TNA Ultimate Matches
"Ultimate Matches" is a two-disc set that profiles some of the top matches in TNA Wrestling history including King of the Mountain, Ultimate X, Six Sides of Steel, Full Metal Mayhem, Monster's Ball and the Ladder Match.
After enjoying the format and style of the previous TNA "Knocked out" DVD focusing on the Knockouts division, I was left wondering what kind of a style this production would feature and if it would set itself apart from other releases. Sadly, it could easily be bunched into other releases that simply feature five minute intros or more of TNA wrestlers commenting on a specific match and then going right to these specific matches from beginning to end.
However, I do understand the perspective from TNA in that the hopes of a production like this is to gain new fans or fans that maybe didn't see these matches in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007. It's possible they may have read about a classic Ultimate X match from a few years ago, but never had the opportunity to see it. This DVD gives that "new" fan of TNA a chance to look back at some of the classics and look forward to the future or a regular fan a nice collection to a library of past events.
KING OF THE MOUNTAIN---
The "King of the Mountain" match is described as a "reverse ladder match". Instead of retrieving an object hanging above the ring, the winner is the first person to use a ladder to hang a championship belt above the ring after having scored a pinfall or submission (pinfalls count anywhere) to earn the right to try. A wrestler who has been pinned or been forced to submit must spend two minutes in a penalty box.
Confused yet? You aren't alone. Christian Cage put it best.
Christian Cage: "King of the Mountain, you almost need an instruction manual before you go to the ring."
I will always remember watching my first "King of the Mountain" in June 2004. It was a situation where you think you know the rules, then the match begins and you have no idea what is going on. If TNA is at fault of anything in its six years of existence it is they have never normally done a solid job of explaining rules to these new "concept" matches. I've learned to just go with the flow, but it also is smart that your audience understands it and not just you.
This area of the DVD features comments from Robert Roode, Jeff Jarrett, Christian Cage, Kurt Angle, Samoa Joe and AJ Styles. Probably the most entertaining thing to watch was Kurt Angle attempting to explain the rules while he looked down and up avoiding eye contact. It was as if he was hoping to get the rules right.
Kurt Angle: "You have to pin somebody in order to be qualified to grab that title and climb the ladder and put it up on the hanger. There is always something going on. Somebody is getting pinned. Somebody is trying to climb the ladder. Somebody is in the penalty box. It is one of the most exciting matches to watch and that's why I think it's one of our most popular matches."
Other wrestlers do a good job of making it feel important which helped strengthen this area of the DVD. The matches that follow include:
* Slammiversary 2006 (The classic TNA scene where Jeff Jarrett regained the NWA World Title only to be covered with bottles and garbage by the fans in the Impact Zone and Jim Cornette later taking the title away from Jarrett).
* Slammiversary 2007 (Kurt Angle winning the first ever "official" TNA World Title).
* Slammiversary 2008 (Samoa Joe walks in as TNA World Champion and walks out champion for the first time in TNA history).
ULTIMATE X---
The "Ultimate X Match" is described as a match featuring two cables forming an "X" over the six-sided ring where the winner must climb up and retrieve the "X" or title on the line to win. This was one of the most innovative matches in pro wrestling history, and remains a TNA original. It has also been touted as nothing but a "spotfest" type of match that pure wrestling fans probably would never enjoy. It's arrival in the early days of TNA in Nashville and the transition in 2004 and 2005 in my opinion helped this company grow and gain notoriety. If WWE's crown jewel is the "Hell in a Cell", then "Ultimate X" is TNA's trademark and will remain that way for years to come.
This area of the DVD featured comments from Jay Lethal (whose in-character "Black Machismo" comments were not needed), AJ Styles, Sonjay Dutt (again, character not needed), Chris Sabin, Alex Shelley, Frankie Kazarian/Kaz, Johnny Devine, Petey Williams and Jeff Jarrett.
Frankie Kazarian/Kaz: "The Ultimate X match is insanity. High flying, high wire, crazy wrestling. It's a dare-devil like atmosphere. Until you have actually climbed on the Ultimate X cables or stood on the truss that holds it up, you have no idea what you are in for."
