By Kendra Bunyon on July 2nd, 2009
While we all know TNA Impact tapes their shows well ahead of time, I have tried to write this as if I do not know what’s going to happen each week. That has been getting harder for me since TNA has started taping a month’s worth of shows in one week rather than two shows every other week. Anyone who reads WNW knows at least the basics of what’s going to happen each week on TNA. We know ahead of time if a title has changed hands or if someone gets injured, but I try my hardest to write this as if I know nothing about what’s happened or what I am going to see on TV. So while some interesting things have happened at the tapings, I will not be writing about them until they appear on my TV.
I usually start trying to think about what to write here as soon as I wake up Friday mornings and the push is on when I am done writing the RAW play-by-play. I always try to find something interesting that’s relevant each week to TNA specifically or at least to wrestling in general. This week Dixie Carter handed me a topic, about on a silver platter! If you have not read her interview on the TNA website, you’re missing quite the laugh.
Carter actually said that they would not stop until TNA’s the “biggest wrestling company in the world.” I honestly do not know how she plans to accomplish this short of… No, I can’t think of a way to accomplish this. She continued on to say that they have set very high and realistic goals. All of those goats have been met or exceeded. I do not see how that is true as one of her goals is to be the “biggest wrestling company in the world.” I see a serious conflict here and only a couple of paragraphs into the interview!
Carter went on to talk about ratings. She said they have regularly beaten ECW on SciFi and are looking to catch SD! next. She claims that some people say that beating WWE’s number three show is no big deal (I don’t know who would say that) but she thinks it’s great considering their 300,000 viewers a week when they were on Fox Sports. But she claims the gap has diminished greatly between Impact and SD! over the past couple months. While this is true, she’s taking credit for it as if TNA is doing wonderfully. Yes, their ratings have improved, but SD! has suffered greatly in its move to MyNetwork and that so few people actually get that network compared to who used to be able to see SD! – more hypocrisy in my book. Though I do have to say she’s on the right track in saying that it’s bad when WWE’s ratings are down as it effects the entire industry. At least she has her eyes open enough to realize this.
The other place Carter is correct is in the TNA roster. She thinks that TNA has the best in ring performers in the world, led by the WHC Kurt Angle. While maybe not the best overall roster, TNA does have some of the best wrestlers in the industry today. Sadly Carter, Jarrett and TNA are letting them flounder while the legendary wrestlers are getting the ring time. She’s states, “I am overwhelmed at the star power in the ring.” I just wish TNA was doing right by them. Then she goes on to say that the biggest challenge in the industry is creating new superstars. I, personally, think she should be more concerned about the ones she’s not treating well with a lack of ring time and too short matches. She claimed that if there were more acquisitions that they would be big ones – whatever she means by that!
She finished up talking about a few of the wrestlers. She’s very high on AJ Styles, Matt Morgan, LAX, TBI and the Knockout Division. In her opinion Suicide has been a “great marketing and creative success.” Nothing at all about the wrestlers under the mask or how bad of an idea it is to have such a character after all the things that have happened in the industry, especially Benoit.
Basically this “interview” seemed more like a fluff piece that TNA decided to put up on their website to make themselves feel better. There was nothing hard hitting or poigniant in the interview and not much people cared about such as a possible “Wellness Policy” or why their writers cannot seem to come up with much originality right now. I think that the fans who do not know anything about the industry will think Carter is just wonderful for what she said, the rest of us see right through her.
Video
All about MEM, where the got the money to bring in Joe and how everything was a setup. Angle was the mastermind behind it all.
In Ring Segment
Angle came out with Joe right behind him, Steiner followed, next was Sharmell in a sequined yellow gown, then Booker and last was Nash with Jenna on his arm. They all got in the ring. Angle said Sting is at home licking his wounds. Angle wants to say it wasn’t personal, strictly business. Angle then told Foley he can’t run and can’t hide, so he should come out and face the boss right now. Foley came out in his horrible leopard shirt and fringed leather vest with his hair in a pony tail. Foley started to talk and Angle cut him off. Angle said Foley committed the cardinal sin when he crossed the boss. Foley told 3D that they could face BMI if they beat Booker and Steiner tonight. It doesn’t matter what Foley has to say now, what matters is that MEM looks good. If Foley wants to dance, he has to pay the band. It’s time to pay the band. Foley said he messed up and wasn’t thinking. He asked that they, people he’s known 20 years, leave him alone and let him face Angle at the PPV. Angle wouldn’t allow that. Steiner, on Angle’s word, took out Rocco and Sally Boy. Foley asked what they were going to do to him? Do they want a piece of him? Out of respect leave a piece of him so there’d be enough to face Angle at VR. Angle asked if he’s Monte Hall. Door number one, Angle kicks his ass. Door number two, Booker kicks his ass. Door number three, Nash kicks his ass. Or, behind the curtain, he unleashes Joe on him. Foley asked if he got to make the decision? He went through who was behind which door, just to make sure. Foley said he’d take number one as he punched Angle in the face. It culminated in a five on one beat down. JJ’s music and out he came, very quickly, but not running, guitar in hand. MEM fled the ring. JJ went into the ring and hit Foley over the head with his guitar. JJ then left the ring and stomped up the ring past a yelling Angle. JJ had a bleeding cut on his forehead from something, possibly flying guitar bits. JJ just kept walking past Angle and MEM without a word and barely a glance to any of them.
5/10 – Okay, I’m confused. Why wasn’t Morgan with MEM? I thought he was running with them now. Does this mean JJ has joined MEM or is he just that annoyed with Foley and this was his chance to nail him? How did Foley bounce back so quickly from a five man beat down? Foley was walking around the ring like nothing had happened after the five of MEM beat and stomped the heck out of him. The whole thing was screwy and made very little sense as a whole. And that will most likely be the last we see of Rocco and Sally Boy as I heard they’re gone.
Video
Of what happened in the ring before the commercial and then during the commercial Foley was yelling at a trainer that he’s fine and doesn’t want any help. So the guitar shot about destroyed him after a five man beat down did nothing? I’m even more confused!
Backstage Segment
Security was holding back Foley from JJ. JJ screamed and yelled at Foley to get the hell out of there and it’s not going to work between them. Security got Foley out of there.
