I know it’s no longer TNA but it’ll always be TNA to me
For those of you who know me, follow me and interact with me on a daily basis, you will know that I recently sadly lost my father to cancer. Thank you for all the kind messages of love and support and it is helping the family cope at this moment in time.
One thing my father was, was a fighter. He kept fighting all the way till the end and he tried to instil that in myself. So I am going to continue with my site, after taking a recent break. I am going to come back stronger than ever and work with my co-writers to make skatronixxx.com the BEST and most varied popular culture news site on the web. It’s what ‘Poppa S’ would have wanted me to do.
RIP Dad, we all miss you
2016 is a chance for new beginning and fresh starts and skatronixxx.com is going to smash it! I can feel it in my bones.
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Not many other people or companies get a chance for a fresh start, a re-invention. TNA recently went through a re-invention of sorts with the arrival of Hulk Hogan to the number two wrestling company in America, back in 2009. However their dreams of further cementing their position as the number two wrestling company, ended up with massive debts, long standing talents leaving and looking more like a number two you’d find in a public bathroom.
Was my last comment a little harsh? Maybe, maybe not. But if you consider the money they threw at The Hulkster and his cronies such as Orlando Jordan (remember him?). You would have expected success then again, if you think about who they signed (Nasty Boys? REALLY!!) It was no surprise they ended up in the situation they found themselves a couple of months ago.
The television company that TNA had an agreement with had decided to cut its losses and who could blame them? Top talents such as Samoa Joe, Austin Aries had jumped ship to WWE:NXT, the now unofficial number two wrestling company in America (however we don’t count them as they are still an offshoot of the WWE powerhouse). AJ Styles packed his bags and left for Japan, where he became an even bigger star. Magnus went to Jeff Jarrett’s new promotion Global Force. Suddenly a roster where Matt Hardy had become champion (yes seriously), surrounded by the likes of EC3 (that’s Derek Bateman from WWE), Bobby Lashley and TNA mainstays Eric Young and Bobby Roode, although these guys had talent were no way going to threaten WWE.
You let these guys go? You stupid, silly company
So let’s evaluate TNA went from being the main underground rival to WWE with a style on innovate and no holds barred extreme style to a watered down, almost bankrupt promotion that signed the 50+ Nasty Boys, whilst the talent it should have been built around left for pastures new. Sounds familiar to WCW does it not? When will people learn, you shouldn’t build around past stars, you should establish your own. Silly TNA. When you throw in the fact that new and existing promotions such as Lucha Underground and ROH were gaining more and more followers, their future did not look rosy.
Wow look at me go on about the past when I should be talking about the future, I did that so you could understand why TNA needed this fresh start. Will TNA rise from the ashes of the Hulk Hogan era like a phoenix or barely get set alight and slowly fade away? Let’s have a look as I evaluate the new era of TNA wrestling.
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It’s a well-known fact that TNA had been dropped from its previous channel in America, so when it was announced TNA needed a new home. Many choices were banded about, some would have been good such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, some not. TNA ultimately decided to go with a channel by the name of Pop TV (who???). Pop TV are a small start-up company, although they were not able to offer megabucks they were able to offer stability and assurances that they would not be dropped in the immediate future.
Was TNA wise to go back to its roots and sign with a small TV company that offered a reduction in viewers but the chance to bring stability to its company? Well it’s hard to tell to be honest, as if Pop TV takes off TNA is in a very good position. But if Pop TV fails, TNA I feel will also ultimately fail too. So let’s not worry too much about that now and actually review the show.
Pop who?? Sorry Pop TV never heard of you
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The show starts with Dixie Carter talking about the ‘World Title Series’. For those of you who don’t know the world title series, was a tournament that was set up to determine and crown a new champion after Matt Hardy was stripped of the championship by an injunction courtesy of EC3. In reality the real reason behind it was because that TNA had no home and had to fill out the remaining episodes using a limited roster and limited matches. Thus the world title series was born. For those of you who regularly read the dirt sheets, you would already know that like many of the matches, the series final had already been taped with Bobby Lashley winning. So what was the point of these? Why not just scrap the storyline as we already knew who the victor would be.
As Dixie (TNA’s watered down and more whiny version of Vince McMahon) talks she is interrupted by EC3 and Tyrus (that’s Derek Bateman and The Funkasaurus Brodus Clay). EC3 is Dixie’s storyline nephew and was unhappy at his treatment from his aunt and accuses her of being jealous of his success. Dixie responds by saying that Derek has turned into a monster and a man she is ashamed to call his nephew. EC3 is one of the bright spots in this organisation and I used to enjoy seeing his skits with Daniel Bryan in WWE back in the day. Would EC3 succeed in today’s WWE? I feel he would given half the chance but would they give him that chance? Sadly not! Stick in TNA EC3 as it’s your time to shine.
