Tremendous Tirades: TNA Global Impact - Japan

Posted by Larry Csonka on 03.02.2008

The long awaited release of TNA’s Global Impact is here, but did the DVD live up to the hype?


In the spirit of complete disclosure, I would like to thank the fine people at TNA Wrestling for sending this DVD for review.

On January 4, 2008, the superstars of Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling traveled to Japan to battle the superstars of New Japan Pro Wrestling in a one-night inter-promotional war at the famous Tokyo Dome. On this special TNA Home Video DVD release, you will witness the international event in its entirety, featuring TNA World Heavyweight Champion Kurt Angle defending the IWGP Championship against New Japan’s Yuji Nagata – plus matches featuring AJ Styles, Christian Cage, Abyss, Tomko, The Steiner Brother and Petey Williams taking on New Japan’s biggest stars! In addition, the DVD contains footage of the TNA stars taking in the Japanese culture, a look at the wrestling scene in Japan, exclusive backstage footage and so much more.

Pre-Match Interviews

Jeff Jarrett: Jarrett explains that over the history of TNA they have worked with just about all of the Japanese promotions in some way. NJPW wanted to do something special, and to his knowledge this is the first major US/Japan super show of this nature. He says that it is a huge event, and with Angle being the IWGP champion, it was an easy deal to do. This is a gigantic card and event for them to be involved in and he couldn’t be happier and looks forward to the SPIKE show coming from this. He puts over New Japan and the history of the company. There have been many legends come in and out of this arena, and wrestling is string there. The fans are the most important part. The audience here in Japan will be much different, as they are used to less dramatics. In Japan they are treated like a sport and it is embedded in the culture. Being in the Tokyo Dome is a huge deal for most wrestlers. It is the Madison Square Garden of Japan and they are honored to be there. Jarrett hopes to look back and say that this was the start of “Global Impact” and he hopes to do many more.

Jarrett came to Japan when he was young, in 1988 or so. Tenru started a company and he worked for him. He also worked with WWF over here, maybe 10-12 times total. He worked with Cowboy Bob Orton, and against the Rockers in Japan and really enjoyed it. He discusses the Hogan deal, and he used his miles to come to Japan and they shot the angle. He took TNA to Hulk Hogan and it has lived on. He is now in a bathroom where he waited to do the attack on Hogan. Hogan was doing the press conference and he takes the walk and shows the room where it happens and we see the footage. Damn he is getting his cash out of that footage. He has known Chono since he was a young boy in the business. He has known Muta for a long while as well and worked with him. He says the card overall is stacked, and that the show is huge. Nagata was another guy he has known for a long time, since he was a young boy in the business. He got to know a lot of the guys since his father was a promoter. Japan is more ass kicking than show, but there is a huge level of respect there.

Kurt Angle: We join Angle in day two in Japan. He discusses defeating Brock for the title and puts over Brock as a great wrestler. Angle sits with both belts on his shoulders and says that it makes him the best in the world. People doubted him and thought he was breaking down, but he proved them wrong. Next is discussion of the history of the title and just how prestigious it really is. He hopes to keep the title and discusses that some feel it is not the legit title belt. He states that no one beat Brock for the belt and he was the champion for over a year. He beat Brock, he is the best and the other title they have is a bunch of crap. The Japanese media is very different. They want to capture everything you do while you are here. They want to see what you are all about and how you interact with people. It can be crazy and non-stop coverage. As far as Nagata goes, Angle states that he holds the legit title and he will defend it as such. The guy wearing the other title is the fake title. He’s ready to compete in Japan and he plans on coming back to Japan.

