TNA iMPACT! live - 04/01/10 Spoilers

D2D

Seeing as JP Liz has the Raw thread up for Monday now here - http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055784492, here is the TNA iMPACT thread for Monday.

It'll be very interesting to see what Hogan and his ego will do on the 3 hour live iMPACT! special. Who will appear on Monday in TNA and will TNA actually get a good rating on Monday night??

Hopefully some people on this will give us updates on what happening during the "war" on Monday night.

Machismo Fan

The two matches announced are ODB vs. Tara for the Knockouts title which was built up pretty well with a good closing segment on iMPACT!, and Taylor Wilde and Sarita vs. Awesome Kong and Hamada for the Knockouts tag titles. If they give that tag match ten minutes it could be an excellent match, it's more or less the four best womens wrestlers in the company. By all accounts TNA are trying to stack the deck and pull out all kinds of surprises plus it appears it may feature the return of Sting and perhaps even the in ring return of Jarrett.

Machismo Fan

ie.tv.ign.com/articles/105/1057741p1

January 1, 2010 - Without question the biggest pro-wrestling news story in 2009 was the signing of Hulk Hogan to TNA wrestling. Whether or not this acquisition will ultimately spell out quantifiable success for TNA is unknown at this point, but one thing's for sure; big changes are on the way and excitement is in the air.

On Monday, January 4th, TNA will dive head first into the deep end with a 3-hour live broadcast of their Spike TV television show Impact - marking the first time Hogan actually appears on TNA programming. This Impact will be airing directly against the WWE's flagship show, Monday Night RAW on the USA network. This will be the first time since 1995 and WCW's Monday Nitro that another wrestling organization has decided to directly compete with the WWE.

IGN TV had a chance to talk to Hulk Hogan about this Monday's showdown, the WWE's choice of counter programming (the monumental return of Bret "The Hitman" Hart) and the changes that Hogan wants to bring to TNA.



IGN TV: We're closing in on January 4th now and with TNA Impact airing live against RAW. You've got a big night headed your way. Is TNA ready to go live?

Hulk Hogan: We're going to find out, aren't we? I'm going up against the monster, brother. I'm heading into the gun fight. I'm heading in and I'm bringing the biggest blow dart I can get. It's going to be exciting.

IGN: Of course, we all remember the success you had when you joined in WCW in the mid-90s. What's is TNA like right now compared to what WCW was like back in the day?

Hogan: Brother, that's the brilliant question. And you know what – and I don't mean this in tongue in cheek way - but it's like deja vu. When I walked in to WCW they were producing wrestling on a little teeny sound stage at Disney, okay? I'm walking into TNA and their producing wrestling in a little teeny sound stage at Universal. When I walked in to WCW, the WWF was the monster. They were the monopoly. I'm walking into TNA and the WWE is the monster. The monopoly. There were no choices back when I did WCW. The fans didn't have a choice. It's the same way now. It's almost like history is repeating itself and giving me another chance to do this and show the wrestling world what wrestling should be like. Not to make wrestling like it used to be, but to show that John Cena shouldn't be the only guy with life and character. Thinking more about it – it's exactly the same, man. It's scary. It's happening all over again. The only difference now I guess is that when I left before and went to WCW the fans were mad at me. "Oh, how could you leave the WWF?" The fans were kind of pissed at me. This time the vibe is that the fans are with me. They're for me and they want to see this happen. They know that competition is good and that the best time in wrestling was the Monday Night Wars back in the day.

IGN: On this past WWE RAW, there was a fan in the crowd holding up a Hogan sign, basically calling out your TNA show on the 4th. Have you been feeling that that the fans are really behind you on this move?

Hogan: Yeah, they're for me. It's kind of weird. It's a double edge sword. The fans know what's happened to me over the past couple of years. I lost my family. I pretty much got devastated financially and the fans know that I've had some hard times - and that's the nature of loyal fans. They want to see the people that they love and believe in get back on their feet. That's part of it. And the other part of it is that the fans are sick of this monopoly. They're sick of contrived programming. They're sick of seeing Shawn Michaels and Triple H run around like a couple of degenerates and act goofy and, you know, doing the whole Hornswoggle thing. The fans are tired of that weak programming.

And then, as you saw, on RAW Shawn Michaels came out and broke character and he's as serious as a heart attack and he did a great interview with Vince [McMahon] saying, "I can beat The Undertaker" and "I want a rematch for Wrestlemania." Which is great, you know, they're promoting it way out ahead. And I'll be really glad - wink wink wink – to see Bret Hart come back. You know, that's the first thing that's meant anything with Shawn Michaels in a long time since he wrestled Hulk Hogan at SummerSlam. And I'm glad to see it. And you know what? I'm already winning. Everybody said "Oh, we [TNA] can't go to Monday nights." And I said "well, let's ask the head of Spike TV." And guess what? He said "yes." So I won there. Now all of a sudden they had an emergency meeting up in Stamford, Connecticut last Thursday. Vince is panicking and scrambling.

