Monday Night Wars Version 2.0: Kids V Adults?

With rumors circulating that TNA will be holding another live edition of IMPACT on March 1, it appears the wrestling fans will be getting another round of the Monday Night Wars with TNA taking on WWE.  In the old days, WWE and WCW constantly pushed the envelope in the hope that controversy would create ratings.  However, that does not seem to be the case this time around.

WWE has currently adopted a family friendly business model to attract more child fans.  This has lead to a near ban of intangibles like cursing and blood: two of the most highlighted aspect of the Attitude Era.  

This has been done in an attempt to boost merchandise sales throughout the company.  With these tough economic times, adults will cut out purchasing the latest shirt or DVD when they need to pay off a credit card bill.  However, many adults have a tough time telling a child no.  When a child wants a John Cena shirt, Shawn Michaels DVD, or Undertaker action figure, more than likely someone will buy it for them.  This means that WWE is viewing children as their money makers right now.

Whenever you watch Raw, listen to crowd reactions and view what is being shown on the screen.  Whenever Cena enters the arena, he is meet by a chorus of cheers from childish voice.  Whenever DX, once the epitome of the Attitude Era, appears, a leprechaun is never far behind.  Children are the greatest impact on WWE television.

TNA needs to find its niche to initially compete with WWE in any type of ratings war.  The new team in charge, Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff, have already begun to take charge and mold TNA into their vision of a company that can compete with Vince McMahon.

Whether you agree with Hogan's decisions thus far or not, he has been effective.  Since his debut, TNA Impact ratings have gone up tremendously.  One possible reason is his emphasis on keeping their product PG-13.

Hogan's first show featured a strip poker segment with some of the most attractive women in wrestling today.  He has also attempted to recreate controversy with his own " screw job" storyline involving champion AJ Styles and Kurt Angle.  One thing is for certain about Hogan, he wants adults to follow his product.  That could be the one factor the catapults TNA closer to real competition with WWE.

Come nightime March 1, people will have a choice of what show to watch: a show for kids or a show for adults.  Luckily for TNA, most young children have a bedtime before 9pm.