Jamie Jones
jamiejones@daltoncitizen.com
— Here are this week's news and notes from the wrestling world:
• TNA may not truly offer Total Non-Stop Action.
However, the fledgling organization is close to living up to the name. TNA “Impact” made its highly anticipated debut on Monday night going head-to-head with the industry juggernaut, WWE “Raw” during the two-hour time slot. It’s the first real competition WWE has had since WCW “Nitro” ended in 2001.
Who won the ratings war? “Raw” notched a 3.4 rating with 5.1 million viewers while TNA had 1 rating with 1.4 million viewers. Raw plummeted 4.2 percent in viewership compared to last week’s show. Impact fell 6.1 percent in viewership compared to its last Thursday night show on March 4.
No one expected TNA to win the numbers war during its first regular telecast. And TNA officials are confident the initial numbers will increase when DVR viewers are factored in. But from the perspective of many wrestling fans, “Impact” won the quality and excitement battles.
• Former wrestler and promoter Angelo Poffo passed away last week. His career spanned six decades and Poffo is know for being the father of “Leaping” Lanny Poffo and “Macho Man” Randy Savage.
The Local Corner: Drew Game wants to stick it to Slias Ali Quaz. On Saturday night at TWA, the two will battle in a thumb tack match.
The TWA Action Zone runs on Saturdays at 8 p.m. in the TWA Arena off Reed Road in north Whitfield County, about 3 miles north of the bypass. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for kids 6 to 12. Kids younger than 6 are admitted free. Any military member with proper identification will also be admitted free.
At the Elite Wrestling Association last week, True Perfection retained the tag team titles. Tonight, Tyler Sutton and Cody battle for the heavyweight title. There will also be an eight-woman battle royal.
EWA runs on Fridays at 8 p.m. in the TWA Arena. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for kids.
Trivia Teaser: Who was the first wrestler to appear live on camera on TNA’s regular Monday night “Impact” show?
Check back next week for the answer.
Last week’s question: By which two names did Koko B. Ware also wrestle under?
Stagger Lee and Sweet Brown Sugar.
Jamie Jones thinks a slug could move faster than Hulk Hogan. He can be reached at jamiejones@daltoncitizen.com or (706) 272-7723.
