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Post by benstudd on Dec 6, 2017 14:56:14 GMT -5
Callis and D'Amore is a refreshing new combo for Impact. I heard that Mantel and Gaburick are out too. Ryder will be reduced to working for the company at home.
If they could get Callis to call some of the matches too would be a plus.
It would take something humongus for me the watch the shows again but I think they'll get better with Callis in charge.
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Post by kingoftheindies on Dec 6, 2017 15:38:33 GMT -5
Callis and D'Amore is a refreshing new combo for Impact. I heard that Mantel and Gaburick are out too. Ryder will be reduced to working for the company at home. If they could get Callis to call some of the matches too would be a plus. It would take something humongus for me the watch the shows again but I think they'll get better with Callis in charge. I could be completely wrong, but based on the comments Callis made on his podcast it sounds like he's going to focus on rebuilding the actual organization than worry about being on screen.
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Post by KAMALARAMBO: BOOMSHAKALAKA!!! on Dec 7, 2017 8:51:27 GMT -5
What is D'Amore's pedigree, exactly? Isn't he just one of Jarrett's toadies? He's run a successful promotion and training school for about 20 years, booked it for about 5 years prior to that. Multiple successful business endeavors outside of wrestling. He's a smart cat, with good business sense and a proven track record. Hiring him and Callis is probably the smartest business move TNA has made in a long time. Or quite possibly ever. I was curious about D’Amore’s endeavors outside wrestling. Apparently he owned a restaurant and a bar. I Googled them and they’re both permanently closed. His family also owns a construction company, but I have no idea if he is involved directly in that. I Googled that too and it looks like it is still operating, but no one has bothered to review it on sites like Yelp.
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Post by Rave on Dec 7, 2017 17:19:40 GMT -5
What is D'Amore's pedigree, exactly? Isn't he just one of Jarrett's toadies? Was on the booking committee during their first 'good' period of creative and largely credited for the Knockouts success before the division got nuked. D'Amore's run helming their writing team is even seen as TNA's "golden age", to the point where the two years he oversaw things, 2005 and 2006, have the least amount of stuff on LOLTNA. By contrast, Russo came back at the end of 2006 and the LOLTNA listing for 2007 is prob'ly longer than both preceding years combined.
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Post by This Player Hating Mothman on Dec 7, 2017 17:56:59 GMT -5
Was on the booking committee during their first 'good' period of creative and largely credited for the Knockouts success before the division got nuked. D'Amore's run helming their writing team is even seen as TNA's "golden age", to the point where the two years he oversaw things, 2005 and 2006, have the least amount of stuff on LOLTNA. By contrast, Russo came back at the end of 2006 and the LOLTNA listing for 2007 is prob'ly longer than both preceding years combined. Combined wordcount of 2005 and 2006 in the LOLTNA timeline: 4379 words 2007 alone: 3993 So it's pretty damn close.
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Post by kingoftheindies on Dec 7, 2017 21:23:28 GMT -5
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Post by IgnahtaSempria on Dec 7, 2017 21:25:37 GMT -5
Both have had largely positive contributions to the business in the roles they're being tapped for and weren't on the cover of any books discussing the killing of any major promotions, so TNA is at least learning when it comes to their in-business hires. It only took them 15 years.
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Post by Mister Pigwell on Dec 7, 2017 21:28:29 GMT -5
I'm cautiously optimistic about this. TNA sure as shit can't get back to where they were years ago any time soon, but at least we can have a positive upturn with what's available to em.
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Post by KAMALARAMBO: BOOMSHAKALAKA!!! on Dec 8, 2017 9:33:52 GMT -5
Isn’t being VP of Impact kind of like being the CEO of a lemonade stand?
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Post by Deleted on Dec 8, 2017 11:19:23 GMT -5
Isn’t being VP of Impact kind of like being the CEO of a lemonade stand? Only skeevier. Like if the lemonade stand was offering cheaper drinks if you sign a contract saying you'll become addicted to crystal meth.
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Post by kingoftheindies on Dec 8, 2017 22:26:17 GMT -5
So the Talk is Jericho interview with these 2 is up. Interesting listen. They both have realistic views and aren't talking about changing the world or challenging WWE. It's made quite clear that Anthem values them for their business background just as much as they do their wrestling background if not more. Scott even admitted since coming back "there was a lot of TNA stuff going on which is frustrating" and admitted that Anthem had no idea what they were getting into. It's also heavily hinted by Scott that bringing Jarrett back (who is a friend of his) that it was a big mistake.
Again nothing ground breaking, but it's clear that they actually have a plan.
