By Richard Gray on May 13, 2004 at 10:13 AM EST
Thanks to Richard Trionfo for the following:
This week on Between the Ropes, former NWA World Champion Jeff Jarrett joined Fritz and Dickerman to talk about the company and the new television deal with Fox Sports Net on Fridays starting in June.
Jeff talked about the coordination of the deal with Fox and Universal, and he talked about the black eye that wrestling has received. The new deal is a product of the work that has been done for the last two years. Both Fox Sports Net and Universal were proud to be involved with the product. Jeff said that everyone with TNA was proud to make this deal.
Jeff was asked about how the Impact show will be booked. The show will be 'impacting' the wrestling business as well as the Wednesday pay per view. This will be a hybrid show, and while they will not be reinventing the wheel, they are bringing new features. There will be innovative programming on Impact, and there will be no limits on this show.
Jeff said that there will be a futuristic look, but it will still embrace the history of the NWA. There will not be a traditional four sided ring, and you will have to watch the first show to find out what the ring looks like. The show will be a 'live to tape' episode.
It was brought up that this would be the first time that many fans will see some of the wrestlers in the X Division in addition to the established stars. Jeff said that you will see 100% effort from everyone on the roster. The variety of wrestlers and styles will be something that has not been seen in the last three years on a national basis.
Jeff was asked about the changes that have occurred with the company since it began. He talked about the hard work that occurs when the cameras go off. He said that he is still enjoying it, and it is still fresh. He said that the hard work has just begun.
Jeff said that it is still possible to do things a different way, even though some people in the business say that everything has been done before. He said that wrestling fans are the most passionate and vocal, including on the internet and message board. He said that the TNA fans are very passionate and they will let the company know what they like.
Jeff was asked about the balance behind the scenes and in the ring. He said that it is hard to wear different hats, but he welcomes the challenge.
The first taping will be June 3, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. at Universal Studios and will be every Thursday at 7:00 p.m. through the summer. The show will air the following night.
Jeff was asked about the company going forward with the 'Bound for Glory' pay per view, and it is still on the table. Before they do that show, it will have to be the right business decision. Jeff also said that they are looking into doing house shows.
Jeff was asked about working with his father, and Jeff said that he has a lot of wisdom since he has been doing it since the 1960s. He has learned a lot from his father.
Jeff was asked if he has heard anything from the WWE since the deal has been finalized, and Jeff said that he has not heard anything. He feels that competition will be good for the entire business, and Vince probably feels that this would be a good thing.
Jeff was asked about bringing in 'big names' for the new show, and he said that you need to check out the first show on June 4th to see what happens. Jeff was asked about Jimmy Hart's friendship with Hulk Hogan, and the possibility of Steve Austin appearing on TNA. Jeff brought up the free agents who have made an impact in wrestling.
Jeff was asked about having to go from Nashville on Wednesday night to Orlando on Thursday and the effect it will have on the wrestlers. He said that the grind is a part of the industry.
SHOCKING: 2 *MAJOR* Former WWF/E Champions Set For NWA-TNA DEBUTS