Pro Wrestling Discussion Thread **Spoilers Possible**

[Deattribution]

Originally Posted by General Mike

For anyone that cares, the Big surprise is Kurt Angle.

And TNA is getting 2 hours in primetime starting on November 16.

Edit: I should have refreshed before I posted.

Didn't order the ppv and I closed down the wrestling site after reading the Angle bit - good to hear about the timeslot too, that's great.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Even more disappointing than the "who" of the surprise is the absence of an annoucement of a second hour.

Probably just as well though, Russo would simply use it to kill off the X-Division guys like he did with the WCW cruiserweights.

So, let's see here.
October - Sting beats Jarrett for the title
November/ - Jarrett beats Sting & takes the title back, probably career vs career (which I believe would coincide with the end of Sting's contract)
December - Joe takes the title from Jarrett
January - It's Angle vs Joe for the title

edit to add: didn't see the part about the timeslot change before posting, so kindly disregard that.
Did they say what night/time?

[DeToxRox]

It's obvious he isn't there because he is not in any shape to be on TV right now so they use a training video type thing that can make him look much better. It's the only excuse I can think of.

[Deattribution]

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

edit to add: didn't see the part about the timeslot change before posting, so kindly disregard that.
Did they say what night/time?

Pwtorch is saying November 9th, thursdays primetime.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Check out the TNA website

"Our ring has six sides ... but only one ANGLE"
Thursdays at 9pm, starting November 16th.

[Deattribution]

I'll give them credit, despite the possible gripe of Angle not being there it's still an announcement that lived up to the hype IMO.

[Deattribution]

dola

That's while giving Angle the benefit of the doubt health wise - between the lighter schedule and potentially having a month or two before debuting in the ring.

[General Mike]

I thought it was 2 hours, but Meltzer says its only 1 hour, so they are still in the same boat.

They need to cut down on the number of wrestlers the feature with only 4 hours of TV a month.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by General Mike

I thought it was 2 hours, but Meltzer says its only 1 hour, so they are still in the same boat.

tnawrestlingnews.com (which is usually pretty good on their recaps) says
"Cornette says on Thursday, 11/16, TNA goes two hours in prime time. "

So ... I dunno.

[TazFTW]

The November 16 episode will be 2 hours and then it will go back to 1 hour.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by TazFTW

The November 16 episode will be 2 hours and then it will go back to 1 hour.

Ah, I see.

Thanks, 'cause I'm going to be attacked for information when a certain 8 y/o wakes up in the morning.

[molson]

So what's the deal with Angle's health? The internet is exploding with "OMG he's gonna die in a TNA ring!", but what exactly is wrong with him? I know that his neck is screwed up, that he's probably addicted to painkillers, and that he was moping around depressed backstage towards the end of his run. But I haven't heard anything that would cause imminent death, unless I missed something.

[jbmagic]

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

I'll be damned, it's Angle.

I tought he wanted to get away from wrestling is the reason he left wwe?

Or was it WWE not wanting to resign him to a new contract?

[MikeVic]

Originally Posted by molson

So what's the deal with Angle's health? The internet is exploding with "OMG he's gonna die in a TNA ring!", but what exactly is wrong with him? I know that his neck is screwed up, that he's probably addicted to painkillers, and that he was moping around depressed backstage towards the end of his run. But I haven't heard anything that would cause imminent death, unless I missed something.

I think he just doesn't know when to stop and heal... so I think everyone wanted to see him out of wrestling/anything for awhile and really heal properly.

[jbmagic]

Batista is said to be miserable being on Smackdown and he really wants to be brought back to Raw. It doesn't seem likely that WWE will grant Batista his wish as Smackdown is lacking headline talent as it is and Smackdown can't afford to be dealt yet another blow, especially considering that Rey Mysterio will be taking several months off to heal some injuries after No Mercy.

[SirFozzie]

Basically, Angle has put his body into such shape that normally, he can't feel his fingers. He was taking a ton of pain killers to try to gut through it, and wouldn't slow down.

[Terps]

Good for TNA and Angle. He'll only have to wrestle 3-4 times a month now as opposed to at least 3-4 times a week like in WWE.

[chrisj]

I'm sure I am in the minority here, but I feel bad for the WWE here.

They let Angle out of his contract so the guy could heel, get off the pain killers, and try to get a normal life. A month later and the guy jumps to TNA. An actual classly move by the WWE bites them in the ass. That's probably the reason Vince makes so few of those moves.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by chrisj

They let Angle out of his contract so the guy could heel, get off the pain killers, and try to get a normal life. A month later and the guy jumps to TNA. An actual classly move by the WWE bites them in the ass. That's probably the reason Vince makes so few of those moves.

