Scott Hall was advertised to wrestle at Sunday’s TNA Genesis pay-per-view, but dropped out, citing a groin injury as the reason he could not compete. With that being said, he was walking gingerly backstage following the Jan. 5 television taping.

TNA officials were reportedly scrambling because Hall’s replacement in the match, Sean Waltman, didn’t have his ring gear with him. However, the problem was addressed as Waltman ended up working the match instead of Hall. The fallback plan in case he too wasn’t able to go was Eric Young, who was not booked for the show, teaming with Kevin Nash.

There is a much internal skepticism regarding Hall’s injury as some have questioned whether he was more concerned with his physical appearance than the injury he cited.

(source: prowrestling.net)

— As seen last at Genesis, the former Mr. Kennedy was revealed as TNA’s teased “Major Superstar Acquisition.” He debuted under the moniker Mr. Anderson and faced off against Abyss, beating him via brass knuckles.

Anderson commented on his arrival to TNA on his Twitter account, writing: “A big thank you to all of my amazing fans, friends, and family. It feels good to be back in action, and it’s also great to be a part of this… Team! Looking forward to see what happens next… Stay tuned!!”

— TNA will be presenting its next pay-per-view, Against All Odds, next month on Valentine’s Day in Orlando. Click here to view its promotional trailer.

— No dark match was held before last month’s pay-per-view.

Solomonster Sounds Off

DOWNLOAD THE PODCAST HERE:
Solomonster Sounds Off (Episode 97)
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Est. Runtime: 1 hour, 16 minutes

| Thoughts on last night’s TNA Genesis PPV and the death of the six-sided ring

| More details on Bret Hart’s new deal with WWE and his first night backstage (and meeting with Shawn Michaels!)

| Cause of death for Tony Halme a/k/a Ludvid Borga (the man who beat Tatanka!)

Want your question on the air? Send feedback to THESOLOMONSTER@gmail.com.

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Visit The Solomonster on Twitter @ twitter.com/solomonster

Source: PWInsider.com

— TNA has revamped the Impact! Zone for tonight’s Genesis pay-per-view as a traditional four-sided ring has been placed alongside a ramp set up all the way from the stage to the ring, similar to how WCW and ECW formerly presented themselves on some pay-per-view events.

Furthermore, there are reports of some fans chanting “We want six sides” live in the building.

— Reaction among wrestlers to the company’s decision to replace the six-sided ring with a traditional ring is said to be mixed. None of the workers were informed of the change before they arrived to the building for tonight’s show, so there was much shock upon arrival.

The decision to get rid of TNA’s former trademark was made by both Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff. At one point, there were plans for Hogan to take part in angle where he would destroy the six-sided ring on iMPACT!, but there was concern it wouldn’t get over with the fans and thus was dropped.

— Genesis will be available in the UK tomorrow afternoon starting at 3:00 p.m. on BT Vision. (Link)

— Josh Gross of Sports Illustrated recently interviewed Hulk Hogan and the wrestling legend informed him that he was planning on having a conversation today with Bobby Lashley to discuss his future in the wrestling business.

Gross wrote the following on his Twitter account:

“Hogan mentioned, rather seriously, he plans on having a conversation with Bobby Lashley Sunday to discuss Lashley’s pro wrestling future. Hogan’s quote after I inquired about Lashley working 4 TNA: “He’s gotta make a choice, brother. We need to have a serious talk, He can [do MMA and pro wrestle] but he just needs to be a businessman about it. You can’t stiff us just because you have to train for a fight. You can’t put [Strikeforce] ahead of us; that’s not going to work me. I’m going to fix that real quick. That’s going to happen Sunday. I’m going to see what he’s made of because I’ve been around too long to have someone like him to do business with””

— You can follow the one and only “Nature Boy” Ric Flair on Twitter at twitter.com/RicFlairNatrBoy. The account has been confirmed by his official website, www.RicFlair.com.

— You can watch DirecTV’s Before The Bell special previewing tonight’s Genesis pay-per-view event at the following link.

— On his Twitter account (twitter.com/KennDoane), former WWE performer Kenn Doane (a/k/a Kenny Dykstra) is proclaiming himself as “The Most Talented Free Agent In Wrestling” today. It would appear that he is interested in joining TNA as he recently asked fans if they want to see him in the organization.

Doane tweeted: “Lets be honest, do fans really wanna see the most talented free agent in wrestling today in TNA? if so tell tnadixie nows your chance.”

— TNA Knockout Velvet Sky is auctioning off two ring worn items including an iMPACT! worn outfit and a sexy number she worn on many occasions during her time on the independent circuit as “Talia Madison.” You can view her auctions at the following link.

— You can follow Max of Generation Me on Twitter at the following link. Max, alongside his brother Jeremy, debuted this past Thursday night on iMPACT!.

— Former WWE star Brian Kendrick is expected to start shortly with TNA Wrestling, reports the Wrestling Observer.

Kendrick was released from his WWE contract on July 30, 2009. He has appeared on a number of independent wrestling shows since that time.

— Taz revealed on his Twitter account last week that Brother Ray is starting his own rock band.

He wrote: “Breaking News! Spoke to Brother Ray…. he is starting a ROCK BAND! Cross between Pantera & AC/DC!! Worldwide…gonna be HUGE!”

— Click here to view footage of Jeff Jarrett’s appearance on The Danny Bonaduce Show this past Friday in Philadelphia.

During an interview with Empire Wrestling Radio, Rob Van Dam said he feels WWE’s product “is king” and the only real selling point for TNA is “saying they’re not WWE.”

“I think when you talk about the product, you have a lot to consider. WWE is king. A lot of fans are turning toward TNA just because TNA’s strongest point is ‘Hey, we’re not WWE.’ When you see WWE arenas packed all the way to the roof and when you see TNA’s crowd, you know who is king,” Van Dam said.

He also took shots at WWE’s version of Extreme Championship Wrestling, saying they will have to change the brand name soon because they “made it suck.”

“They took a product that was superior in originality and they watered down to make it mean the same as one of their lesser show, and then eventually mean even (less),” he said. “It has no connection or affiliation now whatsoever with the original ECW. In fact, I heard they’re going to stop doing it real soon because they made it suck so bad.”

TNA Genesis Results – 1/17/2009
Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida
Report by: Sean Hopkins

The pyro hits and Mike Tenay welcomes us to the first PPV of the Hogan/Bischoff era. Hogan’s music hits and he’s on his way down to the ring with Eric Bischoff. The Impact Zone looks packed and there is a traditional four-sided ring with a raised ramp leading to it. Hogan soaks up the cheers for a bit before welcoming the fans to the PPV. Hogan says on top of that, welcome to the brand new Impact Zone (which gets a lot of boos). Hogan says this is just the beginning as the crowd starts a ‘we want six sides’ chant. Hogan says six sides only got TNA so far, and they’re taking them the rest of the way. Hogan says there’s no more play-pen rings, and they’re changing it whether the fans like it or not. Hogan talks down Vince and the notion of ‘sports entertainment’. Bischoff says that nobody likes change, and it’s obvious by the reaction of the crowd. Bischoff says to get used to change because there’s a hell of a lot more coming. Hogan says, in closing, ‘What’chu gonna do Vince McMahon, now that TNA is coming for you’. Bischoff and Hogan exit the ring and head to the back.

