NWA Championship News

[Dobbs 3K 0]

Well, I WAS looking forward to the first episode of TNA on Spike...

[Guest Andrew J.]

I have heard it said that TNA tends to put the titles on the "default" guys in turbulent times. We should have seen this coming when AJ won the X title. Look for AMW to get back the tag belts in the near future.

[Carnival 0]

Well........

 

As a Jarrett mark, I love it. But then my damn brain kicks in...and I realize it's very fuckin stupid. This proves TNA has no direction. They haven't had direction since scrapping the Monty Brown angle. This all started when the booking team had AJ defeat Jeff Jarrett for no reason other than spite. If they just would have waited one month he could have dropped it to Monty and the original plan would have unfolded. Now it seems they may be building up to the Monty match again. So the next couple months will look like a early 2005 rehash of storylines, NICE. Maybe they won't fuck it up this time....but i doubt it.

[Guest JesusJuiced]

This came from BCW announcer Scotty Kage, who posted at wrestlingfigs.com.

 

"Spike TV executives are the ones who wanted AJ and JJ as the champs when Impact starts October 1. Those 2 guys tested well with audiences and as much as everyone hates it, it is a business that needs the National TV and when they tell you to jump, you say how high? Besides, for all those who think Jeff isn't over and is overrated. he got a huge pop tonight when he came out and the Toys R Us here in town is sold out of Jeff Jarrett action figures while Raven hangs plentifully."

 

Fuck Spike.

[Silence 0]

Now deciding between WWE or TNA is like choosing between being set on fire or getting your balls chopped off. Basically, TNA is no longer much of an alternative to WWE because of what happened in Windsor, Ontario, and for Spike approving of this shit.

[Guest netslob]

personally i'd rather be set on fire. at least you can put a fire out.

[TNABaddboi 0]

Here's a report on the show from Slam Wrestling:

 

WINDSOR, Ont. -- It is somewhat fitting that on a show entitled International Incident, held in a border town, that America's Most Wanted would be the key players in putting the NWA World title back around the waist of Jeff Jarrett.

 

That's what happened Thursday night at a Border City Wrestling show in Oldcastle, Ontario, just outside of Windsor at the Ciociaro Club.

 

In the main event, the champion Raven faced off against Jarrett. During the bout, America's Most Wanted turned heel, interfering and helping Jarrett while the referee was knocked out. They helped knock out Raven, and Jarrett covered him. The referee woke up in time to count the 1-2-3.

 

This is Jarrett's fourth NWA World title reign. The last time the NWA World title switched hands in Canada was February 6, 1977, when Harley Race started his second title reign by beating Terry Funk in Toronto's Maple Leaf Gardens.

 

"I told Raven ... I told EVERYONE that for the good of TNA Wrestling, I needed to be NWA World Heavyweight Champion when we hit SpikeTV!" Jarrett told TNAwrestling.com via phone after the bout. "I knew TNA management was trying to keep me down, so I had to get that title back on MY terms in Canada where they couldn't stop me! Chris Harris and James Storm were the only ones out of that entire locker room who had the brains to listen to me. They made the right choice! Now roll out the red carpet, because YOUR champion -- The King Of The Mountain -- and America's Most Wanted -- the cornerstones of TNA -- are coming to SpikeTV, and there's nothing TNA management can do to stop us!"

 

SLAM! Wrestling's Bob Kapur was in attendance and raved about the crowd, which was in the 600-700 range. "They were hot for the whole show," said Kapur. "Chants for TNA filled the whole night, like ECW used to."

 

The biggest pops of the night went for Rhino, Abyss and Team Canada. Rhino especially stood out, said Kapur. "When he gored Abyss out of nowhere, the crowd popped huge." Jarrett also got a good crowd reaction when he initially came out, but turned the fans against him with his work on the microphone. Raven, for his part, got the fans on his side with the line: "Bret Hart didn't want to lose the belt in Canada and neither do I."

 

The NWA World title change was not the only title switch of the evening. Earlier in the night, Abyss beat Bobby Roode to claim the Border City Wrestling belt.

 

The show itself was a virtual test run for TNA house shows, and many of the power brokers within the company, including Mike Tenay and Jeremy Borash, were on hand for the event.