Then again, this is VKM we're talking about, there may well have been motives beyond the good ones that we assumed.

[Toddzilla]

I'd be more than inclined to believe that Angle asked for some time off and/or a reduced work schedule, and he was told to just beat it until he was ready to come back full time.

[General Mike]

Originally Posted by Toddzilla

I'd be more than inclined to believe that Angle asked for some time off and/or a reduced work schedule, and he was told to just beat it until he was ready to come back full time.

"Kurt Angle was fired because WWE expects him to die. "

-Bryan Alvarez

[Maple Leafs]

The people who are excited about this are still going to act surprised when he's dead within a year, right?

[molson]

Originally Posted by Maple Leafs

The people who are excited about this are still going to act surprised when he's dead within a year, right?

This is what I'm talking about. What is Angle's specific health ailment that everyone is assuming will lead to certain death? I don't get the sense people are exagerating. People seem to be reveling in the "death watch".

WWE isn't like sports - we have no info on health or ailments like we do for Chris Simms. That doesn't seem to be stopping anyone though.

[Deattribution]

Originally Posted by molson

This is what I'm talking about. What is Angle's specific health ailment that everyone is assuming will lead to certain death? I don't get the sense people are exagerating. People seem to be reveling in the "death watch".

WWE isn't like sports - we have no info on health or ailments like we do for Chris Simms. That doesn't seem to be stopping anyone though.

Duh, They read it on the internet - it's obviously true

[Toddzilla]

I, for one, don't believe the WWE has ever done anything that hasn't been 110% self-serving and only in their own best interests. Do I think VKM decided to cut Angle loose as some sort of personal favor or through some kind of kindness bases on his desire to see Angle get healthy? No frickin way. Do I think VKM cut Angle because he doesn't want Angle's blood on his hands when Angle drops dead in the ring? That's plausible.

[General Mike]

Originally Posted by molson

This is what I'm talking about. What is Angle's specific health ailment that everyone is assuming will lead to certain death? I don't get the sense people are exagerating. People seem to be reveling in the "death watch".

WWE isn't like sports - we have no info on health or ailments like we do for Chris Simms. That doesn't seem to be stopping anyone though.

His neck is in as bad a condition as you can get without being paralyzed. Back in 2003, he could have gotten the neck surgery that Austin, Benoit, Edge, Rhyno and Lita got, missed a year, but his neck would be fine now, but he chose a much less invasive surgery that was undone completely when Brock Lesnar hit him with a steel chair. If he got neck fusion surgery now, he would have to retire.

"According to sources in WWE, Angle is heavily addicted to painkillers and a walking wreck. While he has serious neck and back issues dating back to the Olympics and exasperated by his intense pro style, I’m told the recent claims that he pulled his groin and tore an ab muscle are a work. It is said that he has showed up at events messed up worse than Shawn Michaels or Brian Pillman at their peaks. Others have said he’s the worst anyone has ever seen. Worse than the physical issues are the mental issues. Besides dealing with a body that won’t do what he wants it to do anymore, he’s also going through a divorce with his wife Karen, mother of his 3-year-old daughter Kira and currently pregnant with his first son. "

[Ryche]

Just saw on one of the wrestling websites that Angle has added 20 pounds of muscle during his month of time off. That is not a good sign. Maybe a more limited schedule will work out for him, but he seems to have some serious drug issues to kick and TNA signing him does not suggest they are looking to help.

[duckman]

NOOOOOO!!!!!!

Former RAW General Manager Eric Bischoff has been seen wandering around Ford Arena – the site of tonight’s RAW.

What is so surprising about Bischoff’s presence is that he hasn’t been involved with WWE since he was fired last December by Mr. McMahon. So why is Bischoff showing up now? Perhaps, it’s because the WWE Chairman and Shane McMahon are out of commission from the beating they suffered at Unforgiven; with no GM on RAW to take control while the McMahons recover, there’s an opening for someone to take over.

Is Bischoff trying to move back into WWE while the McMahons are recovering? If so, how does Jonathan Coachman feel about this?

Coachman, who is currently Mr. McMahon's Executive Assistant, once worked for Bischoff during his tenure as General Manager.

So why is Bischoff in Oklahoma City? Hopefully this question will be answered on RAW tonight at 9/8 CT on the USA Network.

[molson]

Originally Posted by duckman

NOOOOOO!!!!!!

