Our Take On 12.26.05: The TNA 2005 Wrestling Awards Spectacular
Posted by Larry Csonka on 12.26.2005
The year that was in TNA…and I’ve gotten the band back together…
Welcome one and all to The TNA 2005 Wrestling Awards Spectacular! Last year Steve Cook and I came together for a purpose, and that purpose was to give out the 2004 TNA Wrestling awards. We did so, and of course it was a hit with the masses. It is now one year later, and once again we pull our knowledge even with the chance that with our collective drawing power the server could crash at any moment. That's right, the old TNA Impact review team of Cook and Csonka, the Impact Playaz are back together again. We don't just sugar coat things, we give the bad awards as well. We both enjoy TNA a lot, but also know that they have some really bad ideas and all like anyone else. Enough of the pleasantries, now we will hand out the 2005 TNA Wrestling Awards. We hope you all enjoy.
Biggest Disappointment Award.
Steve Cook - Winner: Sean Waltman: It's not that I'm surprised that Waltman flaked out, I was actually more surprised that he showed up for a couple of months and actually had some good matches with A.J. Styles and Jerry Lynn. But then he had to go and leave his tag team partner Alex Shelley and his opponents hanging at Unbreakable. Typical for Waltman, and hopefully this is the last we've seen of him. He certainly doesn't have a future in porn, if that Chyna video is any indication…
Larry Csonka - Winner: Sean Waltman: Talk about someone that took a golden opportunity and flushed it down the toilet. Now back in May I believe I was all for getting rid of him. He was being unprofessional and was looking like shit in the ring. I felt TNA had no use for him and I didn't want to see him on PPV.
Then Jeff Hardy no shows and who takes his place? Sean Waltman, in a clockwork orange match. Raven kicked his ass with tons of plunder, and in the end got the win. But what happened that night was Sean Waltman seemed to care, he worked his ass off, took crazy bumps and did everything to make that match special under the circumstances.
He went on to the King of the Mountain Match and held his own, bumped, worked hard and looked good. The next month he stepped into the ring with AJ Styles and had one of the three best matches on that show, and looked like the competitor that I remembered. Then he got a match with Jerry Lynn, a chance to recapture some of the greatness from the early 1990's. They did just that, and TNA made it feel like a special event all in it's own.
I was convinced, Sean Waltman was back and he was better than ever. Half way through the year and he was my "comeback performer." He entered into the Candido cup and made a good team with Alex Shelley. He was supposed to Ink his long-term contract and then, he fucked everyone. That's right, he fucked TNA and anyone that bought into him as a changed person. He won that tournament and then tried to hold up TNA management, complaining that he was MISUSED! Apparently he is back on the crack, because if being showcased in major matches on 3 consecutive PPV's and then winning the Candido Tournament is being misused, then poor Chris Sabin is about to kill himself.
Sean no showed the PPV; in essence making a mockery of the tournament and almost ruining a Tag Title match at the PPV. Basically he used these great matches and is trying to get back with the WWE. That is fine, more power to him. If he wants back in the WWE and wants to make more money, that is his choice. But as a wrestling fan I was insulted that he fucked TNA, Alex Shelley, the Candido Tournament and everyone paying for that show. He should have had the integrity to show up. What a waste.
The "What Were They Thinking" Award.
Larry Csonka - Winner: Giving Jeff Hardy 2nd, 3rd and 4th chances: It was back at Hard Justice that Jeff Hardy "accidentally" missed 5 flights to Orlando. I think I said something to the effect of, "Maybe he was too busy with his "Aluminati" art, bastardizing music or here's a stretch; drugged out of his fucking mind. He apparently showed up AFTER the PPV and signed autographs for his little Hardy Party. Piss on you dude, my good nature apparently got the better of me again. Crawl in a trailer and smoke your brains out you worthless piece of shit, no one needs you, you unprofessional little prick."
So he gets suspended for a while, not fired. They only suspended him because they were trying to lure Matt Hardy to TNA. Matt eventually went back to the E so he could lose to Edge, move to SD and go back to Velocity duty. His choice. Then Jeff actually had a few decent performances, and was doing ok.