Taz and Tenay get their chance to welcome us to the PPV, talking about how great the changes that Hogan and Bischoff are bringing. Tenay and Taz immediately begin talking about the Angle/Styles main event, before sending us down to the ring for the first match, the X Division Championship match.

TNA X Division Championship Match
– Amazing Red (c) vs. Brian Kendrick

Amazing Red is out to the ring first to a nice pop from the crowd. Brian Kendrick is the surprise opponent for Red! Kendrick gets a nice pop, and chant from the crowd. Kendrick starts things out with a kick, but Red avoids it. Kendrick takes Red down into an arm bar, but Red is able to work out into a hammerlock. Kendrick rolls through to break the hold. Both men lock up and Red ends up in yet another arm bar, courtesy of Kendrick. Kendrick changes it up into a camel clutch while hitting a couple of cross face blows on Red. Red fights up to his feet and both men jockey for position. Kendrick kicks Red in the head, sending him outside and into the barricade. Brooke Hogan is sitting ringside, urging on Red. Kendrick follows to the outside where he kicks away at Red’s leg. Back in the ring and Kendrick continues to work over Red’s leg with a stiff kick and a leg bar.

Kendrick hits a running kick to Red’s knee before choking away at him in the corner. Kendrick wraps Red’s leg up in the ropes, just wrenching away at his knee. Kendrick locks in a modified half crab, but Red makes it to the ropes, forcing him to break the hold. Kendrick continues his assault on Red’s knee, hanging it up in the ropes and kicking away. Kendrick climbs up to the second rope, but Red hits a beautiful spinning kick sending Kendrick to the floor. Red follows out with a front flip senton from the top rope out to the floor and on top of Kendrick. Red sends Kendrick back into the ring and goes up top for a shotgun missile dropkick, Red tries for the cover but Kendrick kicks out at two. Kendrick sends Red into the corner, but he eats Red’s boot twice. Red goes for a cross body, but Kendrick ducks and locks in another modified single leg Boston crab. Kendrick modifies the hold again into a modified STF with a couple of headbutts for good measure. Red rolls over into the ropes, forcing a break.

Red hits an enzugiri out of nowhere, which he follows up with a dropkick to Kendrick’s back. Red ducks a clothesline, and comes through with a hurricarana. Red goes for the cover again, but Kendrick grabs the ropes at two, stopping the count. Kendrick holds onto the ropes while Red tries to yank him off. The ref backs Red off and Red eats a kick to the face from Kendrick that’s good for a near fall. Kendrick shows his frustration, kicking at Red and sending him to the outside. Red hits a springboard into the Code Red out of nowhere, he pins Kendrick and gets the three count.

Winner and STILL TNA X Division Champion: Amazing Red

Bischoff is backstage with Hogan, Hall, Waltman and Nash. Bischoff says Nash is under contract, but Waltman and Nash have to prove themselves. Hogan says these guys have to get real, this is their one shot and their might not be another, so they need to make things happen for themselves before they walk off. Hall says they need to destroy BMI tonight so he looks good. Waltman says what about him. Hall says he’s got to wait his turn. Hall and Waltman play a game of Rock Paper Scissors with Waltman coming out on top. Apparently that decides who Nash’s partner will be later tonight.

Sean Morley vs. Daniels

Morley is out first to a decent reaction from the crowd. He gives his towel, along with a kiss, to Brooke Hogan. Morley says ‘Ladies, I’m here’, before presenting his first TNA films production which is apparently a full frontal production produced, directed and starring Morley. Daniels makes his way out to the ring next, to a bit more of a positive reaction from the crowd. Daniels gets a mic and says that’s his problem with Morley, because three days ago he kicks a hole in Morley, and now Morley is out talking about movies and innuendo. Daniels says this is TNA, and this is wrestling. Daniels says the last person Morley wants to meet on his first night is him. Daniels says tonight, he is Morley’s worst critic, and he gets in the ring and things start off.

Daniels bails to the outside immediately, forcing Morley to follow him. Morley tries to suplex Daniels into the ring, but Daniels counters and responds with a couple of quick strikes, Morley comes back with a couple of running knees to the midsection before hitting a Russian leg sweep. Morley hits Daniels in the ribs several times, focusing his attack. Morley hits a pumphandle gut buster that sends Daniels to the apron. Morley bends Daniels against the ropes before hitting Daniels in the ribs, but on the second attempt, Daniels hangs Morley up on the top rope.

Daniels locks in a modified triangle choke, but Morley gets to the ropes to force a break of the hold. Daniels hits a huge chop, and a palm thrust to the throat. Daniels hits a bulldog, hanging Morley up on the top rope, before he locks in a modified octopus and hitting a fall away kick to Morley’s head. Daniels hits a springboard moonsault, but it’s only good for two. Daniels chokes Morley on the middle rope, continually going back to it, no matter what the ref says. Daniels hits a kick to Morley’s chest. Morley begins to fight back with a couple of right hands and Morley begins to build momentum. Morley suplexes Daniels onto the top rope before hitting a modified sit out powerbomb that’s only good for two. Morley hits a double underhook butterfly suplex, but when he goes for a clothesline, Daniels ducks, hits an STO, and locks in the koji clutch.

Morley turns the submission into a pin, forcing Daniels to break the hold. Daniels hits an enzugiri, and another STO, but it’s only good for a near fall. Daniels hits a rock bottom, but when he goes for the BME, Morley rolls out of the way. Morley connects with a half nelson suplex before he goes to the top himself. Daniels stops Morley, crotching him on the top rope. Daniels tries for a top rope hurricarana, but Morley swats him away. Morley hits the Money Shot, and gets the three count.

Winner: Sean Morley

TNA Knockout Women’s Championship 2 Out Of 3 Falls Match
– ODB (c) vs. Tara

We get a video package, and a Tale of the Tape before this match, filling a bit of time. Tara is out first, to a warm reception from the fans in the Impact Zone. ODB is out next, also to a warm reception from the fans. Both women gets in each others faces at the outset of the match, pulling at each others hair and the ref is forced to break it up. Tara hits a big spear and starts wailing away at ODB. Tara works on ODB’s arm with an arm scissors, before walking over ODB’s stomach and hitting a standing moonsault. Tara clubs away at ODB’s back. Both women trade blows in the middle of the ring, Tara hitting some nasty chops. Tara ducks a forearms and hits a series of kicks to ODB’s midsection, before hitting a jumping knee to ODB’s face. Tara hits a slingshot legdrop, but it’s only good for two.

Tara ducks a clothesline and ODB catches her when she tries for a cross body. ODB hits a fall away slam. Tara surprises ODB with a small package that’s good for a three count.

Winner of the first fall: Tara

ODB attacks Tara during the rest period, and when the bell rings she slams her into the turnbuckle. ODB chokes Tara with her boot in the corner. ODB continues to choke Tara, this time on the middle rope. ODB charges Tara in the corner, but she eats an elbow and finds herself locked in the tarantula. Tara falls to the apron, where a baseball slide from ODB sends her to the floor. ODB follows out, and hangs Tara up on the ring apron, dropping her from a fireman’s carry position. ODB jaws with Brooke Hogan for a minute before heading back into the ring. ODB brings Tara back into the ring by her hair before she locks in a body scissors. ODB rolls Tara into pinning position, but Tara kicks out and it’s right back to the body scissors. Tara reaches for the ropes, but ODB pulls her right back into the middle by her hair, prompting the ref to break the hold. ODB locks in another body scissors, adding a rear choke this time.

