My World w/ Jeff Jarrett - Meeting Dixie Carter [Show Notes] (Patreon)

This week on My World we’re going to begin our discussion on Dixie Carter…the woman I feel has gotten a bad rap over time.

Jeff - you mentioned last week that you had first met her in the late 80s. What can you tell our audience of what you knew about Dixie - before professional wrestling?

****Jeff - Dixie past relationship****

Fast forward to 2002 and the launch of TNA which we’ve discussed in the archives so be sure to check that out - and you reach out to Dixie for PR help. Why her and her company?

As we’ve discussed the birth of TNA - how integral was her and her company in the beginning?

When she is the one to bring you to her family and Panda - did you expect her to have a role in the company besides PR?

Dixie became President of the company in the Spring of 2003. Whose decision was that?

Something you agreed with?

From the Torch…

“Torch 3/22:

Chris Sobol, who was placed in charge of the company by Panda Energy, was relieved of his duties recently. Not only was he removed from overseeing TNA’s day to day business operation, but he is no longer working for Panda. Dixie Carter, the daughter of the owners, has unofficially assumed Sobol’s old position. The Jarrett family is thrilled with the move as they often butted heads with Sobol over budget matters”

What can you tell us about Chris Sobol? Why was your family happy with getting Sobol out of the company?

Were you in a position to refuse her being named President?

What would Dixie’s role have been when named President?

At this point in time - your relationship with Dixie is…good?

Right away it’s reported in the Observer there are issues:

“Observer 4/14:

The behind the scenes situation with Jeff Jarrett vs Vince Russo is now more of a quiet deal. Russo’s friends have gone to Dixie Carter trying to push the idea that Jerry and Jeff are the problem because they interfere with Russo’s ideas but it’s not overt like in the past.”

I mean she’s in the role for a month - is that Russo going directly to her?

Do you know what their relationship was like back then?

Can you break down the chain of command in TNA at that time?

So Dixie oversaw what exactly compared to you - and who was who’s boss?

Just two weeks later…again in the Observer:

“Observer 4/28:

Those internally watching the dynamics believe that it will end up with Russo having more power when it comes to autonomy at some point, both because of Raven’s influence with Dixie Carter and the belief that Russo was really the Panda people’s choice for writing from the beginning because he’ll fight for it and Jerry Jarrett won’t.”

What the hell influence did Raven have with Dixie? Did you ever hear this?

Was Panda hoping having Dixie involved more would give them a better insight into the company and the actual workings of it?

Did Russo think he could supplant you by trying to get in close with Dixie?

As you were moving forward there are reports in the Observer of issues after various shows between Russo and you and also involving the likes of Glenn Gilberti and people going to Dixie regarding what they thought of the show. Did you ever think Dixie was listening more to those people than you?

Here’s the quote from the Observer: “A lot of talk regarded Raven and Jarrett. The big story after the show almost every week is Raven and Russo on one side, and Jarrett on the other, trying to convince Dixie Carter, the daughter of the owner, that their ideas are better, and trying to rally as many people behind their respective sides in talking with her. Russo’s side turns in a show on Thursday and complains that Jarrett doesn’t come back with the changes until Tuesday, late at night, and Russo is too tired to argue with him.”

Why did you keep Russo and Raven around if this was really what was happening?

Did you ever have a communication breakdown with Dixie during the early run?

Did you ever feel like you weren’t on the same page?

How often were you in contact with her? Daily? Were you sharing the same office building?

There’s a big note in Torch in early January of 2004:

“There were rumblings coming out of Nashville last week that Dixie Carter had grown frustrated with the uninspired booking of her family’s promotion. Rumors were flying that Carter held a few “ball- busting” meetings to complain that there was nothing “cutting edge” about the TNA product. Assuming there is something to those rumors, good for Ms. Carter. It’s about time someone in that company’s management acknowledges just how mediocre the last few months of TNA have been. TNA pay-per-views have become non-events. There’s just nothing special about these shows to justify anyone paying $10 per week. In fact, some of these shows wouldn’t have made the grade had they been presented as free television shows on WGN. A fan at a recent TNA show held up a sign that served as a fair assessment of TNA events over the past few months: “Smells like WCW.” Some TNA shows have been better than others, but more often than not TNA pay-per-views are painfully boring and uninspired. There’s just nothing innovative about the product, and it’s very rare that the company produces a storyline or an angle strong enough to entice viewers to pay another ten bucks to tune in the following week. All of that said, it’s good to hear that Carter has committed to giving Jeff Jarrett the time he needs to implement his booking plans. The latest booking team of Jarrett and Dutch Mantel haven’t had enough time to gel, and Mantel’s track record suggests that he is the right man for the job. However, that shouldn’t stop Carter from privately compiling a list of fallback plans. Even if TNA secures its television, video game, and action-figure deals, the company will not survive if the booking continues to be this lackluster. Jarrett and Mantel do deserve a reasonable amount of time to implement their plans, but Carter must also be prepared if the time comes when she has to say enough is enough.”