 

Tenay told Kapur that he really sees house shows as the next logical step for TNA, after they debut on Spike TV on Saturday, October 1st. Getting their name known in the Canadian wrestling market is very important too, he said.

 

It's good they drew a hot crowd that was seemingly into TNA. Anyone know how big the building was? I think that's necessary to decide whether the draw was good or bad. As for the title change, I understand why they felt the need to change the belt here. Now, if they run a Canadian tour sometime, they can say "last time we were here, the World Title changed, don't miss us this time." But c'mon...ANYBODY but Jarrett. JEEZ! I'd really like to know who composed this test group. Jerry and Jarrett's wife? I'm gonna give them the benefit of the doubt until BFG because I still have faith in the committee, but unless Jarrett eats a Pounce in short order, this makes absolutely no sense.

[Carnival 0]

Well, like it or not he is TNA's biggest star. So it makes sense to debut with your biggest star on top. It just sucks cuz it doesn't make sense to change the title with the current storylines, but when they debut on spike the past doesn't mean anything. I guess they are gonna start fresh. again.

[cabbageboy 0]

Oh for the love of God. When I read this I felt a really sick, sinking feeling in my stomach. Debuting with fucking Jeff Jarrett as your world champion is so totally the wrong move to make. He tested well with the audience because most fans at least know who he is, that's pretty much the only reason.

 

NWA: TNA cannot exist on pushing retreads like Jarrett and whoever else. I could see Raven because I don't think many people really remember his WWE stint, but moreso his ECW or WCW runs. Jarrett is someone who I actually used to really LIKE back in the day on the USWA, but that's the point. The USWA was a redneck Tennessee league, so stuff like Jerry Jarrett pushing his son and Lawler pushing his son wasn't really a big deal (it was a mom and pop promotion). But if TNA is serious about going national they can't have Jarrett on top. They'd do better having an unknown as champ, because that guy wouldn't carry this kind of baggage:

 

--Jarrett for longtime fans is a guy who mostly got pushed in the USWA due to daddy. This is the BEST aspect of his career, bear in mind.

 

--To WWF fans Jarrett is a career midcarder who never got past the IC level and was a bland, Honky Tonk Man wannabe heel....or maybe a guy who went around beating up old women.

 

--To WCW fans Jarrett is the guy who was on top in the last year when they were going under.

 

Just wondering but what kind of political power does Jarrett have now? I thought his dad was basically forced out?

[Carnival 0]

He probably just has his buddies Mantell and Borash on the committee if they are even on the committee, I don't know. So i'm sure he has more say than any other wrestler, but still limited power. He doesn't have the final say anymore, and hasn't for awhile. Apparently Spike is making the decisions now.

[Astro101 0]

If Spike really wanted the change, I can't blame TNA...especially if the bookers wanted something different but didn't get what they wanted. They can't displease Spike before they go on air...but still...damn.

[Carnival 0]

Just waiting for the "Jeff Jarrett has a buddy that's a spike tv executive" rumor.

[Guest JesusJuiced]

In terms of star power, Nash is way bigger than Jarrett. And on top of that, there's a solid argument that Raven is bigger than Jarrett considering he was a major player in ECW's strongest period, whilst Jarrett headlined WCW when the company was dying.

[Ripper 0]

I think i am the only one that will never give a fuck. When I have a monster undercard, I could give a damn about who is the champ honestly. If it is going to be a good match, then fine, but if not and the rest of the show is great, then fuck that match.

[Vyce 0]

Unlike a lot of people in the IWC, I don't hate Jarrett. I've always thought he was a capable worker in the ring.....not really someone I'd base my promotion around, either as a top face or heel, but he's alright. This is just pure insanity, though. The phrase "Jeff Jarrett, FOUR TIME NWA world champion" should have never entered into the English language.

 

This worries me too, because really, exactly how much is Spike going to be involved with the direction of the company? I can understand if the network wants to have some input should TNA want to do a controversial angle or something like that, but Spike dictating who is champion or not? It makes me nervous. I don't want a six-month (or LONGER) title reign by Jarret just because he "tests well with audiences". Jarrett isn't John fucking Cena, he isn't insanely over with women or the younger crowd.

