can u become a wrestling legend and be in tna ur whole career?
- Thread starter Godfather
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Yes IMO he would. If TNA is still the #2 show or maybe the #1 show in 10-15 years and AJ is still around and feuding with the best and having the best matches the company has seen, than yeah. You know in ways AJ is the Shawn Michaels of TNA, no matter what he'll stick with TNA. He'll carry the company on his back if he has to! AJ is the greatest TNA star ever and always will be. He is very good home grown talent. By greatest TNA star I mean home grown TNA talent. So yeah, AJ will be a legend if his career goes on at the rate it is now and if TNA is still around as one of the 3 biggest promotions.
Most definitely - Aj styles is absolutely great in the ring and with the mic - Im sort of mad that he's in TNA because he'd phenomenal (haha) in WWE. Than again it's great to see another company produce a character like him - so at the same time I'm happy to see him do his thing with them. Another is Samoa Joe - yeah sure he was in ROH but everyone starts somewhere right? and let's not forget Daniels - these guys are exciting everytime they step into that ring - great job!
jscthegreat
Dark Match Winner
Can you become a legend in TNA??? I'll answer that with another question, are there any legends in the Arena football league that you can think of without having to google??? TNA is not a relevant company, you can't become a legend by doing a bunch of pretty flips, that's pretty much an insult to every wrestling legend. All you have to do to be a legend is work in a "high spot fest" company??????? No, there's more to it. Sorry, your answer is no.
Reddannihilation
Championship Contender
How is TNA not relevant? And really "a bunch of pretty flips" that pretty much somes up Rey Mysterio more than it does any TNA performer. People like Daniels, AJ Styles, Joe, Eric Young etc. all have adequate mat skills, stop talking shit.
theirishtaker
The Irish dark light
Hate to burst the bubble here but AJ Styles and Joe both started in the WWE. Does that deflate the whole debate?
Reddannihilation
Championship Contender
Actually AJ started in NWA Wildside and for both him and Joe a few matches on Jakked didn't get them any exposure from the E. The majority of their careers have been their work in TNA and ROH.
Why not? Why do wrestling fans keep putting WWE on a high pedestal and pretend as if they're the only wrestling company that can define your status in the business? Sting never stepped foot in WWE and he's still regarded as one of the greatest and is definitely a legend and an icon in this sport. AJ Styles will be to TNA what Sting was to WCW and he will remain loyal and his legend will grow from there. Look at Ric Flair. Ric Flair is basically a legend and is considered the greatest mostly because of his time in NWA/WCW not because of WWE/F, where he had a short run.
Can someone become a legend by working in TNA their entire career ?? Sure.
Will someone become a legend by working in TNA their entire career ?? Not likely.
I just don't believe TNA will be around long enough to allow anyone to become a legend. Right now, everything looks peachy. A tv contract, PPV are moving away from Orlando, big name stars (WWE cast offs if you will), overseas market development, a cash cow (Dixie Carter), etc...
But there are a lot of factors that already point to TNA heading south, rather than north.
A major riff in the ranks between arguably their two biggest stars - Jarrett and Angle. One of those stars - Angle - has a contract negotiation coming up or ongoing and has reportedly given Dixie Carter an ultimatum of "it's me or Jarrett". The boys in the back are reportedly happy that the man who more or less put them on the map is AWOL (Jarrett). Their biggest PPV of the year reportedly only saw 7,000 people pay for it.
That's the type of shit you don't hear about in companies that are or become successful.
Despite all the great things TNA has accomplished in the past seven years, I'm afraid it's all going to come crashing down in the next 12 months.
If that's the case, then no one would be considered a legend for having wrestled their entire careers in TNA... even if someone like Joe or Styles never lace their boots for the WWE.
Will someone become a legend by working in TNA their entire career ?? Not likely.
I just don't believe TNA will be around long enough to allow anyone to become a legend. Right now, everything looks peachy. A tv contract, PPV are moving away from Orlando, big name stars (WWE cast offs if you will), overseas market development, a cash cow (Dixie Carter), etc...
But there are a lot of factors that already point to TNA heading south, rather than north.
A major riff in the ranks between arguably their two biggest stars - Jarrett and Angle. One of those stars - Angle - has a contract negotiation coming up or ongoing and has reportedly given Dixie Carter an ultimatum of "it's me or Jarrett". The boys in the back are reportedly happy that the man who more or less put them on the map is AWOL (Jarrett). Their biggest PPV of the year reportedly only saw 7,000 people pay for it.
That's the type of shit you don't hear about in companies that are or become successful.
Despite all the great things TNA has accomplished in the past seven years, I'm afraid it's all going to come crashing down in the next 12 months.
If that's the case, then no one would be considered a legend for having wrestled their entire careers in TNA... even if someone like Joe or Styles never lace their boots for the WWE.
