Jeff Titzler: Thoughts on TNA and where it went wrong
Hi Dave,
The saddest part about watching the mess that is TNA is that at one point in time TNA truly seemed like they were on the cusp of something fresh and big. I truly miss the days (2005 and 2006) when TNA PPV's were a can't miss event. I ordered all of their PPV's back then. Many of friends would come over to sample their PPV's, and they ended up loving the product and wanted to come over every month for each PPV. Word of mouth for TNA was spreading - and this was without any major TV.
In my opinion, TNA had two of the hottest and freshest acts in pro wrestling in Samoa Joe and LAX. I even recall when it felt like Alex Shelley was on the verge of being the next Chris Jericho. Why on earth did they job those guys out as soon as it felt like they were on the verge of becoming huge? Why did they throw all that potential away? I get mad just thinking about what could have been.
I also get pissed each time I see Dixie Carter. Honestly, her stupidity is fascinating. I don't blame Russo because Carter is the one who allows Russo's stupidity to run wild. I love pro wrestling and I pray there will be another major promotion along side the WWE, but Carter's stupidity is preventing that from happening.
TNA would have stood a better chance on Monday if they just showed a tape of the XXX vs. AMW match from late 2004 when Elix Skipper walked the cage. What an awesome sight and match! They still would have got killed in the ratings, but at least it would have people talking in a positive way and word of mouth would spread that TNA is cool and fresh. Right now word of mouth about TNA is spreading, but not in a positive way. People are only making fun of it.
I sincerely hope and pray that TNA changes it's direction before it's too late. But even if they do, just think about all the years they have wasted building something fresh. I want to pound my fist in frustration just thinking about it.
Had TNA stayed on the path they were on back in 2005, guys like Samoa Joe, LAX, and Alex Shelly would be huge stars by now. TNA would be the hot, fresh, must see wrestling promotion in 2010. Couple that with a roster that included Kurt Angle, Ric Flair and appearances by Hogan - and TNA truly would be a legitimate threat to the WWE. But TNA instead opted to go in a different direction with guys like the Nasty Boys, Hall/Nash/Waltman, and an overused and crippled Hulk Hogan - and complete asinine booking! Dixie Carter should be embarrassed and ashamed about what she had done to TNA. I hope the realization is setting in with Cater that her wrestling promotion is nothing more than a complete joke that people laugh at. And when the ratings and PPV buy rates inevitably sink lower, I want her to be the most frustrated person in the world as she thinks about what could have been!
Jeff Titzler
Atlanta, GA
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