Video
Tenay spoke to Nash earlier in the day. He said when it comes to the history of wrestling Nash might be the most controversial ever. When Hall and Nash made the jump to WCW they changed the face of wrestling all together. Nash said in 1996, the year before that jump, Diesel was Champion for over 300 days, but barely made over 7 figures. He put feelers out and Bischoff promised them 1.5 million for half that time. Back then guys didn’t talk about what they were paid. But then they started calling each other and asking what they made for each match. One guy might get $85,000, the other only $45,000. They said that someone was getting screwed. The industry turned into it being about who had a good match to who got paid well. This is a business and a job. He enjoys his job, but he’s there for one thing only, to make money. They turned it into let’s make money for all of us. Tenay said it can’t all be about money. That Legends Title shot at VR isn’t special? Nash says it is. Anyone who looks at him can see he’s in the best shape he’s been in for about ten years. He’s training harder and who doesn’t want to be a champion? At to be AJ, someone everyone will be talking about 20 years from now. To beat someone of that caliber and to get the title, it’s good. He feels he is a legend. On the autograph circuit, you have that belt to put around a little kid’s shoulder, it’s worth an extra three to four grand because everyone wants a picture with the strap so it translates to cash.
8.5/10 – That was a great interview. Yes, Nash was in character, but a lot of what he said is felt by a lot of people in the industry and he talked truthfully about how things were going during Monday Night Wars. I think that was very cool and quite an interesting watch. I’d have rather watch something like that on the web so it doesn’t take away from the possible wrestling on a show, but I am so glad I got to see that. Nash is amazing. The only thing I take exception to is Nash claiming he’s in better shape now that in the past ten years. I know he’s been much better off than he is now. He’s just trying to look good for this match.
Backstage Segment
Abyss wandering the halls screaming for Stevie. Lauren was behind him yelling at him to calm down. He picked her up and threw her over his shoulder. She screamed and yelled to get him to realize it was her. He put her down and said he knew it was her and would never hurt her. He’d never let anything happen to her. But she has to understand, he’s sick. He was sick yesterday, is sick today, will be sick tomorrow. It’s okay because he never asked her to stop being a woman. She can’t ask him to stop being a monster. She told him he’s not a monster. He said he’d be back to get her when he’s done.
7/10 – That was interesting. Abyss is so great when he’s a monster, but I have to say I like this softer side of him too. I like that he has Lauren who is so devoted, but he understands he’s insane. I just like how this is forming up from all angles and am held rapt by it each week. Bravo to whoever has been writing this storyline!
Match #1
Deaner to the ring with ODB. In the ring her throws punches and hits her boobs lightly – like air boxing but hitting saline. Amazing Red to the ring to face him. Deaner rushed Amazing Red, but got a kick to his leg. Again Deaner rushed Amazing Red and was kicked to the leg. Arm bar to Amazing Red who screwed with Deaner before getting out of the hold. Hurricanrana to Deaner. Deaner sent from the ring and Amazing Red corkscrewed from the ring onto Deaner outside. In the ring Deaner kicked out. Deaner took Amazing Red down and covered when ODB yelled at him to do so. Amazing Red bounced face first off a corner and then punches and slaps to Amazing Red in the corner. Deaner hit a scoop slam and then dropped a fist across Amazing Red’s throat for two. All of this as ODB tells him to do so. Amazing Red reverses a whip and then runs up Deaner’s body to kick him in the head. Amazing Red climbed the corner and pointed at ODB, but Deaner knocked him down. Deaner climbed even though ODB screamed at him not to. He turned his cap around while up there and flew. Amazing Red moved and Deaner went splat on the mat. Amazing Red hit the red eye, a fabulous swinging type DDT. ODB went in the ring to her man, but didn’t look happy.
7/10 – That match was actually pretty decent. Deaner played his character of not knowing much and having ODB coaching him well, but it was Amazing Red who really made that match. Some of the moves Amazing Red hit in that ring were SICK! He absolutely blows me away. He’s a little man that rivals Rey Mysterio in his move, or I think he does. He’s someone to watch closely.
Backstage Segment
Abyss still threw things around screaming for Stevie. Security approached Abyss with pipes and boards to beat him down. The old man (who I probably should know) rushed in yelling at Chris that this would not be happening in his house. They stared each other down.
6/10 – Okay, who is this old guy that I should know? He has to be someone I am not recognizing. I have loved this storyline straight through and wonder how this head of security is going to fit into everything going on with Stevie and Abyss.
Backstage Segment
Borash with JJ. He asked why JJ had his gear out. MEM came in applauding. Angle said they wouldn’t cause any problems and just wanted to have a chat. Angle handed Joe his strap and asked JJ to sit with him. Angle said MEM is happy they way they are. They have a peace offering. JJ’s power in TNA and MEM with the stroke, they could run this business for the next ten years. Angle asks what JJ says. JJ stood up and said screw Angle’s offer. There’s no together, none! Does Angle remember history? JJ brought Angle in and he abused his authority. He abused TNA and everyone in it. This is JJ’s company and he’s going to run it. Angle’s going to wrestle tonight. He’ll be in a tag match with Samoa Joe. Angle’s title will be on the line. They’ll be facing JJ and AJ. If Angle and Joe win, Angle will retain. But if AJ or JJ pin Angle, the pinner will win the title. Booker went crazy over this. He did not think it was fair and screamed about it in an all new accent.
7/10 – Nice to see JJ step up, tell MEM where to go and look like he’s going to “run” TNA again. He finally didn’t look like a pansy for once and TNA needs that. Love it when Angle/MEM doesn’t get its way!
Backstage Segment
Lauren with Jenna and she asked about Sharmell challenging Jenna to a match at Victory Road. Jenna’s not a wrestler, so how will Jenna get out of it? Jenna said she’ll fight Sharmell. Lauren’s in shock. Jenna asks how much of a wrestler is Sharmell? She can’t be that much of one! She thinks she can scare Jenna, but it’s all a show. If she wants some, she can get some. Sojo came up in a a skin tight gold corset with black lace. She asked if Jenna thought she had street cred because she lived in New York? Sojo then called Jenna a pancake assed white girl who doesn’t know what she’s talking about. Sojo said Sharmell is her girl. If Jenna had a problem with Sharmell, she had a problem with Sojo. Sojo said she’d personally make sure Sharmell would be ready for VR.
