Jeremy Borash report

[Guest Slapnuts00]

Jeff Jarrett's seven month title reign as NWA World Champion came to an end last Wednesday night in a finish that had as much crowd reaction as anything I've seen the arena.

 

The announcement of Sting signing with NWA TNA certainly should help kick off our second year in a big way. Sting's debut this Wednesday night at the NWA TNA One Year Anniversary Show will definitely not be a one time deal. While I cannot disclose the terms of the agreement, it looks as though we will be more of Sting in TNA's future.

 

Congratulations to AJ Styles who earned every bit of his spot as the new NWA World Champion. I remember the first time I saw Styles at NWA Wildside many years ago, and instantly was blown away by the talent he had. I remember telling anyone who would listen in WCW that he needed a dark match, which finally happened in Baltimore. Bob Ryder reminds me about me forcing him out from behind his computer in the back to go out to the arena and watch AJ's dark match. Like myself, Ryder was instantly amazed at this incredible talent.

 

Within days, WCW signed him to a contract, where he appeared for a short while before the company folded. The WWE opted to not renew his contract, and he resumed life back at NWA Wildside.

 

When TNA was first being put together well over a year ago, several of us were so high on Styles that he not only received one of the only long term contracts given out at the time, but Styles was actually the very first wrestler to ever sign a TNA contract.

 

Thankfully along the way, Styles has had a very strong support team in his corner of people he trusts to help him make the right decisions when it comes to this industry, and like any good student, he listened and learned. The exciting part about this is that he is still very young, and is always one of those guys who will be a student of the game. Wrestling is his true passion in life, and has earned the respect of everyone in the wrestling business in a very, very short time. The best part for AJ Styles? The ride has just begun.

 

The unlikely duo of New Jack and Shark Boy once again get this week's backstage segment of the week. Absolutely hilarious stuff from TNA's odd couple.

 

Someone made the observation to me that both the NWA and WWE World Titles are now held by the youngest people to ever hold the belts. I believe Tommy Rich may have been younger. I guess this is becoming a young person's business. Being in your 20's rules.

 

I talked to Desire minutes ago and she is still in pretty rough shape after suffering a back injury in her match on Xplosion. In addition to what has been reported, Nielson actually fractured her tailbone as well. This, in addition to her broken L-1, has made for a completely miserable couple of days for this beauty. Kim is an absolute sweetheart of a person, and was in pretty good spirits on the phone today. She is such an active person that taking away her mobility has to be a hard lifestyle change. She's a tough girl, though, and I bet she's already thinking about when she can get back in the ring.

 

Vince Russo's decision to side with AJ Styles played out very well, telling a story over a three week period raising the question on where he was going to end up.

 

Interesting to not that 1wrestling.com was the only major wrestling website to review the incredible WWA PPV show last Sunday night. I was quite surpised by that, especially considering all of the buzz coming out of it. I felt more comfortable behind the mic for that show than anything I've ever done before, and while I'd never want to give up my job ring announcing in TNA, I certainly don't mind getting behind the mic calling a match from time to time. I must admit my renewed interest in play-by-play was inspired by marking out for Tenay and West during TNA events. As someone who has been in their shoes, they are good. Damn good.

 

Well, I'm sure it was a surprise to Mideon to check several internet sites and find out that he was brought into TNA last Wednesday night. The man who helped out Kid Kash was indeed not Mideon, but a man who has torn up the IWA in Puerto Rico for the last year, where he wrestled as Abyss. Abyss is now under contract to NWA TNA and will serve alongside Kid Kash. He is one of the best working big men in the business today. Keep your eye on him.

 

My two cents? TNA should sign Matt Sydell out of St. Louis, who is the closest thing to the Amazing Red I've seen come along in a while.

 

Paul London will take on Chris Sabin for the X-Division title this Wednesday night. That one should be a show stealer.

 

Jerry Lynn celebrated a big birthday after the show at Jillian's in Nashville following Wednesday night's show, with most of the TNA roster showing up to help celebrate with the MVP of TNA. Among the noteworthy moments of the party included the very youthful looking Shane Douglas getting carded (he was thrilled) and seeing the new NWA World Champion bowling.

