My World w/ Jeff Jarrett - The Asylum Turns on Jeff [Show Notes] (Patreon)

Today our topic looks back 20 years at a time when you’re being presented as the top babyface and your hometown arena is about to turn on you…let’s get into it…

From the Torch:

“TNA office workers claim a compromise was reached in the struggle for power between Jeff Jarrett and Vince Russo’s camp last week. Things came to a head during the Apr. 30 show, as apparently the Russo camp and even some Jarrett defenders were in favor of putting the NWA Title on Raven. There were some reports that Russo quit and walked out of the building at one point in the evening. But either cooler heads prevailed or there was no walkout, as Russo was backstage after the show and spent some time talking with Jarrett. According to an office source, Jarrett spent Thursday and Friday talking at length with the parties involved in the power struggle and was able to get the two sides to agree to some compromises.”

Jeff - as we covered a few weeks ago - the match between you & Raven was the most successful at this point for the company. But all the issues coming out of it…what do you remember of it all?

Also from the Torch

“The new plan is for Russo to spend more time at the Nashville office each week. While at the office, Russo will be involved in weekly brainstorming booking sessions with other members of the TNA office, most of whom have sided with Jarrett throughout the power struggle. Although at least one source in the Russo faction is claiming that the problems are still prevalent between the two sides, one TNA office member praised the way Jarrett dealt with the situation. “Jeff is becoming a real leader,” said the source. “He’s much better in that role than I ever would have thought he would be. I have a lot of confidence in him right now.”

How bad were things with Vince at this point?

Where was your Dad in all this?

The Torch

“The latest word on Jeff Hardy is that because he was released by WWE for disciplinary purposes (i.e. he refused to enter drug rehab), there is a 90–day no–compete clause in his release papers…”

When you hear that Jeff becomes available - are you worried about his demons? Is it something you seriously considered? Or do you think the money was going to be too much?

Torch

Former WWE and WCW writer Bill Banks, who followed Russo to WCW, will likely be hired to work in the office full–time. Banks’s duties will include producing some backstage segments, and he will also serve as an assistant to Jeremy Borash, who produces the video packages…

Bill Banks - not a name that gets talked about a lot - but he had been with the WWF & WCW - why was he pushed to come in to the company and did you speak with him during this time?

It would be a while before it would happen - was there a hiccup in the deal for him to come in?

From the Torch

“TNA office sources allege that there was some tension between Russo and Raven because Raven felt that Russo wasn’t giving him any credit for his booking ideas, although a source close to the Russo camp denies that report…”

Was there talk of issues between Russo and anyone else - was it a Russo thing - and was this a common complaint?

From the Torch

Shannon Ward, who performed as Daffney in

WCW, worked a match taped for syndication as “Shark Girl.” This was Ward’s first TNA appearance since backing out of a scheduled match because she was concerned it would cost her the deal she had just signed with XPW…

XPW - not something we talk about much - was throwing a lot of money to indie guys. Did you ever see Rob Black and this company real competition?

Were you excited to have Daffney involved? How much potential did you see in her?

You’re about a month away from the TNA 1 year anniversary - and there’s talk of rumors & innuendo about bringing Sting in. Were you the main person to talk with him?

Why was it important to bring Sting in?

Did you see him as being able to draw a much higher pay-per-view number?

What’s the hope of ROI going to be?

From the Torch

Amazing Red had been working on a per–show basis, but had to sign a multi-week contract before he was given his X Title win…

How do these types of negotiations take place?

May 7th is the first pay-per-view of the month for TNA - and the show seems focused around Glen Gilbertti. What did you see in the former Disco Inferno to run really the show through him?

He’s now the leader of SEX - he’s going to be in the Anarchy match in the main event where the winner gets an NWA title match against you…and then attacks you in your locker room and attacks you with your own crutches coming out of the Raven match. Did you see him as being a main eventer?

Look I like Disco - but the drop from the story with Raven to Gilbertti here - it’s not great is it?

