TNA Confrence call with Dixie Carter and Samoa Joe

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TNA Conference Call Report: Dixie Carter & Samoa Joe Speak
Report by TNA Wrestling News Staff on 02/07/2006 at 07:32 PM

The conference call began at 2:05pm with Dixie Carter. This past Saturday's Impact drew a 0.7 rating. 876,000 viewers. The Impact average has been 0.8. 959,000 viewers. Compared to a year ago, TNA is up 59% overall from WWE Velocity which used to be in the Impact timeslot..

TNA will move to prime time in April as has been reported.


First question: With the 13th approaching, why is there no TNA special while there is no WWE Raw?

Answer: It was discussed, but coming off of the New Year's special, they wanted the efforts focused on April.


Next question: Would they possibly get more time on Mondays?

Answer: They have been rewarded with three specials, and things are moving fast and they are proud of that and they have been supported by Spike. It is up to them to continue to succeed. If they do, more time may happen, Mondays aren't a priority.


Next question: With Impact's jump to Spike buy rates have been up, what are their expectations with prime time?

Answer: They hope that they will continue to grow as they gain a new audience as they introduce new talent.


Next question: Did they ever consider Mondays at 8pm?

Answer: This was an opportunity to go with an open spot with Spike on a major TV night. They didn't discuss Mondays and wanted Thursdays.


Next question: Are they interested in bringing in Lesnar, Warrior, Goldberg and others?

Answer: We have 40-minutes of TV and a large roster that are fighting to become household names. They are challenged to be unique and different as well as giving the roster the time they deserve.


Next question: You are doing the Detroit house show, are there other cities thought of right now?

Answer: We do well in Orlando, but they plan to tour. They are lucky to have Orlando, and will have house shows that feature their talent in cites that they do well in ratings wise.


Next question: How do you expect to do in Detroit?

Answer: We are doing great so far and the word is out now through Spike TV.


Next question: Do you ever see yourself as an on air character?

Answer: I am not interested, but it has been discussed. I would never want to take away from our stars limited time.


Next question: How does the new deal change the TNA business model? Is it a new deal or a tweaked deal?

Answer: It provides a larger potential audience and a chance to grow. We want to be successful and we have proved that out show and talent were worthy of the PT slot. The business model is the same for now, but things are changing. The staff works very hard and we are blessed to have the staff that we do.


Next question: Will you keep TNA tapings the same?

Answer: Yes, the bi-weekly schedule is staying for now.


Next question: Will we see Sting on April 13th?

Answer: I don't know right now.


Next question from 411's own Larry Csonka: Ms. Carter, You recently achieved your highest PPV buyrate and TV rating thus far and are about to run your first house show. What is the next step for TNA, and along that line is their any thought of international touring?

Answer: A lot of the guys do tour internationally, it is part of the plan and we are lucky to be seen in 118 countries and we have competitive ratings in those countries. We do very well and we want to see more success. Touring Internationally is part of the plan, definitely.


Next question from 411's own Larry Csonka: Is there any update on the release of the TNA video game?

Answer: Joe is a big gamer and is excited about this, the guys will have a lot of input. We are in the middle of development and we are excited and want to put out the best. Midway has been great in our partnership thus far.


Next question: With all of your money, why did you get involved with TNA?

Answer: I don't have the money, I was in with TNA months before they debuted and when they needed new partners, I was involved and saw the potential and took it. We are still relatively new and I couldn't be more proud of our company. There is always something new going on and there is a huge potential for this company. We are unique and special, with our locker room and SPIKE TV, there is no doubt that we will succeed. When our guys go into the ring they give all of their effort and we are constantly climbing to new heights.


Dixie thanks us and we move onto Samoa Joe.


First question: How is your health and can you tell us about the game with David Young?

Answer: I am 100% and feeling great. David hates the game, you wait for them to stand and walk up and jab them. Not to hurt, just to embarrass. Davis always loses.


Next question: You got the big match this Sunday, could you break down the match?

