This Date in TNA Wrestling History

The second installment of a regular series here on TNAimpactzone.com:

-- On Novemer 19, 2006, TNA Genesis took place at the Impact Zone in Orlando, Florida, and broadcast live on Pay-Per-View television. The main event featured the first-ever meeting between newcomer Kurt Angle and the then undefeated Samoa Joe. After going back-and-forth in a grueling contest that went nearly fifteen minutes, Angle put an end to Joe's eighteen-month unbeaten streak via ankle lock submission. Also on the show, Abyss defeated NWA Champion STING by disqualification to capture the title(NWA rules allowed for titles to change hands when the champion was disqualfied.) That was This Date in TNA Wrestling History - November 19th, 2006.

Preview: IMPACT WRESTLING On Thursday On SpikeTV 9/8c

Don't miss Thursday's huge IMPACT WRESTLING broadcast on SpikeTV at 9/8c - a special Thanksgiving holiday edition as the road to the December 11 "Final Resolution" Pay-Per-View event continues!

Here is a preview of Thursday's broadcast:

- What will be the reaction to Kurt Angle revealing that he was the person that attacked "Cowboy" James Storm and cost him his shot at regaining the World Heavyweight Championship? Both Angle and Storm will appear on Thursday's broadcast, and "The Cowboy" is hellbent on revenge! Based on what happened, TNA officials have already announced the following match:

- Thursday's IMPACT WRESTLING will feature an Eight-Man Elimination Match with "Team Storm" (AJ Styles, Jeff Hardy, Rob Van Dam and Mr. Anderson) vs. "Team Angle" (Bobby Roode, Jeff Jarrett, Bully Ray and Christopher Daniels). No doubt, both Storm and Angle will be involved - will all hell break loose in the Impact Zone?

- In a rematch for the World Tag Team Championship, new titleholders Crimson and "The Blueprint" Matt Morgan will defend against former champions Mexican America (Hernandez & Anarquia)

- Plus, Knockouts VP Karen Jarrett has announced that there will be the 1st ever "Thanksgiving Thong Thunder" match in the Knockouts Division when Velvet Sky teams with Tara and Brooke Tessmacher to take on Winter, Angelina Love, and Madison Rayne. What does Karen Jarrett have planned for this contest? Tune in and find out!

- All this and much more on Thursday's special Thanksgiving holiday edition of IMPACT WRESTLING on SpikeTV at 9/8 as the road to the December 11 "Final Resolution" Pay-Per-View event continues!

11/17 IMPACT Quarter Hour Ratings

TNA Impact Wrestling on Thursday, November 17 officially scored a 1.16 rating off a first hour 1.13 rating and second hour 1.18 rating.

The second hour (and overall show rating) was boosted by a 1.41 rating for the fifth quarter-hour featuring the second-half of the Knockouts gauntlet match won by Mickie James. Removing Q5, the second hour would have averaged a 1.11 rating, which would have continued a six-week streak of the second hour scoring a lower rating than the first hour.

Outside of Q5, the ratings range was 1.04-1.19. The highest ratings in that range came during the first hour. The lowest rating of the show also came during the first hour.

Q1: Impact opened with a show-low 1.04 rating for the immediate Turning Point PPV fall-out centered on Robert Roode, James Storm, and A.J. Styles. Plus, one commercial earlier than usual for the first quarter-hour. (down 12.3% vs. 2011-Q1 average)

Q2: Impact increased to a 1.12 rating for a segment that included various non-wrestling segments, then Robbie E. vs. Devon for the TV Title, one commercial, and more backstage segments. (down 4.0% vs. 2011-Q2 average)

Q3: Impact peaked for the first hour with a 1.19 rating for an X Division match featuring Aries & Kash vs. Sorensen & Kendrick, a backstage segment with Sting, Bischoff, and Flair, and one commercial. (up 1.0% vs. 2011-Q3 average)

Q4: Impact dipped slightly to a 1.17 rating for Storm and Anderson backstage, one commercial, and the first-half of the Knockouts gauntlet match. (up 3.2% vs. 2011-Q4 average)

Q5: Impact popped a 1.41 rating to begin the second hour with the second-half of the gauntlet match, then Brother Ray in a backstage segment, and one commercial break. This was the highest-rated Q5 segment in 12 weeks dating back to August. (up 13.4% vs. 2011-Q5 average)

Q6: Impact returned to earth with a 1.13 rating for Jeff Hardy, Karen Jarrett, and Jeff Jarrett continuing their feud, plus one commercial. (down 3.1% vs. 2011-Q6 average)

