Listen Up: Why a James Storm Heel Turn Is a Good Thing for TNA

While wondering if cats really do land on their feet...

Last night's Impact was a chance for TNA to reset their programming as they entered their first major presentation since October's Bound for Glory. The former PPV, affectionately labeled 'Turning Point,' did in some aspects represent a change from the Hogan years in regards to how storylines are being developed.

The biggest story coming out of last night was the long-overdue finish of the Aces & Eights stable, which ended as feebly as every other group does in the promotion. Credit to TNA for allowing it to be done by former member Mr. Anderson as opposed to the horrific reinvention of the Main Event Mafia (who still has an awesome theme btw) but it will be interesting to see where the once powerful Bully Ray goes from here.

However, that wasn't the only potential turning point that occurred yesterday. During the World Title tournament quarterfinals, we saw Bobby Roode win in a "Florida Deathmatch" against longtime rival James "The Cowboy" Storm.

First, I didn't think people fought to the death in the Sunshine State unless it was over tickets to Epcot Center, but I digress. Secondly, it was interesting how the match finished, as Storm's tag team partner Gunner pulled an Arnold Skaaland (Google if you don't know your wrestling history) and threw in the towel right before Roode was getting ready to put Storm onto a plank filled with barbed wire.

I have heard many people decry the finish, saying it was typical TNA booking, but I disagree. It kept both guys looking strong, and Storm can always come back to say he wasn't the one who legitimately quit. Yes, I know that Gunner wasn't "officially" in Storm's corner, but it helps to protect both guys, which is a rarity in wrestling nowadays.  Of course, Storm wasn't too happy that his championship aspirations ended, and responded in the only expected way. 

This also, is a good thing (all credit to DDP for that one) for Storm. Here is a guy that needed some type of jolt for the longest time. It certainly wasn't going to be another tag team run, but something where he could be viewed as a threat after TNA dropped the ball on him in 2012.

Think about it, a guy who has seen chance after chance go up in flames would eventually lose it. His frustrations are evident, and this should lead to a heel turn that could have him go over guys like Gunner, Hardy, Angle and eventually AJ Styles. He and Styles came to blows earlier this year when AJ was having his lone wolf persona, so it makes sense. 

He doesn't have to change his approach to matches, and he can easily shift from being a crowd pleaser to a heel who can resort to dirtier tactics. Going back to my longtime stance that TNA should re-create the TV title (another story for another day) it would be a great way to gauge his ability to go as a singles champion as well. Storm has the type of personality that can work as both a face or heel, and I think that right now TNA needs a strong heel in its World Title program. Storm fits the bill perfectly. 

Check out the video for more discussion on the rest of last night's Impact. If you have any questions or future suggestions regarding TNA articles, contact me on Twitter @JohnReidIV.