TNA: The Russo Years...?

[probablyoliver]

First of; for continuity and TNA booking sake, I'm saying Genesis was on the last day of November, not in the middle, this way I can just jump right in to TEW without having any phantom booking. It's not going to change anything; it just makes it easier for me. =]

-

Every time the name 'Vince Russo' was raised in the internet wrestling community, one of two responses was guaranteed to come up. On one side, many saw him as a destructive force in professional wrestling; someone who could destroy a promotion from the inside at the flick of a switch. He was responsible for such monstrosities as David Arquette; WCW Champion and the booking of Ed Ferrara as 'Oklahoma', a southern 'wrestler' which was an obvious parody of WWF Commentator Jim Ross. Needless to say, Russo's ideas were criticised heavily, and through it he made lots of enemies, both in the wrestling industry and out of it. However, there was also the argument that Russo was nothing short a genius. For every horrid idea, he also brought to the table something new and never seen before; Crash TV. In its most stripped back state, it made for exciting TV, anything could happen and wrestling lost its predictability and allowed for a further suspension of belief; not just with the 'marks' but also the more informed generation of wrestling fans. Under Russo, wrestling looked real again, and although he needed someone to sieve through his ideas and separate the best from the abysmal; he was able to create exciting TV once more.

These two arguments came up strong recently, when Russo was named as the new head-booker of second-by-default promotion; Total Non-Stop Action Wrestling. It was a ballsy move, Russo had been in the booking chair of the company before, and he never stayed long. But desperate times called for desperate measures, and as TNA began to slip back into obscurity, and people started to stop taking notice, one thing was needed; something gutsy and unpredictable. Something that only Vince Russo could bring to the table. And it seemed to work, in just one month TNA was beginning to become exciting again, the world title was no longer fought between the same, repetitive niche of Sting, Jeff Jarrett and Christian Cage, but it became sought after by everyone on the roster. Anything could happen, and it did; Samoa Joe's seemingly indestructible eighteen month unbeaten reign was snapped in less than fifteen minutes by one of the biggest names in the wrestling industry; Kurt Angle. Nothing was impossible, and it wasn't; Abyss, a man who had teetered on main event status for over two years was given that final nudge, and broke Sting's extremely brief run with the NWA World Heavyweight Title. People were once again taking notice, and TNA; the little company that couldn't was once more becoming the little company that just might.

But for how long?

Total Non-Stop Action: The Russo Years...?

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Champion Roll-Call

As of Monday, Week 3; December 2006

...:::NWA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP:::...

'The Monster' Abyss

Champion Since: November 2006

Won from/at: Sting @ Genesis 2006

No. of Defences:

1. d. Sting & Raven @ Turning Point

...::::TNA X DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP:::...

'The Phenomenal One' AJ Styles

Champion Since: December, Week 4, 2006

Won from/at: Christopher Daniels @ Impact

No. of Defences:

N/A

...:::NWA WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS:::...

'Latin American eXchange' - Homicide y Hernandez

Champions Since: October 2006

Won from/at: AJ Styles & Christopher Daniels @ Bound for Glory 2006

No. of Defences:

1. d. The Naturals @ iMPACT!

2. d. America's Most Wanted @ Genesis

3. d. AMW, The Briscoes & Team 3D @ Turning Point

Edited January 12, 2007 by O!

[Michael]

Ollie, you are a great writer when you stick to brief results, as I hope you do here. You're right, Russo has made TNA very watchable, open and exciting as of late, but please bear in mind the kind of stuff he's done: making Petey Williams an American patriot, for example. The key to the Russo making is doing things that no one else would have really thought of - that are so strange sometimes, they just work. So what I'm trying to say is, try shit in this diary, as I'm sure you will, and we could see some very original material here. But the key is originality and creativity when it comes to Russo (for the better, or the worse sometimes).

[probablyoliver]

Monday, Week 1, December 2006

OFFICIAL PREVIEW FOR THURSDAY’S “iMPACT!” ON SPIKETV

Angle to answer Joe, Styles & Daniels vs. Naturals and much more

This Thursday night on “iMPACT!” on SpikeTV, the wrestling world will feel the aftermath of the “Genesis” Pay-Per-View event!

NEW NWA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION “THE MONSTER” ABYSS TO APPEAR!

On Sunday night at “Genesis”, Abyss became the new NWA World Heavyweight Champion, defeating Sting by disqualification to earn the gold! This Thursday night on “iMPACT!”, the new world champion is scheduled to appear along with his devious manager James Mitchell! Will Sting be there this Thursday night? Will he address his actions during the match that got him disqualified?

THE LAX STRIPPED OF THE TAG TEAM TITLE – TO RELINQUISH CHAMPIONSHIPS ON “iMPACT!”

Also at “Genesis” TNA management director Jim Cornette dropped a bombshell on The Latin American Exchange when he announced he was stripping them of the gold! According to Cornette, the LAX are expected to be in attendance this Thursday night to turn over the championships! The question is, will Konnan, Homicide and Hernandez comply with the orders? Tune in to find out!

KURT ANGLE PROMISES TO ANSWER SAMOA JOE REGARDING A REMATCH

Samoa Joe’s epic win streak came to an end on Sunday night on Pay-Per-View as he was defeated by Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle! What will be the fallout from the bout on “iMPACT!” on Thursday night? Samoa Joe asked Angle for a rematch, but the Olympic gold medalist left the ring without giving “The Samoan Submission Machine” an answer! TNAwrestling.com has learned that Angle will indeed give his nemesis an answer this Thursday night on SpikeTV!

AJ STYLES & CHRISTOPHER DANIELS VS. THE NATURALS

TNAwrestling.com has learned that this Thursday night, AJ Styles and Christopher Daniels will join forces in what will be their final bout as a tag team! On "iMPACT!", Styles and Daniels will battle another former NWA World Tag Team Championship duo in Tne Naturals along with manager Shane Douglas! Will it be a successful end to the tandem of Daniels and Styles, or will we see more tension between the two TNA stars?

THE VOODOO KIN MAFIA – “THE WAR STARTS THIS THURSDAY”

After beating Kazarian, Bentley and Devine at Sunday’s Pay-Per-View, The Voodoo Kin Mafia – BG and Kip James – announced their war against VKM would begin this Thursday night on SpikeTV! What do the Voodoo Kin Mafia have planned? Will they fire the first shot after their recent visit to Stamford, Connecticut? Watch “iMPACT!” this Thursday to find out!

All this and much more this Thursday night on “iMPACT!” on SpikeTV - don't miss the aftermath of "Genesis" as TNA begins the road to the December "Turning Point" Pay-Per-View event!

Edited November 28, 2006 by O!

[probablyoliver]

OOC: First show, I feel it could have been better, but I have always considered first shows to be a trial, just to see how it's coming off when I read it back. I'm sure the quality will increase as time goes by. Also, there's not much colour at the moment, but I plan on jazzing it up in the future, as it all looks a little... dull. TV shows will be like this, whilst PPVs will (most probably) be full results, not just recaps. Anywho, enjoy. =]

TNA presents; iMPACT! on SpikeTV;

Thursday, Week 1, December 2006

As iMPACT! begins we get the brand new NWA World Heavyweight Champion; "The Monster" Abyss in the ring with his manager and controller; "Father" James Mitchell". Mitchell comments on the controversial way in which Abyss won the title just five days ago at Genesis, saying that "the darkness took over Sting, smothering him in his own fears of losing the NWA World Title.", and that this was the sole reason why Sting was no longer champion. Mitchell continued, saying that Sting was once a great man and wrestler, but that as he was nearing his own demise, he had to clutch at straws to stay on top, and that his loss to Abyss, whom he dubbed "a new breed of psychopath" was "inevitable". Mitchell called Sting out, saying he wanted the "once bold icon, now bone idle one" to come to the ring and lay down for the new champion; however, that wasn't the case, and instead Mitchell got Raven, and his 'New Movement'; Johnny Devine, Kazarian and Matt Bentley. In the usual long-winded Raven-esque way, the former NWA World Heavyweight Champion said he was an "old breed of psychopath", but a psychopath nonetheless. Raven said over the years his hatred of Mitchell had turned into respect, but that was expected with them being identical in everything but looks. Raven said that since losing the NWA Title he began to crave it, even going as far to calling it his "prescious". Raven challenged Abyss to fight his New Breed tonight, 3-on-1, with the stipulation being that if Abyss lost; Raven would get a title shot. Mitchell accepted, and said that even though Abyss was far from 100%, he'd have no trouble dismantling Raven's 'droogs'.

Match One

'The War Machine' Rhino v 'Primetime' Elix Skipper

The crowd knew exactly what this match was for, to show off Rhino's immense power; and that's exactly what they got, they were so excited for Rhino that he even got a great pop coming out from the Impact Zone. The match itself was extremely short, not even reaching the minute mark, and Skipper's offence included nothing more than a weak chop and a desperation sunset flip pin attempt. The match was all Rhino, managing to hit two nasty clotheslines, a beautiful snap spinebuster and of course; the Gore, which picked up the easy victory. By no means a great match, just a nice little warm-up for the fans.

Result: Rhino d. Elix Skipper w/ a Gore. [0:44] [C+]

Although not a great speaker, Rhino had no problem grapping for the mike post-match. Rhino laid down the law and said he was pissed off about being left off from Genesis, and wants to get back into the NWA Title Picture, saying last time he was champion he didn't even hold the belt for a week, and that just won't do. Rhino made the open challenge for Turning Point, saying whoever would answer would "feel the gore. Gore. Gore!" This lead to TNA's resident Gold Medalist, Kurt Angle to come down to the six-sided ring. Angle said that now he was here, TNA management wanted nothing to do with circus acts like Rhino. Kurt accepted the Open Challenge, saying he'd destroy Rhino just like he destroyed another of TNA's landmark stars last week at Genesis. This of course prompted the formelly undefeated Samoa Joe out from the back and into the ring. Joe and Kurt went nose to nose, before Joe pushed Angle away and demanded a rematch at Turning Point, to prove he was the better man, and that Angle just got lucky. Rhino stepped in and went nose to nose with Joe, telling him to get in line, because he wasn't the only one wanting to destroy Angle anymore. Just as it looked like all hell was going to break out, former NWA World Heavyweight Champion Christian Cage made his way down to the ring. Cage first centred on Rhino, saying his bark was worse than his bite, and he should "get the hell out of my yard, or garden, I'm not even sure what's copyrighted now!". Cage then turned to Angle, saying he was going to welcome him to TNA in the "proper manner", which turned out to be dropping to his knees and shouting "We are not worthy". This angered Joe, who dragged him up and pushed him away. This forced Cage's attention to Joe, whom he mocked by flaunting his own undefeated streak in his face, saying there was only one man to beat left in TNA; himself. Cage challenged Joe to a match at Turning Point, saying he'd be the final nail in the coffin of Joe's winning streak, and that after Cage beat him, Joe would never want to show his face in TNA, let alone pick up a win in it. Cage turned around; preparing to say something to Angle, but Joe jumped in and locked in a choke, which was immediately broken up by Angle, who went for an Olympic Slam on Joe, but was instead Gore'd by Rhino. Cage and Angle quickly slid out of the ring and half way up the Impact Zone as Joe and Rhino stood in the ring looking on at them, before turning to each other and starring each other down.

