PREVIEW OF RAVEN ON TNA iMPACT FOR JUNE 21, 2007
[Posted on June 18 2007]
Raven will appear on TNA iMPACT this week in in-ring action! Catch iMPACT on Thursday at 9pm on SPIKE TV:
”WILDCAT” CHRIS HARRIS VS. RAVEN OF SEROTONIN It will be a big test for “Wildcat” Chris Harris this Thursday night on “iMPACT!” as he’s scheduled to face off against former World Champion and the leader of Serotonin – Raven! After his tremendous effort during the King Of The Mountain Match on Sunday, can Harris continue to climb the ladder to the World Title in TNA or will Raven and his army stop the Wildcat’s momentum? Tune in and find out!
RAVEN/SEROTONIN ARTICLE FROM TNA WRESTLING
[Posted on May 31 2007]
TNA's website posted this article regarding Raven's stable and his lackey Frankie Kazarian aka KAZ:
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BURNING ISSUES: SHOULD KAZ BREAK AWAY FROM SEROTONIN? By Gerry Strauss
As we all know, Professional Wrestling is about so much more than the action that happens within the six-sided ring. Yes, TNA boasts the greatest roster of wrestlers in the entire world, but their athletic ability is truly only part of the puzzle. You see, in the fast-moving, highly competitive world of Total Nonstop Action, it's not only about wins and losses....sometimes, it's about who your friends are. Sometimes, it's about how you conduct yourself. Sometimes, it's about making those hard decisions that inevitably show the world exactly what you truly stand for. Every week...every day.... every minute, TNA stars are subject to choices that could affect their careers, their personal lives, and their public image. Like anything in life, there are two sides to every story, and every week, I will bring you one of those “Burning Issues”…read on, and feel free to talk amongst yourselves:
Several years ago, TNA fans got their first glimpse of "The Future"... two of them, actually, as burgeoning X-Division superstars "The Future" Frankie Kazarian and "The Future" Chris Sabin simultaneously burst onto the TNA scene. While AJ Styles, Jerry Lynn and Senshi were busy pioneering the X-Division, Kazarian and Sabin were already positioning themselves for greatness, each believing that he was destined to dominate. The two battled several times over the "Future" moniker, but little did they know that destiny had seemingly chosen a winner.
Fast-forward to 2007, where the "future" has become our present times. Chris Sabin reigns supreme as the current (and four time) X-Division Champion. His new team with Alex Shelley has also been successful in the early going, and his emergence as one of TNA's most prominent personalities has amplified his success even more.
As for Kazarian, his career has taken a decidedly different path. A brief title reign, an underachieving team with Matt Bentley, a series of bad career choices, and a lack of a big win in ages have all contributed to a less-than-stellar profile for the former "Frankie"... and then came Raven.
Proving himself to be somewhat of a lost soul through the years, Raven's re-emergence in TNA has seen him delve into familiar habits...namely, using his dark charisma to lure a group of followers into his fold. With promises of a better way of life, Raven dubbed his creepy collective "Serotonin" and immediately recruited three talented, yet directionless, individuals. Once-proud Canadian superstar Johnny Devine was renamed "Havok". Matt Bentley was re-christened "Martyr", and Kazarian himself was simply dubbed "Kaz".
While Raven has led many a band of misfits before, Serotonin just might be the most unnerving of all, mainly due to their very public ritual of physically punishing each other after losses, a fate that "Kaz" has endured on more than one occasion.
How did the formerly promising "Kazarian" fall so far? In recent weeks, Kaz has certainly shown signs of defiance against his leader, but does he have the guts to break away? Does he even want to? Or has the former "Future" resigned himself to his lowly existence as an underling? Should Kaz pursue a new "Future"... without Serotonin?
KAZ MUST REMAIN WITH SEROTONIN
In life, we all have choices that affect our lives. Heck, that's what this column is all about. We make those choices, and we live with the consequences, good or bad. In Professional Wrestling, the choices that are made can affect entire careers. That, too, is what this column is all about. For every Chris Sabin, whose opportunistic choices have led to fame and glory, there is a Kaz, whose talent, ability and enormous potential have been squandered by his inability to make good choices for himself.
Is Raven merely manipulating Kaz and the rest of Serotonin for his own demented pleasure? Quite possibly. Will the Serotonin lifestyle lead to a dead end of emotional and physical abuse? Most likely. Does Kaz deserve to be in this situation? Definitely.
In wrestling, and life in general, you either lead, follow, or get out of the way. Leaders rise up the ranks of their chosen professions and enjoy successful careers, while followers suffer in menial, thankless roles. Kaz has proven that he can't even lead direct his own career, so he simply must suffer the consequences of being weak. Forget about the future, Kaz... your fate was sealed a long time ago.
KAZ MUST BREAK FREE OF SEROTONIN
Some say that redemption is the greatest gift that life can offer. If and when that opportunity comes along, one must seize it, or forever live in regret. For years, Kaz operated under the comfortable reputation of being a "future star", a label that gave him the opportunity to act irresponsibly. Lost a match? That's ok, we'll get 'em next time. Got passed over for a title shot? That's ok, I've got plenty of time to make up for it next week.