Also, while this has been in the works, Jericho called Anthem and vouched for Callis/D'Amore. Jericho did it for 2 reasons 1)They're his friends 2)He saw TNA as dead and thought they needed to make a change and this was the only/last chance for TNA to grow.
Hopefully last bit of updates lol.
D'Amore stated that they made the decision to make Sonjay,Jimmy Jacobs, and JB the creative team. Stated Sonjay is very passionate and knows pop culture. Stated Jimmy is very creative, has known him for years, and he doesn't have the negative stigma of TNA, and JB is very creative (talked about his role in the Broken Universe) and has done more for TNA than anybody. Also talked about changing the atmosphere.
Callis and D'Amore kind of imply that they are the ones that pushed for Anthem to allow wrestlers to own their gimmicks. Referenced the Young Bucks for becoming what they have become. Stated this is a way to help them with signing talent as they allow wrestlers to build brands.
Stated they feel there needs to still be a contractual relationship but the contracts are going to be restructured. Stated the plan is to give wrestlers a chance to use Impact's platform to help build their own brand and take it to other promotions. Stated want to rebuild relationships with other promotions. States having Impact guys on other shows can benefit all parties.
Stated things work best when you have a combo of established stars and up and comers. D'Amore stated is proud to see what guys like AJ,Joe, Roode, and EY in WWE makes him proud but also mentioned getting a mix of young guys and pick established talent to help develop the rest of the roster.
Callis said they have to make an environment where people want to come so they have to show 1)Stability 2)A place where people have Creative Freedom and 3)Flexibility. Stated if they can build that talent will want to come but also said both have history as bookers and are confident in their ability, but this is where Jacobs and Sonjay come in play as well. Stated they are looking all over, but the first step is setting up the infrastructure. Scott added that this is the biggest time in wrestling where wrestlers have creative freedom. Scott stated international talent is a big deal. Stated have to come up with a product that works world wide. Callis added you have to listen to your customers. Mentioned he grew up watching Nick Bockwinkel and Verne Gagne but that doesn't matter now as he is not the target.
Callis talked about how patient you have to be with expanding globally. Stated excited by the idea of expanding to China and India but you have to expect that you won't see positive outcome until about the 7th time you go over. Mentioned how in China it's different as people are not used to paying for tickets.
Scott stated the roster will inevitably be a process. Stated in sports when you change the management or coaching staff you'll see turnover. Stated best thing is to not make a snap decision. Stated some people may see their roles change and some may be gone. Stated in order to grow and change the perception you need to be willing to change. Stated everybody will get a chance but some will be gone.
Callis stated his 2 big influeces where All Japan and ECW. Stated what he learned from All Japan is you have a core of 6 to 8 guys and you keep them strong. Stated you have to find those 6, and have other new talent cycled in. Doesn't think you can run a national or international promotion without building around somebody.
Callis stated they are in their own universe right now and have to focus on their own brand. Stated far too long companies are fighting fake wars with each other. Stated the notion of competing against other promotions is dated. D'Amore stated healthy competition is good, but they are not worrying about beating someone. They want to be the best, but to do that they have to worry about Impact not worry about other companies.
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Post by Mister Pigwell on Dec 8, 2017 23:30:36 GMT -5
So the Talk is Jericho interview with these 2 is up. Interesting listen. They both have realistic views and aren't talking about changing the world or challenging WWE. It's made quite clear that Anthem values them for their business background just as much as they do their wrestling background if not more. Scott even admitted since coming back "there was a lot of TNA stuff going on which is frustrating" and admitted that Anthem had no idea what they were getting into. It's also heavily hinted by Scott that bringing Jarrett back (who is a friend of his) that it was a big mistake. Again nothing ground breaking, but it's clear that they actually have a plan. Also, while this has been in the works, Jericho called Anthem and vouched for Callis/D'Amore. Jericho did it for 2 reasons 1)They're his friends 2)He saw TNA as dead and thought they needed to make a change and this was the only/last chance for TNA to grow. Hopefully last bit of updates lol. D'Amore stated that they made the decision to make Sonjay,Jimmy Jacobs, and JB the creative team. Stated Sonjay is very passionate and knows pop culture. Stated Jimmy is very creative, has known him for years, and he doesn't have the negative stigma of TNA, and JB is very creative (talked about his role in the Broken Universe) and has done more for TNA than anybody. Also talked about changing the atmosphere. Callis and D'Amore kind of imply that they are the ones that pushed for Anthem to allow wrestlers to own their gimmicks. Referenced the Young Bucks for becoming what they have become. Stated this is a way to help them with signing talent as they allow wrestlers to build brands. Stated they feel there needs to still be a contractual relationship but the contracts are going to be restructured. Stated the plan is to give wrestlers a chance to use Impact's platform to help build their own brand and take it to other promotions. Stated want to rebuild relationships with other