Crockerinho

Wrestling Moderator

The following is from nwatna.com. It’s basically a sarcastic apology in response to recent events between the two promotions but is an interesting read nonetheless:

TNA TO ISSUE “APOLOGY� TO VINCE McMAHON AND WWE

November 12, 2004 (Nashville, TN) In response to media reports about a misunderstanding that occurred at Universal Studios in Orlando, FL this past Wednesday – TNA Entertainment issued an apology to Vince McMahon and WWE for what was apparently a mistakenly perceived “hostile� act.

In recent months, Universal Studios and TNA have become the epicenter of the wrestling world. Last Sunday at Victory Road, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall and “Macho Man� Randy Savage made their dramatic returns to professional wrestling. Even the immortal Hulk Hogan was backstage and also witnessed the electricity of that historic night. Two days later, during a TV taping for iMPACT!, Diamond Dallas Page made a surprise return to the ring.

This past Wednesday, Vince McMahon and all the top stars of WWE were at Universal Studios, just feet from TNA’s Sound Stage 21, to film a commercial.

TNA staff was elated that the WWE was coming to their home. While filming vignettes that day for TNA’s upcoming pay-per-view, “Turning Point�, TNA Superstars 3 Live Kru, Traci, Abyss and “The Franchise� Shane Douglas decided to offer some hospitality and welcome WWE to their home. Carrying cookies and balloons, they approached the WWE talent during a break in their shooting. However, the congenial welcome was met with ungracious resistance. The WWE talent immediately withdrew to their studio, where they remained sequestered behind closed doors.

WWE has filed a formal letter of complaint with Universal Studios. One senior WWE official even sent a production assistant to TNA Soundstage 21 and delivered a verbal warning that if any WWE talent was filmed by TNA, “we will sue your f—— a–.�

“I was disheartened,� said “The Franchise� Shane Douglas. “If our kind gesture was mistakenly perceived as threatening and hostile, we sincerely apologize.�

Even the monster Abyss, in a rare melancholy moment, was seen with a tear in his eye, still clutching the very same balloons that no one from WWE wanted.

“Personally, I just wanted some mahi mahi,� confessed BG James, upon seeing the elaborate WWE catering spread. “The only thing I had to eat all day was a stinking cold sandwich from my cheap free-lance producer. Now I know how the other half eats.�

Some things in life are consistent. Success breeds envy. The bully always picks on the little guy. But we all know how the story of David and Goliath ends…

The alternative for the true wrestling fan, Total Nonstop Action Wrestling prides itself on delivering quality, family programming that is clean, innovative, cutting edge and with the high-risk, high-flying athleticism that TNA Wrestling is known for. Total Nonstop Action Wrestling “iMPACT!� airs Fridays at 3:00 p.m. on FSN (check local listings). TNA “Xplosion� is a syndicated program (check local listings). TNA Wrestling pay-per-views are available on iN DEMAND, DISH Network, DIRECTV, TVN, Viewers Choice Canada, Bell ExpressVu and Shaw Communications.

TNA is not affiliated with or endorsed by Universal Studios, WWE, or Hulk Hogan

Crockerinho

Wrestling Moderator

The following was posted on nwatna.com:

WWE SENDS LEGAL WARNING TO TNA

Nashville, TN (November 16, 2004) – World Wrestling Entertainment issued a letter to TNA entertainment, LLC on November 11th demanding the surrender of video footage shot at Universal Studios on November 10th.

In the document sent by Bella Karakis, Vice President Intellectual Property, WWE informed TNA that in order to avoid any further legal action by WWE, TNA would need to agree not to use the video footage , surrender the video footage to WWE within 7 business days, and sign and return an acknowledgment form.

On November 10, while filming vignettes for TNA’s upcoming pay-per-view, “Turning Point�, TNA superstars 3 Live Kru, Traci, Abyss and “The Franchise� Shane Douglas attempted to welcome Vince McMahon and WWE talent who were also at Universal Studios taping a commercial. Universal Studios is TNA’s home studio where iMPACT! and Xplosion are taped every week. The TNA superstars brought cookies and balloons to greet WWE talent and staff who were taking a catering break outside in the common area of the studios.

TNA and the TNA Superstars involved are very disappointed with threats of legal action.

“Competition is great and makes the wrestling category stronger as a whole but obviously we are the only ones who feel that way,� “The Franchise� Shane Douglas said. “We attempted to extend a hand and were disappointed by the treatment we received in our own backyard.�

The alternative for the true wrestling fan, Total Nonstop Action Wrestling prides itself on delivering quality, family programming that is clean, innovative, cutting edge and with the high-risk, high-flying athleticism that TNA Wrestling is known for. Total Nonstop Action Wrestling “iMPACT!� airs Fridays at 3:00 p.m. on FSN (check local listings). TNA “Xplosion� is a syndicated program (check local listings). TNA Wrestling pay-per-views are available on iN DEMAND, DIRECTV, DISH Network, TVN, Viewers Choice Canada, Bell ExpressVu and Shaw Communications. For more information, log on to www.tnawrestling.com.