After a short commercial break, we opened on Jim Cornette standing with Petey Williams in the ring. Cornette calls out LAX and says he wants them to bring the Tag Titles with them... No answer. Cornette says he's changed his mind and won't be stripping them of the titles, and instead just wants to speak to them... Still no answer. Cornette says if they don't comply and come down to the ring they will be fired on the spot, no question about it... Again; no answer. Cornette, now looking majorly pissed off starts to rant, but is stopped mid-sentence by the three members of LAX; Homicide, Hernandez and manager Konnan. Konnan begins to yell at Cornette, saying that Cornette was speaking against free speech, and that he was only silencing LAX because he feared them. Cornette seemed to back down and even agreed to fearing LAX. Cornette said he was a man of respect and tradition, and having "thugs" like LAX in TNA did strike fear into the roster, and Cornette didn't like that, and wanted them out of the company as soon as possible. Cornette then brought up his 'stripping' LAX of the NWA Tag Team Titles on Sunday night; Cornette said he'd made a mistake, and he didn't want "such prestigious belts" given a bad name by becoming vacant, so instead he was placing LAX in a Gauntlet at Turning Point against three great teams from three very different walks of life. When LAX lost, they'd be fired from TNA without question, and if they won? Cornette said that didn't matter, as with the three teams he had in mind, there was no chance of them winning. Cornette then denounced LAX, telling them to "leave my damn ring!", this angered Homicide, who started yelling at Spanish, before stepping up to hit Cornette, but at lighting quick pace, Petey dived in and took down Homicide, and the second match kicked off.

Match Two

'The Notorious 187' Homicide w/ LAX v 'The Canadian Destroyer' Petey Williams

The match started with all three members of LAX attacking Petey, before they were ordered out of the ring and away from ringside by referee Rudy Charles, they refused until Homicide told them he "had it covered", and LAX disappeared up the Impact Zone. The match seemed a little slower than what both guys are used to working, and it made for a slightly awkward bout, which only picked up in the last minute of action. The first three minutes were built around Homicide going for a few signature spots, including his nasty lariat and even an early Gringo Killah, but Petey kept managing to squirm out someway or other. The last two minutes saw Homicide snap, and it allowed Petey to get the upper hand, even managing to score the newly dubbed AmeriCanadian Destroyer, but not being able to pick up the pin after interference from Hernandez. As Petey went to pin, Homicide got a small package in for a two count, and the two men got back to their feet. Cide went for a lariat, but Petey ducked under and rolled Cide up for a sneaky three-count victory.

Result: Petey Williams d. Homicide w/ a Rollup. [6:15] [C+]

Following the bout, the Voodoo Kin Mafia; BG James and Kip James made their way ringside. They announced that the war was beginning now, but that they wanted to make a few things clear to the people who doubted them, and to their friends at Titan Towers. BG stated that he was old school wrestling till he died, a man who fought with his fists, and who didn't need midgets, scantily clad women or grown men sticking their heads up his ass to get over. Kip grabbed the mike and said he had been forced to do some pretty gruesome stuff under Vincent Kennedy, and said he did it because "VKM was a friend and a mentor", but he was cut out because Vince wanted someone else to ridicule, and that he didn't like to see those that were being laughed at playing along and enjoying themselves. Kip said McMahon's only goal in life was to "turn wrestlers into freaks", but Kip said TNA wasn't like that, and that's why TNA would be number one in five years time. BG laughed at said at the rate of WWE stars dropping out and coming into TNA, it wouldn't take five years; apparently it wouldn't even take six months. But BG said that he wouldn't take cheap shots at Vince, DX or WWE; instead BG said that he and Kip "will fight fairly and fight now!" Kip returned to the mike and said he was giving Vince until the end of the year to respond; otherwise VKM would take the fight to RAW! The crowd erupted at this idea, and chanted anti-WWE slogans around the Impact Zone as Impact went to a commerical break.

Backstage, and we were with LAX once more. Homicide looked pissed off, and continued to scream in Spanish and Hernandez tried and failed to calm him down. Along with Konnan, the three men made their way backstage and to a door with the name "JIM CORNETTE" written in large font. Homicide kicked down the door, expecting to see the Director of Authority, but was instead met by America's Most Wanted; 'Cowboy' James Storm and 'Wildcat' Chris Harris, carrying chairs. AMW brawled with LAX out of the door and throughout the Impact Zone, until they were in the crowd, brawling with chairs, dustbins and even a cable, which James Storm used to wrap around the neck of Hernandez. The two teams brawled for a few minutes before security, officials and other wrestlers had to run down to split them up and lead them away from each other. Homicide continued to yell in Spanish at AMW, before pretending to fire rounds from a gun with a loud 'Brrrrrap' noise.

Match Three

'The Phenomenal' AJ Styles & 'Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels v The Naturals w/ Shane Douglas

Billed as the 'last match ever' for AJ Styles and Christopher Daniels, this was sure to be one to watch. The Naturals seemed to be void of all kinds of fan reaction as they made their way to the ring, which manager Shane Douglas was able to turn around by berating them for not working hard enough. AJ and Daniels of course got huge reactions, but something wasn't right; they weren't in their usual matching gear like they had been before, they were separate wrestlers. The match was generally very good, with the only flaw being a couple missed spots with all four men, leading to some timing issues and awkward spots. The match was also shorter than expected, meaning it was just a showcase of what all four men could do, rather than a down-and-out wrestling match that all four men can partake in. Despite this, the crowd ate up every moment of it, especially a beautiful dual no hands plancha from both Daniels and Styles on both Naturals and Shane Douglas. The Naturals also managed to impress, with some great double team work on both opponents. The ending came when The Naturals went for a Natural Disaster on Daniels, but Daniels slipped out and managed to hit a Last Rites on Stevens, whilst AJ hit the Styles Clash on Douglas for the double pin.

Result: Styles & Daniels d. The Naturals w/ a Dual Pin. [6:58] [b ]

Post match, as the Naturals were lead up the ramp by a very unhappy Shane Douglas, AJ Styles and Christopher Daniels stood in the ring to celebrate their last every match as a team. Styles picked up the X Division Title, and handed it to Daniels, and the two embraced, before breaking off and holding each others arms up high in the air. But then, out of nowhere, stepped forward and flipped back, hitting a Pelé Kick on Daniels, before stomping on him and berating him. AJ said he was too good for Daniels, and always has been. Styles said he was tired of being disregarded in TNA in favour of veterans, and in a complete Russo-moment, even broke the fourth wall, saying he hated management’s decision to put him in a throwaway team with Daniels. Styles stormed away from the ring, and even flipped the bird to the few fans in the arena to boo him.

Match Four

'The Monster' Abyss v The New Movement

Although the odds were firmly stacked against the new NWA World Heavyweight Champion, there wasn't a single look of fear on Abyss' face as he made his way down to the ring with James Mitchell. The reaction for Abyss was loud and mixed, with lots of people cheering and chanting for him. Next out, sans Raven were the New Movement, all looking a lot different to how they looked just a couple weeks ago. The three men climbed into the ring, and were all weary of going for Abyss alone, instead going with the numbers game and attacking him three on one. The match itself was very mismatched, with the New Movement having to throw nothing but high flying moves on Abyss to take him down, but it was Abyss who managed to keep the advantage throughout the match. There was only three moments when Abyss was actually knocked onto the floor, once by a great looking triple missile dropkick from The New Movement, which managed to get Abyss pinned for a two-count. But after a couple of minutes of this formula, the crowd were getting bored, and called for Abyss to really get going. Abyss got a Torture Rack on Devine, slamming him down with great ease, before focusing on Kazarian, who was met with a Big Boot, before being picked up for a choke toss out of the ring. Then there was no chance for Bentley, who was simply met with a Black Hole Slam and quick pin for the win.

Result: Abyss d. The New Movement w/ a Black Hole Slam [5:27] [C+]

Following the match, the leader of the New Movement; Raven finally made his presence known by walking down to the ring in his white suit, black face mask combo. Raven scowled his three droogs, even going as far to headbutt Bentley for taking the pin, knocking him to the floor. Raven then climbed into the ring and congratulated Abyss on taking out all three of his men. But Raven said that wasn't it, and instead wanted to take on Abyss himself; right here, right now. No title involved, Raven just wanted to show the New Movement how to dismantle a monster like Abyss. Mitchell tries to tell Abyss to not take the challenge, and instead leave because a man like Raven gets off on pain, but Abyss doesn't listen and goes straight in for the match.

Main Event

'The Monster' Abyss v Raven w/ The New Movement

Although it didn't break the ten minute mark, the match was easily one of the best free TV matches TNA had had in a long time, with both Abyss and Raven pulling out all the stops to show why you don't need weapons to pull out a hardcore spectacle. The two brawled in the ring, before inevitably leaving the ring and brawling outside the ring, with Abyss smashing Raven's head against a steel ring-post, opening up a cut on his forehead. As Raven stood groggy, Abyss stepped back and charged towards him, going for a splash against the metal, but Raven dropped down just in time sending Abyss into cold steel. Raven then followed up with a nasty low-blow, before rolling Abyss into the ring. Raven stomped on Abyss until the Monster was back to his feet, and the two continued to brawl; Raven in particular opened up a cut on Abyss head with some headbutts and jabs. The two men continued their tirade until Raven was able to gain enough momentum to hit the Evenflow DDT. Raven climbed out of the ring and pulled a table from underneath the ring, before setting it up against the side of the ring and the railing. Abyss got to his feet, and swept Raven off the ring apron with a clothesline, before grabbing for his bag of tacks, which he emptied on the table suspended across the ring and railing. Abyss then pulled Raven up by his throat and went for a double handed chokeslam through the tacked up table, but was stopped by the three members of the New Movement, attacking him from behind. Abyss dropped Raven down the floor before cleaning house of the New Movement, but then; the lights went down...

