Bobby Roode is the *NEW* TNA World Heavyweight Champion

[ABMorales787]

After literally pulling out all the stops, Robert Roode played a karmic card by grabbing a Storm beer bottle and smashing it on Storm the same way Storm did to his former partner, Chris Harris to win his first World title after failing at Bound For Glory. In effects, he turned heel. In hindsight, he's now TNA's top heel. WOW.

Despite Storm's recent concussion announcement, it's obvious Storm vs Roode is gonna be the top feud 'till 2012 and maybe beyond. As of now both members of Beer Money are now World Champions and main event wrestlers. He is also the first Canadian TNA World Champion (Christian only held the NWA World Championship). Thoughts on the new World Champion?

I for one feel this move is great. Two fresh new talents in the main event and both made each other credible. One has to remember before throwing the "It wasn't on PPV" schtick that for one, the show was out of the Impact Zone meaning people paid to attend as opposed to the free gate PPV's. Yeah, PPV's are always purchased, but with TNA wanting to get on the road more, making these shows truly count should be just as important. And it's not like this feud won't end on one of the major PPV's after multiple PPV matches.

 

[HBK_EDGE]

I don't mind what happened and feel it has the makings to be a great feud; however the way it happened I wasn't a fan of really. The ref spraining his knee or whatever he did and only turning around right as Roode goes in for the pin? That is late 90's booking they could of had Roode go over in a different way. I get wanting to get him heel heat but that finish just didn't do it for me.

 

[SpecialFNK]

great match (be happy wrestling fans), and then with one shot of breaking a beer bottle over the head, Roode turns heel.
is that enough to turn heel?

I do think it's going to be good for TNA to have one of them heel. personally I was hoping to see Storm heel, as Roode got all the build up before BFG with the videos. but I could also see Roode being successful in the role of the heel.

I'm not sure I really like it happening this fast. Storm's first title defense, and he loses the title already. I think TNA could have had it drag out at least a little.

be interesting to see next week how Roode explains himself.

both Roode AND Storm are now well cemented in the main event scene, and that is good for TNA.

 

[Showtime]

I don't watch TNA. Wrestling wise it's a fine program, but there are various things about the TNA product that turn me off from watching it. I only read the results to have a vague idea of how their product is doing. I wish TNA all the best because what the WWE needs right now more than anything is meaningful competition.

That being said, while there has been much much discussion over the past several weeks regarding the 2 recent TNA World Title changes and the fact they were done on free TV and not at a PPV.... it is very refreshing to see TNA finally pushing 2 talents who grew up and developed in TNA and not some recently released WWE wrestler. Credibility issues aside (and is there really any credibility with any title, TNA or WWE) both guys are now main eventers in TNA. Many have said on this forum they should have built up Roodes heel turn... TNA does not generate a lot of viewers. To slowly build Roodes heel turn would only appease the regular viewers and not bring in new ones. TNA is taking a gamble, giving out 2 title changes on Impact to hopefully get a boost in their ratings and then keep the viewers with hopefully a solid Roode/Storm feud. Will it be a success in TNA? Who knows... heck they may get cold feet on it if the ratings don't spike and give the title to Jeff Hardy. Rush that comeback story like Roode's heel turn?

In short, good for Roode, good for Storm, good for the company. They should've been doing this years ago, pushing their talents as main eventers and using the WWE guys to elevate them, not the other way around as it's been for Christian, Angle, Hardy. (Not that they shouldn't be champions, but they should've put over TNA's guys first)

 

[Jack-Hammer]

Generally speaking, I don't really have much of a problem with this. After all, we found out a few days back that Storm suffered a concussion at the Georgia tapings, not sure if it was this episode or the one that will be on on next week. At any rate, by a lucky twist of fate, or maybe not so lucky if you're Storm, a title change took place that was necessary.

I've noticed that TNA doesn't seem to be getting the grief, at least not yet, that WWE got over Christian's 1st brief run as WHC. Not that there's any reason for grief because, ultimately, Storm could come out of this at the end of the day a bigger star than when he got into it just as Christian did.

 

[GrandSword]

From a kayfabe point of view, the title changing hands with the first defence is plausable. Not to bring up UFC, and the word "real", but the Light heavyweight Division title kept changing hands with every new challenger.

Roode and Storm are so evenly matched that it would kayfabe make sense for Roode to win the belt off of Storm, who sort of fluke won it from Angle in the first place. Especially as Roode had become the top guy in the promotion after winning the BFG series and then defeating Fortune.

Being so evenly matched, a draw is not enough.. the champ doesn't have to beat you... you have to beat the champ, and therefore Rode resorted to using the bottle after being frustratingly denied by Angle on the biggest stage of them all (for TNA).

