sources: Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Pro Wrestling Torch
Several days before the last set of Impact tapings (12/18), Simon Diamond, Jerry Lynn and Shane Douglas were given word that they were being suspended as agents for the taping. The reason given for the suspensions was that they weren't being hard enough on the talent and that they didn't turn in their written reports by the previous Wednesday as requested. They were all told that the suspension would only be for that taping. They get paid on a per-show basis, so it saved TNA some money. Also, Lynn was there, but to shoot his angle, not to work as an agent.
Word from backstage is the taping went a little smoother than usual, perhaps because those filling in (Taylor, Mantel, and Jarrett) wanted to send a message to the agents. Jarrett had been outspoken about the work of the agents not being up to his expectations lately. D'Amore, who is tight with Jarrett and often gets hotel rooms right next to him, was not among the agents being punished.
Kurt Angle's segment on the "George Michael Sports Machine will be airing next Sunday night on 1/14. Michael hand picked Angle to be one of his guests on one of his last shows.