Pretty soon, next week became a few years, and Kazarian had nothing to show for it but an inconsistent track record. He tried to dig himself out of his career hole, but unfortunate choices led to an absence from TNA and a subsequent lack of success. It was no surprise that Kaz was ripe for the pickings when Raven came a'calling. On the surface, the opportunity to join Serotonin must have appealed to Kaz's desire to start fresh, but instead of lifting him out of the hole, it's only sunk him deeper.
Even without talking to the man directly, it is very obvious that Kaz is an unhappy man. You can see the frustration every time he loses. You can see the annoyance every time he is given an order by Raven. You can see the anger every time he is struck by his own Serotonin "family". Most importantly, you can sense the sadness of a man who no longer has a future… at least, not the one he envisioned.
There’s only thing that Kaz can do if he hopes to truly redeem himself. He has to find a way to step away from Serotonin. He has to defy Raven and stand up for himself. Youth and ability are still very much on his side, but if he even hopes to survive a battle with this maniacal cult, he will be forced to show more toughness than ever before. If he survives, that determination might just be the thing to catapult him to greatness. Let’s face it, Kaz simply cannot erase the past, but Kazarian just might be able to build towards a new future.
TICKET INFORMATION FOR TNA FANFEST ON JUNE 16TH WITH RAVEN AND SEROTONIN APPEARING
[Posted on May 24 2007]
On the eve of “Slammiversary,” one of the biggest Pay-Per-View events in TNA history, fans can meet their favorite stars at the “Slammiversary” InterAction Fanfest on Saturday, June 16 at the Music Valley Event Center in Nashville, starting at 11 a.m.
More than 40 TNA stars will come together for over four hours to participate in exclusive Q&A sessions, sign autographs, take pictures with fans and much more. Got something to say to the superstars of TNA? This is your chance to be heard.
Scheduled to appear are “The Instant Classic” Christian Cage, Kurt Angle, “The War Machine” Rhino, Jeff Jarrett, World Tag Team Champions Team 3D, X Champion Chris Sabin, “The Samoan Submission Machine” Samoa Joe, Tomko, Robert Roode, Ms. Brooks, Eric Young, Kevin Nash, AJ Styles, “The Fallen Angel” Christopher Daniels, Raven and Serotonin, Petey Williams, “Cowboy” James Storm, “Wildcat” Chris Harris, the TNA Knockouts, The Latin American Xchange, Voodoo Kin Mafia, Lance Hoyt, Jerry Lynn, Senshi, “Black Machismo” Jay Lethal, Alex Shelley, Sonjay Dutt, as well as the reunited Steiner Brothers and Mike Tenay and Don West! The talent lineup is subject to change.
Tickets are $40 at www.ShopTNA.com or $50 at the door (if available). Tickets go on sale this Friday, May 25 at 11AM ET at ShopTNA.com. All tickets ordered in the first 48 hours will be receive a $5 early bird discount, cutting the price to $35!
Doors will open at 11 a.m. for ticket pickup and merchandise sales. The autograph signing will begin at 12 p.m. and end at 4 p.m.
Don’t miss the event five years in the making, as TNA comes home to Nashville for “Slammiversary,” live on Pay Per View June 17 at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium. Tickets for “Slammiversary” are on sale now at all Ticketmaster locations or online at www.ticketmaster.com
RAVEN TO APPEAR AT ADVENTURECON IN KNOXVILLE,TN
[Posted on May 21 2007]
TNA Wrestling along with the Give Life Foundation is pleased to announce a Special Appearance by RAVEN. He will be signing autographs and greeting fans at AdventureCon on Saturday and Sunday only [June 2 and June 3rd in Knoxville, TN]. Be sure to stop by and help support a chartitable cause.
RAVEN at PWU IN PHILADELPHIA, PA ON 2/17/07 RESULTS
[Posted on February 17 2007]
Raven challenged for the Pro Wrestlung Unplugged Hardcore Championship on February 17, 2007 held by Juggalo wrestler Corporal Robinson at the world infamous ECW Arena in Southern Philadelphia, PA.
PWU: PWU Hardcore Championship: Raven vs. Corporal Robinson: (2.17.07) - Instantly, this match started off with a bang when Raven took our Corporal Robinson momentarily. Remember this is the PWU Hardcore Rules Match, Knock Out or Submission Only. Robinson shows why he is Champion throughout this match up but Raven shows why he's a "star." At one point he even grabs the microphone and demands silence from the crowd while he "beats" Robinson. Raven hit the Raven Effect DDT in answer to the Boot Camp from Robinson, a Diamond Cutter he then mimicked "friend" Kurt Angle with an Anklelock. Finally he attempted a GORE... But Robinson blocked it and gets the win.