promotions. States having Impact guys on other shows can benefit all parties. Stated things work best when you have a combo of established stars and up and comers. D'Amore stated is proud to see what guys like AJ,Joe, Roode, and EY in WWE makes him proud but also mentioned getting a mix of young guys and pick established talent to help develop the rest of the roster. Callis said they have to make an environment where people want to come so they have to show 1)Stability 2)A place where people have Creative Freedom and 3)Flexibility. Stated if they can build that talent will want to come but also said both have history as bookers and are confident in their ability, but this is where Jacobs and Sonjay come in play as well. Stated they are looking all over, but the first step is setting up the infrastructure. Scott added that this is the biggest time in wrestling where wrestlers have creative freedom. Scott stated international talent is a big deal. Stated have to come up with a product that works world wide. Callis added you have to listen to your customers. Mentioned he grew up watching Nick Bockwinkel and Verne Gagne but that doesn't matter now as he is not the target. Callis talked about how patient you have to be with expanding globally. Stated excited by the idea of expanding to China and India but you have to expect that you won't see positive outcome until about the 7th time you go over. Mentioned how in China it's different as people are not used to paying for tickets. Scott stated the roster will inevitably be a process. Stated in sports when you change the management or coaching staff you'll see turnover. Stated best thing is to not make a snap decision. Stated some people may see their roles change and some may be gone. Stated in order to grow and change the perception you need to be willing to change. Stated everybody will get a chance but some will be gone. Callis stated his 2 big influeces where All Japan and ECW. Stated what he learned from All Japan is you have a core of 6 to 8 guys and you keep them strong. Stated you have to find those 6, and have other new talent cycled in. Doesn't think you can run a national or international promotion without building around somebody. Callis stated they are in their own universe right now and have to focus on their own brand. Stated far too long companies are fighting fake wars with each other. Stated the notion of competing against other promotions is dated. D'Amore stated healthy competition is good, but they are not worrying about beating someone. They want to be the best, but to do that they have to worry about Impact not worry about other companies. This is the most even headed and realistic thing anyone in any position of power has said about TNA since before Bisch and Hogan came in. My optimism grows.
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Post by kingoftheindies on Dec 8, 2017 23:46:35 GMT -5
So the Talk is Jericho interview with these 2 is up. Interesting listen. They both have realistic views and aren't talking about changing the world or challenging WWE. It's made quite clear that Anthem values them for their business background just as much as they do their wrestling background if not more. Scott even admitted since coming back "there was a lot of TNA stuff going on which is frustrating" and admitted that Anthem had no idea what they were getting into. It's also heavily hinted by Scott that bringing Jarrett back (who is a friend of his) that it was a big mistake. Again nothing ground breaking, but it's clear that they actually have a plan. Also, while this has been in the works, Jericho called Anthem and vouched for Callis/D'Amore. Jericho did it for 2 reasons 1)They're his friends 2)He saw TNA as dead and thought they needed to make a change and this was the only/last chance for TNA to grow. Hopefully last bit of updates lol. D'Amore stated that they made the decision to make Sonjay,Jimmy Jacobs, and JB the creative team. Stated Sonjay is very passionate and knows pop culture. Stated Jimmy is very creative, has known him for years, and he doesn't have the negative stigma of TNA, and JB is very creative (talked about his role in the Broken Universe) and has done more for TNA than anybody. Also talked about changing the atmosphere. Callis and D'Amore kind of imply that they are the ones that pushed for Anthem to allow wrestlers to own their gimmicks. Referenced the Young Bucks for becoming what they have become. Stated this is a way to help them with signing talent as they allow wrestlers to build brands. Stated they feel there needs to still be a contractual relationship but the contracts are going to be restructured. Stated the plan is to give wrestlers a chance to use Impact's platform to help build their own brand and take it to other promotions. Stated want to rebuild relationships with other promotions. States having Impact guys on other shows can benefit all parties. Stated things work best when you have a combo of established stars and up and comers. D'Amore stated is proud to see what guys like AJ,Joe, Roode, and EY in WWE makes him proud but also mentioned getting a mix of young guys and pick established talent to help develop the rest of the roster. Callis said they have to make an environment where people want to come so they have to show 1)Stability 2)A place where people have Creative Freedom and 3)Flexibility. Stated if they can build that talent will want to come but also said both have history as bookers and are confident in their ability, but this is where Jacobs and Sonjay come in play as well. Stated they are looking all over, but the first step is setting up the infrastructure. Scott added that this is the biggest time in wrestling where wrestlers have creative freedom. Scott stated international talent is a big deal. Stated have to come up with a product that works world wide. Callis added you have to listen to your customers. Mentioned he grew up watching Nick Bockwinkel and