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Pro's from the Palace (#196) - Words on TNA, PPV picks, personal note |
» Reported by Mike Siciliano of WrestleView.com
» On Friday, August 10, 2007 at 3:19 AM EST
If you want serious, I was considering boycotting doing the picks for Hard Justice because I refuse to believe that TNA is so desperate for publicity that they would sign a guy like Pacman Jones.
I guess I was wrong.
If you want serious, in this time of congresisonal hearings, questions, and accusations, I would have thought TNA would not stoop to the level of using families and divorces in storylines, as that is probably one of the breaking points in the tragic chain of events that has left the pro wrestling world totally different than what it was 3 months ago.
I guess I was wrong.
If you want serious, I was supportive of TNA back in the day when they said they were the 'alternative' for pro wrestling, and they featured just that, new talent, new faces, and a new attitude.
I guess I was wrong.
I really feel like calling this so called product WCW Redux. Now, don't get me wrong, they have some interesting gimmick matches, and some damn impressive talents on the roster. (Styles, Daniels, AMW, oops, wait, they're disbanded....something I thought WWE was only doing, disbanding tag teams.... I guess I was wrong.)
And I think even TNA realizes it was wrong, yet, they haven't corrected themselves twice yet. They did once already. Three letters. X. X. X.
But, now, we have a former ECW/WWE team showing WWE titles on Impact! and desperately trying to provide heel heat, and failing.
We have a former WWE/ECW star involved in a "Bar Room Brawl" after sitting on television for weeks on end talking about his alcoholism. Children sometimes watch this show, don't they?
In one of the two main events of this upcoming pay per view, we literally have half of the participants as former WWE talents. Certainly can provide some questions about TNA being the 'alternative' when it comes to pro wrestling.
I don't know whether or not to feel pity or anger for the originals in TNA that have been absolutely buried because of this influx of new talent. Matt Morgan, Andrew Martin, Dustin Rhodes, just to name three. Let's see. Martin never really got off the ground in WWE, and don't tell me it wasn't for lack of trying. Morgan never got off the ground, period, and Rhodes was a success as Goldust till Vinnie Mac got annoyed, and boom, here comes the boot. Now, Morgan is Cornette's version of Tomko, Martin is trying to portray himself as a movie character, where before, he was barely audible as a test, and Rhodes is literally doing a knock off of Goldust in TNA as "Black Reign."
Creative, isn't it?
Don't get me wrong, there have been some talents that have benefitted from going to TNA. Cage comes to mind first and foremost, I doubt in all hell that there would have been an opportunity at a world title in WWE for Cage, and yet he's been NWA champ twice, and still involved in main event matches. Rhino has never really fallen off the scope in TNA, despite his two day reign as NWA World Heavyweight Champion. The Dudleys achieved their legacy of winning the WCW, ECW, WWE, and NWA World tag team titles. And the NAO still seem to be booked in matches, although they seem farther away from the world tag straps than ever before, but truthfully, I don't think they even care, it's just a payday at this point.
The guys I really feel for is guys like Harris and Styles. TNA originals that have been through thick and thick with this company from day one, and now, when they should be featured as main eventers day in day out, they're lackies. Styles is Cage's bitch, plain and simple, and Harris is involved in middle card feuds because someone thought up the brilliant idea to break up an absolutely fabulous team in AMW. Don't you dare tell me that Styles or AMW were boring or redundant in their performance with their multiple title victories, because I'll disagree until the damn cows come home.
Now, I am a contradicting idiot, because I'm still buying TNA DVDs. Why? Simple. Concept matches. I dig gimmick matches, and I admit it. Matches like Elevation X, as bad as it was, Ultimate X, six sides of steel, yadda yadda yadda. When they keep bringing in new concept matches, I'll more than likely end up buying the damn DVD, because I'm just that way. It doesn't mean in any way that I am supportive of what the creative side of TNA has literally done to its product, which is basically in no advance terms, it's been turned in to WCW redux.
Oh, I forgot about the feud that doesn't ever want to seem to die. Robert Roode and Eric Young. Is it me, or are these guys stuck in a tape loop or something and can't seem to get themselves out of it? I mean, this looks like a damn star trek wormhole episode, because these guys have fought all over and over and over and over and over again, and yet TNA continues to schlep them out there and expect them to deliver. Miracle is, they have been, which is a credit to both men.
