Preview of Tonight's TNA Bound For Glory Pay-Per-View

by Brian Phelps

http://wrestlersway.blogspot.com

No DQ Match for the TNA World Heavyweight Title
AJ Styles vs. Bully Ray

AJ styles vs Bully Ray is a tough one for me. I like Bully Ray as a heel. I like AJ Styles, but I feel like TNA has kind of pooped on this match-up. AJ Styles won the BFG Series (which is absolutely fine), but why did they drop his "No One" gimmick? For once, the AJ Styles character was compelling and different. It wasn't just his wrestling that was cool. With the "No One" gimmick, AJ Styles finally appeared to have the total package of gimmick and wrestling skills. For some reason, they just dropped his "No One" gimmick with kind of a haphazard explanation... AJ suddenly came out and cut a promo where he decided he was "ok" with being under appreciated and as a result he is back to the classic AJ Styles. He even went back to the Get Ready to Fly theme song. I think the one problem with AJ Styles legacy is that his character never fully evolves. Even the Hulkster evolved into Hollywood in the '90s. Styles always starts to evolve, but then suddenly devolves back into generic AJ Styles. He reverted back to old AJ after he took on some Ric Flair characteristics. Now, he reverts back to the generic AJ Styles after finally evolving into a compelling and entertaining character with his "No One" gimmick. Oh well, AJ Styles became the total package for about 5 months and then decided to revert back to generic AJ. As for Bully Ray, I'm happy for him that he is finally main eventing the biggest PPV in TNA as the champion. I do think it's time for Bully to drop what's left of the Aces and Eights and just keep Brooke Tessmacher. Knux and Bischoff at this point are just dragging his star power down. Time to cut bait with those jobbers. On a lighter note, what ever happened Tito Ortiz being in Aces and Eights? Or, Rampage in MEM? Boy... they just kind of forgot about them didn't they? lol. And what happened to Mr. Anderson? Why would you leave a 2-time TNA World Champion off the PPV? 

Ultimate X for the TNA X Division Title
Jeff Hardy vs. Chris Sabin vs. Austin Aries vs. Samoa Joe vs. Manik

I think this Ultimate X match will be the show stealer tonight. Anytime you put Hardy, Aries, Joe, Sabin, and Manik in a match together good things are going to happen. If you buy this pay-per-view, than this is the match that will make it worth the money. Weirdly, it kind of seems like a waste of several main eventers. You're wasting Hardy/Aries/Joe all in one match for a mid-card belt? The two biggest superstars in TNA who headlined last years Bound For Glory over the heavyweight title are now just tossed into an X-Division match. Don't get me started on Samoa Joe. It seems like TNA hasn't known what to do with Joe for the last 5 years. He just sort of floats around as nothing more than PPV filler nowadays. I am intrigued to see what Hardy will pull out for Ultimate X. It's kind of strange to think that Hardy has never participated in an Ultimate X match before this given his risk taking background. This is an awkwardly awesome match. Hey, does anyone else wonder why Chris Sabin never invoked his rematch clause? Or, why Sabin never exacted revenge on Tito Ortiz for costing him the TNA Title? lol. 

TNA Knockouts Title Match
Brooke vs. Gail Kim vs. ODB

TNA seemed to tease that Lady Tei'pa (or however you spell her name) would get involved. I don't expect a lot from this match. The Knockouts division has kind of fizzled in the last couple of months after a wild start to the year. Speaking of which, what ever happened to Taryn Terrell? I mean, weren't they raving about her ladder match a few months ago? And where is Mickie James? Why hasn't Velvet Sky wrestled lately? Weird.

TNA Tag Team Title Match
Winners of pre-show vs. Gunner and James Storm

This tag team title match feels like TNA's creative team really had nothing to do for Gunner and Storm, so they just threw this together real fast. It's kind of odd considering how important TNA's tag team division used to be. I used to rave about how great TNA's tag team division once was, but now it's really no better than WWE's. In fact, lately... dare I say the WWE Tag Team Division has been better. Wow, I never thought I'd say that. 

