Hi, I was at Impact tonight in Chicago. It was a great show live. Here a few live notes:
As far as the crowd was concerned, I'd say it was about 6,000-6,500 as everyone else estimated. It definitely looked like they had a bit more people than when they ran Bound For Glory in Chicago in 2008. The crowd reminded me of a WWE crowd back in '98. One major difference between WWE and TNA as far as the crowd is concerned is that there are ALOT more hotter older women in the audience than at WWE shows.
Other notes:
- Rob Terry is HUGE. He just needs to be little bit more crisp in the ring, but time improves everything. He has star written all over him and was over especially with the dance moves.
- Austin Aries was quite over as probably seen on camera.
- There was an incident when Aces and Eights were exiting the arena. One of the fans almost got into a brawl with one of the members. Atlas Security had a hard time calming the fan down. It is amazing to see Bully Ray live and how much heat he can draw.
- The 7 Ft Marylin Manson look alike that was arguing with Bully in the front row was walking around the whole night with his tank top on flexing his muscles. I really wish Bully would have cracked him!
- Joseph Park is unbelievably over. I cannot believe how good he plays his gimmick.
- If there was a complaint(s) to management I can make about the live show, it's that there was no pyro. I remember at BFG 08, they did have it. Also, the Sears Centre Arena is kind of far for some Chicago fans. The thing that the Allstate Arena has over the Sears Centre is that it's right next to the airport and not far far away from central Chicago. Now. I've sent several suggestions to TNA about running the Navy Pier Grand Ballroom for future events, which is in downtown. It's a tad smaller than the Sears Centre, but, they could add seats on the huge stage they have and it will help spread the word about TNA in one of the biggest wrestling cities. I hope they listen.
- Also, Jeremy Borash and So Cal Val, as well as Christy Hemme absolutely do a fantastic job with interaction with the fans in between commercials. Major kudos to them for keeping me entertained throughout the night.
- I didn't stay the whole taping, as I left at the beginning of the 2nd taping. Overall, a thumbs up.
