Post by That 80s Guy on Oct 21, 2013 15:51:03 GMT -5
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Those photos of a 2/3 empty arena for last night's show, was pretty depressing - considering it was supposed to be TNA's biggest night of the year.
Nearly 11 months ago, I got to attend a TNA house show after participating in the GutCheck seminar that afternoon, and granted the venue was a large bar / pavilion for hard rock acts to play... but the house was sold out! Every seat was filled and the crowd was pretty hot for every match on the card. And seeing as that wasn't even a full year ago, still gives me hope for this company.
What TNA really needs to do, is push (and I mean negotiate their a$$es off!) at regaining their spot back in Orlando. 1) the fans there would look at TNA returning, to be like a homecoming - thus creating a re-energized feeling within the fans, that has that effect towards the wrestlers in the ring. 2) Think of the cost saving measures that would have on their budget, even if it's just meant for IMPACT tapings. And 3) With a permanent home at Universal Studios, I know the tapings were free to attend previously, but even a $10 cover charge would make a hell of a difference in their bank account (not to mention, LIVE 3 1/2hrs of wrestling for only $10 - the taping of 2 IMPACTs ... that's a deal for any wrestling fan & TNA would be benefiting/profiting off of the permanent home, so it's a win/win).
Keeping the 2-show tapings, would be a good move, as stated above.
When it comes to PPVs, venturing out of Orlando would be a plus, but as many people have said on the boards here: NOT in large arenas, but rather smaller venues (one example I'll use, is when Jeff Hardy debuted for TNA back in 2004 - the Asylum was tiny, yet to this day, is still one of my favorite pops of all time to hear just on my TV alone). A small venue with a rabid crowd, DOES have it's effect! The jump from Orlando to these big arenas, without the growth of going through smaller venues, was a mistake I think we all can agree on. The Hammerstein Ballroom would be PERFECT for a TNA PPV! Someone also mentioned the old ECW Arena, which isn't a bad idea, aslong as the CZW and ROH fans aren't there to sorta crash the scene.
The Broadcast Team: Lately, Mike Tenay has been botching up more times than he should (calling moves that aren't named properly, and one of my pet peeves - talking about a different storyline while NOT calling the action going on in the ring). Jim Ross would be an amazing replacement, but JR is a WWE loyalist and would probably demand a heavy payment if he were to sign with TNA. Perhaps a play-by-play analyst from the indies, could be given a shot at the big time to replace Tenay (or bring back the guy they were using for awhile, he did a good job I thought). As far as Taz goes, he holds his own but I wouldn't say he's a great color man. I'd like to see someone like Jerry Lynn or even DDP come in as a commentator. Scott Hall's expressed interest in becoming the next "Bobby Heenan" of commentating/managing, but whether or not his bridge is still burned with TNA, who knows.
Christy Hemme still does a great job being a ring announcer (and looking hot while doing so). JB is still awesome at ring announcing the main event matches, as he gives it that authenticity that Michael Buffer used to give when announcing WCW main event matches.
The Writers: David Lagana, Eric Bischoff, and Matt Conway.... release all 3 of them. Not at the sametime, but one after the other. I've always been high on Raven (anyone who's ever seen his 'Secrets of The Ring' DVDs could attest), the guy has an amazing mind and such intellect for inside and outside the ropes. Raven should be considered, by TNA, to be brought on-board as the new head writer. Paul Heyman would make things interesting, but Paul's a WWE guy so I don't see it happening. And the other name that comes to mind, is Jim Cornette. Jim heavily favors pushing the younger talents and he has great awareness of what makes sense and what doesn't make sense (which is something TNA NEEDS to work on and correct!!). For a 3rd guy, either Dutch Mantel or Jeff Jarrett (or maybe both), as either would be a better asset than the current writing staff TNA has now.
MMA guys: King Mo is still on the roster, yet I havn't heard anything about him coming back. I'm all for MMA guys coming in, if they're dead serious about going through training (learning bumps, moves, psychology, character development, ect) to become pro wrestling stars. Any legitimacy for pro wrestling is a big positive, in my view. Guys like Ken Shamrock, Sylvester Terkay, Bob Sapp, Josh Barnett, and my own trainer Mr Dan Severn - all MMA guys who took pro wrestling seriously (and benefited and gave back to the business). Rampage, Tito, King Mo - worthless if they're only there for the pay day. If they're not willing to go through the training - cut ties with them!
