Backstage TNA Live Events: Production, Creative, & More

Partial Source: The Wrestling Observer Newsletter

TNA's house shows have become the company's most successful division. Attendance numbers have improved to an average of about 1500 fans per show which is double what they were last year. They're also doing sometimes as much as $20 per head in merchandise, compared to just $6 per head last year. The difference seems to be Don West's presence at the live events, where he pushes the merchandise himself. Merchandise sales are way, way up because of this.

Besides West, Jeff Jarrett and Jeremy Borash are handling most of the house show production. Jarrett handles all creative writing for the house shows since he's not involved in the creative process for TV.

It was noted by a source that Eric Bischoff has been to two house shows since arriving in the company and Hulk Hogan has been to none. Better yet, Vince Russo has worked for the company for years now and has never been to a live event. TNA did a tour of Colorado last year, where Russo was living, and one show was taking place only five minutes from his home. He still didn't take the time to attend the show although in his defense – he may have had other plans. Who knows.