At the moment, Vince Russo remains the lead writer in TNA although Dixie Carter is in charge of the overall direction of the company. There has been a decision to go in a more sports-oriented direction, with the referees being given more power, ejecting people from ringside, and fewer run-ins and outside interference in matches. Carter is also keen on pushing newer guys, in particular her favourite, Hernandez, plus Bobby Lashley and Matt Morgan. Taz replaced Don West on commentary as part of this directive, since they feel that he is better suited to the sports aspect of the show in comparison to West’s high energy, which was more of a Jeff Jarrett idea.

Jarrett himself is not expected to be on television for a while due to the Kurt Angle situation. However, he remains part-owner, despite not being involved with the creative team any longer. When he does return it is only expected to be as a talent rather than as a booker. Jarrett is working from home for TNA at present, focusing on business projects and international TV deals.

The announcing change was triggered far quicker than had originally been planned, since the Taz and Samoa Joe angle was to have lasted a lot longer. Taz was to have been a ’spy’ for TNA who orchestrated Joe infilitrating the Main Event Mafia in order to outsmart them. There had been a plan for Taz to turn up at the announce table to start harassing Don West, who would then leave and then Taz would take his position next to Mike Tenay. West, however, said that he did not want to be humiliated on TV in his final appearance and asked to have that segment scrapped from the show, which it was.

Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter, 31st August 2009 (subscribe here)