6/10 – Until Sojo came in I thought the segment was pretty decent. Jenna is solid on mic and really has Sharmell’s number on her ring work. While this match should be a train wreck, I think it’s funny that Sojo says she will get Sharmell ready. Sojo’s ring work has been sucking it up lately, so I can’t see as she’d help Sharmell too much in getting ready for VR.
Backstage Segment
Borash with Angle and MEM. Borash said JJ laid down the law. Angle cut Borash off. Angle asked JJ if he knew what he did? Did he know he signed his own death certificate? Every time Angle faced Joe, in his mind he wondered what it would be like if they were a unit, a team. They’d be unstopable. Tonight JJ will know why the world is MEM’s to take. Angle stomped off. Booker asked Sharmell to leave – I think as I couldn’t understand a word he said. Sharmell got pissed about having to leave, which is how I figured out what Booker was getting at. She couldn’t understand why she couldn’t stay. Finally she stomped out and Borash asked if this was Jon and Kate around here. Booker told Borash to mind his own business.
5/10 – More of the return of nWo. I am more than annoyed by Angle having to be in the middle of everything, being in charge of everything, knowing everything and having to have everything go his way or he whines like a baby and threatens everyone involved. He’s acting younger than our five year old. She could give him lessons on how to be a big boy because she acts more mature than he has lately. Then there’s Booker and his still ever-changing accents. I just wish he’d pick one or completely shut his yap. It’s too much for me to care to follow when he speaks.
Match #2
EY to the ring. He looked really annoyed by his pyro and pissy through his evil smirk. Rhino came out with Jesse Neal in tow. EY cut Rhino off as soon as he slid into the ring. Rhino turned it around with his size. Shoulder block took EY down and then a clothesline to EY for two. Rhino was whipped and EY got two. EY choked Rhino in a corner. Snap mare to Rhino into a headlock. Rhino punched the heck out of EY’s gut, but couldn’t gain control. Neal talked smack to EY. EY punched Neal through the ropes and then went outside to throw Neal into the barrier. Punches to Rhino in the ring. Rhino started to fight back and hit a huge flying clothesline and then a spinebuster. Neal on the apron and caused Rhino a three count by distracting the ref. EY slammed into Rhino’s back and Rhino slammed head first into Neal. Neal went flying from the apron and Rhino fell back to the mat. EY rolled Rhino up and used the ropes for the three.
6/10 – Decent match. It was short but solid. Of course EY had to attack Neal and cheat to win just to prove how much of a heel he’s become. Rhino and Neal are the nice guys, so they couldn’t do anything horrible back to EY. Though I have to say they’re teasing a pretty big heal turn for Rhino – from what I can see. I think he’ll become more and more annoyed with Neal until he cracks and takes him apart physically. Rhino is just to whimpy when he’s a face, so a heel turn better happen soon!
Backstage Segment
Lauren with Sharmell who was annoyed with being sent out to find Morgan. She found Morgan who was on his cell talking to someone about when a gym closed. Sharmell yelled at him that Angle wanted to see him and didn’t even bother waiting for him to get off the phone. He got off the phone and asked Sharmell to say that again. She asked if she stuttered? He asked her to please say it again. She told him Angle wanted to see him. Morgan was thrilled and spazzed out. Morgan grabbed Sharmell around the waist with his left arm and spun her around a half dozen times as if she weighed nothing and then put her down as she was screaming her head off. He was so happy and excited that Angle wanting to see him. He said he knew it was going to be a big day. He said today he officially joins MEM, the only question is the number of zeros on the end of his check. Morgan grabbed Sharmell’s wrist and dragged her off after him. I didn’t know she could move that fast!
7/10 – That was really funny and showed just how powerful Morgan really can be. He lifted and spun Sharmell as if she was a doll. She weighed nothing to him and it was impressive. I now can’t wait to see Morgan’s little hopes dashed by Angle. We all know Angle will not pay Morgan a huge amount, even if he does want Morgan to join MEM, which I doubt!
Backstage Segment
Borash asked Angle if MEM would be welcoming Morgan into the group. Morgan came in and Booker presented him to Angle. Morgan was all atwitter about joining MEM. Morgan called Angle GF. No one knew what that meant. He said it stood for God Father. But forget the acronyms, how many figures were they talking? Angle said MEM is taking Morgan under serious consideration, but there’s a few more things he has to do. Morgan said he about served Sting on a silver platter last week, what more does he need to do? Angle said that’s good, but he needs to make sure all his bases are covered. Angle has a match tonight and needs Morgan. Morgan asks what Angle needs. Angle said Daniels will be trailing AJ and Morgan needs to keep Daniels away. Morgan said he’d do it, but his patience is wearing thin and Angle needs to make the right decision. Morgan left, Booker said something and Angle said some kids never learn.
6/10 – This will be great when Morgan realizes MEM and Angle are just using him for his brute strength. He will snap and go after MEM and that will be a very happy day for a lot of people. How long it will take is the question. It’s obvious that Angle will string him along and lie to him as long as possible. Be interesting to see how much Morgan will believe before snapping.
Video
Sarita promo.
Match #3
TBP to the ring. Madison is just going to the ring with them, Sky and Love are the two of the group wrestling in this match. Kong came out with Saeed. Because the music was so loud over the announcer I couldn’t hear if Saeed was just in tow or if she was actually wrestling. Next out was Tara with a small box/cage in hand. Obviously her tarantula. She put her put it in the corner and…
Well, due to a huge thunderstorm I lost DISH for a bit. It was quite a horrible storm and was shocked that we didn’t lose power. The thing we did lose was the Knockout Match. So I am sorry to say I could not review it. We all pretty much know what happened and that the tarantula came out in the end. I’m just bummed I missed Tara and Kong tagging together.
In Ring Segment
Abyss in the ring freaking out the way he had been all night. Abyss called for a mic and yelled for Dr. Stevie to come out, come out wherever he is. Abyss wanted the camera right in his face so the whole world could hear what he had to say. He told Dr. Stevie he didn’t need him any more. No more therapy sessions. No more calling daily to check in. No more shock treatment. Except for Stevie! When he gets his hands on Stevie he’s going to hoist him up, drop this 350lbs ass of his and snap Stevie across his shoulders like a twig. You see… Stevie on the tron. He said he thought the “across the line cam” would come in handy. But who knew he’d use it for this. This whole time a whimpering could be heard in the background. Stevie asked Lauren what she said, then told her to shut up. He asked Abyss if he knew what Stevie could do to her. But he wouldn’t do anything to her because she’s not the monster Abyss is. He thought about it long and hard. Stevie said he’s treated Abyss for ten years. Hours upon hours upon hours and Abyss turned on him for Lauren, a useless piece of meat. Stevie owns Abyss, mind, body and soul. Abyss will come to his office for therapy. Next time Stevie won’t be so nice to Lauren. Abyss left the ring and ran up the ramp.