Alex Shelley: "I think the most dangerous aspect of it is gravity. You are 20 feet above the ring, there is nothing stopping you if you fall or if you slip. Even if you land on your feet there is no guarantee your not going to get hurt. It's easy to break or snap an ankle or blow out a knee. Worst case scenario you will land on your back or neck...I don't think I have to explain to anybody how bad that would hurt."
The matches that follow include:
* Final Resolution 2005 (Chris Sabin vs. Petey Williams vs. AJ Styles - This was a classic Ultimate X match featuring AJ Styles winning the X Division Title. One of my favorite Ultimate X matches of all time and a great choice by TNA to feature).
* Destination X 2005 (AJ Styles & Elix Skipper vs. Christopher Daniels & Ron "The Truth" Killings with the final two competing in an Ultimate X match - This came down to Styles and Daniels in another classic contest that saw Daniels become the new X Division Champion).
* No Surrender 2006 (AJ Styles & Christopher Daniels vs. LAX - Styles & Daniels win the NWA World Tag Team Titles. LAX emerged around this time as another solid tag team when it comes to Ultimate X matches).
* Victory Road 2007 (10 Man Gauntlet - Christopher Daniels won this 10 Man Gauntlet using the "Elevation X" structure with so many X Division stars involved. This teased the return of Triple X (Daniels, Skipper & Senshi).
* Bound For Glory 2007 (Elix Skipper & Senshi vs. LAX - LAX wins to become #1 contenders for the TNA World Tag Team Titles in what many considered to be the best Ultimate X match in years).
SIX SIDES OF STEEL---
The "Six Sides of Steel" is easily described as a normal steel cage match, except with two more sides. Another innovation by TNA Wrestling with the use of a six-sided ring. It has since taken important with the all steel cage themed "Lockdown" PPV event every year that began in 2005.
This area of the DVD featured comments from James Storm, AJ Styles, Jeff Jarrett, Team 3D, Kurt Angle, Christian Cage and Samoa Joe.
Christian Cage: "The last thing you want to do is get caught on top of that thing and get knocked off, which has happened to me and believe me it doesn't tickle. It can take some time off your career for sure. It's a tough match man. You are never going to get out of one without any injuries, so you can kinda just cross that one off. You kinda know that going in."
AJ Styles: "You can't prepare for this match. It is what it is - Six Sides of Steel. Maybe it's a mindset. Your career can be ended in a match like this."
Brother Ray: "You gotta be a little bit crazy to step in. You know? You gotta be a little off your rocker."
Kurt Angle: "God willing you come out in one piece. Wrestling is dangerous enough as it is, but when you start messing with the Six Sides of Steel...I mean anything can happen. Injuries happen all the time. That match has not been particularly well for me. I'd say 75% chance of some kind of injury."
The matches that follow include:
* Turning Point 2004 (AMW vs. Triple X - Classic match won by America's Most Wanted).
* Lockdown 2005 (AJ Styles vs. Abyss - Another solid match won by AJ Styles to earn a shot at the NWA World Title the following month against Jeff Jarrett with UFC fighter Tito Ortiz as the special guest referee).
* Lockdown 2006 (Christian Cage vs. Abyss - Cage retains the NWA World Title in one of the most violent cage matches in TNA's history).
FULL METAL MAYHEM---
The "Full Metal Mayhem" match is described as an anything goes match with chairs, ladders, tables, chains, tacks, glass and numerous other violent objects. You could tell each TNA wrestler had fun discussing what this match meant to them and the objects they saw fit to involve, which included Abyss, Jeff Jarrett, Team 3D and Christian Cage.
Jeff Jarrett: "Other organizations have used tables, ladders and chairs. That's what this match is taken to a whole different level. Abyss is one that I like to say has mastered that corner of the market. It's so violent. You really gotta have your head going into that match knowing extreme violence is gonna happen."
Abyss: "To prepare for Full Metal Mayhem, you have to turn yourself both mentality and physically into a complete and utter animal. It's not a question of if you're gonna bleed...it's a matter of how much you are gonna bleed."
Christian Cage: "I think the title pretty much says it all, right? If it's made of metal you can use it. Chair, chain, tables - well there is tables, but there is metal under the tables. People may not realize that, but that really hurts. Thumbtacks, you know, it doesn't even have to be metal. Just grab it and use it. It's mayhem. It's everything and the kitchen sink match."
