– TNA has reportedly reached out to multiple former X-Division Champions about working the upcoming Destination-X-themed edition of Impact Wrestling, which will be taped later this month.
– Frankie Kazarian’s profile has been moved to the alumni section of the official TNA website following his departure from the company.
TNA star Mr. Anderson recently spoke to the local CBS affiliate in Washington, D.C. and the topic of people saying pro wrestling is fake came up. “When people found out it wasn’t a legitimate sport, it sort of gained that infamy or notoriety,” said Anderson.
“It’s interesting when people say that it’s fake, yet they’ll go to the movies and watch the X-Men and watch people fly through the air,” Anderson continued. “People get shot with bullets and the bullets bounce off of them. People turn into liquid metal and stuff like that. And they look at that stuff and say that’s cool and that’s entertaining.”
Anderson concluded, “But when they watch what we do — we’re not trying to pull the wool over anybody’s eyes.”
Check out the complete article at CBSLocal.com.
TNA “invaded” Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen, Maryland on Sunday:
Bully Ray commented via Twitter about TNA president Dixie Carter pulling him from Tommy Dreamer’s “House of Hardcore” event on Saturday night. The former TNA Champion tweeted the following:
LONG STORY! Bottom line- @TNADixie completely screwed and hurt ALL @HouseofHardcore fans. I SWEAR TO MAKE IT UP TO ALL OF YOU.
— Bully Ray (@REALBully5150) June 7, 2014
ALL @HouseofHardcore fans. Hold onto ticket stubs. Will personally meet all at PA or NYC TNA TV shows. Let @TNADixie know how ya feel.
— Bully Ray (@REALBully5150) June 7, 2014
The Thursday, June 5th edition of TNA Impact Wrestling on Spike TV scored a final cable rating of 0.84, according to Nielsen Media Research. That marks a pretty big drop from the already disappointing 0.89 from the previous week.
Thursday’s Impact Wrestling averaged 993,000 viewers, dropping below the one-million mark for the first time in a while. The show drew 1.079 million viewers last week.
The following are highlights of a new interview with TNA star Gunner:
On teaming and feuding with former partner James Storm: “I’ve always been a tag team fan so to get a chance to team with Storm was great because he had been in two very important and very successful tag teams, as far as Beer Money and America’s Most Wanted. I was at home for 8 or 9 months kinda, sitting in limbo, wondering what was going on, but when they brought me back to team with James, who’s one of the stars of the company, that was obviously a good position for me to be in. We had a fun run and then we got the opportunity to work with each other and carry on a fairly successful storyline that lasted for 5 or 6 months that the fans got invested in it. He’s a guy who goes out and works hard and I tend to think that I work hard. When you put two guys in the ring like that they wanna give, the best product.”
On performing on the Basebrawl shows in baseball stadiums: “It’s a different vibe because you don’t have the acoustics that you do inside of a building as far as the crowd. It’s just really cool, it’s an outside environment, reminds me of the old WrestleMania when I was a kid out at the old Caesar’s Palace and all that stuff, always enjoy those outside venues.”
On TNA World Champion Eric Young: “Eric is one of the most entertaining and most well deserved guys that I think they’ve finally put the title on. He’s been there for a long time. It’s a different time in wrestling, you look at wrestling back in the 90’s it was all 250-300lb guys. I think it’s really good for the business that it’s changed to where certain weight classes are getting that opportunity, like when Austin Aries had the title, I think it’s good because it gives those guys an opportunity, like Aries, he’s an amazing talent in the ring, for those guys to get a chance to run with the title, I think it’s good for the business.”
Check out the complete interview at ChadDukesWrestlingShow.com.
The following is an excerpt from the latest Vince Russo blog, “Real Challenge Plaguing TNA.”