WINNER and STILL PWU Hardcore Champion: Corporal Robinson
Robinson then celebrates with fellow Juggalos in the new custom-made hatchboy Jerseys! And then they reveal that from now on the team of Corporal Robinson, 2 Tuff Tony, Shaggy 2 Dope, and Violent J will be known as the Hatchet Boyz.
RAVEN at PWU IN PHILADELPHIA, PA ON 1/20/07 RESULTS
[Posted on January 22 2007]
Raven appeared at the Pro Wrestling Unplugged event at the ECW Arena on 1/20/07. Here are the results
Cuffed & Caged Match: PWU & JCW defeated Raven after he turns on both JCW and PWU. Finally the most anticipated match of the show was last. After an intermission break where Juggalos and PWU Fans were at war with each other and the PWU Announce Team, this match kicked off with Trent Acid (PWU) and Nosawa (JCW) while Shaggy 2 Dope (JCW) and Tod Gordon (PWU) were cuffed together on the outside. JCW won the draw and they would enter first after every two minute time period. 2 Tuff Tony (JCW) was next, followed by Corporal Robinson (PWU). Violent J (JCW) was third and completely destroyed Robinson and Acid upon entry. But next came out Acid's tag team partner, Johnny Kashmere (PWU), and instantly the BackSeat Boyz hit the "Dream Sequenc" to eliminate Nosawa. Kashmere then exited the cage to get an extension cord, which looks like it came right off the PWU Logo. This allowed 2 Tuff Tony to get the pin on Acid. Kashmere then used the cord to lynch Violent J from the top of the cage. But after a minute, J turned the tables and dragged Kashmere into the ring with the cord and then slammed him down to the mat from the top of the cage. Quickly Violent J pinned Kashmere and left Robinson all alone in the cage. As Kashmere was eliminated, Raven's music, 'Come out and Play' by Offspring blared from the speakers. But he never came out. Two minutes later, "The Complete" Pete Hunter (PWU) came to Robinson's aid. Mad Man Pondo (JCW) entered out of turn right behind Hunter. "The Pitbull" Gary Wolf (PWU) enter out of turn as well to even the sides at three. Raven, was still no where to be found. After a series of stop sign shots, it was down to Corporal Robinson for PWU and 2 Tuff Tony & Violent J for JCW. That is when Raven's music hit once again and out he came to the ring. All the PWU fans seemed worried that all hope was lost for PWU, until Raven nailed his patented Raven Effect / Evenflow DDT onto JCW. But the excitement lead to confusion when Raven turned and landed a third DDT on Robinson. He proclaimed that he was not a Juggalo, but the biggest star in the building. As he was leaving, Shaggy 2 Dope and Tod Gordon joined forces, attacking Raven from behind and dragged Raven back into the ring. They unlocked all the handcuffs and both JCW and PWU joined forces to take out Raven. The self-ingratiating Raven was left crawling up the rampway as the representatives from both companies stood together as one family.
RAVEN MENTIONED ON JEOPARDY!
[Posted on January 19 2007]
On the January 19, 2007 edition of the long-running hit syndicated show Jeopardy!, Raven was the the answer to the $2,000 question in the Double Jeopardy! round in the category Jewish Athletes:
"Scott Levy is better known by the name "Raven" in this professional sport."
The answer of course is "What is professional wrestling?"
[In Jeopardy!, answers must be phrased in the form of a question].
NEW TNA ARTICLE ON RAVEN & SEROTONIN
[Posted on January 19 2007]
The official TNA website posted this interesting article on Raven and his new group on 1.19.07
SEROTONIN: DEJA-VU OR SOMETHING NEW? By Brandon Finch
It is no surprise that Raven has formed a new group, Serotonin, made up of Matt Bentley, Kazarian and Johnny Devine. This is his signature modus operandi. Raven has a distinct history of collecting talent to do his bidding. Raven seeks out individuals that are either impressionable or have fallen through the cracks of the top contender rankings. He then promises these individuals a resurrection of their careers if they pledge allegiance to him and join his group. You can call it a cult, a gathering, or a family, but you can’t underestimate its effectiveness.
Originally Raven’s group consisted mainly of ridiculous misfits and one, possibly two, diamonds in the rough. This dynamic served Raven well because the members of his group were essentially lackeys there to distract and interfere for him should he run into any trouble.
Over time, and in a different company, some truly talented individuals joined Raven’s group. Despite Raven’s Jim Jones-type mantra and grungy dress code, some of these individuals excelled in their own right. Eventually, a select few severed their ties with Raven and broke out, achieving their own success without Raven. It is here that one can see Raven’s true eye for spotting wrestling talent.
Raven’s current group, Serotonin, unquestionably consists of talented wrestlers. You have Johnny Devine, a former member of Team Canada. You have Kazarian and Matt Bentley, both former X-Division Champions. This is a group of young and athletic talent, a strong distinction from past groups. Raven seems to be taking on a mentor role, rather than adopting obedient followers to carry out his bidding and advance his own personal position.
