By Wade Keller, PWTorch editor

KELLER'S NWA-TNA PPV REPORT
OCTOBER 8, 2003
LIVE FROM NASHVILLE, TENN.

-They opened with highlight clips from last week's show including the final words from the Roddy Piper sitdown interview which was missed last week due to an audio problem. He said he has never quit at anything in his life and he doesn't plan to quit wrestling, despite being forced out by NWA-TNA.

-After the opening montage, Mike Tenay and Don West were about to introduce the program but Jeff Jarrett interrupted and walked into the ring with a live mic. He called out Dusty Rhodes because he wanted to talk about what transpired last week. He said he was pissed off. Dusty walked out onto the stage. Jarrett told him he learned over the last seven days that he's no different than any other icon. He said Dusty threw out the father-son relationship. "You're no different than Roddy Piper, Bret Hart, Macho Man, Hulk Hogan, you'll all the same because you'd cut your mother's throat to get what you wanted." There's the first Hogan reference. Nice planting of a seed. Dusty tried to interrupt several times, but Jarrett wouldn't let him. Dusty asked Jarrett what he was going to do if he didn't shut up. Jarrett told him he it is in best interest to get in his car and leave the building while Dusty and Styles have their title shot later. He said in two weeks he has his title shot and it will either be against Dusty or Styles. He said he guaranteed no matter who his opponent is, he's walking out with the title. That was probably Jarrett's best interview to date, and it didn't hurt that for once it had nothing to do with the played out Vince Russo relationship.

-Scott Hudson interviewed A.J. Styles backstage who was worried about Vince Russo not showing up yet, perhaps because he slapped him last week. Sonny Siaki and Ekmo interrupted and said they planned to take care of business. Trinity was there, too.

1 -- CHRIS VAUGHN & D-LO BROWN vs. RED SHIRTED SECURITY (Kevin Northcutt & Brian Wilson w/Don Callis)

Callis is sporting a new short haircut, which is an appropriate change of look for him. He looks like he just the subject of an episode of "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy." Vaughn showed good energy early, but was overpowered by the bigger Red Shirts. In a scary looking move, Northcut threw Vaughn over his head into the corner turnbuckles and Vaughn landed head first on the mat. D-Lo got a tag, but the ref didn't seen it. D-Lo cleaned house anyway, somewhat awkwardly. Northcut, though gave Vaughn the Northcutt Driver, a scary looking double underhook piledriver/powerbomb combo that looked like it could have broken Vaughn's neck. If it's safe, it's cool. If it's not, they shouldn't do it. The Red Shirts beat down D-Lo after the match. Erik Watts made the save and helped D-Lo clear the ring of the heels with a chair. Callis made a good heel manager face without going so far that it was over-the-top cartoonish.

WINNERS: Red Shirts at 4:55.

STAR RATING: *

-Tenay plugged that besides the NWA Title match, they'd have a "major... huge" announcement about the future of TNA. West plugged the rest of the line-up for the night. On-screen graphics would be nice to add a visual punctuation to West's preview, especially for newer viewers each week who don't know who they heck he's talking about.

-A sitdown interview aired with Tenay and Dusty. Tenay asked him about winning his first NWA World Hvt. Title in 1979. Dusty said you had to be in the industry in that era to know what it meant to win the title that greats like Jack Brisco wore but many greats never did wear such as Dick Murdoch and Wahoo McDaniel. He said that was the start of the "Dusty Rhodes third person icon." He added, "That's kind of egotistical, but that's how I am." Then he laughed and snorted like a piglet. Dusty said the fans drive him to do crazy things. Dusty said he thinks he just might have one more big win inside of him.

-They showed footage of Jerry Lynn throwing his bags into his car and expressing his frustration with Don Callis allowing interference in a lot of other matches and not doing anything about it, yet suspending him for the same thing. Then he yelled that the interview was over.

2 -- MICHAEL SHANE beat CHRIS SABIN -- X Title vs. Super X Trophy

Tenay talked about how Shane was a champion, but also an opportunist. Good opening few minutes, back and forth action. Sabin suplexed Shane at 5:00, then Shane did one of those annoying obvious shifts toward the ropes to get in position to drape his leg over the bottom rope during the pinfall. Shane got frustrated when he was unable to get a three count on Sabin despite a series of near falls. He rolled out of the ring and grabbed the X belt to use as a weapon. The ref stopped him. Sabin then recovered enough to give Shane his Cradle Shock finisher for a near fall, but Shane kicked out. Shane reversed a Sabin roll-up and then yanked on his tights to score the pin.