Christian Cage: Every time he comes to Japan it is along trip, but he loves coming there. The flight was an early one and he was out late on New Year’s Eve, so that didn’t help. He meditates and practices levitation to prepare. God he is great. But really he reads a lot on the plane, watches movies, gets tired and sleeps for a few hours. Sometimes he hangs out for a while with the others and he tries to not cause too much trouble. Jet lag doesn’t really bother him these days, the excitement he feels helps. It was about a 90-minute drive from the airport to the hotel, but after some Korean BBQ he was set to go. Performing gets him jazzed and ready to go. He wants to do what he does the best and he has never been in the Dome, so he is excited. He has been to Japan 12-15 times and has always loved it. The fans are passionate and knowledgeable about wrestling. He has been to the hotel before, but to wrestle here is an accomplishment. The Dome is iconic not only in wrestling. There is a Power Rangers show there right now, tremendous. There is almost a mini-city by the Dome, which is extra cool. They are ready to battle New Japan and feels that this is a great thing for TNA as a whole. His first tour of Japan was back in 1996 with a small company. He worked the small buildings, and to now work the Dome is something he always wanted to do. The differences are there, and they like that but also want to see the American style. The crowds are respectful and the hush can be weird, but it is how the crowds are, very respectful. You usually don’t get a lot of free time, due to media and such, so he tries to train early and eat. He loves the food and going walking just to take it all in. One time he ended up in an electronics store, and some fan started doing an impression of him right in the store as well as other wrestlers. It was awesome. The media here is like a boxing event in the US as far as how it is handled. This will be the biggest crowd to ever see TNA, and it will be special.

Petey Williams: Petey discusses the crowd differences and how that effects you as a performer. The respect is very cool and he appreciates it. If he wasn’t a wrestler he likely never would have left Canada. He is very well traveled for his age and loves it.

Brother Devon: Devon says they have faced the Steiner’s before, but he likes to treat it like a first match. You can’t settle for “OK,” you have to be hungry and strive to be better each time. He’s been to Japan several times since 1997, but is excited to be back and to be in the Dome. It’s cool to be recognized here and to be appreciated. US fans are great, but the respect in Japan is just something special. It pushes them to be better, and that is why it is worth it. He learned one time to say GET THE TABLES in Japanese.

Christopher Daniels: Considering that Daniels was “fired” from TNA in mid-December, should he really have been featured as an interview here? Supposedly this was a previously agreed to commitment that TNA had to honor. Nice. Daniels says he is nervous because this is a very important match for him. He has looked forward to this Dome match since 1994. He is facing Wataru Inoue for the IWGP Jr. Championship, held by Liger, Otani, Eddie, Benoit and so on and so forth. Competing for the title is very important. This would be the biggest title he ever won. To be on the list with Liger, Otani, Eddie, Benoit would be an amazing feeling since he was fans of all of those guys. He and Inoue are very similar in style, but he works lots of submissions. He has 6-7 years of experience on him, so that should help. KAYFAB-A-RIFFIC~!

The Matches

I will be doing relaxed recaps, and not strict play by play for the matches. Minus the Angle/Nagata match, since I have already recapped it.

-There is English and alternate Japanese commentary for the matches. Borash also helps with ring announcing.

-The set up is awesome in the Dome for the show. They stage has two entrances, one for New Japan and a TNA circular entrance style entrance for the TNA guys. There is a HUGE screen in the middle of the two entrances. The TNA guys all come out to Cage’s theme music.

Christian Cage, AJ Styles and Petey Williams vs. Milano Collection AT, Minoru and Prince Devitt

Milano Collection AT wins my heart as he walks an imaginary dog to the ring. I love Japanese wrestling. Minoru was a part of Team Japan in the last X-Cup. AJ does a sweet job of heeling it up early, and then we go to Milano Collection AT and Petey. Milano Collection AT ties Petey up in the ropes figure four style and then dropkicks the knee. Team New Japan triple teams Petey until Cage makes his way in. Devitt does a 20-plus-revolution airplane spin on Cage, but he battles back with an implant DDT for 2. We go on and everyone gets into the game, Petey gets a RANA to the floor and then a plancha by Cage. Devitt gets a SICK dive over the referee onto Cage and Petey! AJ then gets the Sasuke special onto everyone and he and Milano Collection AT head back into the name. Cage gets an Unprettier on Minoru, Petey with the Destroyer on Devitt and then AJ finishes it with the clash on Milano Collection AT.