Raven’s relationship with the group is a little different than before as well. He only seems to appear if the group loses, administering corporal punishment via a cane. Raven has always been a visible influence on his group. He might just be trying a different approach, but Raven hasn’t worn the World Championship since June of 2005. One theory is that he’s training a strong base to watch his back. He could also be gearing up Serotonin to go after championship gold. My guess would be on the X- Division. Kazarian, Devine and Bentley could all be serious contenders for the title if properly motivated. Raven might very well be setting them up to divide and conquer the division, taking on the likes of “Fallen Angel” Christopher Daniels, Chris Sabin or A.J. Styles.
Raven has virtually worked alone since he debuted in January 2003. There was a brief period in which he worked with a small faction called the Gathering, but it was short lived. Raven has been in several notable TNA feuds, including one with Abyss, “The War Machine” Rhino and one involving “King of the Mountain” Jeff Jarrett. He’s not always come out on top. He’s lost a lot of blood, endured a lot of pain and was even scalped on one occasion. And he has done this predominantly by himself while in TNA. He’s never unleashed a group like he did in Philadelphia or the Atlanta based company he worked for.
Today, Raven has assembled quite an impressive group. Could one break out from the group? It’s possible, but I think that’s a long way off. Right now, Raven holds his disciples firmly in the palm of his hand. They have gotten lost on the path to success, and I believe Raven has promised to show them the way. He’s a master manipulator and one of the great minds currently working in this business. Whatever Raven’s true plans for Serotonin, it will be interesting to watch as he unfolds their ultimate fate.
TNA SPOILERS FOR AIRING ON 1/24
[Posted on January 16 2007]
Here are the Raven/Serotonin related spoilers for airing on TNA iMPACT on 1/25:
“War Machine” Rhino came out to face who he thought was Raven. Serotonin (Frankie “the Future” Kazarian, “Maverick” Matt Bentley and “Hotshot” Johnny Devine) attacked Rhino as Raven came to the ring. When Rhino got rid of Serotonin, Raven hit him with a kendo stick shot and revealed himself to be “Phenomenal” AJ Styles. Styles blasted Rhino with chair shots and cut open Rhino’s forehead before TNA referees and security got him to leave.
No actual Raven appearance, only Styles pretending to be Raven, although an appearance by the new faction is noteworthy.
RAVEN VS. ZBYSZKO - VICTORY ROAD RESULTS
[Posted on July 16 2006]
TNA Victory Road: Hair vs. Hair: Raven vs. Larry Zbyszko: (07/19/06) - Raven made his way from the top of the bleachers. Zbyszko tried to charge Raven, who sitting in the corner but was tripped by referee Slick Johnson. They locked up. Zbyszko kicked Raven in the gut as he went to grab Larry. Zbyszko choked Raven, then went for a quick pin. Zbyszko locked on a spinning toehold. They noted Dory Funk Jr. was in attendance. Zbyszko continued to target Raven's leg. Raven tried to kick off Zbyszko but Larry raised his arm to block him. Raven knocked Zbyszko back, knocking him into Slick Johnson. Zbyszko went for a piledriver but Raven hit the Evenflow DDT. There was no referee to count the pin. Zbyszko hit a lowblow. He scored a near fall with a small package. Raven hit a DDT for the pin.
WINNER: Raven via Pinfall
They showed a barber chair being set up, but Zbyszko walked off. Security dragged him back kicking and screaming. Raven grabbed duct tape from under the ring and taped him to the chair as security held him down. Raven began shaving Zbyszko's head as Larry screamed for security to help him. He screamed, "You're all fired." Slick Johnson returned with a mirror, showing Larry what he looked like. Johnson looked like he was selling a lowblow so it appears the camera missed Zbyszko kicking him.
RAVEN VS. ZBYSZKO - HAIR VS. HAIR AT VICTORY ROAD
[Posted on July 14 2006]
Raven will challenge Larry Zbyszko at VICTORY ROAD this Sunday, JULY 16TH for something greater than gold: his hair!
Raven lost a hair vs. hair match against The Franchise Shane Douglas in 2003. Will he come out on top and cut the Living Legend -- or his scalp, at least, down to size?
TNA iMPACT: Raven/Larry Z. Video: (07.13.06) - Raven and Zbyszko had a dueling video package. Larry called Raven a crybaby and said he wouldn't lose his dignity like Raven did when he lost his title. Though the two are former champions, Raven lost his while Larry never will. Raven said he lost a hair match before. With it, pieces of his flesh that will never return. But, now, the voices in his head are united and they will lead him to victory at Victory Road.
RAVEN NEWS AND NOTES FROM iMPACT ON 6/29/06
[Posted on July 2 2006]
TNA iMPACT: Raven Involvement (06.29.06) - Jim Cornette is the new face of TNA Management. He confronts Larry Z. about the way he's treated Raven in the last year since Raven lost the belt to Jarrett
Larry Zbyszko wasn’t going to be fired, but instead Cornette will torture him because his plan is to sign him to face Raven at Victory Road in a “Hair vs. Hair” match! Will Zbyszko agree to the match, or breach his contract and be fired from TNA?
