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TNA Impact Reax #1: "Nothing jumps out as something that will be (or is allowed to be) the Slammiversary PPV draw" Jun 20, 2009 - 12:16:41 PM
Terrie Neilson of Las Vegas, Nev. (7.0): Best: Daniels vs. Red. Worst: Mick Foley. It's Slammiversary (Seven) and what do we have to look forward to? A haphazard mess that really didn't need to be. Mick Foley is pretty much a heel in my eyes, and a case could be said that he's playing mind games. That said, his off-the-wall behavior seems desperate creatively and is that kind of behavior that wears on a viewer's patience to the point of turning away. Besides, wouldn't Mick be a little miffed his plans for his obsessive "Welcome Back Jeffrey" party were screwed by the Angle-Joe brawl? Daniels vs. Red was the match of the night, even with the fact they really had no time to work with. I would rather see a Daniels-Red re-match than the Daniels-Douglas match on Sunday. It's becoming more and more apparent that the Kong era is coming to a close. She said more that Saeed, which is simply not a good sign. Did someone feed Matt Morgan some of that Stacker 2 that Angle plugs so much? Morgan's promo clocked in at speeds sports car commercials can only imagine. He burned up what was supposed to be his heel heat leaving behind nothing worth cheering for. Jethro is early enough in his TNA run to take a needed job or two, like putting over the wrestling aspect of Raven's return. He got in enough
offense that it wasn't a complete squash. But, I see more upside in Jethro if TNA would give him a chance. The Joe interview was simply West in Tenay's clothing. But the content of the interview (his issues with A.J. and MEM) was well-explained. It's "lather rinse repeat" for 3D-Beer Money. The only difference was how Beer Money is booked to turn heel (again). Brother Ray usually gives decent promos, but this time Ray's promo came across as whiney and entitled. What, suddenly 3D can't fight their own battles? I'm seriously hoping that the X Division KOTM match blows the roof off the joint at Slammiversary. The Black Machismo gimmick has run its course, but it fit in the Lethal Consequences-Guns promo in terms of continuity with Lethal having a fit about Val. At least their promo reminded viewers of the "every man for himself" aspect of the KOTM match. Where was in the top title build? The feuds were there, but not the title ramifications (except for Mick gunning for his once-a-year defense stip). I don't usually order TNA PPVs, but if I did, I wouldn't feel too much for it. Nothing jumps out as something that will be (or is allowed to be) the draw for me.
-- 6/11 TNA Impact Reax
Terrie Neilson of Las Vegas, Nev. (7.0): Best: Eric Young promo. Worst: too many questions left unanswered. Slammiversary is a week from Sunday, and there were an awful lot of questions left by tonight's show. Apparently Foley is going back on his own word, as his title defenses went from just once a year to one-to-four times a year. Can't keep his own agenda straight, can he? He fines and suspends Jarrett for hitting referee Earl Hebner, yet have any other wrestlers been fined and/or suspended for purposely bumping refs in matches? Why was Beer Money not there for the 3D save? Tenay gave the heel reason, but is that the REAL reason? When will TNA stop the ever-present need to promote WWE by proxy? Tara/Victoria is called a Diva by the Beautiful People because...? There's been no explanation of who Tara is or why she is in TNA. Also how does someone who just walks in the door unannounced get a title shot? Is the belt's exact name Women's Knockout title, meaning there should be a men's version, too? Okay, that is being overly picky, but it came across like an oxymoron. Is winning a first blood match really considered taking out Steiner and Booker? Joe won the Lethal Lockdown match against Kevin in fairly easy fashion, but it was far from taking Kevin out of the picture. Young gave the promo of the night further protesting his dissatisfaction. Then he did something I was happy to see: he slapped Borash. JB annoyed me all show long. It was about time someone did something about it. And where has So Cal Val been? I didn't have a problem with her playing substitute for the beaten-up Lauren and JB, but what has she been doing? What was Morgan thinking? Does he not realize there has been a changing of the guard in MEM? With Angle going to the KOTM match, it's looking like Sting-Morgan on deck. Okay, but why would Kurt be mad that Morgan interfered? Kurt suddenly stopped caring about not being MEM leader? He was suddenly a heel in face clothing, and it really muddied up what could have been the setup for Sting-Morgan. And what the hell was with the Raven sightings? I could understand him hanging around Dr Stevie, Daffney, Abyss, and Lauren, since they are all relevant to him. But why was he everywhere else? I'm guessing he's a recruiter but his omni-present state did Impact no favors whatsoever. It's one thing to carry over a few curious questions into the next show, but this was overkill.
We welcome your 0-10 score and comments on this show for a "TNA TV Reax" feature in the Torch Feedback section of PWTorch.com. Just to add a twist to this feature, include not just your hometown, but also your occupation (mechanic, lawyer, stay-at-home-dad, college student, etc.) so readers get a flavor for what everyone does as "day jobs." To contribute your thoughts on Impact, click here.
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