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DVD REVIEW: TNA - YEAR ONE

The History of TNA: Year 1 DVD Review
By Thomas Clemens


The holiday season is now upon us, and with that there is a bevy of DVD releases each looking to gain a share in the marketplace. In sifting through the seemingly endless supply of entertainment options, many DVD’s fail to live up to there expectations and even fewer manage to exceed them.  However, on my most recent DVD experience, obtaining a copy of “The History of TNA: Year 1”, I have to say that this highly anticipated release from Total Nonstop Action Wrestling would greatly exceed anyone’s expectations from a wrestling/documentary release.

The DVD itself is broken down into three categories, which are “The Story,” “The Matches,” and “The Bonus.”  The story portion of the DVD is a very insightful two hour documentary, detailing all of the highs and lows experienced by those in and around the conception and eventual launch of TNA Wrestling. From the very opening of the DVD where we are able to listen in the final audio check before TNA’s initially pay per view launch, we as viewers cannot help but become immersed in the entire world that is Total Nonstop Action Wrestling.

Great attention is paid to that historic evening back in 2002. Highlights include the selection of the building, the acquisition of talent, as well as the unexpected issues that one could incur when it comes to production values and technical difficulties, ranging from the ring breaking just prior to going live, to issues with audio and pyrotechnics. All of this information is presented in a concise, yet highly entertaining format, with candid interviews being provided by Bob Ryder, Jeff, Jarrett, Wildcat Chris Harris, Raven, Cowboy James, Storm, Elix Skipper, Referee Rudy Charles and even the President of TNA Wrestling, Dixie Carter.

Each of these personalities spend great time and consideration documenting the initial talks about the formation on a fishing excursion to the issues involved with getting a brand new wrestling company up and running and cleared for television. As you watch this documentary and listen to all of the trials and tribulations this group of committed individuals had, you cannot help but feel the passion that is exuded and this group’s commitment to succeed. It seemed that no matter the obstacle or obstacles that were place before them, and there certainly were a lot, everyone that was a part of that roster just pulled together even more, doing whatever it would take to make the company work. Now, some five years later and looking back, one can truly understand the claim that TNA was always meant to be and is hell bent on staying around for quite some time.

Looking back at the end of the documentary, myself the viewer, became much more appreciative of the commitment of everyone who comprises TNA Wrestling, from the talent to the front office, to the entire production staff. You begin to truly realize and appreciate what it is that this company is trying to accomplish, and that is to become a distinct alternative for the wrestling masses, to revitalize the industry as a whole and change it for the better, forever.

The next section of the DVD, “The Matches,” provides a representation of some of the most athletic and entertaining wrestling you will find anywhere. Among the selections available for viewing is the X Division Elimination match to crown the first ever X Division Champion, featuring AJ Styles, Lo Ki, Psichosis and Jerry Lynn. Also featured is an X Division Ladder match, America’s Most Wanted challenging the New Church for the tag team titles, and the classic showdown between the King of the Mountain Jeff Jarrett and Raven.

The final section of the DVD is the “Bonus” section. Here, you can watch the very first commercial produced for TNA Wrestling as well as take a trip down memory lane with all of the stars who appeared in TNA the very first year, such as Scott Hall, Toby Keith, Chris Rock and many more. Also presented is the Wildcat Chris Harris and Cowboy James Storm tryout match for TNA as well as a very moving tribute to the late great Curt Hennig, which also features candid interviews from Chris Harris and James Storm as they explain his impact on their lives.

In short, “The History of TNA: Year 1” is a release that has something for everyone and its early sales number seem to indicate that this may very well be the greatest release thus far by TNA Wrestling. It is packed with hard hitting action, great memories and a truly nostalgic look at the creation of the next big thing in professional wrestling, Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. This holiday season, make sure you give this DVD a look, as you surely will not be disappointed.