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View Full Version : TNA iMPACT! LIVE! Results



DjM
10-24-2008, 07:30 AM
TNA iMPACT! on Spike TV
October 23, 2008
Live at the Hard Rock in Las Vegas, Nevada


TNA iMPACT! Opener:

A video package aired with the highfalutin tone, talking about TNA's history, where critics saw it as a doomed concept destined to fail, but each year goals were met and progress was made, with each passing year seeing the dream further blossom and legacy expand. Tonight is another bold step forward for this global phenomenon.

- A new TNA Impact opening aired with Mick Foley, Jeff Jarrett, Sting, and the rest of the cast. Then they showed the exterior of the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas, Nev. Mike Tenay and Don West introduced the show as the camera panned the intimate setting for the show, reminiscent of Spike TV's "UFC Fight Night Live" specials.

Velvet Sky (w/Angelina Love, "Cute" Kip) vs. Christy Hemme

Wow, the backdrop behind the hard camera is just terrible. The whole setting of the hard camera view hasn't been worse on a pro wrestling show since the AWA's empty room matches in their dying days. It's unfortunate, because other angles are pretty decent of the intimate facility, but it's basically a big tarp behind six rows of standing fans. It's really a small-time look, but unnecessary as other camera angles were okay. It's almost GLOW-like (the 1980s women's group promoted by David McLane). The action had that frenetic pace that's just not pleasant to watch. It's like watching a movie in fast-forward.

Winner: Christy Hemme in 2:00

- They showed Mike Tenay and Don West at ringside previewing upcoming matches. If you were waiting to see a close-up of those two in Hi-Def, this is your lucky night! They plugged the texting to determine the order of the gauntlet match by texting your "favorite wrestler" and that will automatically move them up in order. Like so much TNA does, they even make texting more complicated than it has to be. They managed at this point to get around to plugging that Mick Foley would have a big announcement later.

Backstage:

Jeremy Borash sat backstage with Kurt Angle. Borash said Angle is promising an announcement that would trump Foley's later. Angle said he's going to change the face of professional wrestling, not just TNA, forever. He said he made a few phone calls to some "very, very, very important people." He said as of midnight last night, the deal was done. Borash asked what that had to do with Booker T. Borash turned and asked Booker, sitting next to Sharmell, what he had to do with this.

The camera panned over to Kevin Nash who was also in the room. Nash said wrestling has always been about money, power, and respect. As Nash talked about Joe not respecting him, Booker interjected with "respect" in his hideous accent three times. Nash said Joe made it personal, which is why he came back. Borash said all three are icons, but elsewhere backstage there seems to be uprising against them. He said he thinks the odds may be stacked against them. Angle said this business was built on honor, dignity, and respect. He said they are three of the greatest wrestlers of all time, but there is one more. He then revealed their fourth alliance member - Sting. He walked in wearing a suit sans facepaint. Sting said, "J.B., you look like you've seen a ghost. Why look so surprised, J.B." Sting said they tried it the nice way, but it didn't work. He said they have 75 years of experience between them. He said they asked nicely, but there will be no more asking - only demanding. He said it'll be all business from now on. He then walked away. Angle laughed. Angle toasted Booker and Nash and christened themselves The Main Event Mafia. Could Sting's first full-fledged official heel turn have been more anticlimactic? He half turned and the turned back and then went ambiguous, and now we're supposed to be shocked and care? Really poorly done in the micro and macro. We go to commercial.

Outside the Arena:

We are back and Lauren is outside. She says that she is waiting for Mick Foley to arrive. A Volkswagen arrives and Mick emerges. She asks Mick about the announcement. Mick says the announcement is bigger than Jeff said. Mick goes in without telling Lauren anything.

In the Arena:

It is one fourth of the Main Event Mafia as Booker T and Sharmell come out to the ring with the Main Event Briefcase. Booker tanks everyone. He says that the time has come to share the ting that will change the landscape of TNA. It is the one thing that will immortalize Booker forever. He opens the briefcase and it is a sack with a title belt. Booker says that it is the TNA Legends Championship. He says the title belongs to him and him alone.

