TNA Wrestling brings “Total Nonstop Action” to Dubuque for the first time
Adam Martin, Wrestleview.com
TNA Wrestling rolled into the state of Iowa on Saturday night (October 16) for the third event in a four day tour of Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois. Largely considered the “number two” wrestling company behind WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment), TNA made its first stop ever in Dubuque, Iowa for a non-televised event at the Five Flags Center.
Many of the stars seen Thursday night’s on Spike TV’s “TNA iMPACT!” headlined the event including Tommy Dreamer, Abyss, Mr. Anderson, Matt Morgan, Samoa Joe and TNA founder Jeff Jarrett. An estimated crowd of 1,000 wrestling fans turned out for this action-packed event.
Interaction was the goal of TNA on this Saturday night as fans purchasing tickets at $50.00 were given the opportunity for a special meet-and-greet with TNA stars two hours before the event and after the conclusion of the main event between Dreamer and Abyss.
Former TNA broadcast commentator Don West (well known for his role selling on various cable shopping networks) walked around the Five Flags Center throughout the show plugging merchandise items up for purchase including “brown bag specials.”
“I’ve always been good at selling pretty much anything,” West said. “Don’t get me wrong, I had a blast doing commentary with TNA. But selling is what I’ve always excelled at. I love walking around, talking with the fans and letting them know about some great deals. They don’t do stuff like this at WWE shows. I know – I’ve been to them and there is zero interaction.”
Some special citizens of Dubuque were also given the opportunity to step into the squared circle on Saturday night, but not to grapple. These citizens were being officially sworn into the U.S. Army. Wrestling fans and TNA officials praised these brave individuals in between the action.
Whether the fans were sitting at ringside, many rows back or up in the bleachers, you could tell they enjoyed the “Total Nonstop Action” brand of professional wrestling. TNA ring announcer Jeremy Borash promised a return in 2011. The elated crowd response seemed to indicate that these fans will be back and could be bringing others the next time.
Adam Martin is the Editor in Chief of www.wrestleview.com residing in Cedar Rapids, IA.
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