RedJed

Yeah, Jarretts are going to likely have a stong ally in Cornette to get back power within the company although I think Cornette is still smart enough to understand the reality of the situation. With that said, I have a strong feeling Cornette wont show up on TNA at this point - he knows it's a tense time right now. Could be easily as good as it could be bad though (depending on the whole Jarrett factor) if he was brought in to either book solo or with the team. Cornette could very well help out in ROH, Memphis, etc in general.

What they need to do NOW to follow up on this is bump up the U.S./Canada syndication for Impact. If they are staying dark til Oct, between the two, that might be ok. TNA, regardless of TV right now, might be finding that streaming the show online is a good marketing tool though for the ppvs, if anything. Just got done watching this weeks show on Sun Sports, wasnt too bad although there was nothing that felt main event like. Obvious victim of the third taping of four in one night.

There would be a ton of resentment from other workers and such, but yeah, I tend to agree that it's not a really bad idea when you think about the whole scheme of things. The big variable would be if Lesnar beating Batista for the title at, say SummerSlam, would hurt the push and run for Batista to win it back at a later date, akin to the Goldberg-Nash situation, in that once Goldberg was defeated by Nash, the steam was lost on his drawing power. But as long as WWE would follow up properly on it, I think it would work just fine.

I'm sure the money is lucrative and such, but if he's not a big name that isnt going to go anywhere, AND if TNA gets big, there will be a legitimate alternative to the WWE in terms of earning a real living by wrestling, and things may change with not just O'Haire's perception of it, but many others.

He was busted on the 11th of June for drunk driving. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> That was in 2004 there with that whole deal. The story goes that he was involved in some assault on his gf and subsequentally got jailed. Not sure if WWE had plans to bring him in during a show the last few months, but if they did and then found out he's in jail, well fuck, I dont feel one sort of sorry for the guy. He's had his chances, all he has to do is stay out of trouble like a normal human being and be a reliable employee.

I swear I read somewhere they actually are on good terms, her and her new bf and Kenney and his new gf hang out alot, etc. I might be wrong though. Regardless, she wont be in anything wrestling for a while anyway and its questionable if she would even bother at all after having a kid. She may just want to be a stay at home mother. Getting yourself knocked up when having a WWE job as a TV personality gives me that impression she could care less about the business anymore. Give O'Haire time, his MMA career hasnt amounted to shit. If TNA gets a national deal, him and Jindrak would try to push coming into the company I would imagine.

ECW never trademarked their wrestlers likenesses IIRC. So it was open game on the names when Taz, Dudleys, etc went to WWE. So Heyman had zero control on names, likenesses, etc when ECW guys went to WWE. Its possible, though, that because those guys had the name before WWE that they could still use it in other avenues. Who knows.

Regarding Batista-Lesnar possibilities, wondering if it might be smart to actually rush an initial match between the two at SummerSlam since the heel side of Smackdown is so weak right now and if he's coming back (I would save the return for GAB ppv), he should make a real impact right away to really get things going. Whether that means giving Lesnar the title at SummerSlam (which could either work or horribly kill off Batista circa Goldberg v. Nash) or having Lesnar job out to him, and then go on a strong long run to get back to facing Batista at Mania - I'm not sure of. But a rematch could then be long builded up for Mania.

This opens up a chance for Spike to be signed by TNA now, if they go with the Dudleys too, which I'm sure they will. The only question mark with all of this is if they can use the Dudley name(s) in another organization. If not, all 3 of these guys are going to be substanially less over by default. Haas and Jackie will probably get some gig with TNA, mixing with X division stuff like Shane and Traci, etc. Dawn Marie might be in down the road, who knows. Highly doubt there would be interest in Jannetty, although one week in WWE got him very over and back as a name of sorts.