Now we come to Turning Point, 7-montha later and he no shows a PPV again. Now some people said, "Well I would no show as well. From #1 contender match to Pre-show, that's bullshit." WRONG! Bullshit is not honoring your contract and once again fucking over the company you work for, bullshit is being out for yourself and fucking over any good will you had with the fans and the company. The solution is plain and simple. TNA, you need to listen up.
You do not need Jeff Hardy. Jeff Hardy has been a plague on your company since day 1. He hasn't brought in higher ratings or buyrates. Most of his performances have been bad, sloppy and or uninspired; he has been dangerous. In the end he doesn't care about TNA, the wrestlers, the fans or anyone but himself. So fuck you Jeff Hardy. TNA, pull your heads from your asses, realize the talent you have and FIRE him now. Not later, don't give him another chance. He already has burned the bridges, get rid of him now and don't look back. Stop being stupid TNA, you do not need him or his problems.
Steve Cook - Winner: Constantly bringing back Jeff Hardy: So he sells some merchandise. Is it really enough money to justify keeping this dumb bastard around? How many "missed flights" is it going to take TNA to realize that maybe Jeff Hardy isn't all that reliable and maybe they shouldn't use him. To their credit, it's not like they're basing major storylines around him, or anything around him for that matter. BUT WHY DO THEY KEEP BRINGING HIM BACK? Nobody cares about him, just let him go off and write his "poetry" and "music" for his "teenage girl" fans. People are not buying PPV's to see the Charismatic Enema on the pre-show or in a mid-card match. And if they are, I feel sorry for them.
The "Where Did He Come From" Award
Steve Cook - Winner: Lance Hoyt: In 2004, Lance Hoyt was Kid Kash's tall sidekick known as Dallas. Nobody expected all that much from him, but in 2005 he became one of the most popular guys with the Impact Zone fans. Why? Most of us aren't very sure. Some say it's because he hangs out with the fans at a local bar. Some say it's because he looks like a young version of Test. (Why that would be a good thing, I'm not sure) Maybe it's because he's 6'9 and can do a moonsault and a Van Terminator. Whatever the reason, TNA fans love their HOYT HOYT HOYT HOYT HOYT, and nobody would have expected Dallas gaining that kind of popularity in 2005.
Larry Csonka - Winner: Samoa Joe: Now some will say that they expected Joe to dominate, but this isn't ROH. Many expected Joe to be a henchman for JJ or "just another X division face" when he arrived. How wrong were we? Joe came in and carved his own niche as he destroyed the X Division on his way to the Super X Cup as he exploded onto the national scene in a big way due to the new exposure on SPIKE TV. He also took out Japanese Legend Jushin Lyger in this time. In my top 10 matches, Joe appeared in 4 of them, and in my opinion entrenched himself in the TNA feud of the year with Daniels and AJ. All of this in only 6-months! No question for me in regards to this award.
The "What are They Doing on my TV" Award
Larry Csonka - Winner: Phi Delta Slam: Leave it to Dusty to bring in his drinking buddies and try to put them over. These guys had possibly the worst TNA match this year with the Harris Brothers, a truly abysmal match. I thought they would be OK for a short run and possible challenge to AMW, but damn they were bad. Thank god they are gone.
Steve Cook - Winner: Jeff Jarrett: Perhaps I should specify…the question I ask when Jarrett makes at least one appearance every Impact segment is "What is this guy doing on my TV so much?" Some Jarrett is a good thing, but too much Jarrett is a very bad thing…TNA doesn't seem to realize that they might be able to get more people over if they took away a couple of JJ's Impact appearances each week and gave them to somebody who could actually use the exposure. 2006 needs to be the year that Jeff Jarrett steps aside and lets somebody else try to be a top heel…I'm not optimistic that will happen, but they need SOMEBODY to break out as a no-good despicable heel that people will pay good money to see get their ass handed to them.