Winners: Christian Cage, AJ Styles and Petey Williams @ 15:24 via pin

This is a very quick and fast paced bout. It never gets out of control and sloppy, but never gets slow and uneventful. A really good opening match for the DVD.
Rating: ***


-We get a video hype package for Wataru Inoue vs. Christopher Daniels.

IWGP JR. HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE MATCH: Christopher Daniels vs. Wataru Inoue ©

A bit of trade off to begin, Inoue takes control and lays the boots to Daniels. He gets a tilt a whirl back breaker and then a plancha to the floor. Daniels battles back and tosses Inoue to the post, and then takes over the bout. Daniels slaps Inoue around, which fires Inoue up and they trade some hard chops. Daniels then gets a knee and rakes the eyes. The crowd does not appreciate that or when Daniels just stands on his face. Split legged moonsault by Daniels gets 2. More heel goodness by Daniels as he works an abdominal stretch and uses the ropes. Inoue with some sick looking chops, but the eye poke stops that. Daniels is being a great dick heel here. Inoue back with more chops, and the chest of Daniels is showing some discoloration. Inoue runs wild with a missile dropkick, back suplex and cover for 2. Daniels gets the Uranage and BME for a close 2. KOJI CLUTCH by Daniels gets rolled into a pin combo for 2. Inoue gets a pretty cool step over arm bar, some pinning combos exchanged now and then an Enziguri by Daniels. Inoue counters the Angel’s Wings, and gets a cross-legged brain buster for a CLOSE 2! Inoue gets it again after countering an STO and that is all.

Winner: Wataru Inoue @ 13:42 via pin

Good pacing here as they were constantly working towards a crescendo. Too many times a match may go just a bit too long, and that never happened here. I hadn’t seen much of Inoue, but I dug what I saw and need to see some more.
Rating: ***¼

-They do the post match trophy presentation with Inoue.


-We get a video package for Abyss vs. Manabu Nakanishi.

Abyss vs. Manabu Nakanishi

This is the “American Monster” vs. the “Japanese Monster.” Nakanishi is 40-years old Tenay tells us. Karl Gotch trained Nakanishi. I will say that Nakanishi looks good for 40. They brawl to the floor and Abyss uses THUMBTACKS in the Tokyo Dome. Seriously. THUMBTACKS in the Tokyo Dome. Wow. Just brawling, the crowd was into Nakanishi, especially for putting Abyss into the tacks. Nakanishi hits a good spear and then finishes it with German and then a German with a bridge, that Abyss didn’t really stay down for.

Winner: Manabu Nakanishi @ 6:15 via pin

Well that was what it was, no need to ever watch that again. Can I see Nakanishi with someone who isn’t Abyss?
Rating: *


-We get a video package for Team 3D vs. Togi Makabe and Toru Yano.

Team 3D (Brother Ray and Brother Devon) vs. Togi Makabe and Toru Yano

This looks to be a hardcore brawl. Yano and Makabe came to the ring with a chair and a chain. They choke out 3D with the TNA banners they brought to the ring. After a 3D comeback, they go to regular tag rules and Devon and Makabe work for a bit, until Ray hits the ring. Ray wants to battle Yano and he comes in. We then degenerate into more of the hardcore brawl as a trashcan gets introduced into the match. Chairs and kendo sticks now, and then a spike piledriver to Devon on the floor. And now they are using a hammer. 3D has now changed to the face role, which is really odd and not fitting. Yano and Makabe control for what seems like forever and Ray gets a hot tag and it does nothing for the crowd. Ray busts out the Terry Funk spinning ladder spot, they do the “wazzup” spot and then the mini-Japanese table. Yano and Makabe get to run wild for a bit, but 3D gets the 2nd rope powerbomb to Yano through the table. 3D on Makabe finishes it.

Winner: Team 3D @ 14:57 via pin

We all know 3D’s reputation and they made sure to let us know that Togi Makabe and Toru Yano were a hardcore team. I get that, I guess I was hoping for more of a wrestling match, not a hardcore match that I can see anytime from 3D. That being said for a hardcore bout it was fine, just nothing to write home about.
Rating: **


-We get a video package for The Steiner Brothers vs. Tomko and Giant Bernard, including classic NJPW footage of the Steiner’s. That’s kick ass!