Some of these releases are really out there. What are they thinking with the Dudleys? That was a return that probably would have easily gotten over post-ECW ppv, as they could have been re-born of sorts with being off WWE TV for so long. Now the question is - can they use the Dudley name in another organization? You know TNA will most likely sign them, and now possibly Spike because of this too. Morgan being released makes no sense - they never really gave the guy the chance to succeed with two badly booked runs on Smackdown. Jim Ross was extremely high on him too so thats another shocker. Haas is a ridiculous release, as they never even bothered to ever book the Haas-Benjamin feud, which would have been an awesome midcard program. He shown more potential back in May w/ Holly than I've ever seen in his WWE run. Speaking of Holly, he's got to be coming up soon also, else there is some serious bullshit going down. Jackie being tossed w/ Haas definately sucks for them right now but I have a feeling TNA will welcome them in right away. I kind of had a feeling Dawn Marie was possibly getting fired. I dont see a problem with it since, to be honest, a WWE chick probably shouldnt be considering getting prego in the first place considering her postion as nothing more but eye candy, and from what I had heard, it was like she was trying to get knocked up in the first place. I could see why the company would frown on that - its not like she was injured or something. With all of this said, it would have been better to keep her on the roster and unload some useless women like Lauren something or another and Joy. If Jannetty really was in jail or back to his old ways of using and abusing something, he's probably better off being released. He's had his chances before. It's a little weird that some of these guys were on the trade deal from last week. That couldnt be just coincidence. With that said, I expect Grenier gone for sure also, as there is no way they are going to even try to get this talentless hack over on SD when they arent even going to continue with Morgan, Haas, etc. Candice Michelle also will probably be gone too. Suzuki and Hiroku probably will get the ax also. For what its worth, apparently another 8-10 more are on their way according to Meltzer. I wouldnt doubt even more by days end.

I guess that interview he did a few weeks ago did the trick eh? If he doesnt come back, that lawsuit is going to go through the ringers for a ridiculous amount of time, costing Lesnar and WWE way too much $$$ in the long run when its obvious he needs to return sooner or later - to benefit both him and the WWE. His only other option if he would get freed from the old contract would be a combo of Japan dates and TNA (and who knows what their future is) to make the same amount roughly as he was getting in WWE. And thats not even a for sure thing. Part of me would want him already wrestling Batista at SummerSlam, but they probably should be smart and build that to Mania next year. There is plenty of other stuff he could do til then. Its going to be tough to keep them apart til then though. Obviously he needs to go to Smackdown as everyone is saying already too.

I really didnt think they would get rid of Maven. He's homegrown WWE and usually with those guys, they are alot more patient with them. Not to say Maven could have been a huge star, but I think he was doing ok as a midcard talent. I dont know what/if TNA could do with him, I have no idea if his name is trademarked (even though thats his real name, its possible I suppose). He's questionable at best when he's out of a WWE setting. We have no idea how good of a worker he really is, and part of me thinks he may have a real hard time adapting out of the late 90s WWE style of punch, kick, punch, closeline, etc. In fact maybe thats why he got released, he couldnt adapt to the more oldschool approach of working a match that WWE has been emphasizing the past year or two. Moore, Yang, Kidman (hopefully off the juice) will probably all be picked up for the X division. Spike might very well call it a career, as he's all banged up currently IIRC and his only calling card has been his ECW role or else side by side with the Dudleys. If he can't use that name especially, the gimmick is kind of pointless as is signing him. Doubt Jindrack will be signed, and I hope he isnt. Unless they had some idea of signing up O'Haire and reforming their tag team, I'm totally opposed to anything with Jindrack in singles. Fertig could be signed as could Gangrel to be aligned with Jim Mitchell as perhaps the New Church. Just a thought....

The premise at first sounded really weird, but after watching it, I'm hooked. Yet another guilty pleasure for sure.. Whoever that chick host is too, hot damn!

From this week's Torch.... There has been communication between Matt Hardy and WWE management in the past two weeks. He has been told that he should delay signing the TNA contract until Vince McMahon can decide what kind of offer if any he wants to make for his return. Hardy has been up front with TNA about his needing time to make a final decision. Hardy asked a crowd at an indy show in Chicago last weekend where he was signing autographs whether he should return to WWE or sign with TNA. The crowd chanted "TNA, TNA" There were also "f--- Vince" chants... Hardy and Lita have been on good terms lately, but are not by any means a couple at this time. Lita and Edge are not together; Edge is working on fixing his marriage instead... -----Sounds like the same shit they pulled with James Gibson in "holding out" on TNA until WWE decides what to do. Hardy would be a fool to sit and wait IMO.

Has anyone seen/heard in reviews how Bloodrayne was? Almost scared to ask.... I predict this next Boll film will bomb something awful. Thats a wacky ass lineup of actors/actresses in it too.

Pink Floyds stuff was just unbelievable, watching the Green Day homage to Queen right now, also good stuff. In fucking Berlin to boot. This is a definate historic event(s) with so many huge shows in so many places. Anyone know if they are doing a CD or DVD of these events?!! Something tells me no but I hope I'm wrong.... Been alot of language during the performances that MTV didnt even get close to catching. Even during a replay on MTV of the Snoop performance, they still missed a ton of f-bombs. Thought Coldplay doing BSS was cool, generally too many notable things to all note of. Hope the ABC show tonight gives it justice.

