Post by Michael Coello on Jan 10, 2007 0:47:43 GMT -5
Vital Information:
# TNA: iMPACT! can be seen Thursday nights (9:00 to 10:00PM, ET/PT) on Spike TV; encores Saturdays (11:00PM - Midnight ET/PT)
# TNA is averaging a 1.0 HH rating, with a 0.9 in M18-49, and a 1.0 in M18-34 with an average audience of 1.2 million viewers.
# TNA's "Final Resolution" premieres Sunday, January 14th at 8PM ET/ 5PM PT LIVE, only on Pay Per View.
# Spike will air the "Road to Final Resolution" this Saturday at Midnight EST.
Call begins @ 5:07pm:
Stephen Godfrey welcomes us to the call and reminds us of Final Resolution and runs down the card.
Don West joins the call:
Q. What is the difference between doing live PPV and taped shows for you?
A. Good question. I love the live shows. They are 3 ½ hours of fun, and you get to pace yourself and that is important with the way I am. We get to concentrate solely on the matches, instead of TV where we have to sell the next week and the PPV.
Q. You have been with TNA since the beginning and they have come along way. How do you feel about the evolution of the company?
A. The goal was always prime time and we finally got that. There were times when we were off and we thought we were never coming back. But to see the development of the company is a great thing. The progression is so hard to believe. Now I think we need to look forward to two hours and continue living the dream.
Q. Last night on Raw they had a fake Trump vs. Fake Rosey match. There was a very audible TNA chant during that segment. What does that mean to you?
A. I read about it, I was watching the BCS Championships. On the net that is all I read about and how bad it was. To me, the TNA chants make me smile. They are chanting it at their events and that is important because some don't know who we are. There is some competition, we aren't a giant like WWE, but some know about us and they are letting WWE know that they know something is out there.
Q. Florida or Ohio State?
A. I am a Big 10 guy, but I have become an SEC fan. I was pulling for the Gators.
Q. You have had a love of wrestling before TNA, did you grow up watching wrestling?
A. I got caught up in the MTV era of Rock and Wrestling. But when I did Shop at Home and we did the late night deal, we always would watch the wars between WCW and WWE. We always talked about it and in that mid-90's time I got very into it, but never dreamed I would be doing it for a living.
Q. When you started you were really a fish out of water, but have developed into a great Color Guy. Opie and Anthony really put you over as well. They always talk about you, what are your feelings on them?
A. I love those guys. They are on XM now and they are ruthless with the no restrictions. They became fans of me and parodied me and I thought it was hilarious. They are great guys and if I can get TNA more exposure through them for TNA, that would be an awesome thing. It is time to get out guys out there. We need to get the people that others pay to see on the big shows like Leno and Letterman.
Q. What are your thoughts on Angles remarks on WWE since coming to TNA and vice versa.
A. Well, when you lose a Kurt Angle, you don't take it lightly. There were a lot of hard feelings and they didn't expect him coming here, so tit hurt Vince and they retaliated like most would. The animosity is childish on both parts, but the more comments they make will make them look for him and they will find TNA through that.
Q. What do you think of the Bears chances in the playoffs?
A. If Grossman goes bad early, they better pull him and pull him fast. If he keeps his head about him, they should be in the Super Bowl. I also thing New England will upset the Chargers. I hope Baltimore gets there in the Super Bowl as I am a friend of McNair and think he deserves it.
Q. Who is more intimidating, Storm on Steiner?
A. Steiner is FLAT OUT SCARY! I have only been really scared a few times in my life, and one was when Steiner tossed me into the ring. Also when Angle threw me on the floor. Another time in Nashville when Ken Shamrock went wild and stated throwing shit and Tenay and I had no clue what he was doing. When Mike is scared I know to be as well.