This however deos go back to the concussion thread about Storm and whether it's a work or not.

It could very well be a work now so that Storm doesn't take the belt back off of Roode immediately as Roode will take on other challengers and build him self up as a strong Champion before Storm comes calling for his revenge...

 

[iwinulose]

i was very upset by all this. roode should have won at bound for glory. angle should have started his R & R instead of wrestling a squash match against storm. if they wanted storm and roode to have a feud, they should have turned james storm heel with him smashing a beer bottle over roodes head to have him DQed. idk this is just my own thoughts on it. instead now james storm has lost some heat, plus he is out on injury. idk, hulk hogan really screwed things up on this one. then how they tried to make the save it just wasn't a good idea. however on one note, james storm feuding with the WHC Robert roode will make for a great feud and of all of this i am looking forward to it.

 

[Cena's #1 In My Heart]

I loved it.

Both these men are now established main eventers in my eyes... that match was great. I knew the ending before I watched it, and it still managed to maintain my interest. Just the way it went down, after a long hard fought match, Roode resorted to using the bottle.

I think Roode and Storm both look great with their new music, entrance video, clothing.. whatever... their package... both of them look good. And as long as TNA doesn't pull the rug out from under them.. this should be great.

I hate to see Beer Money disband as a team. But it's probably for the better of their singles careers, and I don't think the way it went down that we can rule out the end of Beer Money once and for all. I think they could still get back together at some point in their careers when the time is right and their feud has cooled down.

 

[JWGunslinger]

I'm very torn on this one, on one hand I'm extremely happy that Bobby Roode finally has his World Heavyweight Championship that he was screwed out of a few weeks ago but at the same time I was very happy to see James Storm with the title and I was really excited to see what he was going to be like as champion. It is funny and sad that Roode used the beer bottle just like Storm did to Harris but it really was a brilliant way to do it, Roode showed that he isn't going to play nice and get screwed like he did the last time he competed for the world title.

It sucks about Storm's concussion and him being out for a few weeks but the way that things are falling into place, it looks like it may have made this story even better. Not only do I think they story is great and Roode's turn tonight was great but I love seeing Storm and Roode together. Whether they're teaming up or facing each other their chemistry is excellent and that has me even more excited for this feud and I think that it's heading in a great direction. I hope that Storm heals up quick and well because I cannot wait to see this new feud continue because it has me so excited this is already one of my favorite beginnings to a feud in TNA history.

 

[conrad405]

i think it was a smart move turning roode heel i think storm is a great heel but i think roode is better with that said im glad the way roode won it. im glad he won it sets up for a great feud i cant wait to see how it plays out

 

[TheIcon2]

If Storm had a concussion he would not be wrestling nor would he be taking a bottle over the head. Concussions can be dangerous as we have learned. If this would true Storm would have dropped the title not wrestled for 20 min further damaging himself. Its a work.

 

[Papa Pillman]

I've noticed that TNA doesn't seem to be getting the grief, at least not yet, that WWE got over Christian's 1st brief run as WHC. Not that there's any reason for grief because, ultimately, Storm could come out of this at the end of the day a bigger star than when he got into it just as Christian did.

I think the major thing that makes these two scenarios different is that Storm dropped the title to Roode, a fellow "long-suffering" TNA original who was also seeking his first world title reign after being screwed out of it following a long, slow build-up.

Christian's first championship victory, in retrospect, came off looking like nothing more than a way to still capatolize on Edge and his involvment more so than to finally reward Christian the title he had long since deserved to carry. And he dropped the title right back to an extremely stale, over-exposed "face-of-the-company" that has had WAY too many world title reigns already.

If Storm would have lost the title in similar fashion tonight to a guy like Angle, Sting, or Hardy then I think you would be seeing the same type of outcry.

 

[Rasha]

if they wanted storm and roode to have a feud, they should have turned james storm heel with him smashing a beer bottle over roodes head to have him DQed.

however on one note, james storm feuding with the WHC Robert roode will make for a great feud and of all of this i am looking forward to it.

Roode is better as a heel, so why should they have turned Storm? There's much more potential in Storm as a major face; wrestling style, catchphrase, look, and the beer drinking. Roode has been fine as a face but he's come off a little bland in some of his promos, especially during the program with Angle. Turning Roode was the best way to maximize the talent of both guys.

And if you think Storm vs. Roode is a great feud, then don't you want Storm as the heroic challenger trying to get revenge on the guy who screwed him?

 

[MWRedskins]

only TWO things that i hated about this match, just two. 1) it was too soon, i feel like this should've been the Turning Point main event, then in that match have Roode turn heel, the effect would've been on a much bigger stage and they could've hyped this longer and 2) the sad ref bump, that ref looked real bad here, i would rather seen him knocked out then having knee trouble, but other than that, i didnt hate it. i wanted Roode as the heel and as the champion, though i think Turning Point would've been a much better way to do it.

