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Hulk Hogan and NWA-TNA have agreed to terms and the final paperwork is being worked through this week. The deal isn't done, but it's expected to be done. "Everything's great and looks like it'll definitely happen," says one insider close to negotiations. The agreement would call for Hogan to be a big part of the TNA product beginning with a special Nov. 30 Sunday night three-hour PPV priced at around $30, perhaps even the WWE rate of $35. The proposed match is Hogan vs. Jeff Jarrett, perhaps for the NWA World Hvt. Title. Jarrett has a title match against A.J. Styles on the Wednesday night, Oct. 22 event. Hogan is headed to Japan this week for a match on Oct. 13. He'll be in Japan for four days, then return to the U.S. Hogan is looking to redeem his status after leaving WWE under less than glamorous circumstances when the Mr. America gimmick was halted in mid-course after creative and financial differences between him and McMahon. Going to Japan and being the centerpiece of the media attention there (he's on the cover of at least one of the big Japanese weekly glossies this week) and then being featured on a Sunday night PPV again in the U.S. would help. There's still a chance, unless official press releases are issued announcing the deal with TNA, that Vince McMahon could step in and make Hogan an offer that he couldn't refuse. That may be an ulterior motive with Hogan, although all indications are that Hogan is sincere in thinking the TNA opportunity is a good deal and could lead to something bigger. There is talk among key parties that "maybe Hulk could do for TNA what he did for WCW." WCW wasn't taken seriously by merchandisers and advertisers until Hogan was signed, erasing WCW's image as a regional Southern promotion that played second fiddle to the WWF. The deal on the table right now would include Hogan being part of more than just the Sunday, Nov. 30 PPV. However, Hogan is conscious of image and doesn't want his first match back to be at the Nashville Fairgrounds where TNA tapes every week. "That could create the image he's on the downswing of his career," says one involved insider. The arena is small and the fans may be less apt to cheer him since fans that attend shows each week at the same arena are typically more hardcore and rebellious. Hogan might be willing to make a promotional appearance now and then at the Coliseum, dubbed the TNA Asylum, but his first big match back will be at a larger venue. Sources say Hogan would not be getting an ownership stake in TNA as part of the deal, but he would get a percentage of the PPV buyrate. The motivation for TNA, beyond their cut of the potential revenue created if a Hogan vs. Jarrett match drew a big buyrate on Nov. 30, would be to put their brand name on the map nationally. Having Hogan's name attached to the TNA logo would give the promotion a "legitimate credibility" with people who don't follow wrestling closely, but are instrumental in TNA getting outside deals done, be it advertisers or TV executives. Even if the Nov. 30 PPV didn't draw well, cable companies would be more aware of TNA because of the event and might be more willing to promote the Wednesday night events harder than they have during the first year-plus of the promotion's existence. Hogan's name being attached to the product might help TNA get the weekly national cable clearance they so would like to have. Hogan's real-life manager Jimmy Hart has had a close friendship with Jerry Jarrett of TNA for decades. Hart first worked for Jarrett in Memphis 20 years ago. Hogan also worked early in his career for Jarrett, although Hogan hasn't always spoken highly of Jarrett in past years. Despite the controversy with the Jeff Jarrett vs. Hulk Hogan WCW Title match that led to Hogan quitting, Jarrett was more of a side player than anyone conspiring against Hogan, so there isn't any heat between them. The Jarretts and Hogan have talked extensively on the phone and had face-to-face meetings over the past month. Both sides are said to be excited about the possibilities of a relationship. Nobody is being too specific, but it appears Vince Russo would not be involved with Hogan behind the scenes or necessarily on camera.

