thedarkness214
08-23-2014, 11:46 AM
pyroandballyhoo.com
I want TNA to WIN. That is the God’s honest truth. Despite the fact that I am both hurt and disappointed by the way I was treated by TNA management on my way out, there is no personal ill will at all. At this point, I am neither bitter, or resentful, but I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you that I think they made a HUGE mistake in judgement. But, I’m not going to get into that—it’s done. I’m rooting for TNA from my office here in Colorado, for every man, woman and child (Spud) that works for that company. There isn’t one single talent on that roster that I’m not a fan of—not one.
Remember, I was a part of that family for over 10 years, and even though at times we had our differences, I would have gone to war for any of them. Storm, Roode, Abyss, Bubba, Kurt, Gail, BPs, Madisox—and, that doesn’t change today. What happened to me had nothing to do with them, and the saving grace is that I know in my heart that if they DID indeed have any say-so in the situation–that I’d still be a part of that front line fighting with them side-by-side. But—maybe the fact that I’m not is a good thing. Maybe me no longer being associated with TNA gives me the freedom to voice an opinion that I know many of them share with me. While, they are all grateful to have a home on TV through Spike –as am I–I honestly don’t believe that there is one person who receives a paycheck from TNA who feels that Spike gives them the CREDIT, BACKING and SUPPORT they deserve.
TNA has been the backbone of Spike TV FOR YEARS, consistently drawing solid numbers for a station with their reach. Nowhere else on this planet will they find programming that will give them fresh content—52 weeks of the year–outside of the WWE, and trust me–they are not an option. TNA has been there, always putting their best foot forward whether good, or bad. The pride and the effort behind each show has always been there—and, I can vouch for that. While I was on payroll, nobody was ever just going through the motions, not me, not Hulk, not Eric, not Prichard, not Jarrett, not Dixie—the EFFORT has always been there. And, quite frankly—that’s more than I could ever say for SPIKE TV.
Again, there will be those who say if I’m not bitter towards TNA, than I’m bitter towards Spike-–no—not really. If Spike failed to recognize my talent and my contribution to IMPACT for all those years—then that’s their shortcoming—not mine. My criticism with Spike is based on their actions. Here’s one SMALL example. What network in your entire lifetime do you know of, who made the decision to change their most watched show to another night—ONE WEEK OUT? I mean, who does that? I understand the threat of Smackdown possibly moving to Thursday nights, but–do you think USA Network would make such a knee-jerk move? Or, would they rather plan for it in advance in order to properly market, promote and advertise to assure their viewers were aware of the change? Any responsible network would do that—some irresponsible ones even. It’s just 101, the way anybody in the television business would handle it. But—there’s more. If moving IMPACT just a week out wasn’t enough, then guess what—they forgot to tell anybody—just kept it their little secret between them and TNA. No advertising, no promotion—NOTHING. Just move the show to Wednesday and everybody will just “find it”? HOW? How does that work?
I tip my hat to the TNA roster, all day/night they were on twitter promoting the move—I saw it first hand. They were trying to do everything they could collectively to let their fans know—but, what about Spike? What about their part? I read many comments about the show on Wednesday, and I was floored to see how many LOYAL TNA fans missed the show because they were unaware of the move. Incredible. Aside from the lauch of TNA on their network, and Hogan becoming a part of the company, Spike TV has lacklusterly promoted, or, non-promoted TNA from the beginning. I always had an issue with that—it has nothing to do with me feeling that way NOW because I’m not there. I just didn’t have the liberty to PUBLICLY voice my opinion before.
There’s a part of me that feels like Spike may actually be setting TNA up. In other words, we’ll extend you through the end of the year—-in order to see how you fare on Wednesdays—then we’ll make a decision on your future. Well—how are they going to fare of Wednesdays if some of their own fans don’t even know that they’re there?! That’s why I’ve stated, even with how badly TNA needs a TV deal, I don’t know what there is to be excited about by partnering with a network that even if they DO decide to pick you up—they aren’t going to promote you any way. How will TNA ever grow as a company within those constraints? That’s why, maybe it’s not such a bad idea for Spike to buy-in to TNA if the rumors of them wanting to are indeed true. Anything that gets them more invested in the product is going to be a plus for TNA.
Everything aside—TNA deserves better. They deserve a partner that is going to embrace them, promote them, be proud of them, but most importantly—BELIEVE in them.