UPDATE ON RAVEN'S STATUS WITH TNA AND ECW/WWE
[Posted on June 11 2006]
From Raven's comments on the Sacrifice media conference call in May:
RAVEN ON ECW: Raven said that for WWE to make it successful, they need to use the older names to establish it, then have a whole new roster of ECW stars. He said that he thinks Heyman is smart enough to know that and putting together a whole bunch of new acts that spark another revolution.
RAVEN ON WHETHER HE WILL GO TO THE NEW ECW: Raven said that he loves TNA and has no interest in working for the new ECW. He said that everything in the business has been done and has to find ways to do new things. He says that TNA tries to do that now and ECW will have to compete with TNA. He said that it isn't easy to recreate wrestling because everyone would do it. He said that he was really impressed by some of the packages Jeremy Borash produced for him and others. He said he loves the six sided ring and the X-Division because it makes the product stand out. ECW is a good idea because WWE has gotten dull. He notes that WWE had to be dragged kicking and screaming into the Steve Austin era and if something can spark there business, it's going to be better for everyone.
RAVEN ON TNA iMPACT 6/1: FAILS TO ADVANCE TO KING OF THE MOUNTAIN
[Posted on June 11 2006]
Raven wrestled against Jarrett in the qualifier for King of the Mountain on June 1st. Here's the recap:
TNA iMPACT: Raven vs. Jeff Jarrett (w/Gail Kim): (06.01.06) - The bell rang as Raven stood in the stands with weapons. Jarrett met him in the stands and they exchanged weapon blows to the head. Raven used a trashcan lid to subdue Jarrett and knock him down the bleacher steps to the entrance ramp. Jarrett recovered and rolled Raven into the ring. They spilled back to the outside and brawled through the stands. Raven landed right hands to the head. Raven placed Jarrett on a table covered in tablecloth below the stage. Raven went for a splash, but Jarrett moved out of the way and Raven ate the table.
Jarrett worked on Raven on the floor below the stage. They spilled to the concessions stands. Jarrett threw assorted food and snacks at Raven. Raven made a come back and smashed Jarrett against the giant Slammiversary PPV posters. They exchanged blows using food boxes. Raven suplexed Jarrett through another table. They brawled out of the Impact zone to a dark hallway backstage. Raven missed with a chair shot to the head. They fought back to the entrance tunnel backstage. Raven choked Jarrett with a chain hanging from the ceiling. They brawled through the entrance tunnel back to the entrance ramp. Raven hip tossed Jarrett to the ramp and Jarrett rolled all the way down to the ramp. Raven took Jarrett back into the ring. Raven grabbed a chair and smashed it over Jarrett's head. The only reason why it makes sense for the referee to allow this is because Tenay made a point earlier in the match that the referee wanted to decide on a clear winner to head to the KOTM match at the PPV. Of course, there was a ref bump in the corner, per the Jarrett formula match. Gail Kim slid a guitar into the ring. Nevermind. Raven applied a sleeperhold as Jarrett gripped the guitar. Blood flowed from Jarrett's mouth as Jarrett released his grip on the guitar. Jarrett slipped out then ate the seat of the chair with a drop toe hold from Raven. Raven grabbed the guitar, but Zbyszko hit the ring and took the guitar away. Raven turned around and took a low blow from Jarrett. Zbyszko grabbed the guitar from Jarrett. Raven quickly rolled up Jarrett for a nearfall. Jarrett and Zbyszko argued. Raven wound up the guitar and smashed Zbyszko over the head when Jarrett ducked. Jarrett quickly hit the Stroke for the win. Jarrett and Gail celebrated.
RAVEN ON TNA iMPACT ON 5/25; SPEAKS OUT ON KING OF THE MOUNTAIN
[Posted on May 26 2006]
Raven appeared on TNA iMPACT for May 25th and spoke out regarding his chances at winning King of the Mountain. He spoke of how he was a former 2 time ECW World Champion and now he would be a 2 time NWA World Champion. He and Jarrett have both won 1 King of the Mountain a piece and he was destined to come out on top since Zbyszko is not invited:
RECENT TNA RAVEN ACTIVITY RECAP
[Posted on May 23 2006]
Here is what Raven has been up to in the land of Total Nonstop Action Wrestling as of late, including TNA Sacrifice:
TNA Sacrifice: Raven vs. A1 (05.14.06) - Leading up to the PPV, Zbyszko had been a victim of Raven's mindgames. Team Canada's Scott D'Amore volunteeered his big man A1 to take out Raven and help make a name for himself at the PPV. Backstage, we saw Larry Zbyszko proclaiming that A1 was going to take Raven out once and for all. Mark “Slick” Johnson then came to the scene and teased Larry with who the new head of management was going to be. He brought up names like Rowdy Roddy Piper, Vince Russo, and The Ultimate Warrior, which caught off some chuckles by Slick just because of how gullible Larry can be.