8/10 – That was eerie and creepy. There’s no way Russo is writing this storyline, he just doesn’t have that darkness in him! Abyss and Stevie at odds is proving to be a provocative feud, but when are they going to take it to the ring? They’re both great talkers, but I want to see some action! Also, what’s up with Raven being removed from TNA’s website? Is he gone from TNA and suddenly out of this storyline? I hope not as it will really kill a lot of the momentum. At this point we need to see Stevie and Abyss in the ring to really continue this feud the way it needs to be pushed.
Main Event
JJ to the ring for his WHC Tag Team Match. AJ Styles came out to join him with the Legends Championship strap around his waist. MEM’s music and Angle came up through the stage. Joe came out to join Angle and they came down the ramp together. Commercial. Borash announced the match and participants. JJ and Angle started the match. They locked up. A side headlock on JJ. JJ pushed out and hit a huge shoulder block. They went back and forth and Angle got the upper hand. Turns out if Joe gets pinned Angle will also lose his WHC. JJ came back with a clothesline. AJ tagged in and got an arm bar on Angle. Joe then tagged in. AJ attacked, but a leg sweep from Joe dropped AJ. Joe then ran into a beautiful dropkick from AJ. JJ and Angle both in and people bouncing around the ring. Commercial. Angle in control of AJ and JJ trying for the tag. Joe gained control of AJ during the commercial and then tagged in Angle who kept the control. AJ managed to hit the pele on Angle and both were down. Joe rushed in and knocked JJ from the apron so AJ couldn’t tag out. Headbutt to AJ. AJ tried to fight back and grabbed Joe for an inverted DDT. Angle rushed in and AJ grabbed him too. Inverted DDT to Joe and a regular DDT to Angle at the same time! All three down on the mat. JJ trying to get back up in his corner. JJ reached for the tag, but Joe cut AJ off with a rear naked choke. AJ got out and hit the pele! Joe hit the mat hard and AJ crawled for JJ. JJ tagged in as did Angle. Double armed DDT to Angle but Joe broke the count. JJ fought off the Angle slam and took Angle down. Joe came to make the save rushing to drop an elbow, but JJ moved and Angle ate Joe’s move! Punches to Joe from JJ. JJ set Angle up top. JJ wanted to hit the stroke from there but Joe grabed JJ for the muscle buster. JJ got out of the move and AJ flew off the ropes with a flying forearm to Joe. In falling back Joe managed to take Slick Johnson down with him. Slick ended up face down on the mat with one foot somehow up on a turnbuckle pad! JJ climbed up again and hit the stroke off the top on Angle. JJ pinned but Slick was unable to count. JJ went out and grabbed the guitar. In the ring JJ wound up but Slick grabbed the guitar from him. Angle grabbed JJ in an ankle lock in the center of the ring. JJ tried to get to AJ, but Joe pulled AJ from the apron. Angle pulled JJ back and cinched in the hold. JJ was face down on the mat. Slick raised JJ’s arm three times and then called for the bell when JJ didn’t respond. Joe pulled Angle to his feet as the rest of MEM came out to celebrate. Hand shakes and hugs all around. Steiner raised Angle’s arm. Joe had JJ’s head pulled up by his hair and talked smack in his ear. AJ came in the ring with his strap and cleared it. Most of them ducked from the ring and out of the way of the flying strap, but Joe got it to the face after returning to the ring. After that Angle, Booker and Steiner stomped the heck out of AJ. Nash snapped the Legends belt closed as if he had a plan for it. Steiner hit a belly to belly on AJ in the ring. Split screen to show Morgan backstage beating the heck out of Daniels. Morgan broke a piece of wood over Daniels’ back. Nash, in the ring, set up with the Legends strap to hit AJ, but then the lights went out. The lights came up to show Angle choking AJ on the mat with the WHC. Sting stood behind Angle who didn’t have a clue he was there, but Nash, Booker, Joe and Steiner all saw Sting. They pointed and let Angle know he was there. Angle stood and turned only to get the bat to his gut. Booker was next, then Steiner and Nash all ate the bat in some way. Last on the list was Joe who also got the bat to the gut. All of them down on the mat or out of the ring. Sting grabbed the WHC strap and held it high. The lights went out and very quickly came back on, but Sting was then gone!
7/10 – Does this remind anyone of WCW and the Sting/nWo feud? I have the feeling I have seen this before! It’s so obvious that Russo is at a loss for storylines and is more than recycling. I’m actually wondering if he’s taking old scripts word for word. Other than storyline woes, I though that was a pretty good match. It went back an forth, all wrestlers worked hard, they all looked good and I wasn’t afraid any of them might break by falling to the mat. It’s fun to see Joe and AJ on opposing sides and can’t wait to see them in one on one matches. I think that’s about the only good part of this match!
Post Show
I have to say I am very sorry about missing part of the show and hope I didn’t miss anything more that the Knockout Match. The weather was terrible and I was worried something like this would happen. I actually feel somewhat lucky that I only missed that much of the show as the lightening was flashing brightly and the thunder was shaking our house. We don’t normally get storms like that where we live.
There were a couple of really good matches on this show! I honestly didn’t think I’d ever say I was impressed with a Deaner match, but Amazing Red was so mind blowing that the match was incredible. I want to see more of Amazing Red and hope TNA gives him the ring time he deserves. The Rhino and EY match was also solid and set up for a lot of promise in the future between Rhino and Neal. I do have to say I hope for more out of EY in this heel turn. I hope he can handle being heel and does well with it. The main event was also a solid match that was worth the watch.
Either I missed another match while my DISH was out or TNA only gave us four matches this week. Only the main event seemed to be of any length and that’s rather sad. I know I keep harping on this, but these wrestlers are amazing and need to be given the ring time to show us their wares. It sucks knowing how good they are but not seeing them every week. And where was BMI, 3D and MCMG this week? All of these great workers and yet we didn’t see them in the ring. I just don’t get it. Actually, I don’t get how TNA manages to keep the great wrestlers they have when they barely get any ring time on TV. I know I’d be happy for TV time whenever I could get it, but I am also sure I would be more than frustrated with this treatment week after week after week.
