Controversial segment on IMPACT involving Orlando Jordan

[Schizophrenic]

Well it seems to me that they have already accomplished their goal BEFORE the show has even made air. They have got people talking. Although it seems like most people are for Jordan doing this as long as it doesn't become who he is. Like someone said if he is a heel who happens to be bi then that's one ting but if he is a heel BECAUSE he is bi, then we have an issue. Overall it's bound to get some attention and generate some interest. Like stated before, homo and bi sexual people exist. To try to keep that shrouded in something like wrestling is moronic. It exists and it's not like Jordan is running around the back trying to grope every guy in the locker room. I can see this playing out as "GOLDUST-Eesqu" type things wiht an overtone here and their but not the focus of him.

 

[Jack-Hammer]

I've got no problem with it personally. It's something that had to happen in wrestling eventually. As with everything else in life, some will accept it and some won't. It's 2010 and while some things have changed, or at least moved in the right direction, this could be something that might be harder for some to accept.

When it comes to anything to do with men and homosexuality in athletics, there's still something of that old stigma left. Even though pro wrestling isn't considered a "legitimate sport", the stigma will still be attached for some. Several years ago, I was watching an episode of Real Sports with Bryant Gumble on HBO and they were featuring a story about an ex football player that was openly gay. I can't remember the player's name, only that he was Hawaiian, but he was essentially drummed out of the NFL for his sexuality. The guy was still an asset on the field, could still do his job, but his teammates just didn't look at him the same way. They also showed an interview conducted with a former player, also can't remember his name as it's been at least 5 years back and this older player showed barely hidden disdain for gays being in football. Bob Costas was conducting the interview and he said he found it a little odd that the NFL welcomes players with open arms that have been to drug rehab, beaten their wives or girlfriends and committed sexual assault but gays aren't really welcome in the NFL. The former player he interviewed just shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly and basically said that's just how it is.

There's still something of an idea among many in America that some areas of athletics is something only for "manly men" and that all homosexuals are "sissies" and all that stuff. This could be be a positive thing for TNA, taking a step like this, or it could be negative when it's all said and done. However it turns out, it's a bold move.

 

[De Mysteriis Dom Satanas]

Oh no, an angle where Orlando Jordan's legit bisexuality is exposed, THINK OF THE CHILDREN!!!

Seriously, I'd think people wouldn't be making a huge deal about this, especially since homosexuality and bisexuality are somewhat more accepted now by the media. Then again, this IS Spike we're talking about, so who knows?

 

[bigtimejad]

I wonder if the crucial crew breaks out a 'this is wrestling' chant when it happens.

Shock treatment is completely pointless if it's not a draw. Now people know about it before it even happens, what a shock. There's plenty of ways to prove you have a more edgier product than turning off your key demographic. Whether its polictically correct or not, more people will tune out rather than in. Frankly I don't want to see 2 men kissing but i'll prolly watch Impact anyway even though it's already wearing thin and this doesnt help. Next will we get the Nasty Boys kissing? 2 things I don't want to see in one.

 

[Poɘt]

I just hope the early uproar doesn't lead to it being edited off of Impact.

I have no problem with this, and it seems many here don't either. I do wonder if Spike is gonna have a problem with it. Which would be really odd considering a lot of the things they allow on shows like Manswers.

 

[Deexter Jorgan]

I think this is good for TNA IMO, if they can do this right they can get alot of heat on the company and as they say any promotion is good promotion.

Jordan is a good wrestler and someone who can probably shine in tna, but the fact that he is using a storyline that could lose TNA viewers because it is seen as a company that is dominated with a large male fan base.

or it could be the catalyst that gives tna ratings but either way it may do more harm then good, lets see how this progresses because we know how TNA is and may just be a slight blip on the companies larger scale imo.

 

[Armeniac]

I like the idea of pushing the boundries, and building up some interest in TNA. WWE has been toying around the edges with CM Punk and his crew, Gallows constantly rubbing Punk, and previously with the Big Show /Jericho break up. Sadly this contreversey is wasted on a very dull wrestler. But shit, if some kid somewhere sees a wrestler kiss another man, maybe he won't feel so bad for his own feelings towards other males, could be a good thing socially, or Orlando could be a huge gay heel.