Result: Abyss v Raven went to a No Contest [9:51] [A]

...the crowd went berserk as the lights returned, and in the ring, pointing his baseball bat at Abyss was the former NWA World Heavyweight Champion; Sting!!! Sting looked pissed off as Abyss slid into the ring and went to attack the Stinger, but was stopped in his tracks by Sting swinging his baseball bat. It was in fact Raven who got the upper hand, as he swung Sting round, kicked him in the gut and hit a Evenflow DDT in the centre of the ring, as Abyss and James Mitchell made their way out from the Impact Zone. Impact went off the air with Raven pointing out towards Abyss as Sting laid stunned on the floor.

Short Results:

• Taped for Xplosion: Senshi d. Jerelle Clark [2.34] [C]

• Rhino d. Elix Skipper [0:44] [C+]
• Petey Williams d. Homicide [6:15] [C+]
• AJ Styles & Christopher Daniels d. The Naturals [6:58] [b ]
• Abyss d. Johnny Devine, Kazarian & Matt Bentley [5:27] [C+]
• Raven v. Abyss ended in a No Contest [9.51] [A]

[probablyoliver]

The Briscoe Brothers Set To Debut; This Week on "iMPACT!" on SpikeTV!

Jay and Mark Briscoe, the Briscoe Brothers are one of the most successful independent tag teams in the last ten years, and at just 21 and 20 years of age respectively, they've done it all in a very short time. They've captured tag titles in Ring of Honor, Combat Zone Wrestling, Full Impact Pro and have competed up and down the country, from California to Philadelphia, and now they're coming to TNA Wrestling.

How does it feel being a part of TNA?

JAY: "We grew up watching wrestling, and it's always been a huge dream to compete on national television; so to compete for a company like TNA is huge for the both of us, and we can't wait to compete against the best in the world."

MARK: "I remember watching Sting, Jeff Jarrett and Raven in WCW when I was just a teen, and I remember falling in love with the sport, so to be here, wrestling in the same ring and chilling out in the same locker room with such legends is hard to believe. To me, we're still these two kids from up North jumping on the beds and play wrestling. It's crazy to think we're actually getting national exposure."

JAY: "And it's not only the legends we'll be with, but to be with some of the biggest names of today and tomorrow; the Kurt Angle's and Christian Cage's of this world. To me, they're bigger names than Tom Cruise or Johnny Depp. I'm gonna have a hard time playing it cool and not rushing to ask for their autographs!"

Who are your favourite tag teams?

JAY: "Right now? Right now it's all about America's Most Wanted; pure and simple they are the team to beat here in TNA. I've studied them since TNA started back in '02, because they're that damn good."

MARK: "LAX. Without a doubt."

JAY: "Really?"

MARK: "Hell yeah, I'm gonna have a damn good time beating them in the ring!"

How are you preparing for your TNA debut?

JAY: "There's so much diversity in the TNA Tag Team ranks right now, so it's pretty tough to prepare for it. I mean, we've not been told our opponents yet, so for all we know we could be up against some of the most experienced teams around, BG and Kip James or Team 3D will be hard to prepare for especially. How do you prepare for a team that's been together ten years plus?"

MARK: "Yeah, and that's not even going into the guys in the X-Division. With the James' or 3D's of this world you just have to hope you're faster than them; they're slowing down, and although they've got the experience edge, we've got youth on our side. It's guys like Jay Lethal, Sonjay Dutt and The Naturals I'm worried about, how do you out-manoeuvre someone 20lbs lighter than you?"

JAY: "When it comes down to it, you've just gotta be prepared for all comers, and we are. We could be stuck in front of no-nonsense brawlers like LAX, and we'd put up a great fight. We could be thrown against the experience edge of Team 3D, and we wouldn't back down. Hell, you could throw us up against Samoa Joe and Kurt Angle, and we'd still come ready."

Both of you have wrestled against many of TNA's current stars across the country? Who's got what it takes to be a main eventer in five years time?"

MARK: "Alex Shelley, no doubt about it. He's one of the best wrestlers pound for pound, and he speaks a good game too. He looks pretty small stood next to Kevin Nash, but inside; the guy's larger than life."

JAY: "I'm on the other side of Paparazzi; I'm gonna say Austin Starr. There is no other like him in the ring, he's faster than anyone I've ever seen, his mat game is perfection and he's got one of the hardest punches I've ever felt. I don't even give him five years, I give him one!"

Catch Jay and Mark in action this Thursday, 9:00pm Central on iMPACT!, only on SpikeTV!

-

Monday, Week 2, December 2006

OFFICIAL PREVIEW FOR THURSDAY’S “iMPACT!” ON SPIKETV

#1 Contender named, huge tag team main event and much more

This Thursday night on “iMPACT!” on SpikeTV, the road to Turning Point continues.

ABYSS OPPONENT FOR TURNING POINT NAMED

Just four days after winning the title, Abyss was attacked by Raven and the New Movement in hopes of Raven regaining the NWA World Heavyweight Title, and the champion barely escaped in one piece! But Sting wanted a piece of the man who took his title too. This week, Jim Cornette addresses the situation and names the challenger for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship at Turning Point.

KURT ANGLE & CHRISTIAN CAGE VS. SAMOA JOE & RHINO

Last week, two challenges were made for Turning Point; Rhino made an open invitational and Kurt Angle answered, much to the anger of Samoa Joe who wanted a Genesis rematch. But instead, Joe was met with Christian Cage, who ridiculed him for losing his unbeaten streak. This week, Angle & Cage team up to take on their Turning Point opponents in an explosive main event!

JIM CORNETTE REVEALS THE SECOND TEAM AGAINST LAX

Although they were ordered to vacate their titles at 'Genesis', LAX were met with a different challenge by Jim Cornette; he would bring three different teams to Turning Point, and the titles would be taken from LAX fairly. After America's Most Wanted were revealed as the first team, Cornette has promised the second team will be even more notorious, but who will they be?

THE BRISCOES TO DEBUT

Independent tag team sensations; the Briscoe Brothers are one of the best teams in the United States today; and this week they make their impact in TNA on SpikeTV. Their opponents have not been named, but whoever they are, the Briscoes are going to be out to make a good first impression in TNA.

"WE'LL FIGHT FAIRLY; AND WE'LL FIGHT NOW!"

After declaring war on DX and Vincent Kennedy McMahon two weeks ago, the Voodoo Kin Mafia announced on last week's iMPACT! on SpikeTV that they would be fighting fairly, but fighting now. They gave DX until the end of the year to respond, or they'd be bringing the fight to them. What will the VKM have in store this week, and will they keep to their word?

All this and much more this Thursday night on “iMPACT!” on SpikeTV - don't miss the action on the road to Turning Point!

-

TNA News & Notes

www.GrappleFanatics.net

As mentioned on TNAwrestling.com, popular independent tag team, The Briscoe Brothers are set to debut this week on Impact, and management are said to be very high on the tag team. It has been reported that Christopher Daniels has praised the team for a few months, but the decision was made to not bring them in with the tag team division already being very diverse. However, it was Jeff Jarrett who made the pledge to Vince Russo to sign them when he saw their work at a recent Full Impact Pro event. Although their opponents have not been named as of yet, the interview on TNAwrestling.com hints at the possibility of Alex Shelley and Austin Starr, as well hinting at a possible feud with current tag team champions; LAX.

Senshi, aka Low-Ki is set to return to TNA within the next few weeks, after a short absence from Impact when he lost the X-Division Title a few weeks ago. He has been appearing on Xplosion recently, mostly in short matches against the lower-tier wrestlers of TNA, and it's been reported that management are still extremely optimistic that he could become a much bigger entity within the company. Although nothing has been confirmed, there is talk of having him join LAX, to bring a singles star into the group, which currently consists of Homicide, Hernandez and Konnan. There has also been talk of having him work a program with former Triple X team-mates; Christopher Daniels and Elix Skipper. However, to do this Skipper would have to regain some momentum, as he has practically became a whipping boy since the group disbanded.

The current plan for December PPV Turning Point is to have a triple threat main event for the NWA World Title, with Abyss taking on two former champions in Raven and Sting. The sudden main event push of Raven was said to be the idea of Vince Russo, who believes that Raven does have one more main event run left in him before he retires from the sport altogether. However, there has been some animosity over this decision backstage, as wrestlers believe that Raven should be helping to build younger talent than be in the main picture himself. Other matches set for the card are; AJ Styles v Christopher Daniels for the X-Division Title, Rhino v Kurt Angle and Samoa Joe v Christian Cage.

Jeff Jarrett, who has taken time off from TNA since losing the NWA World Title to Sting at Bound for Glory may not be returning to the ring for sometime. Jarrett has been working with Vince Russo booking Impact the last few weeks, and the two, who have been friends for years, are said to be making a great team. Jarrett took a backseat after poor crowd reactions to his main event status, and he recently stated in a radio interview that he enjoys working on the show just as much as he enjoys working in the shows. However, there have been ideas thrown about for possible programs for Jeff Jarrett, including a face turn and feud against AJ Styles. Whether or not the fans will accept a Jarrett face turn is another story altogether.

[probablyoliver]

TNA presents; iMPACT! on SpikeTV;

Thursday, Week 2, December 2006

Impact kicked off with Director of Authority; Jim Cornette standing in the centre of the ring. Cornette's usual ice cold expression was replaced with a smile, and he said he enjoyed watching LAX come closer and closer to losing the NWA Tag Team Titles and returning to obscurity. Cornette said they'd be out of a job before the end of the year; saying he was 'breathing a huge sigh of relief in regards to LAX's imminent departure from TNA!" Cornette requested LAX come down to the ring, so he can reveal to them their second batch of opponents for Turning Point; and sure enough, within time a pissed off looking Konnan lead the Tag Team Champions; Homicide and Hernandez down to the ring. Konnan said he hated Cornette's obvious racism, and was challenging to a strap match at Turning Point. Cornette said he didn't believe in fighting thugs. just making a mockery of them, and that was exactly why he chose to 'hire' the next team to take out LAX. Cornette brought out Team 3D; Brother Ray and Devon to a thunderous reaction from the crowd. The moment the tag team legends slid into the ring, LAX brought the fight to them, brawling with them, but Team 3D were able to get a quick advantage, throwing Homicide out of the ring and hitting a huge 3D on Hernandez. Team 3D then focused on Konnan, who tried his hardest to fight back, but was out-numbered and taken down with a Scoop Slam from Ray and a Whasssssup! Headbutt from Devon. The two members of Team 3D then raised Konnan to his knees as Cornette grabbed his infamous Tennis Racket and smashed it over the head of Konnan. Cornette finished off by announcing he would be drafting the third team next week by holding a tag team turmoil match!

