The Rise & Fall Of TNA | Wrestling Timelines

20. March 11, 2007 | Fire Russo!

Sting Last Rites II
TNA

The name of the promotion is Total Non-Stop Action. This becomes laughable at Destination X 2007 when Sting and Abyss do battle in a notorious ‘Last Rites’ match, the rules for which, and this happens with a shocking frequency, are not explained prior to the contest. It is revealed that Russo’s latest hideous idea is to take the Casket match - already one of the sport’s most tedious spectacles - and make it even more boring. To win the match, one wrestler must call for the “death bed” to get lowered from the rafters before stuffing their opponent inside of it. Presumably, the idea is to create lurching dread for dramatic effect; in reality, this takes so long and follows a match with such lame weaponry that infuriated fans shower the scene with chants of “Fire Russo!”

This becomes a recurring theme. The fact that TNA offers up so many moments so bad that the fans develop a signature chant for it is significantly less than ideal.

This is TNA heritage. This is not a good thing. 

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick (Creative Writing BA Hons) is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over a decade of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential UK institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!