“From a philosophical view, I think both TNA and the WWE my be a bit “off” when it comes to the way they present their product in 2014 – that’s MY opinion. To me, it’s not “really” about the characters, or the storylines, or the in-ring wrestling – all of those things can be changed by next week – no big deal. To me, it’s about vision and direction. The “Attitude Era” was a vision, and a direction. Can today’s vision, or direction, really be described by either wrestling company as I write this? WHAT is their product and where do they see it going. However, even that is subjective. Even though I believe the product should go a certain way, who knows where the leaders of those companies feel the product should head? Because of who they are, and what they’ve experienced – they have different views and ideas. Nobody’s “right”, or “wrong”, it’s just their VIEW.
That’s why I like talking about FACTS. The FACTS are all that really matter. You hated me at WWE, WCW, and TNA – great, that’s your opinion – but – what do the FACTS say about my legacy? If we looked at all three companies and their numbers prior to me coming in – then leaving – what will they tell you? That’s really all that matters to me.
In my opinion, having worked there, what’s hindering TNA more than anything right now, are major factors that lay “outside” the ring. Again, the creative is all subjected, and can be adjusted — if need be – but the financials — the costs to operate — are FACTUAL, much like TV numbers.
For starters, and I don’t need to tell anybody this, including the brass at TNA — trust me, they know — the environment inside the “Impact Zone” is not ideal for what TNA is attempting to put across your TV screen every week. Universal Studios is a “tourist” attraction, so primarily, TNA is drawing “tourists” to watch IMPACT, not die-hard “wrestling fans”. The truth is, many of those people attending might just be wanting to get out from under the scorching Florida sun. As you know, attendance to IMPACT is free, so there is no cost if you’re just looking to stay in the shade for a few hours. But, this isn’t anything that anybody doesn’t know. We all see it every Thursday night. But, no one knows first hand how much an audience can affect your show than me.”
Check out the complete blog at PyroAndBallyhoo.com.
TNA’s current television contract with Spike TV expires in October and as of this week – there is still no deal in place to keep Impact Wrestling on the air.
While people in TNA remain optimistic that a new agreement will be reached, the official word from Spike TV representatives is that they’ve still not yet come to terms with the Nashville-based wrestling promotion.
It’s also worth noting that at least two other wrestling promotions have had talks with Spike TV about replacing Impact Wrestling this fall. However, we can confirm that Jeff Jarrett’s Global Force Wrestling was not one of these groups, since Jarrett agreed not to work with Spike TV when he left TNA.
(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
Following Thursday’s episode of Impact Wrestling, here’s the updated card for next weekend’s TNA Slammiversary XII pay-per-view from Dallas, Texas:
Next weekend’s TNA Slammiversary main event remains in jeopardy due to MVP suffering a knee injury at an overseas live event for Preston City Wrestling on 5/30.
MVP, who is still scheduled to challenge Eric Young for the TNA World Championship, appeared at a show on May 31st and cut a promo apologizing to fans that he couldn’t compete. MVP said x-rays on his knee were inconclusive and he will need to undergo an MRI.
Former WWE star Chris Masters, was on the same tour as MVP, posted a photo of MVP in a wheelchair on June 2nd:
Jeremy Borash has been doing promotional work for TNA over in London and appeared on the V2 Wrestling podcast this week.
Borash talked about all aspects of his career, from starting out as a DJ to his time in WCW and then TNA via the short-lived and disastrous WWA promotion, and gives the inside scoop on his spat with Eric Bischoff a couple of years ago.
He also discussed his own wrestling philosophy, and revealed the one big change he would make to TNA if given the opportunity:
“Move it to London. The fan base is a huge missed opportunity. The production in the U.K. is miles ahead of anything that is in the U.S., and I have no idea why, but I am a huge fan of the production values over here. I would use that production, and take advantage of how passionate the crowd is.”
Here’s audio of the interview:
The following is TNA’s official preview for tonight’s episode of Impact Wrestling:
Preview tonight’s can’t-miss episode of IMPACT WRESTLING on SpikeTV at 9/8c as the road to the June “Slammiversary” epic event continues! If you can’t watch it on Thursday, make sure to set your DVR!