First off Jeff - damn Wade going in deep on you. But this is the first mention of a ball-busting meeting of sorts in the dirtsheets. What do you remember of this if any?

How often did Dixie want to do something regarding the business you advised her against?

Any of those things she did?

What are some of the things you brought to her that she would say no to?

August of 04 this comes up in the Torch:

“Torch 8/28/04:

Observers say that while Dixie Carter and Jeff Jarretts have had their share of disagreements in recent weeks, there is no sign that their relationship has fallen apart. Wrestlers say it appears to them that TNA upper-management keeps Dixie "very well insulated" from criticism. And even when Dixie lets them know that she didn’t care for one of the shows, she is quickly reminded that she doesn’t understand the wrestling business as well as the Jarretts and other officials do. More than one wrestler has countered that claim by pointing out that while Dixie may not have as much experience in the business as some of her employees do, she’s a wrestling fan and her views on the booking isn’t that far off from how other fans see the show…”

How tough is it to have a president of a company who doesn’t really understand the wrestling business?

What would you have disagreements about with Dixie?

October of 04 also from the Torch:

“Torch 10/1/04:.

The anti–Jarrett and Dutch Mantel sentiment continues to grow in the locker room. Wrestlers resent the fact that Jarrett is pushing himself as the centerpiece of the promotion and even more so that he continues to treat them as if they should feel indebted to the company for booking them. “Dixie has to get rid of the biggest problem, which is Jeff,” one wrestler said. Others have pointed out that even top wrestlers with the best contracts are “miserable.” America’s Most Wanted have been complaining about their pushes for weeks, and even A.J. Styles is said to be unhappy with the company’s direction.

The timing may be right for Kevin Nash or anyone else to pull a power play, as observers say Dixie Carter is clearly frustrated with the direction that Jarrett and Mantel have taken the company. Sources say the ratings for Impact have decreased significantly over the last few weeks. Jarrett and Mantel are using the excuse that the show (and upcoming pay–per–view) are not receiving enough advertising from the company. They also attribute the ratings drop to kids returning to school taking away a large portion of their audience.”

Would Dixie voice frustration regarding the creative direction? Was it TV deals - licensing - income coming in - or just creative?

This is great from the Torch in November…

“Torch 11/5/04:

Dixie Carter was backstage for the first time in a couple of weeks at last week’s taping. She missed the previous week’s show because she was on a business trip in Mexico. Her appearance led to a humorous situation with Jonny Fairplay. Dixie is clearly Fairplay’s biggest advocate in the company, so much so that the creative team books the former “Survivor” star simply to appease her. Because Dixie was in attendance, Fairplay was booked for a segment late in the show. However, Dixie left the building before the show ended, and when the creative team realized that she was gone, they decided to pull Fairplay from the show…”

Tell me that’s real Jeff…please.

Were there people specifically kept on the roster because Dixie liked them?

How often was Dixie at shows during the early days? Did you like having her there or prefer to not have her there?

:Torch 11/19/04:

In reaction to continued rumors, including TORCH reports, of dissension between Jerry and Jeff Jarrett, Dixie Carter had a long talk with them at this Tuesday’s TV taping. It isn’t unusual to see Jeff meet with Dixie or Jerry meet with Dixie, but it is unusual for all three to meet together at once. The discussion lasted well over an hour. Carter also had a long talk with other office workers, perhaps in part trying to find out the source of rumors about political in–fighting in TNA. “Dixie wants someone fired over this controversy,” says one TNA source.

Torch 11/26/04:

The meeting Dixie Carter held with the Jarretts prior to the Impact tapings on Nov. 16 was held in the open, yet far enough away from the wrestlers that it was considered a private meeting. Dixie, who sided with Jeff in the dispute between him and his father, was believed to be doing her best to make peace between the two. Observers said the meeting appeared to be cordial, as all parties took turns talking and no one visibly lost their temper…”

Was Dixie a peacemaker a lot between you & your dad during this time in 04?

What were Dixie’s strengths as a boss and her weaknesses?

There’s always been talk…conjecture…TNA is closing…the Carters are pulling the money. Did you ever hear that and talk to Dixie about that in 04/05?

Was that threat ever real?

“Torch 4/30/05:

•Dixie Carter addressed the staff and crew of wrestlers before Lockdown on Sunday. She said that rumors of TNA going out of business soon are incorrect. She said that they have committed to this project and they're sticking with it. Without being overly specific, she said they had some big announcements coming up soon. She did announce that they would be airing on Eurosport in more than a dozen European countries. "We want what she said to be true," says one TNA wrestler. "Everyone here wants this place to work." The consensus from multiple sources in TNA is that the belief is the talent is more than adequate, but the booking isn't, nor are business operations in general. "It's crazy that they keep nickel and diming the people who are bleeding for them," says one TNA wrestler. "Meanwhile, they don't even have a decent cable timeslot yet or their DVDs in stores. Management can't keep asking everyone to sacrifice if they don't seem to be running the business side smartly."”

