The Tuesday Small-For-All Report 04.22.09

So, Mick Foley is TNA World Champion. Not AJ Styles. Not Samoa Joe. Not Kurt Angle. Not Sting. Mick Foley is your new TNA World Heavyweight Champion. We’ll get into it a little later in this report, but I just want all the TNAddicts who have gone to the brink to defend TNA Wrestling to let that one sink in: Mick Foley is your TNA World Champion.

Now that we’re all on the same page…

Wait for it…Wait for it…

Yes?

No!

Yes?

Maybe!

What?!

WHAMMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Welcome to the highest ranking Tuesday news report on 411 Mania Wrestling: Small for All! I think everyone has figured out by now that this is not Jeff Small (you make thank your various Gods now). This is JP Truss of 3W fame filling in. For all of you “Smallophiles” (there’s treatment for that you know) Small shall return next week, but until then:

SLAP THE PORPOISE!

I think it’s an improvement. Yeah: that works.

NEWS FROM TITAN TOWERS

There hasn’t been a lot of news from the WWE but one big story broke in the past 24 hours that deserves some mentioning.

Jeff Hardy Gone?

This past Tuesday, the news wires and forums nearly crashed when this came down from Pro Wrestling Insider’s website:

– WWE is currently trying to sign Jeff Hardy to a new WWE contract. Jeff’s current contract is set to expire in the next 2-4 months. Hardy has not been receptive to the long -term deals that the company has offered him, and in a rare move, WWE offered Hardy a one-year deal with the hopes of signing him to that, and then working on a longer-term contract.

It is due to the current contract situation that the feud with Matt Hardy has been booked the way it has, with Matt winning. It is also why Matt was moved to Raw. The feeling is that Jeff isn’t looking to go to another company, but more that he just wants to live his life on his own terms. TNA sources have claimed to have no contact with Hardy.

Now I decided purposely to remain skeptical when this first came out. News like this doesn’t usually go for very long without some word from the concerning party.

“Jeffrey Itchweed Nero Hardy says that new contract signing are RUMORS, which means it may not be true, I might sign a new contract soon but the contract doesn’t expire till July, so I’ll play it day-by-day.”

Good.

You really can’t ask for much more than what Jeff’s giving us. Now, the selfish fan in me would love for him to commit to a new contract however the human side is quick to remind me that Jeff Hardy is an addict. As hard as one works to overcome their addiction, certain situations can lead an addict to falling back on old habits. An alcoholic, for example, should not be put into social drinking environments since it would raise the possibility of falling back on old habits. For Jeff Hardy, the catalyst for his addiction is still an unknown but I’m willing to bet stress plays a huge role in it. The goal of WWE management and Jeff Hardy has been to put as little stress on him as possible so it’ll be easier for him to stay clean.

Which brings us to the issue of his contract. As much as I want to see Jeff Hardy play a role in professional wrestling I also don’t want to see his name on a list of professional wrestlers dead before their time. If Jeff feels he’s getting burned out he needs to step away from the ring. As entertaining and talented as he is, it just isn’t worth the risk. If he decides to sign a new contract and stick around, he is an adult and he will have to take responsibility to ensure that he doesn’t relapse. At the end of the day we’ll all just have wait and see how all of this goes. Jeff is taking the right approach to it and we will continue to watch the situation as it develops.

You Will Remember Himmmmmmm

Former WWE curtain-jerker Chuck Palumbo was a guest on Monday Night Mayhem last week and while, for the most part, it was pretty forgettable there was one comment that stuck out;

Just last year on SmackDown, one of the hottest on-camera feuds was involving Chuck Palumbo & Jamie Noble fighting over former WWE Divas Champion, Michelle McCool. Many fans across the globe were hopeful this angle could lead to two of the most underrated talents finally getting some well-deserved TV time. However, it was cut short. The question many fans have been left wondering was why? “Jamie became an agent, so what happened was he wanted to enhance himself more, so the next thing you know, he’s pitching storylines in the meetings for himself. You know, how many times you’re gonna’ have me lose to Jamie Noble? The kid wouldn’t last two seconds with me on the street if it was real.”

He continued on by saying, “I’ll be honest with you, Arn Anderson’s not a big fan of mine…he’s one of the main producers. He hated seeing me come back, so he was doing everything in his power to let Vince know that I wasn’t going to be the next guy to make him money.”