From the Torch

(2) Sabu beat New Jack and Sandman in a three-way brawl to earn a spot in the Asylum main event. They brawled all over the place, as you’d expect, including Jack diving off a scissor lift toward Sabu 20 feet below. Sabu moved, so New Jack crashed through the table to the floor. Sabu covered New Jack on the floor to win. A nutso brawl with three masochists. (**1/2)

These types of ECW matches people have been very negative on - where do you stand on them?

From the Torch

(3) James Storm pinned Chris Harris at 7:35 to advance into the Anarchy match later. Good seven minute TV match. Storm sat down on a Harris sunset flip attempt to score the sudden pin. After the match, Harris refused to shake hands with Storm at first, but then entered the ring and they hugged. (**1/2)

Did you see the Harris & Storm story being as long as it ended up being?

From the Torch

Goldy interviewed Erik Watts, who was intentionally overacting as he cried about the Jarrett injury earlier. Watts said he should have been there for Jeff. Watts then answered his cell phone and told an “Eric who used to work at WCW” that he was surprised he wanted to come to TNA, insinuating Bischoff, I guess.

Where was this going Jeff do you remember?

***I’M PUTTING THIS IN - BUT YOU TELL ME IF YOU WANT IT IN OR NOT***

From the Torch

During an interview with Tenay and West, Ron & Don Harris played into their reps for being White Supremacists by making comments about Konnan and Killings. Totally uncomfortable to watch and inappropriate because it seemed to be their genuine feelings. TV shows that portray such dark characters don’t hire people who really feel that way…

What was going on here Jeff?

“(6) Glen Gilbertti won the Anarchy in the Asylum brawl at 28:18. He outlasted Brian Lawler, D-Lo, Sonny Siaki, Chris Harris, Rick Steiner (who stunk), Mike Awesome, Justin Credible, Ron Killings, Tracy, Kid Kash, Saturn, Harrises, Buff Bagwell, and Sabu. Crazy, sometimes good, often a mess. In the end Raven interfered, costing Sabu the win. (***3/4)”

This was a crazy match - not far off the Anarchy match AEW had the other night but more of a battle royal type thing. Rick Steiner - who it was reported got a lot of heat with the wrestlers - appears and there’s women in there - but it’s Gilbertti getting the win to set you two up. With this & the former ECW wrestlers - there’s a lot of hardcore brawling and insanity. Were you surprised to see the product turn like this?

From the Torch

Former TNN president Brian Hughes has been hired as a consultant to pursue a television deal. Hughes was introduced to the locker room by Jeff Jarrett prior to the Apr. 30 show. Oddly enough, Hughes was considered to be ECW’s biggest headache during their run on TNN. Back in those days, Paul Heyman accused Hughes of being against the idea of featuring rock music on the show, and even claimed that Hughes tried to block Rob Zombie from making a cameo appearance because he believed Zombie was a Satan worshiper. Hughes was also the person who made the call to censor a promo that Heyman cut on the network by muting the audio and running a crawler at the bottom of the screen. Despite his title as TNN President, Hughes worked underneath David Hall, although he did run the day to day operations of the network before it was sold to Viacom.

What was your relationship with Brian Hughes? How did this come to be? Was this a Panda/Bob Carter/Dixie call? Did you know about his past with ECW?

From the Torch

Wrestlers are becoming fearful of saying anything critical of the company during public appearances, as they believe their pushes will be scaled back if they do. Wrestlers point to A.J. Styles doing a job for Glen Gilberti shortly after saying publicly that he was opposed to topless women appearing on the show, and D–Lo Brown having his push scaled back after he said he would like to return to WWE someday. While the impact of those examples is debatable, company officials have made it known to some wrestlers that they do not think it reflects well on them when wrestlers talk bad about the company or positively about the idea of working for WWE…

On top of that…”After recently apologizing to TNA officials for being critical of the company during a recent radio interview, Ron Killings went back on the attack during another radio interview. When asked about the recent surprise appearances of former WWE wrestlers on TNA shows, Killings told The Interactive Interview website, “You dance with who you came to the show with.” Killings said a number of the wrestlers who worked hard for TNA from the start have been fading out of the picture. “F––– that,” added Killings…”

Was there a correlation of these two things?