Q7: Impact dipped to a 1.07 rating for the Mexican America vs. Morgan & Crimson Tag Title match, plus one commercial. (down 6.8% vs. 2011-Q7 average)

Q8: Impact increased slightly to a 1.12 rating for the main event segments of Garett Bischoff vs. Gunner and James Storm confronting A.J. Styles before Kurt Angle returned, plus one commercial in-between. (down 6.0% vs. 2011-Q8 average)

Credit: PWTorch

First 2 Matches Announced for Final Resolution

WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

 AJ Styles vs. © Bobby Roode

KNOCKOUTS CHAMPIONSHIP

 Mickie James vs. © Gail Kim

 On Sunday, December 11, Direct Auto Insurance and TNA IMPACT WRESTLING present "Final Resolution" live on Pay-Per-View and online at TNAOnDemand.com from Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, featuring Hulk Hogan, Bobby Roode, Sting, Rob Van Dam, Mr. Anderson, James Storm, AJ Styles and more! PPV events air on Time Warner Cable, Comcast, Charter Cable, Cablevision, AT&T U-Verse, Verizon FIOS, DIRECTV, Dish Network, Viewer's Choice and more.

11/17 Impact Recap

Match results:
*TV Champion Robbie E. pinned D-Von
*Brian Kendrick/Jesse Sorenson defeated Austin Aries/Kid Kash via pinfall
*Mickie James won a 10-Knockout Gauntlet Match to become #1 contender to the Knockouts Title
*Matt Morgan/Crimson defeated World Tag Team Champions Mexican America(Anarquia/Hernandez) via pinfall to capture the titles
*Garrett Bischoff pinned Gunner

Notes:
* James Storm was on the hunt for the mystery person who attacked him in the locker room last week. At the end of the show, Storm accused Fortune stablemate AJ Styles of being the attacker. After fellow Fortune member Frankie Kazarian came out to separate the two, Kurt Angle made his return and jumped Storm from behind, revealing himself to be the one who took out Storm last week.

*TNA Authority Figure STING announced a rematch between Styles and World Heavyweight Champion Bobby Roode as the main event for the Final Resolution Pay-Per-View on December 11th, this time in a 30-minute Iron Man match. Roode responded to the announcement by physically assaulting TNA President Dixie Carter.

*Jeff Hardy, fresh off his victory(ies) over Jeff Jarrett at Turning Point, announced his intention to go for the World Title. This prompted Jeff's wife Karen Jarrett to come out and get in Hardy's face, leading to a skirmish between Hardy and JJ.

Knockouts News & Notes

-- Knockouts Champion Gail Kim has been added to the roster for the upcoming 2012 UK Tour. Gail will be competing along with Sting, Kurt Angle, Bobby Roode, Velvet Sky, Mr. Anderson, AJ Styles and more in Nottingham (January 26), Manchester (January 27) and London (January 28). Announcing the news in The Sun, Gail said: “I'm so excited. I haven't been to the UK with IMPACT WRESTLING in almost four years. I remember it being an incredible experience last time and I'm sure this is going to be just as good. In fact, it will be probably be better as Sting will be making his first appearance in the UK in almost a decade. That's going to be a special treat for the wrestlers as much as the fans. We're all really excited."

-- Tonight's episode of Impact Wrestling features a 10-Knockout Gauntlet Match to determine a number one contender for the Knockouts Title. Jackie Moore has expressed her disappointment in being left out of the match. From her Twitter account: " Did they forget to book me for the big Gauntlet match? That's a shame". Jackie's last television appearance was on the September 1st edition of Impact.

-- TNA recently entered into a developmental deal with Ohio Valley Wrestling. The current OVW Women's Champion is former Knockout Sojourner Bolt. According to the Wrestling Observer newsletter, Bolt is claiming she recently turned down an offer to return to the company and that she doesn't even watch Impact anymore. Meanwhile, Joanie Laurer, Aka Chyna, who despite having her sights set on a return to WWE, expressed interest in coming back to TNA. When asked on Twitter if she would like to perform in TNA again, she replied "I would like the opportunity to work with TNA." She also added "Love all the girls at TNA." Chyna made a couple of appearances earlier this year before reports of her role in a new pornographic film led to her departure from TNA.

credit: Lords of Pain, Wrestling Observer

Jesse Neal leaves TNA Wrestling?