Christian Cage comes out and he has mic. He tells Booker that when he hears the word legend, it has a few meanings. A legend is not someone who looks like a second rate Little John impersonator with a ridiculous accent. A legend is someone whose career and track record commands respect. Christian says that Booker has the career and track record, but he does not have the respect. Christian says that he comes out with a title that he just invented and did not beat anybody for. He says that Booker expects everyone to respect that.

Booker tells Christian that he did not come out to cause any trouble. Booker tells Christian that tonight is a celebration and a big ting. Tonight was not about him, it was about Christian. In his country, Christian is a legend. Christian should join the Main Event Mafia. Christian tells Booker that he appreciates the offer but he does not accept the offer. Christian suggests that Booker wrestle someone for the Legend’s title. Why not wrestle him for the title at Turning Point. Christian says that he does not want or need the title. He knows that when he beats Booker, it will piss him off. Christian says that they call that a challenge in his country.

Booker tells Christian that he is right. Booker says that Christian deserves a title shot. The match is on for Turning Point. When he wins, Christian will have to join the Main Event Mafia, with no questions.

Backstage:

To the back with Lauren who is interviewing Abyss and Matt Morgan. Lauren gives us a long disposition of the match. Matt says there will only be one of them tonight going to the ring. Morgan tells Abyss he is not going to the ring because of what happened at Bound for Glory. Abyss suffered third degree burns over ten percent of his body. Matt won’t let Abyss go to the ring. He says that he is a bad friend because he put Abyss in that position. Abyss says that Matt is his dearest friend. Abyss says that he talked to his therapist and he was told that he needs to made decisions for himself. Abyss talks about the burnt skin and he says that it will heal. Abyss tells Matt that they need to deal with the tag match and Kurt Angle.

Matt Morgan yells at Abyss and tells him that he has everything under control and Abyss better not go near the ring. Abyss says that he needs to do something about Kurt because Matt is his best friend. We go to commercial.

Backstage:

Borash was with Jeff Jarrett to discuss tonight's happenings. Jarrett smiled it up as Borash asked about the big announcement. Jarrett said it's Foley's announcement to make. Borash asked if Angle will get his wish of a re-match. Jarrett said he has business to take care of in TNA these days, so Angle will just get over it and move on. Because that's life.

X Division Championship
Sheik Abdul Bashir vs. Jay Lethal

Bashir attacks Lethal before the bell rings and he hits a belly-to-back suplex and then he poses. Bashir punches Lethal followed by a snap mare and reverse chin lock. Lethal with a head scissors and drop kick that sends Bashir to the floor. Lethal with a suicide dive and Bashir goes into the announce table. Lethal rolls Bashir back into the ring and Lethal misses the elbow drop from the top turnbuckle. Bashir with a DDT for a three count.

Winner: Sheik Abdul Bashir

Backstage:

Lauren is with Samoa Joe and A.J. Styles. A.J. says that is appears where there were two, there are now four. A.J. talks about how TNA came to people like him, Joe, Low Ki, and Christopher Daniels six years ago about coming to this company. Things have disintegrated. A.J. says that this is about TNA. Joe calls Nash a scumbag and he tells Nash to look at what he created. He says that Frankenstein is coming home. Joe says that since Nash took his title, he is going to take away his career. Joe does not care who he has to go through. We go to commercial.

Backstage:

We are back and we go to the back and Rhino is telling Sheik Abdul Bashir that he is sick of the political comments coming from him. Rhino says that he is challenging Bashir and he will deport him. Bashir with a kick to the groin and then he hits Rhino with the mic before choking him. Bashir drops a light on Rhino while Lauren screams and checks on Rhino.

Hardcore Gauntlet

The first two participants are James Storm with Jacqueline and Brother Ray. Storm attacks Ray as he enters the ring but Ray with a chop. Ray with another chop followed by a hip toss and clothesline and slam. Ray sends Storm to the apron but he is able to get back into the ring because the next man is Robert Roode and he takes the attention of Ray. Storm and Roode double team Ray. Ray charges into a boot and then gets an enzuigiri from Storm and a leap frog neck breaker from Roode. Ray and Storm with a double suplex.

