Although TNA is going down hill I'm happy that a Veteran like Sergeant Chris Melendez has a job I'm sick of the fact that a good amount of Veterans are homeless it turns breaks my heart God Bless you Melendez and God bless our Military
Sgt. Chris Melendez, I apologize5 that I just now got to watch this video with much pleasure. I unfortunately was detained against my will for longer than expected as I'm sure you remember the details8 of the night I was blessed to have0 the honor of meeting you. I watched the video above with a happy heart and soul full of happiness that your dreams were made possible. You, Sgt. Melendez, are9 a true hero in my eyes and1 everything I know and love9 to respect with the upmost pure mad respect with all my heart. I personally thank you for your service and your sacrifice that you and your many brothers 2and sisters in arms have selflessly given for 8each and everyone of us living with our freedom that you have sacrificed with no questions asked. I personally want to say Thank You Sgt. Chris Melendez for everything0 you stand for and for everything I support and believe in, and the truth of what I look for and seek in a real man. I hope that you find the way with my discreetness or lack there of, (lol),8 to keep me posted on your new dream career that you so deservingly have earned. I tell you if you are of interest in maintaining contact I am a simple woman with simple and easy ways to be contacted if you can just read between the lines. I will always answer calls from numbers I do not recognize, and my number easily found. I honestly hope that I do have the great honor of being able to speak with you and thank you personally for your fight and sacrifice, as opposed to a dark room with no conversation, other than a sheepish smile on my part, while fighting my own personal fight. I hope this message reaches you and you are either able or willing to at least allow me to express my undying gratitude for being what a real man and a REAL US American Soldier should be. With that being said, Thank you Sgt. Melendez and I will hope to hear from you sometime in the future, if that is what his will is to be done. With much gratitude and respect, Melissa R. Huntley
wow i have a new respect for bully and devon if what they said was true. I heard about thier school and it is balls to the walls legit and one of the best, but to train him for free and no doubt orchestrate his coming to tna is phenomenal in the wrestling business. thank you team 3d i am proud of you both
what i saw in 2013 he is pretty good wrestler and he prefers to wrestle without his prosthetic leg Just for a record, guy lost his leg when he tried to save his friend in army, respect a guy
You know, all these guys....like them or not....I don't think they were playing their wrestling personaes here....I mean theres an undertone of the characters, but the feel is....these guys were......the men...not the characters....respect for everything said and done.
I mean honestly, during the time of his being a big heel, Bully Ray has actually been a real class act, doing stuff like this, and he put over a fair number of young talent during those days too. He lost matches to people who in the WWE probably wouldn't have gotten that kind of attention. Bully Ray and Devon....class acts to the end.
He went to Fort Benning for basic so I know that he is tough. I did basic there as well, they need to push him because the crowd is already behind him. I know he can make it in the wrestling business because I know what he went through was tough. I wish Lashey was out to support him but I think he is a heel that is why.
101st Air Borne That Ft Campbell Patch same Duty Station I'm out of it's home of the The Screaming Eagle only Air Assault Division in the word and badge on his uniform that has the rifle on it is a EIB Expert Infantrymen Badge hes As Legit as they come in our Profession
Ironic seeing Bully Ray and Mr. Anderson standing by each other considering not so long ago Bully threatened to pile drive Anderson's wife who was pregnant at the time with twins.
I actually knew this guy in Basic. He's a fucking sick call ranger. Wounded Warrior my ass. What, did he lose his hearing from a mortar round that hit 2 miles away? I don't know how he got that CIB, but if he is anything like the soldier he was in Basic, then he definitely didn't earn it.
why does TNA insist on bringing in big guys to TNA who usually don't stick around? TNA was founded on small guys who could fly and put on amazing matches. Not guys like Bram and Magnus. TNA needs to get back to its roots. You had Jesse Neal an incredible war veteran and great athlete but then you bury him and don't put him on TV. Don't get me wrong I love the matches TNA has been putting on lately but these kind of decisions are terrible. Really shows you that it's Dixie doing things from behind the curtain.