 

[ronthony717]

If he's heal then this is gonna turn out really bad and the gaylesbianbitrans group people will not stay quiet about it which might be what they want.. On theother hand if he's face then this can be a great storyline.. It shows that being gay bi or w/e life is hard to go through with everyone judging you.. I would know.. I'm gay and have to deal with people who hate on a life that you really can't choose but w/e lol.. This can show that he goes through all the struggles to show that no matter ur color or orientation or anything else you can succeed and become the best in the business.. Good luck to jordon and tna for trying this out.. Truthfully I hope it works out... Cause its an interesting story

 

[flocker]

Wow, nothing like boys kissing boys to get a bunch of rasslin fans in a tizzy.

Who cares?

You know when I'll care? When the guy he kisses looks as much like Ted Danson as OJ looks like Whoopie Goldberg.

Or if they put him into a series of matches with Mr. Anderson - who uses a lot of "pump handles" and standing go-behinds while badmouthing him and calling him "Randy".

Then I'll care. Because that would be funny.

You want heat? Have a straight seeming wrestler make oj his bitch. Then you'll see some heat. Morley doesn't seem to have anything to do that anyone gives a crap about. Put them in a series where oj seems all to willing to get on his back.

Here's to Mr Madden's cavalcade of stars (big fan, big fan).

 

[Kenny Powers]

So fuck the kids huh? You do realize TNA needs kids if they want to be around another 3 or 4 years. You do fucking understand TNA's little piss poor audience can't pay for Hogan, Bischoff, all the top talent, and has beens like Hall, Nash, Hart and Nasties. They are drawing 1.2 That is .2 better than WWE's fourth show, that I have NEVER watched.

Fuck the kids? The kids are what makes wrestling. Without Kids, there is no fucking Hogan to supposedly save TNA. You think during the attitude era it was all 17-35 year old men cheering for Austin and the nWo? You didn't happen to see the millions of kids going to middle school with nWo, and Austin this and DX that and Sting foam bats?

Adults don't spend money, as much as parents do. If their kids want it, usually, spoiled little brats they are, they get it.

I, however, would like to see a compromise. Obviously with all these PR groups, and Benoits suicide, wrestling isn't quite ready for a Rated R Wrestling again. Besides that, we ARE in a recession. So if parents have to decide on shitty boring Cena, or a dude who bangs guys, guess which one they will choose?

And frankly, it doesn't bother me that a dude kissed another dude. However, when your trying to capture a certain audience, 17-35 male, most of them don't want to watch dudes kiss. Call it homophobe, call it ignorance, whatever. Fact is, 90% of people don't want to see that shit.

Which is why, til this day, Goldust is STILL one of the most creative, fantastic characters to ever grace the ring. What he was able to pull off was incredible. But for every Dustin, there are Lenny and Lane or whatever they were, Adrian Adonis, Rick Martel, that push the gay stereotypes that don't sell.

And wether you like it or don't like it, and I don't like it, Vince is making money in a time where business are expecting bailouts on a monthly basis.

If you don't want to watch WWE, quit being a fucking hypocrite and stop talking about them. You think you rambling on a moron is going to change anybodies opinions? No.

How about we concentrate on removing the trash from TNA, like Hall, Suxpac and Dudleys and Nasties. Or you can still ramble on about how WWE is doing everything wrong, yet TNA can't even fill a 2,000 seat arena.

Wow talk about off topic. Why does every thread have to be about TNA bashing or WWE bashing. TNA is a more adult product for a different audience. Russo is trying to make a product for all audiences even if some of that is taboo. I think a character like Goldust was great for the 90s, but now its 2010. They need a character more edgier and since it's Jordan's idea, why not run with it? How do you know 90% of people don't want to see a two guys kiss? Hell that's pretty tame for 2010.

He is bisexual so why shouldn't he have a male and female escort in the ring. Honestly as long as I can see The Beautiful People's ass cheeks every week, I could care less if OJ blows a dude in the ring. Which obviously they aren't going to do. It's two men kissing, not the end of the world. It's pretty tame considering that men kiss in raunchy R rated comedies and television dramas that a lot of 18-35 year old men watch.

If a 2 second kiss is going to turn you or anyone else off to TNA then good riddance. Its no worst then what they show on television and movies this day and age anyways. As far as Nastys and Hall and Six Pacc go, if them being on TNA for 2 minutes out of a 2 or 3 hour show is going to disturb you so much then stop watching.

As far as TNA not being able to hold 2,000 people, maybe not in The Impact Zone, but their big PPV's on the road like Bound For Glory have sold over 4,000 and 5,000. Nice try Mister I hate TNA with a passion because its cool.

 

[Shazam!]

As stated, this is a case of TNA bringing their slogan for Impact "cross the line" to fruition by actually turning up the heat quite a bit on that concept.

In WWE, you know what you are going to get. On TNA, you are going to get a clear-cut Adult product that will tackle very controversial issues, like the Attitude Era used to be.