The fourth man is Devon. Devon punches Storm and Roode. Devon with a flying shoulder tackle to Roode and a neck breaker to Storm. Storm misses a charge and Devon with a flying clothesline. Team 3D with a side slam and leg drop combination.

Hernandez is out next and he hits a slingshot shoulder block on Team 3D. Hernandez with a shoulder tackle to Roode. Hernandez catches Roode off the turnbuckles and hits a power bomb. Hernandez punches Devon and Ray hits him from behind. They set for the Doomsday Device and hit it on Hernandez.

Out next is Homicide. Homicide with a double missile drop kick to Team 3D. Devon charges into a boot and Homicide hits a tornado DDT. Homicide misses a charge and Homicide hits a rana from the top. Homicide with a back elbow to Devon.

Out next is Matt Morgan. Matt with a clothesline to Storm and a boot to Roode. Morgan with a fallaway slam to Homicide and Homicide is then eliminated followed by Devon. Hernandez charges at Morgan and Morgan eliminates Hernandez. Morgan punches Ray and Roode.

The final participant comes out and it is Abyss. Morgan yells at Abyss to stay out and Morgan is eliminated by Roode and Ray. Storm and Roode attack Abyss outside the ring.

The weapon of choice is tables.

Ray tells Devon to get the tables. Devon also has some lighter fluid while Abyss fights with Storm and Roode. Abyss comes into the ring and he punches Ray and Devon. Abyss picks up a lighter. Devon hits Abyss with a low blow and Abyss is eliminated.

It is time for the match beyond the gauntlet between Team 3D and the tag team champions. All four men fight. Roode tries for a suplex through the table, but Devon escapes the hold. They hit the 3D on Roode and Jackie pulls the referee out. Storm spits beer in Devon’s face and he gets the three count.

Winners: James Storm and Robert Roode

We go to commercial.

In the Arena:

Kurt Angle walks to the ring. Kurt says that tonight is a historical night because of the birth of the Main Event Mafia. They are a group of special people who will change the face of wrestling. Angle tells Jeff Jarrett that he has not forgotten about him. Angle says that he does not give a damn about Foley’s announcement because he will get his hands on Jarrett. Angle threatens to visit Jarrett’s kids and he does not give a s***. Angle wants Jarrett to come out.

Jarrett comes to the ring. Jarrett says that it is over and there is no reason for him to be in the ring because of the talent roster. Jarrett is going to pass the torch, and Angle should think about doing the same. Jarrett talks about some of the wrestlers this is about and Angle cuts Jarrett off. He says that TNA is about him because he is the greatest. He only cares about whooping Jeff’s ass tonight. Jarrett tells Angle that he is going to take no for an answer. Jarrett says that there is a locker room of people who want to have a match with him. There is also someone standing behind him.

Abyss punches Angle and then he gets Angle by the throat but Angle with a kick to the legs. Abyss tries for the Black Hole Slam, but Angle gets out of the hold.

We go to commercial with Mick Foley in the back looking at memorabilia.

Backstage:

We are back and Awesome Kong and Raisha Saeed are with Lauren. Saeed tells Lauren to be quiet. Saeed says that Kong is sick and tired of Taylor Wilde and she wants new blood. After tonight, Kong will never face Taylor again and she will get the TNA Women’s title. Tonight will not be Taylor’s last match with Kong, but her last match ever.

Backstage:

Jeremy is with Taylor Wilde and Jeremy asks for her response. Taylor says that she can only go out and do what she has been doing. She knows what Kong is capable of. Taylor reminds Jeremy that she is the champion. If Kong wants to beat her, she will have to end her career. We go to commercial.