 

Now deciding between WWE or TNA is like choosing between being set on fire or getting your balls chopped off.

 

Not really, at least not for me. I'll take TNA over the WWE any day of the week, even WITH Jarrett on top.

 

Sorry, but as obnoxious as Jarrett can be, I'll take him in the main event over Chris Masters every single time.

[Guest Biggles]

I just want to add that, it's my opinion that Jeff Jarrett is right now a transition champion. TNA has wanted to put the title on Monty Brown for a while. When Raven is a face, no matter who you put him up against, he's going to remain face while his opponent will be given the heel treatment from the fans. That's just how loyal Raven's fanbase is. Monty Brown is on the cusp of a face turn right now, and challenging Raven would send him right back into heel status. However, Brown stepping forward and challenging Jarrett would be the completion of his face turn, and a great way to get the fans behind him for his anticipated NWA World Championship run. If he doesn't get the title at Bound For Glory (because of a Raven vs. Jarrett rematch), then I expect Monty Brown to capture it at the November event, Genesis.

[TNABaddboi 0]

Well, like it or not he is TNA's biggest star. So it makes sense to debut with your biggest star on top.

 

Jarrett being TNA's biggest star is certainly debatable. I'd argue, like others have, that Raven is just as big in that he has a devoted cult following, unlike Jarrett, who benefits in name recognition from being pushed for so many years in attempt after attempt to get over. And for all their faults, Nash and Hardy are certainly bigger names than Jarrett. Nash was on top of one of the biggest angles EVER and Hardy was one of the most memorable players from the biggest period in WWE history. Both have more mainstream recognization in their left pinkies that Jarrett does. Look at all the people who show for Hardy matches and leaves. And I'm sure his DVD sells like hotcakes.

 

But, regardless of that, clearly TNA is not going to make it if Jarrett is always the biggest star they have. That was a compelling reason to put the belt on him in 2002. It was a compelling reason to put the belt on him in 2004 before the FSN debut. But what does it say that after three years of opportunity to make new stars, the best reason they have to put the belt on Jarrett is not that he's over, but that he's the biggest start they have? I can only hope Jarrett is holding the belt so that Monty can quickly turn face and take it from him like he should have at Final Resolution. If that's Jarrett's purpose in holding the belt, I have no problem with him winning it, because I do think that he's the best guy to give the rub to Monty. But just like Nash, Hall, DDP and whoever else they bring, at this point, Jarrett needs to be making new stars, because we already saw how well things went with those guys were the focal point feuding with each other. But so far, it seems like he's not interested in that, because then he wouldn't be able to fall back on the "I'm the only name we have" argument to convince bookers to put the belt back on him.

 

And this is coming from someone who generally likes Jarrett. He's not my favorite wrestler, but there are guys that make me change the channel (like Chris Masters for instance) and he's not one of them. So I don't hate him, and I don't begrudge him for winning the title (the first and third times), but I don't like the fact that they aborted AJ's first reign for the phantom Hogan feud and that he didn't put Monty over at Final Resolution like he should have. I guarantee if he'd taken a Pounce there, his third reign wouldn't be as hated as it and there might not have been such a vehoment reaction around here to him winning it back. (His stunt at Slammiversary probably didn't help much either...)

 

With Raven (or Brown, Abyss, or virtually anybody other than AJ or Jarrett) on top heading into Spike, at least the show would have been fresh. With Jarrett on top, Impact on Spike is going to feel just like Impact on FSN, because there were - count 'em - exactly 2 shows in that entire year that did not have Jarrett as champ. I honestly think the reason the internet shows were so well received around here was that not only did they feature great matches, but they felt different than anything TNA had ever produced, because for the first time since Shamrock was the focal point, the world title seen was not solely focused on Jarrett. Every other champion (basically just Truth and AJ) was seen as placeholders for Jarrett because he was still the focus. This time, although Jarrett hadn't totally disappeared, they had finally succeeded in making the World title scene solely about Jarrett, and the shows improved because of it. And now...we're back to square one.