OVW: Cut ties with them, too! If TNA were to return to FL, it doesn't make much sense to have a developmental ground in KY.
Instead, TNA could use guys like Doug Williams, Pat Kenny, and Al Snow to coach and groom any and all signees during afternoons if they were back at Universal Studios. Maybe even build a promotion out of it, similar to WWE's NXT (only call it TNA's NU or something like that) - and make it exclusive to their YouTube channel (NU tapings could take place just before the IMPACT tapings OR tape during IMPACT's 'off' Thursdays). Make NU a 1hr show, might bring some livelyhood back to the company.
PPV Schedule: I'm on-board with 4 PPVs a year. But having a 'special IMPACT' every month, should be stopped. Instead, here is what the schedule should look like:
FINAL RESOLUTION (IMPACT special) - Late Jan/Early Feb.
LOCKDOWN PPV - March
AGAINST ALL ODDS (IMPACT special) - Late Apr/Early May
SLAMMIVERSARY PPV - June
HARDCORE JUSTICE (IMPACT special) - Late Jul/Early Aug.
DESTINATION-X PPV - September
VICTORY ROAD (IMPACT special) - Late Oct/Early Nov.
BOUND FOR GLORY PPV - December
That's 4 IMPACT specials throughout the year + 4 PPVs - evenly spaced apart by around 6 weeks or so. Those IMPACT specials could be reminiscent of the Clash of The Champions from WCW. Also, they could be named something different each year (but the PPV names would stay).
The Talent: I've always been a firm believer in 1 formula that makes a wrestling company very successful....
Established Stars + New, Rookie Stars + International Talent + Solid Tag Team Division + Solid Ladies Division = Awesomeness!
You can not go wrong with that formula, if you give attention to every one of those aspects.
Repairing the Tag and Knockouts divisions wouldn't be that difficult (just rehire 1 or 2 of the KO's that were released this past year and bring in 2-3 new KO's this upcoming year). For the Tag division, rehire Alex Shelly & reform MCMG. Keep BroMans as long as it'll go. Maybe hire a new tag team from the indies.
One of the problems I've had with WWE, is they've brought in so many new guys all at one time, I had no clue as to who any of them were, so it was like watching a million dollar budgeted indy show. What TNA needs to do, is space apart the debuts of new talent, so we the fans can get used to seeing the newest guy on a regular basis, before introducing the next guy/gal. They debuted EC3 last night, now wait a good 4-5 months before debuting the next star.
International talent shouldn't be too difficult for TNA to handle, as they've brought in guys from all over with their X-Cup from years past. Not saying they should bring back the X-Cup, but I actually really liked the 3-man X-division qualifying matches (where they brought in a guy not under contract, to compete) then the next week, have a 3-man X-division match (the loser goes back to the bottom of the barrel). A perfect platform to introduce guys from Mexico or Japan or Europe or Canada, ect.
As far as the established guys go, it's good to have a handful of them, but not saturate your roster with them, because these are the guys who are ultimately carrying the company with their name value. I appreciate Sting, I appreciate Kurt Angle - they've done a lot to help get TNA to where it is today, but I can see 2014 as being their final year in the company. A retirement match for both (separately, of course) would be awesome to see and a perfect send off for both gentleman who deserve it. The loss of those 2, would open up room for someone like Batista or JoMo or (wishful thinking here) Chris Jericho - you don't necessarily have to have an "icon" come in, but someone with a LARGE following that came from the E would be very, very helpful. I'd also like to see Bobby Lashley come back, as he was just getting started when Hogan gave him the ultimatum of "MMA or TNA". And speaking of Hogan, aslong as he stays away from TNA, it's best for all fronts (including WWE's).