Kurt Angle vs. Bobby Roode

Angle/Roode at BFG is yet another sloppily thrown together at the last minute match. This storyline is sort of stupid. Kaz and Daniels decide to induct Bobby Roode into some made up Hall of Fame of theirs, and for some reason Kurt Angle is angry at Bobby Roode and not Kaz and Daniels? Wow... that makes a lot of sense. What makes this worse is that they already fought at Bound For Glory 2011, and it doesn't feel like all that long ago. Here's another question... is Kurt Angle still in the Main Event Mafia? Because since he returned they haven't really mentioned him as being a member. 

Sting vs. Magnus

Sting vs Magnus is a match-up that could've been much more intriguing. Magnus held a large lead in the BFG Series only to suddenly start getting screwed every week until he ultimately lost. Lately, it seems TNA is teasing a heel turn for Magnus as he is starting to turn into a whiner. A real "woe is me" character. This match-up with Sting was kind of thrown together, and honestly seems somewhat random. Their was really wasn't much build-up to this match. Two and a half weeks ago, Sting claims he will put Magnus on the map after Magnus whines for weeks about losing all the time. Dixie Carter randomly tries to sabotage the Sting/Magnus match at Bound For glory for some reason... but fails. Then this past week, Magnus fights Bully Ray and loses and whines some more. This match just seems rushed, awkward, and forced... but if any two men can make this work... it's these two. 

An appearance by Ethan Carter III

TNA has done absolutely nothing to interest me in Ethan Carter III. The video packages seemed really low budget and second rate. Let's hope he makes a splash. 

Pre-show Gauntlet Match
Daniels & Kazarian vs. Joseph Park & Eric Young vs. Chavo Guerrero & Hernandez vs. Robbie E and Jessie Godderz

This Pre-Show Gauntlet match to decide who faces Gunner and James Storm for the tag team titles seems like it was just lazily thrown in for filler. It's interesting to see TNA now taking a page from WWE's playbook and having a pre-show to shore up last minute PPV buys. 

Magnus Joins the Main Event Mafia

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Last night on the 7-5-2013 edition of Impact Wrestling, Magnus was revealed as the newest member of the new Main Event Mafia. He joins Sting, Kurt Angle, and Samoa Joe in the new incarnation. 

TNA Wrestling Signs South East Asia Distribution Deal

Source: TNAInsider.com

Total Sports Asia has issued a press release announcing that they will be distributing TNA Impact Wrestling across South East Asia.

