Smackdown rating, Weekend ratings, Borash's latest column Submitted by William Martinez on Friday, August 30, 2002 at 3:56 PM EST
Smackdown did a final rating of 3.1 (5 share) which is down from last week's 3.6 but was no doubt affected by all the pre-emptions including New York City and Baltimore.
The ratings for last weekend's WWE programming are finally in:
WWE Sunday Night Heat: 0.9 (1.8 share) Heat Replay: 0.4 (1.1 share) WWE Confidential: 0.8 (1.8 share) WWE Velocity: 0.7 (1.2 share)
Lita helps save animals while she recovers Vince McMahon has said that, next to saving lives, entertaining people is the best contribution one can make to society. Currently, Amy "Lita" Dumas is unable to do the latter, so she's concentrating on the former. The former WWE Women's Champion, unable to wrestle for one year after neck surgery in May, has been volunteering for the last several weeks at animal shelters in the Sanford, N.C., area. Click for Full Article
WWE has opened the official WWE Unforgiven website at WWEUnforgiven.com.
We have been putting the final touches on NWA TNA: SPECIAL X that will air this Wednesday night. We have screened this special to about a dozen fans in the area, and they have said two things; the behind the scenes footage is about as honest as it gets, and this is a must see for anyone who has missed any previous X-Division matches.
I have a feeling that this one will be a favorite of tape traders around the world, and may eventually find its way onto home video. Not only does the show feature clips of the best X-Division matches to date, but also very candid interviews with every member of the X-Division.
Some would label the segments as “shoot interviews,” but I don’t think that fits. The reality is that most of these individuals are very much like their on-air persona. Jerry Lynn is a veteran who from time to time feels like he hasn’t had the respect he deserves in this business. AJ Styles is a bit of a hotshot who has risen to the top very quickly in his career. Low Ki? Well, I can honestly tell you that he is the closest thing to a real life Bruce Lee as I have ever seen. All we are doing is letting these guys be themselves, and the interviews on SPECIAL X are about as real as it gets.
At one point during the interviews, I ask each member of the X-Division who is, hands down, the best X-Division performer in the company. The answers may surprise you. Mike Tenay also tells us both who he feels is the best, and states that his favorite match so far was the ladder match from this past Wednesday night.
Speaking of such, even our good friend Jason Powell from the Torch recommended getting the replay based on that match alone. You can check out the replay Sunday at noon eastern on iN-Demand.
After seeing the ladder match once again this last Wednesday night, I am reminded why I love this business. The work ethic of our talent, as well as the hunger they show for success is inspiring, and very contagous.
Early rumblings indicate that a major Hollywood production will be stopping by a future TNA show to shoot scenes for an upcoming movie, with a few major movie stars involved. More on this as it develops.
Mortimber Plumtree has started with us this week in Nashville. He possesses an incredible work ethic. He will fit in well.
The NWA TNA wrestling school will be holding open tryouts for enrollment in October. We are proud to announce that Jerry Lynn will be the head trainer (can you think of a more qualified trainer?). Our focus will not only be developing the in-ring performance of our students, but we will also be working on personality development and promos with Jerry Jarrett and others. This may be one of the greatest opportunities for someone looking to advance their career in this business.
Ron Killings is resting up in Charlotte after his recent injury. A spectacular photo was captured of the injury, and has made the rounds on the internet. This is a dangerous business, unfortunately injuries are often the only reminder of that to many.
We are going to be off September 11th, but back with a huge show on the 18th featuring a Tag Team Gauntlet for the Gold to crown new NWA Tag Team Champions.
TNA continues to have a great relationship with the members of the NWA, with talk of several territories crowning their own X-Division champions.
While I am on the topic, don’t forget that the NWA 54th Anniversary Show is coming up in Corpus Christi on October 26th. What a great opportunity to honor the heritage of this great organization.
Hope you all have a safe Labor Day Weekend! We will see you this Wednesday night for SPECIAL X!
