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Matt Hardy on how his broken brilliance is fixing TNA Impact Wrestling

December 11, 2016 Scott Fishman 1

Matt Hardy has proven that even in today’s era of pro wrestling over-the-top characters can thrive and resonate with fans. The “Broken” persona has been a shot in the arm for his career, as well as helped garner newfound interest in the TNA Impact Wrestling product. Hardy’s creative renaissance truly took shape during a feud with brother Jeff, dubbed Brother Nero. Their rivalry climaxed in a grand spectacle known as the “Final Deletion” at Hardy’s residence in Cameron, North Carolina. With the off-the-wall vignettes leading up to the fight, unique way it was shot and overall production of the event, […]

From WWE to TNA: Aron Rex is Bound for Glory

September 26, 2016 Scott Fishman Comments Off

Aron Rex — the man formally known as Damien Sandow and born Aaron Steven Haddad — was done with pro wrestling after his WWE release earlier this year. He planned to do a couple of appearances as a way to thank the fans who had supported him over the years. Since the audience played a pivotal role in the opportunities he was given in WWE, he felt like he owed them. Then John Gaburick, TNA Impact Wrestling vice president of creative and talent relations, reached out and the seeds for the arrival of Aron Rex were planted. Sandow went down for a visit […]

Ring of Honor vixen Taeler Hendrix on her success with Jay Lethal and Women of Honor

August 3, 2016 Scott Fishman 1

They say behind every great man is a great woman. And for Jay Lethal that has been Taeler Hendrix. The villainous red-head has been instrumental during the Ring of Honor world champion’s lengthy reign at the top. “I think him and I are just top notch,” she said. “We are representing the House of Truth worldwide. I think it’s a perfect pairing. There is a lot of communication and understanding that goes into that. He is a top notch talent. So for me to stand next to him, I have to be at that level if not better just to […]

Rosemary on why the Decay is blossoming in TNA Impact Wrestling

July 27, 2016 Scott Fishman 5

Since TNA Impact Wrestling started its run on Pop TV, the direction of the program and the promotion has been very character-driven. And when you look at the roster, the Decay is one true success stories of this new era. Veteran Abyss and Crazzy Steve found new life, ironic given the name of the group. But the important piece of the puzzle for “The Death Dealers” has been Rosemary. The Canadian honed her skills over the last eight years on the independent scene before opportunity came knocking. “I had a lot of experience,” Rosemary said. “Getting signed with TNA was […]

TNA champ Drew Galloway on Slammiversary and being an ambassador for the company

June 8, 2016 Scott Fishman 2

Many fans were saddened to read about Drew Galloway’s release from WWE on June 12, 2014. Rather than give up and fade into obscurity, the 30-year-old’s passion for pro wrestling and drive to succeed grew stronger. Two years to the day, the TNA Impact Wrestling heavyweight champion will defend the gold against Bobby Lashley Sunday at 8/7CT on pay-per-view from Universal Orlando. Needless to say Galloway is living the dream. “It was a lifelong goal of mine to be world champion,” he said. “It’s something that meant the world to me. It felt significant and important. I don’t get the chance to […]

Chris Sabin on reforming the Motor City Machine Guns with Alex Shelley in Ring of Honor

April 18, 2016 Scott Fishman 2

Ring of Honor fans rejoiced as the Motor City Machine Guns finally reunited at the 14th Anniversary show in February. Chris Sabin was happy with the positive response he and his longtime partner, Alex Shelley, received in Las Vegas It was a moment the performer will never forget. “I was a bit nervous and worried how people were going to react,” he said. “When I finally went out there, it was a bit of a relief actually. Alex and I were talking about this, where fans have come up to us saying they miss the Machine Guns and asking when […]

Jeff Hardy on his big in-ring return to TNA Impact Wrestling

March 14, 2016 Scott Fishman 1

It has been a long road back to the ring for Jeff Hardy. The daredevil suffered a broken leg in a dirt bike accident last year. Now the popular TNA Impact Wrestling performer is revving up for a return to regular competition in a match against Eric Young Tuesday y 9/8CT on Pop TV. “It’s going to be exciting to see the Orlando crowd again,” Hardy said. “The Impact Zone crowd will be on fire, I’m sure. I’m going to push myself the hardest than I have since I started wrestling again. It’s kind of like when I did with James […]

TNA Impact Wrestling’s Jade on finding success in The Dollhouse

March 7, 2016 Scott Fishman 2

The Dollhouse has become one of TNA Impact Wrestling’s most interesting acts — and a focal point of the Knockouts division. The eclectic group saw some changes in leadership with the exit of Taryn Terrell and, later, Awesome Kong. Through it all, playtime continues for the trio of Jade, Marti Bell and Rebel as they explore their respective identities. Jade in particular has broken out from the pack. The skilled performer goes for the Knockouts championship against Gail Kim Tuesday at 9/8CT on Pop TV. “It has been a challenge, because back-to-back stuff has been happening and we didn’t know what […]

Eli Drake on being one of TNA Impact Wrestling’s brightest new stars

February 29, 2016 Scott Fishman 3

TNA Impact Wrestling’s focus has been rebuilding and creating new stars for its brand. Count Eli Drake among those looking to make their mark. The 33-year-old has emerged from a background player to the forefront thanks to his loud-mouthed and arrogant swagger. The wheels for his signing started turning when his promoter, David Marquez of Championship Wrestling from Hollywood, and TNA creative’s Dave Lagana were in communication. Because of his work in developmental and NXT, Drake — real name Shaun Ricker — was also recommended by WWE to TNA’s talent relations head John Gaburick. Within a month he was set up with […]

EC3 on being one of TNA Impact Wrestling’s biggest success stories

February 22, 2016 Scott Fishman 4

Ethan Carter III — EC3 — for short has ventured into uncharted waters lately on TNA Impact Wrestling. The former world champion has made the transition from despised villain to fan favorite in a matter of weeks. Despite the different response from the audience, the root of the EC3 character hasn’t changed much. The progression has been organic with the performer earning the audience’s respect in his recent battles with current TNA champ Matt Hardy. The two will battle for the title in a “six sides of steel” match, headlining a stacked card of caged action during the Lockdown edition […]