Hopefully this will mean an end to the gawd awful Willow gimmick. </p><p> </p><p> I went through a period a few years back of hating Matt but slowly been getting back to liking him, if it is a perminant return I hope he can keep his s**t together unlike last time.</p> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BHK1978 Posted June 18, 2014 Share Posted June 18, 2014 <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Macca316" data-cite="Macca316" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25170" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>So Matt Hardy is back? does anyone know if its full time or just for the NYC tapings? <p> </p><p> Hopefully this will mean an end to the gawd awful Willow gimmick. </p><p> </p><p> I went through a period a few years back of hating Matt but slowly been getting back to liking him, if it is a perminant return I hope he can keep his s**t together unlike last time.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I was wondering the same thing myself. Because as far as I know he is still supposed to be at ROH's PPV as well and as far as I know I do not think TNA and ROH have any sort of working agreement (I read that TNA tried to poach some talent from ROH recently so I have to think they are not on the best of terms.).</p><p> </p><p> I was never a fan of either Hardy but I will say that I like Matt much better as a heel. He is pretty good in ROH right now, sadly in TNA he will have to be a face if he is teaming with Jeff. But then again it is TNA so who knows.</p> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dpoolez Posted June 18, 2014 Share Posted June 18, 2014 <p>From what i read Matts deal with TNA is temporary and wont stop him from being in ROH. Im a Matt fan, I think that hes a lot more consistent than Jeff if not better completely and I even think that he couldve had a decent short run with the WHC especially around 2005-2006.</p><p> </p><p> TNA may as well get him permanebtly, hes way more over and would be a bigger draw than the guys they have on top right now. Not sayong that they should throw the belt on him, but having both he and Jeff as faces is instant money.</p> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigtplaystew Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 <p>I always saw Matt as the better overall worker of the two. He simply has a better grasp of the psychology and subtle nuances of what it takes to tell a decent story in the ring. Jeff's more of a "I'm get beat up, hit my spots, then we'll go for the finish" guy. But Jeff's spots are, or at least were, pretty damn great.</p><p> </p><p> Jeff's also got waaaaaay more charisma and likeability for whatever reason.</p> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rickymex Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="bigtplaystew" data-cite="bigtplaystew" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25170" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I always saw Matt as the better overall worker of the two. He simply has a better grasp of the psychology and subtle nuances of what it takes to tell a decent story in the ring. Jeff's more of a "I'm get beat up, hit my spots, then we'll go for the finish" guy. But Jeff's spots are, or at least were, pretty damn great.<p> </p><p> Jeff's also got waaaaaay more charisma and likeability for whatever reason.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Basically the Biggins Brothers <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rd_dbacks01 Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 Apparently TNA is doing a vote on whether or not the 6 side ring returns. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Macca316 Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="BHK1978" data-cite="BHK1978" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25170" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I was never a fan of either Hardy but I will say that I like Matt much better as a heel. He is pretty good in ROH right now, sadly in TNA he will have to be a face if he is teaming with Jeff. But then again it is TNA so who knows.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I was a fan of both, Then for various reasons i soured on both of them, came back round to accepting them and again am starting to sour on Jeff again, nothing against him personally but its just the Willow gimmick is just narking me off. </p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="dpoolez" data-cite="dpoolez" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25170" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>From what i read Matts deal with TNA is temporary and wont stop him from being in ROH. Im a Matt fan, I think that hes a lot more consistent than Jeff if not better completely and I even think that he couldve had a decent short run with the WHC especially around 2005-2006.<p> </p><p> TNA may as well get him permanebtly, hes way more over and would be a bigger draw than the guys they have on top right now. Not sayong that they should throw the belt on him, but having both he and Jeff as faces is instant money.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I agree with this, If they can poach him they should, I also agree on not just throwing the belt at him, Ideally he could come in as a heel (I think naturally he seems to work more comfortably as a heel) and maybe put over Eric Young make him look like a legit champion and really simply bring some name value to TNA until they can establish their own home grown stars, which they really seem to struggle with. </p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="bigtplaystew" data-cite="bigtplaystew" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25170" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I always saw Matt as the better overall worker of the two. He simply has a better grasp of the psychology and subtle nuances of what it takes to tell a decent story in the ring. Jeff's more of a "I'm get beat up, hit my spots, then we'll go for the finish" guy. But Jeff's spots are, or at least were, pretty damn great.<p> </p><p> Jeff's also got waaaaaay more charisma and likeability for whatever reason.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Absolutly, out of the two Matt got the better wrestling ability and psycology, Jeff got bucket loads of charisma and marketability.</p> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rhar4577 Posted June 20, 2014 Share Posted June 20, 2014 <p>Bobby Lashley... Good grief... I actually prefer Eric Young as the champion. Or hell even Scott Steiner - just have him add and watch the ratings roll in. </p><p> </p><p> I really would love it if they made it a rule to only put the Heavyweight belt on a wrestler who has been in the company for more than a year... but I guess its the case of no-one being in a strong enough position to deserve the belt.