The matches that follow include:
* Against All Odds 2005 (Abyss vs. Jeff Hardy).
* Sacrifice 2006 (Christian Cage vs. Abyss for the NWA World Title).
MONSTER'S BALL---
The "Monster's Ball" match was described as a collection of some the monsters or baddest men in TNA being thrown together to battle it out. Hardcore fans of TNA may remember the first ever Monster's Ball match at Victory Road 2004 where the stipulations were as follows: "The key premise of the match was that all contenders are sequestered alone in a locked room without light, food or water for twenty-four hours before the match. This stipulation is intended to induce extreme feelings of aggression in the competitors. Once released, the wrestlers fight one another in a no disqualification match, with the usage of weapons encouraged. - Wikipedia.org."
Despite TNA changing the rules as the years went by, it has always been a match that TNA fans know will be entertaining and above all - violent. This area of the DVD featured comments from Jeff Jarrett, Samoa Joe, Rhino and Abyss.
Rhino: "The Monster's Ball Match is setup for the monsters of TNA. You know, the guys that want to brawl, the guys that wanna go out there and destroy their opponent.
Samoa Joe: "I think surviving a Monster's Ball is a feat in of itself. To actually come out on top it sends a message and lets the world know that no matter what they throw up against you, you will be triumphant. It's very unpredictable and you never know what is going to happen."
Abyss: "(It is) the true ultimate test of toughness, of grit and of iron will. When you win Monster's Ball as Abyss has. At that point in time you stand tall and you are the toughest man in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. You prove to your peers and to the fans that you are, in my case, a weapon of mass destruction."
The matches that follow include:
* Bound For Glory 2005 (Rhino vs. Abyss vs. Sabu vs. Jeff Hardy).
* Bound For Glory 2006 (Abyss vs. Brother Runt vs. Raven vs. Samoa Joe).
LADDER MATCH---
The "Ladder Match" isn't a concept new to TNA or wrestling in general, but is something TNA has had more fun with in recent years with the likes of Christian Cage, Kaz, Jay Lethal, Sonjay Dutt and many others. The focus of this last portion of the DVD was how the match has been a staple of the business for a while now and how many wrestlers are wanting to raise the bar, causing more injuries as a result.
This area of the DVD featured comments from Team 3D and Christian Cage, individuals who undoubtedly have the most experience when it comes to matches like this.
Brother Ray: "The Ladder Match has definitely become a staple of wrestling today. It's a fun match for the fans. It's a grueling match for the wrestlers because a ladder is a big heavy metal object. I've seen guys get their whole faces destroyed from a ladder. I've had a broken rib and broken nose from a ladder. I got bulldogged off the top of a ladder once and it was the eighth concussion I've ever gotten. It was so bad that I couldn't even tell you what happened that whole day. I don't remember the match, I don't remember the day, parts of my memory gone, that's how bad that concussion was from a ladder match."
Christian Cage: "There was some early great ladder matches and I'm pretty proud of the fact that I think I'm one of the guys that really put the ladder match on the map. And kinda made it evolve to where it is. The ladder match will always have a special place in my heart."
The match that follows includes:
* Genesis 2007 (Christian Cage vs. Kaz).
Final Thoughts:
TNA's "Ultimate Matches" DVD, while lacking in some areas, is a well produced and packaged release by the company in attempts to compile some of the best concept matches put forth since 2004. If you are a wrestling fan that has heard of these great matches in the past, but never had the opportunity to witness them then this DVD is for you. If you are a hardcore TNA fan and want to take a trip down memory lane looking at some of the top matches in TNA's history, then this DVD is for you as well.
Full Match Listing
Full Metal Mayhem:
Jeff Hardy vs. Abyss from Against All Odds 2005 PPV
Abyss vs. Christian Cage for the World Title from Sacrifice 2006 PPV
Monster's Ball:
Abyss vs. Sabu vs. Rhino vs.Jeff Hardy from Bound For Glory 2005 PPV. Jeff Hardy did an insane spot off the top of the stage when he did a swanton on Abyss from 20 feet in the air.