Was Dixie a help in trying to get a cable timeslot - what was she doing to help push the company to the next level if anything?

Dusty Rhodes at this point is the head of creative and we touched on this in our Lockdown 2005 episode - and please be sure to check that our in the archives - but he leaves not long after…

Were the Carters fans of Dusty?

From the Torch:

“The committee that Dixie Carter formed to replace Dusty Rhodes includes Bill Banks, Scott D’Amore, Jeremy Borash, Dutch Mantell, and Mike Tenay. Tenay, the lead announcer for TNA, is a long-time student of the game who has laid low and observed for years what has happened in TNA, and now is said to be excited about trying to correct some of the errors of the past.

Jeff Jarrett and his father Jerry Jarrett are considered master politicians who have managed to talk TNA President Dixie Carter, whose family has controlling interest in TNA, into not forcing a title change for months. The main reason given time after time is that the other options “weren’t ready yet” and it would do damage to give them the belt too soon. A.J. Styles had been moved back to the X Division, where his size and style was an ideal fit. That left older wrestlers such as Dallas Page and Kevin Nash, or less established, inexperienced wrestlers such as Monty Brown and Abyss as candidates.”

Well Jeff - Wade is saying you & your dad are master politicians…what say you?

When something like this happens - is this really a Dixie decision? I find it hard to believe you’re not involved in this?

From the Torch in June of 05…

“Torch 6/26/05:

Jeff Jarrett did not wrestle in the main event of Sunday’s third anniversary TNA pay–per–view, Slammiversary. Although heavily advertised for the “King of the Mountain” match with four other wrestlers competing for the NWA World Hvt. Title, he bowed out of the match voluntarily.

Multiple sources heard that Jarrett was upset that he wasn’t being booked by the new booking committee to win the match. After spending a lot of time over the last year pushing himself as the “King of the Mountain,” he apparently felt it would be damaging to his character to not win that match. Dixie Carter, who has majority ownership of TNA, stood her ground and would not change her mind and have Jarrett win the match.

As a result, several scenarios were discussed, and they went with an angle during the PPV pregame show where Jarrett would be arrested for attacking a fan and thus unable to compete.

Jarrett was scheduled to be at this week’s TNA television tapings in Orlando, Fla., although with Dixie Carter exerting her power, no one in TNA is expecting smooth sailing between the Jarretts and Carter family in upcoming weeks as the struggle for power and influence continues.”

Jeff - what can you tell us about this show and your decision and all the talk of this?

Was this the biggest blow up at this point between yourself & Dixie?

The Spike deal is signed - how integral is Dixie to this deal?

Was the relationship in a bad spot or place during these negotiations?

Torch 9/3/05:

TNA President Dixie Carter told TNAWrestling.com that the promotion has achieved one of its major goals within the business model in being broadcast on a major cable network. Carter hinted that more big news is coming pertaining to the Spike deal. On contract negotiations with Spike as well as WGN, Dixie said, “We were fortunate enough to have interest from several places... In the end, we felt that Spike TV and their audience was the best place for us to be.

These guys understand our audience and have experience in wrestling. They value the product and we look forward to growing our property together.” Carter said TNA is considering each available free agent from WWE on a case-by-case basis, but the focus will remain on the current group of wrestlers who “have worked their butts off for TNA and deserve this exposure to show the world how amazing they are.”

She’s great to have out in front of PR and press…but what was she adding to the company in the long run do you think?

Torch 10/8/05:

According to TNA president Dixie Carter, the thought of shutting down TNA amidst the monetary losses and unfavorable television deals never crossed her mind. “There has never been a day I felt that,” Carter told Between the Ropes radio. “People have been saying we don’t have a chance. You lose money when you start a new company... We’ve had a wonderful business plan in place that we have met or exceeded along the way.”

Carter confirmed reports that Spike TV planned to get out of the wrestling business after working with WWE before taking interest in the TNA product. “From the first meeting, they were intrigued by the uniqueness of our product, how innovative it was, how different it was from what they currently had on their air,” Carter said. “They’ve been believers from the beginning. They’re as excited about us being on Spike as we are.” Carter views TNA as competition to WWE with an opportunity to bring back the ten million viewers who stopped watching wrestling over the last five years. “I hope they (WWE) grow two million fans and I hope we find the other eight,” Carter said. “That’s what it’s all about—getting back in there and reconnecting with people who maybe got disenchanted with where wrestling was going.”

Did Dixie have the business plan?

Torch 12/10/05:

When asked about building TNA and establishing a foundation for the company, Dixie said October 1 was the beginning of the company. “The first three years (were) research and development and investment money,” Dixie said. “We’ve been very smart with our money as we continue to make more money and build a business foundation that when the money did start coming in that (losing money) would never be an issue with us.”

Jeff - as you finish out of 2005 - where do you and Dixie stand do you think?

What was the relationship you had with Bob Carter?

What did you take away from this episode and just scratching the bare surface on Dixie?