Is there a way to save TNA?

[AJHayes]

I tend to think that TNA is going the way of WCW. I think this has a lot to do with Russo, but, lets try to think of a way to turn it around.

The problem I see is that they are not making new stars. The main event scene is filled with former WWE stars. They are completely ignoring the people who brought them to the dance in the first place.

Have the older guys pass the torch. Seriously, I don't care about Nash. I've seen enough torn quads. They need to start elevating some young talent or they will never succeed. Give AJ a run at the top, put Rhino in the main event scene as a legit threat. Same with Abyss. They need to stop making jokes of their monsters.

Like it or not, JJ has a lot of credibility in this fed. Use that to give young guys the rub. Same could be said for any of the main event mafia. They need to not be so comfortable in their top spots.

Robert Roode: Main event. Same with Storm.

They've got great talent, they just aren't using it properly. What kind of feuds are you interested in seeing?

[Mooияakeя™]

Simple, get rid of the 6 sided ring. This isn't MMA.

Promote ur X-division as it is one of ur strongest assets when compared to your main rival and eventually, go out on the road more. I know they stay in Florida to save money, but that just adds to the same shit each week and doesn't get so much of a new audience.

You have to spend to earn as someone once told me.

[Beauser]

They need a lot of things.

Personally, getting rid of Russo is one of the first things I would do. He has done very little positive since BEFORE dubyaseedubya.

Secondly, definatly get rid of the ring. Mix it up a bit. Anyone else think Kevin Nash looks ridiculous with that white hair?

[Rammsteinmad]

Definitely get rid of the ring, I've always disliked it.

Do they still have two entrance ramps? If so they should get rid of one. It won't "save" TNA, but it'll make space for a bigger audience, therefore earning them a bit more money each show.

And then obviously travel around.

[ron the dial]

the ring would be irrelevant if they actually, you know, booked well.

[Beauser]

Yeah, there is that issue...

[Mooияakeя™]

Definitely get rid of the ring, I've always disliked it.

Do they still have two entrance ramps? If so they should get rid of one. It won't "save" TNA, but it'll make space for a bigger audience, therefore earning them a bit more money each show.

And then obviously travel around.

I forgot about the ramps. Fucking stupid idea. Only 7 year olds (who I don't see in their target demographic any way) and that fat shit in the 'it's still real to me dammit' fans would appreciate this.

The other 2, I already said so obv I agree.

[Kane Knight]

Does it need "saving?"

Anyway, I've never been able to understand why the six-sided ring is such a sticking point. Is there any real reason, or is this another "I can't handle change" thing?

[XL]

As if the ring is a top priority. 4 sides, 6 sides or 24 sides to a ring ain't gonna help or detract from a product if the boking is shite.

Seriously, I held out a lot of hope with this Main Event Mafia versus The Frontline/Originals fued. It looked like it was set to put the younger guys over the top, hopefully making some legit Main Eventers out of the guys that have made their names in TNA. Instead the result is a retired wrestler winning the World Heavyweight Championship from a guy that has been around 20+ years. Well booked.

And now they've brought in more guys that have received their 'FEs' from The E.

[DAMN iNATOR]

dontsaveus.tna

[Mooияakeя™]

I agree with the booking, and we fair change, but the fucking ring "FOR ME" just does not work, "FOR ME" I don't see where they are going with it. It's not MMA, which I associate with a 6-sided ring, whereas wrestling will always be the "squared circle" "FOR ME".

There, is that better?

I guess we can always wait another 10 or so years and ask the next generation - those who grew up with TNA and the 6-sided ring for all those years what they think of the old 4 sided ring style.

[Jeritron]

Apparently this is the answer..

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3663/3279269579_455fd2de15.jpghttp://http.cdnlayer.com/tnawrestling/images/stories/galleries/gears/gears3.jpg

[The Show Off]

I like TNA.

And I'm not the only one.

I liked Mick Foley winning the title.

And I'm not the only one.

Just because you don't like it doesn't mean it needs saving.