NWA CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH: CHAMPION AJ STYLES VS. THE AMERICAN DREAM DUSTY RHODES As we went off the air on Wednesday, tempers flared on all sides as Styles and Rhodes agreed on a title match this week! Russo and Styles had a war of words, with the champ even slapping his manager - not to mention Jarrett taking offense to Rhodes putting his dream of another NWA Title reign ahead of his own October 22 bout...leading to a near-shoving match netween the two! Can The American Dream win the gold one last time? Are there cracks in the Russo-Styles alliance? And what does this all mean to Jarrett's pending title bout against Styles on October 22? Tune in this Wednesday night! RAVEN'S ROAD TO REDEMPTION BEGINS... According to TNA officials, Raven has demanded a match against one of Father James Mitchell's New Church members this Wednesday night. As Raven said last week, he's going to do whatever it takes to get to Mitchell...until they are the last two standing. As a result, Raven will be in action this Wednesday - but Mitchell will certainly have something up his demonic sleeve for his nemesis. X CHAMPIONSHIP VS. SUPER X TROPHY MATCH CHAMPION MICHAEL SHANE VS. SUPER X WINNER CHRIS SABIN This past Wednesday, Chris Sabin went to great lengths to get another shot at the X gold, ultimately costing Jerry Lynn his match with Shane and challenging the champion to a match this Wednesday- even putting his Super X trophy on the line against Shane's title! Whoever wins this bout between the top X superstars will hold both the X Championship and the Super X Trophy! AMERICA'S MOST WANTED VS. KID KASH AND ABYSS SPECIAL REFEREE: TERRY TAYLOR Kash and Abyss were able to upend AMW this past week thanks to a steel chair, and then destroyed Terry Taylor for attempting to get the referee to reverse the decision. As a result, NWA Director of Authority Erik Watts is returning the high-octane bout, this time with Taylor as special guest referee! D'LO BROWN AND NWA SECURITY CHRIS VAUGHN VS. TNA MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT DON CALLIS' TNA SECURITY Callis' security monsters, Kevin Northcutt and Ryan Wilson, already put one NWA Security member in Rick Santel out of action - and now they aim to finish the job this Wednesday. However, D'Lo Brown has stepped up to the plate and joined Vaughn - out for revenge after being thrown out this past week by Callis! "THE FUTURE" FRANKIE KAZARIAN VS. THE FALLEN ANGEL CHRIS DANIELS In addition to the X Title match, fans of the high-flying action will also see Kazarian take on Daniels this Wednesday night. Daniels, who hasn't faced an X style competitor in some time, will have to turn it up a notch against Kazarian! SIX-MAN ELIMINATION MATCH NWA TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS SIMON DIAMOND AND JOHNNY SWINGER WITH GLENN GILBERTI VS. 3 LIVE KRU With the return of Johnny Swinger to Gilberti's crew after a one-week absence, the champs are ready to finally compete as a unified wrestling machine against Konnan, Truth and BG. Only this time - it's elimination rules. Once you're pinned, you're out!

1wrestling.com

McMahon only signed Gowan, because TNA was using him and didn't want them getting exposure for using a handicapped wrestler.

Linda had to come on Smackdown, because Smackdown ratings went down the shitter last week. McMahons=ratings!

WWE thinks shit/puke/piss/any bodily excretion is funny. That is the type of humor I expect from WWE, so I can't really say I'm surprised by it.

Bound For Glory

If EA doesn't get it you know it will be acclaim. I suggest everyone email TNA and tell them not to pick Acclaim.

October 07, 2003 - According to TNA Entertainment, the wrestling organization is talking to several companies about a potential video game deal. Although representatives from Electronic Arts have visited TNA's Nashville office recently, there have not been any final contracts signed, and negotiations with various video game publishers are ongoing. ign.com FUCK. I hope they are not even considering Acclaim aka the worst game developer ever.

http://www.tcpalm.com/tcp/sports/article/0...2315724,00.html Alex Marvez's weekly look at professional wrestling By ALEX MARVEZ October 2, 2003 If Dutch Mantell can duplicate the success he enjoyed in Puerto Rico, World Wrestling Entertainment could have some legitimate competition from the National Wrestling Alliance/Total Nonstop Action promotion. After turning the International Wrestling Association into the world's most successful regional promotion, Mantell has assumed the role of lead matchmaker for Nashville-based NWA/TNA. Mantell's new goal is to help create better storylines for a group that has sorely lacked direction for its ample talent. "Chemistry is the first thing I'm looking for," said Mantell, who has 30 years of experience as a wrestler and matchmaker. "Some guys are tremendous performers, but they don't evoke emotion or feeling in the people they need to invoke it in. "There's an old country song that says you've got to make people feel what you feel. It's the same way with wrestling. With the really great performers, people live and die with them. That's what I'm looking for here - emotion and passion. Sometimes, they've had matches just for the sake of doing matches. You have to have a purpose." Such a traditional wrestling philosophy was seemingly forgotten in recent years by WWE, which has struggled to create new stars and intriguing storylines that make sense. But in IWA, Mantell proved his matchmaking style can still pay dividends. When he first jumped from the rival World Wrestling Council in 2001, Mantell said IWA was ready to close shop with losses averaging $10,000 a week. But Mantell helped IWA become profitable and overtake WWC as the dominant promotion in Puerto Rico even though he didn't have spectacular wrestling talent to work with. IWA telecasts drew a 50 share at the height of the promotion's popularity, which translates to roughly half of the television sets in Puerto Rico that were turned on at that time. Mantell's accomplishments were noticed by NWA/TNA wrestler and executive Jeff Jarrett when he was booked for special appearances in IWA. Jarrett had headed an NWA/TNA matchmaking committee consisting of Vince Russo (who helped guide World Championship Wrestling into extinction), Glenn "Disco Inferno" Gilberti, Bill Banks and company president Dixie Carter. To his credit, Jarrett has now ceded those powers to Mantell. "Every time (Jarrett) would show up, he would see a sellout or a tremendous house," said Mantell, whose IWA cards drew as many as 12,000 fans. "I think our success can be measured by the fact everything we did ended up in the ring. We cut out a lot of talking. And we didn't insult the fan's intelligence. When we did something, we tried to keep it simple." Mantell, whose real name is Wayne Cowan, landed his first job as lead matchmaker in the early 1980s while still an active performer for the now-defunct Championship Wrestling from Florida promotion. While in Puerto Rico, Mantell said he was approached twice by WWE to apply for a matchmaking position but declined the opportunity. Mantell is happy he passed, as NWA/TNA appears on the verge of becoming the most viable contender to WWE since WCW faded in March 2001. While still unable to land a cable television deal, NWA/TNA projects its potential audience will reach 40 million homes via a syndication package and exposure through companies that carry the group's weekly Wednesday night pay-per-view shows. "It's going to take time," Mantell said. "You can't do it in one week or one month. It's a constant building period. I don't want to say bear with us, because they're paying for the product. People want compelling TV. That's what I'm trying to make it."