Q. One of your most famous calls was the Elix cage walk. Has there been a moment close to that?
A. Once when Hardy lept off top of the Impact Zone set onto Abyss. That was wild. Another one was the first cage match, when Harris did the leg drop off the top of that cage, I just couldn't believe the did it. AJ has had some moments as well. The first time Sting came into Orlando was just an amazing feeling, it felt like 20,000 people cheering in there.
Q. When you began there was the three man booth, what was that like?
A. I don't know why Ed left, it was a personal reason I believe. Also TNA's future was unsure, and he had a change of heart. Ed was a HUGE help to me early on in TNA. He was kind and patient and helped me learn. Mike is an ICON to me and has helped a lot as well. Ed was a good friend and I wish him the best. But I will say him leaving was the best for me as I could grow and HAD to grow as a commentator.
Q. With TNA bringing in baseball stars, is there any star that has lived up to and lived down to your expectations?
A. Brian Urlacher was great when he came to TNA was great. The Bears flipped when he did it as well. But in the end these guys are fans and they look like kids when they meet the wrestlers. I always enjoy it and I don't think you can get enough of that publicity.
Q. You have been doing plugs for the James Bond Marathons, what has that been like.
A. It was a blast. The directors were guys that were fans of mine and they requested me when they found out I was under contract to TNA and Spike. They had written the scripts and you could tell they knew me exactly. I just had to be me and it was a lot of fun.
Q. How's the ankle Don?
A. Tender…tender. But I'm tough, no pain here baby.
Q. How did the Steiner and Angle altercations compare?
A. They are still fresh in my mind. Steiner is a lunatic, and that is from a friend and fan. He scares me to death. When Angle came at me, time stood still and I got really scared.
Q. What is the latest on Steiner returning to TNA?
A. I hear things, and probably know as much as you guys do. I have no clue really, but he had a great feud with Joe and people better not forget it.
Q. Any updates on TNA having more PPV outside Orlando.
A. St. Louis is a very possible site for a PPV this year. It makes sense with the latest Ekstein and Peirzinsky altercation. After last night and the TNA chants, it would be perfect.
Q. Abyss vs. Tomko this week on Impact. Do you feel that Abyss could snap and actually speak in 2007?
A. I don't know but the guy creeps me out when he just goes wild and screams. Disturbing really, and I really want to know what that secret is.
Q. Who do you expect to step up in 2007?
A. Joe and Angle will be huge, Christian is on fire and is hot for another title run. Christopher Daniels could go from the X-Division and try out the NWA Title scene. AMW is split and either guy could step up as well. On a side note I am excited to see Jerry Lynn in the ring again. Back in that first year, Lynn was so much fun to call, especially against AJ. He, Sabin and Daniels is the match I am looking forward to the most.
Q. When you were brought in it was through Vince Russo. Since his return the TV format has changed. How has it effected you and Tenay?
A. First off, Vince in 2002 is very different from 2007. He is not the same person. He has really changed, a life change. If it wasn't for him I wouldn't have had the TNA job. He wanted me for WCW, but I am glad that didn't happen for numerous reasons. The focus right now is on storytelling. Like Sting/Abyss and Christian. Joe and Angle tells itself I feel. Things are evolving and I think it is going well. Vince isn't in our ears during the show and lets Mike and I do our thing. He gives us some post-production notes and suggestions, but that is his job.
Q. With that being said there has been almost no in ring time. The ratings have gone up though, so what do you think the perfect balance is?
A. Last week's Impact was a perfect balance. In an hour, if you do nothing but wrestle you can't give people characters or stories. The people can get involved with them and that is important. I loved last weeks show, especially the Angle vs. Joe brawl.
Q. If someone asked you what TNA needed to improve, what would you say?
A. We can all improve our individual performances first of all. I think we can improve on getting ourselves out to the public. Many people have no clue who we are and if they do they have no clue what channel we are on. People need to know the guys we have that have been here, they need to know that Angle and Christian are here too.