[Nicky Fives]

1. Fire Russo
2. Elevate stars like Roode, Storm, Daniels, AJ, etc.
3. Fire Russo

[mike adamle]

either give kurt the belt and have him heelishly beat everyone, or have the younger stars trade the belt around every few months.... that's really all that can be done at this point that's actually possible

[parkmania]

Weren't the main reasons they started using the 6-sided ring because they a) were trying to bring a more lucha libre feel to the product (6 turnbuckles to jump off of are better than 4) and b) it would help differentiate them from the E.

Since neither of those points apply any more, yeah, throw the ring in the shitcan along with Russo.

[The Show Off]

I like TNA.

And I'm not the only one.

I liked Mick Foley winning the title.

And I'm not the only one.

Just because you don't like it doesn't mean it needs saving.

But improving is a different thing.

[Sovereigntywillpr]

Ted Turner or someone with big money if they can hold threw until it's wise to start investing again(if that ever happens) who wants wrestling, maybe a network(but that never seems to work out) and some big names all at once, ala Hogan/Savage (and mid carder like hearth quake, bossman etc) then their next batch (hall , Nash Henning etc)

I think the 6 sided Wring Should only be in the Impact Zone and Certain PPV's....Focus More on the X-division, that's where all the talent is that the WWF is ignoring.

[Sovereigntywillpr]

Buy Ring of honor and all their tallents contracts.....(that are pre-paid from ROH when its going out of busisness)

[Calamondin]

Dutch Mantel is just as bad as Russo... so fire him as well.

[Steveviscious89]

I think the ignorance of wrestling fans has really shown through here. TNA does not need 'saving' as you call it. Yes I do like TNA, despite what most people here will say. Besides that, it's not as though they think WWE is doing much better by the way they talk. TNA's ratings have been going up recently, so no matter what happens, the net is going to talk it's trash.

First let's be honest....we really don't know who is responsible for the booking. We do know that Russo, Mantel, and probably Jarrett are in on it, but no one here sits in on the meetings so let's just forget about who to blame.

As far as money goes, they are wise to do whatever it takes to make money, even if it stifles their road crowd. TNA does not stand for Turner Nonstop Action, so they are not the ATM machine WCW once was. They probably have to squeeze every penny they can get.

Lastly....I actually agree with bringing up the younger guys. I've said it before and I'll say it again...Robert Roode should be champion. He could have big time heat if done right. But why they still push the older guys is really beyond me, but there must be a reason. Either they think it's the right thing to do and we are actually all wrong (God forbid), or they are afraid of ticking off their money makers.

[Steveviscious89]

Just a follow up.....I personally have thought how I might do it if I was in charge.....and nothing comes to mind...perhaps Vince and Jarrett are stuck as well.

[screech]

I like TNA.

And I'm not the only one.

I liked Mick Foley winning the title.

And I'm not the only one.

Just because you don't like it doesn't mean it needs saving.

[screech]

Whether or not people like the six-sided ring is the least of their problems at this point.

[Mooияakeя™]

Maybe not, but it's as good-a starting point than any.

[screech]

I actually like the six-sided ring. It sets TNA apart from other companies. I do, however, feel that it is too small and needs to be expanded to make up for the lost space.

[The Fonz]

I'll jump on the "Push Younger Stars" wagon. Why are a bunch of old guys making TNA's home grown talent look like shit? Say what you will about WWE, but at least they have some home grown "young" guys in their main event like Cena, Orton, Batista, the Hardys, Edge, and Punk is from another company and is up and coming. We don't see Trips, HBK, Taker, and the other veterans make these guys look like shit on a regular basis.