The next week Chris Sabin defeats Jerry Lynn & Amazing Red to win the X division title and join SEX. Sabin is still with Impact today - what did you see in him that made you put the belt on him?

Also on the show Elix Skipper & Christopher Daniels defeated AJ & D’Lo to win the NWA World Tag Team Titles with Gilberti interfering and hitting a stunner to help SEX capture every title in the company besides your World Title. Is this too much heel dominance?

From the Torch

The wrestlers shared their concern over the direction of the company while sitting backstage during the May 14 show. “This is the first time I heard people complaining about the storylines and the direction of the company,” one wrestler said. “Nobody complains (to management) because everybody needs work.” The main complaint of the wrestlers was that Jeff Jarrett and Vince Russo have developed favorites. “They play favorites by taking care of their little friends,” a second wrestler added. While those in Vince Russo’s clique (Raven, Glen Gilberti, Mike Sanders, and Erik Watts) are well known, wrestlers say Jeff Jarrett’s favorites include Sonny Siaki, A.J. Styles, David Young, America’s Most Wanted, Jerry Lynn, Amazing Red, and Trinity. While no one is complaining about the push Jarrett has given some of those names, other wrestlers are questioning why Siaki and Young are featured on television every week.

What say you to this Jeff? Did the favorites get the better treatment?

From the Torch

Jeff Jarrett was in a bad mood while backstage, to the point that most wrestlers either didn’t want to approach him. And those who did approach Jarrett with questions about the show’s content got the feeling that it wasn’t a good time to second–guess him. “No big deal, everyone is entitled to being in a bad mood every now and then,” one wrestler said. Wrestlers say Jarrett’s bad mood was not typical of his locker room demeanor, as he is still being heralded by most as being down to earth and easy to talk to…

Do you remember feeling it at this show or even at this point?

It feels like - from this point of view of the Torch as we’ve covered so much already in this episode - the locker room seems to be all over the place.

May 14 show consisted mostly of Vince Russo’s material, as Jarrett did far less editing than he has done in recent weeks. The word in the locker room is that Jarrett added a few more segments involving Glen Gilberti than Russo had scripted, and may have pulled Mike Barton (a/k/a Bart Gunn) from a scheduled run–in during the Gilberti vs. Perry Saturn match… Barton was backstage at the show, but did not appear on camera…

Were you feeling the pressure - or were you more focused on outside things?

From the Torch

“NWA–TNA settled a lawsuit filed against them by the creator of the company’s original logo. The Tennessee Middle District Court website notes that Phase 3 Media filed the suit on Sept. 24 and was seeking $56,000 in unpaid compensation. Phase 3 lawyers played hardball with TNA by naming pay–per–view distributors DirecTV, InDemand, Cablevision, and TVN Entertainment as co–defendants in the lawsuit. The out of court settlement was reached on Apr. 30, but financial terms were not disclosed.

Chat me up Jeff - what can you tell us about the issues with the creator of the original logo?

“Raven signed a new contract a few days after the Apr. 30 pay–per–view, despite the storyline that claims he is still a free agent…”

What was this negotiation with Raven like?

From the Torch

Sabu was scheduled to appear on the pay–per–view in some capacity, but told the office that his flight was delayed. Sabu’s wife attended the show, and Sabu was spotted the next day at the Nashville airport, so most wrestlers believe his story. One wrestler tells the TORCH that the only complaint the office may have about Sabu missing the show would be the possibility that he could have taken an earlier flight…

Was this a common thing with travel issues?

David Young has picked up the reputation of being a complainer in some locker room circles. When asked to give an example, one wrestler told the TORCH: “Everything. He complains about everything”…

Chat me up about David Young - was he difficult?

TNA is now selling tickets for its June 18 one year anniversary show. Golden circle tickets are $45, ringside $25, and general admission is $15. roughly a week after putting the tickets on sale, TNA sold out the golden circle tickets, which also come with a commemorative anniversary t–shirt…

How big a deal was it to you to make it to the first anniversary?

