Post by cage on Feb 15, 2021 23:40:45 GMT -5
In late 2001-early 2002, Jeff Jarrett and his father, Jerry, along with their friend Bob Ryder, sought a partnership with NWA after Jeff's business with WCW ended following their purchase by the WWF. The goal with that was to establish a link to a talent pool that they could dip into without directly competing with the NWA. This also gave them exclusive access to the NWA World's Title as their fledgling promotion's flagship belt. One of the most controversial writers in wrestling history kept coming up in their conversations for who they could bring in, and that man was Vince Russo. Jarrett was willing to take a risk on the man who had at least made a name for himself in the business as a writer. Jarrett considered Russo his friend, but this was about business. Jarrett felt as though he would be able to keep Russo in check should he get out of line. Russo and Ed Ferrera as commentator were a package deal, whether that's good for business is neither here nor there. Mike Tenay was too good not to bring in, and Don West was also there. Throughout the rest of this time period, "Iron" Mike Tenay was there every step of the way to make deals with talent. Such names as Ken Shamrock, K-Krush, and Brian Christopher, and they also managed to get The Vampire Warrior for a one match contract. Tenay was critical in bringing in many members of the former WCW Cruiserweight division. On 05-09-2002, Jarrett and his father form J Sports and Entertainment.
Early in 2002, Jarrett and Tenay were able to secure deals with Anthony Ingram, Amazing Red, Ace Steel, and Adam Jacobs to compete in the opening match to open their show. Scott Hall was, possibly, the biggest name they could have signed and they sweetened the pot by offering him the chance to be the inaugural champion and the deal was inked. With the first match set and the Gauntlet for the Gold finish made, they were able to create a possible gimmick division when they signed a match featuring Teo and Hollywood for their first show. It was then Vince Russo's idea to bring in Toby Keith and put him in a storyline with Jarrett himself, in a publicity stunt of course. The Jarrett's idea was to attempt to focus on the wrestling as opposed to the sports entertainment that their 'competitors' did. iNDEMAND then gave them a PPV deal to start on June 19th, 2002. Jarrett and the newly christened NWA-TNA were set to make an impact. Early signs of Russo being reigned in include his idea to throw some talented guys in to some random 6-man tag to open the show instead of putting them in the Gauntlet to show who exactly this company has faith in. Eddie Guerrero's contract becomes available during this time, but Jarrett was unable to make the necessary sacrifices required to acquire the man. Jarrett was prepared to make every cut, with the exception of terminating Bruce's contract because he had already written Bruce in to both of the first two shows, so unfortunately that cost NWA TNA the contract of one Edward Guerrero.
For three months after this, Jarrett and the NWA TNA are promoting two massive back to back shows to take place on 06-19-2002. The announcements included hyping up the first show and the crowning of the first NWA World's Champion of the new era. Of course also hyping up the appearance of Toby Keith as that was the only reason they paid him to begin with. The Toby Keith appearance was set in stone months before they even began announcing it, so if they went back and thought it was a bad idea later it was too late. NWA-TNA had 6,000 seats at the first show at they were expecting a modest showing, but they noticed there was a spike in sales when it was announced that wrestling's outlaw Scott Hall would be there, as well as Toby Keith. They predicted less than 3,000 seats sold, but made it to closer to 5,000. The Von Braun Center was filled to capacity for the first show.
Episode 1 (NWA-TNA The Asylum Years)
Mike Tenay kicks us off in the ring and he garners quite a reaction for an announcer. Tenay goes on to announce the NWA legends. The NWA Title, held by Steamboat, is discussed, with heavy references to Ric Flair. The Gauntlet for the Gold is announced for later tonight. Jeff Jarrett interrupts the proceedings and screams about how none of these legends ever had to win the NWA Title in a battle royal. Just then, Scott Hall, Psicosis, and AJ Styles appear all over the arena and all claim that they will be the ones walking away with the belt tonight.
In the back Sonny Siaki confronts Ricky Steamboat about how he and has team were being excluded from the Gauntlet. Steamboat apologized and said that there were so many talented wrestlers to choose from, but we just so happen to have one spot available so it's yours. Siaki seems satisfied, but knocks Steamboat upside the head and walks off.
Original Match: The Flying Elvises vs. AJ Styles, "The Pioneer" Jerry Lynn, & Low Ki
New Match: Apollo, Bo Dupp, & Anthony Ingram vs. Amazing Red, Ace Steel, & Adam Jacobs
Anthony Ingram: 1-0
Ace Steel: 0-1
Instead of booking Styles in the opening contest I would have Amazing Red there. This guy also goes on to be deeply involved with the company and he's not even booked on the first two shows.