No need for me to rebuttal, after the last few days, from what I've been reading, sounds like this aint no Hardy or TNA working the sheets and the net - this shit is legit with the possible WWE return. While I agree I'd be digging Hardy returning to WWE to feud with Edge (I'm such a strong proponent that reality is what has/will draw real compelling storylines) part of me really does want him to go to TNA, as he could possibly be the next big star in wrestling if he did, and if he went to WWE, I really dont see it going that far past the enjoyment of a Hardy/Edge feud. Regarding really getting over in TNA though, his is all subject to a number of "ifs" though, such as IF TNA gets a Spike TV deal and IF the TNA booking committee stays strong and IF Jarrett continues to be out of the power he once had. And yes, there are more "ifs" that just that! Wasnt sure what the "Jarrett - World Champion" comment meant though, Corey.

IIRC the whole deal with Benoit and Nancy getting together was predicated in part from Sullivan insisting they spend time together in public, etc, to play into their feud, moreless not to break kayfabe. So to say they were working just fine against each other after the fact I dont think is correct since the whole affair was happening during and then after that feud - it wasn't a feud that was developed FROM or AFTER the affair. Plus they were both working stiff as shit against each other, sure it made for a great series of matches but it certainly was not "civil" in the first place. The fact that their matches were so good was probably, in retrospect, because there was some underlined legit heat between the two there in the first place. Regardless of that, seeing whats gone down and more importantly, what WWE has been having Edge and Lita doing on screen together, is just intensifying things - not just setting things up in terms of intensifying a potential feud with Hardy/Edge (which is great for business if Hardy returns, but got to be so tough for Hardy to sit through) but add the reality that Edge, as part of his job, is getting to actually almost rub this whole situation that happened into the face of Hardy by being allowed to kiss Lita on screen, etc. It's just a strange, albeit totally intruiging, situation. Thats why it would most definately have to draw, or even to take it a step further, that's why Hardy even going to TNA would probably draw. All I know is if Hardy returns, it sure will be interesting TV. I could definately see Hardy would lose it sooner or later though in a match or angle and could possibly get fired again, because who knows what the writers would script Edge to say or do as well as Lita. It's almost could become a game of the writers provoking things in a way, or at least could be taken to that point when/if an Edge/Hardy feud ever went down. Then again, it could turn into a ironic twist of fate if they just outright let Hardy shoot on Edge in the ring as some sort of "payback" for him. Lots of variables to consider.....

Thats what it appears he is doing, going to wait, at least for awhile until he figures out their real plan of action. Keller reported in an audio update on his site that TNA has a relatively lucrative contract out for him right now too, as they know if they sign him, it should in theory generate some serious interest in the company. At the same time its been reported he's also stopped taking any other bookings as well, so everything is kind of on a hold until he hears back from WWE. I would imagine though that he wouldnt wait forever, 2-3 weeks at best. Part of me is surprised he is even considering a WWE return given the past and the fact that they would clearly want him to do a worked feud with Edge over a very real situation. How he could be comfortable with that is questionable at best and, as I've said in the TNA folder, is open ground for complete unprofessionalism in the ring between either/or/both Edge and Hardy. But god damn, you know I'd still love to see it.

From this week's Torch.... Although the first solid ECW buyrate returns are a couple weeks away, the latest indications are more sobering for those enthusiastic about the project. The preliminary estimates or guesses of 600,000 to 800,000 will probably end up quite high compared to reality, which is expected now to be 350,000 to 550,000, still very good.

The secondary audio track is JBL mic'd at the ppv. Torch posted these highlights of the commentary track tonite....... JBL has some running alternative track commentary on the ECW One Night Stand DVD released in stores today. It's commentary from him while he watched the show from the balcony. Orlando Jordan also slips in a number of comments. Both were in heel anti-ECW mode. He keps on calling Mike Awesome: "Mike Awful." As Masato Tanaka comes out, JBL yells five or six times: "THATS MY DOORMAN!" As Tommy Dreamer comes out, he says, "This is the main event??" As Sandman looks under the ring: "What's he looking for now, a treadmill?" "Or an oxygen tank!" As the BWO comes out: "And you wonder they they went out of business" About Blue Meanie: "Fat f--- with blue hair. Go find your porn star wife!" About Meanie as he's dancing on the middle rope: "It looks like a onkey screwing a basketball, him being up there. Go donate your body to science fiction, you fat lowly lowly (yes, he says it twice) pig. e looks like a blue haired 800 pound Abe Lincoln." As Big Stevie Cool is giving his speech: "Go home now." As Kash comes down: "This is a carnival." On Balls: "They're chanting balls" and then chants along with them saying "balls" approximately 100 times before saying, "You know if you really beat someone, you lick them. Does this mean you lick balls." On Axl: "Has anyone heard of the Atkins diet" On Balls & Axl (this is funny because of Johnny Ace's interest in signing them): "Who are the fat guys who came in?" On the main event: "This could be awful, but it might not be good. I gotta be drunk for this one." Regarding Mike Awesome: "Someone run in make Awesome use one of his 93 finishers..." When Lance Storm runs in: "You can hear the paint dry. Here comes the most boring man in the history of boring. Lance Storm couldn't fill an arena if you gave free beer and free tickets. They say he's retiring today, (mumbled) if a tree falls in a forrest, no one cares. National Hockey League. No one cares." Lance gets thrown out: "Is his career over now? Bye Lance, don't come back." As the flaming table gets lit: "Now that's heat! Is there not a fire marshall in the New York state watching this?"