I read a report that TNA is considering phasing out the X Division title. That's a terrific idea. The title that helped propel the careers of guys like the Fallen Angel, Christopher Daniels, Low Ki, and AJ Styles to superstardom is going to phased out of the company for what reason? Oh, I don't know, because they've turned it in to a second rate division of has beens, and wanna bes, because all of the so called stars of the X division have become jobbers to the TNA elite, or stooges in Kevin Nash skits. Terrific move, guys. The one aspect of the product that separated you from the rest of the pack, and all reports lead me to believe that it'll be gone by this time next week. Smart. Really smart.
Has Sting actually gone away from being the preacher man of TNA trying to save the evil inside Abyss? Abyss has turned in to one of my favorite talents in TNA, and although the DVD is flawed (Abyss' Best of), I still bought it for the violence and brutality of the matches. However, one aspect of the DVD that is so skin crawling it's pathetic is this whole story involving Abyss, Cage, Tomko, Sting, and the rest of the cronies as the story was unfolded of Abyss' past. During that whole piece, I wondered who I was viewing behind the white facepaint. Steve Borden as Sting, or Steve Borden as Jimmy Swaggert. My, how the mighty have fallen. From the days of hob knobbing with the jet set as a member of the elite Four Horsemen franchise to being involved in gimmick matches that wouldn't be seen at a backyard show, (prison yard, last rites matches). Icon? Yeah. Right.
Does Kurt Angle actually believe this whole angle with his wife is going to benefit the product in the long run? And let's be honest, does Kurt Angle believe in his heart that this angle with his wife on television is going to not seep in to his real life, and cause more grief and issue for the troubled TNA World Champion? Oh, wait, I forgot, Angle's troubles were all gone in a month he spent off the spotlight when he left WWE and signed with TNA.
Vince with Linda. Austin with Debra. Did either of these angles truly work? Personally, not in any way possible. Family in wrestling is one thing. Disaster. Absolute and Immense.
I guess I should officially comment on TNA signing PacMan Jones to a contract.
.
I know I've spent the last how many words bashing TNA, but, out of respect for the talent in the company, whomever they are, and wherever they came from, I will do the picks for Hard Justice at this time.
TRIPLE X vs. The MOTOR CITY MACHINEGUNS vs. SONJAY DUTT & JAY LETHAL
Any chance to see Daniels, Low Ki, and Primetime in any way shape or form, good. Sabin and Shelley as a tag team, good. Dutt & Lethal, good talents being misused in TNA, especially Sonjay. I don't understand this 'guru' gimmick by any stretch, and I would love someone to explain it to me. Lethal has absolutely mastered the Black Machismo gimmick, and although the hair is difficult to stomach from the eyes, his gimmick has been entertaining as hell. The sad part is, his reign as X Division champion was about as long as Rhino's was as the world champion, and that is sad especially since Lethal is one of the future stars in the X Division, if it stays in effect.
Now, if I am booking TNA, I figure out a way to have multiple matches with The MCMGs and XXX. Sorry Sonjay and Lethal, but this one, you guys are being tossed aside, again. I would suspect Triple X will get the dupe, because they're still riding their wave of momentum from reuniting, but I would also suspect many more matches, I hope, with Sabin, Shelley, Daniels, Skipper, and Senshi, and that, all things considered, is good for business.
Which probably means it will never happen, but hey, a guy can dream, can't he?
WINNERS: Triple X
The LATIN AMERICAN XCHANGE vs. The VOODOO KIN MAFIA
The speedboat without a rotor meets the sailboat twisting in the breeze, but going nowhere. Konann's departure from TNA has hurt LAX, whether they want to believe it or not. It's sad too, because Homicide is an amazing talent. and LAX as a team is one of the best I have seen in a long time. VKM, well, let's be honest here. Since their so called war on DX was halted with DX's injuries, what have they really accomplished? Made Christy Hemme's life difficult? Wow. Nice accomplishments for a team with a pedigree like the former Outlaws. Whatever happened to the "soon to be, tag team champions of the world, he's the K to the I to the pizzle..." schtick, eh BG? Don't tell me it's all promotional politics. Is it ?