There was some talk a while back about having Erik Watts speak to his father about playing the commissioner role. There is some talk that Erik was actually against the idea of bringing in his father, because he doesn’t want the perception to be that he’s being pushed only because of his father. Is that worse than the perception that he’s only being pushed because of who is friends are?…

Did you think Bill Watts would be interested in coming in? Did you speak to him?

“Glen Gilberti came out of the recent power struggle between Jarrett and Russo with more power. Gilberti has been telling friends that he is helping write the shows, although he was telling others in the locker room that even he’s not so sure why he was pushed as hard as he was last week…”

You think Gilberti was talking out of both sides of his mouth?

“Observers say Jerry Jarrett’s main role in the company appears to be offering his opinions of the shows while sitting at the gorilla position with Jeff. “About every 15 or 20 minutes, Jerry will shoot Jeff an ‘I told you so’ look if he doesn’t like something,” said one wrestler. Jerry is no longer working in the office on a daily basis, and has not been for quite some time…”

Was this what your dad’s role was in the company at the time?

From your friend and mine, Dave Meltzer:

“What appears to be the idea going forward as it regards big shows and pushing things, is to build toward a four-week stagger. The idea they are going with at this time, which is Jeff Jarrett’s, is that instead of building to a big show every four weeks, that every week they would shoot an angle that would culminate in a big match or angle four weeks later. That way, every show would have something that had four weeks of television build-up. Jarrett has been against the idea of building to one show per month, which seemed like the consensus idea internally, because he felt viewers would learn to skip three shows a month that way”

Jeff - chat me up - was this your idea? Is there any truth to this? Did you think running shows like this made sense?

“As things were done this week and last, after the show on Wednesday night, Russo and Glenn Gilberti primarily would spend the next day writing the show, and give it to Jarrett before going home usually on Thursday, and Jarrett would spend the rest of the week making changes.

What is considered one of Russo’s weaknesses (his strength is that he works very hard) is that he has no concept of what makes for good wrestling. Last week, for example, Jarrett changed a planned Konnan vs. Kid Kash match to Ron Killings vs. Kash with Konnan on commentary, since the Harris Twins attacking (they are going with a Harris Twins vs. Killings & Konnan feud, which sort of contradicts what I was saying) would have worked either way, and takes advantage of the fact Konnan’s best work is on the mic”

Is this the creative process at the time for TNA?

“Ed Ferrara was backstage at the show. He was telling everyone goodbye, as he’s moving from Nashville this week to Chicago. He had moved his family to Nashville at the start of the venture, but quit after he was asked to take a pay cut. He had called the company up of late trying to make amends and get his job back”

Were you interested in seeing Ed return to the company?

Wade Keller was critical of the creative towards the end of the month

“TNA would be prefer to be the talk of town because of great matches, memorable angles, or inspired promos, but this week’s skit with Goldy Locks at a cell phone shop, which ranks as one of the worst skits in wrestling history, was what people were talking about after last Wednesday’s PPV. It’s difficult to fully communicate the pointlessness of the segment with the printed word. Goldy, who is an interviewer on TNA broadcasts who often attempts to “Bogart” scene from wrestlers with interaction and mannered facial expressions, proposed an idea to TNA  management about this sketch.

They went along with it for some unexplained reason. The segment appeared to be a poorly produced home video with bad audio quality, beginning with Goldy standing outside a cell phone store saying her new phone wasn’t working. She went into the shop and complained. The clerk, showing no acknowledgement that he was being filmed, told her she signed a contract and there was nothing he could do. Goldy then warned him not to cross her, threw her phone on the ground, stomped on it, and then began knocking over displays in the store, all while shouting at the clerk. In the background, a “woman power” song played. It lasted three interminable minutes and had no point other than to apparently establish Goldy “isn’t one to mess with.”

Jeff - what in the hell is going on here?

It even continues to media the week after.