– Samoa Joe’s shocking return this past week evened the odds – but will the Samoan Submission Machine suffer a backlash for going to war with the Director of Wrestling Operations, MVP? Samoa Joe will be on tonight’s broadcast and will speak out for the first time since his comeback!
– Bully Ray is on the warpath, and is hellbent on revenge: Six Tables for Six Victims! This past week, Spud was the first to go through a table! Who will be Bully Ray’s second victim this Thursday night – MVP, Bobby Lashley, Kenny King, EC3 or…DIXIE? Tune in and find out!
– This past week, Magnus challenged Bram to step up against one of TNA’s elite and face Willow! Bram has agreed – and the match is now official for Thursday’s huge IMPACT broadcast! Can the newcomer back up his intense attitude against Jeff Hardy’s alter-ego and prove himself to Magnus? Don’t miss Willow vs. Bram on Thursday!
– Also on Thursday, the Knockouts Championship will be at stake as Madison Rayne is using her rematch clause for a shot at the gold against Angelina Love! Will Madison beat her rival and take the gold away from The Beautiful People?
All this and much more on Thursday’s broadcast, including appearances by “Cowboy” James Storm, Mr. Anderson, The Menagerie and many more!
– TNA president Dixie Carter tweeted the following regarding the company’s ten year anniversary since they landed their first television deal with FOX Sports Net:
Today marks 10 YEARS since Impact premiered 6/4/04 on Fox Sports Net. We’ve come so far & I’m excited where we are going!!!’
— Dixie Carter (@TNADixie) June 4, 2014
Thanks to every person who ever supported TNA Impact Wrestling in any way. We’re grateful to the greatest fans. Stay tuned, big things ahead
— Dixie Carter (@TNADixie) June 4, 2014
– The following is a preview video for this week’s edition of Impact Wrestling, which airs this Thursday on Spike TV:
http://youtu.be/bYHwb2wY_N8
TNA issued the following:
Breaking News: Destination X To Take Place In New York City
In New York City, everything is larger than life and this embodies TNA’s X-Division, where there are no weight classes and no limits. Today, TNA is happy to announce that Destination X will take place during the June 26 event inside the Grand Ballroom at the Manhattan Center in New York City and will broadcast as a special episode of IMPACT on Spike TV during the summer.
One of the most celebrated divisions in all of pro-wrestling, the X-Division has come to exemplify the meaning of TNA – Total Nonstop Action. The death-defying athleticism of X competitors is something fans have been captivated by since its debut. Every year, Destination X has been the flagship show of the division and, for 2014, we’ve made it even more extreme!
With many surprises in-store for the event, one major question is will Sanada make it to Destination X as the X-Division Champion? If so, will he use Option C to cash in the X-Division Championship for a shot at the TNA World Heavyweight Championship?
Since Option C was created by Austin Aries in 2012, both competitors who held the X-Division Championship have successfully cashed in to capture the TNA World Heavyweight Championship at Destination X.
Will it happen again? Don’t miss Destination X LIVE from New York City on June 26. Get your tickets now!
Additionally, TNA is giving fans a voice in the show! Beginning immediately, use the hashtag #MyDestinationX on Twitter to tell us which X-Division Superstar you most want to see at this year’s event. Your vote can be any past, present or even FUTURE X-Division star! Get involved in the conversation now!
– TNA Knockout ODB is scheduled to appear on former N’SYNC member Joey Fatone’s “My Family Recipe Rocks” television show on the Live Well Network. The episode featuring ODB is set to be taped next week.
– Two TNA talents recently noted on Twitter that they are ready to make their returns. TNA Knockout Taryn Terrell, who just recently had a baby, noted that she’s ready to return to in-ring action on a full-time basis for the Knockouts division.
Additionally, TNA X-Division standout Manik noted that he will be back on TNA television soon, likely at one of the Impact Wrestling tapings later this month.