ODB breaks the hold, picks Tara up and hits a running powerslam. ODB keeps checking her pulse. Tara is able to surprise ODB out of nowhere with a Widow’s peak. She pins ODB, winning her second straight fall and the match.

Winner and NEW TNA Knockouts Champion: Tara

Christy Hemme is backstage with Pope, who says someone told him they were having a party tonight. Hemme asks Pope what’s going to happen in his match with Wolfe tonight. Pope says everyone knows what happened the last time he and Wolfe had a match, and Wolfe is not, nor will he ever be, the Pope. Dinero says Wolfe needs to bring his best, because Pope will be bringing his.

TNA Tag Team Championship Match
– The British INvasion (c) vs. Hernandez & Matt Morgan

Morgan and Hernandez are out first to a nice pop from the crowd. The Champions are out next to a bit of heat from the Impact Zone.

Morgan and Magnus start things out for their respective teams. Morgan uses his power early, shoving Magnus to the mat. Magnus locks in a headlock, but Morgan fights out and sends him back down to the mat with a shoulder block. Magnus bails to the outside for a bit. When he gets back in, Morgan tries for a chokeslam, but Magnus pokes his eye and tags out of Williams. BI looks to double team Morgan, but Hernandez is in to make the save and send both men to the floor. Hernandez tags in, and he and Williams go at it, with Williams hitting a couple of European uppercuts and a high knee, but when he tries for a suplex, Hernandez gets him up instead. Williams reverses out, but he falls victim to a back body drop, and a big splash in the corner. Hernandez tries for a powerbomb, but Magnus comes in a clips his knee to prevent it. Williams picks up Hernandez and slams his head into the corner before kicking away at Hernandez’s legs. Hernandez flips himself up to the top turnbuckle, but Williams is there, trying for a superplex. Magnus attacks Morgan, causing the distraction, and BI hit a double superplex on Hernandez. BI double team Hernandez after Magnus tags in.

Magnus locks in a sleeper, but Hernandez fights out of it. Williams catches Hernandez with a knee as he comes off the ropes, and Magnus goes right into an abdominal stratch (assisted of course, by Williams). The ref catches the assist and forces a break. Hernandez comes right back, hitting a crazy gut wrench suplex. Both men make the tag to their partners, and Morgan comes in to clean house. Morgan hits rapid fire elbows on Williams, before he picks him up by the back of the neck and slams him into the top turnbuckle.

All four men are in the ring and things are breaking down quickly. Morgan hits a big clothesline on Magnus and all four men are down. Morgan and Williams are left in the ring, where Williams hits a couple of forearms, but quickly falls victim to a chokeslam. Morgan goes for the cover but it’s only good for two. BI double team Morgan again, this time with a big boot into a German suplex, but again it’s only good for a near fall. Morgan fights off another double team, splashing Magnus in the corner, and slamming Williams into the ring from the top turnbuckle. Hernandez hits a big slam on Magnus and Morgan follows up with the Carbon footprint. Morgan goes for the pin, and that’s it.

Winners and NEW TNA Tag Team Champions: Matt Morgan and Hernandez

Bobby Lashley is shown backstage walking into Bischoff’s office where Abyss is talking to him. Abyss immediately begins attacking Lashley, hitting him with a computer monitor and knocking him out. Bischoff yells at Abyss for ruining his match later in the night. Hogan comes in and tells everyone to stop. Abyss says Lashley was trying to attack Bischoff and he was just trying to stop him. Hogan tells Abyss not to worry, because he’s still going to have a match tonight, and it’s going to be even better. Hogan tells Abyss not to make him crazy, Abyss says he’s crazy enough for both of them. Hogan says to leave the hardcore stuff in the locker room, because he wants to see what he’s really made of. Abyss says he’s going to bring his A-game and asks who his opponent will be. Hogan says not to worry about it and he walks away.

Desmond Wolfe vs. “The Pope” D’Angelo Dinero

Wolfe is out to the ring first, in new ring gear with a new valet to boot. Wolfe gets little to no reaction from the crowd (what a shame). Pope is out next to a much warmer reaction from the crowd. Both men lock up right off the bat, chain wrestling for a minute, before Pope hits a flying shoulder block. Pope sends Wolfe into the corner, but he eats an elbow. Wolfe hits a headstand mule kick. Pope tries for his big elbow drop in the corner, but Wolfe shoves him off to the outside. Pope locks up Desmond into a crazy rope assisted Boston crab, which he follows up with a middle rope fist drop. Pope tries for the pin but he only gets two. Pope and Wolfe fight to the floor where Wolfe lands a blow to Pope’s knee. Back in the ring, Wolfe hits a throat chop before hitting a snap mare into the ropes. Wolfe hits another snap mare into the ropes before locking in a single leg Boston crab. Pope struggles and is able to make it to the ropes to force a break. Wolve utilizes a crazy submission move, using one of Pope’s legs to put pressure on the other. Wolfe hits a drop toe hold which works right into a bridging leg lock.

Wolfe continues to work over the knee, wrenching away at it. Pope kicks away at Wolfe, but Wolfe just locks up his other leg and goes to work with a modified STF. Pope is able to make it to the ropes and break the hold. Wolfe hits another throat chop in the corner, before choking Pope and dropkicking him in the leg. Wolfe hits a European uppercut, but Pope fights back with a couple of big slaps. It doesn’t last long though as Wolfe comes back with a big forearm to Pope’s face. Wolfe places Pope on the top turnbuckle, and he tries for the Tower of London, but Pope fights out and is able to surprise Wolfe with an STO. Pope hits a crazy suplex DDT, but it’s only good for a two count.

Wolfe sends Pope into the corner, bends him back and hits a big clothesline across the chest. Wolfe wraps Pope’s leg in the rope and he bends him back against the ring post, but it doesn’t last long as the ref forces him to break the hold. Wolfe threatens the ref, then turns right around into a spinebuster from Pope.

Pope hits a big slap to Wolfe’s face, but Wolfe twists his arm and slams him down to the mat. Wolfe tries for another single leg crab, but Pope turns it into a small package, that’s only good for two. Pope tries for a backslide, but when he can’t get it, he backflips over Wolfe and tries for another small package, but he can’t hold Wolfe down. Wolfe hits a spinning back elbow, and he backs Pope up into the corner. Wolfe tries for a back splash, but Pope avoids it and hits a rope assisted neck breaker that’s good for two. Wolfe tries for another headstand mule kick, but Pope catches him and hits a sit-out Alabama slammer, good for another near fall. Pope pulls his kneepads down, but when he tries for the double knees. Wolfe hits a huge lariat. Wolfe pins Pope, and this one is over.

Winner: Desmond Wolfe

JB is backstage, and he’s interrupted by Eric Bischoff, Bischoff asks what JB is doing. Bischoff says this is no longer JB’s job, because he feels like the Mick Foley issue might be distracting him. Bischoff says he’s taking JB off the air, but he’ll find something for him to do. Bischoff brings Hemme in, and Ric Flair comes in. Hemme asks what Flair’s role in TNA will be. Flair says why he’s here is his business, and when he’s ready to tell the world, he will. Flair says he goes where the greatest talent in the world is, and from now on it will be TNA and Flair, side by side. WOOO.