I'm so happy to see Bret Hart come in to go against me because he hated the business. He was bitter. He hated Vince. And you've got to move on. Positively. I'm so happy to see Bret – and I've talked to some of Bret's family members and he's excited about coming. He's excited about coming to RAW. I love Bret Hart to death. I'm excited for Bret to come back. And guess what? I already won again. Because Vince McMahon is now showing that he's worried about Hulk Hogan going head to head. So Vince is going to do all he can to squash me on Monday night and I'm given the opportunity of a lifetime. It's like a human being going up against a monster. The WWE is a monster and the fans are behind me and they want to see me give Vince a fight for his life. And if I get knocked down, I'll just keep getting back up. And the head of Spike TV said. "You know, if wrestling stirs up some interest on Monday I might do this once a month." And then he continued to say that if Hulk Hogan and TNA does good on this Monday he wouldn't be opposed to putting TNA on every Monday. That's a dream for the wrestling fans. Now the fans have a choice. When I can get TNA up and running, the talent -- like John Cena, Rey Mysterio, The Big Show and The Undertaker -- all these guys will have a choice. It's kind of like having the NFL and the AFL. There's no choice right now for the talent or the fans.

IGN: Do you think that, once again, competition will bring out the best in all involved?

Hogan: It's gonna be better for everybody. Vince is going to have to get serious. Instead of all the "hee hee ha ha. Let's just give the fans weak programming" thing that he does. Because I'm serious. I'm coming in and I'm going to take a look at everything from the ring to Vince Russo's underwear. I'm going to turn this place upside down. I'm going to take guys like AJ Styles, who works his butt off, so that when AJ Styles goes through an airport a year from now I want people to snap their heads around like it's Ric Flair or Hulk Hogan. There is a lot of talent there but someone needs to breathe life into them and make them larger than life. And to get them to really think about what they're doing in the ring. To really dial their characters in. And that's what I'm coming to do.

IGN: You mentioned the ring and Vince Russo already. Can you talk more about some of the changes that you'd like to bring to TNA?

Hogan: Well, brother, I'm going to do everything from change the logo to try to get new, and more, sponsors. I'm going to do everything from change people's gimmicks to get rid of people. I'm going to bring some people in with me. I'm going to change everything that needs to be fixed. And you know what? It's not like I have a magic wand and 20 million and I can change it all overnight. It's going to be a gradual progression. And hopefully Dixie Carter will like what I'm doing so that I can continue on, but I think this is a momentum shifting move for TNA. And I really feel that I know this business better than anybody else. I worked for Vince's dad, you know. And then Vince's dad died and it was all given to Vince and I was there every step of the way as he was learning the business and getting plugged in and focused. And I was there all through the 80s with Vince – with us as the greatest promoter and the greatest monster in the wrestling business. And I do feel, after talking with Vince over the past couple months and before I signed with TNA – and listening to him creatively and his ideas about what he's doing with his product – that we've got one hell of a shot, brother.

IGN: Aside from your knowledge of the business do you fell like, after having a very personal book come out [My Life Outside The Ring], that you have life lessons to share with the TNA boys?

Hogan: Yeah, brother. I do. You know a lot of times wrestlers get too full of themselves. They can't separate themselves from the characters. They get used to the excitement, the energy, the lifestyle and the money and with a lot of these guys, when it stops, they self-destruct. You know, we've had tons of wrestlers die. A lot of these guys in the business are just going through the motions. They don't realize what they have. I'm coming in and I'm going to make these guys step up and perform and find out if they really want it. I've been talking to certain wrestlers on the phone lately, and certain female wrestlers that were huge stars ten years ago, and the first thing I ask them is "do you still want to work?" Do they want to talk, or do they want to wrestle or do something else in the business?

IGN: Seeing as how your book had a lot to do with having a positive outlook, are you going to be looking out for the wrestler's mental health as well?

Hogan: Oh yeah, man. Not only am I going down that route but if I can turn TNA into the monster that Vince is there's a ton of stuff that needs to be done – from health care to profit sharing to insurance – just mechanical stuff that should be in place when people put their lives on the line and give up their time and dedicate themselves to the business. And on top of that I want these guys to know that – instead of just going through the motions – this is not a dress rehearsal. This is really happening. You guys have the opportunity of a lifetime. Learn from me. For the first half of the game I did things really good, but not good enough. This is the second half of the game and now I realize what I had and how important this is. And you guys being young and healthy and in this business – it should be the time of your life and don't take it for granted. Be happy. Be positive. Try and get a grip on who and where you are because it can disappear in an instant. I'm going to go in there and change physicalities, people's attitudes. I'm not going to be Bible thumping people, but I am going to tell them that this is the time of their life and they should be taking advantage of it.