The action cut backstage, with Christian Cage warming up for the Main Event. In walked Kurt Angle, and the two long time friends embraced and made their greetings. Christian made a belated welcome to TNA for Kurt, warning him about how vicious it could be without the restraints of ‘Up North!’. Kurt said he was ready for anything, but Christian didn’t look so sure. Cage started to ask about Kurt’s neck, saying that he ‘cared too much to see a friend get hurt’, but Angle quickly changed the subject to Christian’s workout regime, asking how Christian was preparing. Cage said he still had a chicken suit out back; and the room went silent. Christian broke the awkward silence, saying he had to leave to make a few calls, before leaving Angle looking confused in the dressing room.

Match One

'The Phenomenal' AJ Styles v Chris Sabin

Although he 'turned' last week, AJ still received a lot of crowd support as he came out of the iMPACT! zone and down the ramp. Chris Sabin also got a favourable reaction, as the two men squared up in the ring for an X-Division Showcase. The match was, as expected, extremely fast paced, with both men getting some great offence in. AJ heeled it up in the first couple of minutes, even going as far as to refuse to hit some of his signature top-rope spots that would have really had the crowd going. At one point, Sabin was knocked to the outside, and AJ set up for a No Hands Plancha, but just milliseconds away from diving out, AJ just rebounded off the ropes and taunted the fans; which garnered him his first true heel reaction in some time. In response, Sabin played super-face, and knocked AJ down mid-taunt with a Springboard Dropkick. Sabin scored some near falls, and it looked like he was going to win when he pulled AJ up for the Futueshock, but Styles managed to squirm to the floor, spin Sabin round, rake his eyes and hit a Styles Clash centre of the ring for the pinfall. A short match, that could have gone longer had there not been TV time restraints, but it was still a nice match to set the action off nonetheless.

Result: AJ Styles d. Chris Sabin w/ s Styles Clash[6:04] [b ]

As AJ Styles celebrated his cheap victory, former tag team partner, current advisory and X-Division Champion; 'Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels sprinted down to the ring to confront Styles to elicit crowd response. But Styles was having none of it, and the moment he spotted Daniels he was out of the ring and up the other side of the Impact Zone. Daniels wasted no time in chasing up the ramp after Styles, running from the arena just as quick as he had run into it.

A short video package aired next, with Kevin Nash standing by with Paparazzi Productions; Austin Starr and Alex Shelley. Nash announced that they were going to be the one's to face the Briscoe Brothers tonight in their debut. Nash asked Starr and Shelley what he thought of the two, saying he was meant to be seeing them wrestle a few weeks back, but his "leg was playing up pretty bad". Shelley said they were good, but that Paparazzi were better. Starr chipped in, saying the exact same thing to the confusion of Nash. Nash asked how much they weigh; to which Starr responded with "about... something like... nineteen, perhaps?", once again to a lot of confusion from Nash and Shelley. Shelley asked if Starr had been hit on the head recently, to which Starr replied with "yeah, that Jay guy pinned me like 10 minutes ago." Shelley and Nash still look dumbfounded, with Shelley asking if Starr could see into the future; Starr shook his head, and began his sentence "nah, we're just tapping this afte...", but Nash cut him off, diving for the camera and shouting "kayfabe; keep the kayfa...!". End transmission!

Match Two

Paparazzi Production w/ Kevin Nash v The Briscoe Brothers

The Paparazzi came out to a mixed reaction from the crowd; there was no real solid reaction for them; some booed and some cheers. The Briscoes, on the other hand, seemed to get a fairly positive reaction, if any reaction at all. There were a few ROH fans chanting for them in the audience, but other than that, there was only a few standard cheers for them. Despite this, they got the crowd rallied behind them throughout the match, and if it wasn't for a blown spot mid-match that saw Mark Briscoe almost concussed by a missed Tope, the crowd would have been on their feet. The match itself was pretty good, although it could have been better if longer. The Briscoes took control early in the match, and seemed to run rings around Starr until Shelley was tagged in and managed to even the score with some beautiful chain wrestling with Jay Briscoe. The match was ended abruptly after the botched spot, with Jay quickly hitting a Jay Driller on Austin Starr to pick up the successful debut victory.

Result: The Briscoes d. Paparazzi Production w/ an assisted Jay Driller [6:55] [C+]

After a short commercial break we join NWA World Heavyweight Champion 'The Monster' Abyss in the ring with his manager 'Father' James Mitchell. Mitchell said that what happened last week proved how strong Abyss was; defeating three men in five minutes and still being able to fight Raven one-on-one. Abyss said Raven was scared of Abyss, and that was the only reason the New Movement were with him. Mitchell said he wanted to see Raven bleed, and so wanted Abyss to fight him at Turning Point; and not Sting. This prompted Raven to come out from the Impact Zone and down to face Mitchell and Abyss. Raven said he'd sacrificed everything to win the NWA World Title last year at Slammiversary, and said he'd have no trouble sacrificing everything again to get the title once more. Raven accepted Mitchell's challenge, but was cut off when the lights went down momentarily, only to return with an eerie red glow and a 'howl' coming through the PA. After some initial confusion Sting appeared on the Impact Zone ramp. Mitchell applauded, saying he knew Sting would embrace the darkness sooner or later and accept that his fate laid with the devil, and not with the Gods. Sting climbed into the ring and squared up to Abyss and then to Raven. Sting asked for his rematch to be taken at Turning Point in a No-DQ match, because he craved blood, and wanted to be in no fear of losing like he did at Genesis. Mitchell accepted straight away, saying that Raven was nothing but a pawn to lure Sting out. Mitchell said that Raven was nothing more than a shell of the psychopath that made him what he was today. Mitchell stepped up to Raven and slapped him hard across the face, knocking him down to one knee. Mitchell said that looking at him now made him feel ashamed for once believing he was once a worthy man. This prompted Director of Authority Jim Cornette out into the Impact Zone. Cornette said that Raven had proved he was worthy last week, and that Mitchell's manipulating games had to stop; and they would at Turning Point as we'd see a Triple Threat, No-Disqualification match; Abyss v Raven v Sting. Mitchell looked pissed at this, but had no chance to respond when The New Movement; Kazarian, Bentley and Devine sneak attacked from the other side, beating Abyss down with Kendo Sticks before each spewing mist over Sting. As Abyss and Sting laid beaten on the floor, the New Movement grabbed Mitchell, and pulled him towards Raven. Raven said he was disappointed that Mitchell didn't see that coming, before hitting him with a vicious headbutt that made both men recoil and even bleed. Raven said he'd take the NWA Title at Turning Point, and that 'Phase 2' of his plan would be complete...

We cut backstage, where we just see AJ Styles shoot past, knocking over some boxes in the backstage area in quick haste. A few seconds later, X-Division Champion Christopher Daniels runs into the scene, slightly out of breathe and looking around. Daniels looks pissed off, and asks a couple of near-by backstage hands where AJ went. They both seem to be slightly clueless, obviously seeing AJ, but not seeing where he went. Without a full answer, Daniels just looked more angered, kicking his foot into a few of the knocked off boxes with a loud "Dammit!", as the scene cuts back to the Impact Zone.

Match Three

Robert Roode w/ Miss Brooks v Lance Hoyt

Roode seemed to be playing a Bond Villian-esque gimmick as he came down to the ring. He wasn't dressed for wrestling, but in a tuxedo. His beard had been trimmed down and his hair was tied back, all in all he looked suave, especially with the stunning Brooks on his arm. It seemed as though Hoyt was only getting cheered by the few 'Hoytamaniacs' in the crowd; which had cut down considerably since his push had ended in 2005. The match itself was short, with Roode controlling the whole match, with Hoyt getting minimal offence with a couple of chops and jabs. Roode looked pretty good, and seemed to be in control, but Hoyt seemed lazy, which dragged the match down. After a few short clotheslines and a Pumphandle Slam, Roode put the match to an end with a nice looking Spiral Powerbomb.

Result: Robert Roode d. Lance Hoyt w/ a Spiral Bomb [3:34] [C+]

Post match, and Robert Roode was celebrating, he called for Miss Brooks to get something from his blazer pocket, and she produced a huge cigar. She dropped to one knee and placed it in the mouth of Roode, before flicking out a lighter from seemingly nowhere. She lit the cigar and Roode took one puff before speaking out to the audience. He said that he had his first taste of glory with the 'Fight for your Right' tournament, and said that although he didn't win, he felt he knew what it was like to be a future world champion; and that's exactly what he was. Roode said he may not be the #1 contender yet, but he will be coming for whoever holds the title, and will go through anyone to win it. Roode announced an open challenge at Turning Point, saying he'd make his full Pay-Per-View debut in spectacular fashion. Roode took another puff from the cigar before the show went to commercial.

Main Event

'The War Machine' Rhino & 'The Samoan Submission Machine' Samoa Joe v 'Captain Charisma' Christian Cage & Kurt Angle

The crowd were hot for the main event, and everyone in it. First out was Rhino; who got a surprisingly huge reaction. Joe got an equally nice pop for his entrance. The two seemed tense teaming with each other, and didn't really show much support for each other pre-match. Christian Cage got a pretty good heel reaction, but there was still some obvious support for the former NWA World Champion. Kurt, on the other hand, got a huge face welcome, which was a shame considering he had been heeling it up since Genesis. The match was, in all aspects of the word; amazing, and the crowd went insane every time Kurt and Joe came into any sort of contact. Christian and Joe got some nice chain wrestling going, setting up their match at Turning Point, and Joe managed to whip out some of his beautifully violent kicks and chops. Angle and Rhino also got some nice wrestling going, but Angle was just too agile for Rhino, as he kept getting the upperhand on the mat. The match spilled to the outside, with Christian slamming Rhino's head against the steel steps, before being taken down by Joe with a thru-the-ropes dive. A nice little spot followed, with Joe being thrown back into the ring, and Angle locking in the Anklelock, only to be taken out by a huge Gore! from Rhino. Christian and Rhino continued to brawl, and a chair even managed to make it's way into the ring, which Cage was soon Snap Suplexed onto! The action switched to Joe and Angle, with Joe going for a Muscle Buster, but Angle's agility shone thru again, and he slipped out and hit a beautiful German Suplex on Joe for a very near two count. Rhino and Kurt began to brawl out of the ring as Cage and Joe got to their feet and began brawling inside the ring. Cage went for an Unprettier, but Joe reversed it and locked in the Coquina Clutch on Christian, which saw him almost pass out, if it hadn't been for a very close save from Angle. Joe and Angle began to brawl, but Rhino dived into the ring and called for a Gore! on Angle, but the Olympic Gold Medallist managed to move just in time, and Rhino hit Joe instead. Kurt quickly took advantage, and hit an Olympic Slam on Rhino before locking in the Anklelock once more. Rhino could do nothing but tap, and the match was over...