WINNER: Shane at 7:24.

STAR RATING: **1/4 -- Good seven minute match.

Hudson interviewed Glenn Gilbert, Simon Diamond, and Johnny Swinger backstage. David Young interrupted and complained about them hitting him with a chair. Simon, Gilberti, and Swinger said that's what they do to people they like, and he's almost earned his keep to enter their group. Young seemed to be buying it a little, but was still skeptical.

3 -- GLENN GILBERTI & SIMON DIAMOND & JOHNNY SWINGER vs. 3 LIVE KREW (Konnan & B.G. James & Ron "The Truth" Killings) - Elimination Match

Tenay said every time Gilberti opens his mouth, he's reminded of a used car salesman. He said they are manipulating and using Young. After some cool moves and takedowns by Konnan mixed with some really awkward, choreographed spots, Konnan got pinned after Swinger & Diamond gave Konnan a double team move that looked more like a move Konnan gave to them. But it led to the three count. Swinger was eliminated next at 5:15 after a sidewalk slam by James. Gilberti gave James a low blow from behind and then the heels worked him over. Diamond nailed James with a superkick for a three count at 7:00 after a neckbreaker by Gilberti softened him up. That left Killings vs. Gilberti & Simon. Killings took down the heels with some nice dropkicks that weren't really high, but had really good power and speed behind them. He powerslammed Gilberti and then played to the crowd, which Tenay said surprised him. Killings then missed a dropkick when Simon grabbed Gilberti's legs bouncing off the ropes to stop him. Diamond then got a two count on Killings. Killings came back with a sweet twisting axe kick on Gilberti and then gave Diamond a sitout gourd buster to eliminate Diamond at 9:15. That left Gilberti vs. Killings. Tenay said even though Gilberti is the weaker of the two wrestlers, Killings has had to fight two wrestlers at once for a few minutes which may have spent him. Young walked to ringside and sat on a chair. Killings scored a two count on Gilberti, but he looked pretty worn out while going for the cover. At ringside, Gilberti and Killings fought at ringside. Gilberti rammed Killings into the railing. Gilberti then hit behind Young. Killings used Young's lap to springboard into Gilberti. Killings then yanked the chair out from under Young and went to hit Gilberti, but Young yanked the chair away and threw it at Killings's face. Gilberti tossed Killings into the ring and scored the pin.

WINNERS: Gilberti & Swinger & Diamond at 11:16 when Gilberti pinned Killings.

STAR RATING: ** -- Some good action and some contrived spots that they didn't quite pull off. The finish was weak because getting a chair tossed in your face usually doesn't lead to a pin. Gilberti throwing a finishing move on top of that would have been a good tough.

-Hudson interviewed Jim Mitchell, Vampiro, Sin, and Slash. He talked about his feud with Raven. He said his New Church will insulate him from Raven's vendetta. "Every time you build a better mouse trap, I build a better mouse," he said. He said every time he cuts off a limb of the New Church, another one grows. Slash threw darts at Sin's back and they stuck. How'd he do that? Tenay and West said that was disturbing looking. I hope those were purchased at a novelty store.

4 -- FRANKIE KAZARIAN vs. CHRISTOPHER DANIELS

Kazarian dove over the top rope onto Daniels and some of his minions at ringside. He following with a slingshot DDT on Daniels in the ring. Daniels came back quickly at 1:30 with a choke or eye rake in the corner. He stomped away at Kazarian and then threw a series of knees and concluded the series with an enzuigiri. They used an inset screen image to show Ekmo, Siaki, and Trinity waiting outside for the arrival of Vince Russo. Tenay and West said that Russo has been a father-like figure for the young Styles, and now Styles is a bit panicked without him around as a security blanket. Daniels hit a nice moonsault off the ropes for a near fall. Kazarian came back and had Daniels down, but Daniels draped his leg over the top rope to break the pin. When Kazarian bounced off the ropes, one of Daniels's minions tripped him up and he fell right into a Daniels DDT for the win.

WINNER: Daniels at 6:01.

STAR RATING: *3/4 -- Solid six minute match.

-When Hudson asked Raven backstage what he thinks of Sin's high tolerance for pain. Raven said pain tolerance doesn't matter if you're unconscious. "Raven Effect, short trip, bad landing."