 

The many rumors and speculation on political infighting amongst the creative folk of our company certainly makes for compelling chatter. Here is what very few understand about situations like this, and believe me, I've been in many situations like this. Infighting is a sensationalistic word for creative differences, and is often blown way out of proportion in the grand scheme of things. Creative differences will always happen between people who are passionate in what they believe in. A creative process that doesn't involve creative differences isn't really a creative process at all. Wow, that was too deep for a Friday afternoon. Pass me a Blatz!

 

Speaking of which, I was at an indy show a few weeks back when one of the wrestlers was out in the parking lot drinking an Old Milwaukee, or as we used to call it back in the day, Old Tennis Shoe. My first thought was, what… is he broke? Then I realized that the houses have been down lately, and not all the boys can afford good beer these days. He said… and I quote, "when the territory was hot, the boys were all drinkin' Miller High Life!" Those were the days.

 

Well, I gave in… and I am going to go skydiving with Scott Baio and Konnan in California in two weeks. I'll post pictures of the event after it takes place.

 

On a personal note, I want wish Kevin Nash good luck in his main event match this weekend. He has been able to return from a career threatening injury, and unless you've had something like that happen to you, you have no idea what it is like to go through. In an instant, it changes everything about your life. Someone once told me the physical pain can't compare the mental pain you suffer from an injury like that. Which brings me to my all time favorite moment in WCW Live! history… If you love toilet humor, strap on your seatbelt.

 

WCW Live! was really a different kind of show. We really didn't have any rules on that show, which is what made it so good. We were never given any direction. In fact, I don't think management ever even listened to the show, judging by the sexually driven content of Catering Talk, Nitro Girl Thong Thursday Extravaganzas, and Friday night trivia (that is a different column altogether, but I'll never forget when we set Big Vito up to lose a wrestling trivia contest to Fred the Elephant Boy of the Howard Stern Show). One night, we decided to place a random call to Kevin Nash. Little did we know that we were about to encounter a monumental moment in WCW Live! history.

 

Although it caught us off guard when Hulk Hogan admitted to doing our show while on the porcelain throne, Kevin Nash topped it. Nash had just finished off giving birth to, as he put it, a "beautiful 8 pound, 6 ounce brown baby boy." Make no mistake about it, he was quite proud, and it was time to say goodbye with a sorrowful flush. Nash provided commentary for the event, which even included sticking the phone just inches from the water, where we could hear every rotation as it departed. This was truly groundbreaking radio. Nash's luck would take a turn for the unexpected, when the said item didn't quite make it to its final destination.

 

Yes, we now had a situation on our hands. Nash pondered on his two options. His first suggestion was to use a coat hanger to disassemble, or risk flooding and go for the very ambitious do or die… feast or famine second flush. Nash did the only thing any person in his position would do, and went to the people. For the next 15 minutes, we opened up the phone lines to our listeners to vote. We were instantly flooded. Our 1-800 phone records showed it to be the biggest influx of calls in the history of the program. It became obvious early on that the public wanted the second flush. Nash, being a man of the people, declared that the public had spoken, and a second flush was going to take place. Now, realizing the potential for flooding, Nash nervously awaited as we counted down. Sure enough, Nash's gamble paid off, as the second flush proved to be successful. The celebration ensued, the chatroom went crazy, and his bathroom floors lived to be dry another day. Nash always provided for great entertainment, and has a sense of humor that is in a league of its own.

 

A correction from my report from two weeks ago. Konnan's father's real name is not actually Wink. It is the name of his grandfather.

 

Sandman needed medical attention following the show as he was suffering from back pain. Taking a senton dive from the top rope and landing on nothing but a ladder will do that to you.

 

Oh, we're not done there. Raven needed stitches as his head was opened up during the main event.

 

Good to see Shane Douglas in NWA TNA. Shane Douglas is one of the best promo guys in the business and I can only imagine what having Douglas in TNA will mean for Raven.

 

Our condolences go out to Dusty Rhodes on the loss of his mother. Rhodes was informed of the news right before he was going to appear at a show in Nashville Saturday night, and immediately drove back to Atlanta.

 

Writer Pat McNeil lost his mother this week as well, and our deepest sympathies go out to his entire family.