-Jarrett is at ringside for the match. He gets some promo time and thanks the fans for coming out tonight, and says that we will learn that TNA is the greatest wrestling company in the world.

IWGP TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH: The Steiner Brothers (Rick and Scott) vs. Tomko and Giant Bernard ©

Rick is wearing his PJ’s for this match. Scott and Tomko have a nice and intense opening. Tomko is just awesome. Rick and Scott clean house and get a pop for the classic Steiner pose. The Steiner’s get he control most of the bout, including Rick using a cross face on Tomko. The crowd is really behind Tomko and Bernard overall, but are very positive and respectful for the Steiner’s. Bernard gets a hot tag and starts to clean house, and gets a near fall with the corner Vader splash. 10-minutes in and Rick is really blown up. Scott busts out the FRANKENSTEINER on Tomko from the top rope for a close 2. Scott then dumps Bernard on his face as he tried an overhead toss, he’s tired as hell now too. Scott tosses him and they go for the Doomsday Bulldog on Tomko and get it. Unfortunately we get a ref bump, and the Steiner’s call for Jarrett to help after Bernard shoves him. Bernard stops the Doomsday DDT and Jarrett has the guitar and looks to take Tomko out, but Yano jumps in and tries to get involved, and Jarrett nails him instead. Makabe tosses Rick off of the top, and this allows Bernard and Tomko hit The Magic Killer/Tornado Plex for the win.

Winner: Tomko and Giant Bernard @ 13:23 via pin

This is about what you can expect from the Steiner Brothers these days. The match went a bit long, if they could have cut a few minutes it may have helped. I know that the Steiner’s are idolized in Japan, but the ref bump was unnecessary and screamed that they were protecting the Steiner’s. It took away from the match for me.
Rating: *½

-They do the post match trophy presentation with Tomko and Giant Bernard.


-We see media hype for the IWGP 3rd generation title match. Angle promises to either tap or snap Nagata. Angle says he will kick ass and make Nagata better for taking the ass kicking. Nagata respects Angle, but he doesn't feel Kurt is the true champion.

IWGP 3rd Generation Title Match: Kurt Angle © vs. Yuji Nagata

Angle attacks at the bell and lays the boots to Nagata. Nagata fires back, but Angle gets an overhead belly-to-belly throw. Angle off the ropes and he eats a toss by Nagata. Angle goes to the floor for a moment, but comes back in and they go to the mat. Nagata controls Angle, goes for a crossface and Angle escapes to the floor. Angle back in, go behinds and Nagata works the arm. Leg kicks by Nagata, off the ropes and then Nagata misses an Enziguri and Angle gets an overhead suplex for 1. Nagata works a headlock, to their feet and Angle chop blocks Nagata. Nagata rolls to the floor and tries to walk off the leg, but Angle is out there and tosses him back in. Angle lays the boots to the knee, and then drops the elbow. Angle works a standing knee bar, Nagata kicks away at Angler and escapes. Angle now drops down into the figure four. Nagata tries to run the hold, but Angle refuses to allow it. Nagata tries again, and gets it turned, but Angle reverses it back. Nagata tries to escape, crawls and pulls Angle and almost gets the ropes…and gets them. Angle breaks and looks pissed. Back with elbow drops to the knees of Nagata. Angle cranks at the knee, but Nagata works into an arm bar submission! Nagata looks like he will take the arm home, and we head to a commercial @ 8:20. Yes they keep the commercial cut on the DVD. Back from commercial @ 11:45 with Angle dropping two Germans on Nagata. STRAPS ARE DOWN~! Nagata gets a snap suplex, brain buster and then into another, stopped by Angle but Nagata gets the crossface! Angle tries to escape, he fights, rolls and gets an ankle lock! Angle yells at Nagata to tap, but Nagata rolls and says FUCK YOU BITCH and gets the crossface! Angle is fading…the ref checks on Angle, but he fights out and tries to get an ankle, does and reverses but Nagata kicks him off. Angle charges at Nagata, who gets the crossface again! Angle rolls over, picks Nagata up and ANGLE SLAM! 1…2…NO! Angle goes up top now. MOONSAULT MISSES! Nagata gets the CORNER KNEE OF DOOM! FIGHTING SPIRIT~! Sets Angle up top, goes up and SUPER BELLY YO BELLY SUPLEX by Nagata gets 2! Crossface again by Nagata! Angle fights, almost escapes, but Nagata keeps it on. Angle is close to tapping, the crowd is looking for it…but Nagata goes into the RINGS OF SATURN! He rolls Angle, 1…2…NO! They counter each other, forearms strikes are traded, FIGHTING SPIRIT BITCHES~! They are slapping the shit out of each other, uppercuts and a boot by Nagata, but Angle comes back with a clothesline! Overhead belly to belly by Nagata gets a CLOSE 2! Nagata looks for a kick, blocked and Angle gets the ankle lock and turns it around and sits down on Nagata! Angle grapevines the leg and Nagata fights for all he has…but has to tap!

