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[Triumph]

http://www.tnawrestling.com/

It's just a little blurb halfway down the page, but methinks we're gonna see one Mr. Christian.

 

[GaimeGuy]

Who said it's one person?

Christian + Jericho + Haas FTW.

 

[Minotauro]

Meltzer claims it's Christian.

 

[evil ways]

It has to be Christian. I don't think he would turn down WWE so easily unless he had a similar or better offer from TNA. He doesn't strike me as a ROH or Japan kinda guy.

 

[Battlezone]

[fantasy booking]

They should wait for the expiring contract of Benoit to lapse, and-assuming he doesn't hightail it to Japan-wrap him up and bring them in with the Chrises Jericho and Tian, as well as Charlie Haas.

Benoit, Jericho, Christian, Haas. C4. They don't have to do an InVasion (tm) per se, but as a faction, That's a group I'd put up there with any of the factions in history, including the original Horsemen:

Jericho: Flair
Benoit: Arn Anderson
Christian/Haas: Ole Anderson/Tully Blanchard

[/fantasy booking]

 

[Liu Kang Baking A Pie]

[fantasy booking]

They should wait for the expiring contract of Benoit to lapse, and-assuming he doesn't hightail it to Japan-wrap him up and bring them in with the Chrises Jericho and Tian, as well as Charlie Haas.

Benoit, Jericho, Christian, Haas. C4. They don't have to do an InVasion (tm) per se, but as a faction, That's a group I'd put up there with any of the factions in history, including the original Horsemen:

Jericho: Flair
Benoit: Arn Anderson
Christian/Haas: Ole Anderson/Tully Blanchard

[/fantasy booking]

I've thought similarly... Jericho, Christian and Benoit would all come in as heels from WWE thinking they're above TNA and they're only there to prove that they're better.

Edit: It'd be the same as Jericho's WWF debut, really, except it would actually make sense because of how competitive and technical TNA matches can be compared to sports-entertainment crap.

 

[Outcast2004]

It IS christian. They just havent officially said so due to getting the legal clearances for the name.


He WILL be able to use the name "Christian" as he used prior to WWE appearances.

YAY TNA!

 

[Nameless]

Good move for Christian. He has enough moeny where he wouldn't have to work a few years ANYWAY. I'm sure TNA isn't paying him much less than the low ball deal the WWE offered him, and he only works 1 or 2 shows a week. As opposed to 3-4-5.

 

[StoOgE]

Yeah, I have to say if I had a choice and I allready had enough money I would go to TNA. Filming twice a month + PPV and having all shows in one location as opposed to traveling and doing 4 shows a week?

Easy call. You could actually work at TNA and have a life outside of the buisness.

Im glad he gets to keep the name and likely the charachter. Sad that he wont be able to call people his peeps, Captain Carisma, CLB et al

 

[Battlezone]

He WILL be able to use the name "Christian" as he used prior to WWE appearances.

YAY TNA!

Source? While I think Christian keeping his name would be great, this is one of those instances where I think the 'E would be completely in their rights to try and keep their hands on the "Christian" name. It's not to hard to see that even if he used the name prior to joining the WWF (Christian Cage?), it was in the WWF/E that the name "Christian" became, well, a NAME. This isn't a situation like the Dudleys where they were a known entity prior to joining WWE, via their ECW connections. Christian is largely home-grown talent, and if Vince is going to hold a stranglehold on the "Dudley" name, I just can't see him letting the "Christian" persona go for nothing. Although I would love to be wrong.

 

[StoOgE]

Vince got to keep the Dudley name beacuse ECW owned the rights to it, and WWE owns the rights to whatever ECW did.

Christian may not be able to use Christian by itself. He may need to go by Christian Cage, now sure. Also, WTF at Copeland going by "Sexton Hardcastle :lol

 

[the_geche]

Vince may own the trademark to the Christian name, but Reso will still be able to use it as he used it WELL before he was ever in the E. The precedent for this is VKM vs The Honky Tonk Man and Vince vs the Ultimate Warrior...

 

[Raw64life]

I wasn't even aware that you could trademark "Christian" as it is both a common first name as well as a common religion among other things.

 

[Brian Fellows]

Two other names that are popping up besides Christian are Justin Credible(who will fued with Jerry Lynn if the rumors are true) and Test. Credible would be ok with me but I could do without Test.