Yet in TNA, we have Booker T, Sting, Scott Steiner, Kevin Nash, Mick Foley, Kurt Angle, and now Bobby Lashley in their main event, compared to Samoa Joe and AJ Styles. Everyone else is basically midcard level. It's like 2001 WCW and 2006 WWE collided into one giant mass of crap. Where is my TNA main event, I want to see TNA stars, not Future Endeavors: WWE Hits and Misses of the 21st Century

[screech]

I'll jump on the "Push Younger Stars" wagon. Why are a bunch of old guys making TNA's home grown talent look like shit? Say what you will about WWE, but at least they have some home grown "young" guys in their main event like Cena, Orton, Batista, the Hardys, Edge, and Punk is from another company and is up and coming. We don't see Trips, HBK, Taker, and the other veterans make these guys look like shit on a regular basis.

Yet in TNA, we have Booker T, Sting, Scott Steiner, Kevin Nash, Mick Foley, Kurt Angle, and now Bobby Lashley in their main event, compared to Samoa Joe and AJ Styles. Everyone else is basically midcard level. It's like 2001 WCW and 2006 WWE collided into one giant mass of crap. Where is my TNA main event, I want to see TNA stars, not Future Endeavors: WWE Hits and Misses of the 21st Century

This.

[screech]

The guys who make up TNA's main event have to retire eventually. If TNA doesn't make their own guys legit stars soon, when the current mainstays walk away, there won't be anyone to carry the company. Then no one will give a shit about any of the talent and TNA will fade into obscurity/be bought by Vince.

[Xero]

Kill it with fire.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I don't think TNA needs "saving" as some put it, as the company seems to be doing pretty okay for themselves. But here are some things I'd do if I were behind the scenes:

Vince Russo and Dutch Mantell need to have the book taken from them. When TNA acquired Kurt Angle, it was an earth-shattering moment that some think could have put TNA on the same page as the WWE. They also hired Vince Russo, and since then it has just been talk and missed opportunites. Give someone like Paul Heyman a job, as he's good at looking at the talent a promotion has, and then using it to full effect.

Mick Foley winning the TNA World Heavyweight Title is actually something I agree with, but the logical evolution of this storyline would be Samoa Joe getting right in there now, and challenging Foley for the belt. It's time for Mick to get his star-making boots on.

The X-Division needs to become more of a focus for the company. It sets them apart from the WWE. With Evan Bourne in the WWE, they've actually got a star more exciting and getting pushed better than anyone else in TNA's X-Division. TNA iMPACT! the game is out and has already flopped, there's no real need to keep this Suicide character going. Have Suicide unmask to be Christopher Daniels. Then, to give the X-Division an instant boost of cred -- put Kurt Angle in a feud with Daniels over the title.

[dablackguy]

A lot of the time recently, I feel like watching TNA is like watching a tribute band for a band that is still actively around and performing


If that makes sense to anyone...

[Casey Jones]

I tend to think that TNA is going the way of WCW.

In order for TNA to be saved, they need to do the following:

1) Push new talent. Stop pushing guys that are essentially, WWE rejects. Use these WWE rejects to get over YOUR homegrown talent.

2) Unique Value Proposition. TNA NEEDS to be about something...something different. Right now - they are basically a watered down version of a watered down version of the WWE...and that's saying something.

3) Maximize talents. Although I don't watch TNA, and don't know much about it, I've heard that TNA has some excellent wrestlers. USE THEM. Let them put on PPV quality matches on TV.

If I was running TNA, TNA would be garnering ratings that would be on par with RAW. I don't say this to be cocky. I say this due to the fact that I understand wrestling...and the Sports Entertainment Industry. Very few people have my mental acumen, and I challenge anyone and everyone that would dare think otherwise.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I actually agree with Casey until the last paragraph there.

[midLfinger]

I think TNA's main problem is the fact that the older guys dominate the main event scene. Just look at Lockdown. The three biggest matches had Sting, Foley, Nash, Angle, Jarrett, Steiner, Booker T, Brother Ray and D-Von in them. The older guys are necessary but only to put over younger talent. It doesn't take much either. If it's in a guy's contract (like Kurt Angle or somebody) that they have a say in their title situation that's okay. A face Styles or Joe who looks like he can beat Angle but keeps getting screwed (ala Triple H and The Rock in 1999-2000) would still get the face over. Of course, that depends on the faces mic skills and personality.