Ah yes. What month cannot go by without someone knocking WWE management. In all fairness to young Chucky P when he returned to the WWE I expected him to make a halfway decent name for himself. Being World Champion was doubtful but at the very least I expected a good US Championship run from the guy. However, overall he just didn’t seem too motivated to do anything outside of the basic wrestling match. While his feud with Noble was fairly interesting, it was also extraordinarily forgettable. As of writing I am still not sure what it was about…I think Noble was getting abused by Michelle and Palumbo thought it was funny or something.

Here’s the point. As I’ve often said in Worst Wrestler of the Week sometimes you got to make with what you have. Palumbo did not shift in any way from what he did in his last notable appearance on televised wrestling. At the end of the day, I would advised him to question if Arn Anderson made the right call…if he made the call to begin with. Only when he recognizes his faults will he be able to improve himself and become one of the guys that can “make money” for the front office: whether it’s TNA or WWE.

Taz Chokes OUT Rumors

On his Facebook page, former WWE commentator Taz had a few choice things to say to certain internet groups (certainly not 411 Mania.com) on rumors surrounding his stepping aside from the broadcast table:

Now, I want to clear up some “true & false” for all of you….

TRUE
-My contract expired the end of March and I had given my notice several weeks prior
-I ask WWE for my release to pursue other interest
-I offered to call Wrestlemania while I was not contractually obligated….and offered to call the show for free to the company.
-I have fulfilled EVERY obligation to the WWE, and pride myself on leaving the proper/professional way.
-On my way out, from Vince McMahon, Kevin Dunn & Stephanie ALL treated me great…which was cool.
-I APPRECIATE all of the offers for appearances but right now I’m just doing very few appearances (if any). I’m gonna chill out and watch my kid hit baseballs.
-I am done wrestling. At 41 years old, several neck and shoulder issues…not happening. I would be a former shell of myself.
-I too have hated the extra “Z”

FALSE
-Burnout (If anything, I’m more inspired & motivated now than ever)

Hopefully that clears up some things people were saying in regards to my situation. Also, I have had the opportunity of becoming friends with so many talented & awesome people within the WWE while working there for nearly 10 years and will miss many of them! I would like to thank the writers, road & studio crew and all the talent…especially guys I have a closer friendship with.

I said it before and I said it again: a lot of people in this business can learn from Taz. There are simply too many veterans who do not know or do not care about their physical wellbeing and prefer to push themselves to the breaking point rather than take a step back. Taz never had that problem. When he was first injured he was wise enough to step away from the ring and became one of the best color commentators in recent history. Save for a few quick appearances he has not stepped foot back in the ring. Now, once again he has decided to step away to enjoy life outside of wrestling. Despite a few teases in his message, Sunday proved once and for all he has no intentions of stepping back in the ring or to another promotion and frankly neither would I in his position. Without a doubt, Taz has a position with the WWE most likely for the rest of his life and he’s clearly making good use of it.

Taz, maybe one of the most underrated professionals in wrestling today who really never got enough time to shine on the big stage, deserves all the time off he wants. I think I speak for all of my compatriots when I hope Taz the best in his future endeavors.

12 Rounds=FAIL?

From the world of WWE Studios comes this bulletin!

– According to BoxOfficeMojo.com here are how the WWE Films compare to each other in the box office overall:

* The Marine: $22,165,608
* See No Evil: $18,420,968
* 12 Rounds: $12,712,242
* The Condemned: $8,635,183

Some people are going to be quick to knock WWE Studios considering the earnings. It’s true that 12 Rounds did not meet their expectations; however that doesn’t mean business wise it is not a successful venture. I do believe 12 Rounds will make back all of its money and possibly turn a profit in DVD sales.

Secondly I think it’s very important to remember that this division is still in its infancy with little respect or support from the mainstays within Hollywood. It will never deliver an Academy Award, but WWE Studios is still breaking the top ten in its opening weekends. Eventually they will have a project that’ll get to the top five and possibly even secure the #1 slot. Until then they have to take this what it is, a learning experience, and move on.

Of course, no news from Titan Towers would be complete without…KHALI!

This week I will have the privilege of watching the Great Khali grace Smackdown with his presence and use his Punjabi God-like powers to make a “woman” out of Miss Wrestlmania- Santina Marella. While most have dismissed Santina as her brother in drag but you do so by doubting the power of the Punjabi Playboy! The Great Khali has seen what clearly no mortal can see! Truly, if The Great Khali says that Santina is the most beautiful woman he has ever laid eyes on, then there is no question that of Santina’s true womanhood! Just look at her!