Matt hardy interrupts and tells EC3 he’s not afraid of him and see’s through his façade. Matt then goes on to vow to win the title on tonight’s show as EY (Eric Young), another semi-final opponent in the world title series appears. What follows is a vicious assault on Matt Hardy by EC3, Tyrus and EY. That is only broken up when Bobby Lashley (remember him when he had Donald Trump in his corner at Wrestlemania?) saves the day.
Remember this moment? I bet Bobby Lashley doesn’t want to
The wrestling starts with the first semi-final match in the world title series BOBBY LASHLEY VS. EC3 . The match was the usual where Lashley dominates until EC3 distracts the ref to allow Tyrus 9EC3’s bodyguard) to attach Lashley when the ref’s back is turned. Come on ref, have you not seen wrestling matches; the baddies have bene using this tactic for years. Silly ref!! Lashley tried to make a comeback but EC3 wins the match with a roll up and handful of tights (tights? Wouldn’t trunks sound more manly?) hmm lol.
Ok that’s the first match and pre-determined winner has lost? That suddenly makes things interesting! Who will be the new TNA champion, well as long as it isn’t Hulk Hogan making a return ala Wrestlemania 9, I’ll be happy. Well unless it’s Matt hardy. I’m sorry Matt but you as TNA champ? As nice as you seem, I think I’d be better!
Could we see Hulk Hogan as a surprise champ? I wouldn’t put it past TNA
The show then cuts to the Randy Orton of TNA Bobby Roode (one day he’s a face, the next a heel, make up your minds!!). Roode cuts an open challenge promo (John Cena anyone?) saying that he is going to prove himself. As much as I love Bobby Roode ( a modern day mix of Arn Anderson, Rick Rude, Randy Orton and John Cena) rolled into one we have seen this all before. Can’t we just turn Bobby bad again please? With promo skills like these, turn him heel and let him and EC3 form an alliance similar to Rated RKO and you’re onto a money maker.
Wrestling god Kurt Angle appears, yes he is a god, he has even been on my site before! And talks about his farewell tour, let’s hope it doesn’t last as long as One Direction otherwise he’s still gunna be here in 5 years. Angle thanks the crowd and then goes on to mention some of the people he has faced in his career, even dropping several WWE names. Although TNA has gone wrong by signing washed up stars from WWE. If Chris Jericho would have appeared I would have marked out for this. Sadly the challenge was answered by Drew McIntyre, I mean Drew Galloway lol. Don’t get me wrong Drew is good but if TNA wanted to go all out this would have been the chance to win and gain more viewers.
Remember this moment? What a ledge 😉
Further into the promo lower midcard heels Eli Drake and Jesse Godderz, interrupt arguing over who is the future star of TNA. A brawl ensues where Kurt and Drew clear the ring of the pesky knats that are Eli and Jesse and stand tall. A better finish would be where Drew then hit’s his finisher on Kurt to be left standing tall. But noooooooo TNA you went with the easy finish, shame on you. That’s just lazy booking.
We then to go the Howard Finkel of TNA Jeremy Borash who is speaking to Jeff Hardy. Jeff goes on to say that his brother Matt will win the belt. I don’t get why Jeff paints his face so crazy. I mean he reminds me of Sting but a more doped out, wacked out version.
EY enters to say that Matt Hardy is finished and washed up, although I have been bashing Matt hardy, I still feel like he has a lot to contribute towards the promotion just not in the main event scene. So boooooo EY!! EY goes on to say he want’s the ref to start to count Matt out but considering the match hasn’t even started that just doesn’t make sense. EY was so much better as a comedic face. Yes I know I’ve suggested turning Bobby Roode and Drew Galloway heel, but let’s turn EY face. I’m sorry but EY should always be a face, like John Cena. EY as a crazy nutjob heel is wrong, it’s like eating avocado. You put avocado on your face not in your belly!!!
A promo for ‘The Miracle’ then airs, it’s a very effeminate promo and one can only imagine it’s for a new diva or a repackaged one. Could it be Trish Stratus making a shock debut or could it be Taryn with a new style? The news came out that TNA was using the miracle tagline to promote someone came out about a week or two ago. The ‘miracle’ was meant to be the saviour of TNA in epic proportions. Many were expecting Punk or Goldberg, if either of them debut later tonight with that vigenette it’s gunna fall flat. VERY FLAT.
MEH
We then go onto the next match in the world title series semi final MATT HARDY VS. ERIC YOUNG . OMG another wrestling match it’s been like forever since we seen some wrestling on this show now. The match was a quick affair that Matt Hardy won with his finished. EY piledrived (a move that IS banned from WWE) Matt to the floor, it looked pretty brutal, this resulted in Jeff rushing out to check on his brother. EY then proceeded to go after Jeff too. Could we be seeing a Jeff Hardy/EY feud in the future? Maybe!!