From the Torch

Goldylocks actually defended the segment during an appearance on the Voice of Wrestling. Bob Ryder, TNA’s head of talent relations, was on the show prior to Goldy and said he didn’t think the segment served any purpose. When Goldy joined the show, she “respectfully disagreed” with Ryder’s take on the segment, saying that she felt the only problems were that it wasn’t set up well and that it lasted too long. Wrestlers weren’t surprised to hear that Goldy had come up with the idea. The big questions among the wrestlers were which member of management approved it and why…

So here’s Bob Ryder - going on the radio saying it didn’t serve any purpose then Goldy goes on after and says it was the companies fault. Is this the type of thing where the inmates are running the asylum?

Ryder would also go on to say on the same radio show that Gilberti was overpushed. Like do you talk to Bob after this or are you ok with him voicing his opinion like this?

As we near the end of the month it feels like TNA is all about factions. You have SEX, Extreme Revolution, New Church and then the actual NWA. When you’re booking around a bunch of factions it leads to your talent costs being higher with more people being involved - but what were the pros of it?

Were there too many groups for just one 2 hour show on pay-per-view?

“Raven sat on the edge of a trailer roof complaining about being denied his destiny two weeks ago when he got an NWA Title shot. “Remember, no one jerks off in Nashville without Jeff Jarrett owning part of his fist,” said Raven in a one-liner equally cryptic and crude. He accused Jarrett of sitting at home milking his injury. “All I hear in my head is the voice of Mike Tenay sounding like sh–– being sucked down a drain pipe proclaiming that Jeff Jarrett is the NWA…” at which point Raven was attacked from behind. Jarrett’s voice could be heard saying he decided to pay him a visit…

This…this is something Jeff.

The show would feature Paul London winning an X Division 4-way over Jason Cross, Kid Romeo…and CM Punk. Punk had worked a show in late September of 02 but this is the beginning of his run in TNA that would eventually end in 04. What did you see in a very young Punk?

The Hard Ten gimmick is matches that use points every time a weapon is used…Jeff - who’s idea was this and did you think it was something that could help anyone?

The Anarchy Alliance tag tournament is announced and how it was going to be enemies teaming together. This is a ton of gimmicks and gimmick matches. When is it too much?

Also the mystery masked luchador woman wrestler gimmick is continuing - Kid Kash - not someone known as being very respective to things - did he have any issues working with a woman in this role?

Raven would end up DDTing Borash on this show to show he was losing patience which would allow Mortimer Plumtree to take over the ring introductions. This was Mortimer’s last show for the company as he was moving back to Minnesota. What can you tell us about Mortimer and his time and role in TNA?

From the Torch

“Sean Waltman was scheduled to return to the company on May 21, but no–showed. The plan was for Waltman to make a surprise return by attacking Raven at the end of the show. However, Waltman told TNA officials that he missed his flight and was unable to appear as scheduled. The word going around backstage was that Raven suggested Red as Waltman’s replacement in the angle. The only problem with this plan is that Red will be on tour in Japan for the next three weeks, so it will be hard for TNA to follow up on the angle. When the segment was written, TNA officials believed Red was going to be back for one more show before heading to Japan. It will be interesting to see how TNA officials react to Red’s “Torch Talk” comments about his unwillingness to sign a long–term contract with TNA because of his aspirations of working for WWE. TNA officials have made it known that they think it makes the company look second rate when wrestlers admit publicly that they would rather be working for WWE.”

You’ve been waiting to bring Waltman back for months at this point, then he missed his flight - and then you put Red in spot at Raven’s urging but Red’s going to Japan at the same time he’s in the Torch talking about how he wants to work for the WWE. Does anybody look good here?

The Torch would continue

The general consensus among the quiet majority in the TNA locker room is that the favoritism is getting out of hand. Wrestlers don’t dare speak their true feelings to Jeff Jarrett or Vince Russo as they fear of risking their job security, but several have been sounding off while among only other wrestlers in similar standing in the company regarding the perceive majority of wrestlers feel that the promotion has become more about who you know than what you can do to sell tickets. The main complaints are directed at the power perceived to be held by Glen Gilberti, Mike Sanders, and Raven, who some wrestlers have dubbed “The Atlanta Cliq.”