TNA Women’s Title
Awesome Kong vs. Taylor Wilde

Taylor with a kick and forearm but then she runs into the wall known as Kong. Kong misses a splash and Taylor goes up top for a drop kick but Kong with a clothesline for a two count. Kong tosses Taylor across the ring and then chokes her in the corner. Kong with an Irish whip and splash into the corner. Kong with a choke slam to Taylor for a two count. Kong tries for an Awesome Bomb but Wilde with an X Factor. Wilde with two drop kicks and Kong stays up. Taylor hits a missile drop kick for a two count. Taylor with a rana for another two count. Saeed trips Wilde but Wilde punches Saeed. Kong grabs Taylor and it is Awesome Bomb time and she gets the three count.

Winner: Awesome Kong

We see the Main Event Mafia in the back as Sting and Nash get ready for their match. We go to commercial.

Sting and Kevin Nash vs. Samoa Joe and A.J. Styles

A.J. and Nash start thing off and Styles with punches to Nash followed by shoulders. Nash with a knee to the midsection. Joe is tagged in and Nash goes to tag in Sting. Joe wants a piece of Nash. Joe slaps Sting and then it is time for punches back and forth. Joe with a running back elbow and Pele kick in the corner. Styles tags in and he kicks A.J. followed by a slam and knee drop. Styles with a discus forearm to Nash on the apron. Styles is able to hit a jawbreaker and Nash with a clothesline as Nash tags back in. We go to commercial.

We are back and Sting tags back in and A.J. tries to punch his way out of trouble. Styles tries for a sunset flip and hits it for a near fall. Styles with a Pele Kick and both men are down. Nash tags in and he cannot stop Joe from making the tag. Joe with punches to the midsection and a Yakuza kick and senton for a near fall. Joe with punches and he tries to get Nash on the turnbuckles. Joe senses Sting is coming at him and he moves as Sting hits the Stinger Splash on Nash. Styles hits a plancha on Sting while Nash hits Joe with the title belt for the three count.

Winners: Sting and Kevin Nash

After the match, Styles goes for Nash’s knees and he punches Sting. Joe puts Nash in the choke while Styles punches Sting. Angle and Booker come out and Booker hits Styles with the red belt. Angle punches Joe while Booker kicks Styles. Styles and Joe are bleeding and Angle with a European uppercut on Styles.

Mick Foley is still walking as he finally might have made his way the part of the Hard Rock where the show is being taped as we go to commercial.

In the Arena:

We are back and Mick Foley makes his way to the ring. Mick says that it is time for a major declaration here on TNA. Mick wants to take everyone behind closed doors to the meeting he had with Jeff Jarrett. Mick and Jeff talked about how much money he has made in the business. Mick says that Jeff asked him about the rumors that Mick was the cheapest and most frugal wrestler ever to lace up the boots. Mick says that there is not a lot for hair styling or wardrobe. Jeff tells Mick if he made a lot of money, he probably didn’t spend any of it. Mick says that Jeff suggested an investment.

Mick is interrupted by Kurt Angle who is joined by Booker, Sting, and Nash; but Angle tells them to stay back. Foley says that Angle screwed up the big declaration. Angle says that he heard Foley talking derisively about him. Angle with a headbutt to Foley and then he asks Foley if it is funny. Angle says that he doesn’t hear anyone laughing. Foley says that it is kind of funny because Foley asks Angle if Jeff was giving to give him some stock tips. He wanted to know if Foley wanted to make an investment in TNA. Foley says that he is a major shareholder in TNA. Kurt Angle just head butted his new boss. Foley with a cheap pop as only he can. The first thing that Foley is going to say to Angle as his boss is ‘You’rrrrrre free’ to work here if he wants to. Foley says that he believes in all of the fans and all of the people in the back. He believes in the guys who made TNA something. Foley asks Kurt if he remembers what it was like when something major was going to happen when they were in the WWE. They were there when they saw the business explode. They are on the verge of being involved in something big. Foley asks Kurt if he wants to be a part of history . . . or history.

We have confetti and we have credits.