Bully Ray I'd want to keep around for another year or 2 (in-ring active), because he holds his own & he's very entertaining. After say 2 years, I'd offer him a backstage role (booking, creative, ect) - if he refused, I'd cut him loose and let him swim or sink in the WWE. This way, it opens up a spot for someone else to step up (or step back up). I would really like to see Christopher Daniels win the World title, but as a face. Build him up as the guy who could never win "the big one" (maybe have him see the error of his ways and feud with Kaz, then Roode, and maybe a heel James Storm). The point is, guys like AJ, Roode, Joe, Daniels, Storm, ect. - they're not getting any younger and they're going to HAVE to be the established stars of TNA, in the next couple of years.
Someone mentioned bringing back the 6-sided ring - not permanently, but a special "Throwback Thursday" edition of IMPACT would be cool to see (some of TNA's stars of yesterday, back in the Hexagon ring for 1 night only).
Another aspect that could be appreciated in modern times, is a page out of the wrestling biz from the 80s-90s.... the jobber.
Seeing stars from the roster face eachother, is nice yes - but squashes against unknowns would be refreshing to see as well. It's the TNA superstar over, a run-in or post-match attack could further a storyline, and it broadens TNA's fan base by using indy guys - who'll tell all their fans, friends and family they're going to be on IMPACT; and out of all of those who'll tune in, maybe 1 or 2 will become addicted to the product (more fans, the merrier). These squashes could take place on IMPACT or filmed before they go on the air and becomes a web-exclusive match.
End the BFG series. The concept is too dominate over IMPACT for the months leading up to BFG, that if you're not in the BFG series, you aren't going to have any TV time. I'd much rather see a tournament that leads to who's going to face the Champion at BFG. 2 Tourney matches a week makes better sense, IMO.
If the Television title were put back in place, there would need to be some work done to restore any prestige, but it is fees-able. However, I wouldn't be sad if it was dropped all together either (as long as the X-division belt is around, there's really no need for a TV title - unless a 2nd show for TNA was created, but baby steps first).
That's all I got right now. I strongly feel the next couple of months, should be used to revamp the company - it doesn't have to be all at once, but start making strides towards improving every single aspect from the stars to the crew, from the venues to the show itself.
Those photos of a 2/3 empty arena for last night's show, was pretty depressing - considering it was supposed to be TNA's biggest night of the year.
Nearly 11 months ago, I got to attend a TNA house show after participating in the GutCheck seminar that afternoon, and granted the venue was a large bar / pavilion for hard rock acts to play... but the house was sold out! Every seat was filled and the crowd was pretty hot for every match on the card. And seeing as that wasn't even a full year ago, still gives me hope for this company.
What TNA really needs to do, is push (and I mean negotiate their a$$es off!) at regaining their spot back in Orlando. 1) the fans there would look at TNA returning, to be like a homecoming - thus creating a re-energized feeling within the fans, that has that effect towards the wrestlers in the ring. 2) Think of the cost saving measures that would have on their budget, even if it's just meant for IMPACT tapings. And 3) With a permanent home at Universal Studios, I know the tapings were free to attend previously, but even a $10 cover charge would make a hell of a difference in their bank account (not to mention, LIVE 3 1/2hrs of wrestling for only $10 - the taping of 2 IMPACTs ... that's a deal for any wrestling fan & TNA would be benefiting/profiting off of the permanent home, so it's a win/win).
Keeping the 2-show tapings, would be a good move, as stated above.
When it comes to PPVs, venturing out of Orlando would be a plus, but as many people have said on the boards here: NOT in large arenas, but rather smaller venues (one example I'll use, is when Jeff Hardy debuted for TNA back in 2004 - the Asylum was tiny, yet to this day, is still one of my favorite pops of all time to hear just on my TV alone). A small venue with a rabid crowd, DOES have it's effect! The jump from Orlando to these big arenas, without the growth of going through smaller venues, was a mistake I think we all can agree on. The Hammerstein Ballroom would be PERFECT for a TNA PPV! Someone also mentioned the old ECW Arena, which isn't a bad idea, aslong as the CZW and ROH fans aren't there to sorta crash the scene.