Hopefully this will end up in some kind of manager role for Easy E, because I think he'd still be awsome in that kind of role. But he's played out at GM.

[DeToxRox]

He's schilling his book I think.

Look for Dusty Rhodes to be the commissioner so they can have a face.

[saldana]

Originally Posted by DeToxRoxDVHStyle

He's schilling his book I think.

Look for Dusty Rhodes to be the commissioner so they can have a face.

this could possibly the worst idea i have ever seen....i would most likely stop watching raw if i had to endure rhodes every week..i was hoping flair would move over to that role, not because i heard anything, but just because i think he still wants to be in the business and it is painful to watch him work anymore.

[duckman]

Originally Posted by saldana

this could possibly the worst idea i have ever seen....i would most likely stop watching raw if i had to endure rhodes every week..i was hoping flair would move over to that role, not because i heard anything, but just because i think he still wants to be in the business and it is painful to watch him work anymore.

Flair is only in the business because he's up to his neck in debt to the IRS and is going through a divorce.

[molson]

One other possibility for Bischoff - there's been rumors of DX v. NWO at Survivor Series.

[jbmagic]

They are wrestling in the dark on Raw tonight. The power went out during the live show.

[Toddzilla]

Don't miss the first ten minutes of...oh, nevermind.

[dime]

ric flair needs to stop wrestling...I love him, but it's sad to watch him panting like an old dog and barely mustering any offense.

[jbmagic]

Looks like NWO is coming back to WWE led by Bishoff.

Vince M. will need DX help.

I have a feeling that one NWO at a time will be introduce to invade WWE. I see Nash and Diessel coming back.

[duckman]

Originally Posted by jbmagic

I see Nash and Diessel coming back.

Nash and Diesel are the same person.

[jbmagic]

Originally Posted by duckman

Nash and Diesel are the same person.

opps

I meant Nash and Razor Ramon.


Its all a hunch, But it sure seems like this will be the setup for Bishoff coming back.

And the Shaun comments when looking at the WWE magazine.

[Deattribution]

Originally Posted by duckman

Nash and Diesel are the same person.

Should make it easier for them both to come back then

[jbmagic]

Kurt Angle comments in joining TNA

Here are the comments from Kurt Angle on joining TNA Wrestling:

“Being with TNA feels like I have finally found my home. I had fun in WWE at certain times, but I was never really happy. Now being a part of TNA, I know I have a purpose. I feel like I am part of history, part of a company that is not only on the rise • not only going to be the number-one watched wrestling show in the world within a short period of time • but TNA gives me an opportunity to spread my wings. This company has no limits to where it can go. The sky is the limit and the main reason is because they brought the “real” back into wrestling and that is a perfect fit for the greatest wrestler in USA Olympic history. I have room to grow here and to help TNA grow. Working for these caring and very giving employers of TNA makes me feel like I have a purpose and that the sky is the limit. I don’t feel trapped or held back like I did the first six years in my tenure with the other company. They held me back. Now, our wonderful audience will see the real Kurt Angle doing what I love to do • real wrestling • and that’s what puts a smile on my face each time I come to work. I even smile when I think about it. TNA will be the most watched television show on cable television. It’s only a matter of time. Now, I get the opportunity and privilege of being a part of it. Thank you TNA for saving my career, my life and my desire to do what I love. I will be here in some capacity for the rest of my life. That’s real…that’s damn real.” • Kurt Angle

[Neon_Chaos]

Wrestling just became exciting again.

[saldana]

Originally Posted by jbmagic

Looks like NWO is coming back to WWE led by Bishoff.

Vince M. will need DX help.

I have a feeling that one NWO at a time will be introduce to invade WWE. I see Nash and Diessel coming back.

how did you get that from the book push that Eric did last night?...i didnt get that at all.

[Maple Leafs]

That would be cool if Scott Hall came back. The WWE needs to counter the NWA in the "signing guys who shouldn't be any where near the wrestling industry since they'll probably die" department.

[saldana]

btw, how the hell could they bring back nash (nwo) and have him go against michaels (dx)?

[MikeVic]

Originally Posted by saldana

btw, how the hell could they bring back nash (nwo) and have him go against michaels (dx)?

Finger Poke of Doom. Hahahaha.

[TazFTW]

Never thought I would see a crowd cheer Hardcore Holly for a job well done. He deserved it though.

[Terps]

Figured I'd throw this here instead of creating a new topic.

The Smackdown vs. RAW 2007 demo for the XBOX 360 is up on the Marketplace. You can play as Kane or HHH, in a singles match, no time limit, no count outs, and no DQ's.