I'm actually yet to see this show, so I kinda have to just go on what I've read until Saturday night when I have the chance to see it on TV. The show looks decent, they're building up this legend storyline, which so far I am liking, even if it is a blatent rip off of an old WCW Storyline. I also like the idea of Christian being forced into the main event mafia (seriously, do the TNA creative team have a mafia fetish or something?) and being resentful as he has to work for them and help beat down the babyfaces, I think that could work pretty well. I guess I'm gonna have to wait and see how it plays off on TV. But if anyone who has seen the show wants to comment on how the show came off as a whole that would be great :)

Mr. Long
10-24-2008, 01:38 PM
What's gonna happen is that Christian is gonna be forced to join the MEM, and for about a month, he'll hate it. Then when the next pay per view rolls around, Cage will screw whoever is facing Sting for the title and go full heel.

And then the following week he'll give Kurt a GTS, then say, "I'm Sorry" in a cocky manner, and join the ECW Originals.

legendaryken
10-24-2008, 05:25 PM
Hey! Mick Foley's on it. Of course I'll watch. About 3 months ago, I said that I was enjoying TNA more than Smackdown. Guess what. I'm enjoying it more than Raw now and I can't be the only one. (Seriously - who cares about hard camera backdrops? It's about the wrestling and the storylines. Anything else is just window dressing.)

Mike Corral
10-24-2008, 08:17 PM
I want my damn Murder City Machine Guns!!

Seriously, there could have been an amazing X-Division match with every X-Division competitor, or at least 4 of them. Instead I get Bashir-Machismo 3 minute crap.

I'm loving this Legends storyline, but TNA, focus on the X-Division a little more. That's what got you so damn popular in the first place.

Cripplerlock
10-24-2008, 09:59 PM
Well I did see about half the show last night when I got home. Total different set up being at Las Vegas. Of course it reminded me more of a ECW or smaller federation set up with WWE camerawork. That is the best I can sum up the location. Ever since Sting returned at and was playing the whole tweener role while they were building on the respect storyline, I have been somewhat interested. However, I agree with what was stated up there about Sting's heel turn. Now I did not see that segment but out of the main event mafia he seems like a lesser heel. He is not a face but does not seem like a full heel compared to Nash, Angle, and Booker T. Seriously, this is Sting we are talking about. A wrestler, who I cannot recal being a heel in my many years of watching pro wrestling. They don't have to do it in a big surprise like they did Hogan in WCW(way past that point anyway) put have him go crazy on Samoa Joe or AJ with the bat or something. Also the fact that this is a shameless blatant of WCW angles like NWO and Wolfpack is obvious. I am not even sure they are trying to hide it. Still the angle has promise, even though the "main event mafia" might be one of the most unoriginal stable names I have heard. Not to mention they refered to Styles and Joe as the TNA originals. Christian is the real X-factor on which side he will join and that is good. I can see him going to either side or just do something else completely unexpected.

Unfortunately, as we saw in WCW when you bring in main event talent some of those younger wrestlers (who are not involved in the storyline) might get left out an that can hurt the X-division. Of course they still could do a cross angle with the X-division wrestlers and the TNA legends angle.

Again, over the last month or so this angle seems to have provided a little hope for TNA. Just don't mess it up.

Mike Corral
10-24-2008, 11:45 PM
Well, considering that Jarrett did mention the MCMG when he talked about the new guys (as well as their gimmick of disrespect lately), I can only hope that they somehow get involved in this major storyline.

Mr. Long
10-25-2008, 02:35 AM
I often get a kick out of Joe being referred to as a TNA Original. Yeah, he joined in 2005, I know, I was there.

I really enjoyed the Vegas setup, and agree with the smaller indy vibe it gave off. It may have just been because it was different than the Impact Zone though. I wouldn't mind seeing them do Vegas again. They should definitely look into doing more venues like this one. The New Alhambra would be cool.

DjM
10-25-2008, 03:38 AM
So would the guys who have seen the show recommend watching it when it's on here later tonight? I have to say that I agree that this storyline is interesting, even if it is a blatent rip off, and if it goes on like the WCW one did with the new blood, then it really could literally involve more or less the entire roster, which can't possibly be a bad thing, having every single wrestler in a storyline, even if it is the same one. Having read the results, I kinda get a Trilpe H type vibe from the main event mafia, how many times do they have to shove Kurt Angle down our throats in one two hour show? I understand you want to try and further the storyline, but having Kurt Angle on camera at every given opportunity is not the way to do it!