But TNA is not portraying Orlando Jordan up to this point as necessarily a Heel. He's just there. He's basically a Tweener and he appears to be a classic case of Russo's old philosophy of not having every character as a Face or Heel, but rather allowing the audience to pick whether they want to cheer or boo some characters. If they don't necessarily portray Jordan as a clear cut Heel on TV, then it's less of a PC thing.

I also can't see the LGBT community getting all that upset if Jordan isn't portrayed as a Heel, either. Besides, since it is Jordan's real life preference, he would fire back on those that would get upset. Anyone of the LGBT community that would get upset over that only prove themselves to be a group of hypocrites.

Again, hats off to TNA on giving fans something to talk about.

I'm absolutely certain, if WWE were to do the same with one of their superstars, this guy would have jumped down vince mcmahons throat with his "one man audience" crap... instead of saying "finally, something to talk about!"

how are you so sure it is an angle? it doesnt say in the report that he made out with the guy...maybe it was a little peck on the cheek?

 

[CraigThe13th]

I think it's wrong that they have two guys kissing but yet they won't have the beautiful people kiss.

Well, as stated by other posters, Orlando is bi in real life, so it makes sense him kissing another man. While, other the other hand, the Beautiful People are not (at least openly) bi or lesbian.

Nothing wrong with two guys kissing, I am not gay and seeing it is not my cup of tea either, but if wrestling is to imitate real life every once in a while why not have a bi guy be bi?

I don't think Jordan is much of a wrestler but I admire him for being open about his lifestyle in the world of wrestling where homosexuality isn't accepted. Can anyone name any openly gay wrestlers on either WWE or TNA roster other than him? Nope cos if they are, it's a guarded secret.

It's a homophobic business I guess, opitimised by this dopey post which claims 2 girls should pretend to be lesbians for the enjoyment of some sex starved marks but that an openly gay man can't kiss another man.

Wrestling needs to get in this century and what TNA did is a step forward

 

[classicviolence]

Sidious you proved that you are a clown.

TNA is on Spike TV, a man's channel. A channel that prides itself on ass kicking and toughness. And as far as the kids comment goes TV-14 is still kids. TV-MA ala South Park would be different but this is still a show to get people into buying/supporting your product.

This isn't about anything other than pissing off fans that do not want to see this kind of garbage on their TV sets. Call me a Bigot, Dinosaur or whatever you want to call me but I don't wanna see that crap on my TV.

Like I stated in my first post, I do not care what they do in private but when you start flaunting that crap in my face it insults me. WWE realises that the kids that watch the program are going to grow up wrestling fans and/or wrestlers themselves. So they try to be sensitive in what they portray on TV.

TNA on the other hand are trying to expand, and in all essence stay alive. So making unnecessary risks are not worth the turmoil and backlash this may have.

Hell, I am still gonna watch Impact because I am a die hard. But keep the homosexuality off my screen please.

BTW, do you see this kind of stuff from puroresu?? Hells no!!

 

[psykohurricane]

This isn't a big problem for me. They are trying to get Orlando over and if he has to bring is personal live into it so that the fans actually care about him then do it.

The problem is, if that doesn'T work and the fan still don't react at all to Orlando Jordan then what? it's not like they would have him sleep with a guy on IMPACT. For me Orlando doesn'T belong in TNA, he one of the most boring wrestlers in the history of pro wrestling, he wasn't interesting in the WWE and he not interesting in TNA. The guys just doesn'T have it and i don'T see why he got sign in the first place. This thing will probably blow up in their face because it don'T see the fans being that shock when seeing Orlando kiss another guy.

 

[Pedro08]

It's a fine line that TNA is walking right now. I don't have a problem with Jordan's lifestyle, you love who you love. However, I question why TNA would ok this move right at the point of going head to head with RAW in Mondays.

The beauty of acts like Adrian Adonis, Chuck and Billy, Lenny and Lodi and Goldust is that they brought their characters right up to the edge. Apparently Jordan has taken the next step by actually kissing a guy on TV. Granted, we don't know if it was on the lips or on the cheek, but regardless, it's a gutsy move.

At a time when TNA is trying to build an audience, especially when they move to Mondays, why do something that will not draw an audience and has the potential to drive away fans.

To all those who say if you don't like it, change the channel, remember that there will be an option for fans on Mondays. So why would TNA ok something that could potentially drive fans towards the competition?

As for Spike TV, that is an interesting question. Spike is geared towards heterosexual men. It will be interesting to see their reaction to something that could quite possibly offend their target audience.

