These are all the rumours/reports so far.
Prowrestling.NET
Jason Powell
Dot Net members received the first look at this news earlier this week. To get the first look at Dot Net News, become a member for as little as $5.50 per month by visiting the Dot Net Members' Signup Page.
-Dot Net has confirmed reports that the main event of the Hard Justice pay-per-view will be Rob Van Dam vs. Jerry Lynn.
-Johnny Swinger is expected to appear on the show, presumably in a tag match with longtime partner Simon Diamond (a/k/a Pat Kenney), who works as an agent for TNA.
-Justin Credible's name came up internally, but we have not confirmed that he will appear on the show.
-There is some talk of trying to make up for the fact that the show won't be filled with great in-ring action by adding more interview content. One idea is doing a series of sit-down interviews with some of the former ECW wrestlers and airing them throughout the show in between matches.
Powell's POV: The word amongst former ECW wrestlers is that TNA officials reached out to Roadkill, but the story goes that he turned them down. It will be interesting to see whether Sandman is booked for the show, as he filed a deposition against TNA in the Konnan discrimination lawsuit. Sean Waltman did the same and was booked as part of The Band, so it's would not be unprecedented for TNA to use someone who testified against them.
The rumored pay for the non-contracted wrestlers is said to range of $500 and $1,000 for in-ring performers. There has been some talk internally regarding the possibility of holding some house show events featuring the former ECW wrestlers in select markets where ECW was most popular. However, I have yet to hear of company officials mentioning this possibility to the wrestlers who have been contacted regarding Hard Justice.
The idea to make the TNA Hard Justice PPV an "ECW" themed event happened at the Monday tapings. There was a planned direction for the ECW crew, but they along with Tommy Dreamer pitched a new direction which Dixie Carter approved. Carter also signed off on Dreamer running the show, which at this time is planned to be a "one off" ECW show. Many are impressed with how much trust Dreamer has been given by management.
- The August 8th PPV has been renamed "**** Justice: One Last Stand," and a new commercial has been sent out to PPV providers. The commercial reportedly features an ECW chant, something the company will have to be very careful about using for legal reasons.
- Tommy Dreamer has been contacting talent about doing the show, while TNA's Terry Taylor is handling the financial side of things. Talent expected to appear are Jerry Lynn, Sandman, Sabu, Spike Dudley, The FBI, Axl Rotten, Balls Mahoney and Swinger. No contracts have been signed and many people booked have asked that their name be kept quiet.
- They hope to headline the PPV with an RVD vs. Jerry Lynn match. It is not set in stone, and there are backup plans in place in case the match cannot happen. The plan is to announce two or three matches ahead of time, and then fill the card out via surprise, like ECW used to most of the time.
- Paul Heyman has nothing to do with the angle at this time. The show is also not the big surprise mentioned previously by Dixie Carter.
- Shane Douglas has been contacted to work the event, but he has not agreed to terms. Douglas is reportedly pushing the idea of wrestling Ric Flair on the show to play off of Douglas always calling him out in ECW.
- The response of the former ECW wrestlers has been interesting. Some feel excited about the possibility, while others are just acting like it is just another show since they have been down this road before. Some have been extremely thankful for the chance to work the event, while some have tried to get as much as they can from the company for their appearance. One talent, who has been off of TV for years, is refusing to come in unless he is was granted a multi-year contract by TNA.
- Yoshihiro Tajiri and Super Crazy are booked in Japan on August 8th, and will not be appearing at the show.
- There is no truth to the rumored Sandman, Dreamer and New Jack vs. Rhino, Richards and Raven match that has been reported on.
- Talent with independent bookings on Saturday will be flown into Orlando on Sunday morning. Others that can be there will be doing a Saturday meet and greet with fans at the NASCAR restaurant at Universal Citiwalk.
- TNA is trying to take the approach of the first One Night Stand show, booking who they can to make it an authentic feeling event, including referees and managers. There has even been discussion of honoring former ECW talent that cannot be there on the show.
- At this time, the PPV is the only event planed with the ECW theme. But there could be more appearances from ECW alumni after the show, if they can be integrated into TNA storylines.
http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/1....ard-Justice-PPV:-
« Last Edit: August 13, 2010, 10:50:49 am by Hammy »
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