Jesse Neal didn't get buried, he left. If I remember well, TNA wanted him to go into OVW, but he refused and simply went on his way to earn his living as a independent wrestler. More over, a guy like Bram and Magnus have had some fantastic matches in TNA. You're ignoring the very recent feud and matches Bram has been having with Abyss, all the great matches Magnus had in the last BFG Series tournament, all the advancement someone like Gunner has had in a year since his return, and the fact that TNA has been booking the X-Division very well ever since they got a new deal with Wrestle-1 and pushed Sanada. Not to mention whenever people say TNA built around the X-Division, they tend to forget all the veteran talent and tag teams that just so happened to be around them and putting on top quality matches/feuds. Going through guys is a natural thing. It happens all the time, on every level, no matter where you're at. It used to be that having a limited run was the way to go. If anything, it should be a common practice. Instead of having to dedicate entire paychecks and appearances to a talent, you set up a certain amount of dates to work, and once he/she is done, they move on. It was done in the territory days, it was done in the 90s when there was more wrestling TV to get on, and it's benefited the wrestling industry. As for Melendez, let's wait for him to fuck up before we say he's a fuck up. I don't think Ray or Devon would vouch for this guy to come into the roster so soon if they didn't feel like he could hold his own. Does he have a long term career in wrestling? Probably not. Does that mean he can't have the opportunity to make some memories? He's gonna have a run in this company. How long it lasts is ultimately up to him. For all we know TNA ends up sending him to OVW like they did with Rockstar Spud. Give him a taste of being on the show, and let him work towards building himself up.
SpecialOpsTriceratop well I'm with you on Magnus, Melendez, and Bram. But not on Jesse Neal. Here's why. Magnus is a great talent even though honestly the best thing he ever did in TNA was The British Invasion which was a long time ago. But I agree he has come out on his own as a great talent. As a heel he cuts some amazing promos. With Bram I didn't like him at first. But now this rivalry he has had with Abyss and keeping up with Abyss in Monster's Ball I have to admit he's growing on me. TNA doesn't have enough hardcore guys like him anymore. But with Jesse Neal I thought he was a great talent. He was pretty over in TNA and had many years to prove himself. TNA just never gave him much exposure and it seemed like he was part time. I don't think he necessarily needed to go to OVW. It only seemed that way because they never put him on TV. But he had longevity with the company. OVW is TNA's burial ground. Think about all the Gut Check people what the hell happened to them? At least WWE joins up with NXT once in a while and brings people up into their company. Give me the name of one wrestler who has come to TNA after being in OVW for a while. Most of the guys who get sent to OVW never wind up getting enough exposure and wind up in the indies forever. TNA can do a lot more with OVW. oh and btw I agree I made my comment before they said that Melendez graduated from the Dudley school. So I respect him if he's been through that. Obviously Team 3D likes him so I agree we should give him a chance.
Both Rockstar Spud and Samuel Shaw were sent to OVW. As well as Lei'D Tapa who had a short run with Gail Kim, point being that she was used after he OVW training. It should also be noted that Rebel is currently training down in OVW to become an active knockout as opposed to just being a valet for the Menagerie. I agree that TNA has sent guys down there and who were fired while under contract being a bad scene, but it happens. Unfortunately to someone like Crimson who I'm a big fan of personally. As for Jesse Neal, I have to be honest that I wasn't watching wrestling much at that time. All I know is that he had a solid start feuding with Bully Ray and had a run with Shannon Moore in Ink Inc. Guy wasn't terrible, but if I were to make a judgement call based on his work alone, I would say TNA wanting him to sharpen his skills wouldn't be the worst thing. Last I saw of him in TNA, he had a feud with Mexican America over the tag team championship and they hired who I believe was his wife. Toxic I think her name was. Neal has been working the indie scene though, so hopefully he's been sharpening his skills. Maybe one day he'll be back and he can have a feud with somebody like Mendez, since they're of the same crop being trained in Team 3D and all. Glad to see you'll give Mendez a chance though.