The Broadcast Team: Lately, Mike Tenay has been botching up more times than he should (calling moves that aren't named properly, and one of my pet peeves - talking about a different storyline while NOT calling the action going on in the ring). Jim Ross would be an amazing replacement, but JR is a WWE loyalist and would probably demand a heavy payment if he were to sign with TNA. Perhaps a play-by-play analyst from the indies, could be given a shot at the big time to replace Tenay (or bring back the guy they were using for awhile, he did a good job I thought). As far as Taz goes, he holds his own but I wouldn't say he's a great color man. I'd like to see someone like Jerry Lynn or even DDP come in as a commentator. Scott Hall's expressed interest in becoming the next "Bobby Heenan" of commentating/managing, but whether or not his bridge is still burned with TNA, who knows.
Christy Hemme still does a great job being a ring announcer (and looking hot while doing so). JB is still awesome at ring announcing the main event matches, as he gives it that authenticity that Michael Buffer used to give when announcing WCW main event matches.
The Writers: David Lagana, Eric Bischoff, and Matt Conway.... release all 3 of them. Not at the sametime, but one after the other. I've always been high on Raven (anyone who's ever seen his 'Secrets of The Ring' DVDs could attest), the guy has an amazing mind and such intellect for inside and outside the ropes. Raven should be considered, by TNA, to be brought on-board as the new head writer. Paul Heyman would make things interesting, but Paul's a WWE guy so I don't see it happening. And the other name that comes to mind, is Jim Cornette. Jim heavily favors pushing the younger talents and he has great awareness of what makes sense and what doesn't make sense (which is something TNA NEEDS to work on and correct!!). For a 3rd guy, either Dutch Mantel or Jeff Jarrett (or maybe both), as either would be a better asset than the current writing staff TNA has now.
MMA guys: King Mo is still on the roster, yet I havn't heard anything about him coming back. I'm all for MMA guys coming in, if they're dead serious about going through training (learning bumps, moves, psychology, character development, ect) to become pro wrestling stars. Any legitimacy for pro wrestling is a big positive, in my view. Guys like Ken Shamrock, Sylvester Terkay, Bob Sapp, Josh Barnett, and my own trainer Mr Dan Severn - all MMA guys who took pro wrestling seriously (and benefited and gave back to the business). Rampage, Tito, King Mo - worthless if they're only there for the pay day. If they're not willing to go through the training - cut ties with them!
OVW: Cut ties with them, too! If TNA were to return to FL, it doesn't make much sense to have a developmental ground in KY.
Instead, TNA could use guys like Doug Williams, Pat Kenny, and Al Snow to coach and groom any and all signees during afternoons if they were back at Universal Studios. Maybe even build a promotion out of it, similar to WWE's NXT (only call it TNA's NU or something like that) - and make it exclusive to their YouTube channel (NU tapings could take place just before the IMPACT tapings OR tape during IMPACT's 'off' Thursdays). Make NU a 1hr show, might bring some livelyhood back to the company.
PPV Schedule: I'm on-board with 4 PPVs a year. But having a 'special IMPACT' every month, should be stopped. Instead, here is what the schedule should look like:
FINAL RESOLUTION (IMPACT special) - Late Jan/Early Feb.
LOCKDOWN PPV - March
AGAINST ALL ODDS (IMPACT special) - Late Apr/Early May
SLAMMIVERSARY PPV - June
HARDCORE JUSTICE (IMPACT special) - Late Jul/Early Aug.
DESTINATION-X PPV - September
VICTORY ROAD (IMPACT special) - Late Oct/Early Nov.
BOUND FOR GLORY PPV - December
That's 4 IMPACT specials throughout the year + 4 PPVs - evenly spaced apart by around 6 weeks or so. Those IMPACT specials could be reminiscent of the Clash of The Champions from WCW. Also, they could be named something different each year (but the PPV names would stay).
The Talent: I've always been a firm believer in 1 formula that makes a wrestling company very successful....
Established Stars + New, Rookie Stars + International Talent + Solid Tag Team Division + Solid Ladies Division = Awesomeness!
You can not go wrong with that formula, if you give attention to every one of those aspects.