Verne Gagne but that doesn't matter now as he is not the target. Callis talked about how patient you have to be with expanding globally. Stated excited by the idea of expanding to China and India but you have to expect that you won't see positive outcome until about the 7th time you go over. Mentioned how in China it's different as people are not used to paying for tickets. Scott stated the roster will inevitably be a process. Stated in sports when you change the management or coaching staff you'll see turnover. Stated best thing is to not make a snap decision. Stated some people may see their roles change and some may be gone. Stated in order to grow and change the perception you need to be willing to change. Stated everybody will get a chance but some will be gone. Callis stated his 2 big influeces where All Japan and ECW. Stated what he learned from All Japan is you have a core of 6 to 8 guys and you keep them strong. Stated you have to find those 6, and have other new talent cycled in. Doesn't think you can run a national or international promotion without building around somebody. Callis stated they are in their own universe right now and have to focus on their own brand. Stated far too long companies are fighting fake wars with each other. Stated the notion of competing against other promotions is dated. D'Amore stated healthy competition is good, but they are not worrying about beating someone. They want to be the best, but to do that they have to worry about Impact not worry about other companies. This is the most even headed and realistic thing anyone in any position of power has said about TNA since before Bisch and Hogan came in. My optimism grows. Callis also mentioned (kind of jokingly) stated his main goal is to run a show in Winnipeg. D'Amore also stated that there was a misunderstanding of what was going on with TNA moving the office to Canada. Stated that was just easier for Anthem to maintain things (I'm under the impression it was just easier for them to weed out people they didn't want) Bad News: Callis is a big El Patron fan. Compared him to Nick Bockwinkle. Callis does not want to be "Vince Light"
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Post by Deleted on Dec 9, 2017 2:23:56 GMT -5
I am actually very interested to see what Don and Scott can get done here. This is awesome news.
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Post by eJm on Dec 9, 2017 9:24:43 GMT -5
Yeah, those two seem like the sort of minds TNA needed, well, years ago. Callis alone feels like the most realistic business person TNA's ever seen.
I'm hopeful, cautiously hopeful but hopeful regardless.
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Post by yoogeen on Dec 9, 2017 9:36:48 GMT -5
It's too early to tell, but get the impression they understand the promotion needs an overhaul. That's a good thing.
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Post by kingoftheindies on Dec 9, 2017 9:43:37 GMT -5
It's too early to tell, but get the impression they understand the promotion needs an overhaul. That's a good thing. They made that quite clear, and both also understand that the brand has been damaged pretty bad by previous decision makers. They also reiterated it will be a slow process because you can't just do a hard reboot (stated that hurts everybody)
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Post by eJm on Dec 9, 2017 9:59:51 GMT -5
It's too early to tell, but get the impression they understand the promotion needs an overhaul. That's a good thing. They made that quite clear, and both also understand that the brand has been damaged pretty bad by previous decision makers. They also reiterated it will be a slow process because you can't just do a hard reboot (stated that hurts everybody) That's a good thing to hear as well because the easy thing to do would be just to do what was done before and wipe the slate clean and act like the rest of the past was garbage. But that not only isolates the hardcore fans but for the casual viewer tuning in, you can't suddenly sell "Watch on our subscription service!" to them when you literally just called it garbage. If you recognise what made TNA work in the first place across the 15 years it has had and why people thought of TNA as the next big thing, you could have something that works. Also making it a hub for indie talent to come in doing what they did in the indies on TV, that could help in potential relationships with other US indies the way WWE has with WWN. Well, hopefully better than "Cedric Alexander is free so he can fill into this non-televised match for this injured dude".
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Post by The Spelunker! on Dec 9, 2017 10:17:36 GMT -5
Listened to the Jericho podcast, and hearing the two of them gives me a lot of hope for the future. Seems very grounded and logical, not likely to make tons of stupid decisions or massively overreach.
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Post by Chainsaw on Dec 9, 2017 19:32:04 GMT -5
I like their sentiments, I like where they want to take this, but truthfully, it's too little, too late. They know the right things to say, but the coffers are empty, the talent pool has been polluted, and there's very little that either man can do that can right this. Anthem is trying to convey stuff that they should have done from the beginning, now that they know they're in way in over their heads. They have less going for them than ROH does, they have less eyes on them with wrestling fans than NJPW does. About all they can do is try to star build, but their most promising talent is fed to "big" names in order to get them over.
If Don and Scott can pull this off, quite frankly, I'll be amazed. Don is okay, but I love Scott and how he does business. But without the resources and name talent, it's as uphill as uphill gets. And it's still TNA, it frankly still needs to die.
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