Impact Wrestling Gut Check

In professional wrestling, the Impact Wrestling Gut Check (formerly known as the TNA Gut Check) was a tryout program turned indy wrestling rookies reality series[1] that was produced by the American professional wrestling promotion Impact Wrestling (formerly known as Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA)), as a means of recruiting new talent. The Impact Wrestling Gut Check was featured as a segment on occasional episodes of the company's flagship television program of the same name. The Impact Wrestling Gut Check has also been used as an Impact One Night Only pay-per-view event on February 16, 2015.

Impact Wrestling Gut Check
Also known asTNA Gut Check (2004–2015)
GenreProfessional wrestling
Created byJeff Jarrett
StarringIndy rookie wrestlers
JudgesD'Lo Brown
Pat Kenney
Brian Hebner
Jeremy Borash
Bruce Prichard
Al Snow
Tazz
Danny Davis
John E. Bravo
Lance Storm
Country of originUnited States
Canada
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons5
Production
Camera setupMulti-camera setup
Production companyImpact Wrestling (2004–2015; 2022–present)
Release
Original network
Original releaseOctober 16, 2004 (2004-10-16) –
present (present)
Related
Impact! (2004–present)
TNA Global Impact! (2006)
TNA Today (2007)
Impact Xplosion (2002–2021)
TNA British Boot Camp (2013–2014)
Before the Impact (2021–present)

Seminars

TNA staged its first "Gut Check" on October 16, 2004, in Atlanta, Georgia. The event saw entrants rated on the basis of their performance in five categories: "back bump", "mat techniques", "ring interviews", "running the ropes" and "squat challenge". The female and male events were won by Jaime Dauncey and Jon Bolen respectively, with Dauncey and Bolen rewarded with a $4,000 USD cash prize and a subsequent appearance on TNA programming. In 2005, Dauncey was signed to a developmental deal by TNA.[2]

TNA holds seminars at venues around the United States and Canada, hosted by TNA backstage employees such as D'Lo Brown, Pat Kenney, Brian Hebner and Jeremy Borash. The seminars, which last two hours, cover "promos, drills, simulated matches and in-ring work". The seminars are aimed at "prospective professional wrestlers, announcers, managers, valets and referees".[3][4][5] Participation in the seminars costs US$250.[6]

A number of wrestlers have been awarded contracts with TNA after participating in Gut Check Seminars, including Crimson and Jesse Sorensen.[5] From April 2012 onwards, TNA began inviting a small number of participants in the seminars to wrestle a tryout match on Impact Wrestling.[3]

On February 3, 2022, Impact announced the return of the Gut Check, a one-day camp at the Arnold Classic on March 6, which was held by John E. Bravo and Lance Storm.[7] The winner of the Gut Check was awarded an Impact Wrestling contract.[7]

Television segment (April 2012- July 2013)

In April 2012, Gut Check began being featured as a regular segment on Impact Wrestling as part of each month's Open Fight Night episode. Contestants wrestled a match against a TNA wrestler, after which their performance was evaluated by three judges. Contestants who received a "yes" from at least two of the judges were awarded a contract with TNA and sent to Ohio Valley Wrestling, TNA's developmental territory, for further training.[3]

On January 9, 2013, it was announced by TNA that the Gut Check segment would be overhauled with two contestants competing against each other instead of one contestant competing against a TNA wrestler.[8]

The original judges for the TNA Gut Check were Ric Flair, the road agent Al Snow and TNA's Senior Vice President of Programming and Talent Relations, Bruce Prichard.[9] On May 31, 2012, Flair, who would leave the company shortly thereafter, was replaced by the color commentator and retired wrestler Taz.[10] On the November 29, 2012, episode of Impact Wrestling, Al Snow was replaced by D'Lo Brown for the night.[11] On the March 7, 2013, episode of Impact Wrestling, Taz was replaced by Danny Davis.[12]

TNA Gut Check contestants have featured in a number of angles:

  • After Joey Ryan was refused a contract on the May 31, 2012, episode of Impact Wrestling, he began a campaign against the decision on Twitter and YouTube that was spearheaded by the results of an online poll showing that 87% of respondents felt that he should have been awarded a contract.[13] Beginning on the June 28 episode of Impact Wrestling, Ryan began appearing in the audience of the Impact Wrestling Zone during Gut Check segments, heckling the judges.[14][15][16] On July 21, 2012, at the Pro Wrestling Guerrilla show "Threemendous III", Ryan used the Tazmission - the signature submission hold of Taz - to defeat his opponent, Famous B.[17] At Bound for Glory 2012 on October 14, 2012, Ryan defeated Snow to receive a contract with TNA.[18]
  • On the July 19, 2012, episode of Impact Wrestling, Sam Shaw was attacked by the Aces & Eights stable while being interviewed by Jeremy Borash. Shaw went on to wrestle Douglas Williams in a tryout match one week later.[19]

Gut Check was cancelled when Bruce Pritchard was fired from TNA. At the same time, TNA launched a new online contest called Online Gut Check with hundreds of wrestlers where the fans voted for the winner. However, due to poor design it was possible for fans to post multiple votes for the same wrestler. The winner was German wrestler Bad Bones. In January 2014, Bad Bones was confirmed to appear in TNA Maximum Impact tour.

April 2012—November 2012
Contestants Tryouts dates Opponents Decisions dates Bruce Prichard Al Snow Tazz Decisions References
Alex SilvaApril 26, 2012Robbie EMay 3, 2012YesYes(Ric Flair1), YesSuccessful[9][20]
Joey RyanMay 24, 2012Austin AriesMay 31, 2012NoYesNoUnsuccessful[10][21]
Taeler HendrixJune 21, 2012TaraJune 28, 2012YesNoYesSuccessful[14][22]
Sam ShawJuly 26, 2012Douglas WilliamsJuly 26, 2012YesNoYesSuccessful[15]
Kris LewieAugust 23, 2012GunnerAugust 30, 2012NoN/A2NoUnsuccessful[16][23]
Evan MarkopoulosSeptember 20, 2012Douglas WilliamsSeptember 27, 2012NoNoYesUnsuccessful[24][25]
Christian YorkNovember 1, 2012Zema IonNovember 8, 2012YesYes3YesSuccessful[26][27]
Wes BriscoNovember 22, 2012Garett Bischoff4November 29, 2012Yes(D'Lo Brown5), YesNoSuccessful[11][28]

1Flair served as the third judge for the inaugural Gut Check before being replaced by Taz.
2As Lewie had already received two "no" votes, Snow was not required to cast his vote.
3As York had already received two "yes" votes, Snow was not required to cast his vote. However, commentator Mike Tenay described York as having received a unanimous "yes" vote.
4Brisco was the only contestant to win their tryout match
5Brown substituted for Snow.

January 2013— July 2013
Contestants #1 Contestants #2 Tryouts dates Decisions dates Judge's pick Bruce Prichard Al Snow Danny Davis Decisions References
Jay BradleyBrian CageJanuary 10, 2013January 17, 2013Jay BradleyYesYes(Tazz1), NoSuccessful[29]
Ivelisse VélezLei'D TapaFebruary 28, 2013March 7, 2013Lei'D TapaNoYesYesSuccessful[12][30]
Adam PearceMagnoMarch 28, 2013
(aired April 4, 2013)		April 11, 2013MagnoNoN/A2NoUnsuccessful[31][32]
Adam OhrinerRyan HoweJune 20, 2013
(aired June 27, 2013)		July 4, 2013Ryan HoweNoNoYesUnsuccessful[33][34]

1Tazz served as the third judge for the revamped Gut Check before being replaced by Davis.
2As Magno had already received two "no" votes, Snow was not required to cast his vote.

One Night Only

TNA Gut Check
TNA Gut Check
PromotionTotal Nonstop Action Wrestling
DateFebruary 16, 2015
CityOrlando, Florida
VenueImpact Zone
Attendance1,100
One Night Only chronology
← Previous
TBA		 Next →
TBA

TNA held a series of matches featuring ten Gut Check participants competing in singles matches and tag matches against ten members of the active roster: if they would win, they would move on to compete in the main event match where the winner of that match earns an appearance on the next live Impact Wrestling. It took place on February 16, 2015, from Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida; it was a part of TNA One Night Only's pay-per view events.