Repairing the Tag and Knockouts divisions wouldn't be that difficult (just rehire 1 or 2 of the KO's that were released this past year and bring in 2-3 new KO's this upcoming year). For the Tag division, rehire Alex Shelly & reform MCMG. Keep BroMans as long as it'll go. Maybe hire a new tag team from the indies.
One of the problems I've had with WWE, is they've brought in so many new guys all at one time, I had no clue as to who any of them were, so it was like watching a million dollar budgeted indy show. What TNA needs to do, is space apart the debuts of new talent, so we the fans can get used to seeing the newest guy on a regular basis, before introducing the next guy/gal. They debuted EC3 last night, now wait a good 4-5 months before debuting the next star.
International talent shouldn't be too difficult for TNA to handle, as they've brought in guys from all over with their X-Cup from years past. Not saying they should bring back the X-Cup, but I actually really liked the 3-man X-division qualifying matches (where they brought in a guy not under contract, to compete) then the next week, have a 3-man X-division match (the loser goes back to the bottom of the barrel). A perfect platform to introduce guys from Mexico or Japan or Europe or Canada, ect.
As far as the established guys go, it's good to have a handful of them, but not saturate your roster with them, because these are the guys who are ultimately carrying the company with their name value. I appreciate Sting, I appreciate Kurt Angle - they've done a lot to help get TNA to where it is today, but I can see 2014 as being their final year in the company. A retirement match for both (separately, of course) would be awesome to see and a perfect send off for both gentleman who deserve it. The loss of those 2, would open up room for someone like Batista or JoMo or (wishful thinking here) Chris Jericho - you don't necessarily have to have an "icon" come in, but someone with a LARGE following that came from the E would be very, very helpful. I'd also like to see Bobby Lashley come back, as he was just getting started when Hogan gave him the ultimatum of "MMA or TNA". And speaking of Hogan, aslong as he stays away from TNA, it's best for all fronts (including WWE's).
Bully Ray I'd want to keep around for another year or 2 (in-ring active), because he holds his own & he's very entertaining. After say 2 years, I'd offer him a backstage role (booking, creative, ect) - if he refused, I'd cut him loose and let him swim or sink in the WWE. This way, it opens up a spot for someone else to step up (or step back up). I would really like to see Christopher Daniels win the World title, but as a face. Build him up as the guy who could never win "the big one" (maybe have him see the error of his ways and feud with Kaz, then Roode, and maybe a heel James Storm). The point is, guys like AJ, Roode, Joe, Daniels, Storm, ect. - they're not getting any younger and they're going to HAVE to be the established stars of TNA, in the next couple of years.
Someone mentioned bringing back the 6-sided ring - not permanently, but a special "Throwback Thursday" edition of IMPACT would be cool to see (some of TNA's stars of yesterday, back in the Hexagon ring for 1 night only).
Another aspect that could be appreciated in modern times, is a page out of the wrestling biz from the 80s-90s.... the jobber.
Seeing stars from the roster face eachother, is nice yes - but squashes against unknowns would be refreshing to see as well. It's the TNA superstar over, a run-in or post-match attack could further a storyline, and it broadens TNA's fan base by using indy guys - who'll tell all their fans, friends and family they're going to be on IMPACT; and out of all of those who'll tune in, maybe 1 or 2 will become addicted to the product (more fans, the merrier). These squashes could take place on IMPACT or filmed before they go on the air and becomes a web-exclusive match.
End the BFG series. The concept is too dominate over IMPACT for the months leading up to BFG, that if you're not in the BFG series, you aren't going to have any TV time. I'd much rather see a tournament that leads to who's going to face the Champion at BFG. 2 Tourney matches a week makes better sense, IMO.
If the Television title were put back in place, there would need to be some work done to restore any prestige, but it is fees-able. However, I wouldn't be sad if it was dropped all together either (as long as the X-division belt is around, there's really no need for a TV title - unless a 2nd show for TNA was created, but baby steps first).
That's all I got right now. I strongly feel the next couple of months, should be used to revamp the company - it doesn't have to be all at once, but start making strides towards improving every single aspect from the stars to the crew, from the venues to the show itself.