[jbmagic]

Angle discuss why he left WWE.

Angle discusses TNA, WWE
BY JIM VARSALLONE
[email protected]

``I wasn't fired.''

Kurt Angle made that statement abundantly clear during a TNA conference call Tuesday, Oct. 17.

''Me being pushed out or fired from WWE is false. WWE had just signed me to a new five-year deal so there was no reason to try and push me out,'' said Angle via phone from his home in Pittsburgh. ``WWE needed me more than ever.

``He [Vince McMahon] didn't want to push out his best wrestler [Angle]. That would be stupid. I decided to leave WWE. I asked for the meeting, and I'm the one who asked for a release.

``Vince McMahon wanted me to stay, but I no longer enjoyed working for him. I wasn't having fun anymore. The company is going in a downward spiral -- and with me not being utilized properly.

``I think I was the best one there. The agents there felt the same. The CEO [McMahon] didn't feel the same. By no means did he want to lose me, but maybe he felt my neck was a liability.

``When I met with him, he asked me if it could be a mutual release, but it was my decision.''

After being granted his release from WWE, Angle shockingly became TNA's newest addition, and the company looks to add up the positive numbers -- higher ratings and increased PPV buys -- from the acquisition of today's top pro wrestler.

''There is pressure,'' said Angle. ``TNA is growing rapidly. With me coming in, you expect higher ratings. I think it would have happened without me, but it will happen quicker with me.

``TNA athletes are five times better than WWE athletes. I watched the TNA show the past year. WWE only has a short list of guys who can main event. I feel I can have a 5-star match with a lot of guys in TNA.

``TNA is moving into primetime in November. I saw a company in TNA with so much room for growth. I wanted to help them grow into the top company in the world. Then I can say I went there and helped TNA become a huge success.

``Vince is trying to compete with himself [Raw, SmackDown, ECW]. He wants to keep it that way. He doesn't want TNA to succeed.

``Vince McMahon has a lot of work cut out for him to stop TNA.''

In August, a disappointed Angle left WWE with thoughts of entering the world of mixed martial arts. TNA threw a curve ball at WWE by luring Angle, and he plans on remaining with TNA for a very long time.

''My wife [Karen] wouldn't let me go back to WWE,'' Angle said. ``I will be with TNA in some way -- as talent, talent relations director, promoter, agent, producer or writer. I plan on being involved with [TNA President] Dixie [Carter] the rest of my life. If I go into movies and have success there, I will still always be in wrestling. I love it.

``Kurt Angle will get better because you have a company who wants to use me in the proper way. I'm not the guy trying to block anybody. I made a lot of athletes in WWE and did what I was asked to do by my boss. In TNA, they are letting me be me. They are letting me do what I want to do.''

Angle received clearance from his doctors to compete in TNA.

''My neck was broken before I got into pro wrestling,'' The Olympic gold medalist said. ``I did the right move not getting the fusion type surgery. That's prehistoric stuff. The operations I had were a huge success.

``Dr. [Hai-Dong] Jho is so innovative. He came up with a minimal evasive surgery which saved my career [in 2003].''

Rather than remove the afflicted discs and fuse his vertebrae together, Jho removed only the spurs and selected portions of the discs. The alternative surgery reduced Angle's rehabilitation time from one year to three months.

''I'm not going to get hit over the head with a chair, and if so, I'm putting my hands up,'' Angle said. ``I tried to tell Vince McMahon and the other wrestlers about the surgery.

``My neck didn't keep going out. My neck was already damaged -- five levels -- before pro wrestling. My neck is better now than before I started in WWE.''

• Kurt Angle will be the special enforcer when Sting faces Jeff Jarrett for the NWA title in the main event of the TNA pay-per-view Bound for Glory on Sunday, Oct. 22.

• TNA iMPACT! will move to primetime from 9-10 p.m. ET Thursdays beginning Nov. 16 on Spike TV.

• Pro wrestling's top talent Kurt Angle had more to say, and the Miami Herald wrestling page will follow-up with more from the conference call in the coming days.

[Toddzilla]

• Kurt Angle will be the special enforcer when Sting faces Jeff Jarrett for the NWA title in the main event of the TNA pay-per-view Bound for Glory on Sunday, Oct. 22.

YECCHH. Isn't this exactly the way WCW got Bret Hart involved the first time? Making him the 'special enforcer' during a match at Starrcade in 2000? Gawd I hope the similarities with Angle's career path in TNA and Bret's career in WCW stops there.