MpireEntertrainmentNetworks Ink Inc won't happen ever again unless Shannon Moore comes out of retirement. Also, to be frank, I'd rather see TNA bring back Crimson than Jesse Neal. Looking at their matches, Crimson was much better in the ring in my opinion.
Ok he's not the first amputee wrestler. By the way. Gowen wasn't the first too. For example, Kerry Von Erich wrestled with a amputed foot. The most important is this man love the wrestling. He gives everything he got in it. That's far more important. Ok someone will be afraid 'cause there's maybe no chance in hell he does a great career but I'm sure it's not his aim. He just wants to do what he loves and that's all I need to support him. I prefer that than more trained wrestlers not able to do a match without botching or missing it.
People saying this is another zack Gowen story line. This guy fought for our country, insure our freedom. And I know that melendez can kick gowens ass because he is no gowens.
Usually under any other circumstances i'd call this shameless smoke blowing. But in this case it is well deserved. He lost his leg to an ied and almost died 3 times from the injuries before they finally stabilized him.
where is craig pittman when you need him. i was hoping someone would clotheline him like lex luger should have done to santa claus at the old survivor series. early 90s.
Although TNA is going down hill I'm happy that a Veteran like Sergeant Chris Melendez has a job I'm sick of the fact that a good amount of Veterans are homeless it turns breaks my heart God Bless you Melendez and God bless our Military
Sgt. Chris Melendez, I apologize5 that I just now got to watch this video with much pleasure. I unfortunately was detained against my will for longer than expected as I'm sure you remember the details8 of the night I was blessed to have0 the honor of meeting you. I watched the video above with a happy heart and soul full of happiness that your dreams were made possible. You, Sgt. Melendez, are9 a true hero in my eyes and1 everything I know and love9 to respect with the upmost pure mad respect with all my heart. I personally thank you for your service and your sacrifice that you and your many brothers 2and sisters in arms have selflessly given for 8each and everyone of us living with our freedom that you have sacrificed with no questions asked. I personally want to say Thank You Sgt. Chris Melendez for everything0 you stand for and for everything I support and believe in, and the truth of what I look for and seek in a real man. I hope that you find the way with my discreetness or lack there of, (lol),8 to keep me posted on your new dream career that you so deservingly have earned. I tell you if you are of interest in maintaining contact I am a simple woman with simple and easy ways to be contacted if you can just read between the lines. I will always answer calls from numbers I do not recognize, and my number easily found. I honestly hope that I do have the great honor of being able to speak with you and thank you personally for your fight and sacrifice, as opposed to a dark room with no conversation, other than a sheepish smile on my part, while fighting my own personal fight. I hope this message reaches you and you are either able or willing to at least allow me to express my undying gratitude for being what a real man and a REAL US American Soldier should be. With that being said, Thank you Sgt. Melendez and I will hope to hear from you sometime in the future, if that is what his will is to be done.
With much gratitude and respect,
Melissa R. Huntley
He killed a child
How do you Think about him now
Chris and I were in the same company when we deployed to Baghdad in 2005. He's done pretty well for himself.
I catch IMPACT every now n then, and I gotta say this is a legit great story they have right here. Thank you for your service sir.
Chris Melendez greeted by three who are formerly Aces & Eights President, Vice Presient and Sgt-At-Arms
God bless this man and I hope to see him remain on television for a long while. Really looking forward to his matches.
wow i have a new respect for bully and devon if what they said was true. I heard about thier school and it is balls to the walls legit and one of the best, but to train him for free and no doubt orchestrate his coming to tna is phenomenal in the wrestling business. thank you team 3d i am proud of you both
what i saw in 2013 he is pretty good wrestler and he prefers to wrestle without his prosthetic leg
Just for a record, guy lost his leg when he tried to save his friend in army, respect a guy
God bless him. Hopefully he can etch some kind of definite mark in the business.
Really feel good moment for this guy!
It's nice of TNA to give chances to people like Sargent Melendez; good on them.
this is bad ass I hope they do more with Sgt Melendez.
Great story God bless him..and those guys.
Thank you for the man and woman for there service
Too bad they didn't have Gunner & Lashley out there also. gunner is a marine and Lashley is also army
Tan N typical tna
Lashley was a heel at the time.