Mike Corral
10-25-2008, 05:09 AM
Honestly, it was a decent show, much like other TNA shows. The only matches that disappointed me were the X-Division Title Match and The Main Event, only because I felt that they weren't given enough time.

The set looked a damn sight better though. Plus it's kinda nice to see a bit of variety. I would say tune in, but you might get the feeling of changing the channel midway.

Mr. Long
10-25-2008, 05:25 AM
I will say, even though I think that the Legends Title is a dumb concept as a whole, the new belt looks awesome and it's nice to see a mid card title that TNA might actually care about for a month or two.

Mike Corral
10-25-2008, 05:43 AM
It'd be nice if they actually defended it every now and then.

Sadly, in TNA, it seems like if you aren't chasing the Heavyweight title or involved in a storyline, you're doing fuck else (save wrestling).

JasonSilverTX
10-25-2008, 07:10 AM
It'd be nice if they actually defended it every now and then.

Sadly, in TNA, it seems like if you aren't chasing the Heavyweight title or involved in a storyline, you're doing fuck else (save wrestling).

They wrestle in TNA!?! :huh:

D2Kvirus
10-25-2008, 09:57 AM
I often get a kick out of Joe being referred to as a TNA Original. Yeah, he joined in 2005, I know, I was there.

I really enjoyed the Vegas setup, and agree with the smaller indy vibe it gave off. It may have just been because it was different than the Impact Zone though. I wouldn't mind seeing them do Vegas again. They should definitely look into doing more venues like this one. The New Alhambra would be cool.

TNA ran the New Alhambria last year, and got something like 500 fans in there (not to brag, but ROH got at least 1500 in there last month) - although a lot of this was put down to inflated ticket prices.

The thing I've noticed is that Vegas seems to draw low: TNA got 600-800 fans in the arena supposedly, which is scarily low for a fed with a national TV deal, and ROH got 300-400 when they ran the city last year. But, then again, it could also be put down to some arenas being over-21 only, as hit ROH certainly, so in effect a whole demographic could well be turned away at the door.

Funny, I recall Joe's TNA debut and they mentioned his ROH title reign as he was coming down the ramp, and now he's an "original." If anyone's a TNA original, it's the likes of Roode, Storm, Abyss, Petey, Eric Young and (if you're feeling generous) Lance Hoyt. But that would mean TNA would have to admit they haven't created a single legitimate star of their own in six years of trying.

I've been saying since 2004 that TNA needs to have a US/Intercontinental-level title to give about half their roster something to do other than filler matches, but it never seems to come. Surely they have reason to have a TV Title by now, given they have TV?

JasonSilverTX
10-25-2008, 02:42 PM
I've been saying since 2004 that TNA needs to have a US/Intercontinental-level title to give about half their roster something to do other than filler matches, but it never seems to come. Surely they have reason to have a TV Title by now, given they have TV?



Thate is exactly WHY TNA doesnt WANT to have a title like that.

TNA doesnt want to....or they 'claim' they dont want, to be like every other promotion out there. The only titles they have on a normal promotion level are world and tag titles. Their Inter lvl title is essentially their X-Division title. It can be defended in any country,state, continent, w/e as long as its TNA sanctioned, but as its been noted, does not have to be in a TNA promotion as long as TNA is in a working relationship with the promotion.

But I do agree they should get another title, its just going to be a while until they can think of some off the wall reason to have it and what it willdo specificly todraw them fans.

Mr. Long
10-25-2008, 04:01 PM
Once the Legends gimmick has run it's course, they should just ship the belt back to Dave Millican. Have him pop off the "LEGENDS" part and replace it with something pertaining to television.

SUICIDE FOR TNA HDTV CHAMPION!