I want TNA to WIN. That is the God’s honest truth. Despite the fact that I am both hurt and disappointed by the way I was treated by TNA management on my way out, there is no personal ill will at all. At this point, I am neither bitter, or resentful, but I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you that I think they made a HUGE mistake in judgement. But, I’m not going to get into that—it’s done. I’m rooting for TNA from my office here in Colorado, for every man, woman and child (Spud) that works for that company. There isn’t one single talent on that roster that I’m not a fan of—not one.
Remember, I was a part of that family for over 10 years, and even though at times we had our differences, I would have gone to war for any of them. Storm, Roode, Abyss, Bubba, Kurt, Gail, BPs, Madisox—and, that doesn’t change today. What happened to me had nothing to do with them, and the saving grace is that I know in my heart that if they DID indeed have any say-so in the situation–that I’d still be a part of that front line fighting with them side-by-side. But—maybe the fact that I’m not is a good thing. Maybe me no longer being associated with TNA gives me the freedom to voice an opinion that I know many of them share with me. While, they are all grateful to have a home on TV through Spike –as am I–I honestly don’t believe that there is one person who receives a paycheck from TNA who feels that Spike gives them the CREDIT, BACKING and SUPPORT they deserve.
TNA has been the backbone of Spike TV FOR YEARS, consistently drawing solid numbers for a station with their reach. Nowhere else on this planet will they find programming that will give them fresh content—52 weeks of the year–outside of the WWE, and trust me–they are not an option. TNA has been there, always putting their best foot forward whether good, or bad. The pride and the effort behind each show has always been there—and, I can vouch for that. While I was on payroll, nobody was ever just going through the motions, not me, not Hulk, not Eric, not Prichard, not Jarrett, not Dixie—the EFFORT has always been there. And, quite frankly—that’s more than I could ever say for SPIKE TV.
Again, there will be those who say if I’m not bitter towards TNA, than I’m bitter towards Spike-–no—not really. If Spike failed to recognize my talent and my contribution to IMPACT for all those years—then that’s their shortcoming—not mine. My criticism with Spike is based on their actions. Here’s one SMALL example. What network in your entire lifetime do you know of, who made the decision to change their most watched show to another night—ONE WEEK OUT? I mean, who does that? I understand the threat of Smackdown possibly moving to Thursday nights, but–do you think USA Network would make such a knee-jerk move? Or, would they rather plan for it in advance in order to properly market, promote and advertise to assure their viewers were aware of the change? Any responsible network would do that—some irresponsible ones even. It’s just 101, the way anybody in the television business would handle it. But—there’s more. If moving IMPACT just a week out wasn’t enough, then guess what—they forgot to tell anybody—just kept it their little secret between them and TNA. No advertising, no promotion—NOTHING. Just move the show to Wednesday and everybody will just “find it”? HOW? How does that work?
I tip my hat to the TNA roster, all day/night they were on twitter promoting the move—I saw it first hand. They were trying to do everything they could collectively to let their fans know—but, what about Spike? What about their part? I read many comments about the show on Wednesday, and I was floored to see how many LOYAL TNA fans missed the show because they were unaware of the move. Incredible. Aside from the lauch of TNA on their network, and Hogan becoming a part of the company, Spike TV has lacklusterly promoted, or, non-promoted TNA from the beginning. I always had an issue with that—it has nothing to do with me feeling that way NOW because I’m not there. I just didn’t have the liberty to PUBLICLY voice my opinion before.
There’s a part of me that feels like Spike may actually be setting TNA up. In other words, we’ll extend you through the end of the year—-in order to see how you fare on Wednesdays—then we’ll make a decision on your future. Well—how are they going to fare of Wednesdays if some of their own fans don’t even know that they’re there?! That’s why I’ve stated, even with how badly TNA needs a TV deal, I don’t know what there is to be excited about by partnering with a network that even if they DO decide to pick you up—they aren’t going to promote you any way. How will TNA ever grow as a company within those constraints? That’s why, maybe it’s not such a bad idea for Spike to buy-in to TNA if the rumors of them wanting to are indeed true. Anything that gets them more invested in the product is going to be a plus for TNA.
Everything aside—TNA deserves better. They deserve a partner that is going to embrace them, promote them, be proud of them, but most importantly—BELIEVE in them.