My World w/ Jeff Jarrett - April 2003 in TNA [Show Notes] (Patreon)

You’re starting to get more and more talent in as we’ll cover, but where is the company at financially at this point in April of 2003?

Are you seeing an increase in paying customers during this time period as well?

Your first show in April is on the 2nd and is based pretty much all around you & SEX.

SEX is attempting to get D’Lo Brown to join - did you think D’Lo would fit well in that group?

Brian Lawler defeats “Wildcat” Chris Harris - and after the match Lawler and David Flair double team Harris before Dusty Rhodes comes out and it’s bionic elbows for everyone. He cuts a promo about the NWA title and how TNA are building up the prestige and value of the titles and then shit on Flair for stealing his daddy’s belt. It ends with Lawler challenging Dusty Rhodes to a ladder match next week.

Jeff - was it like the polka dots - a rib - to put Dusty in a ladder match?

Alexis Laree comes in as a second of Raven and we would know her much better later on as Mickie James. Jeff do you remember who recommended Alexis and what did you think of her work when she came in?

The Trinity-Kid Kash storyline comes to a head finally after Raven gives Trinity a DDT and Kash decides to walk off instead of saving her. Did you see big things with Trinity?

What happened?

This tickled me in my research Jeff - from the Torch

Goldy interviewed Jeff Jarrett. She said some people have been saying he’s been acting differently lately. Jarrett said he didn’t want rumor b.s., he wanted names. Goldy said “some of the boys” told her. Jarrett snapped and said, “Oh, you’ve been around a few months and all of a sudden you’re going to throw around insider terminology.” She brought up how he said he was at a charity event, but then interfered and attacked everyone last week. Jarrett grabbed her by the throat and said it’s not beneath him to kick her ass if she kept it up. Strange segment.

Yes Jeff - it was. Chat me up.

New Jack makes a surprise debut to team with Perry Saturn & Sandman to defeat christopher Daniels & the Harris Boys. New Jack in TNA Jeff - doesn’t seem real…how does it all come together?

Right after New Jack debuts - Mike Barton - identified by Mike Tenay as the former Bart Gunn in the WWF, then attacked Perry Saturn. Why all this influx of talent now?

From the Torch

A home video aired of Erik Watts cutting a promo on Jeff Jarrett with Brian Erlacker sitting around on a couch. Another video aired with Watts with Neil McCoy and Ira Dean. Another video aired with Watts hanging out with Mark Rypien and Jim McMahon at a bar. Finally, another video aired of Watts with Jim Daly.

How did this all come to be?

Now it’s time for the main event - from the Torch

(7) Jeff Jarrett beat D-Lo Brown at 9:45 to retain the NWA World Hvt. Title. Jarrett caught a charging D-Lo with an elbow and then followed with a top rope bodyblock, but he took the ref down when D-Lo moved out of the way. Glen Gilbertti then distracted Jarrett as Mike Sanders nailed Jarrett with a title belt. D-Lo made the cover. The groggy ref made a slow two count before Jarrett lifted his shoulder for a mild pop. Jarrett ducked a D-Lo clothesline attempt. On the rebound, each clotheslined the other. Both men were down at 9:00. Raven entered the ring and sat in the corner. As the ref yelled at him, Sanders attempted to kick Jarrett, but he kicked D-Lo instead. Jarrett then hit the stroke for the win. Raven then squared off with Jarrett in the ring after the match as SEX members surrounded the ring. Alexis Laree entered the ring. Jarrett nailed her with a chair as the show abruptly ended. Good match, although not a show-stealer by any means. (***)

Damn Jeff - just hitting all the females tonight huh?

It’s reported in the Torch that Toby Keith was backstage at the show - did he ever show an interest in TNA at this time?

What was your relationship like with Toby back then?

“Phase 3, the Atlanta based company that designed the original TNA logo, sent a threatening letter to producers of Chris Rock’s “Head of State” movie. Phase 3 filed a lawsuit against TNA officials last year, claiming they were not paid for the design work. In the letter sent to the movie producers, Phase 3 demanded financial reimbursement for showing the old logo…”

What do you remember of this story Jeff?

“Some TNA skeptics are curious if the company’s recent growth in DirecTV sales has been offset by the money TNA spent to advertise through DirecTV. Others are also attributing some of the increase to TNA being moved to DirecTV’s main pay–per–view channel from the obscure channel it had been shown on… “

Was it offset by the advertising money Jeff?