Tag Team Match
– Beer Money, Inc. vs. Kevin Nash & Sean Waltman

Nash and Waltman are out to the ring first, announced as ‘The Band’ to a decent reaction from the crowd. BMI are out second to a bit more fanfare. Waltman and Storm look to start things out for their respective teams. Storm pokes Waltman in the eye to start things off, following it up with a hip toss and an arm drag. Storm hits a beautiful neckbreaker, but it’s only good for a two count. Storm tags in Roode, and BMI double team Waltman. Waltman rakes Roode’s eyes and tags in Nash, who comes in and goes to work on Roode, hitting a couple of big elbows and choking him against the ropes.

Roode fights back with a couple of chops, and a clothesline, but his clothesline has no effect on Nash. Roode drops a clothesline from Nash and takes him down with a flying shoulder block. Roode makes the tag to Storm, who comes in and assists with the wishbone before hitting a drop toe hold, sending Waltman head first into Nash’s crotch. Storm is distracted by Waltman, and he walks right into a clothesline from Nash. Waltman tags in and hits a quick running leg drop, before hitting a big spin kick. Nash tags in and hits a couple of big knees to Storm’s midsection in the corner. Nash chokes Storm with his boot, before tagging back out to Waltman. Waltman hits Storm with a series of knees in the corner, and he distracts the ref, allowing Nash to hit a couple of cheap shots. Nash tags back in and hits a big clothesline in the corner, before Waltman follows up with a bronco buster.

Nash hits a side walk slam, but Roode is in to break up the pin attempt. Nash hits a couple of terrible looking elbows in the corner before tagging out again to Waltman. Waltman tries for another bronco buster, but Storm moves and Waltman connects with the bottom turnbuckle instead. Nash comes in to prevent Storm from making the tag. Nash tries for a big elbow, but Storm moves and hits a codebreaker. Waltman tags in, but he can’t stop Storm from making the tag. Roode comes in and cleans house on Waltman with a couple of clotheslines and a back body drop. Roode fights off Nash, before hitting a spinebuster on Waltman, but Nash is there to break it up.

BMI hit a double suplex on Waltman, before getting the crowd amped up with their ‘Beer Money’ schtick. Hall is out on the ramp to distract BMI. BMI turn around right into a double clothesline from Nash. Nash hits a chokeslam on Roode, but it’s only good for a two count. Hall attacks a fan at ringside, and Waltman tries to break it up. BMI hit a superkick into a pinning predicament on Nash. Roode makes the pin, and this one is over.

Winners: Beer Money Inc.

After the match, Nash looks confused as Waltman and Hall make their way into the ring.

Hogan and Bischoff are in the back, Hogan says he’s going to call out the Band on Thursday. Hogan says ‘ask not what TNA can do for Hulk Hogan, ask what Hogan can do for TNA’.

Abyss vs. Ken Anderson

Abyss is out to the ring first to a nice pop from the crowd. The lights go out in the arena, and a spotlight comes on, with Anderson standing right under it. Anderson calls down the mic. Anderson says it looks like he crossed the line. Anderson says he’s read the fans Twitters, Facebooks, and e-mails. He knows the fans missed him, and he missed himself. Anderson introduces himself, to a huge pop from the crowd, but he stops short of saying ‘Kennedy’, and says ‘Anderson’ instead. Anderson tries for a handshake at the beginning of the match, and when Abyss goes for it, Anderson slaps him. Abyss slaps him right back, sending him to the mat. Abyss is able to send Anderson to the mat again with a shoulderblock and Anderson looks amused. Anderson kicks at Abyss’ leg, and he goes to work with a couple of strikes, but he walks right into a chop from Abyss. Abyss charges Anderson in the corner, but he eats a boot. Anderson tries to go up top, but Abyss blocks it. Anderson grabs Abyss’ arm and yanks it down across the top rope.

Anderson continues to work over Abyss’ arm before hitting a chop block to his knee. Anderson hits a running kick to Abyss’ face, sending him to the outside. Anderson follows, slamming Abyss’ arm into the ring apron, and then the ring steps next to the entrance ramp. Anderson wraps Abyss’ arm around the steel ring post and wrenches away. Anderson grabs a chair from the front row, but Abyss kicks it away and goes to work with a couple of big right hands. Back in the ring, Anderson surprises Abyss with a kick and sends him head first into the turnbuckle.

Anderson locks in a hammerlock, sending Abyss shoulder first into the turnbuckle. Anderson tries for a quick roll up, but he can only get two. Anderson continues to work over Abyss’ arm with an arm bar, but Abyss fights his way out, sending Anderson to the mat with a shoulder block. Abyss hurts himself though, and Anderson comes back with a single arm DDT that’s good for a near fall. Anderson locks in a modified top wrist lock, but Abyss is able to fight out again, this time backing Anderson into the corner and taking him over with a judo hip toss. Abyss charges Anderson, but he ends up running into a boot. Anderson comes back, but walks into a big boot himself. Abyss connects with a big splash in the corner, and a side slam, but Anderson is able to kick out at two. Abyss signals for the chokeslam, but Anderson is able to fight him off with a kick. Abyss goes for the shock treatment, but Anderson fights out and hits a hangman’s neckbreaker.

Anderson tries to comes off the top rope on Abyss, but he ends up caught in a chokeslam that’s good for a two count. Both men are back up on their feet. Anderson ducks a punch from Abyss and hits him with one of his own. Abyss tries for the shock treatment, and he’s able to connect this time, but he still can’t keep Anderson down for a three count. Abyss goes to the outside, where he grabs a chair. Anderson grabs brass knuckles out of his trunks, and while the ref pulls the chair away from Abyss and disposes of it, Anderson hits Abyss with the knucks. Anderson makes the pin, and this one is over.

Winner: Ken Anderson

After the match, Anderson grabs the mic, and announces himself the winner of the match.

TNA Championship Match
– AJ Styles vs. Kurt Angle

We get a video package, highlighting Kurt Angle and AJ Styles, getting opinions from both of the competitors, Hulk Hogan, and other members of the TNA roster. Kurt Angle is shown in the back walking to the ring. When he finally makes his way out into the Impact Zone, he gets a great reaction from the crowd in Orlando. Angle is introduced on his way out to the ring, so it looks like we won’t have formal introductions from JB. Styles is shown backstage, warming up briefly, and then walking to the ring. Styles gets a huge pop from the fans in the Impact Zone.

The bell rings and we’re ready to kick things off here in the main event. Both men lock up and Angle backs AJ up into the corner where we get a clean break. Angle takes AJ down with an arm bar, but Styles fights out and locks in an arm bar of his own. Angle gets to the ropes, and the crowd is hot, with dueling chants. AJ locks in a keylock, but Angle is able to reverse. AJ and Angle continue to chain wrestler, trading holds. Angle sends AJ to the ring apron with a shoulderblock. AJ sends Angle to the outside with a shoulderblock of his own. Angle tries for a German suplex, but AJ backflips out. We get some crazy chain wrestling that’s great, but too fast for my fingers to keep up. Angle and AJ lock up in a test of strength, and Angle gets the advantage of the bat. AJ is able to roll through and put the pressure on Angle’s hands, but Angle makes it to the ropes to force a break. AJ ducks and dives over and under Angle before hitting a beautiful dropkick.

