Torch Feedback PRE-HARDCORE JUSTICE REAX #1: "My general feelings are excitement, sadness, interest, and frustration"
Aug 7, 2010 - 6:09:04 PM
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The following is a batch of reader feedback on our Question of the Day from Friday on PWTorch readers's thoughts, reactions, and feelings on the TNA Hardcore Justice PPV with an ECW theme. We're still looking for your feedback. Send your Reax to pwtorch@gmail.com.
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Michael Clarke, PWTorch reader: Personally, it all seems like a sham; a giant joke. These guys had a decent sendoff years ago and now they want to return. Now, it seems as if A.J. Styles and Samoa Joe are right. TNA is beginning to disrespect and ignore their main stars - the ones who were there in the beginning. I'll pass on this one. It's not worth purchasing.
Moe Green, PWTorch reader: I truly think TNA is a sinking ship and this PPV idea is proof. I was a fan of ECW, but why would they bring in these guys for an entire PPV and not feature their real stars, A.J., Beer Money, MCMG, Samoa Joe, etc.? I think this PPV is a terrible idea and I hope this is not a sign of things to come.
Michael, PWTorch reader: I've been a little frustrated with the Hogan & Bischoff direction. I felt with some better writing and long-term planning, it could have been epic. But with that said, I tuned into Impact on Thursday night to see Dreamer and Raven fighting over a love interest, and I thought, "I have no idea who these guys are and why they are trying to conjure up a storyline." I feel like Impact has been hi-jacked for the wrong reasons, and I'm really frustrated by it. I won't be buying the PPV, or even watching it illegally for that matter. I just don't care about a storyline that will end in a month and has no affect on the long-term picture.
Conor Leaden, PWTorch reader: My initial feelings on "Hardcore Justice" is intrigue. I'm curious to see if the likes of Dreamer, Raven, and Sandman can still perform and whether TNA can effectively re-create the ECW feel. I have my doubts. The diehard fanbase was what really made ECW special and infuriately the Impact Zone just doesn't have that kind of energy. I expect some mildly entertaining hardcore style wrestling from those mentioned above, but the spots they performed in ECW's prime that seemed revolutionary will now appear rather ordinary. I also fear that they may just be there for one last payday. I will purchase "Hardcore Justice," but more out of curiosity than expectation.
Daniel Lopez of Philadelphia, PWTorch reader: I feel excited, but also scared. Every time I get excited about TNA, they find a way to screw things up. Right now, we know more about what's happening on the "Whole F'n Show" Impact special than the actual PPV, which is crazy. We know about the people that are going to be on the PPV, but not the matches. It's obvious to the old fans like myself to expect matches like Sabu vs. Sandman, but to the new TNA fans who don't know what the old ECW is, TNA did not do enough to sell them on the PPV. I'm 50/50 on ordering the PPV. As of right now, I might just wait for the DVD to come out. It will be cheaper than the PPV and Don West will find a way to sell the DVD better than the PPV. One final thought. They should have waited one month and actually did this PPV in the old ECW Arena, where they will be on September 24. It also would have given them more time to market the PPV to new TNA fans who don't know what the old ECW is about.
Michael Phelps, PWTorch reader: My general feelings for the Hardcore Justice PPV are, well, excitement, sadness, interest, and frustration. The excitement and interest come from being a huge fan of the Original ECW. I enjoy all wrestling styles, so ECW was perfect. It was not the cartoony hardcore of WWE and WCW, which made it stand out as something special. These guys were real and not characters in my eyes. Then, there was also great technical wrestling. The matches involving RVD, Jerry Lynn, and Lance Storm were always entertaining. They had the right mix of technicality and hardcore, not just garbage matches. ... My frustration comes from knowing that, even though the EV 2.0 group has "control" of the PPV, it will still not be the same. I don't expect the Dudleys or Shane Douglas to come out and start the PPV with profanity or an edgy promo. Another frustration is that Mike Tenay will reportedly be with Taz on commentary. Joey Styles not being involved is a big letdown for me. Is it possible for "The King Of Old School" Steve Corino to make an appearance? I would also like some involvement from Paul E., which I guess could happen. ... Then, there is the sadness. Can some of these guys still pull it off? We know that RVD can still go, but what about Jerry Lynn? Does Sandman really need to be in shape to wrestle his style? Then, there are the guys that have died. It would be great to see The Eliminators together again or The Pitbulls or any incarnation of The Triple Threat. I just know that I will be getting the PPV to support performers that are legends in my eyes and represent a time and place in wrestling that I loved and miss greatly.
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