From the Torch

There is said to be a lot of snickering among the production members who used to work in WCW over Jeremy Borash’s rise to power…

Did this ever get back to you?

Also From the Torch

Glen Gilbertti has been telling other wrestlers that he, Vince Russo, Raven, and Mike Sanders are doing most of the creative work during their drives from Atlanta together. Russo takes those ideas to Jeff Jarrett on Mondays, the two talk again late Tuesday night, and Jerry Jarrett also has some veto power. Despite Gilbertti’s claim, it’s well–known that Jeff Jarrett has the final say on booking matters…

Was this how creative worked for TNA at the time?

From the Torch

Border City Wrestling’s Scott D’Amore is scheduled to debut as an agent next week. The company has been more or less without agents since the early days, aside from what the already overworked Jarretts do…

How big a hire was this for you Jeff?

“Arguably the biggest philosophical difference between Russo and Jeff Jarrett is that Russo wants to build stars from within, while Jarrett believes the concept of bringing in weekly surprises is more important…”

I mean…is that what you remember being the biggest philosophical difference between the two of you?

It’s reported in the Observer that TNA & Rena Mero have had talks and that there was a verbal agreement to come into the company in May as a surprise. Jeff - did this happen - how close were you - what did you think she could add to the company?

The next week features Dusty Rhodes in a ladder match…from the Torch

“(2) Dusty Rhodes beat Brian Lawler in a Ladder Match at 8:20.

Lawler took early advantage using the ladder as a weapon. He climbed the ladder at 2:30, but it began falling apart and getting wobbly, which gave a bloody Dusty a chance to recover and knock him off the ladder. Dusty gave Lawler a series of punches and a bionic elbow. He then worked over Lawler with a step ladder. Dusty “leaped” off a step ladder in a comedy spot with an elbow onto Lawler. It was meant to be farcical because the step ladder was about a foot off the ground, although Dusty actually slipped doing it. Dusty began climbing the tall ladder, but when he got to the first step, Lawler low-blowed him from behind and climbed the ladder himself.

Dusty made it up to the first rung at which point David Flair attacked Dusty from behind. Flair then climbed the ladder. Nikita Koloff then came out and knocked Flair off the ladder. Nikita then climbed the ladder and grabbed the belt. He struggled to release it and eventually yanked hard enough that he got it loose. Dusty stood up and put up his fists to fend off a potential foe in Nikita. The crowd chanted “Dusty.” Nikita offered Dusty the belt. Dusty took it and the two hugged. For what it was, it was really entertaining. The finish is a bit of a ripoff because everybody wanted to see Dusty try to climb the ladder. But on the bright side, he did climb a step ladder! After the match Erik Watts ran out and ripped the NWA title belt out of Dusty’s hands, stealing it once again. (*1/2)

I mean this is good shit is it not?

From the Torch

(5) Pretty Saturn beat Mike Barton at 7:35. Tenay said that Barton won the Brawl for All in the WWF a few years ago and it made him a star in Japan, where he has been wrestling for All Japan and will be joining New Japan now. At 6:15 Saturn ducked a clothesline and then nailed Barton with a sidekick. Saturn then gave Barton a Death Valley Driver for a near fall. Barton kicked out at two and punched Saturn, selling it as if he hurt his own fist with the punch. Saturn then put Barton’s sore hand in a wristlock and forced a tapout. Solid intensity, but not much else of note. The tapout finish was a surprise. (*)

WAs it a short-term deal for Barton, just in for the dates, and that’s why you had him put over Saturn?

D’Lo defeated Mike Sanders and Wade this to say:

By not going right into title matches with D-Lo and Jarrett, all of D-Lo’s WWE steam has been lost already.

(8) Amazing Red & Jerry Lynn won a four-way tag match with Shark Boy & Jason Cross, Chris Sabin & Johnny Storm, and Christopher Daniels & Elix Skipper at 13:40.

The members of the winning team would have to face each other later to earn an X Title shot. The NASCAR color guy Jeff Hammond joined Tenay and West. He talked about following wrestling since the ’70s.

Jeff - the winning team is to face each other? I mean - I get it - but it seems silly does it not?