Answer: They know what we can do together in a match. AJ is Mr. TNA, Daniels claims to be Mr. TNA and I like to beat people up.


Next question: Is your contract situation all settled?

Answer: We are settling things as we speak.


Next question: Is it true that you were mad that Kevin Nash got a lot of money to come into TNA?

Answer: No, he was there before I was. Not at all, he does his thing and I do mine.


Next question: Is it true that you were unhappy and wanted a pay increase?

Answer: Yes, that's why we are negotiating.


Next question: Are you wanting to challenge for the NWA Title?

Answer: I am the X Champion and I will say that in the future it will happen, but for now I have to take care of the X Division title.


Next question: Can you tell us about the video game?

Answer: They hired people that know how to program and TNA is behind the game. It will bring us new fans and right now we are committed to making it a success.


Next question: Do you think TNA needs another title?

Answer: NO, absolutely not. Too many titles make them not matter. Plus we have 3 titles and only 40-minutes of TV as it is, there is no way to book a 4th title effectively.


Next question: Off of the 3-way from last year, how hard will it be to live up to the last one?

Answer: Very difficult and it will be a challenge. The 3 of us bring out our best and we can produce the same quality.


Next question: With your style, has there been any feelers from TNA for you to slow down with other Indy appearances.

Answer: Not on TNA's part. I'll do my thing, regardless. There is always concerns, especially going into a PPV. To build markets, we have to get out there and perform as ambassadors to TNA. That's how we'll build the house show markets.


Next question: Hey Joe, are you feeling pressured to carry TNA?

Answer: No, we all do right now. This is a vital time to make big strides especially into prime time. We do our best to be the best and since we share the pressure, it makes it easy that way.


Next question: Where do you see your career going?

Answer: In the next few years I would like to be part of this, something growing and something that can be huge. In the next 2 years I see myself with TNA.


Next question: It seems that no matter what you do the fans cheer for you, what do you think of that?

Answer: If I had an answer it would make my life easier. Maybe they just want to see what I bring to wrestling. It is difficult to describe, because I have been lucky that they have taken to me.


Next question: Is there anyone that you want to work with right now?

Answer: A lot of the heavyweight guys, Abyss I want to work with and Monty Brown. Ron Killings is another. Ron is amazing to watch and he is so talented. Jeff and myself will eventually cross paths.


Next question: There was so much talk that they were surprised with how quickly you were over. Was that a surprise to you? How do you feel about working with Sting?

Answer: I was very surprised, it was new to me and the fans just were so respectful. Yes, I would love to work with Sting, but he is retired. **laughs**


Next question: Joe, do you feel that you get the respect that you deserve? Are you underrated?

Answer: I wouldn't call myself that. I have never been disrespected in TNA, and I appreciate that.


Next question: Back to the money, you see guys making a lot of money, and maybe you want to get there. Do you feel under appreciated that way?

Answer: No, that's what contract negotiations are for. We are fixing those things now, but I did a little bit, but we are working to fix it and we will come to a satisfactory agreement for both of us I am sure.


Next question: What was the reaction to going prime time?

Answer: It was positive across the board. We want to keep getting better and our locker room is dedicated to doing that.


Next question: Was there a point that you considered leaving TNA.

Answer: I talked to the other company, but my best chance is in TNA to do what I do best.


Next question: How well recognized are you now?

Answer: I don't think I'll be mobbed anytime soon, but I am more recognized and I think I will be more in the future. I didn't get into wrestling to be a celebrity. I love my craft and in TNA I have the ability to showcase it. If I have fans, that's a bonus. I an here to wrestle and to do my thing. I was recognized at a 7-11 the other day that was cool.


Next question: Are you comfortable being a lead in to UFC?

Answer: Absolutely, we have a great relationship and we are a great part of the package along with UFC. We don't mind being a lead in at all, UFC is hot right now and the same goes for TNA. Thursdays on SPIKE will be a hell of a night.


Next question: On the last PPV, you were put in a tough position with the angle and beating you had to put on Daniels, how did that feel being in that position?