Yes! Truly The Great Khali understands the truly quality of a woman is on the inside and not out. In that case, Santina is the most beautiful of all the Divas! This Friday on Smackdown, the Great Khali say he will prove to you all his true power and Santina will know the power of the passion of the Punjabi Playboy! Be sure to tune in to Smackdown this week and Khali’s Kiss Cam where Santina will get everything she is rightfully due!

NEWS FROM BRO TOWN

Lockdown Quick and Dirty

Suicide defeated Kiyoshi, Consequences Creed, Jay Lethal, and Sheik Abdul Bashir in an X Division Elimination Xscape Match to retain the TNA X Division Title

ODB defeated Sojo Bolt, Daffney, and Madison Rayne in a TNA Queen of the Cage Match

The Motor City Machine Guns defeated LAX and Team No Limit in a Triple Threat Match to retain the IWGP Junior Tag Team Titles

Matt Morgan defeated Abyss in a Doomsday Chamber of Blood Match

Angelina Love defeated Awesome Kong and Taylor Wilde in a Triple Threat Match to win the TNA Knockouts Title

Team 3D defeated Beer Money, Inc. in a Philadelphia Street Fight to retain the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Titles and win the TNA Tag Titles

Team Jarrett (Jeff Jarrett, AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, Christopher Daniels) defeated the Main Event Mafia (Angle, Steiner, Nash, Booker T) in a Lethal Lockdown Match

Mick Foley defeated Sting to win the TNA World Title

So folks there you have it. Overall it seems like a decent Pay-Per-View, certainly a step up from Destination X. All that matches that were supposed to deliver did with Lethal Lockdown and the X Division matches standing out. While pretty far from the PPVOTYC Small predicted it would be last week, it is mostly a step in the right direction. Of course, the biggest problem I have with all of this is Mick Foley winning the World Heavyweight Championship. Correct me if I’m wrong but the whole point of the MEM/Frontline feud was to push the younger talent into the forefront? How does a Foley title run do that? Back in 1999, WCW made a gross miscalculation on Foley winning the WWF Championship and I will not make the same mistake twice. His run as champion will be at the very least be an interesting one that could prove profitable for TNA.

However, on the other hand I can’t see Foley’s reign lasting much longer than this month and more than likely the belt will return to the grip of the Main Event Mafia since they are the only ones who can take on Foley without it tarnishing their standing with the fans. So this takes me back to what I said a few second ago. You know that whole thing about enhancing younger talent? Oh well, I guess we have no choice but to see where TNA is taking is on this one.

Final Vote: One step forward, possible one step back. This means, at least for the time being, nothing’s changed in TNA.

Of course Foley’s victory over Sting was one of really two stories to come out of Sunday’s event. First!

TNA Signs Two…Err…One World…Err…A Former Champion! …Sorta

“…..I’m going to have to think about this one…”

As far as most are concerned the real shocker from last night was the unexpected return of Bobby Lashley to professional wrestling. While some doubt the impact Bobby Lashley would have on TNA or question his work rate, let’s not forget that Lashley was still early in his career when he walked out quit moved on. The environment of TNA will allow him to hone his already impressive athleticism. I doubt he’ll go right into a World Championship but in time and with the proper opponents, Lashley could be one of the best acquisitions TNA Wrestling has ever made.

…Wait, hold on a second! This has just come into Truss-for-All!

Lashley’s camp has stated that Lashley has not signed a contract with TNA Wrestling, and that his appearance last night was for he and the company to become acquainted with each other. The plan would be for Lashley to do wrestling for TNA on a limited basis, while still training for MMA.

Soooo he’s not signed to TNA Wrestling? Okay, forget everything I just said.

Lockdown Profits in Questions

In a sharp rebuttal of rising TV ratings, according to fwOnline.com TNA heavily papered the Lockdown event, including free tickets to readers of Outsports.com. Considering the attendance of Lockdown was estimated anywhere between 4000 and 4500, how much money TNA made off tickets sales is highly questionable. This doesn’t even take into account PPV buys, which may end up being the only source of profit for TNA with Lockdown.

So, why does this matter?

I’ll leave the analyzing to our own JP I aka JP Prag but from where I sit if the Pay-Per-View isn’t making money that means despite decent ratings Impact is not motivating new viewers to put their money into the promotion. That’s not the best news for TNA, which needs to keep their main business mode (PPVs) solid while expanding into other forms of media. For the sake of full disclosure I have not been a fan of the on-air product for a good two months now, as I’ve argued in my corner of the web that it was showing problems with the foundation of TNA Wrestling. Depending on the amount of tickets TNA was forced to give away to one of its biggest shows of the year along with the buy rates of the Pay-Per-View, we may finally begin to see those issues addressed. After all: money talks.