KB
Tags: Abyss, AJ Styles, Amazing Red, Angelina Love, Awesome Kong, Booker T, Borash, Cody Deaner, Don West, Eric Young, EY, Jeff Jarrett, Jenna, Jesse Neal, Kevin Nash, Kurt Angle, Lauren, Madison Rayne, Matt Morgan, MEM, Mick Foley, Mike Tenay, ODB, Raisha Saeed, Rhino, Samoa Joe, Scott Steiner, Sharmell, Sojo, Stevie, Tara, TBP, Velvet Sky
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July 2nd, 2009 at 11:59 pm
Actually you miss Booker T and Steiner vs Team 3D as well
July 3rd, 2009 at 1:12 am
You missed the Steiner/Booker vs. Team 3D match.
It also had BMI on commentary. Storm on commentary was hilarious. I laughed at him talking smack to West. Then Kyoshi and Bashir ran out and attacked them.
TBI interfered in the match causing 3D the loss. Magnus hit Bubba in the head with a briefcase.
I cannot wait until 3D kills TBI. Terry also needs to get into the ring.
He just reminds me of a British Test for now.
There ya go KB.
Also I think Red is as good as Mysterio and Bourne. He has a move set equivalent to both men on all calibers. Red is an extremely talented individual.
Abyss and Stevie is a great story being told by words so far, but I agree we need to have this story unfold in a ring!
Sinn would be a great fit for this storyline if Raven is gone!
Whoever is writing this story needs to write all storylines from now on. I am for involved with this story than any other story in TNA.
I would rank this story in the top 3 I tune in every week to watch wrestling.
1) C.M. Punk and Jeff Hardy
2) Abyss and Stevie
3) ROH tag team dominance!
( J.R. should have never said tag team wrestling is dead )
July 3rd, 2009 at 1:20 am
You must have miss the Team 3D vs Booker/Steiner match for number 1 contendership.
BMI sat with the announcing team and towards the end of the match sheik and Kiyoshi attacked BMI giving the British evasion minus Brutus enough time to screw 3d out of the match.
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The new head of security is Hack Myers a former ECW wrestler. Here is his wiki page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hack_Meyers
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This Sharmell vs some survivor chick fued is probally the worst thing i’ve seen in wrestling since seeing Jay leno wrestle in WCW.
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The Sarita promos are killing me! I can’t wait to see Stock vs Tara, Stock vs Kong, Stock vs Ayama, Stock vs Tara vs Kong vs Ayama.
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The promo with Stevie on the screen was AMAZING. It felt real and had an eerie feel to it. I must see more of this fued.
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Raven & Shane were only under contract for 1 paperview. It was meant to bring back a sense of the early TNA era.
Also gone is No limit and Jacqueline.
I want to know why Traci Brooks is still under contract, She has Zero air time during impact.
July 3rd, 2009 at 1:28 am
FYI 3D lost to Booker/Steiner and BMI did commentary… 3D Lost after Brutus Magnus hit Ray in the head with Feast or Fired briefcase-MCMG was not featured.
My opinions of the show: it was ok.
MEM/Foley/Jarrett segment: Foley looked very Weak.
Nash Interview: Good promo-his mic work is great.
Abyss/Lauren segment: good.
Cody Deaner Vs Amazing Red Eye: How come West & Tenay can’t tell the difference between a complete shot & a DDT? Red is great.
Abyss Segment: weird.
MEM/Jarrett segment: not bad but I hope the MEM isn’t around for 10 years.
Jenna promo: not bad-way to steal a line from John Cena-what was sojo doing?
MEM Promo: Angle was good… booker wasn’t
EY Vs Rhino: so this was match #2 and it started at 9:45…good outcome
Sharmell/Morgan segment: not bad.
TBP Vs Kong/Tara: Mike Tenay should NEVER talk about sexting. better double team work than I expected from TBP. solid match.
Angelina Promo: annoying.
Team 3D Vs Booker/Steiner: BMI’s music sounds different. Why did the ring announcer call this a non title match? Tenay is terrible. Nice T-Bone suplex by Steiner. Funny to hear BMI mock Don West. Pretty good match.
Holliday Vs Lethal: decent segment.
Abyss Promo: This just took the feud to a new dimension-and this is the type of feud TNA needs to have to capitalize on WWE going PG.
Angle/Joe vs Jarrett/AJ: Nice double DDT by AJ-I like the finish with Jarrett passing out
July 3rd, 2009 at 1:35 am
team 3D vs scott and booker is another match you missed. ]:
July 3rd, 2009 at 2:37 am
Thanks Dude my fault
July 3rd, 2009 at 2:46 am
TNA was decent this week…
opening segement was good well done..glad JJ got back at Foley..he deserves it….Don West is acting stupid again as a heel…assuming JJ has joined MEM just cause he attacked Foley…
Later on during the Tag match Don West was kissing up to BMI…He is defently patterning his heel stuff after Bobby Heenan..kissing up to people then talking behind their back when they leave..being your typical coward heel announcer like Heenan used to do.
Abyss and Lauren’s segment was good…
ODB’s BF’s match was ok…was funny seeing him lightly punching at ODB’s chest..
JJ/MEM backstage segment was great nice to see JJ be a man for once and kick Foley out of the office and Tell off MEM.
Jenna’s promo was ok not bad….she is correct about one thing….Sharmell is not a wrestler…..being married to a wrestler (Booker T) doesn’t make you a wrestler…so Jenna was correct it will be a fight…A Cat Fight.
EY/Rhino was not bad..it helped EY’s heel turn….I’m looking forward to the day Rhino dumps his side kick Neal.
Morgan is a decent Wrestler and I like him..but he is dumb as a brick to not see the MEM is useing him….and Threating the MEM is not a smart move..Morgan acts like Santa Claus is paying him a visit…I can’t wait for MEM to burst his bubble.
The Knockout match was decent..I like how Tara pulled out her pet spider again scareing the heel out of the beautifull people.
The DR. Stevie/Lauren/Abyss segment was well done..