 

[George Steele's Barber]

Forgetting BFG and the night after, this was a good match with a weak end. I can accept watching a movie where the camera focuses on a knife and a murderers contemplation to use it but not in live wrestling. I would have liked it if we never seen and forgotten about the bottle toward the end of the match, the camera would have stuck to the wide shot of the ring and then BAM! Roode hits Storm out of nowhere with the bottle. This soap opera emotional camerawork has no place during a match.

That being said, given time Roode could make an excellent heel champion and Storm the chasing face. Should be interesting to see how patient people are with this. I would not be surprised if this lead to Roode going over Storm multiple times which would build him as a more credible top heel and push Storm back down the card (even if it would piss people off). I just see more in heel Roode than I do face Storm.

 

[SpecialFNK]

Forgetting BFG and the night after, this was a good match with a weak end. I can accept watching a movie where the camera focuses on a knife and a murderers contemplation to use it but not in live wrestling. I would have liked it if we never seen and forgotten about the bottle toward the end of the match, the camera would have stuck to the wide shot of the ring and then BAM! Roode hits Storm out of nowhere with the bottle. This soap opera emotional camerawork has no place during a match.

That being said, given time Roode could make an excellent heel champion and Storm the chasing face. Should be interesting to see how patient people are with this. I would not be surprised if this lead to Roode going over Storm multiple times which would build him as a more credible top heel and push Storm back down the card (even if it would piss people off). I just see more in heel Roode than I do face Storm.

but wrestling is a soap opera, a TV show.
seeing the bottle is what made the ending that had Roode turn heel. seeing Roode seeing the bottle. taking time deciding whether or not to use it.

 

[It's Damn Real!]

...and this is why it's necessary to actually watch the show instead of simply reading spoilers, seeing the overall results and glazing over the gaps (like the entire build up of the match) as unimportant.

Yes, Roode won. Yes, Storm's "reign" was short-lived. Yes, many believe Roode simply should have won at Bound For Glory, but guess what? That makes the road to Roode/Storm all that much more difficult. It flips the cards, too, and makes Storm the heel in the scenario to boot.

Frankly, I loved it. That's the kind of calculated turn you love. A series of near-falls and utter frustration lead to Roode snapping after staring at the bottle at ring-side and really contemplating whether or not he was going to use it, only to essentially say "fuck it" and stab his partner and long-time friend in the back to pick up the victory and step into the spotlight. Gee, where've I seen that done before to tremendous success levels (I'll give you two hints: 'suck' and 'it').

Well done, TNA. Well done. You've now officially solidified both Robert Roode and James Storm as main event players, and Storm/Roode will undoubtedly run as the main story line of IMPACT Wrestling for the next number of months, I have no doubts.

 

[George Steele's Barber]

but wrestling is a soap opera, a TV show.
seeing the bottle is what made the ending that had Roode turn heel. seeing Roode seeing the bottle. taking time deciding whether or not to use it.

I am far from a wrestling purist but there has to be some level of ignorance in professional wrestling. Wrestling is not a soap opera, it is a parody of sports with some soap opera characteristics. For the cameramen and director to be so astute to have and keep multiple cameras focused on both Roode and the bottle makes me think about how this is scripted. Once those thoughts enter my brain I can no longer enjoy the moment.

Since they decided to rush the turn they should have just gone with a shock moment like I described before.

BTW, none of the end was helped by the stupid and poorly acted ref bump.

 

[It's Damn Real!]

I am far from a wrestling purist but there has to be some level of ignorance in professional wrestling. Wrestling is not a soap opera, it is a parody of sports with some soap opera characteristics. For the cameramen and director to be so astute to have and keep multiple cameras focused on both Roode and the bottle makes me think about how this is scripted. Once those thoughts enter my brain I can no longer enjoy the moment.

Since they decided to rush the turn they should have just gone with a shock moment like I described before.

BTW, none of the end was helped by the stupid and poorly acted ref bump.

Actually, it was. Without the ref bump, you don't get that moment of reprieve with Roode staring at and contemplating the use of Storm's beer bottle sitting at ring-side.

Poorly acted? You're watching professional wrestling, man, not some Oscar-award winning performance by clasically trained actors/actresses. Give it a little room to breathe and at least try to suspend your disbelief for the sake of the segment.

 

[Viggo]

I saw the Roode heel turn coming, but I wish it would have happened at the next PPV or a few weeks later. TNA could make Roode/Storm a great 3-4 month rivalry at least, but it looks like they'll blow through it in six weeks. I'm hopeful that Roode and Storm's main event status will stick though, and I'm looking forward to a great series of matches.