Ladder Match:
Kaz vs. Christian Cage from Genesis 2007 PPV
Ultimate X Matches:
- 10 man Ultimate X Match from Victory Road 2007 PPV
- AJ Styles vs. Petey Williams vs. Chris Sabin for the TNA X Division Championship from Final Resolution 2005 PPV
- Christopher Daniels vs. A.J. Styles vs. Elix Skipper vs. Ron Killings for the TNA X Division Championship from Destination X 2005 PPV
- A.J. Styles and Christopher Daniels vs. Latin American Exchange (Homicide and Hernandez) to for the NWA World Tag Team Championship from No Surrender 2006 PPV
King Of The Mountain:
King Of The Mountain 2, 3 and 4 matches
Six Sides Of Steel:
- America's Most Wanted vs. Triple X from Turning Point 2004 PPV
- AJ Styles vs. Abyss from Lockdown 2005 PPV
- Abyss vs. Christian Cage from Lockdown 2006 PPV
- AJ Styles and Christopher Daniels vs. The LAX from Bound For Glory 2007 PPV
Bonus Interviews with:
Jeff Jarrett
Kurt Angle
AJ Styles
Samoa Joe
Robert Roode
Christian Cage
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Knocked Out
"Knocked Out" is a fresh DVD release from TNA. As I've stated in the past, I've never been a big fan of a DVD full of match after match with no story behind why we should care. TNA really implemented the documentary style with this release first focusing on the division with prominent members of TNA Wrestling and then looking at each Knockout individually.
Some of the first comments about the Knockouts division that we get to hear about comes from TNA President Dixie Carter, Jeff Jarrett and wrestlers Christian Cage and Kurt Angle. Dixie Carter's comments were very strong saying that TNA wanted to treat both the women and the division with respect before going forward with plans to officially introduce it in October 2007. She added how important the division was to her being in the unique position of being a female President of a wrestling company. Carter is always a genuine personality and her high regards for the division shone through brightly in this first part of the DVD.
There are also some great comments from Christian Cage, Kurt Angle and Jeff Jarrett that really describe what the division is all about in TNA.
Christian Cage: "They've really tried to work at their craft and really take the wrestling aspect seriously. Leave the bikini's and pillow fights - things like that. Kinda push those aside and become the best performers they can be in the ring."
Kurt Angle: "Awesome Kong is probably without a doubt the most dominant female wrestler I have ever seen. As a matter of fact, I would consider her to wrestle in the ring with men. As long as you can wrestle in the ring and you can go, like a man can go, they are interested in you. I think that is what separates the Knockouts division from any other women's division in the world."
Jeff Jarrett: "More than anything in this business timing is everything. We came on Spike Tv and definitely had girls on the show. When the time came to launch the Knockouts division, not only were the people ready for it, but the organzization, the company, the business was ready for it. There are no two characters alike. There is a different persona that goes with each girl and those two things make it what it is today."
Throughout the DVD, we are treated to individual profiles of each member of the TNA Knockouts division at the time of completion. This includes Gail Kim, Karen Angle, Angelina Love, Sharmell, Velvet Sky, Raisha Saeed, Awesome Kong (not speaking of course), Christy Hemme, Salinas, Traci Brooks, Jacqueline, SoCal Val, Lauren, Roxxi, Rhaka Kahn, ODB and Taylor Wilde. Each profile is very well done and includes some great highlights from each.
Gail Kim: Kim spoke about the struggle of getting a Knockouts division started in TNA since she first arrived in 2005. Her favorite moment was becoming the first ever TNA Knockouts Champion at Bound For Glory in 2007. Her favorite match was with Awesome Kong at Final Resolution 2007. She also discussed the respect she and other women on the roster get from the "boys" backstage. Kim said she understood how wrestling fans always looked at women's wrestling and truly feels that the Knockouts in TNA set a new standard for women's wrestling.
Karen Angle: Karen talked about being a wrestling fan since a young age and how it was ironic that when she met Kurt she knew more about the business than he did. She talked about how her first initial appearances with TNA were only supposed to be short-term and how that turned into a long-term deal. As a wrestling fan, Karen said most women in the business wanted to either be Miss Elizabeth or Sherri Martel.