Result: Christian Cage & Kurt Angle d. Samoa Joe & Rhino w/ a Unprettier on Rhino [11:40] [A*]

...but the action wasn't, as the four men continued to brawl; this time with weapons getting involved. Christian Cage set up a table outside of the ring, but was taken out by Samoa Joe with a few viscious kicks. This set up for Rhino and Kurt Angle brawling onto the table. Rhino managed to hit a few nasty jabs, making Angle groggy; allowing him to pull him up for a vicious RhinoDriver thru the wood. The crowd went berserk as Angle's already fragile neck met wood in one of the most violent displays in TNA history. The crowd looked on in shock, as did Mike Tenay and Don West. Even Cage and Joe looked gob smacked. Impact went off air with a close up Angle, who looked almost dead!

Short Results

• Taped for Xplosion: The Naturals d. Sonjay Dutt & Jay Lethal [4:41] [C]
• Taped for Xplosion: Senshi d. Cassidy Riley [2:34] [C]
• AJ Styles d. Chris Sabin [6:04] [b ]
• The Briscoes d. Paparazzi Productions [6:55] [C+]
• Robert Roode d. Lance Hoyt [3:34][C+]
• Christian Cage & Kurt Angle d. Samoa Joe & Rhino [11:40][A*]

Edited November 29, 2006 by O!

[probablyoliver]

Monday, Week 3, December 2006

OFFICIAL PREVIEW FOR THURSDAY’S “iMPACT!” ON SPIKETV

Tag Team Turmoil, Handicap Main Event and much more!

This Thursday night on “iMPACT!” on SpikeTV, the road to Turning Point continues.

LETHAL LOTTERY MAIN EVENT

Last week, Abyss and Sting were brutally attacked by Raven's New Movement Group. Now, this week in Handicap Action; the three members of the New Movement; Kazarian, Bentley and Devine take on the hostile team of NWA World Champion Abyss and former champion Sting. Will the two Turning Point opponents co-exist peacefully and defeat the New Movement, or will alliance beat experience?

TAG TEAM TURMOIL DECIDES LAX OPPONENTS

Jim Cornette announced last week on iMPACT! on SpikeTV that the third and final team to face LAX at Turning Point would be decided with a Tag Team Turmoil match. Four teams have entered, but only one team will go on to take on LAX alongside America's Most Wanted and Team 3D. Who will be in it, and more importantly; who's going to win the NWA World Tag Team Title shot?

KURT ANGLE; LIVE VIDEO FEED

After a brutal attack from Rhino, which saw the Olympic Hero get put through a table with a vicious Piledriver from the War Machine. This week Angle will appear by live video feed from his home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to reveal his current health status. The one question everyone's asking is; will Angle be ready for Turning Point? Only Angle can answer on iMPACT! on SpikeTV!

AJ STYLES AND CHRISTOPHER DANIELS WARM-UP MATCHES

Both AJ and Daniels have been synonymous with the X-Division since TNA opened in 2002, and the two have fought each other over the TNA X Division Title belt many times before; this week, both men prepare for their match at Turning Point with warm-up matches. Will both enter Turning Point strong, or will we see who has the advantage?

All this and much more this Thursday night on “iMPACT!” on SpikeTV - don't miss the last stop on the road to Turning Point!

TNA News & Notes

www.GrappleFanatics.net

Vince Russo has released an official statement of apology on TNAwrestling.com, after he arrived late at the Impact Tapings last week. Russo was working a 1PW show in the UK over the weekend, and was not able to return to Orlando in time for Monday's show after his return flight was delayed by three hours. Backstage at Impact was said to be hectic, with many wrestlers not knowing where or when they would be working on the show. The booking was instead taken into the hands of Jeff Jarrett and Shane Douglas. Despite the anarchy backstage, many have considered this week's Impact to be one of the best Impact's in a long time, with a PPV-quality main event, and some great segments between Raven, Abyss and Sting.

There was also some trouble at the Impact tapings with the Voodoo Kin Mafia (BG James and Kip James). It has been reported that both Kip and BG demanded more money for their current position (their deal, like many of the veteran wrestlers in TNA, is a spot on the card each week, with only real wrestling commitments taking place at Pay-Per-Views). This came out of the blue as they were seen as very respected workers, who were often wanting to put over the younger talent, rather than being in the spotlight. They did not appear live on Impact, and it's debatable whether or not they will appear in a taped segment, as Jeff Jarrett and Vince Russo are reportedly very annoyed at their recent behaviour. Their current gimmick, in which they are fighting a 'war' against the WWE and D-Generation-X was met with great support from the live crowd, but great animosity backstage and with home audiences. There is a possibility the angle will be dropped altogether, and both Kip and BG could be cut from their contracts.

The angle that closed this week's Impact, which saw Rhino put Kurt Angle through a table was reportedly Kurt's idea. A lot of internet sites were pointing blame at Russo for the angle, saying that with Angle's condition, it should have never even been thought of; but Angle said in an online radio show yesterday that he wanted to do it, and that even Russo and Jarrett were weary of him doing it on Impact. This has just gone to show how much of a company man Angle is, and it's garnered him a lot of respect both backstage at Impact and with the fans, despite it being an extremely risky move. Angle said his reasons for suggesting it was to make Rhino look like a maniac for their match at Turning Point. Angle also commented on Samoa Joe in the interview, saying he was really looking forward to fighting him again down the line; saying he didn't realise how good Joe really was until he stepped in the ring with him.

Former NWA World Champion; Ron "The Truth" Killings has reportedly left TNA for a WWE development contract, where he is set to start working in OVW. Killings has been floating in midcard obscurity since 3LK broke up in Summer 2005. Although he was well liked by both the wrestlers and management, Killings is seen as no great loss from the TNA locker-rooms, as there was no real plans for him to be pushed in the near future, and had even not been present to some tapings due to not having a position.

There is talk of replacing Hernandez with Senshi in LAX, after a few weak performances in recent tapings. LAX has already gone through Apollo and Ricky "Machete" Vega in LAX as partners to Homicide, and Hernandez was considered the best of the three. Adding Senshi to the group has been discussed a few times before, but usually it was just a case of adding him as a solos star, however, the current plan is to instead add Senshi as Homicide's partner, and have Hernandez as the muscle behind them, as well as being an occasional solo's star.

The Jim Cornette v Konnan Strap Match challenge that Konnan issued on Impact is still being taken into consideration. The idea would be to have it as a back-drop to the Tag Team Match, with Konnan picking up an easy victory to continue the feud with Cornette. The plan is to have LAX drop the titles at Turning Point but stick around and continue to feud with Cornette, so having him be beat by Konnan in quick time at Turning Point could help carry the feud into 2007.

[EMS]

I never usual like reading TNA Diarys, but this is very good!

[TGC]

EMS, don't postwhore again.

As for my thoughts:

-LOVED the line by Christian about his yard or garden or whatever because he didn't know what was and what wasn't copyrighted anymore. Sheer brilliance. I didn't so much like the chicken suit line though, and I'm not sure why.

-LAX going into the gauntlet type match at Turning Point is a good idea, but potentially giving away the results of the match in the news thing isn't a great plan in my eyes.

-So Team 3D return, and the fact that The Naturals put them through a table the week before Genesis is forgotten? Bad form. I hope The Naturals are the third team to face LAX, or at least interfere and cause Team 3D to lose.

-Speaking of The Naturals, The Franchise hasn't berated them since they stood up for themselves and bloodied his mouth. They are all acting more like a chohesive unit, and he finally respects them. Just saying, since he berated them for not being over enough.

-Sabin just turned heel at Genesis, and now he's playing face in favor of AJ's heel turn? I'd rather see the Sabin heel turn continue as he faces off with say Lethal and Sonjay. Just please don't ignore the heel turn.

-I hope VKM aren't gone. It might be a shit idea, but it is getting over. At the very least they could lose to some up and coming new team who challenged them based on the idea that this is TNA, and they don't like not getting TV time in favor of a war of words by VKM that will never result in anything.

-Your Paparazzi Productions thing was funny as all hell. I laughed out loud. Very nice.

-Good to see The Briscoes. Tag Team Champion within four months, mark my words.

-I like Hernandez, and while seeing Senshi join LAX is cool, having him pretty much replace Hernandez is not.

-Raven/Sting/Abyss could be great. I know it would rock on the mic, but the wrestling could be good too. Hope it is.

-Angle/Rhino and Christian/Joe has been stupendous thus far. I look forward to both matches at Turning Point.

-So Robert Roode tweaked his gimmick and his issues with Traci cane to an end? After he lost to EY at Genesis? Oooookay.

All in all, I like it a lot. You seem to have some continuity gaffs, but nothing too terrible. Overall Grade B

[probablyoliver]

yeah, the continuity gaffs are entirely my fault, because I've not been up to date with TNA for a long time, this diary really was spur of the moment after reading Genesis results and me thinking 'oooh, i reckon i'd like a go', so my bad on that; i'll be working to fix them things for sure.

The Hernandez thing is entirely through TEW telling me he's not good enough; so instead of dragging down Homicide as well, I thought I'd switch my original plans with Senshi as the solos star and move it onto Hernandez. But then saying that; i've still not entirely decided which way to go with it all; so it could go either way.

VKM aren't gone, they just both turned up late to the same show, along with Russo; so I thought I'd play up the curveball TEW threw me and suspend them.

Cheers for the comments tho TGC, I do appreciate it, and hope I can bump up my grade somewhere in the future.

As for now; I'm just booking Impact Week 3, and starting to write it. I am on fire!

[probablyoliver]

TNA presents; iMPACT! on SpikeTV;

Thursday, Week 3, December 2006

Impact starts off backstage, with NWA World Heavyweight Champion; 'The Monster' Abyss being led by 'Father' James Mitchell down a long, narrow hallway. As the two turn a corner, they run into Sting and the crowd go berserk. Abyss and Sting go nose to nose for a moment before Sting turns to Mitchell. Sting says that tonight he'll put personal feelings aside and do his best to get rid of the New Movement. Mitchell laughs it off, saying that now that Sting is shrouded in darkness, he won't be able to stop any personal feelings. But Mitchell continues, and says that when the tension snaps and Sting does fall into darkness tonight, Abyss will be prepared, and the Monster will snap Sting's frail old body like a twig. Sting looks pissed off, but Mitchell shrugs it off and continues, telling Sting that until that happens, they're on the same wavelength. Mitchell says that Sting is deteriorating without the NWA World Title strapped around his waist, and he'll do anything to get it back; and that is his downfall; he'll lose all focus and will be beat this Sunday at Turning Point. But Mitchell repeats himself word-for-word; "until that happens, we're on the same wavelength". Mitchell laughs and leads Abyss off, leaving Sting looking pissed.