WINNERS: The Latin American Xchange
CHRIS HARRIS vs. "Black Reign" DUSTIN RHODES
I guess the only reason Rhodes is going with this gimmick is to separate his look from his brother Cody, who is getting rolling on Raw with big daddy Dream. I have to believe that's the reason, because if there's another, this idea is dumb. Harris vs. Rhodes on paper is something I would pay to see, no questions asked, but the idea of pushing a new gimmick is, in my opinion, tainting the value of this match, and turning the original Harris in to a glorified jobber. Who else doesn't think that the new gimmick will win this match? If you don't, then you're not a regular watcher of pro wrestling, period.
WINNER: "Black Reign" Dustin Rhodes
Humiliation Match
ERIC YOUNG vs. ROBERT ROODE
I didn't watch Impact this week due to my work schedule. So, I just spent the last few minutes looking around to find the rules for this match, and I can't find them. So, let's just say this, as the preview I have for this match can be summed up in a couple of sentences.
The girls will interfere. (Gail Kim and Ms. Brooks) Young will win. And this feud better end.
WINNER: Eric Young
Bar Room Brawl
RHINO vs. JAMES STORM
Ok. Contradiction time again. Rhino vs. Storm I love. Why? Because these men can go hardcore no questions asked. Both men can bring the pain. Personally, I'd rather see this match compete in the six sided ring, and not in a bar room, but so be it. Storm's going to figure out a way to get the win, because TNA has done zip to elevate Rhino since his two days as world champ.
WINNER: James Storm
THE STEINER BROTHERS vs. TEAM 3D
Is Scott Steiner really ready to compete? I doubt it. Personally, I think there's a twist here to lead us to BFG where Steiner will probably be ready to fully compete. This match has too much damn marquis value not to be promoted on TNA's full blown Wrestlemania style PPV in October. I'll pick the Steiners to win, because I think 3D is trying desperately to heel themselves out, but they're not getting the type of heat to get the job done, and that's probably destroying Bubba's morale, or lack there of. C'est la vie.
WINNERS: The Steiner Brothers
Doomsday Chamber of Blood Match
STING, ABYSS, & ANDREW MARTIN vs. AJ STYLES, TOMKO & CHRISTIAN CAGE
Doomsday chamber of blood match. Nice name. Barbed wire is also a nice touch. But, let's be honest here. With some tweaks, what is this match? A six man tag elimination chamber.
Now, that's not a BAD THING. I have all the chamber matches from WWE on DVD, and I probably am going to get this one on DVD when the time comes. SO, it's not a bad thing. It's just an attempt to show that there really isn't much originality in TNA's product, with a couple of exceptions. I like the part of needing to make someone bleed before you can pin them, and I like the barbed wire. From there, it's a chamber match. A little more chaos would be to make it six men all for themselves. 3 on 3 kind of makes it a little predictable, which can be problematic.
I was on the TNA website looking for video showing Abyss calling this match out on Impact, and the geniuses at tnawrestling.com didn't put it up. Nice.
Faces win here, lots of sick spots hopefully, and let's just pray nobody gets hurt. Not much else to say about this.
WINNERS: Sting, Andrew Martin & Abyss
Winner Takes All - TNA World title, IWGP Title, TNA X Division title, and TNA World tag team titles on the line
KURT ANGLE vs. SAMOA JOE
If memory serves, chapter one of this was Genesis 2006. I have that. Chapter two was Turning Point 06, if memory serves, which I believe I also have. I also have the Ironman match. All of them were very good. Were they great? No, not great, but very entertaining. Personally, I don't think Angle's body can do a "great" spot filled match anymore, because he just can't handle it physically. I have thought since Joe's arrival in TNA that he's destined to win the world title, but as the signs point, I don't think it's going to happen here, and personally, it would not surprise me one bit to see Joe walk out of TNA eventually and return to the indies full time, because of his morale, and the current direction TNA is going. (Joe did not sign a contract extension, which is a sign that points me to think that he may be heading down the road to departure.)
With Angle travelling so significantly for TNA and Antonio Inoki's IGF, and the possibility of Angle/Lesnar II in Japan, or Angle/Josh Barnett in Japan, or even unifying the IWGP titles with New Japan's IWGP Champion Yuji Nagata, there's too many paydays for TNA not to try and keep the IWGP title on Angle, which would lead me to believe that Angle will win the match.
