Detailed Recap of Jeff Jarrett Conference Call, Talks About TNA Wrestling Primetime Debut

The following recap of this Jeff Jarrett conference call is courtesy of wrestleview.com ...

- On his departure from WWE after the No Mercy PPV in 1999 about rumors he was holding Vince McMahon up for more money: "This call is about TNA Wrestling and moving to primetime. To answer the question, there was no hold-up and they paid me the money that was owed to me."

- On how far TNA has come since it began: "We have come an awful long way in fou years." Jarrett mentioned that here they were in primetime this Thursday night and that TNA is the first one to do it in four years besides WWE.

- On TNA's drug policy: "We deal with each individual. We have had some within the company we have dealt with on a very individual case. We went and worked with them and got the problems out on the table. We have a policy that we watch everyone. If there is a problem at work, we take care of it."

- On going head to head with WWE: "We aren't going to out-do the competition. We have tried to be smart and strategic. If going head-to-head on Monday night is what we need to do, then we will certainly do that when the time is right." Jarrett talked about the history of the Monday Night Wars, Hogan/Hall/Nash jumping to WCW and the Attitude Era. He said that was a special time and that Thursday night is a great TV night. "Who knows what the future will hold, but going head-to-head may happen."

- If Bill Goldberg or The Ultimate Warrior will come to TNA? "Never say never." Jarrett said both have drawn a lot of money in their day. "They both didn't have a long shelf life during their career." Said they found themselves hitting a peak early on.

- Why did TNA re-hire Vince Russo? Jarrett mentions he is a changed man and his experience with WWE and WCW. Said he was there with Russo in both and saw his strengths and weaknesses. Jarrett said they have learned from the past and want to make the TNA product as good as it can be.

- Is Kurt Angle vs. Samoa Joe the most important match in TNA's history? "Every PPV event in our growth is important for the company. The WWE has been around for 40+ years, WCW had origins from the territory days with 30-40 years behind it. We started TNA from scratch 4 years ago and to be on primetime TV 4 years later is a big deal. We are only as good as our last PPV and last television show. You have to keep churning out hits. WWE already has hits to go on. We have to continue to prove ourselves. I dont think anyone is expecting anything but a spectacular match this Sunday."

- On if he feels TNA Impact feels too fast after 60 minutes and if they are looking to slow down in the move to primetime? "Well, truly we intend to live up to our name - Total Nonstop Action. We are literally charting ground that has never been done. We have 1 hour of television to do a 3 hour pay per view. A PPV has 7-9 matches. So to have intrigue, drama and storylines, right there you have 4-5 storylines and on a week to week basis with 42 mins of TV time, we have to be at a break-neck speed in order to tell stories. We are doing programming that has never been done. We also know that TV time is very precious and it is a tough balance."

- On TNA stars starring in films? "We have more than enough on our plate. TNA, along with Spike TV, have had discussions about outside projects. Kevin Nash got his acting career going. Christian and Kurt Angle have gotten offers. Gail Kim as well. All of us are really focusing, and rightfully so, on being the very best wrestling organization we can and that is our focus."

- On his hiatus from TNA TV: "What you saw on TV, I spoke from the heart. I have been going wide-open for 4 1/2 years. The place for me to be right now is not in the wrestling ring. I'm taking it day-by-day. To say I have a big plan, I don't, I would be lying. That is really the status of Jeff Jarrett the wrestler. I wrestled 7 years during the territory days, went to the WWF, went to WCW, back to WWF and back to WCW. My career has had very few breaks and this is a much needed one."

- On if he felt the WWE should have stopped the PPV after Owen Hart's death: "I've been asked this question many, many times. Put yourself in Vince's shoes. There is no right or wrong answer. No one was prepared for a situation like that."

- On the video of The James Gang outside of WWE Headquarters: "Stay tuned. You can watch it on youtube. The primetime debut on Spike TV will have more."

- On the rumors of WWE wrestlers wanting to jump to TNA: "You wouldn't believe the calls [I get]. I believe it is part of business. It is the nature of the beast. It says a lot when you had Christian and Kurt Angle come over. I'm sure Kurt won't be the last. It says something about or organization and we strive to make our TNA roster as strong and deep as we possibly can. When things are getting good, interesting things start happening."

- On TNA's new primetime timeslot on Thursday: "Our average is around a 1.0 right now. We are expecting a point jump come the switch. January, February and March will be interesting to watch. Of course, we want to do much better than that. We are a brand new product, never been seen in primetime before outside of a few specials. So sometimes we put our realistic hats on. Nothing happens overnight. The last time Raw went primetime, it was a process that took years. WCW did it much faster, especially with the jump of talent." Jarrett also mentioned the "channel changers" during the wars.

- On Monty Brown's current status with TNA: "We have severed our relationship with Monty Brown and wish him well."

- What he considers his best match ever? Jarrett mentions his work with Jerry Lawler, first WWF run with Shawn Michaels and Scott Hall, teaming with Owen Hart (who he stated was his favorite tag team partner) and in WCW with the World Title reigns.

- On if we will ever see Chris Jericho in TNA: "Great performer. Known him 10+ years and always respected his ability. He still has a lot of great years in him. Chris has been smart with his money. When he decides to come back, it will be because he wants to. For some guys it works negatively, but I know he will come back when he truly wants to. He loves the industry and loves the business."

- What is next for TNA Wrestling? Jarrett talked about a licensing deal with Marvel, video game with Midway, CD coming out with theme music, taking PPV on the road, taking TV on the road and others is an evolution he wants to see. "Internationally there are many plans as well. We are taking a gigantic step this Thursday night. Going from our current timeslot to a primetime shot, 52 weeks a year, no re-runs."

Jarrett talked about how consistent WWE is in ratings year-round and how that is unheard of in the TV business. Mentions how NFL does well, but it goes in seasons. "It's a magical business that appeals to the masses. We have fan bases around the world. That is what is unique and makes the industry so good and special. Everyone can relate to wrestling."

- On Lita's contract ending with WWE & if TNA would be interested: "I know Lita well. I don't know how her health is for performing. Women and wrestling has always been a Catch 22. For drama, women can do things men can never do. The actual in-ring performing is tough. I don't want to sound shovonistic, but if you match up the best male baseketball player and best female baseketball player, the female cannnot compete with the male. [To answer the question] I don't really know where Lita's head is right now."