Match One

'The Phenomenal' AJ Styles v Cassidy Riley

AJ still got a pretty good reaction coming out of the Impact Zone; which was a shame, seeing as his heel antics seem to be working for him. Cassidy Riley, on the other hand, got no reaction whatsoever, which was to be expected. AJ made light work of Riley, and was in control throughout the match, with Cassidy getting seemingly no offence in whatsoever. By the one minute mark; AJ was just toying with Cassidy; he hit some nice kicks and flips, but didn't pin him, which he could have done at any point. AJ put Riley down with a Pelé Kick, and pinned; getting a two count before raising his shoulders off the mat; and the crowd (unfortunately) ate it all up. The end came a few seconds later when AJ hit a simple Styles Clash and pinned for the three count.

Result: AJ Styles d. Cassidy Riley w/ s Styles Clash [1:40] [C+]

Backstage and Samoa Joe is standing by with Terry Taylor. Joe plays his usual intense self, saying that Christian Cage did a stupid thing by putting his unbeaten streak up against Joe, because the one and only time Joe's been cleanly beaten in the last 18 months in TNA, he was against "the better man". This time he's against a "joke of a wrestler, a spineless coward and a weasel". Joe says he'll make Cage pass out, and then he'll personally sit their and wait for him to come to, just so he can do it again. Joe's "on a pilgrimage" to the NWA World Championship, and Christian is nothing but a bump in the road to it and he has no chance of stopping Joe's "freight train". Joe says he's had a lot of worthy opponents in TNA before, but Christian will not be one of them. Joe says as soon as he's done with Cage, he's going to earn back his stripes and beat Angle at Final Resolution.

After a short Commercial break we're backstage with Konnan and the NWA World Tag Team Champions; LAX; Homicide y Hernandez. Konnan says he doesn't care that LAX are fighting three teams at Turning Point, saying that of the two teams already announced, the LAX have already destroyed one, and the other were past it long ago. Konnan said he still had the Strap Match challenge open; and he wanted Cornette to take it sooner rather than later; because the longer he waited the more pumped Konnan would get. Konnan said it didn't matter who was fighting tonight in the Tag Team Turmoil, whoever won would be destroyed at Turning Point anyway. Konnan said Cornette was making a big mistake booking this match, because it'd just make the three teams look like 'jobbers' when they laid down for LAX. Homicide yelled something in Spanish as the transmission ended.

Match Two

Christopher Daniels v Petey Williams

It was clear X-Division Champion; 'Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels had other things on his mind as he made his entrance only to see his Turning Point challenger; AJ Styles sitting at the Commentary desk, so it was no surprise that his non-title challenge for the night; Petey Williams got the upperhand straight away in the match; rolling up Daniels for a quick two count. The two wrestled back and forth, and gave the fans plenty of hits and near misses to get into the match in the first couple of minutes. The first true near fall came when Daniels hit a beautiful BME off the top rope onto Petey which got a very close two-count. The two continued to wrestle like this; getting some chain wrestling going, before someone got the upperhand and a near fall to go with it. There was a nice spot with Daniels going for the Last Rites, but Petey spun out of it, rolled around Daniels and rolled him up for a quick one count which was met with a dropkick from Daniels to the seated Williams. The end came when Daniels hit the Angel's Wings, but got distracted by AJ who had jumped up on the apron. The two argued and AJ slapped Daniels hard round the face, giving Petey enough time to recover, spin Daniels round and hit the AmeriCanadian Destroyer for the three count victory in a good, but not great non-title match.

Result: Petey Williams d. Christopher Daniels w/ a AmeriCanadian Destroyer [6:01] [b ]

As Christopher Daniels looked on in disbelief at losing his Turning Point warm-up match, his Turning Point opponent; 'The Phenomenal One" AJ Styles laughed from the ramp. Daniels got up to his feet and called AJ down, calling him a 'coward' and a 'bastard'. AJ complied and swaggered back down the ramp and into the ring, going nose-to-nose with Daniels. This stance didn't last long though, and the two started a pushing war. Soon that broke down and they started to trade punches with neither getting the upperhand for a few seconds until AJ ducked a jab and hit a nice Roundhouse Kick on Daniels. The two continued to brawl on the mat, which ended up with both men rolling out of the ring and continuing the fight. Daniels got the upperhand, and managed to slam AJ into the ring steps, before throwing him into and over the crowd barrier. Daniels climbed over himself, and the two X-Division stars continued to brawl in the crowd, much to the delight of those in attendance. The two fought out of the crowd and into backstage, ending up in the backstage area. They brawled, using the items lying round at their disposal, which included sending AJ into a mass of steel pipes. Daniels picked AJ straight back up and the continued with their trading of blows, ending when AJ threw Daniels straight through a plate glass window, knocking him clean out. AJ taunted Daniels, saying he was going to take the X-Division Gold on Sunday at Turning Point, no matter what Daniels did about it. AJ then spat on the champion and left post-haste through the parking lot.

Following the huge brawl, former NWA World Heavyweight Champion; Christian Cage was interviewed regarding his match with Samoa Joe at Turning Point. Cage said he was prepared for Joe, and had studied his fighting style at freak shows and in backyards. Christian said Joe was nothing to fear, rather just a few too many Hershey’s and a mix up with the Slim Fast plan. Cage said the only thing he feared about fighting Joe was that his Insurance Policy didn't cover getting sat on by Psuedo-Sumos. After a couple of jokes, Christian went all serious, saying he did have an Insurance Policy lined up for Turning Point, and that Joe wouldn't know what hit him. Christian said he'd beaten every wrestler Joe had and more. Cage said he'd been a different man over the last few months, and that Joe couldn't comprehend just how much fight Cage had in him. Christian said he feasts on competition and winning, and that's why he'd never lost, he then chimed in saying that Joe lost because he just feasts on Subway and Ice Cream. Christian finished by saying he'd see Joe at Turning Point, and then he'd see Joe getting his ass kicked, and then finally he'd see Joe getting his shoulders pinned down to the mat - 1. 2. 3.

Match Three

The Naturals v The Briscoes v Dutt & Lethal v Paparazzi Productions

After a break; Impact came back with all four teams in the ring ready to compete, with Jeremy Borash running down the rules. It'd be an elimination bout, with the teams drawing numbers to determine who went first. The Naturals and Dutt & Lethal were up first, and they had a nice little bout going; some nice reversals early on from both teams, with Lethal looking like a future main eventer and really getting the crowds attention with some nice moonsaults and a couple of brutal kicks to Andy Douglas. The end came pretty quickly, with Dutt and Lethal hitting simultaneous Superplexs from opposite sides of the ring, and getting the double pin at [3.45]. As the Naturals were eliminated and making their way up the ramp, Austin Starr stood on the ring apron and laughed at them, mocking them for losing. This distraction allowed Jay Lethal to grab him from behind and hit his signature Release Dragon Suplex, sending him into the ring and into a Hindu Press from Sonjay Dutt, for a very quick surprise victory at [3.53]. This left only two teams left, the Briscoes and Dutt & Lethal. The two teams of independent superstars started off really quickly, with Lethal and Dutt retaining the momentum they had had throughout the bout, but it wasn't for long, as Jay and Mark hit simultaneous Plancha's out of the ring and into Lethal & Dutt. From there it all went down hill for Lethal & Dutt, who were met with lots of nice submissions and double team combinations from the Briscoes. The match ended with a Brainbuster / Diving Cross Bady Splash combo from the two brothers, giving them the victory just shy of ten minutes.

Result: The Briscoes won Tag Team Turmoil! [9:58] [C+]

As the Briscoes, Mark Briscoe and Jay Briscoe stood in the ring celebrating another successful night in TNA; they were ambushed by the NWA World Tag Team Champions; Homicide and Hernandez; the LAX. The warn-down Briscoes were no match for the fresh LAX; who made light work of them, tossing each Briscoe about like they were nothing. But as Homicide hit a Gringo Killah on Jay; the Briscoes got some help from America's Most Wanted; 'Wildcat' Chris Harris and 'Cowboy' James Storm. The former champs chased LAX out of the ring, and Homicide and Hernandez decided enough was enough and started to walk up the other side of the Impact Zone ramp. But it was no good as they were ambushed again; this time by Team 3D; Brother Ray and Devon who attacked with great force. This allowed AMW to join in the beatdown, and take down both member of LAX - 4-On-1. Hernandez was made light work of with a Death Sentence from AMW, as Homicide was hit with a Reverse 3D from Brother Ray & Devon. This led to Ray pushing his 'brother' and screaming his name, resulting in the entire crowd erupting with "GET THE TABLES!!!". Devon followed orders exactly, and laid a table out centre of the ring. Homicide was lined up aaaand... 3D - right thru the table. AMW and Team 3D celebrated together, along with the now risen Briscoes; as the LAX got their first full taste of Turning Point.

Following a commercial break, Mike Tenay announced it was time to join Olympic Gold Medallist Kurt Angle with his live press conference regarding this Sunday's Turning Point. Angle appeared on screen, sitting in a large armchair with a neck brace around his neck. Angle thanked TNA, Mike Tenay and the fans for the support he had received since last Thursday’s attack from Rhino, but said it wasn't enough; because an e-mail saying "U ROK ANKLE!" won't make him any better, it won't help him kiss his daughter's forehead before she sleeps and it won't help him get better in time to kick Rhino's ass Sunday at Turning Point. Angle said the fans were idiots, and that he hated their phoney support, because it didn't help him get anywhere; it didn't help him win the Olympics, it didn't help him taste his first Pro Wrestling Gold in 2000 and it didn't help him when he tried to bring a "second rate company out of the mud", and he wasn't talking about WWE. For the first time in Angle's TNA tenure, the crowd booed him, and even started the infamous "You Suck!" chant. Angle said he'd be at Turning Point, and he'd wrestle Rhino; not for the fans, but to put Rhino thru the same pain Rhino had put him thru in the last week. Angle said that if he hadn't signed a gridlock contract with TNA, he'd have already left; because he was above the likes of Sting, Samoa Joe and AJ Styles. Angle said he misses true competition and excitement, because TNA wouldn't know competition if it stepped right up and smacked them in the face. Angle said if he was there tonight he'd take the time to line up every fan, wrestler and road agent in TNA and personally spit on them, because it was a mockery of a company. Angle signed off with by flipping the birdie to the camera and ending transmission, as the entire Impact Zone erupted with boos!