From Neal's Twitter account:

"If u want to book me I am free after this weekend, let me know.... and trust me u'll get ur moneys worth... somethings u just have to question but..... then again i dont give a fu.......... its time for a new me and a change."

Although there still has been official word on his status with the company, Neal stated during an interview he did last Friday with Wade Keller on the PW Torch Livecast that if Ink Inc did not win the tag team titles from Mexican America at Turning Point, he'd leave TNA. PWInsider reports that TNA has started to approach talents that aren't currently being booked on TV regularly, asking them to relocate to Ohio Valley Wrestling in Louisville, Kentucky to continue to refine their in-ring skills, and that one of those names, Jesse Neal, turned down the request and will instead be departing the organization. Neal was not booked for the last set of TV tapings.

UPDATE: Neal responded to the reports via Twitter on Thursday, claiming that he is still a part of TNA. However, it is interesting to note that he did not deny the rumors that he will soon be departing the organization. Neal tweeted on Thursday, "Trust me u guys as soon as I know things u will too. Currently I am still apart of TNA. I will be at the Live Events tomm. And Sat. MS!!"

South American tour cancelled

TNA has canceled their entire South American Tour, which would have included Live Events in Buenos Aires as well as Chile. The company has released a statement regarding the reasoning of the cancellation:

"TNA Wrestling regrets to inform our fans who bought tickets to the shows this weekend in Santiago, Chile and Buenos Aires, Argentina that the shows have been cancelled. The Event Organizer did not fulfill their contractual obligations to TNA, thus cancelling the shows. Please apply for ticket refunds at the point of purchase. We sincerely regret the inconvenience."

Credit:PWTorch

Preview: TNA IMPACT WRESTLING Thursday At 9/8c On SpikeTV

Don't miss Thursday's huge IMPACT WRESTLING broadcast on SpikeTV at 9/8c, featuring the aftermath from the "Turning Point" Pay-Per-View event, which saw Bobby Roode vs. AJ Styles for the World Title, Jeff Hardy vs. Jeff Jarrett and more! Can't watch it Thursday night on SpikeTV? Set your DVR to record it and don't miss the action!

Here is a preview of Thursday's broadcast:

- After beating AJ Styles in controversial fashion at the Pay-Per-View, Bobby Roode is still the reigning World Heavyweight Champion! The World Champ will appear on the broadcast, but after last week's bloody attack, he's still got former champion "Cowboy" James Storm to deal with! Plus, how will AJ Styles react to how Roode won at the PPV?

- What will IMPACT WRESTLING "General Menace" Sting have planned for Thursday night? Tune in and find out!

- At the PPV, Gail Kim became the NEW Knockouts Champion after beating Velvet Sky! This Thursday, a "10 Knockouts Gauntlet" match will take place to determine a new #1 Contender to Gail's championship!

- Also in action on the broadcast will be new Television Champion Robbie E, as well as X Division Champion Austin Aries

- Plus, the road to our January "Final Resolution" Pay-Per-View event begins!

Don't miss Thursday's all-new IMPACT WRESTLING on SpikeTV at 9/8c, featuring the aftermath from Turning Point!

Where Are They Now?

Every Wednesday here on TNAimpactzone.com, we took a look back at the personalities that made an impact(pun intended) in TNA, and see what they're up to now. Without further ado, TNAimpactzone.com presents the first-ever edition of Where Are They Now Wednesday. This week, we profile...

Ken Shamrock

Then: Ken Shamrock, a legend in the world of Mixed Martial Arts, made history on June 19, 2002, when he won the 20-man Gauntlet for the Gold to capture the NWA Championship at TNA's first-ever show, emenating from Huntsville, Alabama. Shamrock went on to defend the title against the likes of Malice(the late Jerry Tuite) and Sabu, before dropping the belt on August 7th to Ron "The Truth" Killings. Besides a brief return in June of 2004, it was Shamrock's last appearance in TNA Wrestling.

Now: Shamrock returned to MMA shortly after leaving TNA, losing via corner stoppage to long-time rival Tito Ortiz at the Ultimate Fighting Championship 40 pay-per-view event held on November 22nd, 2002. On November 21st, 2003, Shamrock, along with Royce Gracie, became the first inductees into the UFC Hall of Fame. On November 19, 2005, UFC President Dana White announced that Shamrock along with Ortiz would be the opposing coaches for the third season of The Ultimate Fighter reality show. Shamrock would go on to lose both of his rematches with Ortiz, each by first-round technical knockout. He was released by UFC in June 2007, then subsequently filed and lost a lawsuit for breach of contract. In recent years, Shamrock has had to deal with a series of injuries, and proposed fights with Kimbo Slice and Bobby Lashley have fallen through. Shamrock is still fighting, however, and he is scheduled to face boxing legend James "Lights Out" Toney sometime in 2012.