Red then surprised Daniels with a small package for the win. A wide variety of well-executed highspots, but the context of a storyline never had a chance to develop so it was nothing more than a spotfest. (**3/4)

Was this always the issue with the X division?

“Goldy interviewed Erik Watts. Watts said Jarrett sent him emails apologizing for choking her last week. Watts said everybody hates Jeff, the fans in the crowd and the wrestlers in the back. He said everywhere he’s gone everybody loves him, and that makes Jeff jealous. Watts said the one person he can count on is him (Watts) because he cares for him. “You must live life or life will live you,” he said. Watts is good behind the mic in a smarmy heel way.”

You can say a lot about Erik Watts but he was very good in this role here at this time wasn’t he?

From the Torch

In the “main event” interview, Tenay asked Jeff what is going on in his head these days. “This isolation, this hostility, what’s it all about?” Tenay asked. Jeff asked Tenay which Jeff he wants, the bad guy or the good guy. Jeff asked Tenay if he has any idea what’s going on in his life these days. He said he can’t tell who is his friend anymore. “Is it pressure of is it paranoia?” asked Tenay. Jeff did a good job portraying that he was near cracking. Tenay, though, told Jeff he has to rise above the pressure and represent the NWA as champion. Jeff yanked the mic out of his hand. Then out came Raven, Alexis Laree, and Julio DeNiro. Raven told Jeff to beat up Tenay if it makes him feel like a big man. “Isn’t this really all about me, Jeff? Isn’t it really all about Raven?” Raven said. He told Jeff every bad dream he ever had as a child is about to come true. Somebody cheered and Raven said, “Don’t you dare cheer me; shut your mouth.” A small “Raven sucks” chant started. Jarrett told him he doesn’t have to wait 21 days, he can have his title shot right now. Security stormed the ring to hold Jeff back. Jarrett grabbed a chair and when Dusty entered the ring, he blindly swung and hit Dusty to close the show.

This is quite the finish to a show - and it makes people want to tune in and pay for more of this didn’t he?

From the Torch

TNA is hoping to have a Spanish audio feed for its events available next month…

What all does this this entail?

From the Torch

Observers say Jamie Dundee is as much of a problem in the locker room as the notorious Eddie G. Both men continue to be booked in syndicated matches. Although most of the wrestlers believe it’s a rib on Dundee, he’s been telling the rest of the locker room that the office asked him to purchase a kangaroo costume for an upcoming angle…

What were the issues with Dundee & Eddie G?

Scott D’Amore hops right in takes notes, gives finishes and also helps produce as well. How quickly did Scott fit in?

Also from the Torch

The in–fighting between Vince Russo and the Jarretts has picked up again. There has been a lot of talk that some of Russo’s allies approached Panda’s Dixie Carter to complain that the Jarretts are cutting the legs out from under Russo by heavily editing his material. Russo continues to write the shows (many expect with help from Raven, Glen Gilberti, and Mike Sanders), which the Jarretts eventually edit. Russo has become frustrated with the amount of editing that the Jarretts have been doing to his work, and those in the locker room who are aware of the problem are said to be split in which faction they side with.

One of Russo’s main complaints is that the Jarretts edit anything that takes heat off of Jeff, whom Jerry has told wrestlers he sees as the dragon slayer, with the top heels as the dragons.

Would you agree with this?

The Torch continues

Russo is also upset that the Jarretts base their opinions on how the Nashville crowd reacts, whereas Russo feels the company should worry more about the national audience than the local crowd. Russo and Jeff have been friends for a number of years, but those close to the situation say it’s about to reach a boiling point and are questioning whether the friendship can survive if the situation isn’t resolved soon. As of press time, there was a lot of talk that Russo was planning to give up his writing duties in hopes that the shows would suffer without his input. Meanwhile, there is also talk that Russo will return as an on–air character shortly.

I mean this was going to happen eventually wasn’t it?

Were you starting to feel the politics at this point in time?

“•Sabu rejected TNA’s most recent request to return to the company. New backstage agent Scott D’Amore was asked by TNA officials to soothe over the bad feelings that exist between Sabu and the company dating back to his last appearance. D’Amore has a good relationship with Sabu, but the temperamental wrestler still insisted that Jeff Jarrett call him personally to talk through their differences.