Main Event

'The Monster' Abyss & Sting v The New Movement

The New Movement once again came out sans Raven, and it put both Sting and Abyss on edge, who although came out separate, got some pretty favourable cheers. Even Abyss got a pretty good reception coming out thru the Impact Zone. The match itself was pretty much a five minute squash, with the New Movement getting minimal offence in, in favour of giving the fans a reason to mark out with constant Sting and Abyss being on the constant offence. Sting hit Stinger Splashes on all three members of the New Movement, setting up for Abyss to mimic and hit his running Splash into the Turnbuckle on all three men. The two then shared some alliance, hitting a simultaneous Black Hole Slam / Scorpion Death Drop on Bentley and Kazarian respectively, before hitting a Double Chokeslam on Devine. The two then looked like they were going to clash themselves, having a short stare-down before returning to their opponents. Abyss threw Bentley and Devine from the ring as Sting locked in the Scorpion Deathlock, and the New Movement member had no choice but to tap out!

Result: Abyss & Sting d. The New Movement w/ a Scorpion Deathlock [6:34] [b ]

Following the match; Sting and Abyss stood starring each other down, before Sting out-stretched his hand and offered it respectfully to the NWA World Heavyweight Champion. But before Abyss could return the gesture, a voice came booming into the arena, and the camera's scanned the arena to find it, finally spotting Raven sitting in the rafters. Raven said that this was Phase 1 completed, and that neither Abyss nor Sting would know the implications of their alliance come Sunday night. Raven said the New Movement was only just beginning, and that the first church of Raven was now in session. Raven said he would collect the souls to worship him over time, and that Kazarian, Bentley and Devine were just the beginning. Raven said he was not going to make false promises, because he couldn't predict the future. Instead Raven said that no matter what the result was at Turning Point, he'd be NWA World Heavyweight Champion before the year was over. Raven told Abyss that Sting was not to be trusted, because he was still engulfed in darkness, and he should think twice before shaking hands with the devil reincarnated. Raven laughed as Sting looked to and from the rafters to Abyss, putting an end to the final Impact before Turning Point!

Short Results

• Taped for Xplosion: Senshi d. Shark Boy [1:39] [C]
• AJ Styles d. Cassidy Riley [1:40] [C+]
• Petey Williams d. Christopher Daniels [6:01] [b ]
• The Briscoes won a Tag Team Turmoil [9:58] [C+]
• Abyss & Sting d. The New Movement [6:34] [b ]

Edited November 29, 2006 by O!

[probablyoliver]

TNA News & Notes

www.GrappleFanatics.net

The Voodoo Kin Mafia, BG and Kip James have been suspended from TNAwrestling, it has been reported. They have been the bane of backstage over the last few weeks; demanding more money, better spots and refusing to job since given the VKM gimmick last month before Genesis. Vince Russo is apparently still really high on the angle and wants to continue it after their suspension is over mid January. The current kayfabe idea behind their sudden departure is to have them start to appear in taped segments, where they will be speaking against the WWE, before returning to competition to carry on with the angle in January.

Final Resolution will be the second TNA pay-per-view to move away from the Impact Zone, and will be held in the Tri-State area. TNA officials are adament that they can draw around 10,000 people in that market, and so are looking to set up in the Boardwalk Hall in New Jersey. It'd be great news if they could sellout Boardwalk, as it would really make TNA management optimistic about switching to a full touring schedule somewhere down the line.

Scott Steiner, who has not been seen in TNA for some months has stated he wants to return to action in the new year, but there is reportedly nothing for him as of yet. Many feel that with the recent addition of Kurt Angle, as well as the main event pushes of Samoa Joe and Raven, that the upper-tier of the card is getting too crowded, and that guys like Steiner would really add nothing to the product if put in an on-screen role. However, Dixie Carter is still adament that the best way to get TNA noticed is by using big names from 5-10 years ago in order to reach the old school fans, so a return for Steiner is not entirely out of the question.

It's believed that Chris Sabin will be kept off-screen for a few weeks, in order to return him with a new gimmick and possibly a new name. Vince Russo is said to be quite high on the X-Division as the main drawing point of TNA, and he's gone on record as to saying he wants to move AJ Styles and Christopher Daniels up to the Main Event scene in the new year, rather then keeping them in the X-Division. This means that guys like Chris Sabin, Petey Williams and Jay Lethal could be pushed as the new main draws of the X-Division, rather than playing second fiddle to AJ and Daniels.

It's possible that Raven's 'New Movement' will be 'christened' with new names, in order to make them sound less out of place in their current gimmicks. Many feel that having names such as 'Maverick' Matt attached to such a gimmick devalues it, and that they need more gothic sounding names to make them seem more likely for the gimmick.

[probablyoliver]

Total Non-Stop Action presents...

TURNING POINT 2006

NWA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

NO DISQUALIFICATIONS

'The Monster' ABYSS =O= v STING v RAVEN

Since winning the NWA World Heavyweight Championship in controversial fashion last month at Genesis; Abyss has been on the top of the hitlist for two extremely experienced ring veterans, and two former NWA World Champions; Sting and Raven. Raven's 'New Movement' has given him the numbers edge over the past three weeks, but it's been Sting's burnign desire for gold and glory that has allowed him to stay afloat in the competition. So can Abyss retain his title over the psychopathic rage of Raven and the psychological mind of Sting, or will experience triumph over power, marking a Turning Point in the legacy of the NWA World Championship?

TNA X DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP

'Fallen Angel' CHRISTOPHER DANIELS =O= v 'The Phenomenal One' AJ STYLES

X Division Champion, 'Fallen Angel' Christopher Daniels and 'The Phenomenal One' AJ Styles are no strangers to each other. In TNA alone they have fought against each other in one of the most excilirating rivalries and they've fought side by side in one of the most exciting tag teams in TNA history. Now they do battle again, but this time it's AJ Styles who's rage has taken over, showing a darker side to The Phenomenal One's arsenal. Will this new edge give AJ the advantage and the X-Division Title, or will the wit of the Fallen Angel shine through and allow him to triumph over AJ and retain the X-Division Championship at Turning Point?

NWA WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS

LAX =O= v THE BRISCOES v AMERICA'S MOST WANTED v TEAM 3D

Since winning the NWA World Tag Team Titles at Bound for Glory; Konnan's Latin American eXchange have proved to be one of the most dominating and dangerous teams in the TNA history books. But during their title reign, they've made some very powerful enemies, including the Director of Authority of TNA Wrestling; Jim Cornette - who announced at the start of the month that LAX would have to put their titles on the line at Turning Point in a four-way match against three of TNA's most exciting tag teams; and when they lost they'd be fired! Will LAX defy all odds and come out with the gold, or will the combination of Team 3D, America's Most Wanted and The Briscoes trump LAX and put them on the unemployed list?

'THE WAR MACHINE' RHINO v KURT ANGLE

When 'The War Machine' Rhino made an open challenge at the start of the month; Kurt Angle answered, despite being locked in a bitter feud with Samoa Joe. Many thought it'd be a simple, almost friendly encounter until two weeks ago on Impact when Rhino destroyed Kurt Angle's already weak neck with a vicious Piledriver thru a table. Kurt then made his true feelings known in a live video feed, saying he'll come to Turning Point just to make a mockery of Rhino. Will Kurt's new lease of life and TNA give him the edge, or will his already broken down body allow Rhino to get the upperhand the victory at Turning Point?

'The Samoan Submission Machine' SAMOA JOE v 'Captain Charisma' CHRISTIAN CAGE

Since turning on Sting at Hard Justice; Christian's large mouth and cocky attitude has got him into some nasty feuds with some of TNA's top stars. None of them, however, compare to this; the 280lb 'Samoan Submission Machine' Samoa Joe. Christian has shared a war of words against Joe ove the last three weeks, and has said he'll gladly put his 'never been pinned or made to submit' unbeaten streak against Joe at Turning Point. Joe has only ever been defeated once in TNA at the hands of Kurt Angle last month at Genesis. Will this dip in momentum give Christian the edge, or will Joe be back on top form at Turning Point?

STRAP MATCH

'Director of Authority' JIM CORNETTE v KONNAN

Two weeks ago Konnan, the leader of the LAX challenged Director of Authority; Jim Cornette to a Strap Match at Turning Point. Though he initially declined the challenge, this week on TNAwrestling.com, Cornette accepted, saying he may not be actively trained, but he'll have no trouble beating Konnan with a Strap. Will Cornette's lack of training show, causing him defeat, or will he pull out the biggest upset in wrestling history at Turning Point?

ALSO FEATURING:

Robert Roode's Open Challenge

Sonjay Dutt & Jay Lethal v Paparazzi Productions

The New Movement in 6-Man X-Division Action!

-

Turning Point Prediction Contest

www.GrappleFanatics.net

Every month GrappleFanatics.net runs a prediction contest for the monthly TNA pay-per-views with prizes too be won! This month, the winner receives tickets to the Final Resolution Pay-Per-View next month in New Jersey, as well as a special behind-the-scenes meet-and-greet with all your favourite TNA stars! The winner will also receive a TNA t-shirt and Turning Point DVD.

All you have to do to enter is give us your predictions for the Turning Point PPV, as well as reasoning for your predictions. There are also bonus questions to answer to receive extra points!

Good luck to everyone who votes!

Scoring Key:

Championship Bouts: 2 points for each correct answer.

Regular Bouts: 1 point for each correct answer.

Bons Questions: 1 point for each correct answer.

NWA World Heavyweight Championship: Abyss v Raven v Sting

TNA X Division Championship: Christopher Daniels v AJ Styles

NWA World Tag team Championships: LAX v AMW v Team 3D v The Briscoes

Rhino v Kurt Angle

Christian Cage v Samoa Joe

Jim Cornette v Konnan

Robert Roode v X

Sonjay Dutt & Jay Lethal v Paparazzi Productions

The New Movement v X

Bonus Questions

1. Who will be Robert Roode's Opponent?
2. How many titles will change hands?
3. Who will be pinned in the Main Event?

   Total Points available: 15

-

OOC: Just a disclaimer. The GrappleFanatics banner was made by ADGray yonks ago. All the other graphics have been expertly made by Evil Empire. Cheers lads.