RAVEN vs. A1 Raven abiding his true fashion, entered the ring from the stands! He received an appreciative applause upon his return to the ring. Before the match started, Raven and Larry had a few choice words for each other but A1 was quick to break it up with a steel chair shot. From the get-go of the match, A1 was repeatedly driving Raven’s lower back into the guardrail on the outside. Right when Raven picked up the offense for himself, Larry was at ringside distracting the referee. Raven was able to chase Larry off though and ultimately hit the Raven Effect DDT on A1 for the victory in his TNA return!
Winner: Raven
After the match, Larry yelled on the microphone that he couldn’t stand this anymore. He wanted Raven in the ring right now so they could both settle this right now. Raven got in but Larry gave him no time to get up on his feet. Larry just kicked and pounded Raven with some cheap shots before security came to handle the situation. Security couldn’t maintain the carnage though as Raven and Larry both broke free and still managed to get their shots in at each other before the two decided to save this battle for another time.
Raven Appearance: iMPACT (05.18.06) - NWA World Heavyweight Champion, Christian Cage opened up tonight’s broadcast alongside many fans in attendance that he likes to refer to as his ‘peeps’. From the stands, Christian made it clear that the NWA World Heavyweight Title was just as much their title as it is his and that defeating Abyss last Sunday in the Full Metal Mayhem match at Sacrifice was his greatest win, minus his title win at Against All Odds over Jeff Jarrett.
Proceeding to the six-sided ring, Christian Cage stated that tradition has showed that the NWA World Heavyweight Champion will lose his title at Slammiversary in the King of the Mountain match. However, as Christian Cage put it he’s going to defy tradition and do things his way.
NWA Championship Committee member Larry Zbyszko announced that over the course of the next “iMPACT!” broadcasts leading up to the “Slammiversary” Pay-Per-View we will have Qualification Matches to see who gains entrance into the King of the Mountain match for a chance at the highly prestigious NWA World Heavyweight Championship. Christian Cage is already in, but stars to the likes of Jeff Jarrett, Scott Steiner, Ron Killings, Rhino, Raven, Sting and even the returning Monty Brown want in! They all showed up in the iMPACT Zone to show how much they wanted into the match, but it’s going to take a lot more than that to get that chance!
HIGHLIGHTS OF RAVEN/TNA CONFERENCE CALL
[Posted on May 9 2006]
Spike TV and TNA held a media conference call this afternoon with former NWA and ECW World champion Raven to promote TNA Impact and this Sunday's Sacrifice PPV special.
When asked about his time off from TNA, Raven said he had some health issues that he needed to take care of and at the same time, he never had a chance to take a vacation because of the way the business works, so it was nice to have 10 weeks off.
Raven said that the timeslot move shows that Spike TV is nurturing the company and it's vote of confidence so TNA isn't rushed too fast.
Raven said that he's looking forward to get back into the ring and working off the ring rust against A-1 at the Sacrifice PPV this weekend. He said that he hates Canada. When the NWA title change was brought up, the storyline with Jackie Gayda that was seemingly dropped was mentioned. Raven said that you don't know where the storyline is at this point because the business is so episodic. He said that sometimes people make judgments before they know where things are going, which is either poor journalism or people trying to cut others down to feel stronger.
When asked about hardcore wrestling, Raven said that most people don't understand it and it's all lumped into one category. He said that his Backlash match with Rhino several years ago at Backlash had a plot and drama, as opposed to matches where people just beat each other with plunder. He said that some critics will lump all horror movies together, when there have been some great and bad movies. He said that hardcore wrestling is treated similar because some people think it's all about hitting people with weapons. He said the X-Division is the same thing where some guys like AJ Styles and Samoa Joe have great matches and others just do flipping around and it's all lumped together.
When asked about future stars, Raven said that he's a big fan of Samoa Joe and then poked fun at Joe's weight.
The return of ECW: Raven said it's a touchy subject because everyone lumps ECW in as one thing. He said that the business had become very plain with nothing new. Wrestlers was in the same business for years and there was no influx of freshness. Before ECW, wrestling had lost it's sense of style. Raven said that ECW made wrestling cutting edge and hip, like the Matrix did for action movies. He said that people irritate him when they don't understand that ECW was a revolution that changed wrestling. He said that there are very few people that have the creativity and understand the trends and styles of 2006. He said that Paul Heyman keeps his fingers on America's pulse, like Raven tries to. He said that for WWE to make it successful, they need to use the older names to establish it, then have a whole new roster of ECW stars. He said that he thinks Heyman is smart enough to know that and putting together a whole bunch of new acts that spark another revolution.
Raven said that he loves TNA and has no interest in working for the new ECW. He said that everything in the business has been done and has to find ways to do new things. He says that TNA tries to do that now and ECW will have to compete with TNA. He said that it isn't easy to recreate wrestling because everyone would do it. He said that he was really impressed by some of the packages Jeremy Borash produced for him and others. He said he loves the six sided ring and the X-Division because it makes the product stand out. ECW is a good idea because WWE has gotten dull. He notes that WWE had to be dragged kicking and screaming into the Steve Austin era and if something can spark there business, it's going to be better for everyone. He then joked we should be talking about his company, TNA.
