On June 28 and June 29, TNA Wrestling put on two tremendous shows at the ECW Arena (2300 Arena) in Philadelphia. Read on for my thoughts on these spectacular nights of sports entertainment, including photos and a special video from this past weekend.
Thursday, June 27, 2024: Lunch with Gail Kim
If you watched the latest update on my TNA book, then you know that the new focus of my book is on the TNA Knockouts. Gail Kim is the most important TNA Knockout of all time and the most influential female professional wrestler of the past 25 years. Without Gail, TNA, and the Knockouts, women’s wrestling would be in far worse shape. As a result of Gail’s hard work, women are now in the main event of WrestleMania and receiving more money and exposure than they ever have. All of this is the result of the birth of the TNA Knockouts in 2007.
Lately, I’ve been having in-depth conversations with Gail about this topic, and we decided to grab lunch together while she was in town with TNA. It was wonderful spending time with Gail, whom I respect and admire a great deal. She’s a special woman, and I’m honored to call her my friend.
Friday, June 28, 2024: First Night of TV Tapings
The first night of TNA iMPACT TV tapings at the legendary ECW Arena was excellent. I had the opportunity to have substantive conversations with several Anthem executives, including Ariel Shnerer, the Senior Vice President of Content, Distribution, & Marketing. Ariel handles the day-to-day operations of TNA Wrestling and has been doing a wonderful job. When I approached him after the first night and told him about my book, he said, “You’re the guy who had lunch with Gail yesterday before my meeting with her!” He then proceeded to say, “If you need anything from us for your book, please let us know.” Ariel was very kind, and I appreciate his support of my project.
I also caught up with TNA publicist Ross Forman, head referee Daniel Spencer, and color commentator Matthew Rehwoldt. After Matt Hardy’s tag team match, I was lucky enough to snap a selfie with him that he wound up sharing on his Instagram the next day. Best of all, I spent time with friends after the show, talking about our favorite moments of the night.
After the main event, Tommy Dreamer came into the ring to thank the fans for supporting TNA and encouraged them to attend the second night of TV tapings.
Saturday, June 229, 2024: Second Night of TV Tapings
The second night was even better than the first. While speaking with an Anthem executive near the merchandise booth, Gail Kim called me, so I went to the backstage area and spoke with her for a while. Once the first Knockouts match was about to start, we hugged each other and said goodbye so Gail could go produce the match.
There were thousands of fans in the ECW Arena this second night. It was sold out to the point where TNA legally could not allow anyone else in the building. It was standing room only, and the energy in the arena was electric. Everyone was pumped up to see the Knockouts, Joe Hendry, The Hardys, and everyone else on TNA’s spectacular roster of talent. Even Deonna Purrazzo was there and was kind enough to take a photo with me.
The response the fans gave Matt and Jeff Hardy when they came out was unlike anything I’ve ever heard. The ECW Arena came unglued when The Hardys’ music hit. And all of us sang along to Joe Hendry’s song when he made his way to the ring. I spent time talking with Joe Hendry after the show, and I said, “I told Gail and the Anthem executives that you’re really over with the crowd.” He smiled and replied, “Keep doing that!”
TNA Wrestling is on fire right now! Based on the conversations I’ve had with Anthem executives and those working for the company, and the incredible action I saw on Friday and Saturday night, TNA’s future is brighter than ever. It’s a great time to be a fan of TNA Wrestling. If you’re a lapsed fan or never got into TNA Wrestling, now is the time. Exciting developments are on the horizon, and I can’t wait for what’s to unfold in the months and years to come.