HHH booking Goldberg to look weak in matches. Surprise surprise. I can't wait for him to get back and win the title

HHH left a note for Steph "Bury Jericho during my absense so he won't get my main event slot" First jobbing to Goldberg and now Storm in back to back weeks. Who will he job to next week?

Well there is the shock tv segment I knew was coming this week out of desperation. Of course they have no plan and Kane iwll be back perfectly fine on Raw next week.

Meltzer said on WOL that Hogan will do buildup for the match also and not just be there for the 1 date.

Jeff Hardy draws crowds and would add to the buyrate. I don't care about his workrate.

Jarrett vs Hogan AJ vs Sting Raven vs Jeff Hardy(bring him in under Sinister Minister) Kid Kash vs Terry Funk Juventud vs Chris Sabin for the X title A 4 way X match for #1 contender spot with Sonjay Dutt vs Teddy Hart vs Michael Shane vs Low-Ki 3LK vs AMW for the tag titles Christopher Daniels and Elix Skipper vs D'lo and Jerry Lynn for the #1 contender to tag titles Don Callis vs Erik Watts for full power in TNA

Lineup should be: Jarrett vs Hogan AJ vs Sting Raven vs Jeff Hardy(bring him in under Sinister Minister) Kid Kash vs Terry Funk Juventud vs Chris Sabin for the X title A 4 way X match for #1 contender spot with Sonjay Dutt vs Teddy Hart vs Michael Shane vs Low-Ki 3LK vs AMW for the tag titles Christopher Daniels and Elix Skipper vs D'lo and Jerry Lynn for the #1 contender to tag titles Don Callis vs Erik Watts for full power in TNA That is about all I can think of.

Hogan should be a face. It would be dumb to have him as a heel. The crowd is going to pop for him and everyone tuning in will want to see him as a face. A heel turn when he won't be there for more than 1-2 appearances would be the worst thing they could do.

WWE shows have been getting about 300k buys. TNA shows were doing 10-12k per week before the 1 cent show. They could be doing alot more or about the same now. Those numbers haven't been seen.

What if the ppv is a 3 hour tv special that will air on a network as a 1 time deal for free? They could probably get a network to agree to a 1 time airing.

Jarrett is going to be the heel after Russo helps him win hte belt back.

-Juventud Guerrera was originally supposed to win the match on 9/24 and wrestle Shane for the title, but he had visa problems and weren't confident he would be able to make it. He has been using a tourist visa which means you aren't allowed to work in this country. He has been stopped at the border and they warned if he tries it again they'll never let him back in to the USA. Juventud was willing to stay in America all week so he wouldn't have that problem, but Scott D'amore is supposed to work on getting his papers straightened out, which takes 1 to 3 months. It is going to be fine, since he is going to be in NOAH for a month anyway. -Antonio Pena, who also missed the 9/24 show supposedly due to an emergency meeting in Laredo, was supposed to take part in the show congratulating Juvi after his win. -Russo recently called Marc Mero to check his interest in wrestling again. -Many wrestlers from TNA and WWE are friends and communicate back and forth. It really spoke volumes that almost everyone signed a new deal with TNA after having been sent feelers from WWE. After talking with the WWE guys the feeling the TNA guys got was that everyone there is miserable. Ekmo, Raven, Crash, and D'lo all claim to be much happier gone from WWE. Most also recognize that Raven is making more on the independants than a large percentage of guys in the WWE. More than one wrestler expressed frustration about all your life wanting to get to the big leagues as your dream job and then once you get there you realize it isn't all it is cracked up to be.

I think Disco Inferno hurts the writing more than Russo. I just can't imagine that guy coming up with a good idea after hearing some of the gimmicks he came up with for WCW that were never approved.

He was good for storylines. He was bad for finishes to matches.

--Kevin Nash is set to get his requested heel turn as an upcoming bounty hunter for Bill Goldberg. It was probably needed since they are keeping Kane away from Goldberg and the heel side is very thin with HHH gone until mid-November, and only being back a few weeks before leaving again.