 

[George Steele's Barber]

IDR - Actually you don't need the ref bump for Roode to have that moment of contemplation. Roode could have simply been knocked out of the ring. You need the ref bump or a ref distraction to allow Roode a chance to use the bottle.

In keeping things in perspective, it is not fair of me to criticize last night's ref bump without acknowledging that 99% of ref bumps are unrealistic and poorly acted.

As far as suspending disbelief, I have watched wrestling for almost 30 years and I still think I do a pretty good job letting things go. Some may think of the camera work to be original or innovative or crucial to the story but to me it was distracting from the moment and the event. In a way it broke the fourth wall, which I can accept in the backstage segments, promos, comedy and lesser matches (see Gillberg) but not the main event for the title. I can't stop my brain, I wish I could sometimes but I can't. Sorry if my comments are taking away from others enjoyment.

 

[IHW]

I had one problem with this match... and that was how stupid i was to read the Spoilers a week ago.

Yeah, i would have loved for this to take time to build up, and i think it still will.

My 66 year old Grandma watched Impact with me last night, and that's saying something because she normally sticks to RAW only. She repeatedly said, "boy this is wrestling!, This is some good stuff here, I hate seeing these to fight, they are best buds, Cowboy better win it, boy i really like this match, this is good wrestling."

I think the Roode heel turn was perfect, and he is a truly good heel. I just hope he don't go with Immortal, because for some reason, they are still around.

The way Roode looked at that bottle sitting on the steps made me really like it.

I can continue to tell that Vince Russo is not in charge any more.

 

[It's Damn Real!]

IDR - Actually you don't need the ref bump for Roode to have that moment of contemplation. Roode could have simply been knocked out of the ring. You need the ref bump or a ref distraction to allow Roode a chance to use the bottle.

In keeping things in perspective, it is not fair of me to criticize last night's ref bump without acknowledging that 99% of ref bumps are unrealistic and poorly acted.

As far as suspending disbelief, I have watched wrestling for almost 30 years and I still think I do a pretty good job letting things go. Some may think of the camera work to be original or innovative or crucial to the story but to me it was distracting from the moment and the event. In a way it broke the fourth wall, which I can accept in the backstage segments, promos, comedy and lesser matches (see Gillberg) but not the main event for the title. I can't stop my brain, I wish I could sometimes but I can't. Sorry if my comments are taking away from others enjoyment.

No, not for the moment of contemplation you don't need it, of course, but you certainly needed it for the use of the bottle. I'm not sure I understand your complaint, honestly. Is it that the ref bump was actually used or that it was executed poorly? Either way I think you're in the wrong on this one and focusing entirely on a really pedantic aspect of the entire sequence.

 

[Jack-Hammer]

i was very upset by all this. roode should have won at bound for glory. angle should have started his R & R instead of wrestling a squash match against storm. if they wanted storm and roode to have a feud, they should have turned james storm heel with him smashing a beer bottle over roodes head to have him DQed. idk this is just my own thoughts on it. instead now james storm has lost some heat, plus he is out on injury. idk, hulk hogan really screwed things up on this one. then how they tried to make the save it just wasn't a good idea. however on one note, james storm feuding with the WHC Robert roode will make for a great feud and of all of this i am looking forward to it.

I can understand where you're coming from here. In most circumstances, I'd be in complete agreement as it made Storm's reign look like a complete fluke. Plus, just tossing around championships like this is a pet peeve of mine.

However, considering that Storm suffered a concussion at these tapings and will be out for at least 6 to 8 weeks, taking the title off of him worked out in the end. The fact that Storm did get injured does change things somewhat. I can understand, to some degree, being upset with an 8 day run for Storm and that TNA planned on taking the title off of him in the first place. The concussion just happened to be, at least in the long run with this storyline, a potential lucky break for TNA. It makes Storm a sympathetic babyface that the crowd can rally behind when he comes back and Storm could come out in the end as a bigger star than ever.

But yeah, if Storm hadn't suffered legit injury at these tapings, I'd have probably been at least a little put off myself.

 

[George Steele's Barber]

No, not for the moment of contemplation you don't need it, of course, but you certainly needed it for the use of the bottle. I'm not sure I understand your complaint, honestly. Is it that the ref bump was actually used or that it was executed poorly? Either way I think you're in the wrong on this one and focusing entirely on a really pedantic aspect of the entire sequence.

I don't like ref bumps because I feel they are overused and poorly executed. The refs come off as being soft, stupid and made of glass. For this match, the ref hurt himself (his leg), that should not mean he has to stop watching the match.

I can see how you might feel like my comments are pedantic but the ref bump and camera shots were a major part of a very good, very important match. My focus on those aspects have increased because my opinions on those apects have been challenged by others.