Twenty Years On: TNA Impact‘s Pivotal 2005 Show & The Rise of ”Granny”
Nashville, TN – A TNA Impact! broadcast from 20 years ago this week, on November 24, 2005, proved a turning point for the promotion, showcasing both burgeoning stars and a viral sensation that briefly captivated the wrestling world.The episode, emanating from the Nashville Fairgrounds, featured key matches in the build to TNA’s annual “Turning Point” pay-per-view and introduced audiences to the unforgettable character of “Granny.”
The significance of this show extends beyond nostalgia. It represents a period where TNA actively sought to differentiate itself from WWE, emphasizing in-ring action and character growth. The emergence of “Granny” – a seemingly harmless elderly woman who unexpectedly unleashed aggressive wrestling moves – highlighted TNA’s willingness to embrace unconventional angles and generate buzz through unexpected moments. This willingness to experiment, while sometimes yielding mixed results, was central to TNA’s identity during its formative years and continues to influence independent wrestling promotions today.
The main event saw AJ Styles and Ron Killings defeat the team of Jeff Jarrett and Larry zbyszko. Earlier in the night,Samoa Joe battled Christopher Daniels in a hard-hitting contest. But it was the segment featuring “Granny” – portrayed by veteran performer Dorothy “Dotty” Uhl – that stole the show.
uhl, initially presented as a sympathetic figure being harassed by The Latin American Exchange (Homicide and Hernandez), revealed a surprising fighting spirit, delivering a series of impactful moves on both wrestlers. The segment quickly went viral, generating notable online discussion and attracting mainstream media attention to TNA.
Bryan Alvarez, co-founder of Figure Four Online and a longtime observer of the wrestling industry, noted the impact of the “Granny” angle. ”It was a genuinely shocking moment,” Alvarez stated. “Nobody expected it, and it got peopel talking about TNA. It was a perfect example of how TNA could create buzz with something completely out of left field.”
While “Granny’s” run was short-lived, the character remains a memorable part of TNA history, demonstrating the power of unexpected moments and the potential for viral marketing in professional wrestling. The November 24, 2005, Impact! broadcast serves as a reminder of TNA’s early ambition and its willingness to take risks in pursuit of establishing itself as a viable choice to the industry’s dominant forces.