 

So sure, Jarrett is a name, and the ratings will be better because there will be more available viewers (and Jarrett apologists will use the increase to say he's a draw), but clearly 11 months on top during the FSN didn't exactly set the world on fire. In fact, IIRC, the ratings decreased significantly during the latter portion of Jarrett's rating.

[Guest frowned]

personally this doesn't phase me at all. The last thing I watch TNA for is the world title picture, I very rarely see a World Title match worth watching. I'm much more interested in the X-Division / Tag Division, and so the only relevance for me is the turning of AMW - which is nothing but good, it's been too long coming.

[Silence 0]

personally this doesn't phase me at all. The last thing I watch TNA for is the world title picture, I very rarely see a World Title match worth watching. I'm much more interested in the X-Division / Tag Division, and so the only relevance for me is the turning of AMW - which is nothing but good, it's been too long coming.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

On the bright side, I'm glad AMW FINALLY turned heel, but being aligned with Jarrett is pointless and predictable.

 

BTW, would you still look forward to the X-Division if Jarrett intefered and nailed half of them with a guitar every week so he could cut another 10 minute promo and argue with Mike Tenay like he always does?

[Carnival 0]

I wasn't considering Nash a full time TNA guy, but since he's gonna come back, then Yes he is a way bigger star than Jarrett.

 

But Jeff hardy...PLEASE. We was a midcard star during WWF biggest run...so was Jarrett, infact he was IC champion during the boom. He was also Tag champ, Jeff Hardy was both of those too, so they can be equal in that respect. Although Jarrett was mostly a singles star, and Hardy was mostly a tag team star. Jarrett then went to a dying WCW and won the world title 4 times. Hardy did nothing but midcard. Yes WCW was dying but it was still being watched by millions. Raven is the same way. A dying WCW blows a booming ECW out of the water in terms of viewership. Raven and Hardy have their fans, and they are very recognizable names, but Jarrett is still a much bigger name than both of them.

 

Just for the record...the name reason alone isn't a good enough one to justify him always being champion.

[RedJed 0]

I think that Jarrett seriously wont be champ after BFG and this was just done as a hotshot move to draw interest into the Spike debut (I'm sure this match will air on the show or at least the last few minutes) and draw heat to a Raven-Jarrett rematch at the ppv. From that standpoint, I will outright even admit I dont think this was a bad idea really. It potentially draws heat for the (I would assume) upcoming Raven-Jarrett rematch at BFG. And Jarrett can be happy since he gets a short transitional reign and another win over Raven, making the job he will hopefully do at BFG just that more meaningful.

 

Otherwise, I think there is a long term plan to put the belt on Brown, but I think that is still a process that will probably happen around the end of the year or beginning of next. Monte is still heeling it up, and needs to be properly turned from that, and then built in a meaningful feud with the champ.

 

Ideally, what needs to happen here is Raven over Jarrett at BFG. Jarrett and AMW then do the heel group stuff against possibly all three Dudleys in the aftermath or the Duds and whoever else, and Raven slowly goes back heel in due time. Raven and Brown then begin a feud that leads to Brown winning the title.

 

If Raven doesnt get the belt back now, or even worse, if he has to job out AGAIN to Jarrett for a third time, that is a surefire way to affect his character. Where would he go from here if they dont follow up with this and give him the belt back? He was pretty darn over as champ if you ask me.

 

If this is just transition to go to Brown v. Jarrett at BFG, I guess I really can't bitch too much either although again it goes back to the fact that TNA really ass-fucked Raven in the process.

[RedJed 0]

personally this doesn't phase me at all. The last thing I watch TNA for is the world title picture, I very rarely see a World Title match worth watching. I'm much more interested in the X-Division / Tag Division, and so the only relevance for me is the turning of AMW - which is nothing but good, it's been too long coming.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

On the bright side, I'm glad AMW FINALLY turned heel, but being aligned with Jarrett is pointless and predictable.

 

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

I think a Jarrett/AMW pairing is actually somewhat interesting. They can play up a southern redneck type group to draw heat. I wouldnt add anyone else to this group too, although I expect them to.