Q. What match was your best work, or one show?
A. Oh man…announcing is all about the product in the ring. I got to tell you, I remember sitting back after Joe vs. Daniels vs. AJ At the first Unbreakable. I thought it would be good, but the final product was amazing. We tend to write notes and stuff to each other, but we knew that we were there for something special.
Q. Christian and Angle have been big jumps for TNA. IS there anyone else you would love to see jump?
A. I don't know his contract status, but as a fan, I would love to see Chris Benoit to TNA. But I will say, we have so many great guys that we don't have time to showcase and we need to. Benoit is my #1 choice, but if I had to dream, Edge, RVD, and Rey Jr would all be nice.
Q. What was your favorite match of 2006?
A. Either LAX vs. Daniels and AJ from BFG or Joe vs. Angle II. That was a great way to end the year.
Q. Did you know Angle was coming to TNA when the announcement was made?
A. Not a clue. I was not told and it was a closely guarded secret. I was told 5-minutes before the PPV went on the air. Mike Tenay didn't even know. I remember they all thought it was Goldberg, but then went wild for Angle, that was a great moment.
Q. What do you think about Joe vs. Angle III?
A. Every time they face it gets better. You know you are promised 30-minutes for this match, that is reason enough to buy the PPV in my opinion.
Q. Do you see TNA doing a show in the UK?
A. I would hope so. With the new Bravo deal in the UK, it seems like a perfect time to do a show there. I have heard talk about it, and I think it is coming.
Q. Do you think the VKM will continue on with the injury to HHH?
A. I don't know, but I think it would be kind of hard to do with him injured. To me life is a parody, and if we can't make fun of things then they need more of a sense of humor. It is getting people talking, and people will watch.
Q. How do you think Angle is fitting into TNA?
A. Very well. He and I were talking and he said it has been a great thing for him so far. He explained about the schedule he used to have, and I almost couldn't believe it was real. I don't see how a body can take that abuse, but they do. He is just happy to have the time off to be with his family and to rest and recover. He also loves being a part of a growing company.
Call ends @ 5:56pm
# TNA: iMPACT! can be seen Thursday nights (9:00 to 10:00PM, ET/PT) on Spike TV; encores Saturdays (11:00PM - Midnight ET/PT)
# TNA is averaging a 1.0 HH rating, with a 0.9 in M18-49, and a 1.0 in M18-34 with an average audience of 1.2 million viewers.
# TNA's "Final Resolution" premieres Sunday, January 14th at 8PM ET/ 5PM PT LIVE, only on Pay Per View.
# Spike will air the "Road to Final Resolution" this Saturday at Midnight EST.
Call begins @ 5:07pm:
Stephen Godfrey welcomes us to the call and reminds us of Final Resolution and runs down the card.
Don West joins the call:
Q. What is the difference between doing live PPV and taped shows for you?
A. Good question. I love the live shows. They are 3 ½ hours of fun, and you get to pace yourself and that is important with the way I am. We get to concentrate solely on the matches, instead of TV where we have to sell the next week and the PPV.
Q. You have been with TNA since the beginning and they have come along way. How do you feel about the evolution of the company?
A. The goal was always prime time and we finally got that. There were times when we were off and we thought we were never coming back. But to see the development of the company is a great thing. The progression is so hard to believe. Now I think we need to look forward to two hours and continue living the dream.
Q. Last night on Raw they had a fake Trump vs. Fake Rosey match. There was a very audible TNA chant during that segment. What does that mean to you?
A. I read about it, I was watching the BCS Championships. On the net that is all I read about and how bad it was. To me, the TNA chants make me smile. They are chanting it at their events and that is important because some don't know who we are. There is some competition, we aren't a giant like WWE, but some know about us and they are letting WWE know that they know something is out there.
