NXT's Finn Balor beat King Barrett on the July 2 WWE live event. I wonder when we'll see that on the main roster?
Mike Tenay talked about 13 years of TNA and more. He gave pretty noncontroversial, safe answers there. I'd love for him to do a shoot interview about his time in TNA when it's all said and done. He's been there since Day One.
Former WWF/AWA star Brad Rheighans accompanied Brock Lesnar to Japan. He's a big name in the Minnesota college wrestling scene. That's a pretty cool combination since Heyman isn't there for whatever reason.
Everything else from Thursday is after the break.
Impact Wrestling's audience on Wednesday was 267,000 in the first showing and 51,000 for the replay. That's almost a 30% drop from the previous week, despite featuring two really big title matches and following a PPV. I'm almost certain that's the lowest audience since the Fox Sports Net days. That's got to be really concerning for the company.
Ring of Honor's show did 157,000 in its first airing and 81,000 in its replay, also nearly a 30% drop. It was not a good week for wrestling ratings. WWE, TNA, and ROH should hope this is just a one-time thing.
Brie Bella discussed Daniel Bryan's future. I really hope he makes a big comeback and has something left in the tank. I'm getting worried, though.
The Briscoes vs. RPG Vice (Rocky Romero/Trent Baretta) has been announced for ROH Death Before Dishonor. I miss Trent and am excited to see Romero.
TNA's Executive Vice President has left the company. It sounds like he was more or less replaced by their new hire. Barton had worked for TNA for more than ten years, and for Dixie Carter for nearly 20. Whether this is a sign of some kind of falling out or he is just exploring another opportunity is unknown. Either way, he was one of the most important people in the TNA corporate ladder. It's possible him being replaced really changes things for the company from a business perspective.
For my take on Thursday's PWInsider.com questions:
1. He would have been reprimanded and fined. In the post-Benoit world, they don't want to cross the line to something that would look like actual strangulation.
2. Then you're probably not looking. I think WWE is doing a better job with the Divas, and the B-shows and NXT are definitely using them better. They're featured pretty regularly and have more in the way of storylines. Unfortunately "giving Divas a chance" right now means "seeing more of the Bella Twins' angle." If the NXT Divas sell merch and get people to tune in in greater numbers than the "Total Divas" audience, then maybe we'll see more of them and less of the E! stars. But WWE's going with the greater audience at this point.
3. Not much to add here. I also think they originated in the States.
4. I think the Carters tightened the leash from a budget standpoint in the second half of the Hogan-Bischoff era, when it was obvious they were blowing through money with little to show for it. I really wonder what happens in regard to Panda Energy if TNA's in danger of going bottom-up.
5. Interesting. I wonder if there's any legal action Wilkes can take over the matter.
More wrestling coming up.
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