One wrestler compared the situation to the power the NWO held in WCW. “It almost feels like WCW when they had the NWO locker room,” said the wrestler. “Here it’s Russo’s guys and us. All of the guys who are getting pushed are in one locker room and the rest of us are over here.” Wrestlers feel that Gilberti is being pushed too hard, and the majority feel that Sanders’s talent doesn’t even justify a spot on the TNA roster. “Mike Sanders couldn’t draw sh––,” one wrestler said. “He doesn’t look like he belongs on television. He can’t even go on TV without wearing a shirt. He’s terrible.” Meanwhile, wrestlers accuse the group of using their influence to get work for friends such as Erik Watts, Julio Dinero, and Perry Saturn, who others feel are taking the spots of wrestlers “who might make a difference.” Another wrestler added, “The Atlanta Cliq is out of control and needs to be put in their place.”

Were you feeling this - were you being told this - and did it feel like you were losing control of your company?

“Another locker room complaint/perception is that management expects wrestlers to commit to the company but isn’t returning the favor. Wrestlers feel that the TNA contracts are one–sided in that they lock wrestlers in for specific dates, but give the talent no guarantee that they will be booked to work those dates. “It’s not a commitment if it’s all one–sided,” one wrestler said. “You want us to be committed to you but you call us on Monday and Tuesday to say that we won’t be on a Wednesday night show? That’s bullsh––.” While wrestlers admit that they probably wouldn’t receive outside bookings on Wednesday nights, they do feel they deserve more notice so that they know whether or not they can count on the income they receive from TNA.”

Was that just growing pains of a company?

“Jamie Dundee was arrested on criminal impersonation charges recently. Although Dundee was never on the TNA payroll, he worked syndicated matches and had been penciled in to play the part of a heel kangaroo mascot for the promotion. The gist of the charge Dundee faces is that he couldn’t produce a license when he was pulled over, and the police believe he lied to them about his identity. His arrest was a violation of his parole on past charges. The timing couldn’t have been worse for Dundee, as he had just finished taking part in the pilot of Jerry Springer security chief Steve’s new show. Dundee has made several appearances on Springer’s show playing various characters and also did some of the show’s writing, which he was also hoping to do for the spinoff…”

Jeff - chat me up first about Jamie Dundee - your upbringing with him…

THEN A HEEL KANGAROO?

The final show for May of 03 takes place and Jeff - you make an appearance in front of the Asylum and well…it doesn’t go well.

“Jeff Jarrett came out for a live in-ring interview. The hometown crowd, which has turned on Jarrett, taunted him to no end. He made reference to Raven “shooting his crap up.” Raven came out and said Jarrett has no right ripping on people for feeling excluded or cheated since he’s had more connections in his career than anyone but Shane and Stephanie McMahon. He said he was going to make his life a nightmare. Jarrett said he only understood half of what Raven said. They agreed to wrestle sometime soon. Jarrett was then handed an envelope that said he had been banned from the arena.”

The crowd turning on you…did you expect it? Where do you think it came from? This is some serious John Cena heat here wasn’t it?

On this show we would see Shark Boy & New Jack play Chutes and Ladders. TNA gets a lot of shit for a lot of things - but this…this was good wasn’t it?

Finally the Masked Lucahdor defeats Kid Kash and reveals herself to be…Trinity. Kash tells her he’s going to kill her. I mean…yeah that makes sense right?

The main event is Gilberti defeating Raven when Vince Russo made his return to TV and hit Raven with a baseball bat. But it’s what happened before the show and this main event that is the real story.

From the Torch

“The backstage tension between Jeff Jarrett and Raven continued at the May 28 show. When Raven arrived at the building, he tried to pull out of his scheduled match with Glenn Gilberti, which was the advertised main event of the show. Raven told TNA officials that he had suffered a head injury while working with D–Lo Brown at an independent event held the night before in Canada when Brown accidentally struck him with a stick.