Angelina Love: Angelina discussed working as a manager on the independent scene and training in Toronto. She talked about her move to the U.S. in 2004 and how it was the only way she was going to get noticed. Footage was shown from her early days in TNA back when the company ran weekly PPV events in Nashville, TN. One of my favorite lines Angelina said during the interview was, "To be told you wrestle like a guy is the biggest compliment." Another great example she pointed out was how every girl in TNA right now worked on the indy scene and were not a model brought into the business.
Sharmell: Sharmell first discussed her job as a background dancer for James Brown and how that lead to a role with WCW as a Nitro Girl. She talked about being involved in the wrestling business since 1999 and her time in WCW and WWE. Sharmell really put over her background as a dancer and how that was only one of her true loves. Something you may not know about her: she is a former Miss Balck America. She also said her and Booker T's signing with TNA was one of the most genuine things they were ever apart of as the reaction they got from the fans was something she will never forget.
Velvet Sky: Velvet revealed something I had never heard where growing up she first hated wrestling, but eventually got back into it with her friends in school and a former boyfriend. She talked about getting into wrestling and training shortly after high school and how when she started it was a man's sport.
Raisha Saeed: Unfortunately, this part of the DVD wasn't the greatest as Saeed was forced to stay in character. It would have been great if she could have talked about her rich history on the independent scene as Cheerleader Melissa having been wrestling since 1999.
Awesome Kong: The same applies here as they didn't interview Awesome Kong to break character. Instead, quotes were featured from Roxxi, Traci Brooks, ODB and Gail Kim all putting over her power and how she has caused many concussions to Knockouts on the roster. ODB was the most entertaining saying she wanted another crack at Kong some day.
Christy Hemme: Christy talked about how she got into wrestling with the WWE Diva Search. This transitioned to her coming to TNA and how she feels it takes a certain girl to survive in the wrestling business. One of the interesting things about Christy's comments was how she felt like she did too much too soon in WWE, whereas in TNA she was able to start over, learn how things operate backstage and then get back involved as a manager and wrestler. "I'm not going anywhere else," Hemme said to close her segment.
Salinas: Salinas talked about how her first real inspiration was Cyndi Lauper and her affiliation with wrestling in the 1980s. She talked about modeling and eventually getting involved in the wrestling business. One great thing that Shelly talked about was how some women get into the "biz" (she is so entertaining to hear talk) for the wrong reasons and even take advantage of it when others worked hard to get there. Something you may not know: she has been wrestling for eight years.
Traci Brooks: Traci talked about her start in the business in 2000 and how her first big break was as a Sunshine Girl in the Toronto Sun helping her to get noticed. She talked about starting as a cage dancer for TNA in the weekly PPV days in Nashville and later bugging TNA management to get a women's division started. Traci revealed that the night of Bound For Glory 2007 when a big guantlet was held to determine a first ever TNA Knockouts Champions, she was nervous, happy and even crying at the thought of how important the night was. She added that she didn't even want to see the belt along with Gail Kim. Very cool story.
Jacqueline: The veteran of the Knockouts group, Jacqueline talked about growing up in Dallas and how watching wrestling as a kid was a huge thing back then. She talked about how hard the business was to break in to back when she got involved and said the women in the business now are even tougher. Jacqueline called herself the toughest woman on the roster - something I take no issue with considering the injuries she has worked through recently. One interesting thing she discussed was how most wrestling fans think she is mean and take her wrestling character too seriously some times.
SoCal Val: Val talked about how she worked her first indy show at the age of 16 and shortly became a regular manager at events soon afterward. One cool thing that Val talked about was she remembered growing up as a wrestling fan and can see it from that perspective when fans interact with her now. Val also enjoys the certain level of competition among the women on the TNA roster and how it is good so everyone goes out and works hard. Very down to earth girl.
Lauren: Lauren talked about how she landed her role as a backstage interviewer for TNA and getting the call from Terry Taylor. She talked about her past which included working as a catalog model and doing some TV work including infomercials. Rather short segment, but she seemed excited to be apart of TNA.
Roxxi: Roxxi talked about how she started wrestling seven years ago and didn't really understand the concept of pro wrestling until she started training at Killer Kowalski's wrestling school. They focused on her infamous head shaving earlier this year and how she got busted open on the top of her head earlier in the match after taking a shot from a ladder. Roxxi then went into how it upsets her when someone calls wrestling fake to her face since she has the scars to prove it isn't at all. She added that the biggest compliment she can get is from the guys on the TNA roster. Another very cool girl and humble as well.