News and Notes 11/15/11

-- TNA has another set of iMPACT! tapings tonight in Orlando, FL(Ongoing as we speak).

-- Robbie E recently filmed a commercial for SpikeTV's Videogame Awards.

-- The "Mr. PEC-Tacular Arm & Chest Workout DVD" featuring Jesse Godderz has topped 50,000 sales.

-- TNA will be splitting up their crew up this weekend as they have live events in Mississippi and international events in Chile and Argentina. Jeff Hardy vs. Gunner(with Ric Flair in Gunner's corner) will be the main events of this coming weekend’s TNA live shows in Mississippi. Other matches announced include Mickie James vs.Winter, Brian Kendrick vs. Kid Kash, Ink Inc. vs. Mexican America, Mr. Anderson vs. Daniels, Kazarian vs. The Pope and Devon vs. Robbie E. As for the South American tour, advertised are AJ Styles, Abyss, Kurt Angle, Velvet Sky, Crimson, Samoa Joe and World Heavyweight Champion Bobby Roode. UPDATE: The house show scheduled for this coming Monday at Luna Park in Buenos Aires, Argentina, has been cancelled.

Source: Pwinsider.com

This Date in TNA Wrestling History

The first of what will be a regular feature here on TNAimpactzone.com:

-- On Nov 15th, 2009, TNA Turning Point VI was held at the iMPACT! Zone in Orlando, Florida. The main event saw World Heavyweight Champion AJ Styles successfully defend his title in a 3-way match against Christopher Daniels and former champ Samoa Joe. Other top matches on the card featured Kurt Angle defeating newcomer Desmond Wolfe via ankle lock submission, and Scott Steiner pinning Bobby Lashley in a falls-count-anywhere match. That was November 15th, 2009 - This date in TNA History.

Spoiler from last night's tapings

TNA News and Notes

-- Main event for the television tapings tonight will be a 10 women Royal Rumble with the winner getting a shot at Gail Kim probably at the next PPV show. James Storm is also scheduled for the show.

-- Bobby Roode vs. A.J. Styles in a 30 minute Iron Man match will headline the 12/11 TNA Final Resolution PPV show.

-- Impact rating for last Thursday 11/10 was a 1.2. They had 1,730,000 viewers, up 28,000 from last weeks 1,702,000 million viewers. Impact had a 0.6 in the 18-49 demographic.

-- Best wishes for a speedy recovery to TNA's Bob Ryder, who is undergoing surgery for a tumor on his spine on Thursday. UPDATE: Bob Ryder posted the following on Twitter: Got some interesting news today. Surgery has been cancelled for now. Doctors will try a different approach. Thanks for all the support!

credit: Wrestling Observer

Results from Turning Point

Robbie E pinned Eric Young to become the Television Champion. At the end of the match, Robbie T clipped the leg of EY forcing him to hit his head on the apron. This lead to the pin and title change.

Mexican America defeated Ink Inc in a Six Person Mixed Tag Match to retain the World Tag Team Titles. After a distraction from Rosita, Sarita laid out Toxxin with a shot from the title belt to get the pin.

Austin Aries defeated Jesse Sorensen and Kid Kash to retain the X Division Title. Aries and Kash worked together nearly the entire match, but when Kid Kash hit the Moneymaker on Sorensen, Aries put Jesse's foot on the bottom rope to break the pin.  Aries then rolled up Kash from behind As he was arguing with the referee to win the match.

Rob Van Dam pinned Christopher Daniels in a No DQ Match. Daniels tried to to use a screwdriver again but RVD caught him with the Van Daminator followed by the Frog Splash for the victory.

Matt Morgan vs Crimson ended in a Double DQ. After a back and forth match, the referee got in between them and was then shoved aside causing the the disqualification. The two brawled after the match (some weak looking punches being thrown) until security separated them.

Abyss and Mr. Anderson defeated Bully Ray and Scott Steiner. Steiner went for the Frankensteiner at the end of the match but Abyss made the blind tag, hit the Black Hole Slam and pinned Steiner. After the match, Ray and Steiner put Abyss through a table who immediately got up and ran off the heels.

Gail Kim pinned Velvet Sky to become 2- time Knockouts Champion. There was a ton of interference from Madison Rayne and Karen Jarrett which lead to the finish.

