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http://www.nwatna.com/columns/bankshot/2004/1/9/bankshot.html

01.09.04 | The Bank Shot with Bill Banks

The holidays always come and go so quick. After a week of laying
around and getting some much needed rest, I'm energized and ready for
2004. The entirety of TNA from the superstars to the office workers to
the TV staff looked refreshed as well, as some downtime did everyone
good.

We did have one emergency at the show, however. Our
webmaster/photographer Lee was ready to shoot ringside photos when he
had to leave due to a family medical emergency. Luckily, Tim Welch
stepped in and took over. Thankfully, everything turned out ok for
Lee. Unfortunately, for me, I had to pull an all-nighter to update the
website and be ready to edit Xplosion at 7 AM. I did all-nighters all
the time back in college, but I'm getting to old for that (lol).
Thankfully, my blood is about 50% caffeine and coffee these days.

Another potential emergency was avoided during the day when several
TNA staff and superstars watched in horror as The Sandman, with Raven
nearby, attempted to climb the Ultimate X2 steel girders attached to
the ring. Luckily, any crash landing was averted when BG James emerged
from the locker room and yelled to Raven (jokingly) "Hey Raven, get
your father down from there!"

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Speaking of the website, there are several new features this week. In
addition to new backstage photos from January 7, we've got two new
interviews with Julio and Ron Killings in the Interactive area. New
Trinity wallpaper should be added this weekend as well.

One thing on the horizon for the website and currently in planning is
an official online TNA Trivia Game. Fans are welcome to send in their
own TNA trivia (with the answer) for inclusion into the game. For
information on how to include your TNA trivia question CLICK HERE

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Word has it that following Wednesday's Pay-Per-View broadcast, much of
the TNA staff gathered at a nearby club that featured karaoke.
According to many, Goldylocks performed a duet with another local
singer that blew everyone away. Never before have I worked for a
company where so many enjoy karaoke! Personally, it would take about a
tub of beer to get me up there to sing, but that's just me.

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Word from the TNA offices was that on Friday there were a series of
closed-door meetings involving Jeff Jarrett. According to a friend in
the office, rumor spread quickly it had something to do with the "big
news" that Jarrett has referred to in recent weeks. And according to
sources, Jarrett was so secretive about who was in the room with him
that he covered up the windows to the conference room doors
(seriously!). Will Jarrett finally reveal his plans on Wednesday?

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In my opinion, the X superstars once again stole the show on January 7
with Ultimate X2. Without a doubt, the bout is becoming one of TNA's
signature impact matches, along with Raven's Clockwork Orange House of
Fun. It's these types of innovative matches - in my opinion - TNA
should continue to invent. Jeremy Borash's video package introduction
to the Ultimate X2 on Wednesday said it all: "Welcome to Wrestling
Reinvented - Welcome to Ultimate X2." On a side note, Michael Shane
slightly injured his should at the end of the match, but should be OK
for this week.

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Each week, more and more TNA talent are sharing photos/stories of
newborn children in their families. It's great to watch Shane Douglas
light up when he talks about his son, and from what I've heard he's a
little Franchise in the making. Christopher Daniels and his wife also
recently welcomed a newborn. More and more, TNA is becoming a cohesive
family as well. Egos aren't tolerated in our locker room or offices,
and everyone busts their butt.

The atmosphere in TNA now reminds me of when I was with the then-WWF
and we were about to overtake WCW in the ratings in the Monday night
wars. There was a certain feeling among everyone that something big
was about happen - that the company was going to skyrocket.

For example, I can tell you that many of the MAJOR rumors on the
internet about TNA are about to be answered in some tremendously
positive ways. There are some major outlets about to pick up TNA
broadcasts, musicians and celebrities want to get involved, and
several overseas networks want TNA. The press releases are ready to go
in our office, and hopefully we will be able to announce some huge
finalized deals in the next few weeks.

I, for one, am certainly excited.

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For some odd reason, I continue to encounter Raven and Erik Watts at
one of the local Daily's foodmarts right off the highway where I live
in Nashville following the broadcasts each week. I've also ran into
Dusty Rhodes, Simon Diamond and Terry Taylor there as well numerous
times. The odd thing is, the foodmart is about 15 miles from the arena
in a random location!

Speaking of Raven, I got a chance to check out his official website
the other day and it's very cool. He told a story of being forced to
listen to Phil Collins on a recent drive to Atlanta with Erik Watts.
What a pairing those two must make for a four hour ride!

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Julio and CM Punk continue to make the very most of their
opportunities in TNA as both pulled a shocker and enlisted Father Jim
Mitchell to their cause against Raven this past week. Along with the
devious Mitchell - who always is interesting in front of a camera -
Julio and Punk will surely make themselves felt in some major ways on
our upcoming broadcasts.

Speaking of this week's TNA Pay-Per-View, The Gathering - along with
Father Jim - have been signed by NWA matchmakers to a Singapore Cane
Match against Raven and The Sandman. Two singapore canes will be
hanging from a pole to use as weapons in the sure to be bloody match.
The only thing is, no one has heard from Raven since Wednesday night!

Also on the show, legendary AAA owner/promoter Antonio Pena is
scheduled to appear for what is being called by the TNA office as a
"major announcement". That, along with the X Triple Threat Match
between Low Ki, Fallen Angel and Michael Shane will certainly make for
a great show.

I've also heard rumors of some surprise faces on the show as well, but
just rumors at this point...

You can check out the official preview by CLICKING HERE.

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Finally, before I sign off this week, here's an interesting tidbit:
Definition of "Scarry"? 
David Young playing with a WCW Disco Inferno action figure backstage
at the PPV...

Definition of "Scarrier"? 
Resident TNA wardrobe department head Rick Michaels claiming he had
six more Disco Inferno action figures at home

Definition of "Scariest"? 
That a Disco Inferno action figure was actually made...

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Thanks for reading this week! Enjoy Wednesday's big Pay-Per-View!

Bill Banks


--- Internet Rex 2.29