Edited November 30, 2006 by O!

[Guest musclebuster]

NWA World Heavyweight Championship: Abyss v Raven v Sting

TNA X Division Championship: Christopher Daniels v AJ Styles

NWA World Tag team Championships: LAX v AMW v Team 3D v The Briscoes

Rhino v Kurt Angle

Christian Cage v Samoa Joe

Jim Cornette v Konnan

Robert Roode v Petey Williams

Sonjay Dutt & Jay Lethal v Paparazzi Productions

The New Movement v X

Bonus Questions

Who will be Robert Roode's Opponent?

I'm just guessing Williams because he isn't on the card and could continue Roode losing too Team Canada members a pay per views.

How many titles will change hands?

I've gotta say just the X-Division title, i like Abyss as World Champ and LAX keeping the tag titles is something i wanna see lol, these guys are awesome.

Who will be pinned in the Main Event?

Sting, i think having Raven lose the match may defeat the object of the push, a Raven/Abyss feud would be awesome, it would be cool to see Raven as champ somewhere down the line but not just yet.

I have to say man, the diary is awesome i really enjoyed reading all of it. But i have to agree with godcomplex in the Hernandez thing don't drop him from LAX in favour of Senshi but bringing in Senshi is something i think TNA is starting over the next few weeks also so will be cool to see how you do it. Keep it up man. You got yourself a reader.

[Steve Corino]

NWA World Heavyweight Championship: Abyss v Raven v Sting

I know we're dealing with Russo booking here, but Abyss should keep the belt here. He's only had it a month, leave it alone.

TNA X Division Championship: Christopher Daniels v AJ Styles

Meanwhile the X Division belt has jumped around three times in a month, so one more in order to put AJ's heel turn over more won't hurt anything.

NWA World Tag team Championships: LAX v AMW v Team 3D v The Briscoes

I think LAX will continue to make good champions, if for no other reason than to just get Cornette's goat more.

Rhino v Kurt Angle

As much as I don't like it, Angle is being built here while Rhino isn't.

Christian Cage v Samoa Joe

Joe's going to need rebuilt after losing to Kurt, and no better place to start than here.

Jim Cornette v Konnan

If this isn't what happens then there'd better be some major interference happening.

Robert Roode v X

One of these two mystery opponents is going to win and it might as well be here. Though I've really no clue who it's going to be.

Sonjay Dutt & Jay Lethal v Paparazzi Productions

As hilarious as their segments have been, Shelley and Starr are going to need to win once in awhile.

The New Movement v X

Unless you're making a huge debut here, then it's better off for Raven's crew to win here. Oh, and if you're going this route on giving them more gothic names, go with Michael, Jonathan, and Frank, because Francis makes him sound like a woman.

Bonus Questions

1. Who will be Robert Roode's Opponent? No idea.

2. How many titles will change hands? 2

3. Who will be pinned in the Main Event? I agree with musclebuster that Sting should be the one taking the fall here.

[Kwanzabot]

Turning Point Prediction Contest

www.GrappleFanatics.net

Every month GrappleFanatics.net runs a prediction contest for the monthly TNA pay-per-views with prizes too be won! This month, the winner receives tickets to the Final Resolution Pay-Per-View next month in New Jersey, as well as a special behind-the-scenes meet-and-greet with all your favourite TNA stars! The winner will also receive a TNA t-shirt and Turning Point DVD.

All you have to do to enter is give us your predictions for the Turning Point PPV, as well as reasoning for your predictions. There are also bonus questions to answer to receive extra points!

Good luck to everyone who votes!

Scoring Key:

Championship Bouts: 2 points for each correct answer.

Regular Bouts: 1 point for each correct answer.

Bons Questions: 1 point for each correct answer.

NWA World Heavyweight Championship: Abyss v Raven v Sting

- Usually I wouldn't like another short reign, but I really think "The New Movement" needs a kick up the arse.

TNA X Division Championship: Christopher Daniels v AJ Styles

- Basically compensating for Abyss' short reign, not hotshotting another title.

NWA World Tag team Championships: LAX v AMW v Team 3D v The Briscoes

- Not sure on this one, but to make it easy, I've gone with either LAX or Briscoes. I hope that LAX keep the title, and Briscoes pick them up later on, but you seem high on Briscoes, so it's a "either or" situation here.

Rhino v Kurt Angle

- This one I can't decide, but I'll go with Rhino, mainly because Kurt'll be gone soon enough.

Christian Cage v Samoa Joe

- Yeah, he's not losing two PPVs in a row. FACT.

Jim Cornette v Konnan

- Konnan Wrestles, Cornette doesn't. However, I see this forwarding an angle.

Robert Roode v X

- I see it being a returning star...

Sonjay Dutt & Jay Lethal v Paparazzi Productions

- Starr and Shelley need to really move towards the tag scene. Dutt and Lethal, whilst being "X-Division's Future" are basically not as charismatic as Shelley and Starr, and therefore need to be thier tag fodder.

The New Movement v X

- Like I said before, this group is going to be the future of TNA. So they need a kick up the arse.

Bonus Questions

1. Who will be Robert Roode's Opponent? Senshi
2. How many titles will change hands? 1
3. Who will be pinned in the Main Event? Sting

   Total Points available: 15

[TheTruth]

NWA World Heavyweight Championship: Abyss v Raven v Sting

- Abyss should look strong as a champion & having him beat these two here will help.

TNA X Division Championship: Christopher Daniels v AJ Styles

- It's an easy way to continue the feud.

NWA World Tag Team Championships: LAX v AMW v Team 3D v The Briscoes

- You seem high on them, plus LAX doesn't need them anymore as their focus is on Cornette.

Rhino v Kurt Angle

- He should win because of his turn, even though I don't understand why you turned him.

Christian Cage v Samoa Joe

- He's only going to lose to Angle, not Cage.

Jim Cornette v Konnan

- Konnan will go over, you said in the news notes.

Robert Roode v X

- 'X' will go over because he will be returning.

Sonjay Dutt & Jay Lethal v Paparazzi Productions

- PP will go over, smell feud between them & Briscoes.

The New Movement v X

- They need to look strong.

Bonus Questions

Who will be Robert Roode's Opponent? Senshi

How many titles will change hands? 2

Who will be pinned in the Main Event? Sting

[Michael]

NWA World Heavyweight Championship: Abyss v Raven v Sting

-The real evolving issue here is the potential for a Sting/Raven feud so Abyss needs to retain in order to back away and face a new challenger.

TNA X Division Championship: Christopher Daniels v AJ Styles

- The new attitude needs to be legitimised.

NWA World Tag Team Championships: LAX v AMW v Team 3D v The Briscoes

- Cause they're your handpicked chosen one's and LAX don't need the gold anymore with Senshi on board, making them a fully-blown faction.

Rhino v Kurt Angle

- Notch another one up for Angle on his route to the gold. I expect him to be the Champ within two months. Oh, and push Rhino, because honestly, you're wasting him right now. My favourite wrestler ever.

Christian Cage v Samoa Joe

- My guess is it's going to be Abyss/Joe for the Title, with Joe as Champ then taking Angle on again.

Jim Cornette v Konnan

- Cornette's going to bleed like a pig with Senshi interfering to solidify LAX's thug-like persona.

Robert Roode v X

- This'll be the last straw for Roode into a new direction.

Sonjay Dutt & Jay Lethal v Paparazzi Productions

- Even though I want Dutt and Lethal to win badly, PP are more rounded characters right about now.

The New Movement v X

- Require some slight rebuilding after being decimiated by Abyss.

Bonus Questions

Who will be Robert Roode's Opponent? Scott Steiner

How many titles will change hands? 2

Who will be pinned in the Main Event? Sting

[TGC]

NWA World Heavyweight Championship: Abyss v Raven v Sting

Even though it is Russo booking, for some reason I'm just not feeling a title change yet. Matbe in another month. But I do expect this threeway feud to continue on.

TNA X Division Championship: Christopher Daniels v AJ Styles

As Michael said, the new heelish ways needs a title win to cement it.

NWA World Tag team Championships: LAX v AMW v Team 3D v The Briscoes

I don't know why, I'm just feeling that LAX somehow scrape out a win.

Rhino v Kurt Angle

I love Rhino, but Angle is the main man for TNA right now, and he won't lose until he finally lays down for Joe.

Christian Cage v Samoa Joe

Angle can defeat Joe, but not Christian. I almost went with some kind of DQ ending, but I'm going to say instead that Joe ends Christian's undefeated streak after a little over a year in TNA.

Jim Cornette v Konnan

Bloodbath? Yes.

Robert Roode v X

Roode is a walking failure right now, which just makes me so sad.

Sonjay Dutt & Jay Lethal v Paparazzi Productions

PP needs a win right now.

The New Movement v X

If The New Movement don't win here they lose any and all credibility forever.

Bonus Questions

Who will be Robert Roode's Opponent?Just going out on a limb, and damn Michael for getting it up before I did, but I'm going to go with Steiner since he was just mentioned.

How many titles will change hands?Just the X Title.

Who will be pinned in the Main Event?Raven is pinned by Abyss.

[Guest Power Master]

Just finished reading your diary, it's quite good!

NWA World Heavyweight Championship: Abyss v Raven v Sting

- Abyss needs to keep the belt, to many title canges would make TNA feel to much like WCW 2000 (although Russo is booking this diary, or in Diary... I'm confused!)

TNA X Division Championship: Christopher Daniels v AJ Styles

- Personaly I think these two's feuds has been down to the death. But anyway! Daniels should win!

NWA World Tag team Championships: LAX v AMW v Team 3D v The Briscoes

- 5150 all the way! LAX have really help make the Tag Titles mean a lot!

Rhino v Kurt Angle

- He needs to win to make Joe's Win (It must happen) Seem bigtime! Although I wish Rhino would go over, but wouldn't make any sense.

Christian Cage v Samoa Joe

- If Joe loses then almost all momemtum he had over the past 18 months has gone!

Jim Cornette v Konnan

- Got to be K-Dog! Cornette isn't a in-ring wrestler so it would make Konnan seem shit!

Robert Roode v X

- I dislike Roode alot, I think he is talentless, so I hope he loses!

Sonjay Dutt & Jay Lethal v Paparazzi Productions

- I hope Shelley gets a singles push like Jericho's soon!

The New Movement v X

- They should win, or they'll seem like complete jobbers!

Bonus Questions

Who will be Robert Roode's Opponent? Norman Smiley

How many titles will change hands? None

Who will be pinned in the Main Event? Raven