Now, there's a couple of points to bring up here. The reports are running rampant that the X title is going to be unified with the world title, which would lead me to believe Angle's coming out the victor here, because Joe is a X Division standout first before a heavyweight competitor, according to TNA creative.
The show has literally become Total Non Stop Angle with the family aspect of this feud, which sickens me to no end, but leads me to believe that it's not going to stop any time soon, because TNA thinks for some reason the more you put Kurt Angle on, at the expense of your other talent, the more ratings will eventually come in. I think even Angle himself is starting to legitimately believe that, with the comment of "Without Kurt Angle, this is an indy show with 30 people attending", being broadcast on a recent Impact show.
With 3D coming back in to the fray here in this feud as attempted heels, they could play a part in deciding the victor of the match, and as a token of generosity on the benevolent champion Angle, Kurt could 'give' the tag titles back to 3D, or something to that extent, therefore re-energizing a tag team division that has gone south in a hurry since the former Dudleys lost the titles in the Match of Champions at the last PPV.
There doesn't seem to be any future plans in the making for Samoa Joe. It all seems to fit to two possible scenarios. With Joe inviting Karen Angle to ringside, either Karen figures out a way to help Kurt with winning the match, or 3D gets involved, as I said before. Joe is on an island, seemingly without peer, and I think after sunday, without gold to boot.
WINNER: Kurt Angle
I'm reading how a Raven vs. Kazarian match is set to be booked for Hard Justice in some capacity, whether its a pre show or PPV match is beyond me. I also read an opinion that the House of Fun match should've been saved to the PPV, and I would agree there, it certainly would be a fun stipulation to this match, but maybe a repeat of that style of match is due to happen in this feud in the coming months. I'm glad to see Raven back in the ring fighting, as I thought his career was in trouble from his lack of competition between the ropes. Kaz can do nothing but benefit from working with Raven, either with him or against him, and he should be soaking up knowledge from Scott Levy like a sponge. If this match goes down, Raven will win with help from his cronies in Serotonin, but I would not be surprised if Kazarian puts up an excellent effort against the man from the Bowery. We'll wait and see if the match is added to the card over the weekend.
I need to end this column with a little personal diatribe for the haters who are seething right now following the minefield of destruction typing wise I left on Total Non Stop Action Wrestling.
Now, I know there are going to be people who send me an email screaming that I don't know what I'm talking about, and that I'm not experienced enough to make these types of comments, and I'm too negative, and I'm too this, and I'm too that. You know what, ladies and gentlemen?
You're right. On ALL COUNTS.
Maybe with the philosophy I have obtained through experience, I oughta start following UFC or something. But the thing with me is I like it when combatant one walks up to combatant two, says "Im better than you, and..," POW, right in the face.
All of this fluff, garbage, and un-entertaining drivel with illegitmate children, exploding limousines, divorces that don't happen, and titles that don't mean anything is just plain pathetic in my mind.
However, with all that being said, I want to make sure I am clear as a bell with this statement.
My problems with pro wrestling do not lie with the talents at any stretch. I respect what every talent goes through inside the circle. From Pelle Primeau and Mitch Franklin to Lobsterman and Great Khali. From the 125 pound stick to the 500 pound monster, each and every one of them has my respect. Why? Simple.
In a career I personally would not mind fulfilling, I could not, in any way, shape, form, or dream, take and put my body through the abuse these people do.
Some have their weaknesses. I see it, we all see it. We're human, for blankin' sakes. The fact is, they try to entertain the masses with their athleticism, and that I respect. I respect that, and THAT is why I will continue to write about them, follow them, enjoy them, and say what I feel.
My BEEF, in closing, is not as I said, with the superstars of WWE, ECW, TNA, ROH, and the indies. My BEEF is with the suits behind the scenes that think they know what the public wants. Last I checked, dweebs, you're not public, so how the hell would you people know anything about what the public wants?
The public wants WRESTLING. Not soap opera schlub. If the suits figured that out, we'd all be better off, and chances are, tragedies could possibly have been avoided. But, we'll never know.
Click here for my myspace. It's been a little inactive due to ISP problems at home. I seem to be stabilized now, so I'll try and start things up again there soon.
Click here to send me an email.
I look forward to hearing these. They oughta be really good. Rest assured I'll read them all, and I'll reply to as many as I can.
Good night, everyone.
NOTE: The views of this column represent those of the author, and not necessarily those of the administration of this website.
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