IGN: You just wrapped up a wrestling tour down in Australia with Flair. I have to ask you…what are the chances of getting in the ring and wrestling some matches in TNA?

Hogan: Slim to none, man. I don't have a deal to wrestle there. You can just think of it as if Dixie Carter had hired Vince McMahon to come in and breathe super energy and super life into the product. Think if Vince was actually hired, what would he do? And that's the best way I can describe it. Vince is the best example to use. I can't say Ted Turner or Johnny Cash. Vince is the best example. It's almost as if Dixie hired Vince McMahon to come in and make sure this was a momentum-shifting year and a big move and that TNA becomes the company that puts out the best product. That's why I'm going there. And I told her that if the time comes when she's doing a dissertation or talking to the guys or laying down the law and that crowd starts going "Hogan Stinks! Hogan Stinks!" then you've got a problem. Because one of the things that the WWE does is they shove programming down people throats instead of listening to the fans. And you do have to give the fans what they want. So you never know, brother. After three back surgeries and going on the Australian tour I'm very limited. But the fans are so loyal and they know the character's been through hell and back again. And they know my personal life. If I just crawl my way to the ring with one arm they'd probably still be cheering for me. I'm not planning on wrestling. I'm really not. But in this business, you know, Vince McMahon and I say that you can never say never.

IGN: You brought up Styles already. Who are some of the other standouts in the TNA locker room that you've seen?

Hogan: Brother, they've got so much talent that it blows my mind. When I see the work rate and how hard these guys work out there. I think they've got the best talent in the business. Honestly. I think AJ Styles hasn't been developed to his full potential. There's a guy there named a Abyss who's just talented beyond belief. I think Matt Morgan's a superstar. There are a bunch of young guys in the X Division and they've got so much to offer but they haven't been really plugged in with the right vibe. And the Knockout Division? The women. These girls are really aggressive and talented. And then you've' got the guys who have been around the block and bringing a lot of wisdom and a lot of energy to the business. You've got Kevin Nash who's hanging around and not being used in the right way. You've got Mick Foley who's a one man show in himself. You've got Sting who I pray to god doesn't retire and hangs around to make history with us. Brother, this place is loaded with talent.

IGN: With the 4th right around the corner, what's your ultimate goal for TNA?

Hogan: It's kind of crazy how many amazing things can happen in a short amount of time. And if the wrestling gods are with me and the fans want to see something new – I'm really happy that the fans will have to make a choice this Monday because I know Vince is going to come at me with both guns blazing. We already know that he's the red-eyed monster and I think the fans have a lot of respect that I decided to pick this fight. And that the one thing that I said coming in. I said that we had to go in head to head on Monday to give the fans a choice. And this is our first shot at it, brother. And if I get knocked down then I'm getting back up. I'm going to work so hard to put on a good show for you guys that I hope the head of Spike TV doesn't just think "maybe once a month" but instead thinks, "Hogan's got some lighting in a bottle here, so let's give him a shot every Monday night." That's my goal is to get on every Monday night and in a short amount of time, turn this business upside down. Just like I did the last time. And to make sure that TNA puts out the number one product. And I want Vince to live and do well. The better Vince does, the better for me. I would never say anything bad about Vince's company. He's got a great company and he's a genius. But guess what? Hulk Hogan's coming at you, brother, so better hang on for the ride.

Furious-Red

Will TNA be shown on Mondays over here or will we have to wait till friday to see it?

Podge2k7

According to F4WOnline.com, you can expect Rob Van Dam on the big TNA Impact three-hour special this coming Monday night, January 4th head-to-head with WWE RAW.

Machismo Fan

Podge2k7 wrote: »

According to F4WOnline.com, you can expect Rob Van Dam on the big TNA Impact three-hour special this coming Monday night, January 4th head-to-head with WWE RAW.

Apparently Hall, Waltman and Kennedy are expected and they were trying to get Flair and Hardy.

waltersobchak

Machismo Fan wrote: »

Apparently Hall, Waltman and Kennedy are expected and they were trying to get Flair and Hardy.

Hardy would definitely have been a game changer, especially after his last WWE run..

Machismo Fan

From Eric Bischoff's Twitter: http://twitter.com/EBischoff

Wrestling fans love surprises...Monday Night Jan 4 should be a fun night over at TNA!

flahavaj

Machismo Fan wrote: »

Apparently Hall, Waltman and Kennedy are expected and they were trying to get Flair and Hardy.

Think they'd have to time to wrestle in between coke binges?:pac:

JP Liz

Honestly i cant see anyone TNA could get that will beat Bret on RAW

sky88

the only wrestlers the tna could get to beat bret would be rock or austin and thats not going to happen or maybe shane o mac coming

flahavaj

sky88 wrote: »

the only wrestlers the tna could get to beat bret would be rock or austin and thats not going to happen or maybe shane o mac coming

They wouldn't have a notion how to use Rock or Austin.

greenman09

which sky channel can i see this and when

Furious-Red

F4WOnline.com reports that former TNA Knockout Champion Angelina Love aka Lauren Williams has signed a new contract with TNA Wrestling.

