Dave Meltzer noted on Wrestling Observer Radio last week that TNA has enough footage from the last set of television tapings to last through the November 19th episode of Impact. For the last 6 shows of the year on Spike TV the episodes will be recap shows with old footage.
Source: WrestlingINC.com
On this past Monday’s edition of RAW, the main event featured John Cena and Dean Ambrose against Kane, Seth Rollins and Randy Orton. While the actual main event was entertaining, filled with signature moves and the top of the line in-ring action that is typically expected of the WWE, there were some sentiments on social media sites about the action being repetitive and old.
On one hand, I can see where the fans are coming from. Those superstars can be utilized in other scenarios, namely competing against other wrestlers. Why not have Ambrose go against someone like Jack Swagger or The Miz to shake things up a bit? Perhaps have Seth Rollins interfere at the end of the match rather than as an opponent against Ambrose prior to the pay-per-view? Is it necessary to have essentially the same match pairings week in and week out?
On the other hand, recurring matches can help build up a feud. The intensity increases with each respective victory and defeat. When the feud cumulates at the pay-per-view, the victory will be even more meaningful. Feuds would take months and months to reach their conclusion in the past, especially in the 80’s. However, is it necessary to have a situation like the one that took place at Battleground in which Triple H ejected Ambrose from the arena for attacking Rollins prior to their match, robbing the fans of one of the most anticipated matches of the night? Does the story lose its meaning if it’s scattered with forfeit victories?
Some may wonder if this is the dawn of an era of reverting to the classic methods of storytelling with an exciting build up or whether or not the match pairings are dragging on a bit too long. Only time will tell and the pay off will come into focus, especially with the Cena/Ambrose/Authority storyline at Hell in a Cell this Sunday. And yes. For only $9.99 on the WWE Network.
-Celine
TNA World Heavyweight Championship contract signing between (C) Lashley & Bobby Roode. Kurt Angle promises to make an announcement that will change the complexion of this match.
Bram will address his attack on Devon last week.
TNA Tag Team Championship #1 Contender 8 Team Tournament will kickoff: The Hardy’s VS EC3 & Tyrus:
Wrestling legend Ox Baker has passed away at the age of 80. Ox was notorious for his dreaded Heart Punch. Ox captured numerous titles & was involved in feuds with the likes of Harley Race, Bruiser Brody & Big John Studd. Terry Funk once called Ox the toughest man he has ever shared a ring with. Ox appeared in John Carpenter’s 1981 cult classic sci-fi action film “Escape From New York” staring Kurt Russell.
Jerry Lawler tweeted about the passing of his friend:
WWE issued a statement on the passing of Ox Baker, saying they was saddened to learn that Ox Baker passed away & that they extend its condolences to Ox’s colleagues, friends & family.
F4Wonline.com is reporting that TNA officials this week were telling their business partners that they will have a new TV deal within 10 days.
Source:WrestlingINC.com
Last week, I wrote am article discussing the element of surprise when it comes to the world of sports entertainment. While spoilers can be seen as “fun” and wonderful thirst quenchers for when you “just want to know a little bit of a sneak peek”, they can also take away the surprise of what’s to come. One of the biggest surprises came last week when The Rock returned to a booming crowd. No one saw it coming and it drew a stronger bang than if people knew ahead of time. You’ll get a response sounding more like, “That was awesome!! I never imagined he’d show up!” rather than “What’s the big deal, I knew he was coming.”
Then there’s TNA, who filmed episodes weeks in advance and there’s spoilers floating around on the Internet. How did they manage to put on a current, live PPV storyline-wise with Bound for Glory in Japan? Simple. Place emphasis on matches being wrestling based showcasing skills as opposed to storyline driven. It was an excellent way on TNA’s part for dealing with a spoiler driven situation in as positive of a way as possible.
Supporting my previous argument, a world with spoilers can be fine in some elements, but it is best to leave the surprises alone and let them unravel as they may. The Rock’s return alone perfectly exemplifies this point
-Celine
Dixie Carter told some people recently to expect a major announcement soon. Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that it was believed to be a new TV deal but that may not be the case. Wrestling observer reports that there are claims that TNA is negotiating with a talent who would shock people & a new signing that would help bring buzz to TNA, but nobody knows who those talents maybe. We know it’s not CM Punk & Mick foley.
Some TNA talents who have expired contracts or have contracts expiring soon say no officials are getting back to them soon. It has been noted that TNA is not doing any serious contract negotiating until a new TV deal is done.
Source: WrestlingINC.com
On this past Monday’s RAW, Todd Chrisley of Chrisley Knows Best fame and NeNe Leakes, famous for her role on The Real Housewives of Atlanta were guests, promoting their shows respectively. With such instances as Leakes getting into a backstage confrontation with WWE Diva Cameron, it’s not uncommon for WWE superstars and divas to get involved with talent personalities.
From Donald Trump to Floyd Mayweather, the WWE serves as an excellent avenue for celebrities to promote their latest TV show, movie, album, book, etc., while (for ones that are fans) being able to fulfill a life long or childhood dream of being on WWE television and perhaps even competing in a WWE ring.
While some fans may argue that celebrities are on there just for promotion, it is hard to argue that none of them are having an enjoyable time. The bigger the WWE fan, such as NFL football players who sit in the front row or TV personality Maria Menudos who has actually gotten in on the action, the more passion and energy the celebrity can display and the more enthusiasm the fans can give back. If the fans can buy into your excitement and relate to your passion, it’s a positive experience.
Whether it’s The Miz guest hosting on TMZ, John Cena being interviewed by Jimmy Fallon, Jerry Springer holding an intervention between the Bella Twins, or Kevin Hart celebrating in the ring with Adam Rose and his Rosebuds, the wrestlers get exposure on mainstream television and the celebrity is either introduced to or finally gets to be involved in the world of sports entertainment.
-Celine
TNA World Heavyweight Championship 4-Way #1 Contender Match: Bobby Roode VS Eric Young VS Jeff Hardy VS Austin Aries:
TNA Knockouts Championship: (C) HAVOK VS Madison Rayne:
Find out who is EC3’s new employee.
The Menagerie (Knux, Crazzy Steve & Rebel) VS Jessie Godderz, DJ Z & Angelina Love:
What happened at Bound For Glory?
Team 3D cut 2 promos at TNA’s Bound For Glory pay-per-view Sunday in Tokyo, Japan in which they called out New Japan Pro Wrestling’s The Bullet Club. TNA edited the promos out of the BFG broadcast.
TNA announcer Mike Tenay’s TNA contract reportedly expires before early January 2015. It has been noted that a lot of TNA contracts are up in the air until a new TV deal is signed.
Source: PWInsider via WrestlingINC.com
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