TNA IMPACT WRESTLING's television rights will be distributed by Total Sports Asia (TSA) in South East Asia (excluding Thailand). RDA Television, the UK-based sport rights distribution agency that controls TNA's global media distribution rights, has licensed TNA's South East Asian media rights in a three year agreement with TSA.TNA produces over 200 hours of original programming a year in HD that includes the flagship show Impact Wrestling, 4 main PPV Specials, 8 One Night Only PPVs and also the weekly magazine programme Xplosion. As well as "The Immortal" Hulk Hogan, the TNA talent roster boasts such household names as Olympic Gold Medallist Kurt Angle, "The Charismatic Enigma" Jeff Hardy, "The Icon" Sting and MMA & Hollywood superstar Rampage Jackson.
TSA who have a long and very successful experience with distributing combat sports in Asia, especially wrestling, will market the brand and its programmes to the region, where they expect to significantly increase TNA's previous distribution as well as revenues in the region.
TSA's Chief Content Officer, Julian Jackson, said that "having been very successful previously in selling pro wrestling, we know that it works in pretty much every country in the region. It is a sport that transcends religious, racial and regional boundaries to become appointment TV in every country and we are delighted to be working with TNA to really take the brand to the next level of success given the high quality of programming that TNA delivers week in, week out"
Richard Dennis, Managing Director, RDA Television, commented, "We have great confidence that TSA will help drive the TNA Wrestling brand forward in South Asia, and deliver great content for broadcasters throughout the region. We have known and worked with TSA for many years and we're looking forward to this new dimension in our working relationship."
About Total Sports Asia
Total Sports Asia (TSA) is a leading independent sports marketing agency and content distributor with a dedicated team of over 100 sports marketing experts and seven offices in Kuala Lumpur, Beijing, Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Singapore and Jakarta. Media rights distribution, TV production, sponsorship/licensing, events management and consulting are its core business activities. Representation includes major international rights including, BWF Super Series (Badminton), PSA Pro Tour (Squash), ITTF (Table Tennis), AIBA (Boxing), GLORY World Series kickboxing Visit totalsportsasia.com for more information.
About TNA
TNA Entertainment, LLC is a privately held sports entertainment company based in Nashville, Tennessee that specializes in events, products, numerous TV properties, merchandise and music, as well as, the management and promotion of professional wrestlers.
The roster features such greats as Hulk Hogan, Jeff Hardy, Kurt Angle, Sting, James Storm, Bobby Roode, Velvet Sky, Brooke Hogan, the lovely and lethal Knockouts and many more through its highly successful TNA IMPACT WRESTLING weekly broadcasts on SPIKE TV.
In addition, TNA produces monthly PPV events and over 100 live shows a year. The product is the world's most innovative experience in professional wrestling and is broadcast in more than 120 countries.
For more information please visit impactwrestling.com
Visit impactwrestling.com for more information
About RDA
RDA Television is a UK-based sports media rights distributor. RDA TV works with many leading football clubs including Real Madrid and Liverpool, and has extensive experience in distributing football rights including Copa America, World Cup Qualifiers and international friendly matches. RDA also has extensive experience in wrestling and combat sports, and RDA's clients include UFC and TNA Impact Wrestling.
Visit rda.tv for more information

Triplemanía XX - Lucha Libre AAA - Agosto 2012 - México DF

Impact 8-2-12: Sting and Kurt Angle Want Answers from James Storm about The Aces And 8s

TNA Today (July 31) Kurt Angle Talks About the Olympics.

TNA Impact 7-26-12: Sting, Austin Aries and Kurt Angle Try to Stop The Aces and 8s

IMPACT WRESTLING Post Show: Kurt Angle, Mike Tenay and Hector Guerrero

Before The Bell Extra: Kurt Angle

Humor: Kurt Angle gets in a Bar Room Brawl

Humor: Kurt Angle shoots Big Show with a Tranquilizer Gun

TNA Impact Wrestling 12-8-11: James Storm Faces off Against Kurt Angle

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Watch TNA Impact Wrestling: November 24, 2011

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Click Here to Watch Impact Wrestling from 11-24-2011!

Why Must TNA Always Have Triple Threat Matches On Every PPV?

By Brian Phelps

Maybe it's just me, but am I the only one that notices that TNA always has to have a Triple Threat match on every PPV card? I've noticed this as long as I have been watching TNA. Every single PPV there is some sort of Triple Threat Match. Bound For Glory 2010 it was Kurt Angle vs Jeff Hardy vs Mr. Anderson. The current upcoming TNA PPV, No Surrender has a Kurt Angle vs Sting vs Mr.Anderson Triple Threat for the World Title. If it's not a triple threat match, then it's a Fatal 4-way match. In other words, TNA has killed specialty matches. They book specialty matches at every single PPV to the point of booking specialty matches into the ground. You just want to see one TNA PPV with absolutely NO specialty matches. I don't want to see a Triple Threat, a Fatal 4-Way, or any other crazy match. What happened to the average PPV that just had a bunch of singles and one or two tag matches? In TNA, there is no such thing as a specialty match because they have them ALL the time. Sometimes, less is more.

Why Are WWE Superstars Jumping Ship to TNA ?

by Brian Phelps
http://wrestlersway.blogspot.com

Over the years, there has been a tidal wave of pro wrestlers jumping ship from WWE to TNA. Despite the fact the fact that TNA doesn't pay as much and doesn't offer a lot of the merchandising perks that WWE does. So, why are they still jumping over each other to go to TNA? I'm here to explain why.