The main event was good and seeing Sting take out the MEM was nice…but your right it looks like a repeat of the Sting / NWO feud..only Sting didn’t keep dissappearing like the Undertaker does.
Sting would come down from the Rafters.
a decent TNA this week.
July 3rd, 2009 at 9:58 am
You missed a great match in the Knock Outs tag match. The best moment was definately seeing Kong back off when Tara brought out the spider – she was stood there just looking all mean and moody, then the spider came out the box and she either acted or genuinely had “holy shit” look on her face seeing the tarantula.
It was kinda weird seeing Kong and Tara tag together, they worked as a pretty good team, nothing special and no real double teaming, but for two people basically thrown together they were cohesive.
Anyway, the womens division is actually looking really good right now in TNA. The new additions definately bring new life, esp Tara, and even though ive never seen her outside of the vid highlight promo Sarita looks to be a great signing. If Sojo and Rayne arent afraid for their jobs they should be, the best they can look forward too is weekly jobbing.
Next up, the tag div in TNA is pretty solid. Not quite ROH solid, but with 3D and BMI you can have an entire year long feud that would never get old. If anything the trouble they have is BMI is too well loved and they draw much more face reaction than heat. Im just throwing this out as random guesswork, but a heel team of Eric Young and Rhino would bring another great dimension to the tag belts.
Speaking of, im loving the Young heel turn – not quite as much as im loving the CM Punk turn, but its all good. I definately agree they are teasing a Rhino turn – hopefully he desimates that former solider guy and they release him, cos he adds nothing right now.
But then, speaking of adding nothing Cody Deaner im warming to. The trouble is its a really short shelf life and it means that ODB isnt going to be able to work much. But when they are working with Amazing Red (who i agree is an awesome fast guy) they are going to get some really solid matches.
Finally, the Abyss story is reaching new heights. Its almost too good i dont want it to end. When it started i was glad to see them writing a slow burn story and its delivered from day one. However its definately getting to its peak so to have an epic blow off would cement it in greatness. Maybe its time for Barbed Wire Massacre match number 3?
It great to see the monster back.
July 3rd, 2009 at 1:06 pm
Phil, I don’t think a barbed wire match would due this feud justice.
I think that if they had one great match, without a crazy stipulation for the benefit of Stevie would help solidify this feud.
I also think for the icing they should allow a Full Metal Mayhem match. This match would benefit both competitors. Abyss has had no luck in this match as of late, but with him asking for it would make it hard for Stevie to win. Stevie could pull out some spots, and Abyss would take excruciating bumps. Then have Abyss go over with the Black Hole Slam, but not just one would due this match any good. They would need for Abyss to do it three times. I can play this match in my head and watch all the near falls, the tacks in the back, the glass, the barbed wire, and Abyss’s introduction to the light tube!
This would be an awesome match. I know the light tubes are a little indy, but with TNA using them I think it would make light tubes a little more mainstream, if done right!
I also think that if TNA can push Abyss in the way WWE did Kane, then Abyss will be a main eventer for a long time to come. I know he has one run with the heavyweight title, but it was a joke.
Tag teams are a great highlight to Impact. We just need the matches to be longer, and with no dirty finishes.
3D, BMI, TBI, MCMG, Lethal Consequences, AJ with Daniels, and LAX make great matches.
Team 3D has a great following whether they are heel or face.
BMI is the same way.
MCMG are just mind blowing to watch.
Lethal Consequences are a great flowing tag team.
AJ with Daniels is just a sick pairing.
LAX is a brute strength, mixed with a quick arsenal duo.
Tag team wrestling is not dead in TNA.
WWE realised that they have messed up with having no real tag team division. Putting the belts on Jericho and Edge really lets me know they are desperate to have a tag team division again. I think both men are talented, but putting belts around them is screaming help!
TNA has alot of great tag teams.
ROH is just sick when it comes to tag team greatness though. I am honestly going to say that they are my guilty pleasure when it comes to watching wrestling. ROH has the best roster in my opinion. TNA is right below them. WWE has great wrestlers, but they just don’t know how to use them.
Smackdown had one of the best matches in a long time pitting R-Truth against Shelton Benjamin. I was blown away when they put Shelton on their “C” show again!
Enough on my ranting on which company is better!
I think ROH is a great wrestling company
TNA is a great drama!
WWE is a great entertainment company!
July 4th, 2009 at 6:55 pm
I read you blog every week and find myself disagreeing with 80% of your opinions. Its has actually become the reason I read you blogs. Thats life, its your blog and we can’t agree with everyone on everything.
However, how do you not realize that angle is “in character” when hes whining, complaining, threatening; he is not the booker or creative writer. hes a wrestler, prob the best wrestler and is only doing his job. And the fact the you hate him so much only means, he is doing his job well, and that you are a total mark!
How can Nash interview get a higher score than Abyss backstage with Lauren…that shit was brilliant (smells like Foley’s creative to me). Il tell you, bc you are an obvious Nash mark. Nash was just saying the same crap hes been saying for 10+ years. And abyss in-ring promo was really good too!!
Since ive been reading your blog It’s clear you like Steiner and Nash, and dislike Booker and Angle. But at least TRY to have the slightest bit of objectivity in your blogs
July 4th, 2009 at 9:39 pm
First off, I do like Steiner and Nash and I do dislike Booker, but I do not dislike Angle and have not always disliked Booker.
You’re right, everyone is entitled to their opinions, but I have to disagree with you on what you have said about me.
I am not a Nash mark. I might have been in his WCW days, but sure am not now. I spend every week complaining about how Nash and Steiner should not be in the ring, but I guess that has gotten past you. I have gone off over and over about them not having the ring ability they used to and are going to hurt someone if they do not get past their egos and leave the ring work to the younger guys.
I do not know how Nash got a higher rating than Abyss and Lauren out back because that segment was great. But I also do my ratings off the cuff as soon as the segment/match is over and I never go back to change them. I go with my gut on the ratings and I guess my gut felt at those moments that Nash’s segment was better. Looking back I’m in shock I gave him a higher rating as Abyss/Lauren was killer.
I KNOW Angle is playing a role, that is not the issue I have. I have state numerous times that I am disgusted with creative and booking of TNA. I thought that was more than readily apparent. That leads to me being disgusted with having to watch Angle bitch and whine every week. While it might seem like I am complaining about Angle as a person, I thought my writing was glaringly obvious that I know this is all a role and he’s doing a job. It’s creative that disgusts me! I might complain that Foley is acting too insane to be enjoyable, but that’s also me complaining about creative and have said that numerous times. I do not know how you could have missed that if you read my blogs so thoroughly.