The following are highlights of a new U.K. Mirror interview with MVP:
Possibly not getting to face Kurt Angle: “Before I signed I said there were three people I absolutely had to work with: Samoa Joe, Bobby Roode and Kurt Angle. Kurt’s out with knee surgery – I don’t know how long he’s going to be out, and I’m not really sure at this stage of his life and his career, how much longer he’ll be with us – I don’t want to speculate. I do know if you lace up a pair of boots, Kurt Angle is someone you want to get in the ring with. If that doesn’t happen, I will truly feel like this has been a missed opportunity for me – selfishly.”
Vince McMahon giving him a chance: “When society wouldn’t give me an opportunity to earn a minimum wage because I was a convicted felon, Vince McMahon gave me an opportunity to earn more money than both of my parents had made in their lives combined and become an international star. [Then]I asked to leave, and he allowed me to go – and said the door’s open when you want to come back. I’m totally indebted to Vince McMahon for both of those opportunities.”
His future: “I still wanna wrestle in Mexico, before all’s said and done. When I’m ready to retire, my goal is to retire in Japan. We’ll see – I don’t know what’s coming down the road. I know for the foreseeable future, if a TNA Title run is on the cards for me, that’d be a huge honor.”
Check out the complete interview at Mirror.co.uk.
Check out the crowd at last night’s TNA live event from Corbin, Kentucky:
@aliceradley @thejimcornette my friend sent me this picture from TNA's show tonight 5 min before bell time. pic.twitter.com/e3QIGyfqUb
— Scott Hensley (@ScottCHensley) June 1, 2014
The TNA Slammiversary pay-per-view main event could be in jeopardy, as MVP has apparently suffered a knee injury on Friday night while working for Preston City Wrestling. MVP later explained that he heard his knee “pop” during the match.
MVP was scheduled to work another match on Saturday, but came out at the beginning of the show and cut a promo explaining that he was injured. He said he went to the hospital and got an X-Ray that came back inconclusive. He said he needs to undergo an MRI.
Whether or not the injury is serious enough to affect his pay-per-view match with Eric Young in two weeks is a serious question.
The following are highlights of a new TNA News interview with Frankie Kazarian:
Do you still have a good relationship with Jeff Jarrett? If you were asked to join his newest company, Global Force Wrestling, would you be part of it?
“I have a good relationship with Jeff, I mean the guy gave me a huge break. He was my boss for a long time. He became a pal. He’s got a great vision. He has wrestling in his blood. I’ll wait to see how everything pans out before, I mean, let’s wait till GFW is actually an existing entity. Right now everything is speculation, so until there is an actual wrestling company to go we’ll see. I mean, I can’t really answer a question that the possible answer is that you have to guess. Anything Jeff puts his name on I would jump at the chance to be part of because he is a brilliant business man when it comes to professional wrestling.”
Your run in the company lasted till 2005 where actually signed with WWE. Did you think you fit the “WWE mold”? Does it bother you that you have never had a long run with them?
“I don’t think there is such a thing as a mold – You either get over or you don’t. At the time I just wasn’t mentally prepared for WWE the machine and the big business that it is cause that is exactly what it is. I don’t know what I was expecting but I just wasn’t mentally prepared. I wasn’t mentally mature enough cause it is such a huge business. It is not just a wrestling promotion, it is a business and it is run very smoothly and it is run by people are the best in the industry and have been doing it forever. There is a reason why they are the best. So, at the time I was a little bit young, a little bit naïve about things and that’s all 100% my fault. You know, just being a little unprepared for the business side of things and a little bit overwhelmed also.”
Now for a question that many people are wondering – Are you finished with TNA Wrestling? If not, is the contract coming up soon?
“I’m technically still under contract but that’s for a very, very short amount of time. Once that contract runs out I will no longer be with TNA.”
How do you feel about TNA’s way of sending you off?