Styles locks in a rear chin lock, but Angle fights up to his feet. Styles hits a couple of elbows to the back of Angle’s neck. AJ rocks Angle with a forearm in the corner before following up with a big chop. Styles his a backbreaker that’s good for a two count. AJ goes right back into the rear chin lock, but Angle fights out again, though he quickly falls victim to an elbow that sends him to the floor. AJ jumps to the ring apron, but his feet are taken out from under him by Angle. Angle follows up with a vicious dropkick.

Back in the ring, Angle hits a snap suplex, and he follows up with a seated bear hug. AJ is able to make his way to his feet and elbow Angle in the face, breaking the hold, but Angle comes right back with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker that’s good for a near fall. Angle slams AJ into the corner, and then chokes away at him. Angle picks AJ up and slams him down to the mat, but he still can’t keep AJ down for a three. Angle locks in a bodyscissors. Angle turns the submission into a rear chin lock, but AJ fights back up to his feet, working his way out of the submission. AJ ducks a clothesline from Angle and hits him with back to back clotheslines and a kick to the chest. AJ tries for a clothesline, but Angle ducks it and retaliates with a German suplex.

Angle stomps away at AJ in the corner, before dragging him out and hitting a side backbreaker. Angle locks in another rear chin lock, burying his knee in AJ’s back for extra pressure. AJ is able to fight back, with chops and forearms. Both men go for a cross body block, and both men are down. Both men are back to their feet by a nine count, and Ric Flair is out on the entrance ramp, making his way down toward the ring. Angle and AJ trade blows in the middle of the ring, with Angle getting the advantage. Angle charges AJ in the corner, but AJ sends him to the ring apron, and a forearm sends him to the floor. AJ charges Angle and launches himself over the rope with a front flip dive, and Kurt’s knee looks to be in bad shape.

Back in the ring, AJ hits a crazy neckbreaker from the fireman’s carry position, before connecting with the springboard flying forearm. Styles tries for the Styles Clash, but Angle reverses out with a back body drop. Angle hits three German suplexes in a row, and he tries for the Angle slam, but AJ counters with an arm drag. Angle hits another vicious German suplex that’s good for a near fall.

Angle tries for another Angle slam, but AJ reverses out and comes back with a Pele kick that’s good for a two count. AJ tries for the Styles Clash again, but Angle backs him up into the corner and buries his shoulder in AJ’s stomach. AJ tries to hit Angle with a splash, but Angle ducks a blasts AJ with a huge lariat that’s good for a near fall. Angle goes for the ankle lock, but AJ fights it off and connects with a lariat of his own.
AJ picks Angle up and takes him to the corner, where he hits a big forearm. AJ pounds away at Kurt in the corner, but Angle ducks out and sends AJ into the corner with a huge belly to belly suplex that’s good for two. Angle puts AJ on the top turnbuckle, but Styles fights out, and launches himself off the middle rope, connecting with a hurricarana. Styles goes for the springboard 450, but Angle moves. Angle hits the Angle slam, but it’s still not good enough to keep AJ down for three.

Angle goes up to the top rope and tries for a moonsault, but AJ is able to get out of the way and both men are down. AJ is back to his feet first, and he tries for the Styles Clash, but Angle turns it around into an ankle lock. AJ tries for the ropes, but Angle pulls him back to the middle of the ring. AJ turns it over and kicks away at Kurt, causing him to break the hold. AJ goes out to the canvas, and launches himself back in the ring with a springboard crossbody. AJ sets Angle up in the corner, and he tries for a top rope Styles Clash, but Angle fights out. AJ jumps off the turnbuckle, but Angle catches him with a Styles Clash of his own, but AJ kicks out at two!
Angle tries for another Angle slam, but Styles reverses it into a DDT. Angle charges AJ in the corner, but AJ moves and Angle connects with the steel ring post. AJ is right there to hit an Angle slam, but it’s not good enough for a three count.

Styles goes to the top, but Angle pops up and connects with an Angle slam from the top rope, but AJ is still able to kick out! Angle pulls down the straps and goes right into the ankle lock. AJ tries for the ropes, but Angle won’t let him touch them. AJ tries to kick him away, but Angle will not let go. Angle grapevines the leg, and AJ taps, but Flair pulls the ref out of the ring!

Angle stares down Flair, and he chases him around and through the ring, but he walks right into a clothesline from AJ. Flair slides the TNA Championship into the ring at AJ’s feet and tells him ‘now’. AJ turns around and blasts Angle with the title belt. Flair throws the ref back into the ring, and Hebner makes the three count.

Winner and STILL TNA Champion: AJ Styles

Flair is in the ring with the TNA title to celebrate with AJ. Styles says it’s all about him, and Ric Flair. Flair raises Styles’ hand, and this looks to be the beginning of a heel turn for AJ. Styles celebrates with Flair and his title to end the show.

As seen this past Thursday night on iMPACT!, Angelina Love made her return to the organization, first appearing in the crowd and hugging Velvet Sky and Madison Rayne prior to their match with Awesome Kong and Hamada. However, after the match, Love turned on The Beautiful People, attacking her former partners and Lacey Von Erich, her replacement in the group, seemingly angry about being replaced.

The two-time Women’s Knockout Champion has posted a thank you message to her fans on her MySpace account, thanking them for their incredible support while she was away from the organization late last year.

Here is her message in its entirety:

A BIG Thank You to my Fans!

I just want to take this time to write a big huge THANK YOU to each and every one of my fans. From day one you guys have been so supportive of me and you really showed how much you care during my difficult time at the end of last year.

Not one day went by, not ONE, since I was released where I didnt get a personal message, a comment, an email or something from you fans. Everyday you told me you missed me and you supported me and you couldnt wait to see me back on TV.

That really helped brighten my days when I didnt really know what was going to be happening in my life! None of you HAD to do anything or say anything, but you did and it really meant a lot to me. My manager, Michael Klyzub, worked his butt off to make sure everything would turn out for the best and it sure did :-)

I am officially back on the TNA roster and couldnt be happier about it. I guess I’m starting a new chapter in my career & in my life and I am so excited about it! I’m gonna give it my all as I always do and I hope everyone loves it as much as I know I will. Thank you for being so happy and supportive of my return and thank you for all the youtube videos you made about it! They are all awesome!

2010 has started off amazing and I cant wait to see what will come in the days ahead.

Love,
Lauren/Angel/Angelina Love

In an interview with Matt Fowler of IGN.com, Hulk Hogan discussed the possibility of a TNA moving permanently to Monday nights, competing with World Wrestling Entertainment, making AJ Styles a mainstream name, wrestlers looking to join the company, and much more. Here are a few highlights from the interview:

Moving iMPACT! to Monday nights in the future: “You know this was going to start crack-a-lacking. This is really gonna roll out well. So I was really happy with it, bro. Then the next night when we taped I was like “hmmm. We need to switch gears and keep going live.” It was a different vibe. It will work. It’s not “if,” it’s “when.” We had a crazy dinner last night with all the big [SpikeTV executives] and I was just badgering them to death. Just beating them to death. It’s just time and momentum. And they get it. They understand that whole energy thing. That feel.”

Bret Hart appearing on Monday Night Raw: “I expected a bunch of different stuff, from Bret’s look – I was looking for something really exciting. I was like “oh my gosh, man, this is going to be fun” but then I saw it and went “hmmmm.” I smell blood. I watched the show after that with Tyson and the show before that with Timbaland and I liked those shows better. But that’s just me.”

