Well January 4 was, as hype so often puts it, an historic night for professional wrestling. From the opening to the closing TNA served notice to WWE that WWE is no longer the "only dog in the hunt!" Owner Dixie Carter and new partners, Hulk Hogan, and Eric Bischoff pulled out all the stops to put on what was at times an extraordinary event.
Which is not to say that there weren't ugly moments as well, and I'll get to them in a moment. However, there is no denying that TNA generated more excitement than Monday night Wrestling has offered since WCW's demise took the pressure of competition off of Vincent Kennedy McMahon, and WWE.
Oh, one should note that WWE had its own drama on display as well. Bret Hart, as promised, returned after a twelve year absence (for reasons noted in previous blog), and in a moment of genuine emotion, buried the hatchet with Sean Michaels. Other than that it was business as usual: a two minute Womens match, a developing storyline involving Randy Orton, and his acolytes., and lots of business as usual.
Back to TNA. What was good:
The match between Kurt Angle and A. J. Styles was outstanding! A 22 minute clinic on how to work in the ring. Although I can't help but wince every time angle takes a bump--given his history of neck injuries!
The Womens tag match between Awesome Kong and Hamada taking on champs Sarita, and Taylor Wilde. They were given time to show what they could do--and they did! cograts to all four women, but especially to Kong and Hamada who won.
What was bad:
Too many WCW stars, at times it was like a step back to the 90's WCW, and that is not a happy memory! Scott Hall, Sean Waltman, The Nasty Boys, guys your fifteen minutes were up ten years ago!
There were some fumbles in continuity: Hogan dressing down Jeff Jarrett, came across as heelish, and I don't think that was the intent.
Also after shots of a limousine, with police escort, and constant promises that "Hulk Hogan is on his way!" When Hogan did come out within a minute he stated "I've been in the back all day, talking to the guys." Okay which is it: was he in the back all day, or traveling to the show?
The title match between Tara, and challenger ODB, was given two minutes--totally disrespectful of these two women, and their abilities.
Sting, stay in the rafters, please!
The Ugly:
The DQ ending to the opening cage match, this prompted chants of "Bulls--t" from the crowd--not I suspect, the reaction TNA was hoping for!
The final score B+ (I know I've griped, but I admire TNA's chutzpah! If they can sustain the momentum (and smooth out the rough spots) things could get very interesting.
Line of the night on either show "I guess hell froze over!" Bret Hart's first comment on Raw--the show of the promotion he once swore never to work for again.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
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Okay, Okay, Geek.
ReplyDeleteYou're writing in insider's terms, something I'm not.
Could you help me -- and I'm sure other newbies -- out by explaining things like DQ, TNA, and WCA.
We all want to feel like we got the joke, Geek.
See the "glossary."
ReplyDeleteTNA=Total Nonstop Action, the #2(distant) promotion
WCW=promotion started by Ted Turner to compete with Vince Mcmahon's WWE (in the 1990's). Ended up being bought by McMahon.
WWE=The dominant promotion