TNA Finisher of the Year
Steve Cook - Winner: The Canadian Destroyer: This was no contest last year, and it's still no contest. It might defy the laws of physics and a lot of the move depends on the opponent hopping with it, but it's still the coolest move in wrestling and Petey Williams will have a spot in mine and everybody else's hearts as long as he uses it on a regular basis. Nobody ever kicks out of this shit, and for good reason.
Larry Csonka - Winner: The Muscle Buster/Kokina Clutch Combo: While Petey's Canadian Destroyer is always impressive, and I enjoy Dutt's Hindu Press and Dragon RANA, no finishing sequence has been as devastating as Joe's Muscle Buster/Kokina Clutch Combo. When the Muscle Buster hits, it's only a matter of seconds until you're Joe's bitch. Sho Nuff.
TNA's "Shocking Moment of the Year" Award
Larry Csonka - Winner: Christian Cage's TNA Debut: While his actual appearance wasn't that shocking since most knew a few days before hand, Christian leaving the WWE to go to TNA was a shocking moment. We hear about WWE employees being disgruntled and upset about their position, but no one seems to want to walk away from the McCheckbook. Christian has the notoriety that TNA wants, as well as adding something different to the mix. Not only is he a solid in ring talent but; the man has a great character and can talk. This will be a welcomed addition to the roster, and a moment that I feel was rather shocking seeing him in the 6-sided ring only days after being a part of the WWE. Good on you Christian.
Steve Cook - Winner: Rhino Wins The NWA World Title: This was a pretty easy pick…I'd be willing to bet that nobody predicted that Rhino would be winning the title at Bound For Glory before the show, mostly because Jarrett was supposed to be defending against Kevin Nash. Rhino was a heel at the time, so him suddenly turning face and winning the title on a PPV was rather shocking when I read about it on the Internet. I also found it shocking that the fans bought into it and Rhino got himself hugely over for the couple of days that he held the title. Luckily he hasn't lost a lot of steam since losing the title, so this was a very good thing for Rhino. I still wish he had gotten a longer run, but them's the breaks sometimes.
Who to Look Out For Next Year Award
Steve Cook - Winner: Alex Shelley: Shelley's first run in TNA didn't go very well for a couple reasons…his gimmick as the "Baby Bear" was utter shit and his main offensive move appeared to be the wristlock. There's nothing wrong with a good wristlock, but when it makes up fifty percent of your offense you've got problems. However, considering that Shelley is just one year older than I am, I figured there was plenty of time for him to improve. His return to TNA has been very impressive, as Shelley has gotten out of the Baby Bear persona and has gotten over on his own merits with his in-ring work and mannerisms. While Samoa Joe is definitely the top man in the X Division, Shelley could very well break out as a serious title contender in 2006, and might even get the belt at some point in the year if he continues to improve. He could also make waves in the tag team division if he continues teaming with Roderick Strong and challenges for those titles.
Larry Csonka - Winner: Samoa Joe: To me, it has to be Samoa Joe. Is such a short time he has made a huge Impact (no pun intended, wait, who am I kidding, of course there is) on TNA in just a half a year. With a full year ahead of him, and with him still battling AJ and Daniels I can only see great things for Joe as he has a bright future period, and especially in TNA.
TNA PPV Of The Year Award
Larry Csonka - Winner: TNA Sacrifice: Of, first off this bad boy had the first 1 on 1 meeting (In TNA) of Joe and AJ Styles, for the Super X Cup no less. That match rocked the house and was easily the match of the night at ****½. Abyss and Lance Hoyt of all people had a damn fine match, so much better than it had any right to be at ***. Daniels and Aries (who was debuting that night) had a great match, especially for under 10-minutes that I showed some love with ***½. Jerry Lynn and Sean Waltman recaptured some of their former glory with a great "old school" light weight match with some new school X Division flavor in it that gained ***¾. The main event was a partial ECW wet dream as Raven and Sabu teamed up to battle J and Rhino in the main event ***. With the pre-show starting at 7:30pm and this show heading off of PPV at 10:54pm, it was one of the best "wrestling" PPV's in a long time, as there was no bullshit, just action.