Rhaka Khan: Rhaka talked about being very athletic as a child playing basketball, volleyball, soccer, track and even getting involved in a marching band. They looked at her wrestling background as well working in Japan and how the competition over there was very hard for her - joking that not even a 6 foot tall black girl could make it since there were other 6 foot tall black girls competing along side her. My only issue was towards the end of her segment where she stated her inspiration was herself. Other than that, it was interesting to find out more about her.
ODB: ODB first started talking about placing in the Top 25 for MTV's "Tough Enough" show affiliated with the WWF/WWE. She added she was glad she didn't make it and took a different path to become successful in the business. ODB talked about training in Minnesota and working hard for the last eight years in the business. She briefly talked about her time in Ohio Valley Wrestling in 2006 and getting a call not much longer from Terry Taylor inviting her to the Bound For Glory PPV in October 2007. ODB said the thing that surprised her the most was walking backstage after one of her matches and seeing guys like Sting, Team 3D, Christian Cage and Rhino actually taking time to watch her match and other Knockouts.
Taylor Wilde: Taylor talked about growing up in Canada and how wrestling was not allowed in her house. She talked about working as a personal trainer before training with the Squared Circle promotion in Toronto where other Knockouts like Gail Kim started. Taylor mentioned tours she was apart of in Mexico, South Africa and all over North America. One cool thing she talked about was always being looked at as the underdog and how when you succeed that you gain much more respect as opposed to someone who has high expectations and then fails.
In between all of the profiles of each Knockout, some classic matches from the past year are also presented. These matches include:
* 10 Knockout Guantlet Match to determine the first ever TNA Knockouts Champion
* Gail Kim vs. Angel Williams (before the name change) vs. ODB vs. Roxxi
* The Make Over Battle Royal
* Taylor Wilde vs. Awesome Kong for the TNA Knockouts Title
* Highlights of the matches between Gail Kim and Awesome Kong.
* Various tag team matches including Angelina Love & Velvet Sky vs. ODB & Roxxi.
Final Thoughts:
The Knockouts division in TNA is something so rare and unique that words often can't describe it. I've said on more than one occasion that when I'm watching a Knockouts match I often forget I'm watching girls wrestle. For so long do I read reviews of house show events where fans take a "bathroom break" when the WWE Divas hit the ring. While WWE does have talented women, they quite frankly do not match up to the roster that TNA has and hopefully TNA can keep them as we have started to see a trend of one top star in Gail Kim already returning to where she started. You have to think some people in WWE are kicking themselves for passing on many girls they had in development that have now become big stars in TNA.
I must give TNA high marks for the documentary format. Everything transitions very well, including the picks for the matches. The battles between Gail Kim and Awesome Kong is something every wrestling fan should see if you haven't already. I was very pleased the individual profiles of each girl and you really got a sense that you know them even better after watching this production, something we didn't always get on TV and PPV in the last year or so).
I highly recommend this DVD release and hope future TNA productions can be more like this.
The History of TNA - Year 1
Founded in 2002 as an offshoot of the NWA wrestling division, Total Nonstop Action (TNA) has distinguished itself with a fiercely acrobatic fighting style that takes place in the then unique hexagonal ring. THE HISTORY OF TNA - 1 YEAR takes an unflinching look at the blood and sweat--there are no tears from these brutal brawlers-- surrounding the birth of the Total Nonstop Action Wrestling promotion. The program also features exclusive interviews with TNA President Dixie Carter and professional wrestlers Jeff Jarrett, AJ Styles, and James Storm.
History was made June 19, 2002 when a brand new wrestling promotion, Total Nonstop Action Wrestling debuted on pay per view.
The History of TNA: Year 1 is a great documentary that tracks the first year of a company started by wrestling legend Jeff Jarrett. Admittedly, in the feature length documentary there is more talking and less wrestling than some may like, it offers an interesting insight into the creation and hype behind the promotion.
Jarrett talks of the struggles of getting a weekly episodic television series, claiming that monthly pay per view's were not enough as he believed the key to a successful wrestling company was all in the story telling. The nearly two hour long documentary also features some amazing highlights from TNA's first year.