Q. Florida or Ohio State?
A. I am a Big 10 guy, but I have become an SEC fan. I was pulling for the Gators.
Q. You have had a love of wrestling before TNA, did you grow up watching wrestling?
A. I got caught up in the MTV era of Rock and Wrestling. But when I did Shop at Home and we did the late night deal, we always would watch the wars between WCW and WWE. We always talked about it and in that mid-90's time I got very into it, but never dreamed I would be doing it for a living.
Q. When you started you were really a fish out of water, but have developed into a great Color Guy. Opie and Anthony really put you over as well. They always talk about you, what are your feelings on them?
A. I love those guys. They are on XM now and they are ruthless with the no restrictions. They became fans of me and parodied me and I thought it was hilarious. They are great guys and if I can get TNA more exposure through them for TNA, that would be an awesome thing. It is time to get out guys out there. We need to get the people that others pay to see on the big shows like Leno and Letterman.
Q. What are your thoughts on Angles remarks on WWE since coming to TNA and vice versa.
A. Well, when you lose a Kurt Angle, you don't take it lightly. There were a lot of hard feelings and they didn't expect him coming here, so tit hurt Vince and they retaliated like most would. The animosity is childish on both parts, but the more comments they make will make them look for him and they will find TNA through that.
Q. What do you think of the Bears chances in the playoffs?
A. If Grossman goes bad early, they better pull him and pull him fast. If he keeps his head about him, they should be in the Super Bowl. I also thing New England will upset the Chargers. I hope Baltimore gets there in the Super Bowl as I am a friend of McNair and think he deserves it.
Q. Who is more intimidating, Storm on Steiner?
A. Steiner is FLAT OUT SCARY! I have only been really scared a few times in my life, and one was when Steiner tossed me into the ring. Also when Angle threw me on the floor. Another time in Nashville when Ken Shamrock went wild and stated throwing shit and Tenay and I had no clue what he was doing. When Mike is scared I know to be as well.
Q. One of your most famous calls was the Elix cage walk. Has there been a moment close to that?
A. Once when Hardy lept off top of the Impact Zone set onto Abyss. That was wild. Another one was the first cage match, when Harris did the leg drop off the top of that cage, I just couldn't believe the did it. AJ has had some moments as well. The first time Sting came into Orlando was just an amazing feeling, it felt like 20,000 people cheering in there.
Q. When you began there was the three man booth, what was that like?
A. I don't know why Ed left, it was a personal reason I believe. Also TNA's future was unsure, and he had a change of heart. Ed was a HUGE help to me early on in TNA. He was kind and patient and helped me learn. Mike is an ICON to me and has helped a lot as well. Ed was a good friend and I wish him the best. But I will say him leaving was the best for me as I could grow and HAD to grow as a commentator.
Q. With TNA bringing in baseball stars, is there any star that has lived up to and lived down to your expectations?
A. Brian Urlacher was great when he came to TNA was great. The Bears flipped when he did it as well. But in the end these guys are fans and they look like kids when they meet the wrestlers. I always enjoy it and I don't think you can get enough of that publicity.
Q. You have been doing plugs for the James Bond Marathons, what has that been like.
A. It was a blast. The directors were guys that were fans of mine and they requested me when they found out I was under contract to TNA and Spike. They had written the scripts and you could tell they knew me exactly. I just had to be me and it was a lot of fun.
Q. How's the ankle Don?
A. Tender…tender. But I'm tough, no pain here baby.
Q. How did the Steiner and Angle altercations compare?
A. They are still fresh in my mind. Steiner is a lunatic, and that is from a friend and fan. He scares me to death. When Angle came at me, time stood still and I got really scared.
Q. What is the latest on Steiner returning to TNA?
A. I hear things, and probably know as much as you guys do. I have no clue really, but he had a great feud with Joe and people better not forget it.
Q. Any updates on TNA having more PPV outside Orlando.
A. St. Louis is a very possible site for a PPV this year. It makes sense with the latest Ekstein and Peirzinsky altercation. After last night and the TNA chants, it would be perfect.
