IMPACT: 10 Ways to Fix TNA's Wrestling Problems

Sting stood in the ring Thursday night and looked at both Eric Bischoff and Hulk Hogan in the eye and told them exactly what was on his mind.

Steve Borden, who has filled the Sting persona since 1988, is more than knowledgeable about how the two adversaries in front of him took WCW and helped run it in to the ground. And while Bischoff is a businessman and Hogan fills the role of facilitator for the brand, Sting speaks with some truth in his voice.

As part of storylines and promos, Hogan and Bischoff spoke about how committed they were to bringing about the “IMPACT” brand that had been discussed by the departed Mick Foley as the network executive that was brought in to help clean up the image of the company and produce the excitement that comes with the TNA brand.

But for order to remain within the organization, Sting (in front of Ken Anderson) told all three heels that he had to keep the title he currently holds to protect the company and the prospect of growth that is not soiled by Bischoff’s influence.

“Cut the cancer out now,” Sting screamed as he looked right into the eyes of Hogan, the man he used to work with and then against in WCW.

TNA is in a bit of flux right now and, while it makes for a great story with Slammiversary tonight, there needs to be major changes for it to strive for success like it can if prodded the right way. Essentially, the “network” head plays the role of the general manager, much like the anonymous general manager on RAW. But it does not have the same effect as Vince McMahon’s computer.

And because of Foley’s recent exodus from the company he had been working to help reform, there are questions (and they are part of the storylines) of whether certain plans will still be put into action.

But, this writer thinks he may have solved everything. There are ten ways to fix IMPACT and keep the integrity of the “Wrestling Matters” and the new edge it wants to create.

10. Less Talk and More Action

The promos are great and the backstage look is impressive. But fans want to see 15 minutes of wrestling and five minutes of chatter. Not the other way around.

Old school interviews were fast and to the point and the wrestler was full of passion. Maybe a look at Roddy Piper or Ric Flair from the late 1970s and how they did interviews with Bob Caudle or David Crockett would help.

9. Lead with Your Best Stars Forward

The idea of Fortune and Immortal fighting to kick off the program gets fans excited. Injuries have changed that, but now it seems that A.J. Styles and Bully Ray are doing their own thing. Kazarian is chasing his own title and Gunner is primed for a breakout.

Stick to what got you there. The idea of the two factions fighting is what got you to the dance. Keep it going and give the fans what they want.

8. Push Rising Stars to Be Better

The only way for Matt Morgan, Crimson, and Velvet Sky to get the gold they deserve is to push them harder and harder.

Have them on the show at the later part of the night week after week. Continue to develop their persona and not so much the crap that comes with the person.

7. Pick a Leader and Stick with Him

Bobby Roode got injured but he is the best bet to take this company forward for now. Crimson will soon follow and maybe Kazarian if given the right circumstances.

This company is crying for a new star on the horizon. Sting and RVD and Jeff Jarrett are nearing the end of their ropes. New blood, new stories, new drama.

This is a soap opera after all.

6. Get More out of Your Announce Team

Taz is great and Mike Tenay is a knowledgeable, but they do not scream excitement. Other wrestling organizations use their announcers as strengths of the brand.

There are wrestling minds out there (Don West) who could shed some more life to the announcers table. Maybe IMPACT should look into that.

5. Push the Knockouts

The women wrestlers are the best thing going today. Keep them. Develop more stories for them and have them more involved in tag teams, battle royales, etc.

There is nothing wrong with a little T N A (read between the lines).

4. Stop Changing Scripts

Stick with the story. Give Crimson more mat time. Develop The Pope. Find a place for Devon and of course, give Velvet Sky a title shot.

Fans become discouraged when they cannot see their champions battle to the end. This goes for both males and females.

3. Start to Weed out the Older Generation

Sting, Kurt Angle and Jarrett are all over 40. They can still wrestle and draw, but at some point they will lose their spot.

Start building for the future and create more drama with the younger wrestlers, and include A.J. Styles, Gunner, and Brian Kendrick in the mix.

2. Keep It Simple

As Gordon Solie used to say, the sign says wrestling. Don't make it too difficult.

Wrestle, work hard, expand your viewership and keep trying new things like the continued development of the X-Division. The more you try to change, the more you will push people over to the other promotion.

1. Try to Get More Talent Signed

Look to the WWE for a Zach Ryder or Drew McIntrye.

Find independent wrestlers who want to try the brand and of course, look for more cruiserweights that will add excitement.