I was also thinking that there has to be a method of proving yourself for the younger guys. A Royal Rumble or King of the Ring type of deal. This would give fans a reason to think a guy is good enough to take on an old WWE favorite. WWE uses these all the time from MitB to Royal Rumble to KotR even Survivor Series matches are used occassionally.

A mid-card title would also help. I don't see the X-Division title as a mid-card title. It's a gimmick and, frankly, gets traded around so much that it is presently worthless, in my opinion.

They also have to develop storylines. In the past, I've been watching Team Angle and the Christian Coalition form break up reform and switch members back and forth over and over to the point where I just didn't care anymore. And this all happened in, like, three months. Joe and Angle have faced off way too much with way too little build-up. Kevin Nash is this guy's coach and then that guy's coach and turns his back on him. The LAX (which I think kick ass) have added and removed people constantly.

Many match types are exactly the same with different names and many names are just stupid. Full Metal Mayhem? Why call the CAGE MATCH Six Sides of Steel? Would it hurt to say CAGE MATCH? Do you realize that that's just like if I say buy this apple because it's not just any apple it's a glorious red blazing angel apple? It insults the viewer.

There are waaay too many finishes where somebody runs in or somebody cheats. It's good to have the champion retain in this way when he's a heel but not too much. Clean victories are good... especially when you're trying to elevate a young talent.

Although I'm not a fan of the ring it doesn't matter. A different ring won't make them better or worse. I just wish they'd have realized that before investing in it.

Commentary sucks. I have (and I'm not kidding) muted the TV on occassion to avoid hearing TNA's commentary. Also, Jeremy Borash (JB) looks like a child molestor. Please, show him as little as possible.

The X-Division (a division I'm, admittedly, not a fan of) is far too underdeveloped. It's hard to care who is the X-Division champ as most of these guys are completely interchangeable with one another. Most of them have no noticeable personality. I assume that's intentional either to keep the focus on ring work or because they suck on the mic but it makes for matches that don't matter. Even the Knockouts get to show more in interviews than the X-Division.

Don't change a thing about Ultimate X. That's the best thing to come out of TNA and WWE'd do good to copy it (Shawn Michaels' Crucifix to Salvation Match?).

[Mr. Nerfect]

Suicide needs to unmask as Christopher Daniels. I don't know why, but I am really uncomfortable with Daniels winning the X-Division Title as the character, and then Frankie Kazarian getting behind the mask and taking over the reign. It's just...weird. Far too much entertainment and not enough sports in that.

And, as I said, Christopher Daniels vs. Kurt Angle for the TNA X-Division Championship. Book it. Angle is the perfect guy for Homicide to cash in his briefcase against. An Angle vs. Homicide feud over the belt would also be really cool. Angle working with those guys is the reason that him signing with TNA was so appealing in the first place. Angle might be a "name," but he is above all one of the best talents in the world. People don't like him because he is a "name."

Hernandez cashing in his briefcase is going to be weird, but it's got to happen. It's just who they want Hernadez to cash in against. Would Samoa Joe and Hernandez have good chemistry? What about Hernandez and Mick Foley?

[Rammsteinmad]

I just wanted to add that I like TNA, but don't like the ring.

[St. Jimmy]

LockDown was ass, the whole PPV. I was very disappointed.

[Bad Company]

I don't really see TNA needing too much fixing. Perhaps some strong managers could do them some favours.

I do despise the ring though, but I guess it isn't going anywhere.

[Dave Youell]

I like TNA right now, don't see any problem with it at all

It's making improvements in the ratings on a steady scale and has been turning a profit for the past 3 years

It's gone for a suspected failed forumla for Weekly PPV's to having a prime time 2 hour slot on a decent network in high definition.

Again, what needs saving here?

[Mooияakeя™]

Kill it with fire.

Kane debuting soon? Source?