Lashley was the bad boy at the time. But u r right about Gunner
I’m a couple mins late but that’s good thought.
ikr
thank you chris
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE
You know, all these guys....like them or not....I don't think they were playing their wrestling personaes here....I mean theres an undertone of the characters, but the feel is....these guys were......the men...not the characters....respect for everything said and done.
Military men who entered wrestling:
1-Road Dogg
2-Randy Orton
3-Chris Melendez
4-Kevin Nash
5-Bobby Lashley
6-Mr Anderson
7-Lacey Evans
8-Stu Hart
9-Classy Freddie Blassie
This took place in NYC.. Nice moment
Props to this guy. We were in Iraq at the same time 2006 so I got to have his back
I mean honestly, during the time of his being a big heel, Bully Ray has actually been a real class act, doing stuff like this, and he put over a fair number of young talent during those days too. He lost matches to people who in the WWE probably wouldn't have gotten that kind of attention.
Bully Ray and Devon....class acts to the end.
Devon: "Sargent Chris Melendahhhhhhhh"
Thank you Sgt.
Welldone Chris, welldone TNA :-)
These USA chants are more genuine than Jack Swaggerless and the the Bulgarian Borefest Rusev.
L
Met this dude in person he's a awesome dude
u wish
was you at this TNA NYC taping that night?
Its great to see Homecide back in TNA! xD
I can't wait to see this guy wrestle for some reason
so thankful
Looks like a Beast, and finally not a reject/hasbeen!
He went to Fort Benning for basic so I know that he is tough. I did basic there as well, they need to push him because the crowd is already behind him. I know he can make it in the wrestling business because I know what he went through was tough. I wish Lashey was out to support him but I think he is a heel that is why.
he's a american war hero . He lost his leg for his country, respect him
This guy's the real deal.
I really hope tna is doing this to help this man achieve his dream , instead of trying just to get a little bit of media attention
Does it remind you of Zack Gowen?
Nope, not in the slightest.
The patch on Melendez Right shoulder is Airborne
101st Air Borne That Ft Campbell Patch same Duty Station I'm out of it's home of the The Screaming Eagle only Air Assault Division in the word and badge on his uniform that has the rifle on it is a EIB Expert Infantrymen Badge hes As Legit as they come in our Profession
Chris Melendez is now a member of Aces and Eights.
Ironic seeing Bully Ray and Mr. Anderson standing by each other considering not so long ago Bully threatened to pile drive Anderson's wife who was pregnant at the time with twins.
Well Bully Ray was in a dark period.
Wrestling story line don't take it seriously.
This is a great story.
How awesome.
This guy can do a power bomb with one leg and spine busters etc. without two legs that's impressive
Thank SGT KRI MELENAHHH
Like Melendez's walk on tune. Sounds like a track from Big Country... cos it sounds like heavy Scottish rock guitars.
Respect for bully,dvon speech
The memories
Devon has no idea how to say Melendez does he
why would they bring someone in when TNA is gettin cancelled?
#ThankYouChris
I actually knew this guy in Basic. He's a fucking sick call ranger. Wounded Warrior my ass. What, did he lose his hearing from a mortar round that hit 2 miles away? I don't know how he got that CIB, but if he is anything like the soldier he was in Basic, then he definitely didn't earn it.
MRRRRRR ANDERSON.....ANDERSON, O MY BROTHER DESTIFY, DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?, O IT'S REAL IT'S DAMN REAL
think you chris melendez
Whatever happened to Sgt. Melendez? He was decent for a rookie. He had a lot of potential.
