The TNA Master Plan: A Guide to Success

For some it may seem strange to hear the words "TNA" and "success" in the same headline.

It has only been three months since Hulk Hogan arrived and already there has been condemnation of his leadership and the direction he is taking the company.

Last week's 0.80 TV rating will do nothing to dispel the critics.

The reality of it though, is that TNA can be a success. The fact that we even speak of TNA in the same breath as WWE is an indication that people at least know it's there.

And while the two programs are on at the same time, there is always a possibility that viewers may switch over.

Even if it is for one match or one segment, any change from Raw to TNA, or vice versa, has the ability to strengthen both shows.

Already we have seen how the WWE has fired back, albeit unofficially with the introduction of Bret Hart, the use of stronger matches on Raw and impressive opening segments that have included Steve Austin, Shawn Michaels, and Smackdown's Undertaker.

For their credit, TNA has taken the fight straight to the WWE, with the introduction of superstars like Rob Van Dam, Jeff Hardy, Ric Flair, and Ken Anderson. Not all have been successful, though.

Hulk Hogan using his power to bring in his friends like the Sean Morley and the Nasty Boys is a poor move, but if it’s a short-term thing then fans may forgive him.

At the moment, TNA has nothing to lose, as they are expected be beaten by the monster that is WWE. Vince McMahon has seen off bigger and better-run organizations than TNA and so, on paper, it’s a phony war.

The reality though is that TNA does not need to win the War, it simply needs to strengthen its product sufficiently to make inroads. The introduction of Hardy and Van Dam and if rumours are true, many of the old ECW will result in fans switching over.

For TNA to succeed long-term, the quality of the product is crucial. Simple and efficient wrestling matches with good rivalries will suffice.

It would be hard to see a main event like Styles vs. Hardy or Van Dam vs. Dreamer not gaining a bump in the ratings if advertised properly .

A rating of 1.5 represents a target that they need to get to again. That number is possible with "live viewers," "replay viewers," and those who record the program. And if they can succeed, this leads to advertisement opportunities that bring in money.

If TNA can produce a series of good programmes in a row, then other television networks will take notice and in the long term, TNA can move out of Spike TV, which is limited in terms of how many viewers it can reach.

A bigger audience leads to bigger ratings, which takes the fight straight to WWE.

To begin with, all TNA needs to do is go easy on the blood, remove the Nasty Boys, and produce effective, well-advertised programs that people will watch and most importantly want to talk about.

Evolution, not revolution is the key. Hogan cannot win the war this year or even next. Time and continued effort is the key.