</p> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alphadraighon Posted June 20, 2014 Share Posted June 20, 2014 <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="rhar4577" data-cite="rhar4577" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="25170" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Bobby Lashley... Good grief... I actually prefer Eric Young as the champion. Or hell even Scott Steiner - just have him add and watch the ratings roll in. <p> </p><p> I really would love it if they made it a rule to only put the Heavyweight belt on a wrestler who has been in the company for more than a year... but I guess its the case of no-one being in a strong enough position to deserve the belt.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> To be fair, Lashley actually won the right to challenge for the World Title during his first run with the company back in 09. though he never actually got to have his title match. One could argue that he was still entitled to cash in on that opportunity.</p><p> </p><p> I kind of like Lashley as champion. He looks "legit" and has a serious background (amateur wrestling titles in college and military, WWE titles, MMA titles.) Given free reign, he's pretty good at some stuff. Have you seen the videos he did with Boogyman a couple years back? Stuff was hilarious.</p><p> </p><p> I get that some people feel he lacks charisma. Maybe he does, but I feel part of it is that he's always been limited by either playing "generic muscled good guy" or "generic muscled monster heel." But even if you feel he lacks charisma, that's the good thing about this run with the belt: he's part of MVP's posse, which means that MVP (who is clearly better on the mic) can do all the talking for him. All he has to do is stand around and look imposing with the gold. I think Bobby Heenan once said something about how it was the manager's job to get his workers over with the crowd. So let MVP be that guy for Lashley. Let him talk it up, whip the crowd into a frenzy (if he can) and then unleash "The Beast" on his opponents. It's really a good old school story, if they play it out right, and don't literally try to copy Heyman/Lesnar.</p><p> </p><p> Funny side note, I've seen a lot of people in other forums talking about how putting the belt on Lashley is TNA trying to beat WWE to the punch, as a lot of rumors have said that Lesnar is supposed to get a run with the WWE title soon. The theory, as I've heard it stated, is that TNA put the strap on Lashley so that it would look like WWE was copying the by having a massivly muscled MMA guy win the title.</p><p> </p><p> (Secondary funny side note, any one else ever notice that, from certain angles, it looks like there's a WWE logo at the top of the TNA belt?)</p> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dpoolez Posted June 21, 2014 Share Posted June 21, 2014 Apparently TNA is doing a vote on whether or not the 6 side ring returns. Speaking of this, I read that Austin Aries and X-Pac recently spoke openly about the 6 sided ring, basically saying that 6 sided rings are more dangerous than the 4 sided ring. If that's true, then they should just stay with 4 sides. It's not like having 6 sided rings will shield the product from not being good. As far as Lashley goes, I've always been a fan of him. He had a match with Chris Benoit that showed to me that he can do a little bit of mat wrestling, although that should be evident just going by his background. Even without that I always thought that he was a good big man. Not Taker or anything but good at what he's good at. I do feel like Lashley should be built up a little bit more before potentially taking the belt off of Young, especially after not going over him at Slammiversary. That gives Young some more time to rack up some more defenses so he at least looks legit going into his loss to Lashley. If they didn't just do Joe/Lashley I'd say that I wouldn't mind Lashley's potential title run ending there. Joe is really over with the TNA fans and TNA needs to capitalize on that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rhar4577 Posted June 21, 2014 Share Posted June 21, 2014 <p>Let me clarify my beef isn't with Lashley. Ive got a problem with guys like Joe, Roode and Storm getting lost in the shuffle while the title goes to a guy who's been back in the company for 3 months and who has yet to spend a full year in the company. </p><p> </p><p> On the 6-sided ring while it does create some differentiation, if there is going to be a locker room backlash against it I don't see it as a good trade off. Surely a 6-sided ring would add to the costs too?</p> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Killagy Posted June 21, 2014 Share Posted June 21, 2014 Styles has stated in an interview on Jericho's podcast that the six-sided ring was absolutely unforgivable compared to the traditional four sides, with ropes being shorter and more tight and the mat feeling like concrete. There was initially backstage negativity towards the switch to four sides but once everyone on the TNA roster had a match inside the ring the universal preference was the traditional ring. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AV91s91csdA" rel="external nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AV91s91csdA</a> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaysin Posted June 24, 2014 Share Posted June 24, 2014 Six sided ring is officially returning for the NYC tapings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teh_Showtime Posted June 25, 2014 Share Posted June 25, 2014 <p>Was just announced Bound For Glory will be held in Korakuen Hall...probably a crossover show with W-1</p><p> </p><p> I personally dont think its a good idea seeing as how it's supposed to be their biggest show and even W1 doesn't have names who would drive PPV buys (outside of no knees Muta) like say NJPW</p> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rayelek Posted June 26, 2014 Share Posted June 26, 2014 My biggest gripe with TNA right now is they keep doing the "OMG the champ retained, what a shocker!" at the Pay-Per-View and then having him drop the belt right after. Seems like it's more booking for shock than booking for good booking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaysin Posted June 26, 2014 Share Posted June 26, 2014 This is a fan video from the first tapings in NYC. It's from a spot in the Lashley/Jeff match. Nothing indicating any spoilers that I can see, but it's just such a painful looking spot! http://instagram.com/p/psBh7sEuZh/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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