Williams left TNA in September 2009 due to issues with her work visa. No word yet on if she will return on 1/4 Impact. However, there is a strong possibility that she will make a surprise return.

Would hope she rejoins the BP and get rid of that Von Erich one

Machismo Fan

greenman09 wrote: »

which sky channel can i see this and when

Saturday on Bravo from 9pm, it's going to be a two hour edited version.

Machismo Fan

http://www.pwinsider.com/article/44027/steel-asylum-heading-to-live-impact-special.html?p=1

During the SpikeTV broadcast of the UFC 108 prelim fights, a commercial aired for this Monday's TNA Impact special, announcing an X-Division championship bout to be held inside the Steel Cage Asylum.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/wrestling/2792029/Dixie-Carter-Hulk-Hogans-job-is-to-get-TNA-over.html

MONDAY January 4 2010 will be one of the most momentous days in wrestling history.

The legendary Hulk Hogan makes his TNA debut on a three-hour special Impact — going head to head in the US against a WWE Raw headlined by the return of Bret Hart.

And, in her only media interview prior to January 4, SunSport have spoken to the woman responsible for making all this happen — TNA President Dixie Carter.

Dixie reveals the secret lengths she went to in order to sign Hogan, real name Terry Bollea, and how he is helping her run all aspects of TNA.

She also talks about TNA's "David and Goliath" battle with WWE, the further surprises she has in store and why her ultimate goal is to make people proud to be wrestling fans.

Hi Dixie, so good to speak to you again. First off can you tell us a little bit about signing Hulk Hogan? How long was this in the making?

The first time I talked to him was six years ago and things didn't work out. We spoke again around two years ago and it just was not the right time then.

This time I felt, from the very first conversation we had on the telephone and then him showing up at my house two days later, that it was absolutely the right time and it was meant to happen.

How many people were involved or aware of the signing?

It was just Terry and I.

I called him, he returned my phone call and we spoke for a few hours.

There were two other people, three at the most, who were even aware that we were talking.

The night before the announcement, when I told people why they had to get on a plane to New York or why they had to prepare graphics, we increased that circle to maybe five or seven other people.

But nobody else knew about it until the press conference. In wrestling, if you want to keep something a secret then you can't tell anybody.

What is Hogan's role within TNA? From what you said to Mike Tenay on Impact, it seems he is much more than an on-air talent and is helping you advance TNA as a company?

Absolutely. He is a great on-air talent, but his biggest contribution to TNA will come from him partnering with me.

I can't imagine a door that the two of us could not open or a deal that the two of us could not close.

I've already seen the benefits of this team over the past few months and how it is going to play out with a lot of opportunities for TNA that we would not have had beforehand.

Is he also helping with the direction on the wrestling side — as I don't think there are many with more knowledge or experience than Hulk Hogan?

Yes, he is involved with everything from looking at new talent to how we are shooting the show.

The two of us, over the past several months, have literally ripped apart every single aspect of the company.

I wanted a fresh set of eyes on it, and what better eyes than the greatest wrestler in the history of this business.

We're looking at what we can do better, what we can do differently and what we can try.

I'm not adverse to trying things or to taking risks, because without that you won't have great success.

We've had really wonderful success over the last seven years, but it has been a slow steady climb.

Now we want to put some rocket fuel in that process and achieve even bigger things.

Here's the big question - what do you define as success and failure on January 4? Is there a particular rating you're after or a certain amount of publicity you want from it?

How I define success is just being there.

Just the fact that we are there on Monday night is a huge success for us. It makes the exact statement that we want to make.

This is a marathon not a sprint. The ratings, quite honestly, are irrelevant.

Our success is being there and the quality of the show we put on. That's how I'll assess it as far as that specific night goes.

But the real winner on Monday January 4 is the wrestling fans, because this truly is the classic David and Goliath set-up.

We have Goliath bringing out the biggest guns that they could possibly bring.

And we're trying to put our best foot forward. You'll see a lot of surprises and a lot of great showcasing of TNA's top talent.

The bottom line is that the fans are going to win that night and wrestling is going to win that night.

And that's what we want to see happen.

How about here in the UK? Impact is usually two hours at 9pm on a Saturday night on Bravo. Will we get the full three-hour show?

I am getting asked this question non-stop and unfortunately the UK fans will see a two-hour edited version of the January 4 Impact on Saturday January 9.

I hate the fact that is going to happen, but that's the reality of our situation.

We're working to try and get the three-hour show in its entirety shown for free on Video Vault on tnawrestling.com for the UK fans and those around the world who also can't watch it live.

It will be a delayed version, but we will find a way to make sure everyone gets to see that full three-hour show.