The DVD features four exciting, full length first year matches including some of TNA's greatest wrestlers AJ Styles, Jeff Jarrett, Jerry Lynn and Raven. It is interesting to see how TNA uses wrestlers like Raven, who have worked in other major promotions for years and only been middle of the card athletes to spite their physical abilities.
The DVD does its best record an accurate timeline from the shutdown of WCW in March, 2001 which left Jeff Jarrett with lots of free time, to a boat trip between Bob Ryder and Jerry Jarrett. Along the way Banks lets the talent do the talking including Jarrett, AJ Styles, “Prime Time” Elix Skipper, “Fallen Angel” Christopher Daniels, BG James, “Wildcat” Chris Harris, “Tennessee Cowboy” James Storm, Raven, referees Andrew Thomas and Rudy Charles, as well as TV announcers Mike Tenay, Don West and Jeremy Borash, plus Dixie Carter, whose family saved TNA from shutting down in September 2002. The DVD is broken down into named chapters: Summer of No Worries, The Genesis of TNA, June 19, 2002: the 1st Show, Will TNA last, the Carter Family, Rise of the X Division, the Tag Teams, The Asylum, Raven vs. Jarrett and Looking Back at Year One including video flashbacks between chapters. The best part of the special features is a segment on the legendary Curt Hennig who worked for TNA around the time of his passing.
The four matches on this DVD are all good but if you own the Best of AJ Styles, Best of America’s Most Wanted, Best of Raven and Best of the TNA Title matches you aren’t seeing anything new. Same goes for the June, 2002 tryout match between Storm and Harris which is edited down for this DVD. Also in the extras are visitors to the Asylum and the original TV spot that aired in Nashville for the July 3rd show (anyone remember Puppet and Teo the midget wrestlers.)
This DVD is a great introduction to TNA for the uninitiated as it offers some good background on the company, however keep in mind that it is a documentary so there is no full matches in the actual features, the aforementioned matches appear in the special features, and so may only be for those interested in wrestling history.
DVD Special Features:
Exclusive interviews
Original TV commercials
Chris Harris and James Storm's tryout for TNA
Curt Hennig tribute
Kurt Angle: Champion
Back on September 24th 2006, TNA presented its annual No Surrender PPV. Heading into the show TNA had been promising a huge announcement. The Kurt Angle rumour had flown around the world wide internet, but there was much doubt that he is was in any shape to sign on with TNA so soon after being released from the WWE, reportedly addicted to pain killers to get through the day. Then it happened - Kurt Angle appeared on the screen. It was real, it was damn real; Kurt Angle had come to TNA! Just over three years later, TNA takes a look at his “impact” on the company, as they release “Kurt Angle : Champion”.
Similar to the TNA Knockouts DVD, the first disc is a mixture of documentary style interviews and notable matches Angle has had over the years. These interview segments feature a wide array of people both in and out of the business, including Angle’s mom, Angle's brothers John, Mark and Eric, Wrestling Legend Bruno Sammartino, Pittsburgh Steeler James Farrior, Mick Foley, Angle’s agent Dave Hawk, as well as most of the TNA roster.
The DVD begins with a intro looking at Kurt’s beginnings in TNA, specifically with the headbutt heard around the world (wide internet) from Angle to Joe. After delving briefly into Kurt's childhood, we are taken to the first installment of the classic series of matches between Angle and Samoa Joe, from Genesis in November 2006. Following a recount of their matches, we are then taken on a tour of Kurt’s progression as a amateur wrestler in High school, his amateur world championships and his Olympic glory. The first disc’s match lineup then finishes with the Slammiversary 07 King of the Mountain match, which saw Angle crowned TNA Champion for the first time. Cutting back to Angle's past, we then hear the story of Angle’s progression into professional wrestling. This includes the reactions of those around him, how his obsession with the world of professional wrestling blossomed, and how it also affected his both his body and personal life. Kurt also shares the story of how he broke into the WWE, how quickly he progressed and candid thoughts on Vince McMahon's business prowess. Angle is also very honest in talking about the hard times, including the pain killer addictions and the effects it had on his family.