I do like it when people disagree with my views, but not when they attack me for things I have clearly not said and have clearly commented on week after week – ie creative and booking.
KB
July 4th, 2009 at 11:55 pm
I agree with you KB, Nash and Stiener both Used to be good in their prime.
When Nash was in WWE he was good as well as when he was in the NWO…but now days no I he is NOT good in the ring. On the Mic yes he still is one of the best talkers in the business.
Stieners Best days were in Tag team with his brother, he was able to pull off some amazing moves BUT from the time he joined the NWO to Now he has went down hill.
Stiener was ok on the mic during his tag team days, but when he went single he has been MR Grinch 24/7..with foul language laced in. I’m tired of hearing him.
Both Guys best days are behimd them and they as you said need to but their Ego behind them and step aside from the ring.. I’d like to see Nash on the Mic with Tennay and replace Don West( the poor man imatation of Bobby Heenan).
To Bad WWE is PG, if Don West was working for WWE he would be perfect for Vince’s Special Club.
Angle is a good wrestler one of the Best in the business Equal to if not better then Bret Hart and that to me is saying something since I’ve allways thought of Bret the best in the business even tho he is Retired.
Angle’s Mic work is good..When they don’t have him yelling and screaming like a Banshee and looking like someone who needs to be in a white coat with the Sleeves in the back.
Booker T was better early in his career both on the mic and in the ring..now his mic work is bad due to his accents he uses and you can’t understand a word he says. It’s like trying to find out what the Adults say in the Charlie Brown cartoons. Booker T sounds like that.
TNA as a whole is not as good as it was when the company first started..right now I blame creative and booking of TNA for the mess they are in yes some of the wrestling is great..and the Abyss Angle is one I enjoy but some of the stuff just hard to watch. While the MEM storyline is ok a lot of it repeats the NWO.
July 5th, 2009 at 12:58 am
Right now, TNA flat out sucks. I’m hating Victory Road now. Just take a look at the matches-
1) Angle/Foley – Angle can’t carry Foley when Foley’s too out of shape. Disaster match.
2) BMI/MEM – The Botcher-Steiner & Soulless Booker just can’t give a good match regardless of who’s in the ring with them. Putting this up for tag title just killed off the tag division. Killed off tag title too if they win.
3) Nash/AJ – We’ve seen this on Impact before. It sucked. If that same quality repeats in VR, then it’s a waste, AGAIN.
Conclusion – Right now VR is only a MEM ego-PPV, a flat-out boredom. I thought Slammiversary was good cause there’s no MEM members to drag it down but guess what, the lack of MEM in Slammiversary was substituted back in to VR. Yawn. The only thing I’m looking forward to is Abyss.
PS: I hope Rhyno/Jesse can be settled via Dark match or Impact and not a waste of spot in PPV.
July 5th, 2009 at 1:37 am
Crovan I can disagree with you on some of the stuff you wrote.
The tag division is not dead in TNA by far even if the MEM win the titles. It will only be for a few short months if at all! I doubt they win due to the fact BMI just won them last month!
AJ/Nash will be a short match! AJ going over due to the fact he needs the momentum to take on Joe at Hard Justice.
Foley/Angle will hopefully not be the Main Event. It should however be a short mid-card match.
I have heard rumours that Taz will be showing his face at the VR ppv! If this happens will we see a Joe screwing to the MEM?
I think that VR will be a very news worthy ppv!
It might not have stellar five star matches like it should. We all know this is due to the booking putting people that should not be in a ring over for no apparent reason.
July 5th, 2009 at 7:55 am
Well, I hope you’re right Michael. Nonetheless, I’m not too thrill about this VR. I can stand a bad episode of Impact but it’s hard to swallow a bad PPV.
This month and probably the next few months (if MEM wins), everybody will job to the tag champ MEM. I mean to let MCMG, LAX, 3D, BMI, etc… to job or DQ to them for a few months is my meaning of the tag division being dead.
An average PPV has 8 matches. 3 of them are MEM bore-fest already. 1 TNA KO title match, Another 6 man tag for the X-Division (normally), Homicide/Suicide rematch, EY against someone and finally and probably Joe/Sting. This is the VR card I’m expecting.
It’s kinda bad to sit through 3 MEM matches and Sting dominating Joe till probably Taz screws him. The other 4 matches got almost not enough star power in it to save the PPV. Feel free to disagree but this is my expectation of what’s gonna happen.
July 5th, 2009 at 6:25 pm
I do realize that u have been critical of Steiner and Nash’s in ring work, but its also clear in your blogs that you like them so i was overlooking that bc you were, at the time commenting on Nash interview(and gave it a 8.5/10 which was hard for me to swallow). Anyone can see they dont belong in the ring anymore. But giving the same interview for 10+years an 8.5/10, i had to say something! My father is an extremely charming man and a great talker but i don’t want to hear his same stories over and over again either. I apologize for the attack, but sometimes I find myself rolling my eyes while reading your blogs and I was feeling feisty that day. I still like reading your blog!
i personaly think lauren is a terrible actress. but abyss’s skills are what counts. He sets the tone, shes basically a prop, imo. U know who could(should of) play abyss’s love interest? christy hemme! That chick was one hell of an actress. They could of made a bigger act(a real in-ring act) than lauren n abyss. Also want to point out that that one backstage scene with abyss and lauren brought everything to a different level. It was an extremely important segment in the story considering what happened later, and just with the whole story. Everything means more bc of that brilliant emotional moment with abyss and lauren. If that is Foley’s creative(or whoever), hope they get something of depth going for Daffney bc SHE IS AWESOME!! She is smoking HOT, a great interview, and good in-ring TALENT. TALENT being the operative word! As Foley said “Daffney got it going on”. Wonder why wwe didnt bring her up years ago with wcw purchase. I loved that chick!!
July 5th, 2009 at 10:59 pm
I haven’t seen that interview from Nash before. If it’s so prolific, I’m not sure how I missed it, but obviously I would have said something if it was something I’d heard over an over. Yes, I like Nash, btu honestly have only started liking Steiner on mic over the past couple months. Before recently I only saw Steiner as a fabulous tag team wrestler who’s ego wouldn’t let him retire. I loved his ring work in the day, but was never a fan when he opened his mouth. This is new to me, but I sure do not think I haven’t been hard on either of them.