Making AJ Styles a mainstream name: “You can go out there and have 5-star matches all day long. And I love A.J. Styles to death, don’t get me wrong. But Arn Anderson, Tully Blanchard, Jack Briscoe, Harley Race, A.J. Styles all gave 5-star matches and now (holds hand up to head) this is the water level now. When the water level rises and TNA is the number one sports entertainment company in the world, if you keep having those 5-star matches like that and you don’t do the cross-over media and we don’t have (Jay) Leno or Regis (Philbin) calling A.J. Styles instead of me then people that are having those crazy, unbelievable off-the-chart matches are going to be mid-card at best.”

If getting big names to join TNA part of the company’s strategy going forward: “Yes and no. I mean, you need to do that but that’s the easy part. I don’t even have to work to do that. I mean, my phone’s blowing up. I’ve got guys that are over, or guys that are active. Guy’s who aren’t active. Guys who work for the WWE are blowing my phone up. And it’s just happening naturally. That’s turned out the be the easy part. I thought I would have to stay on the phone and beat people up like “when’s your contract end? or Do you want to work anymore? Or How many days can you work?” Asking them if they’re still healthy and all that stuff. But I don’t even have to worry about that. My phone’s been ringing so much from guys who want to come in. Thank god, that’s the easy part. Because I was all messed up in the head and I thought that would be tough. I was in the airport with one of the guys from the WWE and they said “the guys in the WWE are cheering us on like crazy.” And the people in the offices are scrambling around like chickens with their heads cut off. So it’s good for the business. And no matter what Vince thinks, it’s going to be great for his business too.”

To read the interview in its entirety, click here.

— Jeff Hardy was telling people that he joined TNA due to the company’s easier schedule, since they made a deal where he wasn’t going to have to work any house shows. AAA made a similar offer to him, but that would entail flying to Mexico, and they never made a firm money offer.

Those affiliated with WWE were in constant contact with Hardy the day following his TNA debut in hope that he would change his mind and return to the company. However, it should be noted that WWE’s pursuit of Hardy came even after news broke that he was being indicted on drug charges from his arrest last September (felony possession of cocaine, felony drug trafficking of opium, two counts of felony possession with intent to redistribute a Schedule III drug, maintaining a dwelling for drug use and/or distribution and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia).

WWE’s apparent interest in overlooking the PR backlash that bringing Hardy back would entail is being seen by some as an indication that the company is not completely viewing TNA as irrelevant.

— The first ratings figure TNA received for last week’s live show was a 1.8 in the Males 18-34 demo. Considering that TNA generally garners an 0.7 in that particular demo, many in the company were beyond thrilled.

— Mike Tenay, who has been with TNA since day one, is said to be paranoid over his position with the company due to the fact that people within the organization have attempted to recruit Jim Ross as his replacement.

Although it should be noted that Tenay is considered by many in the company to be paranoid in general, but the company’s shift in power has made him more leery than usual.

(Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter, pwtorch.com)

Former WWE performer Ken “Mr. Kennedy” Anderson (a/k/a Mr. Kennedy) is coming to TNA. According to sources within the company, he’s expected to debut within the next week.

Anderson could very well debut at Sunday’s Genesis as the ‘Major Acquisition’ TNA hyped on iMPACT! this week.

As of this week there were plans to debut Anderson at Genesis, but his debut could come at the following evening’s television tapings.

Either way, he’s coming.

– Following reports that Spike TV was very happy with TNA’s ratings performance against WWE RAW on January 4th, another live Monday iMPACT is being planned for March. March 1st and March 8th are the two dates Spike is considering.  Regarding going live permanently, everyone expects it to happen this year.

– Spike TV played a big part in TNA bringing Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff in. Spike reportedly earmarked money and helped out with the contracts as they have done in the past with other major TNA signings such Kurt Angle, Sting and Mick Foley. Spike executives Kevin Kay and Brian Diamond are firmly behind Hulk Hogan and his importance to TNA when they ultimately look to challenge RAW on Monday nights week after week.

– Scott Hall and Hulk Hogan were  in noticeable pain after last Tuesday’s iMPACT tapings. Hallw was having hard time getting around after the show. Some were surprised that Hogan was able to jog backstage at the end of Monday’s show because he was struggling to get around backstage so much.

– As noted before, Sean Waltman had some heat on him after showing up late to the iMPACT tapings last Tuesday. Waltman told TNA officials that he was battling a stomach flu on Monday, but many were skeptical about Waltman’s excuse because of his track record.  TNA is counting on Waltman to take the majority of bumps for Scott Hall and Kevin Nash, just as he did in the nWo days.

(Credit to Wrestling Observer Newsletter & prowrestling.net)

TNA Genesis: This Sunday night

Below is the final card for this Sunday’s TNA Genesis pay-per-view.

Note that TNA has confirmed that a “major acquisition” will make his debut at the show.

TNA World Heavyweight Title Match
Kurt Angle vs. AJ Styles
* Angle’s Last Shot at AJ’s World Title in 2010

TNA World Tag Team Title Match
Matt Morgan & Hernandez vs. The British Invasion

TNA Knockouts Title Match – Best of 3 Falls
Tara vs. ODB

TNA X Division Title Match
Amazing Red vs. Opponent to be Announced That Night

Scott Hall & Kevin Nash vs. Beer Money

Bobby Lashley vs. Abyss

Sean Morley vs. Daniels

Desmond Wolfe vs. The Pope

Eric Bischoff

Eric Bischoff spoke to Alez Marvez of ScrippsNews.com about his new business partnership and on-air  and  Here are some highlights:

Why He Joined TNA: “It was the combination of a lot of things,” Bischoff said of his TNA interest. “Most of all, I like Dixie. She has a lot of integrity and I like to be in business with people like that. Secondly, I saw an opportunity. The way we have our deal structured is great for Bischoff-Hervey Entertainment. And this provided me with a chance to get back into a business I love. I believe a creative person who has a certain feel for this business can change the fortunes of this company in a good way.”

His Strategy To Make TNA #1: “No matter what people have said or written about me, I know what I accomplished changed the business and had a positive impact. I also made a lot of mistakes and have the scar tissue to prove it. I’m going to try and repeat the good stuff and avoid the bad stuff.”

His Relationship With Vince McMahon: “I have a tremendous respect for Vince and, in a perverse way, I like him. But at the end of the day, I think I’m better than him. I’m more creative than him and have a better feel for the business.” Bichoff laughed, “It’s just that he happens to be a lot more successful than I am.”

— TNA returnee Scott Hall is pushing company officials to hire his friend, Sid Eudy (a/k/a Sid Vicious).

The two apparently became real close friends in the past year as just before his return to the organization, Hall had been working on the independent circuit with the multi-time world champion. Furthermore, Sid’s son Gunnar made his wrestling debut alongside Hall this past summer in a tag match. There were also videos posted online of the duo “shooting” on the wrestling business.

It’s interesting to note that the TNA logo was recently posted on Sid’s MySpace page. (source: www.prowrestling.net)

— TNA president Dixie Carter noted on her Twitter that TNAWrestling.com will be relaunched this weekend. This will be the website’s first major overhaul since 2005.