Of course, for better analysis than mine stick with Prag and the Hamilton Ave. Report.

It’s Personal AND It’s Business

Jeff Jarrett, one of the founders of TNA Wrestling, had an opportunity to talk to Newsweek recently. Although it didn’t garner a lot of attention there was one line that caught my eye:

“I’ll say there’s a personal relationship with the entire McMahon family and Jeff Jarrett. As far as a working relationship – absolutely not. We’re competitors. But a personal relationship? Without a doubt. The entire McMahon family was very, very good to me during the passing of my wife, and that’s something I’ll never forget.”

Jeff Jarrett is certainly a class act, no doubts there. While fans from both sides are more than content to tear at each others throats, it’s good to see the ones running the front office for both TNA and WWE understand the business of professional wrestling. It may not mean much to anyone else but it’s nice to know that Jarrett and McMahon know what’s important in life.

Well I think that covers just about everything. Oh wait…almost forgot!

A 3W Special Report:The Worst Wrestler of the Week

In order not to work too hard this week I’ve decided just to merge both the SFA and my column, the Worst Wrestler of the Week, for the time being. And if you haven’t read the 3W before I would advice that you add it to your regular reading on 411 Mania Wrestling. If you do not know, on the 3W I focus on all things concerning wrestling. Every aspect of the product will be considered and in the end, two things will be decided. One will be the top event in the wrestling industry (the Worst of the Week) and the second will be the wrestler whose actions make him/her the Worst Wrestler of the Week.

So, who is the Worst Wrestler of the Week?

Hulk Hogan

Yes I know that Hulk Hogan is no longer an active competitor. However, it seems like every time Hogan has opened his mouth, the entire industry suffer for it. On top of that, he will always be the pinnacle of a professional wrestler to the media so we can’t escape it. His latest mess, however, may haunt us all for a while. Just listen to what the Hulkster had to say concerning his legal battles with his ex-wife Linda:

“I could have turned everything into a crime scene, like O.J., cutting everybody’s throat. You live half a mile from the 20,000-square-foot home you can’t go to anymore, you’re driving through downtown Clearwater and see a 19-year-old boy driving your Escalade, and you know that a 19-year-old boy is sleeping in your bed, with your wife…

I totally understand O.J. I get it.”

Really I can’t say I care too much for this story. Hogan’s words were completely inexcusable and I think it clicked about 30 seconds after they were published that he was wrong. Now, here’s the rub. Linda and her “people” were very quick to fire back with an interesting statement of their own:

“We have always maintained that the fear that Linda has had to live with comes from the rage and instability much too often associated with pro wrestlers,” Gary Smith says in a statement

Wait. Rewind that for me;

“We have always maintained that the fear that Linda has had to live with comes from the rage and instability much too often associated with pro wrestlers,” Gary Smith says in a statement

“The rage and instability much too often associated with pro wrestlers.” See. according to Linda’s “people”, the root of her fear and the need for protection is not because her ex-husband could be losing his mind but because of “The rage and instability much too often associated with pro wrestlers”.

Already the media does not have the best view of professional wrestling. As the E:60 feature on Vince McMahon proved last week, the tragedy of the Benoit family as well as the use of drugs and steroids among wrestlers are issues fresh in their minds. On top of that now we have this story. Arguably the greatest icon in the history of professional wrestling is being filed as another statistic. Just another instant of the “rage and instability” found in all professional wrestlers. Now it’s not just a story about Hulk Hogan, but a story about how its lucky that another professional wrestler did not go on a murderous rampage. Now, once again, every wrestler gets to answer that joyful myriad of questions so the public can be sure that their sure that their sure they are not on steroids or they’re close to a psychotic break. Because, hey, if it could happen to the most popular wrestler of all time…it could happen to any of them right?

Once again the entire industry is under the media’s microscope…ironically thanks to someone that helped build it to where it is now. Because one man couldn’t control his emotions or his mouth we all get to go through this pitiful game one more time. So congratulations Hulk Hogan; you once again win the Worst Wrestler of the Week for dragging the rest of us into your personal issues. We really…really…appreciate it

No comment section this time around. We’ll get to it next week on your regularly scheduled 3W. You got questions, comments, or just want to bite my head off? Leave a comment and I could answer it next week. And be sure to drop by this Friday for the Weekly Smackdown Report! Small is back next week! And Bookmark 411 Mania.com or the Powers That Be will lay a pox on your place of dwelling! I’m JP Truss…and YOU’RE NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!