Raven said he's going to "beat the crap" against Larry Zbyszko. He said that he's beaten Zbyszko once before in WCW and it won't be a contest.
Raven said he's feeling better now. He abused his health for a long time and he pays the price for it now. He said that his body has rebelled against him and was a top draft choice for a death pool. He said he's proud for surviving. He has thyroid and blood sugar issues. He had put on 30 lbs. and was tired all the time. Once they figured out what the issues were, he was able to drop 10 lbs. over several days. He's still not where they want him to be, but it's a situation that he has to learn to manage and he'll be back with a clean bill of health soon. He said he's still able to compete at the level he was at, and he's hoping his health will stay good and he'll continue to wrestle into his 50s. His doctor wants him to get his weight down gradually, and while he's not where he wants to be, he's getting there. He said that he's worn a t-shirt for most of his career, which is good because he was always based on talent and personality, not bodybuilding.
TNA needing more TV time: Raven said they absolutely do, but thinks the audience is into the shows now. He doesn't think more time will draw a larger audience. He said it would give them more time to get into the stories, but 2 hours tends to drag. He said that he stopped watching Raw when he was in WWE and unless the business is at their apex, you start to get tired watching something late because you have to get something done. He said it all depends on formatting and 90 minutes would be better then 2 hours. He said that ECW and Bill Watts both had 60 minute shows and were formatted great. He said 90 minutes would be perfect, and while he likes long movies, that's the average time of a good movie.
Raven's Secrets of the Ring DVD series was brought up. He said that there's a lot of the business that people don't know. He was lucky enough to study and pick the brains of veterans, while today people don't do the same. He said some don't want to pester people while others think they know it all. He said he cut a flat fee with Gabe Sapolsky, which allows him to tell people to buy it because they can learn from it, not because he's motivated to make a larger cut. He said that if anyone else made the DVDs, he'd be as motivated at pushing people to see them. He said that highspots are the new short cuts in the ring, where guys don't act like they are hurt after a big sequence, and matches become a blur. He said that today's workers become self conscious and hopefully they can learn how to make things mean something, instead of just doing a bunch of sequences and highspots. He said he doesn't want fans to just pop for spots, he wants them to be involved in the match the entire time. He said he never wants to hear a quiet crowd and that's the difference between a good worker and an average worker. He said when Buff Bagwell first broke into WCW, he couldn't grasp the business. When Raven returned to WCW after ECW, he saw Bagwell had learned from the business and was able to follow the fans, after learning working against Terry Taylor. Raven said that sometimes, the younger guys don't even listen to the crowds, which is mind-boggling, because you have to let the snowball build. Raven said he doesn't condemn guys who don't get it, but you have to work with veterans. He said that he's impressed that Samoa Joe is as good as he is considering he's only worked with one veteran, a short run with Mick Foley.
When his health was brought back up, Raven said he wasn't worried about taking the medications with his past abusive lifestyle because it's not narcotics he is taking.
Contractual Status: Raven said that he's not allowed to discuss it but he's not going anywhere anytime soon.
Jim Cornette Coming to TNA: Raven said that he thinks Cornette is a brilliant guy and when you add a new intelligent person with other intelligent people, it adds to the overall company. He said that there's a whole audience today that doesn't know who Cornette is since they didn't grow up watching him. Raven says that he thinks Cornette probably would like to prove to fans today and himself that what he did in the 1980s would work today. Raven doesn't know if he'd be a good fit for the current creative regime, but thinks they would all get along well since Cornette and Jeff Jarrett have a long history and have a shared liking for a particular style of wrestling.
Raven said that he thinks TNA hits all the elements and has a little bit of everything for fans - action, veterans, comedy and more. When asked if TNA needs controversy like ECW did. Raven said that ECW had already been to a certain level when the Sandman crucifixion happened. Raven said that he went to rehab and wanted to have a big impact coming back, but it didn't pop the territory. He said that what popped it was people catching it and wanting to watch it again. He said that TNA has the same thing and it's a matter of fans tuning in and staying.
Raven praised opening up with Samoa Joe vs. Christopher Daniels as something you wouldn't expect. Raven said that fans need to understand that fans needs to understand that you just can't do anything with booking because you need to have something for everyone and nothing can overlap and you don't want to be repetitive. He said you have to tune everything until it comes out perfectly, but the tuning never stops as you have to change it up every time you change timeslots and add new characters, while finding a cultural touchtone at the same time. He said that things like UFC will continue to influence the business and you'll see a lot more holds added to the business.