The left side of Raven’s head was noticeably swollen, according to several backstage sources.”

So that’s from the Torch and before we go any further - for both sides - Meltzer in the Observer stated that D’Amore had given you a heads up previously about it because it was at his show. What do you remember of D’Amore telling you about this…and Raven trying to pull out of the match?

From the Torch

“There was some suspicion on Jarrett’s part that Raven was trying to get out of the match to avoid doing a job, but a number of TNA sources said Raven was clearly injured and questioned why he would want to get out of doing a job for friend and political ally Gilberti.

Jarrett told Raven to work a short, safe match to protect himself from the injury. Raven eventually agreed to work the match and even went back to Jarrett and requested more time, which some observers say he did out of frustration of having to work in the first place. Friends of Raven say he decided that since he had to work the match, he would go out of his way to show up Jarrett by having a good match. That thought process got a chuckle out of some in the locker room, who felt that Raven played right into Jarrett’s hand. Raven dominated the offense in his match with Gilberti because he couldn’t take back bumps.

He eventually hit his Evenflow finisher during the match, which he later told friends in the SEX locker room was a mistake on his part because it caused the injured side of his head to swell even more.”

It is reported that he was having issues later in the week that seemed to be concussion like - but as this all plays out - is this a situation of you regretting signing Raven to that new deal?

The Torch would continue

•Wrestlers see both sides of the Jarrett vs. Raven debate, but are hopeful that they will put their differences aside for the good of the company. “The problems start with Jeff and Raven,” one TNA wrestler said. “Raven stirs up a lot of sh–– about Jeff. He’s so passionate about the show that he piles on and makes it seem personal with Jeff. And Jeff is to blame because he has the final say and is changing some of Russo and Gilberti’s best material. Jeff is just as passionate as Raven, and it’s become personal for him, too. Jeff just seems paranoid and insecure right now.” Another wrestler agreed with the previous comment and added, “They have to work this out because the show used to be a lot better than it has been lately.”

Was it becoming a bigger issue week after week?

Also from the Torch

“Among the other complaints about Jarrett are that he is the highest paid talent in the company, yet only wrestles once a month. “The main thing this company is lacking is star power,” a wrestler commented. “Jeff is one of the few stars we have, but he’s only working once a month.” Of course, Jarrett’s office defenders are quick to point out that Jarrett also works behind the scenes throughout the week and at the shows, and is as overworked as anyone in the company.”

What say you to that unnamed talent who said that to Wade?

Russo’s return as an on-air character, why put him back on TV?

Was this a role he wanted to do or you wanted him to do - because it’s reported in the Torch it was at your asking?

“Observers say the live crowd attendance has dropped every week since the Jarrett vs. Raven match packed the building. While at least one week was attributed to poor weather in the area, TNA can’t use that excuse for the other shows. An observer also noted that the people who are attending the events aren’t as vocal as past crowds…”

Do you think not putting over Raven for the title hurt the company at least with the live audience?

The Observer would continue

There was the post-match finger pointing about the lack of crowd reactions. Jarrett believes in faces and heels while Russo thinks they are passe. Jarrett wants to be a face, but much of the crowd wants him as a heel. Raven is supposed to be a heel but feels he has to be a face because of the crowd wanting him to be, even though he doesn’t

want to. Carter wants Jarrett as a heel, but Jarrett has a lot of pull since he’s still minority owner and largely runs the show

Did the Carters really want you as a heel?

You’re about to head into TNA’s first anniversary show - does it feel like the ship is as rocky as it was creatively as it was financially early on?

We will discuss that in 2 weeks but next week - Slammiversary 2008. The King of the Mountain returns in Mississippi - even though you guys announced it as Memphis - and it would feature the Jay Lethal & So Cal Val wedding, AJ Styles & Kurt Angle continue their feud, LAX and Team 3D are working together again, a woman wrestler named Moose teaming with the Beautiful People, Awesome Kong with a $25,000 challenge featuring Serena Deeb, and so much more!