Christy Hemme? I have been a huge Hemme fan from day one, but I cannot see her as Abyss’ love interest. Hemme is damn hot, but for some reason I don’t see it. Yes, great actress, but something about her is almost too sexy for Abyss. After seeing her Playboy (my favorite of the Diva’s Playboys) I just do not think she’s the type of woman Abyss (the character) could handle.
As to Daffney, I have always wondered why Vince didn’t bring her in. She’s not the typical Diva and I think that’s what did her in with WWE. She’s fricken hot and so talented, but she doesn’t have that big boobed blonde perkiness that Vince seems to need to see in the ring. She’s better than most of the Divas, but I have never heard one word about WWE looking at her for any reason. I was thrilled when TNA brought her in, if not how they brought her in. Now that she’s there I hope they do right by her. She deserves it.
KB
July 6th, 2009 at 12:55 am
If EY is pushed correctly then I see his rise to star power on the horizon!
Rhino needs to gain some momentum to do something. Give him a minor feud, then move him to a mid-card feud. Give him momentum to take on someone with the caliber to showcase his talents in the ring!
The K.O. match should be decent!
Suicide and Homicide should be a classic X division match.
Sting and Joe will happen, but when Taz rears his head I think Joe will walk out the ring for the count out. This will piss off alot of fans due to this happening! I will for one be happy with that outcome! I don’t see Sting doing the job to Joe and vice versa. Then on Impact have speculations to why Joe walked out, and have MEM be in the dark.
Then next week have a MEM roll call with no Joe. Then Joe’s music hits, but no Joe just Taz! Then have Joe come out of the crowd to just stand on the outside of the ring pacing. Have Taz do the talking and then Joe destroy MEM. Have Sting come out and ask Joe was this his idea of a “Nation of Violence.” Then have Taz take out Sting then leave a F.T.W. towel over his laid out body! This would make TNA an epic show for the next two months if booked properly.
I think also if TNA could do it, showcase the talent of their very talented X division. I would like to see a full fifteen match from Daniels and Shelley. I would also like to see Red and Sabin go at it. I would like to see Doug Williams and Homicide have a full ppv quality match. I think honestly those three matches would draw ratings. Then have a great six way elimination match by having Bashir, EY, AJ, Magnus, Kyoshi, and Joe. Make the match mean something. Don’t let it be a squash until we get down to AJ and Joe. Let the other guys showcase what they have. Then have a great finish where the last two men leave it all in the ring. Then have Joe get the pinfall and tell AJ this is just the beginning of the end for TNA. Then he should show his wrists that read F.T.W.!
That right there would be a great Impact. Have backstage antics for the heavyweight stuff. That right there would be a first for any wrestling show!
I hope that someone takes some of my ideas and runs with them!
July 8th, 2009 at 12:12 am
This week I missed the show because I was out of town performing a wedding and for some reason TIVO malfunctioned. Now at the end of this I included much of what I said last week because I think I responded a little late for everyone to see or comment on my remarks but after reading the run down here is my opinion. The best thing right now is the fact that we see Jarrett becoming a boss again because it means Mick is soon going to be out of the running thing and maybe sooner out of the ring I see a Jarrett screw over Mick when it looks like he is going to win (Angle gets “injured”) to set off a final feud with a culmination at the the next paper view. I actually see Sting and Joe somehow becoming partners with Taz not tag team but either a new faction or just the respect factor as Joe takes the mafia money and then screws them over. I see the tag divison continuing to grow as at this paperview if done right we can see the nails begin to be driven in the MEM as Sting was the heart and no matter how much Angle thinks his brains made it work (when character) it was the contrast of Angle and Sting that gave it any life. The final blow will be when AJ not Joe gets a push because he is a grand slam champion and deserves to prove that he is a true Legend when they have a Belt vs Belt match. AJ wins and they have a tournament on Impact to win the belt and Joe or Daniels wins it but it is renamed to something like TV championship International championship (utilize NJPW and Mexican talent in new division(would make sense for Joe to win with Taz in corner Soman connection)) who knows I believe (st least hope is after what I believe is going to be a sorry July we will see a kicking August if they use this right. Of Course as everyone else No Russo with Cornette and Heyman running the show with Jarrett and Mick as advisors behind the scenes couldn’t hurt being an East TN boy that saw what James E. Cornete did with SMW and how Vince had to have it I believe if he was allowed to do what he does best we would see pro wrestling return to its former glory right there in TNA
I missed raven in the mix hope the end of the stevie raven faction has not come. Sting was solid and he and Nash’s bantering honestly saved a show that pushed so many over the hiller’s that it wasn’t funny. Right now what we need is Some of these old guys to finally get sent to the retirement home. Sting and Kurt are the only old guys that can still go fairly regularly the rest need to fade away to other jobs. Scotty would be a great manager of a tag team it would be awesome to see him paired with EY and Petty Williams as a heels tag team Nash, Tazz, and Mick Foley would be an awesome broadcast team. Fire Don West he is no Bobby the brain and put Teneay in a segement like the professor shares this week in Prowrestling or something. Jarret needs to be a GM and only a GM Joe needs to remain a heel to feud with AJ and Daniels bring in Kennedy to be another Heel rename the Legends title to a TV Title or a something of that nature and bring in some kamikaze daredevils like what they have with RED to jump start the X-division and finally instead of wasting a second show on Borash go to a Knockout TV show where it is all female wrestling show create tag belts and a X division or hardcore title and give the women a 1 hour show bring in Candace Michelle, Torrie, Trish and bring back Roxxi then you would have a pretty stiff women’s division This would quickly turn TNA into a competitor with the WWE of course you would need to fire Russo but that’s a given. Replace him with Nash, Hall, and Raven as witters with Jim Cornette and/or Paul Heyman as the booker(s) I know that still leaves Booker frankly I don’t care what they do with him as long as he doesn’t have a microphone or wrestle the spinarooni was cool in 1999 but this is 2009. It wouldn’t hurt to try to still some of the talent they let get away either ie.. Jeff Hardy, MVP, R-Truth, Monty Brown, and Christian. But we all know this is a pipe dream that is clogged with Dixie and Russo while Double J has lost his plunger.