— TNA Women’s Knockout Champion ODB is this week’s special guest on Live Events Center. You can view the episode at the following link.

Hulk Hogan’s daughter Brooke appeared on the Bubba The Love Sponge radio show Tuesday morning and may have accidentally revealed a bombshell announcement.

Brooke mentioned that she will be in Orlando, Florida next Monday night for “the live broadcast.” Bubba, who now works for TNA as a backstage correspondent, responded by saying she made the announcement too early.

According to F4WOnline.com, it is confirmed that Spike TV has given the green light to another live Monday night TNA show. While the exact date that is has yet to be revealed, could we see TNA head-to-head with RAW next Monday night?

One would think that TNA would want a few weeks to build up another Monday night special. At the same time, the buzz and momentum TNA received from January 4th is eroding by the day and they might want to strike again before its too late.

We’ll have more on this story later today.

– Scott Hall is working on a short-term deal as company officials want him to prove himself before they invest. While he’s not in the shape he was in during his peak, many feel he’s in better shape than in years past.

– The former X-Pac, Sean Waltman, is also on a short-term deal and there was some heat on him for being late to last Tuesday’s television taping.

– Ric Flair is working on a second book.

– TNA will begin airing it’s live pre-iMPACT and post-iMPACT show on their website this Thursday night at 8:30pm and 11pm EST. Jeremy Borash, Don West and SoCal Val will be taking calls from fans and discussing iMPACT.

– Jeremy Borash noted on the Pain Clinic radio show over the weekend that an episode of TNA’s Spin Cycle had to be re-shot two weeks because of Lacey Von Erich. They originally filmed with Lacey and Kevin Nash but the show ended up being too raunchy to air. Borash said they had to re-tape it and Lacey had to clean up her “potty mouth.”

— While Vince McMahon was no-selling Jeff Hardy appearing on TNA’s three-hour iMPACT! broadcast last week backstage, it’s been said that he was “privately seething” over the former WWE Champion’s decision to jump ship to the competition. As noted earlier, WWE promptly removed Hardy from its opening video montage. WWE officials were hoping his legal issues would be settled in time for a match with CM Punk at WrestleMania, but with those plans now out the window, they’ll likely go with Punk vs. Rey Mysterio in a Hair vs. Mask Match.

— WWE has released the trailer for its Best of Raw 2009 DVD, which hits stores two weeks from now. The video segment highlights Raw’s most notable moments from the past year — many of which courtesy of DX. You can view the trailer at the following link.

— Former WWE Women’s Champion Molly Holly was backstage visiting friends last night at the Target Center. The former WWE Diva lives in Minnesota and typically visits friends when WWE tours the area.

— The new media blurb NBC put out regarding the upcoming season of Celebrity Apprentice makes zero mention of Maria Kanellis and Bill Goldberg.

(Credit to PWTorch.com and F4WOnline.com for some of the information used in this report)

Thanks to Marty Hots for this recap of Eric Bischoff’s appearance on Monday Night Mayhem. The show can be listened to at the link below.

Eric Bischoff was on Monday Night Mayhem – Interview
http://www.mondaynightmayhem.com

At 5:52pm PST, Eric Bischoff made his appearance live on this interview.

Bischoff was introduced as negotiating a deal with Hogan to TNA. Host promotes Genesis this Sunday night. Bischoff stayed silent since Monday after the record drawing TNA iMPACT! rating. http://twitter.com/EBischoff was promoted as well.

Bischoff says he feels inadequate with that buildup they did for him. He’s sitting with his business partner Jason Hervey at Santa Monica, California.

Host asks how it was like last week on Monday Live at Impact and his expectations leading into the show as well as the same locker room with Ric Flair and Vince Russo.

Bischoff said last week was easy. He says he was working with the folks at TNA since October, working with the creative team, and having a great time in the process. He said it was the result of 2 months of hard and fun work. Backstage, it was a lot of fun. He said as well as the potential conflict and drama, he said it was very amicable, positive, and that everyone was excited to be there. Nothing but a great time and a rewarding experience.

Hosts bring up Hogan and the initial thinking of Hogan being WWE for life. Host brings up the press conference and if Bischoff thought things would go like that so soon. Bischoff said if you said it’s July, he’d say no as there was so much distance between the visions of everyone involved. But after a couple of meetings (Nashville at Dixie’s home), they knew that the chemistry was right and that it was just a matter of making sure that from their perspective (Bischoff/Hervey Entertainment) that it made sense. The enthusiasm was there, but he wanted to make sure that the business made sense and the same went with TNA.

He said everyone was committed and serious. He said it started in May/June but the negotiations didn’t finish in September. After that, they discussed when should they have the press conference – Bischoff said let’s do it in Vince McMahon’s backyard – Madison Square Garden. MSG thought they were getting a press conference on Hogan’s book tour, but they literally surprised everyone by announcing the TNA deal. Bischoff says everyone knows how he works, he likes surprises and pulling the rug underneath from everyone.

They then talked about when do they launch on TV. Jason then said wait a minute, if you’re going into a fight, you have to pick it – go to the biggest bully in the bar, smack them, and fight. If they get the chance to just slap the bully and get their attention, then that’s great.

A host says they got tons of an questions. He asks who besides AJ Styles does he think stands out on the roster. Eric Bischoff says it’s a fair question and a fair one to answer but he’s not going to answer it because there’s a lot of great talent there and the real truth is until both Hulk and he (more Hulk because he has a great feel for talent and Eric has more of a feel for stories) has a greater grasp of the talent. Eric says they need to spend more time knowing some of the talent there – he says it could be timing because some talent may not have shown much but it doesn’t mean they do not have something more to offer. They need to talk to the talent, see how they react, see how committed they are before they get off in terms of saying who they see is the future. He says they’d like to get to know the talent a lot more professionally and personally.

Host talks about paranoia about certain people’s jobs being compromised as a result of the talent being brought in. What is Eric’s reaction as a result of meeting the TNA talent for the first time and if the paranoia rumors are overstated. Host asks about the Bischoff character saying talent is fighting for their jobs.

Bischoff said Dixie said it weeks ago and they re-iterated it, you can only have so many people on your team and you have to have the best of the best. You can’t have 250 people on a football team and the same applies to a wrestling company. This would naturally breed insecurity and paranoia but this is what it is – it is the entertainment business. Everyone is concerned about their spot – at the end of the day those that can do will – and those that can’t – don’t. One of the things he has learned, he says do not judge people too quickly – get a chance to know them before making a rash decision. He believes not everyone is out there no matter how long they have been there should have seniority/tenure – this is a highly competitive and you’re only as good as your last crowd reaction type of a business. He hopes that the talent feels the pressure because that’s the business they are in. He says at the same time, they are going to have the opportunity and it’s up to them to prove themselves.

Host asks about Jeff Hardy. Bischoff said he had little to do with that other than supporting it. He said he can’t comment much of it and even if he could, he wouldn’t tell because that would ruin the surprise of it.

Host plugs Genesis and Impact on Thursday/Spike. Host says Spike Execs have publicly said that there is a possibility that TNA can go on Monday Live. Host says Hogan has said it too and that fans want it. Host asks what the likelihood of TNA going head to head with Raw prior or after WrestleMania. Bischoff said if he was a betting man, he wouldn’t make that bet because there’s too much he does not know. He only bets when there is something he sort of knows of. He knows that Spike is excited, “extremely extremely happy” with the ratings and positive reaction with everybody. Bischoff says when Dixie asked him when Hogan/Eric should have their first show, he didn’t even take a breath or swallow it. He said “go head to head with Raw on Monday Night”.