I'd like to put two worries to you that TNA fans have been sharing with us here. First is the concern that TNA may move away from the brilliant wrestling you've been showcasing recently. Can you guarantee that the likes of AJ Styles, Daniels, Samoa Joe and Desmond Wolfe will still be main event stars when Hulk arrives?

I think Terry has an amazing eye for talent and, with all those people your readers are mentioning, his goal is to make them household names.

I can't imagine a better person or brain to have behind the amazing talent that those young guys possess.

So that's actually one of the main reasons I brought him in.

Again he's not coming in worried about Hulk Hogan and making sure Hulk Hogan is getting over, that's not his job.

His job is to get TNA over.

And to get TNA over, AJ Styles has to become a household name, Desmond Wolfe has to become a household name, Beer Money has to become a household name.

The other worry TNA fans have is that not many people have succeeded in trying to take on Vince McMahon, just ask Eric Bischoff or Paul Heyman or Jim Crockett. The WWE have a lot of tricks up their sleeve, some of them dirty. Are you ready for that?

They may say that they don't consider us competition or don't pay attention to us, but we deal with them playing those tricks with us all the time.

Nothing is going to change in our game plan.

We're going to continue to do what we do best and that's grow TNA one fan at a time.

We're not taking on Vince McMahon. We're trying to give the wrestling fans what they want — and that is to make wrestling better as a whole.

The thing I'm most sick of is when somebody will put their hand over their mouth and say: "OK, I'll admit it, I'm a wrestling fan."

Why do you have to admit you're a wrestling fan?

Our goal is to make wrestling cool, hip and relevant.

The strange thing is the WWE don't even like being referred to as a wrestling organisation! They've told us they are actually an entertainment brand.

Well we are a WRESTLING company. We have WRESTLERS telling stories through WRESTLING moves and storylines.

How can you say you're not a wrestling company?

It's time for us to stand up and be proud of that.

Because if we're not proud of it, how can we make the fans proud to say that they're wrestling fans?

Finally Dixie, now that you have Hulk Hogan — the one guy critics said TNA could never sign — is there anyone you wouldn't go after? Could we see The Rock, Steve Austin or even Shane McMahon in TNA one day?

There's nobody we won't go after.

But they have to be right to come to the company. They have to be in it for the right reasons. They've got to fit in with what we're doing.

If that's The Rock then fantastic. If it's RVD then fantastic. It doesn't matter.

If somebody makes sense and has that work ethic and wants to embrace being a wrestler on a wrestling show and trying to do something different then we would love to have them.

And, I promise you, we have many more exciting surprises to come.

http://espn.go.com/espn/page2/index?id=4792285

Hulk Hogan is back.

After a series of personal disasters that would have killed a lesser man, the most famous professional wrestler is making his triumphant return to the ring Monday.

Casting his lot with upstart TNA Wrestling's "iMPACT!" Hogan will go against WWE's Monday Raw; the first time that two wrestling companies have broadcast live head-to-head since the 1990s glory days of the WWE vs. WCW rivalry.

Hulk can't wait to battle "that 8,000-pound monster, Vince McMahon and the WWE."

"TNA has so much talent," he told Page 2. "If someone programs these guys, if someone breathes life into their characters, changes a few little things in the company, it's going to be history repeating itself."

At 56, Hogan remains a force of nature.

Two years ago, things weren't so thrilling. His life fell apart under the glare of reality TV and tabloids. He fought with his teenage daughter, Brooke. His teen son Nick had a terrible car wreck, seriously injuring a family friend, John Graziano. Nick went to jail for five months and the Graziano family sued. Then Hogan had the first of what would become three major back surgeries, and his 25-year marriage to Linda Bollea spectacularly imploded.

"My 51-year-old wife left me for her 18-year-old boyfriend," he said.

His soon-to-be ex-wife Linda also took the kids, the dogs and every stick of furniture in the house. She even stripped the light fixtures and a valuable antique toilet seat.

Hogan was overwhelmed. "In a short amount of time, I lost everything," he said. "From my family, to financially, my heath -- I was devastated."

He fell into a deep depression, drinking heavily and "sinking lower than I ever thought I could go." Instead of taking an easy path and becoming another dead celebrity, Hulk cleaned up, got right with God, and found a healthier romantic relationship. He also wrote "My Life Outside The Ring," a 320-page autobiography that opens with Hogan at rock bottom, gun in hand, contemplating suicide.

"It was tough writing the book," he said, "but it helped me a lot."

Now Hogan has "pulled the nose up." He is embracing life, and bringing that newfound clarity to TNA. "They don't even know how close they are," he said.

Come Monday, they, the fans, and the WWE will find out.

Bruce Buffer

How about here in the UK? Impact is usually two hours at 9pm on a Saturday night on Bravo. Will we get the full three-hour show?