Winner: Kurt Angle @ 19:42 via submission

That was an awesome match.
Rating: ****

Post Show Press Conferences

Williams/Styles/Cage: Some dude has a surgical mask on, apparently he fears SARS! They are in full character, demanding water and such, awesome. They say that they started off the night right for TNA, and since Williams did well he may get to team with the champ again. Milano Collection AT, Minoru and Prince Devitt come in and talk shit until they are escorted out. Cage puts over the New Japan talent, but their best was not enough for TNA talent like them. Cage is just in promo mode here and is great as he perfectly puts over TNA, but never disrespects New Japan. Cage thanks the fans, saying it is a pleasure to come to Japan and wrestle in front of respectful fans. He doesn’t appreciate Milano Collection AT, Minoru and Prince Devitt and their actions. They would suck up the loss, not cry like they did.

Abyss: Abyss is chilling with his outfit, mask and a ponytail. He says that they will meet again, because he would love a rematch any place and any time. Abyss shows off his scars and blood from the match, and promises that Nakanishi will be the one covered in blood. They ask him about the German he ate and he tells them to shut up.

Team 3D: Ray spits water everywhere and then are asked about the New Japan hardcore wrestlers in Togi Makabe & Toru Yano. They took them out, they are the best and they are the best hardcore tag team. They have proven this time and time again. Togi Makabe & Toru Yano are the best hardcore guys in Japan, but 3D is the best everywhere else. They are the best period. When asked about Yano, they say he is a good young wrestler with a huge future, same as Makabe. They applaud them for a good fight, but they were over their heads when they faced 3D. They won 20-tag titles and not even the Road Warriors did that. Devon says they will give them a rematch anytime or place, because the outcome will be the same. Ray says they have never lost a match in Japan, they have been coming there since 1997. They won the All Japan tournament, and never lost a match. No one else can say that. They beat New Japan’s best, because they are the baddest mother fucking tag team on the planet. To the fans they say they love them and the respect that they show them. They give the people what they want to see time in and out. They love Japan and they look forward to being back. Regarding the IWGP tag team titles, Bernard and Tomko better be careful because they know who they are and where they live. They have the belts that they want to add to their collection. TESTIFY~!

Tomko and Bernard: They drink beers in their press conference! Togi Makabe & Toru Yano come in to challenge them and they agree any time and any place. Bernard says they beat the baddest team in wrestling history. Tomko says they beat the Steiner’s and are the baddest tag team ever now. Bernard says they are champions and do anything they can to win. Tomko says they beat Yano and Makabe in the G1, and they are done talking about them. Tomko says he was nervous about the match, and he idolized the Steiner’s. They made history and respect them no doubt. Bernard says it is a dream come true to wrestle and defeat them. They plan to rest now, they trained hard and will face the next challenge when it comes. Tomko plans to defend the TNA tag titles as well. Togi Makabe & Toru Yano were voted the best tag team of 2007 by the press, which insults Bernard and Tomko. They will prove who really is the best.