1) Less Dates - In WWE, you can expect to work over 300 days a year. That's a considerable amount of time away from your family and friends. In TNA, they work a little over a 100 days a year. This also means that your body isn't pushed as hard, which means more time to heal and less of a chance of injury due to over working.

2) Better Opportunities - Many wrestlers in WWE end up getting lost in the shuffle due to the roster size, and corporate politics. Guys like Chavo Guerrero, MVP, Gail Kim all left WWE because they were unhappy with the way they were being treated. Before TNA, there was nowhere to go and make money... now, they can go to TNA (or Japan in MVP's case) and still feed their families. They also may achieve greater heights in TNA. Just ask X-Division Champion Brian Kendrick. Look at Christian. WWE considered Christian nothing but a mid-carder during his initial WWE Run until TNA made him Heavyweight Champion. After he returned to WWE from TNA, he is now a 2-time World Heavyweight Champion on Smackdown.

3) Better Working Atmosphere - Many wrestlers drown amongst the corporate suits in WWE. Many have stated that TNA is a lighter working environment where you have at least somewhat of a better shot at being heard when you have an idea.

4) Tired of Being Held Down - In cases like Mr. Anderson, he states that he was held back by main eventers like Randy Orton who got in the bosses ear. It was also said by Bret Hart that Shawn Michaels and Triple H tried to hold down The Rock. So, it's not just Mr. Anderson that has stories of main eventers getting in Vince's ear trying to hold down up-and-coming stars.

Anderson Joins Immortal (Another Predictable Russo Swerve)

by Brian Phelps

Impact last night was surprisingly good. There were great matches along the way with moves I've never even seen as Impact showcased the X-Division. If you haven't heard of Jack Evans, find him on youtube. That guy was doing moves I haven't seen anyone do, including Sin Cara. The Fatal 4-Way between RVD, AJ Styles, Christopher Daniels, and Jerry Lynn was awesome. I really felt like RVD and Jerry Lynn were telling a story as they wrestled. Sting was great again as The Joker, but there was just one problem with an otherwise great Impact.

The main event ending was soooo predictable. It was an infamous "Russo Swerve", or at least he thinks he swerved the crowd. Before the main event, Sting and Angle tell Anderson that he better make the right decision (referring to Immortal inviting Anderson to join them as Sting and Angle had to fight Immortal later that night). Shortly afterward, Hogan attacks Sting just before the match backstage... forcing Angle to take on Immortal by himself. So, from that moment it was obvious that Mr. Anderson was going to join Immortal and screw over Angle. Lo and Behold, Anderson comes out during the handicap match and appeared to be fighting off Immortal... when all of a sudden he turns on Angle and gives him his patented 'mic check' finisher and Immortal gets the win. This is a typical Vince Russo written "Swerve" designed to trick the crowd for shock value, but he's done this so many times that you can smell it a mile away as I did. There were so many things about this that didn't make any sense. For instance, why did the referee allow Anderson to just run in and just join the tag match? The moment Anderson attacked Immortal at first, Kurt Angle would've been Disqualified lol. Oh well. Anderson screws Angle after claiming he wouldn't join Immortal, and then next thing you know he's hugging Immortal. This isn't the first Russo "Swerve". He's been doing it for years. I can name a few times recently that he's done it.

1) At Bound For Glory 2010, Jeff Hardy acts like he's going to hit Bischoff with Hogan's crutch... but then turns around and at the last second turns on Angle and Anderson and beats them down with Hogan's crutches... (Immortal is formed on this night)

2) Fortune began feuding with Immortal. Ric Flair comes out with AJ Styles for his match with Immortal's Matt Hardy, and during AJ's match out of nowhere Ric Flair throws AJ off the top turn buckle and hugs Matt Hardy. (Flair joins Immortal)

3) Let's not forget the most famous "Finger Poke of Doom" from WCW, where Nash came out as Champion to face Hollywood Hogan.. and instead of the bitter battle of nWo leaders... Hogan poked Nash, Nash fell on the mat on purpose, and Hogan pinned him. Nash hugs Hogan, and the two nWo's merge.