[Silence 0]

I think a Jarrett/AMW pairing is actually somewhat interesting. They can play up a southern redneck type group to draw heat. I wouldnt add anyone else to this group too, although I expect them to.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

The problem is that there have been other heels that TNA has paired up with Jarrett for no reason in the past: Hall, Nash, Kip James/The Outlaw/Billy Gunn, Monty Brown, Petey Williams (not really in a group with him, though, but working WITH him every once in a while), and Rhino.

[Fro 0]

I think a Jarrett/AMW pairing is actually somewhat interesting. They can play up a southern redneck type group to draw heat. I wouldnt add anyone else to this group too, although I expect them to.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

The problem is that there have been other heels that TNA has paired up with Jarrett for no reason in the past: Hall, Nash, Kip James/The Outlaw/Billy Gunn, Monty Brown, Petey Williams (not really in a group with him, though, but working WITH him every once in a while), and Rhino.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Jarrett/AMW makes a lot of sense because they've been the "cornerstones" of TNA, they all kind of do the "cowboy" gimmick and they're all from TN.

[TNABaddboi 0]

But Jeff hardy...PLEASE. We was a midcard star during WWF biggest run...so was Jarrett, infact he was IC champion during the boom. He was also Tag champ, Jeff Hardy was both of those too, so they can be equal in that respect. Although Jarrett was mostly a singles star, and Hardy was mostly a tag team star. Jarrett then went to a dying WCW and won the world title 4 times. Hardy did nothing but midcard. Yes WCW was dying but it was still being watched by millions. Raven is the same way. A dying WCW blows a booming ECW out of the water in terms of viewership. Raven and Hardy have their fans, and they are very recognizable names, but Jarrett is still a much bigger name than both of them.

 

Look, I'm no Hardy fan, but let's be honest here. Holding the WCW Title when ratings where in the toilet vs. making highlight reel after highlight reel with TLC matches when ratings were in the 5s and 6s There's no comparasion. There's a reason TNA put out a Hardy DVD after a year of mediocre matches and there often discussed Jarrett DVD, which 3 years of a largely decent body of work. They know that Hardy has much bigger mainstream appeal than Jarrett, regardless of the fact that Jarrett has been harder for MUCH longer. Jarrett has gotten a sizeable push in every organization he's been in 95, and he's got about a year and a half overness to show for it (the run with Debra, the beginning of the Slapnuts period and the first TNA face run). Hardy got a half hearted tag team push 5 years ago and still remains hugely over today. I was in Nashville the night he debuted, and the ONLY person on that show who got anywhere near the reaction Hardy got was Styles (which was out of respect for his ringwork). Clearly, the fans who attended TNA shows for 2 years to that point viewed Hardy as a big star than anyone who'd ever appeared in TNA, including Sting. There were people there that night who walked up and brought tickets because they heard he was going to be there. That's mainstream appeal in spades. And Jarrett ain't got it.

[Carnival 0]

Could Hardy be a bigger star than Jarrett...no doubt, he has the potential. But he isn't yet.

 

Holding the WCW Title when ratings where in the toilet vs. making highlight reel after highlight reel with TLC matches when ratings were in the 5s and 6s There's no comparasion

 

Hmmm...Main Eventing in front of millions or playing a bit part as a bump taker in front millions. Jarrett was a mid-carder too during the 5's and 6's. Although RAW's audience was double WCW's at the time of Jarrett's world title reigns. Hardy was merely a mid-card tag team wrestler, where Jarrett was the top guy in WCW. Not to mention his 6 IC title reigns and his Us title reigns. Jarrett has been a mid-card star in WWF and WCW for YEARS before main eventing. Hardy has just been a mid-card star for years...thats it.

 

There's a reason TNA put out a Hardy DVD after a year of mediocre matches and there often discussed Jarrett DVD, which 3 years of a largely decent body of work.

 

And here is the reason. Jeff Hardy was their new babyface. Jeff Jarrett is a heel. Promotions usually release more merchandise for babyfaces than heels, cuz heels are suppossed to be hated so why would people buy their merch? Get it?

 

were people there that night who walked up and brought tickets because they heard he was going to be there.

