TNA Impact Review 4/24/08
By: Chris â<80><9c>The Authorityâ<80> Schultz
The great thing about professional wrestling is that it only takes one show to completely erase the bad memories. Last Thursday did just that. It’s just a shame that I had to pay for the show that didn’t deliver. Nonetheless, I tip my hat to all the TNA staff and talent for putting on one hell of an Impact. Finally! Maybe, just maybe, they are starting to listen to the fans and the critics. However, the work doesn’t stop here for TNA. It’s only the beginning. I am already excited about next week’s show. Now let’s take a look at why I, and many fans alike, perceive this last Impact to be a success.
For starters, they kept Curryman, Sharkboy, and Super Eric off the show. Now don’t get me wrong. Please understand that I think all three of these men under the mask are remarkable wrestlers. I just don’t like them parading around in ridiculous outfits carrying out a stupid gimmick that some moron in the front office thought would get over. Sharkboy might be the exception. I was a bigger fan when he didn’t try pulling off this Stone Cold wannabe character. Honestly, he is great for the younger demographic and I would not mind taking my young children to see him.
Contrary to what Glenn Gilbertti might believe, wrestling fans love great wrestling matches. I can honestly say that we got our dose of this on Thursday. Kudos to Christian Cage, Rhino, and The Motor City Machineguns for putting on a classic. I wasn’t sure how the match would go considering the difference in size, but I was thoroughly impressed with what all four athletes were able to accomplish. On top of that, fans were treated to a rematch between Kurt Angle and Samoa Joe. Needless to say, you knew this encounter would deliver. Fortunately, Angle and Joe actually wrestled and didn’t try to look like MMA fighters this time. One more thing. It’s great to see Big Poppa Pump back in the title picture. Whether Scott Steiner wins or loses, it brings a legitimate feel to a World Championship Match.
One of the things TNA has been doing great with is pushing the careers of James Storm and Robert Roode. Let’s face it, these guys are the future of this business. It won’t be long before they are involved in the TNA World Heavyweight Title picture. I also admire the fact Sting and Booker T. seem to be more interested in putting over other young superstars than themselves. Both of these living legends deserve a lot of credit for helping TNA develop into a more well rounded company. Jeff Jarrett! Please come back! Sorry, I had to get that in there. I am a huge mark for the King of the Mountain and I sure do miss him. I hope all is well with him and his family.
Jim Cornette was on his A game this last Thursday as well. Either the guy is really good at his job or he really needs to get to the doctor. He’s gonna pop any day now. Keep up the great work Jim. Like him or not, Jim Cornette has more love for this industry than any man I know. I am also thankful that Matt Morgan has been set free by TNA. This big man has all the potential in the world to be the next big thing. (No offense Brock)
Last, but not least, it looks as if Team 3D is headed towards splitsville. Although, I believe Brother Ray and D-Von to be one of the best tag teams this industry has ever seen, a break up can work. It’s hard to do this. Splitting up tag teams which leads to singles careers usually never works. When the WWE tried this with the Dudley Boyz, it failed miserably. Off the top of my mind, the only ones that really flourished in a singles career after they were part of a tag team were Shawn Michaels and Bret â<80><9c>The Hitmanâ<80> Hart. They are trying with the Hardy’s, but the verdict is still out. Let’s hope TNA knows what they are doing.
In closing, I was really pleased with the show this week. Most of the time, it’s me beating up on TNA in these columns It’s a good change of pace to actually compliment a company for a good show. I don’t like sounding like a hater week after week. However, I tell it like it is. That’s my job. I would rather write articles like these every week, but that depends on TNA. Till next time.
If you have any thought, you can email The Authority at cjschultz77@yahoo.com