Russo enough of the stupid "swerves". You've done it so many times, you can smell it a mile away before you do it. It's ridiculous, and beyond predictable. Here's an idea. How about a clean finish?

Dream Match of the Week: Sting vs Kurt Angle

This Dream Match comes from TNA once again as the "Franchise" Sting battles the "Olympic Gold Medalist" Kurt Angle for the World Heavyweight Title in Atlanta, Georgia at Bound For Glory. This is a match that no one ever thought would ever happen. WCW's Sting vs WWE's Kurt Angle. This is what sets TNA apart from the WWE. TNA delivers matches that we never thought we would ever see.

Christian Finally Wins the Big One!

1st off, I want to say I love my wife! Now, on to business. At WWE Extreme Rules, Christian finally won the big one.Anyone who reads this blog regularly knows that I've made it very clear that WWE was dropping the ball on Christian by not making him champion. While I'm ecstatic for Christian because he is the most deserving superstar in pro wrestling, I can't help but feel like WWE only did it because Edge was forced to retire. Had Edge not been forced out of the spotlight, WWE wouldn't have even considered Christian for the title. Since WWE no longer had Edge, they settled for "Diet Edge". With Edge being forced into retirement, it only made sense to have his best friend take his spot. It's very similar to Rey Mysterio winning the title after Eddie Guerrero's death... seemingly divine intervention opening the door for Rey as it has for Christian now. It's the "Angels in the Outfield" of professional wrestling for Christian. If anything I believe that TNA should be praised and commended for showing Vince and the WWE that Christian could be a credible World Champion. TNA saw a World Champion in Christian FIVE YEARS AGO! (Christian won the World Championship in TNA in 2006, see below for footage of his TNA title win) Christian was feuding with Kurt Angle, Sting, and Jeff Jarrett 5 years ago and more than holding his own. TNA should also be credited with really raising Christians stock in the wrestling world. Congratulations to Captain Charisma. You deserve the title, and it is so long overdue. This ones for the peeps!

Why does WWE continue to hold back Christian?

One thing that has been killing me for the last few years, is why oh why does Vince McMahon and the WWE continue to hold "Captain Charisma" Christian back from the main event status that he so richly deserves? Christian after being relegated to mid-carder status his entire WWE career, departed for TNA in 2005 and immediately TNA saw something in him that the WWE did not. TNA had the confidence in Christian to crown him top baby face and heel status and 2-time World Heavyweight Champion. He spent 2005-2008 in TNA trading blows with legends like Sting, Kurt Angle, and Booker T, and the best young wrestler in the world AJ Styles (who just became the 1st TNA wrestler to be rated the #1 wrestler in the PWI 500 Best Wrestlers). TNA was single-handedly responsible for making Christian a credible main eventer, and raising his stock. Then at the end of 2008, Christian decided to give WWE another shot.

So, after all of this success you expect a big WWE return right? WRONG. Christian debuted in February of 2009 on the lowest rated WWE Show, and the weakest brand... the now defunct WWECW, confronting then virtual unknown Jack Swagger (who despite being WWECW Champion, and World Heavyweight Champion... is still fairly and laughably unknown). Christian was put on a show no one watched, wrestling a bunch of nobodies. Christian went from wrestling royalty like Kurt Angle and Sting to wrestling some nobody named Yoshi Tatsu and competing for a World Title that was worth LESS than the mid-carder titles. What a slap in the face. Now, Christian has been back in the WWE for a year and a half and what is he doing now? He's wrestling lower mid-carders on Smackdown. Wow, way to go Christian. You are probably making more money now, but at what cost? You are wrestling over 300 days a year, destroying your body... and for what? A 2nd rate show, no appreciation, and taking a huge step BACKWARD in your career... all for a few more bucks? Had he stuck around in TNA now, he is nearly guaranteed to have gotten a big pay increase with all the new big names, he'd still be a main eventer, probably world champion again, wrestling only about 100 days a year, and salvaging your body for a longer career. Who knows though... maybe WWE will make him World Champion one day... but I'm not holding my breath. Good luck to you Christian, I hope you learned a lesson.