I realize that it is 2010 and that times have changed, but I just don't think should be making this move at this critical time of moving to Monday nights to go up against RAW.

 

[Schizophrenic]

Like I stated in my first post, I do not care what they do in private but when you start flaunting that crap in my face it insults me. WWE realises that the kids that watch the program are going to grow up wrestling fans and/or wrestlers themselves. So they try to be sensitive in what they portray on TV.

They are not flaunting it in your face. For fucks sake we dont even know if he kissed him on the cheek or lips yet. he didn't make out with the guy or grab the guys johnson so ease it up. If you can't get over a peck ont eh cheek from a guy to another then I think you have to look at yourself and maybe question your own motives for hating it so much. Also don't go to France as that is usually how some guys greet each other with a kiss on the cheek.

I don't think this will be as big of an issue as other seem to believe it will be. I easilysee this as a test to see how it works and if it doesn'tit probably won't happen again. I also don't see the issue with TNA being on SPike TV. Just cause it's a "man's channel" doesn't mean that everyone who watches it are homophobic morons who still think that a guy kissing a guy is an abomination to the human race.

 

[Josefien]

TNA is on Spike TV, a man's channel. A channel that prides itself on ass kicking and toughness.

Wow. I'm trying to keep my rage to a minimum and just asking you this:
Do you think someone who is homosexual or bisexual can not kick ass? Or be tough?

Like I stated in my first post, I do not care what they do in private but when you start flaunting that crap in my face it insults me.

I'd understand this if what they were showing was actually shocking. If someone in TNA supported child pornography on- and off-screen, I would understand it.
But someone who doesn't seem to care what gender his lover/affair/significant other/whatever giving them a kiss? Oh no, how insulting. It's a fucking kiss and it wasn't like that other dude was raped.


Back on topic again:
Many of you seem to think of Orlando Jordan as boring or not that good of a wrestler. That's fine, to everyone their opinion, but I can already see a certain group of people go 'GAY PEOPLE CAN'T WRESTLE zomg!!' which does make me a little sad. I hope it won't be happening though.

 

[I_Like_All_Wrestling]

I'm going to bet that when this airs people are going to say "whoa he just kissed that dude" regardless of what type of kiss it is. I'll go on record here saying that I bet it's a simple peck on the lips. It's not like he's going to be full on making out with a dude.

Wrestling is a predominantly male focused sport. I'd venture to guess that it's also a predominantly straight fanbase as well. With that in mind, it would simply be dumb for them to do a full on gay angle (the fact that this is bisexual helps). Most fans probably would prefer not to see an angle like that...but in the context that this is in and the way I expect it to show on tv, I don't think it's going to be a big deal to anyone.

 

[pessimism101]

I'm not a fan of public displays of affection (by anyone) to begin with, but unless it's excessive like a make-out sessions, then I don't care.

I'm sure it will offend people and I say GOOD! Nothing's worth doing if it doesn't offend someone. The religious people need to get over themselves because, if they truly followed the Bible, then pretty much everything in this world would be considered sacreligious. As for kids? Why do they need to be protected? Nothing was ever censored from me when I was growing up and I turned out fine. Kids are smarter than people realize and the more we coddle them, the worse off they'll be. The worse things kids will learn is from their parents and family members, NOT from something they see or hear on TV.

Plain and simple, shit happens and the quicker people get over it, the better. On a side note, there was a time Kurt Angle kissed Brock Lesnar on Smackdown and yet Angle is still one of the most popular guys in the business...

 

[JobMeOut2008]

Think of the children. The pure innocence and blind naivety of our children! Oh what about those oh-so-young impressionable children?

Well, I suppose this young generation of TNA fans are destined to grow up to be Olympic champion, mask-wearing, bisexual gangstas with a penchant for hitting each other with steel chairs.

It seems to me so telling that news of an image of homosexual intimacy hits the wrestling world and what is the first reaction by homophobes across the board....WHAT ABOUT THE KIDS?!

You should ask yourselves, why is homosexuality such a threat to my child? Are they doomed to grow up heterosexual if they're exposed to too many episodes of "The Guiding Light"?

 

[The Doctor]

I personally think it's great. I am a big supporter of gay rights, and Orlando Jordan is bisexual in real life anyway. People need to get their heads out of their asses and realize that gay people are out there and they can be just as smart, or tough as straight people. Kudos to TNA for breaking boundaries like this.