The idea of starting with a 6 man tag is great because it fleshes out the roster, which I think is very important when starting a new show and a new lineage. Some of the guys in my match may be destined to have this be their only appearance with the company, but we don't know that yet so we have to give them this chance.
Original Match: Teo vs. Hollywood
VERDICT: Keep this match. I know to many of you this may seem questionable, but I may only change referring to it as the "Midget Match" that probably does not go over well. That said I think this would be an important division to have. With the women's revolution, why not this? If a big name promotion was willing to give it a chance in their very first show, I say let's see where it goes. Of course no championship has been announced yet, so it still feels like nothing more than a gimmick.
Original Match: The Johnsons (Richard/Rod) vs. "Cowboy" James Storm/Psicosis
New Match: Bruce/Brian Christopher vs. Buff Bagwell/Wildcat Chris Harris
Buff Bagwell: 1-0
Brian Christopher: 0-1
Honestly, you have Bagwell under contract, even if it is just for this one show he should go over. His future with your company is uncertain but if you make him look good maybe he sticks around.
Original Match: Stan Dupp/Bo Dupp vs. Christian York/Joey Matthews
New Match: Christian York/Del Rios vs. The Storms (Devon & James)
Devon Storm: 1-0
Christian York: 0-1
I like the booking of York in this tag team match, but The Storms as a successful team just writes itself. I have to at least try to book that and have it go somewhere.
Jarrett makes his way out to the ring as the number one entrant just as Toby Keith was performing and shoves him aside on his way to the ring.
Original Match: Gauntlet for the Gold
VERDICT: Keep the match; change the competitors and order (somewhat).
New Match:
#1Jeff Jarrett (keep that stipulation) 10th (Toby Keith still comes out, but helps Norman Smiley eliminate Jarrett; Smiley wiggles afterward) [1] 0-1
#2Sonny Siaki 20th Eliminated by Jeff Jarrett (1) 0-1
#3Rick Steiner 11th Eliminated by AJ Styles (5) 0-1
#4K-Krush 12th Eliminated by AJ Styles (4) 0-1
#5Ken Shamrock 19th Eliminated by Jeff Jarrett (2) 0-1
#6Richard Johnson 18th Eliminated by Jeff Jarrett (3) 0-1
#7"The Pioneer" Jerry Lynn 3rd Eliminated by Scott Hall (3) 0-1
#8Lash Leroux 14th Eliminated by AJ Styles (2) 0-1
#9Konnan 16th Eliminated by Jerry Lynn (2) 0-1
#10 Low Ki 13th Eliminated by AJ Styles (3) 0-1
#11AJ Styles 4th Eliminated by Jerry Lynn (3) 0-1
#12Malice17th Eliminated by Jerry Lynn (1) 0-1
#13Stan Dupp 15th Eliminated by AJ Styles (1) 0-1
#14Norman Smiley 5th Eliminated by Scott Hall (2) 0-1
#15Rod Johnson (comes out after Keith leaves) 7th Eliminated by The Vampire Warrior (3) 0-1
#16Slash 9th Eliminated by The Vampire Warrior (1) 0-1
#17Steve Corino 8th Eliminated by The Vampire Warrior (2) 0-1
#18 Scott Hall
#19 Psicosis
#20 (by process of elimination)The Vampire Warrior 6th Eliminated by Scott Hall (1) 0-1
NWA World Heavyweight Championship Match (refereed by Steamboat) : Scott Hall vs. Psicosis
Winner and New NWA World Heavyweight Champion: Scott Hall
Early in 2002, Jarrett and Tenay were able to secure deals with Anthony Ingram, Amazing Red, Ace Steel, and Adam Jacobs to compete in the opening match to open their show. Scott Hall was, possibly, the biggest name they could have signed and they sweetened the pot by offering him the chance to be the inaugural champion and the deal was inked. With the first match set and the Gauntlet for the Gold finish made, they were able to create a possible gimmick division when they signed a match featuring Teo and Hollywood for their first show. It was then Vince Russo's idea to bring in Toby Keith and put him in a storyline with Jarrett himself, in a publicity stunt of course. The Jarrett's idea was to attempt to focus on the wrestling as opposed to the sports entertainment that their 'competitors' did. iNDEMAND then gave them a PPV deal to start on June 19th, 2002. Jarrett and the newly christened NWA-TNA were set to make an impact. Early signs of Russo being reigned in include his idea to throw some talented guys in to some random 6-man tag to open the show instead of putting them in the Gauntlet to show who exactly this company has faith in. Eddie Guerrero's contract becomes available during this time, but Jarrett was unable to make the necessary sacrifices required to acquire the man. Jarrett was prepared to make every cut, with the exception of terminating Bruce's contract because he had already written Bruce in to both of the first two shows, so unfortunately that cost NWA TNA the contract of one Edward Guerrero.