5 -- AMERICA'S MOST WANTED vs. KID KASH & ABYSS

Terry Taylor was introduced as special referee for the match. Kash and Abyss dominated the early minutes against Harris. Kash then leaped off of Abyss's shoulders with a moonsault, but it took so long to set up, Harris moved. As Kash sold the crash landing, Harris crawled over and hot-tagged Storm. Kash also tagged in Abyss. Harris showed his usual good hot-tag fire as he went to work on Abyss. Harris and Storm gave Abyss a double-team Flapjack at 4:45. Harris then propelled Storm over the top rope onto Kash at ringside. In the ring, Harris hit Abyss with a graceful flying lariat, played to the crowd briefly, and then went to the top rope. Abyss knocked him off balance. Storm hit Abyss from behind. Kash clotheslined Storm and Abyss speared him at the same time, leading to a two count. Taylor shoved Kash off the ring apron when he got in his face about the two count. Harris recovered and speared Abyss off the middle rope for a near fall at 6:15. Kash brought a chair into the ring. Taylor yanked it away. Kash kicked Taylor out of the ring. Harris drove Kash to ringside. In the ring, Storm went to kick Abyss, but Abyss blocked it and rammed Harris into the corner turnbuckle. Storm caught a charging Abyss with a boot and then drove him to the mat with the Swinging Noose for a visual fall. Kash then threw a chair into his face. A second ref came out, but Storm kicked out (he's apparently tougher than Killings). Kash then threw the second ref out of the ring. (Lynn has a point; Callis should suspend Kash, too.) Storm kicked a chair into Kash's face and Taylor recovered to make the count.

WINNER: America's Most Wanted at 7:55.

STAR RATING: **1/2 -- Really good eight minute tag match. Well executed, nice storyline, good finishing sequence.

-After the match, Kash got in Abyss's face for their loss. He shoved him. Abyss took deep breaths and seemed to be trying to control himself. Kash slapped him again. Abyss lifted his hand, but didn't strike Kash. Kash kept the verbal abuse. The fans chanted for Abyss to his Kash, but Abyss couldn't get himself to do it. Tenay and West were amazed at Kash's control over Abyss. Then Abyss re-entered the ring and approached Kash from behind. Kash poked his finger in Abyss's chest. Abyss finally slapped him back, popping the crowd. Then he set up a chokeslam, but Kash gave him a low blow and beat him down with forearms. Abyss came back and Kash bumped all over the ring for him. "This love affair is over!" declared West. Kash finally escaped the ring and crawled to the back.

-Hudson interviewed Callis and The Red Shirts. Hudson said D-Lo has left the building. Callis made fun of D-Lo's mannerisms. He said he is still in control and told Hudson if he doesn't watch his step, he could be next.

-A taped segment aired with Shane Douglas who said he has done it all including inventing and perfecting the "shoot promo." He said he is going to bring somebody in from outside of the wrestling business and turn them into "another Franchise." He asked viewers if any of them had what it takes to be the next Franchise. "I can make big things occur," he said. "Time to make some noise." Then he laughed maniacally.

6 -- RAVEN vs. SIN (w/James Mitchell)

Raven went to work on Sin right away including shots to Sin's face with a chain-wrapped fist. Sin got in a small burst of offense thanks to interference from Mitchell, but Raven soon won with a Raven Effect.

WINNER: Raven at 2:20.

STAR RATING: 1/2* -- Basic squash.

-Slash went after Raven after the match, but Raven took him down. Then when Raven backed Mitchell into the corner, Vampiro came out and attacked Raven. Slash and Vampiro put the dog collar around Raven's neck and dragged him to the back. Mitchell tossed a chair up to Slash who then pulled up on the chain and hung Raven. C.M. Punk ran out to rescue Raven while Julio Deniro went after Slash up on the balcony.

-Tenay then asked for everyone's attention so he could make a huge announcement. He said it is official - Sunday, November 30, NWA-TNA would present their first-ever three hour mega-PPV event titled "Bound for Glory." He said they'd have more details in upcoming week. West plugged that Raven would face Slash or Vampiro next week, plus Kid Kash would face Abyss. Tenay said Roddy Piper was watching NWA-TNA live at home in Portland and called to ask to have time to make a statement next week.

-Hudson held up a mic a Styles said to Trinity, Siaki, and Ekmo that he isn't going to get tea bagged again. Russo then showed up and seemed to be acting drunk (on purpose). He said he was out with a friend. He gave Styles a frantic pep talk about his title match against Dusty.

-A video package aired on the Styles-Dusty situation.