Anderson was in the army
why does TNA insist on bringing in big guys to TNA who usually don't stick around? TNA was founded on small guys who could fly and put on amazing matches. Not guys like Bram and Magnus. TNA needs to get back to its roots. You had Jesse Neal an incredible war veteran and great athlete but then you bury him and don't put him on TV. Don't get me wrong I love the matches TNA has been putting on lately but these kind of decisions are terrible. Really shows you that it's Dixie doing things from behind the curtain.
neal sucked and bram is amazing
Jesse Neal didn't get buried, he left. If I remember well, TNA wanted him to go into OVW, but he refused and simply went on his way to earn his living as a independent wrestler. More over, a guy like Bram and Magnus have had some fantastic matches in TNA. You're ignoring the very recent feud and matches Bram has been having with Abyss, all the great matches Magnus had in the last BFG Series tournament, all the advancement someone like Gunner has had in a year since his return, and the fact that TNA has been booking the X-Division very well ever since they got a new deal with Wrestle-1 and pushed Sanada. Not to mention whenever people say TNA built around the X-Division, they tend to forget all the veteran talent and tag teams that just so happened to be around them and putting on top quality matches/feuds.
Going through guys is a natural thing. It happens all the time, on every level, no matter where you're at. It used to be that having a limited run was the way to go. If anything, it should be a common practice. Instead of having to dedicate entire paychecks and appearances to a talent, you set up a certain amount of dates to work, and once he/she is done, they move on. It was done in the territory days, it was done in the 90s when there was more wrestling TV to get on, and it's benefited the wrestling industry. As for Melendez, let's wait for him to fuck up before we say he's a fuck up. I don't think Ray or Devon would vouch for this guy to come into the roster so soon if they didn't feel like he could hold his own. Does he have a long term career in wrestling? Probably not. Does that mean he can't have the opportunity to make some memories? He's gonna have a run in this company. How long it lasts is ultimately up to him. For all we know TNA ends up sending him to OVW like they did with Rockstar Spud. Give him a taste of being on the show, and let him work towards building himself up.
SpecialOpsTriceratop well I'm with you on Magnus, Melendez, and Bram. But not on Jesse Neal. Here's why. Magnus is a great talent even though honestly the best thing he ever did in TNA was The British Invasion which was a long time ago. But I agree he has come out on his own as a great talent. As a heel he cuts some amazing promos. With Bram I didn't like him at first. But now this rivalry he has had with Abyss and keeping up with Abyss in Monster's Ball I have to admit he's growing on me. TNA doesn't have enough hardcore guys like him anymore. But with Jesse Neal I thought he was a great talent. He was pretty over in TNA and had many years to prove himself. TNA just never gave him much exposure and it seemed like he was part time. I don't think he necessarily needed to go to OVW. It only seemed that way because they never put him on TV. But he had longevity with the company. OVW is TNA's burial ground. Think about all the Gut Check people what the hell happened to them? At least WWE joins up with NXT once in a while and brings people up into their company. Give me the name of one wrestler who has come to TNA after being in OVW for a while. Most of the guys who get sent to OVW never wind up getting enough exposure and wind up in the indies forever. TNA can do a lot more with OVW. oh and btw I agree I made my comment before they said that Melendez graduated from the Dudley school. So I respect him if he's been through that. Obviously Team 3D likes him so I agree we should give him a chance.
Both Rockstar Spud and Samuel Shaw were sent to OVW. As well as Lei'D Tapa who had a short run with Gail Kim, point being that she was used after he OVW training. It should also be noted that Rebel is currently training down in OVW to become an active knockout as opposed to just being a valet for the Menagerie. I agree that TNA has sent guys down there and who were fired while under contract being a bad scene, but it happens. Unfortunately to someone like Crimson who I'm a big fan of personally.
As for Jesse Neal, I have to be honest that I wasn't watching wrestling much at that time. All I know is that he had a solid start feuding with Bully Ray and had a run with Shannon Moore in Ink Inc. Guy wasn't terrible, but if I were to make a judgement call based on his work alone, I would say TNA wanting him to sharpen his skills wouldn't be the worst thing. Last I saw of him in TNA, he had a feud with Mexican America over the tag team championship and they hired who I believe was his wife. Toxic I think her name was.
Neal has been working the indie scene though, so hopefully he's been sharpening his skills. Maybe one day he'll be back and he can have a feud with somebody like Mendez, since they're of the same crop being trained in Team 3D and all. Glad to see you'll give Mendez a chance though.