 

TNA's outreach to our Latino audience continues to grow. This Wednesday night will be the first night TNA is offered with live commentary in Spanish. TNA Spanish commercials and 15 minute preview shows have all been produced as well.

 

While gang warfare has become the norm in the ranks of TNA, a gang war of different proportions has erupted within the TNA Asylum. It seems as though the veteran Heel Section fans suddenly face competition with the arrival of the very vocal Asshole Section, who have come on the scene like a powerhouse. There have even been rumblings of a female faction within the Asshole Section, something that the Heel Section has always lacked. One of the guys from the Asshole Section made the comment to me that the Heel Section are like the smartass guys in high school that hung out together but never got laid, and have gotten lazy in their efforts to remain the #1 fan faction in the Asylum. Interesting observation indeed. One advantage the Asshole Section has going for them is that they have secured hard camera ringside seats, which will ensure more face time. Like the wrestling business, competition is good. More on this story as it develops. The Heel Section fans do have their own website, however, at www.heelsection.com.

 

Fans in Australia will also get to see the Anniversary Show live as it happens on Main Event PPV this Thursday. Go to www.mainevent.com.au for all of the details on ordering.

 

This afternoon, Hermie Sadler, driving the TOTAL NONSTOP ACTION WRESTLING #2 Chevrolet qualified 18th for the Winston Cup Race this Sunday in Detroit. TNA has seen some incredible benefits from our association with NASCAR. You can see the TNA car race at 12:30 EST this Sunday!

 

Big plans are being finalized for the One Year Anniversary Show Post-Show Party that will take place in the TNA Asylum immediately following sign off this Wednesday night. Charlie's Angels Full Throttle will be sponsoring the event which will include an all-talent meet and greet, as well as some great prizes. There is actually going to be a post-show-party-post-party for all of the talent and employees that is going to be held at a secret location.

 

Deals are being put in place to TNA Home Video to release several titles in the very near future. DVD's will be offered as well. Tenative titles will include a Best of the X-Division, Best of TNA Ladder Matches, and the Genesis of TNA, a look back at the first year of TNA. Keep checking NWATNA.com for details.

 

I'll leave you this week with the official preview for this Wednesday night's huge NWA TNA One Year Anniversary Show!

 

AJ STYLES & MYSTERY PARTNER VS JEFF JARRETT & STING

AJ Styles defeated Jeff Jarrett last week to win the NWA World Heavyweight Title, with help from a surprising source….Vince Russo. After taking out Raven and Glenn Gilberti the last couple of weeks with a baseball bat, Russo crashed one of Jarrett's own guitars over his head to set up the win by Styles. Immediately following the match, Jarrett challenged Styles to a rematch, but Styles declined and said he had 30 days before he had to defend the belt against Jarrett. Jarrett countered with a challenge that Styles couldn't pass up. Jarrett told AJ to find a partner and to face Jarrett in a tag match on the Anniversary Show. Jarrett's partner is none other than the former NWA World Heavyweight Champion and former 6 time WCW World Heavyweight Champion STING.

 

STING is one of the top names in the wrestling business and will be making a rare appearance on the TNA Anniversary Show on June 18. One of the most beloved performers in wrestling history, STING will be competing in his first televised match in the United States since his final appearance for WCW on the last episode of NITRO.

 

TRIPLE X (Champions) VS AMERICA'S MOST WANTED

NWA WORLD TAG TITLE MATCH

AMW won the rights to challenge Triple X by winning the Asylum Alliance Tournament with a win last week over David Young and Tracy. Chris Harris & James Storm were the hottest tag team in the business just a few months ago, but have had their problems of late. Those problems seem to be behind them and they have their minds set on recapturing the tag titles against Triple X. It won't be easy, though, since they have failed to get a win over Triple X in three previous attempts. Chris Daniels & Elix Skipper will have an insurance policy in the form of Low-Ki, the third member of Triple X. Low-Ki has been out of action with an injury, but will be at the Asylum this week to make sure things go Triple X's way.

 

CHRIS SABIN (Champion) VS PAUL LONDON

Paul London is the current number one contender for the X Title but has been unable to take advantage of his chance to challenge for the title because of commitments in Japan. Sabin doesn't appear to be anxious to face London, who like Sabin is a rising star in the wrestling business. Sabin, perhaps looking forward to the match with London, nearly lost his title last week to Shark Boy in what would have been a major upset.

