What's Best For TNA Is Best For The Business...But...

Apparently those in charge at TNA hq in Nashville haven't quite figured out what that is yet.  TNA has in their possession what is in my opinion the best roster in professional wrestling today; not only that, TNA has some of the greatest minds in the business cashing paychecks from their account.  How could it be they're not improving in the ratings?

In business I was taught there are two different "zones" you will find yourself involved in.  One is the "stretch" zone.  This is where you are challenging yourself to improve on a daily basis and making the honest effor to grow.  The second is the "comfort" zone.  It is exactly what the name implies; comfortable.

In my opinion it seems Total Nonstop Action Wrestling has been hanging around the comfort zone for so long, they've apparantly forgotten how to stretch.  Since its inception TNA has had a proverbial revolving door of major name talent make their way in and out of the Impact Zone, to little or no change in the ratings.

From show one in the Asylum, there was Scott Hall, Jeff Jarrett, AJ Styles, and countless other stars leading all the way to arguably the biggest star of all time Hulk Hogan, yet Impact continues to garner only around a 1.0 rating.  What's up with that?

Personally, I feel this is a result of using the same formula WCW was using as it was going out of business...  TNA has reverted to a lot of "shock" tv instead of making their program feel real and different.  Have you ever counted the amount of times they've said "WWE" on one of their programs?  And since Bischogan took over, how many people have bladed?  I'm pretty sure I've seen at least enough blood to fill a swimming pool.  What's the point?

First thing's first;  TNA needs to forget about WWE.  Instead of being competition, they should focus on being an alternative.  WWE has their own "universe," and for the most part, no other promotion is allowed in it, on this matter TNA should follow suit.

Developing the stars of the X Division should be a top priority.  This is one of the key things that sets TNA apart from WWE and they need to capitalize on it before WWE does.  Anyone notice WWE's big names are getting younger AND smaller?  The days of jacked up muscle heads being the top draw just because they're huge are all but gone.

"The best characters in wrestling are an extension of the person playing the character...just with the volume turned way up."

Gimmicks like Shark Boy, Rosie Lottalove and Curry Man are only good for so long before they become stale.  Fans today know wrestling is a work, and you're not going to convince me to suspend my disbelief that this guy is actually named Shark Boy...

You can, however, convince me that Samoa Joe is the baddest MF'er on the face of the planet and will kill you with his bare hands if he gets the chance.  He's angry, driven, and passionate.  He's a PERSON not a cartoon character.  Is it really any wonder Kurt Angle vs Joe were three of TNA's all time top selling Pay-Per-Views?

TNA officials should stop passing the buck when they're called out on crappy booking.  Blaming the fans for their expectations will only turn them away.

If you spend any amount of time as part of the IWC, you've probably heard Eric Bischoff's retorts to people's opinions and thoughts about TNA.  It's painfully clear that those in the office at TNA are not listening to the fans who readily and happily tell them what they don't care to see; and what they would PAY to see.  According to him, it's clearly our fault that we want to see the wrestlers we care about and want to see succeed involved in personal situations that make sense and work to a pay off.

The problem here is most of TNA's audience is made up of people who know at least a little bit about how wrestling works.  It's kind of like seeing how he would have run ECW, the only difference is the fans in the Impact Zone won't string him up. 

But back on point, the people who criticize the programming are doing so because they want the programming to succeed.  If TNA grows, the business grows.  If the business grows, shows become even more entertaining and more jobs become available; then everybody wins.  Apparently it doesn't ring through to him that if they keep having the same crappy writers writing the same crappy shows, they will continue to get the same crappy ratings...

The "over the hill gang" needs to ride off in to the sunset once and for all.  Nash can hardly walk, same for Foley and Hogan.  Sting wrestles in a t-shirt.  Ric Flair is great for a managerial roll, as long as it's not about him.  The focus needs to be put on the Beer Moneys and the Machine Guns' of the roster.  The AJ's, Joe's, Kazarian's, and Lethals need to be shown prominently and dominantly. 

Paul Heyman

TNA should put everything it has in to acquiring Paul Heyman as their head booker.  Whatever he wants, give it to him.  This is the ONLY person who can salvage this mess and make it mean something. 

I sincerely hope Dixie Carter can get her "house in order" as Heyman said, because if TNA fails, then professional wrestling from here on in will never again be what it once was.  But until that happens, I'll be saving my PPV dollars for the UFC events.  Even with real fights and unpredictable outcomes, Dana White can guarantee the best bang for my buck, and that's where I'll spend my dough.

Thanks for reading.

PS -- If you are looking for a good site for wrestling news, rumours, and discussions please visit sescoops.com.  I don't work for the site, but I've been going there for years and have always found them to be accurate and fair.  Just get adblock plus first ;)