Bischoff said wrestling fans love battle/conflict, they love a good guy/bad guy, underdogs. He said TNA is a fraction in terms of infrastructure, staffing of what WCW was in 1991 when he came there as a seasquad talent. Because they are only 7 years old, have a fraction of staff/infrastructure, he said going head to head with Raw is a classic David vs. Goliath and that fans would support as long as they gave a good show. Bischoff said when they proposed it, people at the meeting said “What if we do a terrible rating?”. Bischoff said “it doesn’t friggin matter”. He said as long as you put up a decent fight, went up against the biggest monster, you’ll get the respect. That’s all it is.

He said TNA doesn’t have the machinery/staffing/infrastructure as WWE, they won. He said it wasn’t a perfect show, were there good and bad? Were there some parts that made him want to bang his head on the wall repeatedly? Yes. But he said nobody can tell him that their show didn’t exceed WWE’s show – He said action/excitement they won, but they were not slicker. The fact that they were able to do that made them really proud of them.

If it was up to Eric and he’d have influence, he said he’d go live sooner to take advantage of the momentum. But there are those at Spike that may have different agendas/plans. He said, Hogan/Eric/Dixie’s dream may not fit into theirs and only time will tell.

Host asks about Jim Cornette and quotes some of the old guys that talk about stuff that happened 15 years ago, Dixie’s limited wrestling knowledge and Cornette saying “dropping a turd” to everything on the table. Host talks about the negative feedback/wheelchair quarterbacking – how will Eric reply?

Eric says he doesn’t really know Jim but he met him in 1991. He talked to Terry about him and that Jim has been around for a long time about the psychology of the business. Eric says he doesn’t know him so he can respond to what he says on the Internet; that he hasn’t said anything positive about anything; that he’s famous for “ripping sh*t”; that he’s very articulate/cuts a great promo and great at ripping everyone. Eric said Jim hasn’t produced anything worth talking about. He takes Jim’s opinion with a grain of salt. He said there’s going to be haters and you can tear things apart. Some people love the fact that the band is brought back, some people don’t. Some people like DX, some think it sucks. You can’t please 100% of everyone and the haters get most of the attention. Eric said he doesn’t listen because people thought the same thing when he announced Nitro going head to head with Raw. He said he used to listen to it until Nitro blistered WWE’s ass. He doesn’t live his life based on opinions because a) he’s not going to change what he does because of it and b) it really doesn’t matter.

Host brings up WCW/WWE’s David and Goliath story and compares it to TNA/WWE’s situation. Eric says that’s a great question and the biggest part they can overcome is the lack of infrastructure/experience. Their biggest advantage in the lack of experience/infrastructure gives them more heart. Eric says he’s more creative more than anyone in WWE – he doesn’t care. He says more than Vince McMahon and he can take Stephanie McMahon with one arm behind his back. He says he, Jason, and TNA’s creative team is better. But they have a long way to go: corporate sponsors, infrastructure, etc – but they have the heart and fight.

Host says there’s a lot of guessing about Hulk and Eric’s roles with TNA. Eric says he can clear that up but he is not going to. He says right now it’s the most fair and honest thing to say that it’s a team effort and it’s a team effort that both Eric and Hogan are very comfortable with. Any more detail would only provide fodder for people to really create a story where one doesn’t exist. He said it’s a team effort and one they’re really proud of right now.

Host says there are thousands of people going to be listening to this interview or reading the recap. Based on the buzz TNA is receiving (Genesis/Hogan’s return to PPV), what would be Eric’s message to the talent at TNA that will be on board?

Eric said anyone that believes WWE didn’t hotshot the Bret Hart return, he can provide the fans a spot in the swamp. As far as messages go, he says the TNA talent should commit, commit 110%, embrace the fact that you’re in a business where you have to push the envelope. You need to believe who you are, your character, and lay in bed at night and think of ways to become a better performer/character/professional because that’s what it takes to really succeed in the business. Anyone that thinks that they’ve been there for 7 years and deserves more, grab a backboard and smack yourself in the head.

Eric says to Linda McMahon – good luck in her candidacy and that he hopes she wins, that he thinks Linda would be a great politician. He says he looks forward to writing a book saying he not only hugged with Vince McMahon, he made out with Linda and Stephanie McMahon. All kidding aside, he says he has respect for Linda/Vince/Stephanie – his comments to them that he knows that they know that they love competition because it’s great for the business.

Host says if it’s too early to say that we’ll see “Monday Night War” once again. Eric says he hopes so. He’s not selling them, he doesn’t know, but he really hopes. Eric believes TNA can produce a better show and that a live show head to head will create an energy. Not that he thinks but TNA has proved it. Both WWE/TNA and Spike/USA will be better off for it, the talent will benefit for it. His biggest hope would be weekly Monday head to head battle. He says it’s not his hands but he can push for it and hope that’s the case.

Hosts give Eric/Hogan/TNA staff the best of luck in 2010! Eric says he makes sure Hulk will be on the radio show.

– TNA drew a sellout crowd of 2,500 fans at the live event Friday night in Westbury, NY, making it TNA’s most successful live event in a long time. The main event saw AJ Styles defeat Kurt Angle with Jeff Jarrett as the special referee. A few live reports we’ve read indicate that the in-ring action was alright but TNA held a “meet the wrestlers” autograph session after the show that sent everybody home happy.

– Recently signed TNA tag team the Young Bucks will debut on Thursday’s iMPACT! under the new team name “Generation Me.” For those wondering, the phrase actually describes anyone born in the 1970’s, 1980’s or 1990’s (anyone between the ages of 10 and 40.)

– There has been a lot of talk within TNA lately about the six-sided ring. Various angles have been pitched as ways to get rid of the ring and bring in a traditional four-sided ring, including literally destroying the 6-sided ring during an episode of iMPACT! to explain the change.

(Credit to F4wonline.com for the news used in this report)

Ric Flair says his main reason for joining TNA and making his debut this past Monday night on iMPACT! was because unlike WWE, he felt wanted by the organization. In an interview with Mike Mooneyham of the Charleston Post and Courier, he said he didn’t want to sit at home watching two wrestling shows on Monday nights when he feels he can still contribute to the industry.

“I think I certainly can add something to the show,” Flair said. “And the nice thing is … they want me.”

Flair says he waited for WWE to call him back after he worked a brief angle with Randy Orton this past June, but they never called him back to do a follow-up.

Flair says he was feeling great following his recent wrestling tour of Australia, both mentally and physically, and felt he shouldn’t have to sit on the sidelines when he can strongly contribute to TNA. Thus far, he’s been impressed with TNA’s professionalism.

“It’s been great. It couldn’t be better. I’m loving it here ..I never heard that it wasn’t [professional], but until you see it, you don’t know what to expect. I couldn’t be more impressed.”

Mooneyham noted: “Flair says he loves WWE and always will, but that he needed this opportunity for himself. … It’s a matter of pride, of belonging, of feeling that old familiar adrenaline rush. Flair says he is excited and energized by the positive vibes coming reverberating throughout the company (TNA).”

You can read the article at the following link.