Answer: I wasn't nervous. We had it laid out perfectly, and it was an abstract concept really, but at the same time people understood the violence and Daniels needed help. It was a gamble, but wrestling needs to evolve and not rehash. How well everyone accepted it is another thing, but it needs to be new and we did that. It was a tough position to be put in, but TNA had the confidence with me so it was ok. I thought it was off the wall at first, but as we got closer, I liked it more.


Next question: What countries have you enjoyed and been hot in?

Answer: Right now the International marker is gold. In Australia we got a huge reaction (The TNA Guys) and the reactions were totally positive. The UK would be the best market and I have approached TNA to look into it more and more.


Next question from 411's own Larry Csonka: What about a rematch with Kenta Kobashi in the TNA setting?

Answer: I would be up for it. Then again it is TNA and we have time constraints and are a bit different that ROH. But there is no doubt I would do it again and that it would be another great, great match.


Next question from 411's own Larry Csonka: Final question if I may, what is your response to people that dismiss your skills right away because of your look, IE your don't have the prototypical "wrestling physique" and aren't "jacked up?"

Answer: That is their problem, I am who I am and I do what I do. I never try to go out there to change minds. If that makes people turn off, then they aren't there to watch wrestling is all I'll say.


Next question: What are your thoughts on how you have been used in TNA?

Answer: They have done a good job, but we are still in a feeling out process. Now they are understanding me more and the character can be development even more, and it will only get better.


Next question: What has been your most memorable match thus far?

Answer: The 3-way, Kobashi and the Punk series. His Chris Sabin match was also a great match that I loved.


Next question: Are you still feeling the Kobashi chop-fest?

Answer: I have scars, so yes!


Next question: What are your thoughts on the mix of the old and new guys?

Answer: It is so important. We need new stars in this business, and initially the plan is to have Sting and Christian and others to draw people in and hook them, then we hope that guys like myself, AJ and Daniels keep them.


Next question: Would you think that Sting should be turned heel at all?

Answer: Hard to say, but he needs to get in there and work with newer guys and make newer stars in us younger guys, that is what is important.


Next question: What do you think of another Monday night war?

Answer: That isn't our focus. We need to worry about TNA and not anyone else. We have plenty of viewers for all, so we need to keep out focus on ourselves and improving ourselves. We need to pay attention to them so that we stay ahead of the game, we aren't worried about anything else except for being the best that we can.


Next question: It is rare that you get to see a heavyweight in the X Division. Do you feel out of place?

Answer: Not at all. The X Division is all about style and we will see that used more and possibly more bigger guys in the division in the future.


Next question: Is there a concern within TNA about how physical your matches have been and the injuries you have gotten?

Answer: You know, you are right. I a very physical and not a "pretty worker." My body is holding up well, but as I get older you feel more and I am in that realm now. I have a certain standard of excellence and I will deliver that time in and time out. You have to take risks.


Next question: You mentioned Sabin, he seems to get lost in the shuffle at times. Who would you like to see in a more prominent role?

Answer: Aries, Shelley and Strong are some of them. They have so much to offer, and on the HW side, Bobby Roode is a guy that has a chance to be a great heel singles. Ron Killings is another. There are a lot of guys, and with the new time slot I hope they get seen more.


We are thanked for being there, and the call ends.

Other notes:

- There are no current plans for another TNA TV show.

- Dixie Carter said the deal with SpikeTV took just a few weeks and that SpikeTV has been a wonderful partner.

- She said Impact will remain one hour for now and said she understands that workers feel rushed and feel as if they don't have enough time but it is important for them to stick to their schedule because eventually they will be live and everyone will have to stick to their allocated time.

- Carter said the Final Resolution PPV delivered the highest buyrate in company history.

- Carter told everyone not to believe everything they read on the internet and added that Sting was brought in to help bring in a new audience and provide some rub to the rest of TNA's talent.

- Bob Carter said TNA was one of the best investments he ever made.

- Jeff Jarrett thanked everyone for their hard work.

A long but interesting read.