“It wasn’t much of a sending off. I was in the position where they wanted to introduce new characters and get over other characters, so if the guy isn’t going to be there, that’s, I guess, is the best use of them – is to put them at the expense of other characters. Hey, that’s their decision and I’m good with that if they are good with that. If they think that is a good way to put a new character over, then hey, I’m a company guy and I’ll do it. It’s somebody’s vision – They decided to go with this crop of guys going forward and decided to not go with guys Chris Sabin, AJ Styles, Daniels, and myself. You don’t want to fight that. There’s no need to fight it. Just go with it.”
Check out the complete interview at TNANews.com.
– TNA stars Robbie E. and Brooke Tessmacher are among those on the cast of the CBS reality show “The Amazing Race.” The event officially kicked off in New York City on Saturday. For more information, visit CBSPressExpress.com.
– Speaking of reality shows, former “Survivor” cast member Jonny Fairplay, as well as WWE Hall Of Famer Jake “The Snake” Roberts are advertised for the May 31st and June 1st West Coast Wrestling Connection events near Portland, Oregon. For more information on that, visit WestCoastWrestlingConnection.com.
– TNA began running promotional ads on the New York City radio station WFAN this week. WFAN is among the most expensive sports radio stations in the country to advertise on. TNA is running ads for their upcoming television tapings in August, with the following talent listed in the advertisement: Eric Young, MVP, Bobby Lashley, Kenny King, Velvet Sky and “New York’s own Bully Ray.”
– Samoa Joe made his return to TNA on last night’s edition of Impact Wrestling. Prior to Joe returning at the TNA tapings in early May, he had been away since the company’s TV tapings in March.
Angelina Love vs. Madison Rayne for the TNA Knockouts Championship has been announced for next week’s edition of Impact Wrestling on Spike TV. Also announced is a match featuring Willow vs. Bram.
Above is a video preview for next week’s Impact Wrestling.
Kurt Angle appears to be the victim of another bad promoter. According to a recent report, the Olympic gold medalist was paid with a bad check for his appearance at a Sparkes Productions event in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Angle then reportedly received another check that ended up bouncing until finally getting paid with a legitimate money order.
It appears that the Sparkes Productions company is now out of business. The Canadian Wrestling Elite promotion in Winnipeg that had worked with Sparkes in the past said that the promoters’ cell phone was disconnected, his website was down and they were told that he was in both financial and potential legal trouble.
(Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)
The Thursday, May 29th edition of TNA Impact Wrestling on Spike TV scored a final cable rating of 0.89, up from the 0.87 final draw that the show has drawn the previous two weeks.
Thursday’s Impact Wrestling show averaged 1.079 million viewers, up slightly from the 1.07 million viewers who tuned in the previous week.
The following are highlights of a new v2 Wrestling Podcast interview with Jeremy Borash:
On Vince Russo: “I have not seen or spoken to Vince Russo in two years, so I couldn’t tell you of his involvement, on what level it is, if at all.”
On his spat with Eric Bischoff, after a bartender told Bischoff that Borash had been claiming to be the TNA owner: “The guy that told him that was a guy named Magnus – not the wrestler; Magnus the bartender – who is a family friend, and I believe knew that Eric and I had not exactly gotten along before. I think Eric might have been tipping a few back, and I think Magnus was effing with him a little bit. Anybody who knows me knows that I would not go around and tell anybody that I own TNA, that is absurd. And if I did own TNA, I’d be driving a much better car and dating a supermodel. Eric apologized to me a hundred times for it, and more than made good for it, and I totally forgive him. It was just a joke that got out of hand.”
On what he would do differently if he owned TNA: “Move it to London. The fan base is a huge missed opportunity. The production in the UK is miles ahead of anything that is in the U.S., and I have no idea why, but I am a huge fan of the production values over here. I would use that production, and take advantage of how passionate the crowd is.”
Check out the complete interview at Podomatic.com.