I agree, there is no need to stir up the pot and do a transitional title switch just to have it go back to Batista a month later. JBL needs to just job to Batista one time and do it huge, then keep JBL in main event contention but a step down - the gimmick is just fine but it's getting worn out as the top heel on Smackdown. In the interim, build new credible challengers to Batista, not even necessarily for SummerSlam as that ppv could have Batista-Benoit, Batista-Taker, or if you wanted to rush something, WWE could (and this is a big could) bring back Lesnar for what could be a strong Smackdown side main event for SummerSlam. Very doubtful Vince would do that with Lesnar, but having him return, sparking a strong buyrate on Batista-Lesnar, and of course Lesnar putting Batista over wouldnt be a bad idea if they are desperate for that huge SummerSlam match for Batista. Regarding the current heel side of Smackdown and relating to challengers to Batista in the future, Christian-Batista just isnt interesting, nor will be a ppv main event draw (this is yet another reason why Christian should not be kept as a heel) and Eddy will be fine in due time, but is tied up with Rey for quite some time, til at least Slam. Hassan is another guy who isnt ready for a main event title shot on a big show, so throw him out of the hat for awhile. Turning Booker T back heel might not be a bad short term idea if all else fails, as he's been put over pretty strong the last 3-4 months. Orton seems the obvious next challenger for Batista after this JBL program is hopefully done after one ppv shot (GAB), so that could be at SummerSlam, that being Orton-Batista. The first step though to get to that is Orton over Taker in at least one match, which would be perfect to do at the GAB also, if Orton is healthy enough by then (has anyone heard the timeline on his return?). Of course if he can't, you do Orton-Taker at SS, and then have Orton-Batista through the fall months.

They didnt have any at all, so both will basically be recap shows.

Christian is getting over huge with the crowd and, more importantly, is getting cheered - how do you continue to "heel" forever off that? He wont get heat, so they almost have to be forced to turn him. They don't have to water him down, he can do his same exact stuff and still be a face. I dont see why they would even think of changing it up, why break something that isn't needing fixing? I'm sick of seeing Christian shine on the mic and get himself over but then get treated under the same chickenshit heel ringwork, which gets him nowhere. That, more than anything, is why he needs to be a face - to stray away from not coming across as an effective main event heel when he's actually wrestling. I think you missed my point about JBL, the thing that pisses me off was just that he's getting a large payout for main eventing the next ppv likely with Batista when he just did that shit at the ECW ppv. A guy should not be given a push to another title match when that shit went down. I'm not necessarily talking about that he didn't "earn it" or not in the storylines.

Either I was really stoned or else Raw was pretty damn good last night, or maybe a little bit of both! The picks were one of an obvious with Big Show (which is fine since he should be off Smackdown anyway) and the other caught me off guard with Van Dam. Not sure if its good to bad that he's on Raw though, I would think bad in a sense that I think he would have better chances to shine in the ring against workers like Rey. London, Juvy, etc on Smackdown but good in that they might try to get him over stronger on Raw to play back into the Mr Monday Night and such. However I'm obviously worried about the politics with HHH - maybe they will play into it and HHH will continue to surprise me and put over Van Dam in a program. Doubt it but you never know as I would like to think Vince would have some plan of action with Van Dam more than just doing a feud with Carlito. Hogan coming out caught me off guard, I figured it would just end up being an announcement that he would show up next week. Honestly, I thought Rock was going to show up before Hogan. Still though, Hogan really works in small doses like this. Cena looked legitimately in mark mode during the whole Hogan thing. Angle/Flair was good stuff for sure. My neighbor was not looking forward to the match (He thinks Flair should retire, etc) but both of us were into it by the end of the match. That could have/should have been a possible ppv match as it was that good. We got treated there for sure.