For my first article EVER on this website, I have decided to bash (and then praise) what has the potential to be the most exciting and innovative wrestling company in North American history.
Let's start out with a short history lesson.
Total Nonstop Action began with Jerry and Jeff Jarrett deciding to get in the wrestling business. They partnered with the National Wrestling Alliance and ran weekly pay-per-views (from here on out known simply as ppvs) at the cost of $10.
Eventually they expanded, got a deal with Spike TV, and created an amazing women's division in the process (guys let's be honest, would you want to be stuck in an alley with Awesome Kong? I wouldn't...now Angelina Love is a different story entirely).
But, I suggest you view the pic of Kevin Nash if you haven't already. THAT, my fellow fans, is what is wrong with TNA wrestling today.
Nash is way past his prime, still main-eventing, and still holding a microphone. But it is in no way, shape, or form all Nash's fault.
LAX, which had the potential to be one of the greatest factions in the history of TNA, has become a group of good guys just holding a fiesta week after week on television. That is nothing like Konnan's group of militant thugs that raided the roster and proclaimed war on America just a few years ago (has it really been that long?).
Christopher Daniels has become a joke wrestler, Curry Man (he's hot, he's spicy, he's completely idiotic and pointless). Jay Lethal is still "Black Machismo" (why don't special interest groups hound TNA over that moniker?). Kurt Angle is old and beginning to slow down (for the necessary joke, view any Angle match). Karen Angle even has her own talk show segment type thing now (oh how i long for Piper's Pit).
And I am not even going to touch the commentary (Adamle would fit in great on the announce team).
To be fair, TNA isn't horrible. Even though last time I tried Tivo'ing it, the machine said, "You may not have to sit through this...uh crap...but I do." Ok, corny joke I apologize. I will try to brush up on my material by next article.
Anyway the point is, the wrestling is still top-notch, the women can actually put on a good match, and the roster contains some of the most talented people to ever grace the squared circle (or in this case hexagonal circle).
So, yeah the storylines suck. But you have to take the good with the bad.
My advice: fast-forward through everything boring, and watch the remaining 20 minutes on mute.
Your feedback is greatly appreciated.
6 comments Last one added 10 months ago — Leave a Comment
Red Ranger 10 months ago
Thoughtful article. Hard to fault TNA for supplementing superior, albeit, lesser known talent with better known, past their prime wrestlers in an efffort to garner more exposure to the average fan. As a wrestling fan who checked out of wrestling for 8 years or so....coming back and watching TNA is like watching WWE circa 1999. This, in my opinion, is why TNA rocks and may suck (for some people).
By the way, I think you "get" Curry Man or you don't. I find it amusing in a very "tongue and cheek" sort of way and enjoy the innocently political insensitivity it satires and the
"suspension of disbelief" that is requires from viewers. This suspension is what makes professional wrestling more appealing than MMA to this author. Finally, I find it hard to argue with Chris Daniels skills as a wrestler, irrespective of the character, he's a nice asset to have in the TNA arsenal.
It's difficult to mention TNA without lampooning Vince Russo, which seems to be a past time for most internet opinion-aters. I don't entirely understand the history of the hardcore fan's disdain for Russo, but it seems to be deep and wide. When you consider the other folks, assumably, on creative at TNA I wonder why Russo bears the brunt of the criticism?
Edit Comment Cancel
James Hall 10 months ago
First of all, thanks for replying. I feel popular now........second of all I totally see why TNA would want older, more established stars to get more viewers, however, they don't deserve to be in the main event anymore. In the old territorial days, wrestlers would start out at the bottom, get to the top of the card, and end somewhere near the bottom. The ratings have proven that most fans do not enjoy matches with older, established stars. So, TNA should use them in the beginning of the show. Put online that the 1st match will be Nash vs. Shark Boy or something, have it a complete squash, and hook all of the older wrestling fans in the beginning, and then put on a quality wrestling show for the next hour and 50 minutes.
Curry Man was amusing in the beginning. Now I am begging for The Fallen Angel to return once again.
I don't hate Russo. I met the guy, he was extremely nice and gracious for another chance. The entire creative team is in disarray, not just one man. Something needs to happen soon, before they lose their paying audience forever.
Edit Comment Cancel
Gregg Thomas 10 months ago
It's not like Nash is still wrestling all the time, where he basically picked his matches and who he would wrestle like in WCW. I think he learned from his past mistakes, and is more willing to 'put-over' the younger guys these days. However, I don't mind see Big Sexy lace the boots up once in a while; as long as he's not tearing down the roster. Personally, I think Nash can still bring it on the mic.
I feel TNA is good wrestling, and that is missing immensly from WWE programming. The blend of veterans and young guys is good enough where it hasn't become a takeover. I think Angle, Sting, Booker, Christian and yes even Nash have gone out of their way to put over Styles, Joe, Roode and etc. TNA is trying to avoid the pitfalls of WCW, and has done a good job in doing so.
Overall, I like the product and would actually prefer to watch it over the mundane WWE. TNA will contine to grow and build it's roster while attracting other wrestlers from WWE. Rumor has it Mick Foley will sign with WWE once his contract expires? Can't tell you wouldn't want to see Foley continue to wrestle at least part-time in TNA?
Edit Comment Cancel
James Hall 10 months ago
I don't have a problem with the wrestling for the most part, it's the storylines and commentary that really make me want to turn the channel. And I would love to see Foley in TNA. If he is the psychotic Foley willing to do anything. Not a lot, but on occasion it would be nice to see "The Sock" in TNA. Maybe a manager type role would be better. He did really good in his role as "The Commish" in WWE, I think that type of role in TNA would suit him perfectly. He is really good on the mic. Maybe even have him as a 3rd person on the announce team. They desperately need to have a heel commentator.
Edit Comment Cancel
James Tucker 10 months ago
I like the idea of Foley coming to TNA. While I would hate to see TNA become oversaturated with former WWE talent, the idea of having Foley work with Abyss appeals to me. Having the Sock talk to Abyss in an effort to channel his aggressions would be interesting and a Foley/Abyss tandem would make potential storylines in TNA comical and at the same time frightening depending how the angles are played out.
Secondly, TNA needs to continue to capitalize on their Knockouts and the ratings they continue to draw. Whether you dislike the Beautiful People, the fact that they work the camera, can wrestle for the most part and are not hard to look at, are assests to their division. Kim and Kong continue to give the division credibility.
I agree with "Red" that the Fallen Angel needs to return. Let Shark Boy and Super Eric be the comic relief of TNA. Daniels and TNA are better served when Daniels is placed in meaningful feuds with Styles, Abyss and Joe.
For the most part, I love the wrestling that TNA brings but they need to tone down the gimmick matches and the controversial endings substantially. What is wrong with a clean pin? Lastktm is it me or was LAX better served to the fans when Konnan was at their side? Guererro and Salinas need to be removed from the picture. Bring back the old LAX that everyone loved to hate.
Edit Comment Cancel
James Hall 10 months ago
I could not agree with you more my friend.
And yeah the chicks can wrestle their tails off. I wonder how much one would have to pay to buy that on ebay.....
Oh, and you have a great name too.
Edit Comment Cancel
Leave a Comment
You must register to post a comment.