 

WOW, who could of thought that a debuting wreslter could create a buzz!?!?! It must just be Hardy...they wouldn't have reacted that way for anyone else coming from the WWE. JUST HARDY!

 

Clearly, the fans who attended TNA shows for 2 years to that point viewed Hardy as a big star than anyone who'd ever appeared in TNA, including Sting.

 

That should cancel out everything you say right there.

 

Look Hardy may have more "mainstream appeal" and he may get cheered more(babyface) than Jarrett (heel). But it's so obvious that Jarrett is more well known than Jeff Hardy.

[Mystery Eskimo 0]

There's no way Jarrett's dropping the title back straight away. If he's got the card of Spike's approval to play, it'll take injury or a major signing from WWE to get the title off him in the forseeable future.

[TNABaddboi 0]

Hmmm...Main Eventing in front of millions or playing a bit part as a bump taker in front millions. Jarrett was a mid-carder too during the 5's and 6's. Although RAW's audience was double WCW's at the time of Jarrett's world title reigns. Hardy was merely a mid-card tag team wrestler, where Jarrett was the top guy in WCW. Not to mention his 6 IC title reigns and his Us title reigns. Jarrett has been a mid-card star in WWF and WCW for YEARS before main eventing. Hardy has just been a mid-card star for years

 

You're making my point. Jarrett's been pushed down everybody's throats for so long, people are sick of it. Hardy on the other hand, still has people saying he hasn't been pushed enough over the years and he could have been the next HBK (as far as stardom, not ringwork) if he had said focused on the business. You ever hear people making such lofty comparisions about Jarret? Even with the benefit of basically ten years of being steadily pushed, Jeff Jarrett still isn't a household name. Jeff Hardy, on the other hand is, even if people say, oh, he was the crazy guy from the Hardy Boys. And this isn't me staying Hardy should be champ. This is me saying to think that Jarrett is far an away the biggest star they have is ridiculous. He was in 2002, now, not so much.

 

And here is the reason. Jeff Hardy was their new babyface. Jeff Jarrett is a heel. Promotions usually release more merchandise for babyfaces than heels, cuz heels are suppossed to be hated so why would people buy their merch? Get it?

 

Have you seen the commercial for the Hardy Boys interview DVD during Raw? That's not a TNA product, and it has nothing to do with heel and face, that has to do with mainstream appeal. And your heel/face point is moot, because they released the Raven DVD when he was a heel.

 

WOW, who could of thought that a debuting wreslter could create a buzz!?!?! It must just be Hardy...they wouldn't have reacted that way for anyone else coming from the WWE. JUST HARDY!

 

They popped for Raven, they popped for D'Lo, and they popped for Sting, but from talking to people in the post show party who had been to every TNA show in Nashville, no one got a reaction like Hardy. And I was one of the people chanting for AJ.

 

That should cancel out everything you say right there.

Look Hardy may have more "mainstream appeal" and he may get cheered more(babyface) than Jarrett (heel). But it's so obvious that Jarrett is more well known than Jeff Hardy.

 

I wasn't saying I like Hardy more than Sting, I was just saying that it was clear from that reaction that that crowd thought Hardy was the biggest star to ever appear in TNA. So how does that cancel everything I saw. Hardy DOES have more mainstream appeal and I'm not even talking about current crowd reactions, because right now, neither is setting the world on fire in that department. The only thing that's clear is that you like Jarrett more than Hardy. And so do I. But neither of our opinions is enough to make him a bigger star than Jarrett, because he clearly is not.

[UseTheSledgehammerUh 0]

Ha, TNA just LEAPED from "the new ECW" to "WCW 2000".

 

Yeehaw, I got all the stroke around here, y'all!

 

COW-BOY!

[TNABaddboi 0]

Ha, TNA just LEAPED from "the new ECW" to "WCW 2000".

Yeehaw, I got all the stroke around here, y'all!

COW-BOY!

 

Exactly! And let's face it, where the JJ marks wanna admit it or not, being "the new ECW" is infinitely cooler than being "WCW 2000." As long as Jarrett's on top, that's the stigma they'll have. Why do you think we're still waiting on Booker T to win his first world title? Because clearly, being associated with WCW at the end is bad for business.