As for the Jericho, Benoit, And Christian thing...why not go one further and throw in the greatest Canadian of all time....

He could really show the boys in TNA how to have a good time.

 

[Shinobi]

Man, I loved Lance Storm...it's a shame he never had a match with Bret.

 

[Forgotten_Taco]

Two other names that are popping up besides Christian are Justin Credible(who will fued with Jerry Lynn if the rumors are true) and Test. Credible would be ok with me but I could do without Test.

As for the Jericho, Benoit, And Christian thing...why not go one further and throw in the greatest Canadian of all time....

He could really show the boys in TNA how to have a good time.

I could only hope they get all of those guys. Except Test, Test should become a real estate salesman, like Rick Steiner.

 

[Brian Fellows]

Speak of the devil....and the devil appears. I just read this in tomorrows ROH Newsire.....

November 9th: Lance Storm will be at the 12/3 Manhattan show. He says he wants to check out Ring Of Honor live. Storm will be available for autographs that night. Lance Storm will also be the subject of an edition of the Straight Shootin' Series.

Wish I lived in the NYC area. Hopefully he sticks around for more than autographs and shoot interviews. Something like Lance Storm vs Charlie Haas could be sweet for the ROH Wrestlemania weekend shows in Chicago.

 

[Outcast2004]

Source? While I think Christian keeping his name would be great, this is one of those instances where I think the 'E would be completely in their rights to try and keep their hands on the "Christian" name. It's not to hard to see that even if he used the name prior to joining the WWF (Christian Cage?), it was in the WWF/E that the name "Christian" became, well, a NAME. This isn't a situation like the Dudleys where they were a known entity prior to joining WWE, via their ECW connections. Christian is largely home-grown talent, and if Vince is going to hold a stranglehold on the "Dudley" name, I just can't see him letting the "Christian" persona go for nothing. Although I would love to be wrong.

Source? EVERY DAMN WRESTLING SITE!

They may not own the rights to the Christian name due to the simple fact that he was known as Christia Rage/Cage way before ever coming to the WWE. The precedant has been set by Honky Tonk man and Warrior both. All you have to do is PROVE you were using that name before the trademark was applied and it's yours. Shouldn't be hard.

In a case like the Dudleyz that was a mcuh different situation. They were supposed to ownt he Dudleyz name upon leaving ECW. But due to a paperwork snafu that never happened. The ownership of the gimmick stayed with ECW up until the point of their bankruptcy and subsequent buyout by WWE. Therefore retaining all rights to their characters.

Vince didn't even start worrying about character names until TNA became a national competitor. Granted they aren't on a WWE or even WCW level yet, but time will tell as the roster grows and the push for a 2 hour slot comes into play.

I'd say TNA is doing DAMN well for having a slot on 11pm on a Saturday night. They get a lot of views for a shitty timeslot.

 

[Battlezone]

Source? EVERY DAMN WRESTLING SITE!

They may not own the rights to the Christian name due to the simple fact that he was known as Christia Rage/Cage way before ever coming to the WWE. The precedant has been set by Honky Tonk man and Warrior both. All you have to do is PROVE you were using that name before the trademark was applied and it's yours. Shouldn't be hard.

Vince didn't even start worrying about character names until TNA became a national competitor. Granted they aren't on a WWE or even WCW level yet, but time will tell as the roster grows and the push for a 2 hour slot comes into play.

I'd say TNA is doing DAMN well for having a slot on 11pm on a Saturday night. They get a lot of views for a shitty timeslot.

True, but he used the name "Christian Cage" before coming into WWE, not "Christian". And it's the "Christian" name that became famous. If he uses the "Cage" surname, then I agree with you. If he tries flying solo with just "Christian", I can see where there'd be a problem, that's all I'm saying.

[off topic] As far as TNA and their prime time possibilities, given the disappointing rating that last week's special pulled (which I enjoyed, up until that main event), I can't see Spike being in any sort of a rush to give them a regular spot. They're in a tough spot, because now they're going to have to build upon an audience on a difficult night at a difficult time before Spike will even begin to consider them for a regular primetime slot, IMO.

 

[bjork]

I'd imagine that he could use Christian but not CLB or CC, but that's fine. I think he's imaginative enough to come up with newer names and he'll be over either way because he's entertaining to watch. They could call him Captain Cocksucker, and he could still find a way to make it work.