For three months after this, Jarrett and the NWA TNA are promoting two massive back to back shows to take place on 06-19-2002. The announcements included hyping up the first show and the crowning of the first NWA World's Champion of the new era. Of course also hyping up the appearance of Toby Keith as that was the only reason they paid him to begin with. The Toby Keith appearance was set in stone months before they even began announcing it, so if they went back and thought it was a bad idea later it was too late. NWA-TNA had 6,000 seats at the first show at they were expecting a modest showing, but they noticed there was a spike in sales when it was announced that wrestling's outlaw Scott Hall would be there, as well as Toby Keith. They predicted less than 3,000 seats sold, but made it to closer to 5,000. The Von Braun Center was filled to capacity for the first show.
Episode 1 (NWA-TNA The Asylum Years)
Mike Tenay kicks us off in the ring and he garners quite a reaction for an announcer. Tenay goes on to announce the NWA legends. The NWA Title, held by Steamboat, is discussed, with heavy references to Ric Flair. The Gauntlet for the Gold is announced for later tonight. Jeff Jarrett interrupts the proceedings and screams about how none of these legends ever had to win the NWA Title in a battle royal. Just then, Scott Hall, Psicosis, and AJ Styles appear all over the arena and all claim that they will be the ones walking away with the belt tonight.
In the back Sonny Siaki confronts Ricky Steamboat about how he and has team were being excluded from the Gauntlet. Steamboat apologized and said that there were so many talented wrestlers to choose from, but we just so happen to have one spot available so it's yours. Siaki seems satisfied, but knocks Steamboat upside the head and walks off.
Original Match: The Flying Elvises vs. AJ Styles, "The Pioneer" Jerry Lynn, & Low Ki
New Match: Apollo, Bo Dupp, & Anthony Ingram vs. Amazing Red, Ace Steel, & Adam Jacobs
Anthony Ingram: 1-0
Ace Steel: 0-1
Instead of booking Styles in the opening contest I would have Amazing Red there. This guy also goes on to be deeply involved with the company and he's not even booked on the first two shows.
The idea of starting with a 6 man tag is great because it fleshes out the roster, which I think is very important when starting a new show and a new lineage. Some of the guys in my match may be destined to have this be their only appearance with the company, but we don't know that yet so we have to give them this chance.
Original Match: Teo vs. Hollywood
VERDICT: Keep this match. I know to many of you this may seem questionable, but I may only change referring to it as the "Midget Match" that probably does not go over well. That said I think this would be an important division to have. With the women's revolution, why not this? If a big name promotion was willing to give it a chance in their very first show, I say let's see where it goes. Of course no championship has been announced yet, so it still feels like nothing more than a gimmick.
Original Match: The Johnsons (Richard/Rod) vs. "Cowboy" James Storm/Psicosis
New Match: Bruce/Brian Christopher vs. Buff Bagwell/Wildcat Chris Harris
Buff Bagwell: 1-0
Brian Christopher: 0-1
Honestly, you have Bagwell under contract, even if it is just for this one show he should go over. His future with your company is uncertain but if you make him look good maybe he sticks around.
Original Match: Stan Dupp/Bo Dupp vs. Christian York/Joey Matthews
New Match: Christian York/Del Rios vs. The Storms (Devon & James)
Devon Storm: 1-0
Christian York: 0-1
I like the booking of York in this tag team match, but The Storms as a successful team just writes itself. I have to at least try to book that and have it go somewhere.
Jarrett makes his way out to the ring as the number one entrant just as Toby Keith was performing and shoves him aside on his way to the ring.
Original Match: Gauntlet for the Gold
VERDICT: Keep the match; change the competitors and order (somewhat).
New Match:
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
#6
#7
#8
#9
#10
#11
#12
#13
#14
#15
#16
#17
#18 Scott Hall
#19 Psicosis
#20 (by process of elimination)
NWA World Heavyweight Championship Match (refereed by Steamboat) : Scott Hall vs. Psicosis
Winner and New NWA World Heavyweight Champion: Scott Hall