7 -- A.J. STYLES (w/Vince Russo, Trinity) vs. DUSTY RHODES - NWA World Hvt. Title match

Tenay ran down some of the greats who have worn the NWA Title including Dory Funk Jr., Jack Brisco, Harley Race, and Ric Flair. Interestingly, he left out Sting, who has been part of TNA on a couple of occasions live. Not that I'd rate him among the "great NWA Champions," but from a storyline standpoint, it was a noticeable omission. Styles looked perturbed by Russo and Trinity at ringside. Tenay and West said Russo was drunk and embarrassing everybody, especially Styles. "This is managing the World's Heavyweight Champion?" asked Tenay. Tenay said Raven has been taken to an emergency room in Nashville for throat injuries. West said if it wasn't for Julio, they could have killed Raven. Fans chanted "Dusty, Dusty." Dusty thankfully did not take off his t-shirt. After some posturing early, Dusty got in some offense with chops and then knocked Styles all the way to the floor with some punches. Dusty followed up (slowly) at ringside with some chops. Styles fought back in the crowd and downed Dusty by 4:00. He hit dusty with a series of punches flush to Dusty's forehead and (are you sitting down?!), Dusty began to bleed from the forehead. Tenay pointed out how George Foreman in his 50s defeated a 26 year old to win a boxing title years ago. Dusty was bleeding heavily and he took a seat at ringside. I can't remember the last time I saw that in a World Title match. Styles finally got up after about 30 seconds rest. Styles led Dusty back to the ring. Dusty rolled into the ring and Styles went back to work on his forehead. Dusty made a big of a Superman comeback, if Superman were obese and looked to be about to pass out from exhaustion, and blocked Styles's punches. Dusty sat in the corner again to rest as Styles tried hard to sell Dusty's punches and give Dusty a chance to catch his breath. Styles kicked Dusty to his knees and then wisely went to a rest hold with a chinlock. "Would somebody get this drunk ass out of my face," said West, referring to Russo's ringside antics. Tenay did his best to sell Dusty rising to his feet after two minutes of a chinlock and headlock. Styles came back with a bodyblock for a two count. Styles, facing the biggest in-ring challenge of his career in more ways than one, kicked and stomped away the blown up Dusty. He then went for a springboard somersault splash, but Dusty moved. Dusty then rose and showed some fire as Styles sold a knee injury. Dusty yanked Styles's leg around the ringpost at 12:00. Dusty put on the figure-four at 13:00, and Tenay hyped that that was the move Dusty used to capture the NWA Title. Styles tapped out, but the ref didn't see it because Styles had knocked him out of the ring. Dusty then broke the hold. Styles then used Russo's baseball bat to bash Dusty. The ref returned to the ring. Styles hinted at going to the top rope, but decided against it as he continued to favor his leg. Styles then applied the figure-four on Dusty. Styles held on to Russo for leverage. Styles followed up by using the second rope for additional leverage. The ref was concentrating on watching Dusty. Dusty then passed out and the ref counted to three. Tenay said Dusty never got pinned or tapped out, he just passed out from the pain. Dusty must've insisted they say that, because it's not like Tenay to try to make a point of how the twentysomething champion in good shape couldn't pin or make submit the fiftysomething semi-retired out-of-shape Dusty.

WINNER: Styles at 15:47 to retain the NWA World Title.

STAR RATING: * -- At times this was really slow and really bad, but it had some redeeming qualities with some of the small things in terms of drama and selling of moves.

-After the match, a drunken Russo stammered on the mic and ordered Styles to continue to beat on Dusty. Styles hesitated, but then punched away at Dusty. When black shirted security ran in, Russo whipped them with his jeans belt and the security had to sell it like it was some sort of lethal weapon. Siaki and Ekmo then attacked Dusty as Russo continued to cheer them on. AMW ran out to make the save. "Thank god!" proclaimed Tenay. Styles took out AMW with some baseball bat shots. Then they stretched out Dusty. Russo ordered his ment o take off Dusty's pants. Styles began yanking down Dusty's tights, but didn't get far because Jeff Jarrett came out with a chair. He took his time, but ended up entering the ring and clearing it with chairshots. Dusty took cover as Jarrett almost hit him. Russo then told Jarrett he was trying for a year to try to get him back on his side. He said he just don't listen, so it's over. He said he would make sure there is no NWA World Title for him on Oct. 22. Russo and his men returned to the back. Dusty then stood up with the mic in hand and asked for a six-man tag next week - Dusty & AMW vs. Russo & Ekmo & Siaki. Just as they began to brawl, they cut to credits.

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