Usually try to maintain a positive attitude around here, but at times, especially on the wrestling side of things it is hard to maintain that attitude. TNA wrestling usually being the midigator of these feelings of annoyance and confusion. WWE has done this at times, but with them sometimes you really have to look at the big picture and the long term side of what they do. An example of that was with Daniel Bryan. At first it felt as though they were truly trying to hold him back. When you compare it to other superstars though, notably Stone Cold Steve Austin who agrees that they are taking the similar route they took with him, you can see that they are building this up to a grand finale. Not at Wrestlemania XXX as many may expect, however it may culminate at Summerslam, where this YES! Movement really started to explode. Stone Cold was white hot awhile before he got to the main event and winning the strap at Wrestlemania XIV.
How does this relate to TNA? Couldn't help but notice tonight that they are finally giving "Showtime" Eric Young the push he deserves ten times over. A talented performer who has been put in the postion over the years of being the "Santino Marella of TNA" or the company funny man. Which is fine, it shows the performers willingness to do what is asked and make it work, which in turn shows how talented they are on the entertainment side of things. And although not everyone enjoys the comedy, without it or things like it, might as well tune into Bellator or UFC for nothing but the athletic side of things (even though you can see which MMA stars are pro-wrestling fans, as they stand out and/or admit it).
Back to EY's situation, although it is well deserved and over-due, it is almost a direct copy of WWE's current storyline involving Daniel Bryan, HHH, Randy Orton and Batista. Which although a triple-threat match could end up a fatal-fourway match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. This is how TNA is doing the right thing, but doing it wrong. Wrong time perhaps is a better description, but when you look at the smaller workhorse of the company, with a beard, thrown into the championship match and even as the crowd chants "YES!" it is hard to argue the similarities.
Then there was the Gail Kim & Lei'D Tapa situation. A unique looking, next generation female wrestler getting a shot is a good thing. She also presented an opportunity to fill the void still left by Monster Kong/Karma's departure. That being said, and I would have to go back and see who began their storyline first, but anyone else feel as though we were watching WWE's AJ Lee and Tamina Snuka? Or visa-versa?
TNA has had a history of providing the better female wrestling of the two companies, and seemed as though they may have been looking to rebuild the division with some of the past stars making returns in Madison Rayne, Angelina Love, etc. This was another example of TNA doing the right thing, but the wrong way. They also recently released Tapa, who although a tad green, could've gained experience on the fly while standing out at the same time adding that rare big powerhouse in the female divisions.
One more minor similarity. Abyss and his new mask. Before he was a Man-Kind knock-off, and now is giving an early 2000's Kane vibe. Maybe it is just me. Google search though shows, perhaps not the first time either.
Magnus does make for a decent champion. Only as a heel so far mind you, but he's doing things right. Problem is, TNA although selecting a good champ, has a depleted roster with really not anyone left who can put Magnus over the way he needs being a rookie TNA Champion. Sure there are some great TNA talent left who could help him with this, as even each of them would make for a good "face of the company". Samoa Joe, Bully Ray and Abyss to put him over the way Mick Foley did for Triple H (and others) when he was looking to get that "tough guy" reputation. Rude, Anderson and Storm for the quality, more technical matches. And of course the other "next guy" wrestlers like Gunner for the rest. Problem is, TNA lags in the creative department so these would likely be dragged out badly, or be too quick to really make any impact.
Dixie being off television was a very good decision. Still needs delivery work on the mic to be a character that even the mainstream fan to want to see, and then the more involved fans who are aware of why things are so bad. Majority agree she needs to focus on learning how to operate a wrestling company, this provides that. One thing they are failing to do, is eliminate Dixie completely. Although they openly knock her to get the cheap pop, but when a character is related by the fans as failure, they need to wipe it from the fans minds in order to try and get them to think that the slate is clean and things are different now.
If anything, it is at least makes for a good #TBT or Throwback Thursday moment, as we watch a sinking ship like it is the end of the Monday Night Wars. Well until things capsize...
Stay Nerdy! Or Tap Out!