He made a chicken suit entertaining, for fuck's sake.

 

[Outcast2004]

[off topic] As far as TNA and their prime time possibilities, given the disappointing rating that last week's special pulled (which I enjoyed, up until that main event), I can't see Spike being in any sort of a rush to give them a regular spot. They're in a tough spot, because now they're going to have to build upon an audience on a difficult night at a difficult time before Spike will even begin to consider them for a regular primetime slot, IMO.

Actually Spike was quite happy with the rating. They would have preferred a 1.0, but given the fact that they didn't promote it until day of show says alot.

I think them getting a primetime slot is sooner than you'd think. There is a reasoning for Spike wanting TNA to expand it's roster and go after more "name" talent.

Factor in them touring doing house shows soon as well, you're seeing a company on the rise.

 

[Guzim]

From TNAwrestlingnews.com

Yet Even More On Jay 'Christian' Reso's New Name
Report by TNA Wrestling News Staff on 11/09/2005 at 06:53 PM

We have even further news on Christian. It looks as if they are going to go with the following. His in-ring name will be Christian Cage while they will use the slogan "Captain Charisma" to sell merchandise. Here are the trademarks that were filed:

Christian Cage

IC 041. US 100 101 107. G & S: Entertainment in the nature of wrestling contests; Entertainment services in the nature of a wrestling club; Entertainment services namely live, televised and movie appearances by a professional entertainer; Entertainment services, namely, personal appearances by a professional wrestler. FIRST USE: 20040930. FIRST USE IN COMMERCE: 20040930

Captain Charisma

IC 016. US 002 005 022 023 029 037 038 050. G & S: Address books; Albums for stickers; Bank checks; Blackboard erasers ; Book covers; Book plates; Bumper stickers; Calendars; Chalk; Chalk erasers; Checkbook covers; Children's activity books; Coloring books; Comic books; Commemorative stamp sheets; Date books; Decals; Drawing rulers; Erasers; Gift wrapping paper; Greeting cards; Lithographs; Memo pads; Napkin paper; Packaging, namely blister cards; Paper banners; Paper cake decorations; Paper for wrapping and packaging; Paper party bags; Paper party favors; Paper party hats; Paper pouches for packaging; Pencil cases; Pencil sharpeners; Pencils; Pens; Photographs; Picture books; Pictures; Plastic bags for packaging; Postcards; Posters; Printed paper signs; Rubber erasers; Rubber stamps; Souvenir programs concerning sports entertainment; Stamp pads; Stencils; Stickers; Trading cards

YES!

 

[The Main Event]

From TNAwrestlingnews.comYES!

That's truly, truly awesome. Christian is a winner, a winner is Christian.

Let's hope they're gonna hype it this Saturday on Impact.

 

[Battlezone]

His current theme music isn't WWE licensed music. Can he bring that over too? If he's got the Captain Charisma name AND recognizable music, that really could be the biggest part of the equation.

Actually Spike was quite happy with the rating. They would have preferred a 1.0, but given the fact that they didn't promote it until day of show says alot.

Why would they be happy with that rating? .9 is the high end of what the Saturday shows have been getting, which means all the Thursday show did was bring over the people who already watch the show-they didn't bring in any new viewers, which presumably was the point of the special (besides the fact it was preempted for TUF2). Both Meltzer and Keller were predicting in the 1.0-1.5 range, which would have been considered an amazing success considering that week's RAW only drew a 3.4.

And if Spike didn't bother to promote the show until the day of the show, that would concern me if I were TNA, especially given the network's history with ECW.

But enough ratings talk-yay Christian (Cage)! This'll be enough to get me to finally sit down and give iMPACT! a Season Pass on the TiVo, instead of (sometimes) remembering to switch over and record it after RAW.

 

[Guzim]

I'm pretty sure Christian could bring his music, the only thing that he wouldn't have is the strings, since I'm pretty sure WWE added that in.

 

[Outcast2004]

His current theme music isn't WWE licensed music. Can he bring that over too? If he's got the Captain Charisma name AND recognizable music, that really could be the biggest part of the equation.



Why would they be happy with that rating? .9 is the high end of what the Saturday shows have been getting, which means all the Thursday show did was bring over the people who already watch the show-they didn't bring in any new viewers, which presumably was the point of the special (besides the fact it was preempted for TUF2). Both Meltzer and Keller were predicting in the 1.0-1.5 range, which would have been considered an amazing success considering that week's RAW only drew a 3.4.