 

JERRY LYNN VS JUSTIN CREDIBLE

This grudge match, between two former ECW Champions, has been building up for a few weeks starting with a disagreement in a tag match and exploding last week in an appearance in the "Interrogation" segment that ended in a wild pull apart brawl. Both men feel they have something to prove and both will be looking to get a win that will move them into title contention.

 

MIKE SANDERS VS NEW JACK

HARD 10 SEMIFINAL MATCH

On paper this looks like a total mismatch. The "Hard 10" tournament format would seem to play right into New Jack's hands. Afterall, you can't get much more hardcore than New Jack. Sanders has somehow survived the hardcore competition so far, and is hoping his luck hasn't run out. Hopefully the TNA trainer has added a staple remover to his medicine bag.

 

D-LO BROWN, SANDMAN, & FRANKIE KAZARIAN VS SONNY SIAKI, DAVID YOUNG, DON HARRIS

Frankie Kazarian says he's the "Future", and he was certainly impressive in his TNA debut a couple of weeks ago. This week he gets a chance to show that deserves a permanent spot on the TNA roster. He'll be teaming up with D-LO Brown and Sandman to take on three members of Sports Entertainment Xtreme.

 

Also on the show: BG James, Konnan & Truth have requested a sit down interview with Mike Tenay and Erik Watts will be out for revenge against Kid Kash.

 

That is all for this week! See you Wednesday night when we celebrate our one year!

[Guest Lemon Drop Kid]

To Borash, I say only this:

 

 

That and the fact that there are chicks in the Section, plus Athena and Trinity are off-camera Heel Section members... bong!

[Guest The Notorious CRD]

Having Sting around even on an occasional basis should be good for TNA. As anyway who watched the WWA PPV saw, he can still go and he still has name value going for him.

[Guest Raven_Effect01]

Having Sting around even on an occasional basis should be good for TNA. As anyway who watched the WWA PPV saw, he can still go and he still has name value going for him.

I watched the WWA PPV and all I saw was his usual moveset, except for his two finishers: Clothesline, facecrusher, Stinger Splash. He's basically just another face Rock now with a limited moveset, but hopefully AJ and whoever his partner is(if he has good workrate, of course) can carry him in the tag match.

[syxx2001 0]

It doesn't look like Sting will become a regular in the NWA-TNA afterall. Sources report that the deal to bring Sting into the federation for their first anniversary show was done at the last minute. Sting will work some big NWA-TNA shows when the fed needs him. As for the possibilty of Sting heading to the WWE, officals there are saying that Sting turned down their contract offer because he didn't want to be away from his family by being on the road all the time.

[Guest Slapnuts00]

Just because it was a last minute deal doesn't mean it wasn't a deal for several appearences. And the fact that he's formally turned down WWE just makes it all the more likely that he will be with TNA for a while.

[Guest PowerPB13]

"My two cents? TNA should sign Matt Sydell out of St. Louis, who is the closest thing to the Amazing Red I've seen come along in a while."

 

Best...column...ever.

 

-Patrick, who could name AT LEAST a half-dozen other competitors from Gateway Championship Wrestling who he'd like to see grace an NWA-TNA ring

[Guest Blue Bacchus]

Can't wait to see Sting this Wednesday. This is totally great news! I haven't been able to keep up with wrestling lately due to me working over nights but I got a Golden Circle ticket for TNA this week. And it's my birthday to boot! [/Mark Mode]

 

I can see Sting using TNA as more leverage in negotiating with the WWE.

[Adam 0]

Sting could do alot for TNA. If they put up a few more commercials about him being there, TNA would gain a few audience members.

[Astro101 0]

No mention of Hudson?

 

Maybe he was supposed to host that TNA Talk dealy. What the hell happened to that anyway?

[Guest Lemon Drop Kid]

No mention of Hudson?

 

Maybe he was supposed to host that TNA Talk dealy. What the hell happened to that anyway?

The script for that was going to be 4 guys sitting around going, "I really hate that Triple H."

[Guest bps "The Truth" 21]

I would have watched that.