The Steiner Brothers: The Steiner Brothers get no beer because they lost. They love the IWGP titles, and put over Tomko and Bernard. They are disappointed for sure. Rick says it was great to be back in Japan and tag together for the titles. They were close, but it was an honor to come back to Japan and fight for those titles. They hope to come back soon. They appreciate the reception they have always received in Japan. They got to see friends from years past and that was also great. But again, they are disappointed in the result. They want to come back again because they take wrestling seriously.

Kurt Angle and Jeff Jarrett: They ask Angle about fighting Nakamura, and he says he will battle him and win the “other belt.” He loves to collect gold and plans to get more. He is greedy and likes to hurt people. Angle says if Jarrett allows it, he will gladly do the unification bout. He works for TNA first and foremost. Angle says Nakamura is good, but not in his league. Nagata showed him more than tonight’s main event. Those guys could be good, but they have to learn. Angle states again that he feels his belt is the real belt, no matter what New Japan says. He beat Brock, who beat the champion. You don’t award titles to people, you win them like him. These guys in New Japan can’t hold his jock.

Jarrett joins Angle and is asked about the unification bout. Jarrett says Angle is the real champion, Angle beat Brock Lesnar so he is the champion. Jarrett says Angle is the best in the world and no one can say that today. There are several world title, but only one best, Kurt Angle. Says they will negotiate the right deal for the unification bout. Angle says he never realized that Nagata was that good. It went as he expected, and he is hurting from Nagata, but nothing stops him from winning. He is a champion anywhere he goes. He’ll wrestle anywhere, TNA is growing and TNA is about business and money. And that is where Kurt Angle goes. He quit WWE and went to TNA. They made a deal and are both happy. That kind of negotiation will have to happen with New Japan. They will be the best organization in the world and he will be there for the ride. Jarrett discusses New Japan talent, and he really puts them over since he has worked with New Japan for years. He is looking to bring New Japan talent to TNA, Tiger Mask, Nakamura and others. They will do business together in the future. Angle then states he hopes that they appreciate the effort made to put on the show. They did it all for the fans, and everyone worked hard and it was a great night. This was a special and historic night and he hopes that there are more to come.

Culture

-Tomko, Cage, Bernard and Ray hit up some Korean BBQ. Tomko is the man and orders in Japanese. He had to learn because as a big guy to eat in Japan. They ordered Cage some special food. They eat raw liver, eggs and hamburger. Ewwww. They have a little grill at the table and grill their own shit, cool.

-Next we get a Sushi expedition with the Steiner Brothers. They like their Sushi. Lots of eating, that’s about it. Referee Rudy Charles is with them and these boys throw down some food.

-Now at the Sensoli Temple with Tomko and AJ. They go to the temple and pray for a good year. Tomko then says he prayed for patience with AJ. AJ tossed in 500-yen coins, which are about $5 Tomko says. AJ throws a fit.

The TNA Global Impact DVD is available through tnawrestling.com or shoptna.com

Other TNA Home Video Reviews:
- The History of TNA Year One
- Instant Classic: The Best of Christian Cage
- TNA’s Best of the Tag Teams Vol. 1
- Sting Return of an ICON

The 411: First of all I loved the before match interviews and post match press conferences. They were a great addition to the DVD and a highlight for me. It is stuff like this that presents TNA in a great light and with the presentation of the show TNA looked big time, if only for one night. The opening two matches are good matches and were a great way to kick off the DVD. The Abyss match is forgettable as is the 3D match, the Steiner’s vs. Bernard and Tomko had moments of goodness, but overall not that good. Angle vs. Nagata was off the hook goodness and along with the first two matches are the good wrestling on the show. There was a ton of hype for this DVD, and while it lived up to it in some ways, half of the matches brought down the overall greatness. Thankfully the good stuff was good to great, and overall this is a good DVD. There was no way it could live up to the hype, but I do give it a recommendation to buy.

Final Score:  8.0   [ Very Good ]