Steve Cook - Winner: TNA Sacrifice: I had a problem picking a winner in this category, as TNA's PPV's are pretty evenly matched as far as quality goes. There are usually a couple memorable matches per show and a couple matches on most of the shows that make you go "Who booked this crap?" Out of the shows I've seen, Sacrifice was the show where even the weird matches on paper (Hoyt vs. Abyss, anyone?) ended up pretty solid. It would probably help if the last show I saw was sooner than Unbreakable, but I won't be seeing those shows until later. Such is life. Sacrifice was a pretty good show though…A.J. vs. Joe delivered, Daniels & Austin Aries had a good match, Lynn vs. Waltman was fun, and the main event tag match pitting Raven & Sabu against Rhino & Jarrett was a good brawl. The only real problem with this show was not enough Traci. But when is there enough?
TNA's Most Underutilized Performer of the Year
Steve Cook - Winner: Ron "The Truth" Killings: Remember when this guy used to be the NWA World Heavyweight Champion? I don't blame you if you don't, and it's doubtful if he even remembers it at this point. Since he lost the title in June of 2004, Killings has spent his time teaming with the 3 Live Kru and has never been anywhere close to regaining it. He hasn't even had a singles match in TNA since Slammiversary in June. Killings has lots of charisma and his in-ring skills aren't too shabby…he could be doing a lot more than coming out every week and dancing through a pointless 3 Live Kru squash match. Perhaps he'll get that chance in 2006.
Larry Csonka - Chris Sabin: Chris Sabin is constantly having good matches with everyone and their mother. The man is doing his job night in and out with no sign of a push in sight. He even gets booked in a way that protects him, like they "might" have a plan for him, but it never comes to life. TNA really needs to wake up and utilize him much better, because they have a great talent on their hands and just might lose it if he becomes disgruntled.
TNA's Tag Team of the Year
Steve Cook - Winner: America's Most Wanted: Is there any other choice? Team 3D hasn't been around long enough to deserve it. The Naturals were around, but they weren't consistent enough to deserve it. Team Canada loses too much to be seriously considered for it. So by default, the best tag team in the business takes the honors. They could benefit from some new competition in 2006, and hopefully Team 3D won't be the only team to give it to them.
Larry Csonka - Winner: The Naturals: It would be really easy to select America's Most Wanted again this year, especially with the long awaited heel turn, winning back the titles late in the year and beginning a feud with Team 3D. The Naturals though had a good year that seems to get ignored. They had a lengthy title run (about 6-months,) and in that time had a lot to overcome. They got the big title win (as heels) and shortly after, their Manager/Mentor Chris Candido passed away. They had the difficult time of trying to transition from heel to face, due to the crowd always wanting to cheer "Candido" during their matches, and then rooting them on. They were in a tough spot and adapted well, while having good matches with AMW, Team Canada and anyone else they had to face. One has to wonder how the year would have been for them in Candido had not passed away; but what I do know is they did the best they could and stepped their games up and that is all you can ask.
TNA's Feud of the Year
Larry Csonka - Winner: AJ Styles vs. Christopher Daniels vs. Samoa Joe: To me this was the best feud this year in TNA. If 3D would have gotten to TNA a month or 2 sooner, I would have probably went with them vs. AMW, but to me AJ vs. Daniels was the feud as it went through a lot of the year. It started as Daniels rose from the tag team ashes after XXX fell and got his first shot at AJ at Against All Odds in their first Iron Man Match, which was excellent and AJ won in overtime. The next month at Destination X they met in the modified Ultimate X and Daniels STOLE the title in the end. He then would mock AJ by naming himself "Mr. TNA" since he defeated AJ. While AJ went onto the NWA Title for a while, Daniels would continually mock him and they would find them selves involved again during the Super X Cup as Daniels decided to trey and mess things up in the finals with Joe and AJ. Joe officially enters the picture with all 3 and at Unbreakable they had an incredible 3-way match in which AJ walked away with the title. During the next PPV, Bound for Glory AJ and Daniels had a rematch of their Iron Man Match, another great match and AJ escaped with the title again. As AJ went to defend against Petey at Genesis, Daniels and Joe were part of the Elimination X match. Their team won, but Joe; truly frustrated with Daniels "broke the X division code" and laid out Daniels in what was a brutal beating. AJ, ever the fighting and upstanding champion challenged Joe to a match with the title on the line, all to defend the code. The 2 met recently at Turning Point and beat each other down in a truly brutal match, the best TNA match this year in my eyes and Joe took his title back. As Joe tried to take AJ out, Daniels returned to get revenge. This feud, which started in late January of last-year will continue on into 2006. I couldn't be happier.