We then cut to back stage to see EY going nuts like he does and trashing the backstage area. Sore loser anyone? Jeff then runs into EC3 where he publicly supports his brother, if prowrestling has taught me anything these kind of public displays of support, usually result in a heel turn. Especially considering TNA’s treatment of Jeff and there lazy booking. Get me in there I’d do a better job. But hey that’s a story for another day.
Roode comes out for his open challenge. Wait didn’t he do that earlier? Bram who is like a crazier version of EY but also British, that makes him sound even more crazy accepts. (Hey I’m British I can say it!) Bram responds by saying that 2006 is going to be his year. FACEPALM!!! Bram you may be right as I see you being future-endeavoured in 2016 if you continue to be as crazy out of the ring as you are in it.
We are then treated to our third match of the evening BOBBY ROODE VS. BRAM . This is the usual TNA booking where Roode retains and Bram beats him down post match. What’s that??? IT’S JAMES STORM!!! James Storm is in the house. Storm proceeded to kick Bram’s ass, saving Roode and teasing a Beer Money reunion. I like James Storm he’s like TNA’s modern version of Stone Cold but a better wrestler. Would I like to see a Beer Money reunion for the nine millionth time? No I’m good thanks, make this a onetime only affair. Considering James Storm was meant to be in WWE:NXT this was actually surprising to me. Good work TNA.
BEER…. MONEY
We then cut back to JB (Jeremy Borash) who is interviewing Madison Rayne and Velvet Sky aka ‘The Beautiful People’ ahead of their match with the crazy women group ‘The Dollhouse’. So we have a group of self proclaimed beautiful people, don’t get me wrong they are ok looking but they remind me of those bitchy mean girls who would use their meh looks to get what they want. Turn this group heel, it works better that way. As for ‘The Dollhouse’ when you consider the fact they have two of the best female wrestlers around today in a ridiculous faction with little character. Split them up or give them more promo time. The Beautiful People tease a replacement for their fallen (injured) member Angelina Love, it’s the female version of Kurt Angle, GAIL KIM!!!
Beer Money then announce they are taking on the crazy team of Bram and EY at the upcoming One Night Only event.
On for match number four THE DOLLHOUSE VS. THE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE . Considering that TNA actually has the best female wrestlers today in my opinion this match sucked. Lucha Underground does it better, where they have intergender matches and let the women wrestler a more relaxed and crazy style. Needless to say Gail Kim picked up the win. Post match Awesome Kong came down and beat up Velvet, Madison and Gail. Wait Awesome Kong as sided with The Dollhouse? This S*** just got interesting. I mean if you add the beast that is Kong to the craziness that is The Dollhouse. Skatronixxx approves.
The moment is here. Who is TNA’s miracle, I don’t know why but this made me think of when Damien Sandow debuted as the intellectual saviour of the masses in WWE. The lights go out, the music hits, who is it? It’s Armando Estrada. Wait a minute Armando Estrada is here to save us? Lol no it’s actually former ROH star Mike Bennett. Mike is on the entrance ramp with wife former WWE diva Maria (Kanellis) in tow. Mike’s entrance would have been that more impressive is he wasn’t dressed like the man from Del Monte and Maria wasn’t slapping her thigh to the music like she was trying to swat a fly. But hey Maria is in TNA, that makes me happy 😉 forget about Mike Bennett it’s alllllllllllllll about Maria hahaha. Sorry ladies but I am male after all 😛
Is it a bird? Armando Estrada? The man from Del Monte? No it’s Mike Bennett
We then get another match announced where The Wolves (Davey Richards and Eddie Edwards) vs. Eli drake and Jessie Godderz is announced for One Night Only.
It’s time for the final match of the night. The world series final MATT HARDY VS. EC3 . Will Matt who has been built up all evening retain? Will EC3 cheat him out of his destined victory? Will Jeff turn on his brother? Will we have another surprise return? Or debut? So many questions, so little time. Well the outcome was pretty meh tbh. EC3 won the belt clean. Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t like interference in the matches but if there was one TNA needed to interfere to further the plot this was it. You could have had Jeff turn on Matt, EY cost Matt. Anything could have happened. Even a returning AJ Styles, I know he signed with WWE days before but how much buzz would that have generated?
Your NEW TNA champion EC3, EC3, EC3!
Me? I would have had ‘The Miracle’ Mike Bennett debut mid match rather than before and cost Matt hardy the match, that way you have EC3 cheat his way to victory and set up a post match feud for Matt where he pushes Mike Bennett as a credible main event talent.
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So how was TNA’s rebirth? It’s reinvention? Tbh it was more like ‘new’ coke debut then seeing the latest iPhone. TNA you let me down, you promised so much but fell flat once again. I was neutral I gave it a chance but I’m off to Lucha Underground or even Global Force.
It’s Lucha Underground for me now, sorry TNA
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