I am getting asked this question non-stop and unfortunately the UK fans will see a two-hour edited version of the January 4 Impact on Saturday January 9

Thats ****e.

EdK

Dont worry this show is still 3 months after things could change

belge boy

Hulk seems to been through a lot, anyone reckon he's banging Dixie?

flahavaj

belge boy wrote: »

Hulk seems to been through a lot, anyone reckon he's banging Dixie?

Sure how could he bang anyone the state his hips are in?:pac:

flahavaj

Dixie Carter wrote:

The strange thing is the WWE don't even like being referred to as a wrestling organisation! They've told us they are actually an entertainment brand.

Well we are a WRESTLING company. We have WRESTLERS telling stories through WRESTLING moves and storylines.

How can you say you're not a wrestling company?

It's time for us to stand up and be proud of that.

Because if we're not proud of it, how can we make the fans proud to say that they're wrestling fans?

Also had a good chuckle at this from the company that regularly has around 25 mins of wrestling on their 2 hour broadcast.:pac:

D2D

Shannon Moore will probably be on Impact! tomorrow night

http://twitter.com/TheShannonBrand/status/7339234427

Big change of plans. Got a call from TNA. Looks like I'm heading to Orlando and meet with Hulk Hogan tomorrow.

Rjd2

Machismo Fan wrote: »

Kennedy are expected and they were trying to get Flair and Hardy.

I imagine they will get Flair which will help them as the man is a draw.

Jeff would be an incredible coup but I think when he returns it will be to the E.
What does Kennedy bring to TNA though? I mean really? What’s the big appeal of him?

Rjd2

Dare_2_defy wrote: »

Shannon Moore will probably be on Impact! tomorrow night

http://twitter.com/TheShannonBrand/status/7339234427

Why???

D2D

Rjd2 wrote: »

Why???

Appartly, all the Hardy's and most of their fans on twitter were campaining (spelling wrong there) for him to go to TNA

5 more to probably debut in TNA

According to The Sports Courier, chances are high that former WWE performers Ken Anderson, Rob Van Dam and Paul Heyman will be debuting on tomorrow night's three-hour iMPACT broadcast. In the case of Anderson, there is a 95% chance that the former "Mr. Kennedy" will make his TNA debut tomorrow night. However, in the event he does not appear, "he will in the very near future."
Regarding Heyman, they were told there is a 75% chance, if not better, that he will debut in TNA. Upon being informed of the report, Figure Four Weekly's Bryan Alvarez said Heyman has indeed had discussions with TNA officials in recent months — though he'd probably deny them.
As has been speculated by numerous websites, Rob Van Dam appears to be headed to TNA. The Sports Courier feels there is a 70% chance of RVD showing up tomorrow night.
It's also noted that Scott Hall is pretty much a lock to appear tomorrow night, as is Sean Waltman.

Machismo Fan

From Shannon Moore's Twitter:

TheShannonBrand: Big change of plans. Got a call from TNA. Looks like I'm heading to Orlando and meet with Hulk Hogan tomorrow.

D2D

Machismo Fan wrote: »

From Shannon Moore's Twitter:

Look up to post 22;);):)

Machismo Fan

Dare_2_defy wrote: »

Look up to post 22;);):)

I believe I'm officially going blind.:)

waltersobchak

Dare_2_defy wrote: »

Appartly, all the Hardy's and most of their fans on twitter were campaining (spelling wrong there) for him to go to TNA

5 more to probably debut in TNA

Bischoff/Heyman/Hogan/Russo Thats WAY too many egos to work..

Machismo Fan

From Jeff Hardy's Twitter:

Hell yeah Gonna roll with my boy @TheShannonBrand to FLA to put in a good word & check out tha show.

D2D

waltersobchak wrote: »

Bischoff/Heyman/Hogan/Russo Thats WAY too many egos to work..

Bischoff/Heyman/Hogan/Russo together = car crash booking

Machismo Fan wrote: »

From Jeff Hardy's Twitter:

Very interesting. I read rumours of Jeff and Mania but this puts a spin on them. There's a chance of a Jeff Hardy TNA return now.

Machismo Fan

At the very least TNA may be able to convince him to do a match that night. Him and AJ never had their big one on one match.

waltersobchak

Dare_2_defy wrote: »

Bischoff/Heyman/Hogan/Russo together = car crash booking



Very interesting. I read rumours of Jeff and Mania but this puts a spin on them. There's a chance of a Jeff Hardy TNA return now.

Jeff in TNA would be HUGE.. half these rumours are gonna end up being total BS but man this is exciting!

D2D

Machismo Fan wrote: »

At the very least TNA may be able to convince him to do a match that night. Him and AJ never had their big one on one match.

Hardy/AJ would be awesome. I wonder will Jeff actually sign with them.

Machismo Fan

Dare_2_defy wrote: »

Hardy/AJ would be awesome. I wonder will Jeff actually sign with them.