Jeff Hardy pinned Jeff Jarrett in 3 straight falls. Hardy ran to the ring and hit a quick Twist of Fate for the first pinfall. Jarrett asked for one more match which Hardy accepted leading into a rematch between the two where Jarrett jumped Hardy. The two reversed each other's finishers when Hardy reversed the Figure Four Leg lock into a rollup. After the match, Jarrett chased Hardy up the ramp and nailed him in the head with a chair shot. Jarrett pulled Hardy back into the ring and made Earl Hebner count the pin fall, however Hardy reversed the pin into one of his own to get the third straight pinfall of the night.

Bobby Roode pinned AJ Styles to retain the World Heavyweight Championship.  AJ was able to kick out of all of Roode's finishers, but as he went for the Styles Clash Roode reversed it into a pinfall grabbing AJ's tights to retain the championship.

Opening video to Turning Point 2011

TNA Wrestling Top 10

The Top 10 heading into Turning Point. These rankings, of course, are unofficial:

World Heavyweight Champion
Bobby Roode - 230 lb., Windsor, ON

1) James Storm - 235 lb., Leiper's Fork, TN 

The "Cowboy" earns the #1 spot on the strength of his recent World Title win over Kurt Angle. Storm lost the title in his first defense under dubious circumstances, but he figures to have another shot at the belt soon.

2) Mr. Anderson - 239 lbs, Green Bay, WI 

A 2-time former World Champion, Anderson has been in the title hunt pretty much since he arrived in TNA. A victory over Bully Ray at BFG propelled him up the rankings, and he figures to stay in the mix for the foreseeable future.

3) Crimson - 270 lb., Brooklyn, NY

Undefeated in TNA after debuting nearly 11 months ago, Crimson was on the verge of winning the BFG Series before he was injured at the hands of Samoa Joe. After pinning Joe at BFG, Crimson faces another big challenge to his unbeaten streak at Turning Point: "The Blueprint", Matt Morgan.

4) Bully Ray - 285 lb., New York City, NY

Ever since turning on his long time tag team partner D-Von almost 1 year ago, Bully Ray has been on quite a roll. He's picked up high profile victories over the likes of AJ Styles and Mr. Anderson, and made it to the finals of the BFG series. Ray currently is feuding with Mr. Anderson.

5) Rob Van Dam - 237 lb., Battle Creek, MI

RVD made quite a bang when he arrived in TNA in March 2010, pinning the legendary STING in less than 10 seconds. RVD went on to win the World Title just one month later, but since he was striped of the belt last August, he's lost some momentum. He recently vanquished his long-time rival Jerry Lynn at BFG, and at Turning Point he's set to square off against "The Fallen Angel", Christopher Daniels.

6) AJ Styles - 215 lb., Gainesville, GA

Another former World Champ, the "Phenomenal" one has been pretty much relegated to the mid-card ever since losing the belt to RVD. On the heels of his victory over Daniels at BFG, AJ finally gets another shot at the title when he challenges Bobby Roode at Turning Point.

7) Jeff Jarrett - 233 lb., Hendersonville, TN

A multiple time WCW and NWA Champion, Jarrett has yet to capture the title of the company he founded. JJ has been much more active as a wrestler in the past year than he has been since 2007, and his feud with Jeff Hardy figures to go a long way in determining who is a legitimate threat to the World Title.

8) Matt Morgan - 305 lb., Fairfield, CT

The "Blueprint" was in contention to win the BFG series before an injury took him out of the running. Since returning, Morgan seems more determined than ever to realize his goal of becoming World Champion. This Sunday at Turning Point he will attempt to put an end to Crimson's unbeaten streak.

9) Jeff Hardy, 227 lb., Cameron, NC

Undeniably, he is the "Rock Star" of TNA. After a six month lay-off to deal with personal problems, Hardy is back and looking for redemption. His return has drawn the ire of TNA founder of Jeff Jarrett, and this Sunday at Turning Point, they will settle their issues in the ring.

10) Eric Young - 225 lb., Nashville, TN

Say what you will about the unconventional EY, but there's no denying the fact the he's currently TNA's longest reining champion and also the longest reigning TV Champ ever, having held the title since this past May. He's currently involved in a feud with Robbie E.

So there you have it - the "unofficial" TNA Top Ten. Agree? Disagree? Anybody you feel that was snubbed, or anyone you feel was unworthy? Please, let me know. At TNAimpactzone.com, your feedback is always welcome.