TNA office worker Bob Ryder, who many have labeled “the Jim Ross of TNA” contacted Sabu on behalf of the company. According to numerous sources, Sabu was unwilling to talk to Ryder and used several expletives while telling him he would only talk to Jarrett. TNA would like to feature Sabu in the current storyline that involves Sandman, New Jack, and other former ECW wrestlers. As of press time, Sabu was telling friends that he may have torn his bicep while working out but was still planning to make his upcoming bookings.”

What can you tell us about this situation with Sabu and trying to get him back to TNA?

Hermie Sadler appeared on Fox Sports Net’s “Totally NASCAR” and announced that he had signed a five race sponsorship deal with NWA–TNA. He said the deal will begin with May’s Coca–Cola 600, which takes place in Charlotte, N.C…

Explain to our listeners who big a deal this is…

Also Zach Gowen was backstage after driving in with Chris Sabin after he turned down the TNA offer to sign with the WWE. What did you think of Zach coming down? It’s reported the locker room was cold to him but can you blame them?

Honky Tonk Man also claimed on his website that he was close to a deal to come in…did you ever talk to the greatest Intercontinental champion besides you coming to TNA?

Now that you hit Dusty with a chair - he’s hot at you and waiting at the building for you on the next episode from April 16th. Did you think it would be a good thing to work a program with Dusty?

With Raven having Julio & Alexis together it seems like he’s building a Flock like he used to have in ECW. How involved is Raven in his creative? Did you guys ever butt heads over ideas?

Raven’s promo before a match with D’Lo Brown is about how he doesn’t want you to turn this into a southern wrestling promotion. Do you think everybody watching the show understood what he was trying to say - or is that just Raven?

The build is to blow off you & Raven on April 30th finally in a one-on-one singles match for the NWA Title. This is the first big singles match you’re building to over a long period of time in a few months. Were you looking to see how long you could get out of this story?

The Torch is critical of TNA’s decision to put Glen Gilberti over AJ Styles clean after Styles got hit with the stunner. Do you think sometimes you have to let the story play out for it all to make sense?

Does this ever make sense?

Erik Watts laid Dusty out backstage with a title belt. What did you see in Erik that - really - no one besides Bill Watts did?

Kid Kash attempts to make up with Trinity and does but after he defends the X division title against Mike Sanders the Harris Brothers beat up Trinity and Kash just watches. Jeff - a lot of man on woman violence in TNA at this time. Different world back then wasn’t it?

Mike Awesome is the next surprise debut for TNA and he defeats Perry Saturn via DQ when Sandman & New Jack interfere but the Torch points out how heavy Awesome was for this match. Were you surprised to see Awesome in the shape he was in?

Also Justin Credible debuts as well to join with Sandman & New Jack as former ECW members and the Torch would report that Credible was in line for a pretty big push. Credible left the WWE on some not so great terms - what did you see in PJ Polaco?

From the Torch

A sitdown interview aired with Chris Harris and James Storm. Harris defended his decision to wrestle singles matches and to associate with SEX. Storm scoffed at Harris’s hobnobbing. Harris said he and Storm were still a team. Storm was skeptical.

Was it just way too soon to break these two up?

Goldy interviewed Sandman and New Jack who were arguing over who was cheating at chess.

Jeff - what are we doing here?

From the Torch

(7) Jerry Lynn & Amazing Red beat Christopher Daniels & Elix Skipper at 14:16 to capture the NWA Tag Team Titles. (****)

These are the matches you’re looking for as you build your company right?

(8) Julio Deniro & Alexis Laree beat Jeff Jarrett in a Clockwork Orange match at 5:02. Raven suplexed Jarrett through a chair to end it. (*1/2)

Well a Clockwork Orange match in the main event - handicap mind you - and you lose after Raven interferes and the heels get the win. Working with Dinero & Laree in a Clockwork Orange match - chat me up.

You’re doing whatever you can to build to you and Raven. How important was that match for you?

From the Torch

•Ron Killings complained about his recent lack of TNA bookings during an Apr. 20 interview with the Extreme Mayhem radio show. When asked why he hasn’t been booked by TNA on a regular basis, Killings said he is just as clueless about the subject as anyone. He even went so far as to say that the treatment he’s received from the company recently has been “kinda shi––y” and compared it to his last stint in WWE

Did Ron fall out of favor with the company or was it just the different direction at the time?

