Thanks to Ryan Dye for sending this in:
I attended the TNA House Show last night in Salem, VA. I’ve never been to a TNA show so it a whole new thing for me. The Salem Civic Center isnt that big, Wasnt full at all. I’d say about 2500-3000 fans in attendance.
Jeff Jarrett was signing autographs at the merch table when I got there. As the show started the place was loud. JB, the ring anouncer from Impact, was the host. He encouraged everyone to make some noise.
First match of the night was Douglas Williams (c) defending his X Division Title against Jay Lethal. Jay is really over. Great first match. Lots of USA chants and when Jay did Stylin’ and Profilin’ the place went nuts. Williams won with a move I havnt seen him do. It was like a Victory roll into a German Suplex. Great move. Match lasted about 8-10 min.
Second match was half of the reason I went. Madison Rayne (c) defended her Knockout Title against Angelina Love. I love Rayne and I’m pretty sure I was one of the only people in the place that was cheering for her. As Angelina was going for the Botox Injection, Madison countered into a Small Package and picked up the pin. Earl Hebner was the ref and there lots of show-type things before this match. Both girls did the TV entrance shaking their ass on the 2nd rope. Which led them to get into a fight on who could do it better. Also at some point in the match Hebner kissed Rayne. Good match. Wayyyyyyy better than any Divas match.
Next up was Desmond Wolfe vs. Jeff Jarrett with a 20 min time limit. At least the first 5-7- min of the match was one of them throwing the other and playing up the crowd. Lots of USA chants in this point. JJ picked up the win after he hit his finisher and thanked everyone for spending their money on the "best wrestling going, TNA"
Next up was Beer Money vs. Ink Inc. Good, good tag match. Had lots of double team spots. I didnt get to see much of this match from my seat as I was getting ready to go backstage.
After the match they announced Neal had served in the armed forces and then we witnessed about 40 young men and women take the oath and officially become a part of the US Army. Intermission was announced. It was also announced that Hardy was hurt and wouldnt be able to wrestle.
My buddy bought a $150 Jarrett Guitar and with it you got to go backstage and meet JJ and Hardy. So he took me with him. When we got back stage it was awesome. I got autographs from Rayne, Lethal, Love, Williams, Wolfe, Neal, Mick Foley, RVD, Jarrett, and Morgan. Meeting Madison might have been the highlight of my whole month, lol.
After we came out from the backstage area I went to the merch stand and bought the A**hole shirt Anderson wears. My buddy bought the Donkey with the hole in its ass shirt, and the Hebner ref shirt that says on the front, "DAMN RIGHT I DID!"
After intermission Matt Morgan comes out. This man is so big. The light went off and we heard Hardys music and the place went nuts!! Hardy came out and wrestled but you can tell hes hurt. Morgan controlled most of the match with hardy on the ground. Match ended with the Twist of Fate. Hardy and RVD are easily the biggest two cheers there.
Main Event. A note was brought up saying Dixie Carter ordered a special guest ref, Mick Foley. I went crazy. Ive loved him for over 13 years. I brought a Mr. Socko because I knew he would be there. AJ Styles then came out. Two AJ fans in the whole place and they stood right in front of me haha. RVD then came out to a huge pop. RVD is the complete package. When I met him backstage I noticed hes alot taller than I expected. Good back and forth match. Match ended when Styles tryed for a 450 and would have hit it had Rob not moved. Then RVD went top rope and hit the Five Star Frog Splash. Great match.
After the match RVD stayed in the ring and took pictures with everyone that wanted one for 20 dollars. At this point I got Hebners auto.
All in all it was an AWESOME show. I was the the WWE Draft in Richmond, and the RAW in Charlotte and there is such a level of connection at a TNA Show. Getting to meet everyone was awesome. And for the price I’d rather see a TNA House show than a WWE taping.
Nick was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and lived there until the age of 18, when he decided to pack his flack jacket and move to New York City.