No. Matches Stipulations
1 Martin Stone defeated Jessie Godderz Singles match; if Martin Stone wins, he qualifies for the final match later that night
2 MVP defeated Jon Davis Singles match; if Jon Davis won, he qualifies for the final match later that night
3 The Revolution (James Storm and Manik) defeated The Von Erichs (Marshall Von Erich and Ross Von Erich) Tag Team match; if The Von Erichs won, they qualify for the final match later that night
4 Shaun Ricker defeated Crazzy Steve Singles match; if Shaun Ricker won, he qualifies for the final match later that night
5 Davey Richards defeated Tony Kozina Singles match; if Tony Kozina won, he qualifies for the final match later that night
6 Crimson defeated Samuel Shaw Singles match; if Crimson won, he qualifies for the final match later that night
7 Tevita Fifita defeated Ethan Carter III by disqualification Singles match; if Tevita Fifita won, he qualifies for the final match later that night
8 Drew Galloway defeated Pepper Parks Singles match; if Pepper Parks won, he qualifies for the final match later that night
9 Dalton Castle defeated DJZ Singles match; if Dalton Castle won, he qualifies for the final match later that night
10 Tevita Fifita defeated Shaun Ricker, Martin Stone, Dalton Castle and Crimson Five-way elimination match

Revival

On February 3, 2022, Impact announced the return of the Gut Check, a one-day camp at the Arnold Classic on March 6, which was held by John E. Bravo and Lance Storm.[7] The winner of the Gut Check was awarded an Impact Wrestling contract.[7]

On March 7, 2022, Impact Wrestling announced two Gut Check winners, Jason Hotch and Jack Price, and they were awarded Impact Wrestling contracts.[1] On September 26, 2023, Impact announced the return of the Gut Check during their UK Invasion Tour on October 25th and 29th, where the winners would receive a developmental contract.[35]

Winners
Year Won Contestant Winners
2004 Jaime Dauncey
2004 Jon Bolen
2012 Alex Silva
2012 Taeler Hendrix
2012 Sam Shaw
2012 Christian York
2012 Wes Brisco
2013 Jay Bradley
2013 Lei'D Tapa
2015 Tevita Fifita
2020 Shogun
2022 Jason Hotch
2022 Jack Price