From the Torch

ROH Champion Samoa Joe is scheduled to appear on an upcoming PPV. Joe is a “strong–style” wrestler who was originally trained by Cincinnati Red in Southern California in 1999.

How do you originally hear of Samoa Joe?

“Brian Lawler told the No Holds Barred radio show on Apr. 20 that he took a paycut when the company was suffering financial problems (prior to Panda buying majority interest from the Jarretts). He said company officials promised him a new contract once the problems were solved, but he has yet to receive it. Lawler also admitted to speaking with WWE officials recently. He said he has the urge to return to WWE and has been waiting for the opportunity to go back and prove himself…”

Was this the former Grandmaster Sexay shooting off the hip or was he one of the guys that were asked to take a pay cut then has to watch all this talent debut and he doesn’t get a bump?

How hard was it to separate business and personal when you’re the boss with guys you’ve known for 10-15 years at this point in your life?

Well there’s drama brewing according to the Newsletters:

From the Observer

The biggest stuff behind-the-scenes is that the power of Vince Russo has increased and Jerry Jarrett at this point is out of the picture when it comes to writing, according to a few sources. As has been mentioned here, the situation between the two sides has come to a head in recent weeks, which isn’t so much a power play as attempts at writing autonomy. While Jeff Jarrett has the ultimate say on everything, he was heavily influenced by his father. Those close to his father are saying Jerry has pulled out to give Russo enough rope to hang himself, like he’s done in the past here. What may have precipitated this was Russo threatening to quit if they didn’t stop overruling him. Those internally watching the dynamics believe that it will end up with Russo having more power when it comes to autonomy at some point, both because of Raven’s influence with Dixie Carter and the belief that Russo was really the Panda people’s choice for writing from the beginning because he’ll fight for it and Jerry Jarrett won’t. The most obvious deal was Jeff doing the job in the handicap match to Alexis Laree & Julio Dinero, which Jerry would have a few weeks earlier talked Jeff out of doing. The difference now is that Raven is in Russo’s ear and there wasn’t nearly the nonsense and stupidity this time out.

So that’s Dave’s take and let’s unpack it. Was Russo gaining more power to you and influence on you?

Did Vince threaten to quit if he wasn’t given full writing autonomy?

What did Russo have with Panda at the time that Panda would be so excited to have just Vince writing - or is that Dixie?

Would your dad have talked you out of losing in the match with the Flock?

This is from the Torch:

•The struggle for power between Vince Russo’s faction and the Jarrett family camp continues to play out. Sources from both sides of the debate took various shots at the other sides during conversations with the TORCH this week. Russo supporters have been critical of Jeff Jarrett’s ego, while also accusing Jerry Jarrett and some of the TNA office personnel of feeding his ego. Meanwhile, Jarrett defenders spoke out against the booking direction Russo would like to take if he took over control of the company. Even some Jarrett backers believe Russo brings some very good ideas to the table, they also say he pitches some over the top storylines and becomes easily upset whenever one of his ideas are vetoed by Jeff. Oddly enough, observers say it’s difficult to tell that problems exist between Jeff and Russo personally, as the long–term friends appear to be on good terms whenever they are seen together. In an attempt to soothe over some of the bad feelings between the growing factions, the promotion launched what they are hoping will be a weekly creative meeting that involves Jeff, Russo, Gilberti, and other members of the TNA office.

Again - a lot to unpack here. First off - I enjoy Wade framing it as Russo didn’t call Wade and your dad didn’t call Wade but various camps reached out to him…

Did you have an ego as accused here in this report from Russo’s camp?

What was Vince suggesting that you were heavily against? Hotshot stories? We talk about stories a lot here - but you knew what you were getting bringing Vince in right?

Who made the decision to launch the weekly creative meeting here?

Jarrett supporters blame Russo and his camp for booking confusing matches that leave fans to decide which wrestlers are babyfaces and which are heels (i.e. former ECW wrestlers vs. New Church). “Russo has never known the difference between heels and babyfaces,” one observer critiqued…

Is this a fair criticism?

Moving on - very quickly it’s noted how important Scott D’Amore would be very early on in his time in TNA - that he would be better in the TV truck during broadcasts as the story is that Saturn did an obvious blade job in his match with Mike Barton and the truck stayed on the shot with him. Is this just putting someone with a lot more wrestling experience in the truck?