Q. Abyss vs. Tomko this week on Impact. Do you feel that Abyss could snap and actually speak in 2007?
A. I don't know but the guy creeps me out when he just goes wild and screams. Disturbing really, and I really want to know what that secret is.
Q. Who do you expect to step up in 2007?
A. Joe and Angle will be huge, Christian is on fire and is hot for another title run. Christopher Daniels could go from the X-Division and try out the NWA Title scene. AMW is split and either guy could step up as well. On a side note I am excited to see Jerry Lynn in the ring again. Back in that first year, Lynn was so much fun to call, especially against AJ. He, Sabin and Daniels is the match I am looking forward to the most.
Q. When you were brought in it was through Vince Russo. Since his return the TV format has changed. How has it effected you and Tenay?
A. First off, Vince in 2002 is very different from 2007. He is not the same person. He has really changed, a life change. If it wasn't for him I wouldn't have had the TNA job. He wanted me for WCW, but I am glad that didn't happen for numerous reasons. The focus right now is on storytelling. Like Sting/Abyss and Christian. Joe and Angle tells itself I feel. Things are evolving and I think it is going well. Vince isn't in our ears during the show and lets Mike and I do our thing. He gives us some post-production notes and suggestions, but that is his job.
Q. With that being said there has been almost no in ring time. The ratings have gone up though, so what do you think the perfect balance is?
A. Last week's Impact was a perfect balance. In an hour, if you do nothing but wrestle you can't give people characters or stories. The people can get involved with them and that is important. I loved last weeks show, especially the Angle vs. Joe brawl.
Q. If someone asked you what TNA needed to improve, what would you say?
A. We can all improve our individual performances first of all. I think we can improve on getting ourselves out to the public. Many people have no clue who we are and if they do they have no clue what channel we are on. People need to know the guys we have that have been here, they need to know that Angle and Christian are here too.
Q. What match was your best work, or one show?
A. Oh man…announcing is all about the product in the ring. I got to tell you, I remember sitting back after Joe vs. Daniels vs. AJ At the first Unbreakable. I thought it would be good, but the final product was amazing. We tend to write notes and stuff to each other, but we knew that we were there for something special.
Q. Christian and Angle have been big jumps for TNA. IS there anyone else you would love to see jump?
A. I don't know his contract status, but as a fan, I would love to see Chris Benoit to TNA. But I will say, we have so many great guys that we don't have time to showcase and we need to. Benoit is my #1 choice, but if I had to dream, Edge, RVD, and Rey Jr would all be nice.
Q. What was your favorite match of 2006?
A. Either LAX vs. Daniels and AJ from BFG or Joe vs. Angle II. That was a great way to end the year.
Q. Did you know Angle was coming to TNA when the announcement was made?
A. Not a clue. I was not told and it was a closely guarded secret. I was told 5-minutes before the PPV went on the air. Mike Tenay didn't even know. I remember they all thought it was Goldberg, but then went wild for Angle, that was a great moment.
Q. What do you think about Joe vs. Angle III?
A. Every time they face it gets better. You know you are promised 30-minutes for this match, that is reason enough to buy the PPV in my opinion.
Q. Do you see TNA doing a show in the UK?
A. I would hope so. With the new Bravo deal in the UK, it seems like a perfect time to do a show there. I have heard talk about it, and I think it is coming.
Q. Do you think the VKM will continue on with the injury to HHH?
A. I don't know, but I think it would be kind of hard to do with him injured. To me life is a parody, and if we can't make fun of things then they need more of a sense of humor. It is getting people talking, and people will watch.
Q. How do you think Angle is fitting into TNA?
A. Very well. He and I were talking and he said it has been a great thing for him so far. He explained about the schedule he used to have, and I almost couldn't believe it was real. I don't see how a body can take that abuse, but they do. He is just happy to have the time off to be with his family and to rest and recover. He also loves being a part of a growing company.
Call ends @ 5:56pm