[Mr. Nerfect]

I would really move Don West from commentary. Mike Tenay and Mick Foley would be fine in the booth. Hell, a three-man team with Mike Tenay, Paul Heyman & Mick Foley could fucking rule, although three-man teams are risky (although Tenay works better in that environment where he can pick his spots).

[AJHayes]

What I meant by saving, was that with the old talent constantly going over, I don't see them having long term success (See: WCW). They're taking a formula that is working wonderfully and seemingly defecating all over it.

Just my opinion though.

[screech]

3)Although I don't watch TNA, and don't know much about it

I was on board until this. You can't have a decent opinion on TNA if you don't follow it. You just can't. If you don't watch, or know much about it, you can't see what's good and bad. You're judging based on hearsay, and that's just stupid.

If I was running TNA, TNA would be garnering ratings that would be on par with RAW. I don't say this to be cocky. I say this due to the fact that I understand wrestling...and the Sports Entertainment Industry. Very few people have my mental acumen, and I challenge anyone and everyone that would dare think otherwise.

If you know so much about the business, why aren't you in charge of a promotion? What are you doing on a forum?

This should be a fun one.

[screech]

What I meant by saving, was that with the old talent constantly going over, I don't see them having long term success (See: WCW). They're taking a formula that is working wonderfully and seemingly defecating all over it.

Just my opinion though.

Gotta agree here. With the current formula, I can't see TNA lasting much longer. Yes, ratings are going up now, but that can't last forever they way they're going.

Like I said before, the veterans have to retire eventually, and they need to have replacements (that can be taken seriously as such) ready for when that time comes.

[Innovator]

1. More Homicide

2. STOP REFERRING TO AJ, JOE, AND DANIELS AS THE FUTURE. They've been there longer than all of the Mafia, they are the present. Booker referring to Joe as an independent wrestler WHEN HES THE TNA CHAMPION doesn't help. Infact

3. Mafia needs to start jobbing out to the Originals/Frontline, not to Jarrett, to the other guys.

4. No more Sting

[Rammsteinmad]

Nobody retires in pro wrestling, just look at Ric Flair.

[Kane Knight]

Gotta agree here. With the current formula, I can't see TNA lasting much longer. Yes, ratings are going up now, but that can't last forever they way they're going.

People have been saying that since TNA went into business. First, they wouldn't make it at all. Then they couldn't make the PPVs work. Then they wouldn't last six months on TV. Then they wouldn't last a year. Then two years. And so on.

In fact, you're probably right that they can't keep up a ratings gain (is there one? I stopped paying attention to TNA ratings...Well, I never really cared about them) with their current plan, if you mean anything further than that, you're totally underestimating the amazing almost cockroachesque way they seem to survive on shit.

[Casey Jones]

If you know so much about the business, why aren't you in charge of a promotion? What are you doing on a forum?

This should be a fun one.

I earn $140,000 a year by selling various digital products on clickbank and google adwords via the internet.

I win.

[thedamndest]

I thought you made $90,000 a year.

[screech]

I earn $140,000 a year by selling various digital products on clickbank and google adwords via the internet.

I win.

Good for you. It still doesn't explain why you're on a wrestling forum talking about how you could run a promotion instead of just doing that.

Well that was fun, but you're boring me now.

In fact, you're probably right that they can't keep up a ratings gain (is there one? I stopped paying attention to TNA ratings...Well, I never really cared about them) with their current plan, if you mean anything further than that, you're totally underestimating the amazing almost cockroachesque way they seem to survive on shit.

The ratings have been increasing slightly since mid-February. What I mean is that it doesn't seem feasible that TNA could stay afloat with the current plan of pushing veterans from other companies and burying their own talent.

Although it is surprising they have lasted with this SpikeTV deal. It was the best and worst thing they could get, really.

It's great because they have national exposure and can really market themselves and make some real money.

It sucks because they now have two hours of primetime to fill and they don't really know how to do it effectively.

Yet somehow they're still floating around 1.3 every week. It's kind of remarkable, really.