TNA News & Notes from the 8/23 Observer

[Enigma 0]

Regarding last week's story on the changes, the company has not officially released any information confirming it. Most of the wrestlers are aware of it, but have not been told officially. We're guessing part of the reason is they do not want the fans in Nashville aware they are leaving. There is a lot of considering to having the November PPV in Nashville, if only because it alleviates a lot of the pressure on the tent show by being in a place they are familiar, and also keeps them from having to do the 5,000-to-7,000-seat arena in a new city gig until December, to where they won't have to rush local promotion. The TV production people in Nashville have been told that 9/8 is their last Wednesday night date, and as best we can tell, they are the only ones given official word.

 

Jeff Jarrett had another meeting with FSN about getting the Sunday morning time slot. Nothing was official but they were positive to him about the show. The plan is, once they no longer have to sell weekly PPV shows, to have more competitive matches on television.

 

Sabu and Jeff Hardy have become fast friends, which isn't necessarily good, since both showed up late for TV on 8/12 in Orlando. Late is in they arrived hours before taping started, but well after they were supposed to get there.

 

Vito was hugging people backstage on 8/11 saying goodbye. When he was asked if he was fired or quitting, he responded with, "I'm not wanted here and I know that. My time is about over."

 

Glen Gilberti is expected to take some time off selling his storyline firing, but he'll probably be back. They were unhappy about him missing the show to do the Hawaii show.

 

Vince Russo was complaining more loudly than usual this past week about how much he hates the company and the business because Jeff Jarrett & Dutch Mantel, who are totally running the show, don't listen to his ideas.

 

There is a realization that the Irish Pat Kenney idea was a flop, and they are talking about repackaging him. They made a big mistake breaking him and Johnny Swinger up, since both have floundered since the split.

 

They are going to be scouting for new talent at a bodybuilding and fitness expo in Atlanta from 10/8 to 10/10, and are co-sponsoring the event and promoting it on their television.

 

David Sahadi, who produced some award winning commercials and videos for WWE before quitting last summer, has been at several shows. Two weeks ago, he even flew in the company's private jet from Nashville to Orlando. Bill Banks, who worked with him in WWE, is particularly high on him. Sahadi had a great rep from everyone in WWE until he gave notice, at the time saying he wanted a sabbatical. He hasn't cut a deal at this point.

 

There has been a noticeable difference in the reaction to AMW, who the fans in Nashville treat as stars, but the Orlando crowd isn't as hot for. Of all the acts, the move out of Nashville may hurt them the most.

 

The final Wednesday night show in Nashville will be headlined by the Jeff Jarrett vs. Jeff Hardy NWA title match.

 

The 8/18 PPV will be Sabu vs. Raven in a Hangman's Horror match, Monty Brown vs. Ron Killings, Petey Williams defending the X title against Chris Sabin, with Dusty Rhodes in Sabin's corner, A.J. Styles vs. Kid Kash in a street fight, the second in the best-of-three with AMW vs. Christopher Daniels & Prime Time, and The Naturals defending the tag titles against Konnan & B.G. James.

[Guest Staravenger]

Sabu and Jeff Hardy have become fast friends, which isn't necessarily good, since both showed up late for TV on 8/12 in Orlando. Late is in they arrived hours before taping started, but well after they were supposed to get there.

 

Vito was hugging people backstage on 8/11 saying goodbye. When he was asked if he was fired or quitting, he responded with, "I'm not wanted here and I know that. My time is about over."

Nothing new with Jeff Hardy. He shows up late to everything. Even when he tried wrstling for ROH, didn't he arrive like 3-4 hours late because he was haging out with Justin Credible?

 

I'm guessing Big Vito isn't liked very much backstage, but I've always found him tolerable in hardcore wrestling.

 

Took them a long time to realize changing Simon Diamonds name to Pat Kenney was a dumbass move. Hopefully they change it back soon. This may sound stupid, but it was so long from when I last saw TNA, I thought ALEX SHELLY was Diamond.

[slimm44 0]

The fans know they are leaving Nashville. People talk about it before and after the show.

[Placebo Effect 0]

Well, it looks like this week will be Vito's last appearance if he's actually leaving. Of all the people to put over in your last (if your roughly fourth or fifth math can be considered "last") match, Chris fucking Vaugn?????

 

That kid is fucking terrible.

[Mecha Mummy 0]

There is a realization that the Irish Pat Kenney idea was a flop, and they are talking about repackaging him.

 

Thank the gods.