TNA Wrestling 2011: The Make-or-Break Year

2010 was a very mixed year for TNA Wrestling.  The company saw it reach new heights by bringing in its biggest roster of all time and record ratings, but it has also been often criticized for not offering a product different from the WWE and lackluster storylines.

TNA began 2010 on a high note, having its first Monday night Impact! broadcast.  Hulk Hogan, Eric Bischoff, Jeff Hardy, Ric Flair and other major stars made their TNA returns and debuts.  The show, which went for three hours, scored a 1.5 cable rating with 2.2 million viewers, its highest in company history. 

In March, the company moved to Monday nights to compete head-to-head with WWE Raw.  However, after a little over two months, TNA moved back home to Thursday nights.  Despite the failed move, people were talking about TNA.

TNA experienced ratings spikes throughout the year, including setting an all-time high by scoring a 1.4 cable rating on Thursday nights.  However, that momentum would quickly dissolve.  Today, TNA is averaging between a 1.0 and 1.1.  

The year 2011 will be a make-or-break year for the company.  Although house shows across the country performed well in 2010, along with more licensing and merchandise boosts, TNA is not where it wants to be at this point in the ratings.  Despite seeing record ratings and spikes throughout 2010, TNA on average is not where it should be.

This is why 2011 is going to be the year when TNA moves forward or makes major changes to its company as a whole.

I have put together some things TNA should execute to have a breakout year in 2011:

First, TNA and Spike TV need to change their TV format.  Personally, I like the look of TNA in the Impact Zone!  However, if it wants to grow, TNA needs to get out of the Impact Zone! and begin taping episodes across the country.  There are rumors that TNA is considering that.  That would not only raise more awareness, but allow TNA to create a profit and help grow ratings.  By reaching out to more fans, the company could create more interest.

Second, the idea would be to feature more wrestling and less talk.  Talk is just fine to get the point across, but having just three or four matches that are short as well does not excite fans enough to watch.  TNA needs to display more action and less talk.

Third, TNA needs to regroup the Knockouts and cruiserweight divisions.  They are the two groups that draw fans to their shows.  Although TNA has focused on different areas, the company needs those two foundations to regroup and make an impact.  I'd much rather watch a great X Division match than listen to Jeff Hardy talk about being "Immortal."

Last, TNA should use big-name stars wisely and advertise them well.  TNA needs to go back to the foundation of youth and allow young stars to perform.  I think the concept of working with bigger-name stars, such as Ric Flair, is a brilliant idea, but instead of focusing on Flair or other known names, let the young stars become the center point of the show.