A week before your big match with Raven and this is from the Torch’s recap of April 23rd

Backstage Goldy interviewed Alexis, who said she wanted to “rip off Jarrett’s ball sack and shove it down (Goldy’s) throat.” Goldy wasn’t amused. Alexis confronted and shoved Grandma Sara who sells tickets backstage. Jarrett then attacked Alexis for hurting an old woman…

Grandma Sara - you just had to get her involved right?

From the Torch

Trinity pinned Kid Kash at 7:05. Kash dominated early. Trinity made a comeback, at which point Sanders and the Harrises intervened and H-bombed Kash to help her win the match. (**)

I mean this is just weird booking is it not? SEX - the major heels in the company - attack Kid Kash and help the babyface girlfriend of the guy get the win. Too much story right? Shouldn’t this be basic hope spots and banana peel type thing?

Vince Russo - who weeks before announced his retirement - even though he’s still backstage and writing - “mistakenly” walked into the background of a promo Jim Mitchell was cutting. Is this a legit mistake or was it one of those - wink and you’ll see Vince is still around type things?

The Sandman would come out after a Justin Credible & Slash match went to a no contest with a flaming kendo stick. We’re just throwing all types of stuff up against the wall aren’t we?

From the Torch

Erik Watts walked to the ring and called out Raven. Julio Deniro came out instead. Watts said he wants to talk, not fight. Deniro punched Watts, so Watts chokeslammed him. Jarrett did a run-in and went nuts on Alexis Laree with a DDT and a Stroke on Deniro. Jarrett then powerbombed Laree through a table.

You’re the babyface here Jeff? This would lead to Team Extreme - the former ECW faction - joining Raven. Do you have too many groups and factions?

From the Torch

•Vince Russo granted a rare radio interview to WSCR–AM in Chicago on Apr. 24. Russo filled in for the originally scheduled Raven, and took several shots at the current WWE product. Russo said he did not watch WrestleMania this year. “I cannot sit through five minutes of that show and have my intelligence insulted,” Russo said. “They desperately need to change.” When asked if he was planning to order Backlash, Russo quipped, “I’m waiting with baited breath.”

As for his own writing, Russo said TNA is attempting to reinvent the wrestling business. “It’s a new time, a new era. If you don’t evolve the product, it will die on the branch. The reality is that nobody is 100 percent good guy and nobody is 100 percent bad guy. That’s fairytales, we’re trying to be real… We’re not writing for the internet crowd, we’re writing for the masses.”

Was…that accurate?

There’s a big time release in the WWE at the time when Jeff Hardy is let go. From the Torch…

TNA officials were unable to find out the terms of Jeff Hardy’s WWE release in time for him to appear on last week’s show. The office is using Ron Killings to help with the negotiations, as Killings and Hardy have been friends for a number of years. In related news, Hardy recently told friends that he’s not interested in “flying around the country” as an indy wrestler. The good news for TNA is that Hardy lives within driving range of Nashville…

When Jeff Hardy becomes available - is it - we need to get him as soon as possible - or do you worry about why he was released?

“The story going around the TNA office is that Ed Ferrara recently contacted Vince Russo in hopes of getting his job back in TNA. The entire office staff was laughing at Ferrara as there are apparently some bad feelings over his decision to quit the company while they were going through financial problems prior to the sale to Panda. Keep in mind, at the time Ferrara left TNA, the office was all smiles about his departure and went out of their way to spread the word that he left on good terms to pursue other interests.”

Do you remember Ed asking Vince to come back? Was that the office’s reaction internally?

“Jarrett rejected Russo’s idea of having the ECW faction hang him from the ceiling at the end of the show. Meanwhile, the ECW faction vetoed Jarrett’s plan to hit them each with chairshots before being overpowered by all of them…”

Are these real vetoes or more suggestions and everyone decided it was better not done?

From the Torch

One of Jerry Jarrett’s favorite sayings is that Jeff is the dragon slayer and the heels are his dragons. After watching Jeff Jarrett rough up Alexis Laree recently, one TNA regular commented, “Dragon slayers are supposed to save the princess, they don’t slap her around and abuse her”…

Did your Dad at the time tell you what he was thinking often? Was the relationship already starting to strain?

The rumor in the locker room is that Dusty Rhodes is the highest paid talent (aside from Jeff Jarrett) at $1,500 per week…

Was that the case at this time?