And if Spike didn't bother to promote the show until the day of the show, that would concern me if I were TNA, especially given the network's history with ECW.

But enough ratings talk-yay Christian (Cage)! This'll be enough to get me to finally sit down and give iMPACT! a Season Pass on the TiVo, instead of (sometimes) remembering to switch over and record it after RAW.

The special was a very short notice thing for TNA.

As others have said everyone was pretty happy with the rating due to it being short notice and it being on the station less than month.

Battlezone, I'm not trying to sound like I'm insulting you because I'm not, but really think things through froma business perspective once in awhile.

Not just wrestling but business period. They have a new product that is growing ever so slowly in a VERY down market (that being wrestling) and are yet pulling in good numbers for a cable network.

Most cable networks would KILL to have something that routinely pulls in a .8 to .9 rating every week. Your audience is still close to a million people not a small audience at all.

But wahtever... As for Christian.. good for him. i knew he had the rights to the name, but the shock was him getting the "Captain Charisma" name. I wonder hw he did that considering someone else in the indy market had it. Good for him though, he got something Vince couldnt.

 

[evil ways]

I wonder why the latest WWE games could not use the term "Captain Charisma" and any logo for Christian.

 

[Outcast2004]

I wonder why the latest WWE games could not use the term "Captain Charisma" and any logo for Christian.

Apparantly WWE coudlnt get the rights from the indy worker who had the rights.

Looks like Chistain (Cage) got one over on Vinnie on his way to the competition.

now if christian can get into his good friend Chris Jericho's ear about how great the TNa locker room is and how easy the schedule is.... hmmmm.

 

[Battlezone]

Battlezone, I'm not trying to sound like I'm insulting you because I'm not, but really think things through froma business perspective once in awhile.

Not just wrestling but business period. They have a new product that is growing ever so slowly in a VERY down market (that being wrestling) and are yet pulling in good numbers for a cable network.

Most cable networks would KILL to have something that routinely pulls in a .8 to .9 rating every week. Your audience is still close to a million people not a small audience at all.

Actually, I *am* thinking about this from a business perspective. Spike has handled the transistion from WWE to TNA about as well as any network could. They understand that the fanbase for TNA is significantly smaller than WWE, and thusly don't have high expectations for it. Contrast to when TNN picked up ECW, gave it a primetime Friday night slot, and expected it to get WWF-numbers, and they quickly buried it and ditched it when it didn't draw the numbers they wanted.

The Thursday night special-last minute or no-was Spike's way of dipping TNA's toes in the primetime waters, so to speak. They might not be outwardly disappointed by a .9, but the fact that it basically had the same numbers as its regular timeslot has to be troubling. Especially when you consider that just about everyone was raving on that .9 for Saturdays, because "it was a night when most of their audience is out".

Ideally, the special would have brought in new viewers, who would then in turn seek out the Saturday show, causing those numbers to increase to the point that Spike has the confidence to try another special, which could lead to a regular primetime slot. At least, that's what *I* would be hoping for, were I in charge of the network.

 

[Outcast2004]

Ideally, the special would have brought in new viewers, who would then in turn seek out the Saturday show, causing those numbers to increase to the point that Spike has the confidence to try another special, which could lead to a regular primetime slot. At least, that's what *I* would be hoping for, were I in charge of the network.

But with little to no promotion before the day of on Spike's part how would these "new" viewers know even where or when to look? That's the part you're overlooking.

Spike said they'd be happy with anything over a .7.. well they got it.

 

[Alex Anderson]

Contrast to when TNN picked up ECW, gave it a primetime Friday night slot, and expected it to get WWF-numbers, and they quickly buried it and ditched it when it didn't draw the numbers they wanted.

I don't think TNN expected ECW to get anything near WWF-like numbers, if you judge how they treated it. The show aired on the worst night of the week and was never advertised on the network. Despite this, at the time of the RAW acquisition, ECW was TNN's highest-rated show. I would say it outperformed their projections.

The reason it was cancelled was due to TNN being able to acquire the highest-rated show on cable television. They had no need for ECW then, and even if they did, WWF sure wasn't going to let them air another wrestling program on the same network.