Disc 2 leads off with the 4th PPV encounter between Joe and Angle, this time for all the belts at Hard Justice 07. Dixie Carter, Jeff Jarrett and Angle’s agent Dave Hawk then tell the story of how Kurt Angle came to sign with TNA,and what everyone close to Angle thought of the move. One Angle’s favorite matches in TNA thus far is included, this being where he put over Black Machismo Jay Lethal in the X division title match. Angle tells of his willingness to help some of the young talent in TNA, while looking out for himself in other situations. Before and after the back to back battles between Angle and Sting in October 07, the roster explains the impact Angle had on them and TNA once he joined the company. Followed by the Angle / Nagata match from Global Impact, the main feature then closes with talk of Kurt’s future. This includes a possible venture into MMA, and how he turned down a UFC contract when he signed with TNA.
Kurt Angle – Champion is the strongest DVD release to date from TNA Home Video. Over 7 hours of footage including 2+hours worth of documentary, plus the amazing series of matches between Angle and Joe make it worth the price tag. A very well made DVD, this could very well be the DVD that gets some of the hardcore WWE fans to take a look at what TNA has to offer.
Best of the Bloodiest Brawls: Scars and Stiches
Scars and Stiches opens with a promo featuring the likes of Kurt Angle, Jeff Jarrett, Samoa Joe and others offering their thoughts on what it means to them to find themselves losing their own blood during a matches. Nine matches are featured, ( 3 of which have been featured on previous best of releases). Before each match you get a short promo putting over the match, although the wrestlers involved don’t always talk about the specific match (this is left to the voiceover guy who explains the feud surrounding the match in question).
Action begins with Jeff Jarrett vs Rhino from the December 2005 Turning Point PPV. This match didn’t have a hardcore stipulation on it but the intensity of the feud between Rhino and Jarrett at the time caused the match to spill out all over the arena. Needless to say, this caused the blood to flow. Next is the Lethal Lockdown from April of 2006, as Sting’s Warriors took on Jarrett’s Army. This was a cage match, but most of the “blood and brutality” came in the final minutes once the cage ceiling is lowered and the weapons come into play. AJ Styles and James Storm battled at the top of the cage and Styles came flying off of a ladder setup on the roof of the cage, going through both Storm and a table.
Next, Daniels and Styles vs LAX, six sides of steel cage match from Bound For Glory 2006. This match was featured on the best of tag teams DVD, and while I absolutely loved the match, I don’t think it warrants being on a DVD supposedly featuring the “best of the bloodiest brawls”. Other matches include Christian Cage vs Rhino in a Six Sides of Steel Barbed Wire match from Impact in November 2006, the first battle between Samoa Joe and Kurt Angle from Genesis in November of 2006, the Destination X 2007 Last Rites matches between Abyss and Sting, the Falls Count Anywhere battle between Cowboy James Storm and The Wildcat Chris Harris from the Sacrifice 2007 PPV, which was actually included on the Best of 2007 DVD, but was an absolute classic battle and in a way I cant imagine this DVD being put out without this match included.
“Mr Hardcore” in TNA, Abyss, is featured in the two final matches. The first being against Tomko in a No DQ-Must be a winner match from the Slammiversary 2007 PPV. Finally, the DVD finishes with what most would agree is an obvious choice - the Barbed Wire Massacre between Abyss and Judas Macias from Against All Odds PPV.
There has always been pros and cons when it comes to Best of DVD’s, on one hand it’s a way to get some of the best footage in your collection for one low price. On the other hand, those who have most of the footage already have little to no interest in picking up the best of, especially when almost no new footage is included. The interview segments included before each match are at times vague, and don't really add anything ground-breaking to how one would watch the match. The fact that 3 of the 9 matches are on other Best of DVD’s is a negative. One is acceptable, but a third of the disc’s content is too much. There is other candidates that could of replaced the previously released matches. For example Monsters Ball matches from Bound For Glory 06 and 07, or the initial Full Metal Mayhem match from Sacrifice 2006. I could understand the argument that you wouldn’t want to make this a Abyss only DVD as all 3 matches I just mentioned feature Abyss, So why not one of Team 3D’s battles from recent years?
Ultimately the DVD is not an absolute must buy, but it is buyable , specifically if your looking to add some solid hardcore TNA action to your collection with only one purchase.
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