What’s the story?
In the latest edition of Impact tapings, Josh Matthews suspended Jeremy Borash in an on-screen angle. While doing so, he took a cheap shot at WWE and made reference to the Mauro Ranallo-JBL episode that has taken the whole world by storm.
In case you didn't know...
Mauro Ranallo, the SmackDown LIVE play-by-play announcer, has been away from the desk ever since he was allegedly bullied by his fellow SmackDown broadcaster- John Bradshaw Layfield. This issue has gained considerable publicity from the wrestling media because WWE has turned a blind eye to this issue even though they champion several ant-bullying campaigns.
Also read: JBL to turn face over bullying claims
Impact Wrestling used this topical issue to further the rift between its two broadcasters- Josh Matthews and Jeremy Borash. The two have been feuding for a while now, even resulting in a Team GOAT vs. Team JB program.
The heart of the matter
The latest edition of the tapings opened with Josh Matthews and HR personnel inside the Impact Zone. They informed Jeremy Borash that he was being suspended because the company wouldn't tolerate bullying from announcers, unlike several other companies. This was definitely a dig at WWE and attempt to capitalise on a hot-button issue in the world of wrestling.
What’s next?
It is unclear when this set of tapings will be aired, as the company prepares for Slamiversary in the month of July. Like Impact Wrestling has done several times in the past, they’ll certainly keep making more digs at WWE. WWE has forever refused to acknowledge TNA’s very existence, and we believe they’ll continue to do so, in the foreseeable future.
Author’s take
With TNA’s top talent quitting the company on a regular basis, it is relying on such tactics to get noticed. It’s a shame really, considering how good a company it once used to be.
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