I wouldn't think he'd actually sign unless they offered a very large sum of money (though the schedule may also encourage him) but if he were to do a once off appearance on this weeks iMPACT! I'd imagine TNA would be ecstatic.

flahavaj

Jeff Hardy wrote:

Hell yeah Gonna roll with my boy @TheShannonBrand to FLA to put in a good word & check out tha show.

I can confirm I'll be meeting with Jeff tomorrow night, but we'll be watching RAW.:pac:

D2D

flahavaj wrote: »

I can confirm I'll be meeting with Jeff tomorrow night, but we'll be watching RAW.:pac:

Brilliant:D:D:D Will ya tell Jeff I said hi??;):pac:

sky88

jeff in tna now would be bigger then hogan to todays fans imo

belge boy

no it wouldn't hahahah. Hogan is bigger than the business. he's an icon. everyone even in countries like belgium and ireland know that name.

D2D

belge boy wrote: »

no it wouldn't hahahah. Hogan is bigger than the business. he's an icon. everyone even in countries like belgium and ireland know that name.

You've very high praises for Hogan

I'm not too sure on that. Remember, WWE is PG and aimed at kids now so after Jeff's run, he's thought of very highly by the kids and others imo.

chopperbyrne

belge boy wrote: »

no it wouldn't hahahah. Hogan is bigger than the business. he's an icon. everyone even in countries like belgium and ireland know that name.

Hogan has said he won't be wrestling and will more be focusing on fixing what is wrong with TNA.

I thought Hogan's move to TNA would be the nail in the coffin for them, but if he truly means what he said then maybe TNA will actually start to be consistently good.

Jeff Hardy is definitely a bigger draw now than Hogan, even if he is a charisma black hole.

michael.etc...

chopperbyrne wrote: »

Hogan has said he won't be wrestling and will more be focusing on fixing what is wrong with TNA.

I thought Hogan's move to TNA would be the nail in the coffin for them, but if he truly means what he said then maybe TNA will actually start to be consistently good.

Jeff Hardy is definitely a bigger draw now than Hogan, even if he is a charisma black hole.

I have to say, I've always felt that Jeff Hardy's biggest strength is that he absolutely oozes charisma. His charisma is such that he connects naturally with the audience, in spite of the fact that his promos tend to suck.

Agree with the sentiment that Hogan is not a draw on a par with Jeff for the American market, and TV audience right now. But on the other hand, I can't imagine for a second Jeff's gonna show up in TNA.

waltersobchak

According to his website, Rob van Dam will not be appearing on iMPACT! tomorrow night. Here's what he had to say:

"This Monday kicks off the new ratings war between WWE and TNA-like I have to tell you! I admit, I am interested in the hype. In fact, I feel like I'm involved with this new era just because of the ginormous rumors involving me and a return. I'm going to say this-even though I know it won't do much good-don't be mad at me that you tuned in to see your favorite wrestler and I wasn't there. I'm going to be watching with you."

geeky

waltersobchak wrote: »

According to his website, Rob van Dam will not be appearing on iMPACT! tomorrow night. Here's what he had to say:

"This Monday kicks off the new ratings war between WWE and TNA-like I have to tell you! I admit, I am interested in the hype. In fact, I feel like I'm involved with this new era just because of the ginormous rumors involving me and a return. I'm going to say this-even though I know it won't do much good-don't be mad at me that you tuned in to see your favorite wrestler and I wasn't there. I'm going to be watching with you."

Aw that's a shame. Whatever about his ego, RVD is still fun to watch.

If there's any truth in the Hardy thing, even a one-night appearance would be huge. If they tee up a Hardy-Styles match in the first hour, for example, how many of the current mature audience (more likely to find Hart's first appearance in umpteen years more interesting than Hogan) will be able to resist watching?

waltersobchak

Bubba the Love Sponge announced this evening on his Twitter account that he's joining TNA as the "new backstage guy" for iMPACT!.

He wrote: "watch spiketv(Monday)8pm est 4hulks return 2wrestling I'm the new backstage guy think I'm on a total of 4x Please tell everybody u know."

geeky

waltersobchak wrote: »

Bubba the Love Sponge announced this evening on his Twitter account that he's joining TNA as the "new backstage guy" for iMPACT!.

He wrote: "watch spiketv(Monday)8pm est 4hulks return 2wrestling I'm the new backstage guy think I'm on a total of 4x Please tell everybody u know."

Jebus. Bubba the love sponge. I'd rather see Brutus take on Scott Hall in a coke-fueled main event than listen to that clown. Raw it is.

Vince135792003

geeky wrote: »

Jebus. Bubba the love sponge. I'd rather see Brutus take on Scott Hall in a coke-fueled main event than listen to that clown. Raw it is.

I had the same reaction too but to be fair he's only the backstage interviewer. He might be ok.