When asked about his outlook on wrestling changing over the years, he said that when he broke in, he couldn't go to bed because he was coming up with so many things and didn't know how to put it all together. He said that he learned that from the Grappler. He said that there were a lot of lean years for him. He said that when he was let go by Watts and working in Memphis and Global thinking he would never make it. He said in that era you had to be huge and gassed up, unlike today. He said he was made a producer by WWF and was miserable and quit. He found his love for the business again in ECW. He said he loved WCW for awhile but instead of enjoying the ride, he was angry about not being in the top mix. He said he quit and when he went back to WWE, he was put in the gutter and not used, which was good because he was able to get himself together mentally.
Raven said that you get jaded along the way. He said that he and Jeff Jarrett think similarly but they sometimes don't get along and end up on the outs. He said that the best thing that could have happened to him was being sent home, because it allowed him to deal with his health and revitalize his love for wrestling again. He said that sometimes others know better then you do, because he was saying it wasn't what he needed, but he did.
He said the problem is that he was trained from day one that you can't take time off because you'll lose your spot. He said everyone needs time off to recharge after a few years and knowing that they'll come back to the same spot. He said that he knew they would work everything out and most of the things that were screwed up were because of him. He said that they have butted heads but in the end it works out. He says that the business is like a marriage, where sometimes you love your wife and sometimes you hate her. It's a complicated business and it's a job like no other in the world. He said that he's taken every drug there is and there's nothing better then having the fans in the palm of their hands.
Backstage Responsibilities: Raven said that there are a number of people he helps out backstage but he's not very tactful so a lot of talents don't take it in the way he means when he gives advice.
Writing a Book: He'd like to write one eventually, "when somebody offers me enough money" to make it worth his time. He said that he'd like to do radio too, but he's got his health issues and he's back in love with his mistress again. He said that he wants to headline a PPV with outrageous Wrestlemania numbers but in TNA.
When asked who's the one guy who stands out in TNA, Raven said Samoa Joe. He said Joe is a hell of a talent and joked again about his weight.
A Wrestling Union Forming: "God I hope so."
When asked about working with CM Punk, Raven said he enjoyed it but he can't believe Punk doesn't think it did something for Punk's career. Raven said that he likes working for Gabe Sapolsky since he studies the business and they've known each other forever. He said that sometimes they disagree because there are times when Raven and Gabe each think they are right.
When asked which ECW documentary he liked, he said that the WWE DVD focused on things that weren't really a major part of ECW. He didn't watch Forever Hardcore since he was interviewed for it. He said that the WWE DVD ignored the fact that the influence of the company was before the PPV, and was gone after it. He said that WWE missed the boat of the influence of the company during Raven's run. He said WWE focused on those that worked for WWE when it was released, which was what you would expect them to do, but he'll always put Raven vs. Dreamer and Raven vs. Sandman up against any other feud.
When asked about Kurt Angle, Raven said that with the exception of Finlay, there isn't anyone in the business that could "take" Angle.
RECAP OF RAVEN ON TNA iMPACT FOR APRIL 27, 2006
[Posted on April 28 2006]
TNA iMPACT for April 27, 2006 - Raven came out of the crowd to chase after Larry Zbyszko, who was in the ring to preside over the X Division title match between X Division champion Samoa Joe and challenger Jay Lethal, as the match was about to begin. Larry then runs off and Raven walks away slowly as Raven continues to play mindgames on Zbyszko.
NEW RAVEN & SABU ACTION FIGURE 2-PACK COMING FROM MARVEL TOYS
[Posted on April 27 2006]
LOCKDOWN PRODUCTS COMING TO TOY RETAILERS
Sunday night at Lockdown fans were able to see the exclusive prototypes for upcoming Lockdown products from Marvel Toys. There are 3 twin packs commemorating some of the night's exciting match-ups and stars: Raven and Sabu, The James Gang, and Sting vs. Jeff Jarrett! Products will be available at your favorite toy retailers this summer and Fall.
Assorted Media: - Picture of the Lockdown Raven figure - HERE - Video of the Lockdown Raven figure - HERE
RAVEN RETURNS AT TNA LOCKDOWN PPV; WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR TNA?
[Posted on April 23 2006]
After a months long absence, Raven has made his return to TNA Wrestling alongside former WWE Diva Christy Hemme!
Playboy playmate and wrestling vixen Christy Hemme made her surprise TNA debut on Sunday night, delivering a message to Mike Tenay and Don West about the “new face of TNA management”. The message stated that there was a new man in charge of TNA management and every member of TNA would be watched closely. Plus, Championship Committee member Larry Zbyszko was now under probation! Obviously, Larry wasn’t pleased with the statement and demanded to know who this new management was. In turn, Tenay announced that the first order of the new management was to undo a recent decision made by Zbyszko, which led to……
RAVEN IS REINSTATED!
As soon as the reinstatement was announced, Raven’s music played and the star hit the ring to go after Zbyszko! The Championship Committee member locked himself inside the steel cage to avoid his nemesis – leading to security holding Raven. When Raven made a move toward him, Zbyszko ran into the cage and closed the door to keep Raven out. He called for security to drag Raven away. However, Raven is now back as an active member of the TNA roster! With Zbyszko under probation, what does this “new face” of TNA management have planned next?