From the Observer:

At the WWE Smackdown show on 4/22 in Nashville, TNA employees were passing out free tickets for both 4/23 and 4/30. You’d think they’d have confidence they could sell some tickets for 4/30. Athena was there giving away tickets and telling fans they could see D-Lo Brown and Raven at the Fairgrounds. To nobody’s surprise, that show was sign conscation night, as many TNA regulars brought signs for Smackdown plugging the promotion, including the requisite “six more days until Jarrett vs. Raven” that were confiscated. Most likely in reaction, on the 4/23 show, someone at ringside had a sign that read “Smackdown spoilers,” and each time the camera was on him, he had a sign giving the results of a match on the show the next night. Under the circumstances, it was hilarious

What’s the reaction internally to this?

Do you think that your match with Raven - the way it was built up - would deliver the best buyrate in the company’s history at this point?

From the Torch

They opened with a shot of Jeff Jarrett arriving at the arena earlier in the day. He was surrounded by security. The whole scene made him and his arrival seem like a huge event. He seemed to have a lot on his mind…

Did you feel the pressure to make this all a success?

Throughout the night there’s comments shown from AJ & D’Lo that whoever wins will have to deal with them - setting them up as the next set of contenders. Do you think this was the best program you’ve booked since TNA opened?

“Mike Tenay did a sitdown interview with Ron Killings and Konnan, who have formed an alliance against discrimination in TNA. Killings threw in some MFers and reminded everyone he is a former NWA Champ who can’t get a title match these days…”

Mabel was quickly gone from TNA after appearing with Ron Killings for two weeks. Why did it not work out with Nelson Frasier?

The idea of putting Killings & Konnan together and work this discrimination angle - Russo?

“(4) Chris Sabin won a four–way match with Jason Cross, Jimmy Rave, and Shark Boy at 8:12. Really good four–way X Division style match. Crisp execution without crossing over into a highspot happy match. (***)”

I bring this up to point out that Chris Sabin is still with Impact to this day. What was it about Sabin you saw early on?

“(5) Amazing Red pinned Kid Kash to capture the X Division Title at 9:15. The black masked man attacked Kash from behind, giving Red the chance to score the pin. The same mystery man DDT’d Red after the match as he celebrated. Good match. (***)”

Why the decision to take the title off Kash after his story with Trinity and move it to Red? What did you see in Red that you really liked?

It’s time for the big match Jeff - here’s the Torch recap…

“(6)

Jarrett beat Raven in 17:33 of a match which ended up having 13 different people interfere (Alexis Laree, Julio Dinero, Sandman, Justin Credible, Sabu, Perry Saturn, New Jack, Mike Awesome, Brain Lee, Slash, Mike Sanders and Ron & Don Harris). Sabu, torn biceps and all, was a surprise appearance, who wasn’t finalized until the day of the show, as the lights went out as the ECW crew was laying out Jarrett. Crowd was hot. Both guys bled a lot and even did dives in the opening minutes. Raven did his DDT twice for near falls and Jarrett did his stroke once for a near fall, before getting it for a win when reversing Raven’s third attempt at the DDT. Jarrett did an elbow drop off the middle rope onto a table on the door with Raven on it. It was a good heated brawl with a sloppy spot here and there. The finish got a little silly and overdone. The ref was knocked out and Jarrett and Raven gave each other simultaneous low blows. The ECW crew destroyed Jarrett with canes and garbage cans. Then Saturn gave him a death valley driver. Then they handcuffed Jarrett’s arms behind his back ala Mick Foley in “Beyond the Mat” in the I Quit match with Rock. I was expecting ten chair shots, but instead, we got a stereo combination Van Daminator by Saturn and Credible into a concerto. Then came the bad part. Bill Behrens brought out a key to the handcuffs. Why Behrens would have a key to Team ECW’s handcuffs was actually attempted to be explained. They said Behrens had a “universal key.” Anyway, they needed to go to another universe because ref Rudy Charles couldn’t make it work. Raven then got the key and also couldn’t make it work for a long time. This is where the crowd being so hot literally saved the match, because if this was WWE, it would be considered a time standing still moment and a total embarrassment. Raven finally uncuffed Jarrett and DDT’d him. Jarrett kicked out. That just came off too silly. Raven went for a second DDT but Jarrett gave him the stroke for the pin and the show ended with Dusty Rhodes congratulating Jarrett, as they seem to be doing a tease for an eventual Jarrett-Rhodes match.”