Steve Cook - Winner: AJ Styles vs. Christopher Daniels: Christopher Daniels wanted to prove that he, not A.J., was Mr. TNA. He wanted the X Division title that he had never gotten a shot at due to his tag team commitments with Elix Skipper. He wanted to show why he is God's gift to professional wrestling. A.J. Styles wanted to shut Daniels' mouth. It started at Against All Odds, where a 30 minute Iron man match was not long enough for the score to be settled. Styles beat Daniels in Sudden Death, but Daniels still wouldn't shut up. He would get his revenge at Destination X, defeating Styles, Elix Skipper and Ron Killings in an Ultimate X match to win the X Division title. Styles turned his attention to Jeff Jarrett's NWA World title while Daniels took on the best that the X Division had to offer for several months. Daniels would lose the X Division title in a three way match at Unbreakable…to A.J. Styles. Daniels got his rematch at Bound For Glory in another Iron man match, but lost to Styles yet again. Heading into 2006, both men are chasing the new X Division Champion Samoa Joe and Daniels even saved Styles from a beat down at the hands of Joe after the AJ/Joe Turning Point match…but I have a feeling that these two haven't wrestled each other for the last time.
TNA's Wrestler of the Year/MVP
Steve Cook - Winner: AJ Styles: Is there anybody else this could possibly go to? A.J. excelled in both the Heavyweight & X Divisions, winning the NWA World title in May and winning the X Division title on two separate occasions. As Larry's Top 10 TNA Matches column showed (you owe me a plug, buddy), A.J. was in more great TNA matches this year than anybody else. He might not be a popular figure with some of the smart marks here on the Internet, but A.J. is one of the more popular attractions in TNA and one of the most talented wrestlers in the business right now. He's only 27 years old, so one can imagine that he'll be getting even better…which is certainly a scary thought for his opposition.
Larry Csonka - Winner: AJ Styles: Now I will say that Samoa Joe, in his short run in TNA has been great, but just like last year I will go with AJ Styles for this award. As I complied my Top 10 Matches of 2005 for TNA, it became so clear to me. Seven of the top ten matches had AJ Styles in them. PPV is where their money is at, and you have to deliver on that stage. No one in the company, who was there the whole year delivered like AJ did. The man has truly earned the title of "Mr. TNA" in my eyes.
Well, that wraps it up for the year that was in TNA. As in any promotion, TNA had many ups and downs and what the hell did you do that for's, but in the end the good outweighs the bad. I hope you enjoyed the TNA 2005 Wrestling Awards Spectacular, for Steve Cook I am Larry Csonka and we'll see you next year!
The 2004 Winners:
TNA's Wrestler of the Year:
Steve Cook: AJ Styles
Larry Csonka: AJ Styles
TNA's Feud of the year:
Csonka: America's Most Wanted vs. XXX
Cook: America's Most Wanted vs. XXX
TNA's Tag Team of the Year:
Cook: America's Most Wanted
Csonka: America's Most Wanted
The "What Were They Thinking" Award:
Csonka: Breaking up Simon and Swinger
Cook: The Randy Savage fiasco
The "Where Did He Come From" Award:
Cook: Monty Brown
Csonka: Petey Williams
The "What are They Doing On My TV" Award:
Csonka: Randy Savage
Cook: Goldylocks
TNA's Finisher of The Year Award:
Cook: THE CANADIAN DESTROYER!
Csonka: The Canadian Destroyer
Who to Look Out For Next Year:
Csonka: Michael Shane, Kazarian and Traci
Cook: Abyss