If you believed all the rumours on the net, TNA is going to have about 20 new debuts! I think many fans could end disappointed as a result of all the rumours but I hope the put their best foot forward and have the best show they possibly can.

Vince Russo posted this on his facebook a few hours ago:

Tomorrow, a lot will change for a lot of people. While there are those that look forward to a new season--there are many who are worried about their futures. I can tell you right now--regardless of what those critics say--I am not one of those people.

You see, I came to the realization about 5 years ago--that my life was written for me long before I was born. In other words, what's going to happen to Vince Russo--is going to happen to Vince Russo. I have no control over the outcome--that belongs to somebody else.

But, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't concerned . . . not for myself . . . but perhaps for others. After tomorrow TNA will never be the same again, and for good . . . or bad . . . people's lives will change. "Season's Change." It's hard not to be anxious at a time like this. I've been a part of TNA, on and off, for almost 8 years now. I have watched many of these kids grow up; turning from boys to men. There's been a lot of growing pains . . . A LOT of growing pains. Many of our guys . . . and gals . . . had never even been on TV before they came to TNA. The fact is that many of them came from VFW halls working in front of 50 people--to working center stage on national television in prime time. Some weren't ready . . . some still aren't . . . but the whole time we were a family who lived together, and died together. Many of these athletes have felt like they were my own children to me. I cried when I saw AJ Styles cut that promo that took him to the next level, and I've also called him out on the carpet when I felt he was being selfish. But the whole while I loved him . . . as if he were my own son; Will, or VJ.

And that's what they are . . . they are kids. They are a work in progress. They always knew that they had the time to grow on our watch--well tomorrow it is no longer on "our watch".

Tomorrow the pros come in--the big hitters who have been there and done that. The Babe Ruth's, the George Steinbrenner's and the Reggie Jackson's. The guys who have "drawn money". The guys who know what to do both in front of . . . and behind the camera. The guys who had spots for all those years . . . because they earned those spots. The pros who won't slow down to let the kids catch up . . . this time the kids will have to catch up on their own and there isn't anything that a Vince Russo can do to help them.

Sooner, or later, I knew that it would come to this point. We ALL have to grow up in life--that's the only way we mature as people. Yes, it is hard for me to let go--but I know I have no other choice. When my son Will turned 19, he left home and it broke my heart--tomorrow 50 young men and women will be leaving home--and it will be up to them as to whether they fly . . . or fall.

There has been no other place like TNA for me. Vince robbed me of my innocence at WWF, and WCW dropped me to my knees in a deep, dark despair. TNA was always family. It was small enough to be that way. We were special, we were unique, and no matter what any critic out there has ever said about us . . . we busted our butt every week and took great pride in what we did.

But . . . in this business . . . that just wasn't good enough.

Seasons change, people change, feelings change . . . tomorrow TNA changes and it will never be the same again.
http://www.facebook.com/notes/vince-russo/seasons-change-people-change-feelings-change-livelihoods-change/237069152444

This just posed on the observer forum from a reliable poster:

Hogan is on the Bob & Tom show now and the first thing he did is cut a huge promo (in character) about how Flair left a rambling message on his answering machine last night being really mad that Hogan didn't invite him to Impact tonight. So that ought to be a clue. It really made you want to see Flair "crash" Impact tonight.

Said he is not going to make pro-wrestling like it was, he is going to make it better than it used to be. He put over AJ Styles big as the best pound for pound wrestler in the world as well, and gave the same spiel he did to IGN about making heads turn in airports when he walks by. He's added a few more things to it.

Will try to do a report when they put the podcast up, but there wasn't too much more to it. Hosts asked some good questions about how Hogan came up with his character that were pretty insightful for them not being big wrestling fans these days.

geeky

Vince135792003 wrote: »

I had the same reaction too but to be fair he's only the backstage interviewer. He might be ok.

Would the talent get a word in edgeways?

Vince135792003 wrote: »

Vince Russo posted this on his facebook a few hours ago:

Janey mack he's some patronising dingus ain't he?

I think this whole thing could actually work, but there are signs of it turning into a three-ring circus. As you say, if all the rumours are true, we'd have 20+ debuts on a show that already has a jam-packed roster.

Vince135792003

geeky wrote: »

Would the talent get a word in edgeways?

In this instance I'm glad Vince Russo will be scripting Bubba.

Avian

Hey guys..dunno if I have missed it but any idea where us UK people can be watching this tonight? Or, is it a case of torrenting it? I noticed that the Bravo show sat had like an hour cut from it (since it was a 3 hour special) so does this mean sats showing will aswell!?

sky88

Avian wrote: »

Hey guys..dunno if I have missed it but any idea where us UK people can be watching this tonight? Or, is it a case of torrenting it? I noticed that the Bravo show sat had like an hour cut from it (since it was a 3 hour special) so does this mean sats showing will aswell!?

yea its going to be edited to 2 hours saw it on the suns wrestling section