If they roll with it as just a facet of his character I think that it could be a good step in the right direction. As long as they don't make a big deal out of it and he continues to be Orlando Jordan (As opposed to "Orlando Jordan WHO IS BI!!!!") it could be good. I'm not saying TNA will stage a social revolution and this will change the world, but it's still something good to note in the battle for equality.

 

[Kliq]

First of all, to Mr. TNA, I would love to see some documentation that parents buy more merch. than adults for themselves, as I believe the complete opposite. I've said before, very FEW parents who do not have an interest in pro wrestling would ever even consider buying a PPV for $40+ on a monthly, semi-monthly basis.

Second, on topic, I don't understand the kid argument. Children should view gays and lesbians as equals to straights, regardless of politcal/relgious views. Some of you are saying children should not be exposed to homosexuality. Why? They are exposed to heterosexuality, and there is no moral difference. I am a Christan conservative and feel that everyone is equal in terms of homo-hetero relations. Children SHOULD be exposed to homosexuality so that they learn tolerance at an early age.

As a matter of fact I would go so far as to say make SURE your KIDS watch the Orlando Jordan segment on TNA if it airs. Make damn sure they watch. Explain to them it is all right, acceptable behavior if that is what you're in to. From the posts in this thread there are far too many of you who weren't taught tolerance. Race, sexual orientation, religion, they are all related and they need to all be tolerated. Whether or not you agree is up to you, but remember ignorance is NOT bliss.

 

[The Marauder]

I say good for Jordan. I mean who gives a damn if he's gay or bi. If he's happy doing it; then keep doing it. It'll give TNA a great look in the gay/bi sexual community.

However, I don't much care for Jordan wrestling style or his status on the roster. Yet, I'm not surprise that Orlando Jordan from WWE circa 2004; is the same Jordan for TNA in 2010. I mean, his look is like a poor man's Booker T look-alike. Only thing I like about him is maybe the entrance music. Not a bad beat.

TNA always had a history to spring surprises onto it's fan-base. I always liked that. That's why I love TNA Wrestling.

Marauder

 

[CraigThe13th]

Sidious you proved that you are a clown.

TNA is on Spike TV, a man's channel. A channel that prides itself on ass kicking and toughness. And as far as the kids comment goes TV-14 is still kids. TV-MA ala South Park would be different but this is still a show to get people into buying/supporting your product.

This isn't about anything other than pissing off fans that do not want to see this kind of garbage on their TV sets. Call me a Bigot, Dinosaur or whatever you want to call me but I don't wanna see that crap on my TV.

Like I stated in my first post, I do not care what they do in private but when you start flaunting that crap in my face it insults me. WWE realizes that the kids that watch the program are going to grow up wrestling fans and/or wrestlers themselves. So they try to be sensitive in what they portray on TV.

TNA on the other hand are trying to expand, and in all essence stay alive. So making unnecessary risks are not worth the turmoil and backlash this may have.

Hell, I am still gonna watch Impact because I am a die hard. But keep the homosexuality off my screen please.

BTW, do you see this kind of stuff from puroresu?? Hells no!!

Do you realize how bad you come off with these posts?

I bet you didn't complain when Torrie Wilson and Dawn Marie kissed? or when Bischoff was always talking up 'HLA'

You need to open your eyes and stop being such a caveman. If two gay guys were kissing next to you in a club and you told them to stop that 'crap' and take that 'garbage' somewhere else you would probs get your ass kicked.

Gay people are everywhere, yet you think they should hide who they are because it upsets you seeing them kiss, grow up mate and stop being so small minded.

 

[Jenj]

How could anybody have a problem with this?! It's just two people kissing for crying out loud!

Many times in this thread people have mentioned "the kids"... well, what are you doing allowing your kids to watch a TV14 program?!
Children aged 14+ are old enough to know about kissing (surely?!) and they are also old enough to have their own opinions of what they see... just like everyone here. If you don't like what you see, don't watch it.

It's about time the wrestling world looked upon gay and bi people as the regular human beings that they are! It's sickening how homophobic the industry is, but what's more sickening is how homophobic some of you fans seem to be.

Yes, it is a macho business... but just for the record, "Macho" doesn't mean "straight". There are so many buff gay men, who have not an ounce of campness to them. But they like other men, deal with it.

Some people obviously need educating that being gay/bi is not some sort of x-rated disease! I think everyone who has a problem with gay kissing is just ignorant! It's NO DIFFERENT to a man and woman kissing, yet some of you are reacting to it as if you've just seen some hardcore porn on a TV14 wrestling show!

The craziest thing of all is that none of you have even SEEN this kiss! You've just read the spoiler.

Anyway, enough ranting. Big up to all who don't have a problem with men kissing men!