See also

References
  1. "2022 Gut Check Winners". Facebook/ Impact Wrestling Nation.com. Retrieved March 7, 2022.
  2. Andrews, Kenai (December 16, 2009). "Jaime D looking to make an impact in 2010". Canoe.ca. Retrieved 2012-09-29.
  3. Newman, Mark (August 10, 2012). "Area wrestlers square off in TNA Gut Check". Ottumwa Courier. Retrieved 2012-09-29.
  4. "TNA Impact Wrestling World Tour Stops In Laredo". Laredo Sun. September 23, 2012. Archived from the original on April 21, 2013. Retrieved 2012-09-29.
  5. Ocal, Arda (June 29, 2012). "Experiencing a TNA Gut Check tryout". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved 2012-09-29.
  6. "Gut Check Is Coming To Houston, TX and Oshawa, ONT - Prove You Have It!". Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. Retrieved 2012-09-29.
  7. "IMPACT Wrestling Gut Check Tryout Returns at the Arnold Classic". Impact Wrestling Staff. February 3, 2022. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
  8. "TNA Gut Check Expands". ImpactWrestling.com. January 9, 2013. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  9. Turner, Scott (May 4, 2012). "Turner's TNA Impact Wrestling Results 5/3: Roode and RVD pick opponents for each other, Gut Check fall-out, Flair calls out Hogan". PWTorch.com. Retrieved 2012-09-29.
  10. Caldwell, James (May 31, 2012). "Caldwell's TNA Impact Results 5/31: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Impact in new timeslot - Roode vs. Sting". PWTorch.com. Retrieved 2012-09-29.
  11. Caldwell, James (November 29, 2012). "Caldwell's TNA Impact results 11/29: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Championship Thursday - X Title in main event, Hogan Knows Best?". PWTorch.com. Retrieved November 30, 2012.
  12. Caldwell, James (March 7, 2013). "Caldwell's TNA Impact Results 3/7: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Impact - final Lockdown PPV hype". PWTorch.com. Retrieved 2013-03-09.
  13. Michael, Patrick (June 29, 2012). "Joey Ryan Crashes TNA Impact Wrestling 'Gut Check': Work or Shoot?". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved 2012-09-29.
  14. Caldwell, James (June 28, 2012). "Caldwell's TNA Impact Results 6/28: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Impact - BFG Series, Tag Title main event". PWTorch.com. Retrieved 2012-09-29.
  15. Caldwell, James (July 26, 2012). "Caldwell's TNA Impact Results 7/26: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Impact - BFG Series matches, interim GM". PWTorch.com. Retrieved 2012-09-29.
  16. Caldwell, James (August 30, 2012). "Caldwell's TNA Impact Results 8/30: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Impact - three BFG Series matches including Angle-Hardy". PWTorch.com. Retrieved 2012-09-29.
  17. Caldwell, James (July 22, 2012). "PWG - Joey Ryan wins with Taz finisher". PWTorch.com. Retrieved 2012-09-29.
  18. Caldwell, James (2012-10-14). "Caldwell's TNA Bound for Glory PPV results 10/14: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV - Aries vs. Hardy, Storm vs. Roode". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2012-10-15.
  19. Caldwell, James (July 19, 2012). "Caldwell's TNA Impact Results 7/19: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Impact - Open Fight Night, Aries vs. Roode". PWTorch.com. Retrieved 2012-09-29.
  20. Turner, Scott (April 26, 2012). "Turner's TNA Impact Wrestling Results 4/26: First-ever Open Fight Night, Tag Title match, Flair throws a party for Bischoff". PWTorch.com. Retrieved 2012-09-29.
  21. Turner, Scott (May 25, 2012). "Turner's TNA Impact Wrestling Results 5/24: Open Fight Night, Gut Check, Roode defends Hvt. Title, Return of an icon". PWTorch.com. Retrieved 2012-09-29.
  22. Caldwell, James (June 21, 2012). "Caldwell's TNA Impact Results 6/21: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Impact - Aries Decision 2012, BFG Series, Open Fight Night, Gut Check". PWTorch.com. Retrieved 2012-09-29.
  23. Caldwell, James (August 23, 2012). "Caldwell's TNA Impact Results 8/23: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Impact - Open Fight Night, Hogan returns, brawl concludes show". PWTorch.com. Retrieved 2012-09-29.
  24. Caldwell, James (August 20, 2012). "Caldwell's TNA Impact Results 9/20: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Impact - Open Fight Night, BFG PPV hype". PWTorch.com. Retrieved 2012-09-29.
  25. Caldwell, James (August 27, 2012). "Caldwell's TNA Impact Results 9/27: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Impact - new TV champ, BFG PPV hype, Hogan at the Clubhouse". PWTorch.com. Retrieved 2012-09-29.
  26. Caldwell, James (November 1, 2012). "Caldwell's TNA Impact Results 11/1: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Impact - Open Fight Night, A&E member revealed". PWTorch.com. Retrieved 2012-11-01.
  27. Caldwell, James (November 8, 2012). "Caldwell's TNA Impact results 11/8: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Impact - final PPV hype, Ladder War conclusion". PWTorch.com. Retrieved November 8, 2012.
  28. Caldwell, James (November 15, 2012). "Caldwell's TNA Impact results 11/15: 11/15: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of post-PPV episode - Storm vs. Roode". PWTorch.com. Retrieved November 16, 2012.
  29. Caldwell, James (January 10, 2013). "Caldwell's TNA Impact Results 1/10: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Sting-Knox, wedding angle, and, oh yeah, a PPV on Sunday (updated w/Box Score)". PWTorch.com. Retrieved 2013-01-11.
  30. Johnson, Mike (February 24, 2013). "Former WWE Star heading into TNA Gut Check". PWInsider. Retrieved 2013-02-24.
  31. Caldwell, James (March 28, 2013). "Who is this month's Gut Check Contestant". PWTorch.com. Retrieved 2013-03-28.
  32. Caldwell, James (April 11, 2013). "Caldwell's TNA Impact Results 4/11: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Impact - TNA World Title match, Tag Title change". PWTorch.com. Retrieved 2013-04-12.
  33. Caldwell, James (June 27, 2013). "Caldwell's TNA Impact Results 6/27". PWTorch.com. Retrieved 2013-07-07.
  34. Caldwell, James (July 5, 2013). "Caldwell's TNA Impact Results 7/4". PWTorch.com. Retrieved 2013-07-07.
  35. Impact Wrestling Staff (September 26, 2023). "Want To Be The Next IMPACT Wrestling Star?". Impact Wrestling. Archived from the original on September 26, 2023. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
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