D2Kvirus
10-25-2008, 04:16 PM
Yet, as they're treating the X Division title like the WWE treated it's Cruiserweight title, then they don't have a second-tier belt. It's like WWE of 2002/3 when they killed off the Intercontinental, European and Hardcore titles in the space of six weeks - suddenly there were a lot of wrestlers milling around between matches with nothing inbetween. Now, whilst the European title had long sincerun its course, the Intercontinental certainly hadn't.

There's plenty of ways to bring in a second-tier title, be it as a counter to the Legends title (and one that serves as anything but a plotline device that'll get binned), Joe cutting a promo saying those who deign to appear on Impact can challenge for it, or even Cornette saying that there's a long list of people wanting title shots so he's making his job easier.

They can easily put that belt on AJ, Christian or Rhino (Roode, Storm and Young are also credible contenders off the top of my head), and they certainly have people who could step up if they had a chance like Homicide or Shelley.

Or, of course, they could go the route of the Hardcore titles of old and have the Overbooked Stunt Brawl Championship - Abyss would be a dominant champion for that one.

Cripplerlock
10-25-2008, 05:05 PM
The arena did seem to have a more Indy feel to it (even though my Indy viewing has been extremely limited) but again with I guess I would call more up to date WWE camerawork (The tech guys can probably translate that).

I guess I would have thought a Las Vegas venue would have larger crowds but as DK pointed out, that does not have to be the case.

Now I am not going to pretend I started watching TNA at the beginning. It was only when they got a TV deal that I started watching somewhat but there were still some large gaps. However, I have tried to consistently keep up with WWE and TNA for the last year, even if I don't discuss it much. From my point of view and looking on at who is left on the current roster (faces) I think guys like Jay Lethal and AJ Styles also could be considered originals now.

I agree with DK on X-division title loosing its prestige over the years. For a while that was a second tier title. However, you notice that when TNA started to go 2 hours and focus on more high profile wrestlers and main even storylines, things started to change.

I also have a feeling that legends title will be temporary, but I have to say that it makes more sense for TNA to try to make that title work than WWE even thinking about trying it. Considering WWE, does not have many legends actively wrestling (maybe except for HBK) and the other trainers like Slaughter and Barry Windam, we probably don't want to see in the ring much.

Still as some of us learned in the 90s, you don't know what to expect anytime Vince Russo is involved.

Mr. Long
10-25-2008, 05:19 PM
I get the feeling the Legends Title is going to be sticking around for a while, or at least the belt itself. It's a really nice belt that I'm sure cost a lot of money. Money that TNA only ever throws around when hiring big names.

D2Kvirus
10-25-2008, 07:11 PM
I was watching TNA back in 2003 in the time of the weekly PPVs on TWC, and the fact is it was a lto more fun - and the ring looked right, too.

Back in the weekly PPV days they had weekly defences of all three titles, and although it was very hit & miss, a lot of guys came and went (whatever happened to one half of Raven's lackeys, CM something or other, I wonder?) and the weekly Jarrett match was...the weekly Jarrett match, but they did give everyone an opportunity. Back then, people were watching mainly for the X Division and AJ was the guy people wanted to watch, and the match quality was much higher. Yes, some things did suck, but overall they had PPV quality matches on a weekly basis at the same time.

Now, even though the quality of the roster is better than it was five years ago, the product just isn't as good - some things are allotted too little time whilst others get too much, and they overbook more matches now than they ever did five years ago (albeit they still had a run-in fetish).

The X Title's been off the radar since Joe dropped it to Low-Ki/Senshi, it appears, which sort of places it in the same bracket as the Hardcore title when RVD had it as a fashion accessory in 2001.

Lethal isn't a TNA original as he'd wmade his name in ROH, whilst AJ practically was the indy scene for a couple of years before TNA started, so was a known quantity from NWA Wildside and ROH (albeit ROH on the virtue that their first show was three days earlier or something) and various other feds. AMW were TNA originals, before Chris Harris got fat, lazy, and Braden Walkerized.

Never count making a belt as a reason it'll last: where's the Rated R belt now?