Let’s stop right there - the match itself and all the booking - you needed it right? The story had too much going on to not have all these run-ins right?

Was it too much weapons and garbage do you think or was it just the right amount?

Let’s talk about the handcuffs…when you’re in the ring in the handcuffs and there’s all this - are you thinking - we lost them?

From the Torch

The match was largely put together by Jeff Jarrett, as was most of the show. Just before press time we got word that a lot of the creative issues, which was the biggest backstage issue in the promotion (regarding the disagreements between Jeff Jarrett and Russo and his group) have been worked out. We’ll have more details next week, but the basic gist is that Jarrett was described to me as being on a totally different level as a politician than Russo or Raven

According to several different sources, Jarrett laid out the 13 run-ins. The spot, which was actually botched, where Ron & Don Harris & Mike Sanders came out, was originally going to have them attacking Jarrett and putting a beating on him, until Brian Lee & Slash & Mike Awesome would make the save. As it turned out, The Church guys ended up on camera first, and it had to be explained that they weren’t there helping Jarrett but as a strike against SEX. It was argued that there were too many run-is as it was and I believe it was Raven who convinced Jarrett to have them fight each other and not interfere in the match itself, since Jarrett wouldn’t agree to cancel the run-in.

Chat me up - what do you remember of putting all of this together - all the moving parts - dealing with the political nature of things…

Was the match a success in your mind?

But - according to Meltzer - there’s more to the story…

There was a lot of backstage commotion on 4/30 because Raven’s contract expired with the show, and he wouldn’t sign a new one, even when a short time frame was offered. It is believed he’s getting $1,000 per show and was asking for a raise to $1,500, which would be what Dusty Rhodes earns. It appears everything is either worked out, or everyone is now on the same page because it was a huge issue at the show, and it’s considered a settled issue now. The highest paid wrestler is Jarrett at $3,000, although his duties are far deeper than just being the company’s headline wrestler. Rhodes is believed to be the second highest paid. When Sean Waltman and Scott Hall were in, they were making $2,000 each, although Hall made $7,500 at first when they were using Health South money. Brian James was also making $2,000 at first, but agreed to a cut to $1,000 before he quit the promotion after he had agreed to a big cut, but then they turned down his father when he asked for a $50 a week raise from $250 to $300. Whether intentionally or coincidental, Raven’s deal ran out the day of the show. He did prove with the right build-up that he’s a drawing card because judging from the live crowd and the PPV response, their revenue coming in on this show was probably way up, maybe as much as $80,000 more than a usual week. Raven not signing a new deal had little or nothing to do with the nish of the Jarrett match as Jarrett was going over via pinfall all along. Him not signing guaranteed that decision couldn’t be changed, but it was virtually impossible it would have been.

Was this an issue the day of the show? Were there any worries about Raven not doing business?

Meltzer would go on to say:

“They drew their largest and hottest crowd for the show, about 1,400, and turned away more than 1,100 more. No word on paid, other than it was believed to have been more than 700

There were people internally that were not thrilled with the show, believing this was the show that should have been a home run and the matches were sloppy, with matches that looked better on paper than they turned out to be. But it was still a good show overall because of the hot crowd (even if you could see Jeremy Borash actually acting as a cheerleader, which is his actual role at the shows but it’s rarely visible on camera).”

Was it a success looking back that you were turning people away? Did you give out too many freebies?

Did it prove to you that with the right story you can draw a paying crowd?

Were you worried that you might’ve cost yourself some of them not coming back in the future with the way it all worked out?

When the month ends - TNA has now drawn it’s biggest gate since the beginning - with the biggest story you’ve put together - and you’re looking down the line at a one year anniversary show - how do you feel about the company as we go into May?

We’ll cover that - next month - but next week Jeff - Tennessee Lee and the Spring of 1998 in the WWF. We’re full on Attitude Era as Shawn Michaels drops the WWF title to Steve Austin at WrestleMania, you’re just helping Gennifer Flowers at the biggest show of the year, you’re wrestling Brakkus on a European tour, singing with Sawyer Brown on pay-per-view, working the WWF training camp, Steve Blackman, & the King of the Ring!