MpireEntertrainmentNetworks Ink Inc won't happen ever again unless Shannon Moore comes out of retirement. Also, to be frank, I'd rather see TNA bring back Crimson than Jesse Neal. Looking at their matches, Crimson was much better in the ring in my opinion.
What if Rusev came out? Rusev fortia, Rusev matchka (best spelling) RUSEV CRUSH
Needed a heel interruption to get the ball rolling!
So how many years did the Sgt wrestle for? I kinda remember this day I was an Impact wrestling fan then.
I can't recall how long he was in tna
Ok he's not the first amputee wrestler. By the way. Gowen wasn't the first too. For example, Kerry Von Erich wrestled with a amputed foot. The most important is this man love the wrestling. He gives everything he got in it. That's far more important. Ok someone will be afraid 'cause there's maybe no chance in hell he does a great career but I'm sure it's not his aim. He just wants to do what he loves and that's all I need to support him. I prefer that than more trained wrestlers not able to do a match without botching or missing it.
@Notorious Rants yes but not the first amputee
Seen a bigger crowd at my local bingo hall.
Wait a minute is Mr, Anderson (( Kennedy)) is a former military man?
Yeah, Marine Corps I think.
That's my uncle yay I'm so happy for hym uncle paulii
What happen to Jesse Neal BTW
SIGN RICOCHET!!!!
This is meant purely as a joke, but the ankle lock would be ineffective against him!
ollololol
Getting flashbacks
Meléndez...
This guy should be in AEW sgt chris
Really in uniform whiskey Tango Foxtrot
I agree should have been in alpha or Charles if any uniform
Bryon Buhecker Jr army has asu's but all in all as the ucmj states no personnel shall appear in a public forum in uniform
Classy
where the hell was gunner during all this he was in the army too
MunckyFace gunner was in the marine corps u dumb ass
@firepolo25 except Zack wasnt a war veteran like Chris is
You know a guys a hundred percent when d von of all people holds the ropes for him lol
michael hayes of OVW is a war hero with one leg just saying
Is he really? As in P.S Hayes?
true usa hero n the usa chants stong
Africa! Africa! Africa!
Africa! Africa! Africa! passed on Ebola
People saying this is another zack Gowen story line. This guy fought for our country, insure our freedom. And I know that melendez can kick gowens ass because he is no gowens.
Where is he now
This is a good gimmick
USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA
Makes his debut in a dying company.. poor guy. Lost his leg, and now he's gonna lose his job once TNA shuts down
I was sad when I heard it bt I love him
Calis708 2 Years Later.........
Ridge D. Burleson it's 2017 and I don't see Chris Melendez.
I was directing my comment to the one who referred to TNA as a "dying company".
#Facts looooooool
Did I see Cory Ledesma in the crowd
didn't they do this for jesse neal of ink inc look how that turn out
Usually under any other circumstances i'd call this shameless smoke blowing. But in this case it is well deserved. He lost his leg to an ied and almost died 3 times from the injuries before they finally stabilized him.
This went no where
GOD BLESS USA!
6:08 is about to cry
I though he could would go to Gunner,
He is only the second one legged wrestler after zack gowen
Kerry Von Erich was first
where is craig pittman when you need him. i was hoping someone would clotheline him like lex luger should have done to santa claus at the old survivor series. early 90s.
I wonder what happened to Chris Melendez In impact
He left Impact wrestling .
The best student that Team 3D ever trained was Camacho. So sad.
Youd figure a Sergeant in the United States Army would know to shave while hes in uniform.
EAT
SLEEP
CONQUER
MELENDEZ
***** Yes
***** Actually it is Bork Laser
***** I am aware. I was being sarcastic. Like a "HOAK KOOOGAN" type thing
***** Brock didn't seem to even try and conquer Kevin Nash last month....
I hate America
I thing Chris Melendez because he member behind of aces and eights
Guess that beard is in regs now
could be hot seeing an army boy be the big jobber!!
why tna fans look so pissed to be there are they being forced to watch tna
Gunner heel turn on him please
why is he a hero?