SinCityBlitz
Crossface Chickenwing
The way TNA is now, no. If it grows and actually becomes a threat, maybe. Right now TNA is a glorified indy fed.
People need to stop comparing NWA/WCW to TNA because TNA is not even in the same universe when it comes to how big NWA/WCW was. The NWA alone put out legend after legend and right now I don't see anyone in TNA that is even close to being that good.
People need to stop comparing NWA/WCW to TNA because TNA is not even in the same universe when it comes to how big NWA/WCW was. The NWA alone put out legend after legend and right now I don't see anyone in TNA that is even close to being that good.
They're in the same boat my man. TNA just like NWA/WCW were always overshadowed by the WWE and was considered the #2 company but yet the #2 company had the talent similar to what TNA is now. So yes, a comparison can be made. If you don't see any young guy in TNA that you don't think will become a legend, then either you don't watch TNA or you just don't have eyes.
The Mark of Zur-En-Arrh
Tell me what's on ur so called mind
tbh, WCW was considered the #1 company for quite a while back during the MNW. 82 weeks beating WWF in the ratings wasn't it? So that's almost a year and a half with WCW on top.
I'd say yes you can become a legend with enough exposure, no matter where you wrestle. If you prove that you're a consistant draw for about 10 years or so, and your peers have the utmost respect for you, then you can easily become a legend in pro-wrestling.
Take guys like Terry Funk for example, who had minimal exposure in WWE, but is a legend worldwide for his work in Japan and NWA/ECW/WCW. Sting is another guy who would be considered 'legendary' despite never having been in the 'E.
These days it seems that if you're a top draw, have wrestled for more than a decade and live past the average life expectancy of a pro-wrestler, then you're a legend.
Let me ask you guys this, would you consider Rob Van Dam to be a wrestling legend?
Or better yet, would you consider Jarrett to be a legend? Or is he just the guy that WWE buried and started his own company to prove he can get people to care about him?
I can't claim to know much about TNA, because i simply do not enjoy the product, therefore i don't watch, but it seems to me, that TNA aren't in the business of making legends, only acquiring them.
huntmaster86
The Handsome Devil
I think this is entirely possible. TNA is 2nd in the ratings (and in my opinion, a completely 2nd rate show right now) and are Taz/Sabu/Shane Douglas/Justin Credible/Raven/Jerry Lynn not legends more for their time in ECW than WWE/WCW?
Styles is a very good performer, but only time will tell if he's a legend or not. Samoa Joe doesn't do that much right now, so his performances can't drop too much as he gets older, so I think he's a shoe in. Another few that I think could be legends are Jay Lethal, Robert Roode and maybe Homicide and Hernandez, but its a case of time, not the company, although status of the company helps.
Styles is a very good performer, but only time will tell if he's a legend or not. Samoa Joe doesn't do that much right now, so his performances can't drop too much as he gets older, so I think he's a shoe in. Another few that I think could be legends are Jay Lethal, Robert Roode and maybe Homicide and Hernandez, but its a case of time, not the company, although status of the company helps.
That's not a fair comparison by any standards...
10 years ago, or in Funk's case, 25 years ago, was a much different monster than it is now. Indy promotions actually had fan followings, cult followings if you will. Wrestling was in its peak when it came to tv ratings, merchandise sales, mainstream coverage, cross over promotion, etc...
I think it's safe to say that the majority of wrestling fans would have no idea who Terry Funk was without his minimal run in the "E" and the historical context they constantly placed his career in... especially Mick Foley.
As for Sting, he headlined the second biggest wrestling organization of all time. Let me retype that - he headlined the SECOND biggest wrestling organization of all time. He was front and center during the Monday Night Wars and that's why he considered a legend by wrestling fans. Without the WWE, he may, and I say MAY have been consdiered just another good wrestler or wrestling personality. So in essence, the WWE made Sting who he is today even though he never directly worked for Vince.
No and no.
RVD developed a cult following based on his aforementioned affiliation with a glorified Indy wrestling organization - ECW. He was anopther in a long line of spot monkey wrestlers who are / were / forever will be popular with wrestling fans.
But is he a legend ?? Maybe in the comic book world for his knowledge and reportedly kick ass Cali comic store, but not wrestling.
As for J-E-double F J-A-double R-E-double T, it's ultimately based on how far TNA can go and how big they can become. But if you're asking the question right now, Jarrett is no where the imaginary legend title.
Wrestling legends are few and far between - Sammartino, Hogan, Austin, Hart, Flair, Andre, Bockwinkel, etc... There is absolutely no way RVD and Jeff Jarrett make that list !!!!
wewanttables
Pre-Show Stalwart
Yes, you can be a legend working for the second largest US wrestling orginization. Sting did. Jerry "The King" was a legend before the WWE for his NWA fueds. You can be...once you retire from the ring. The problem is that to be a legend you should not be wrestling regularly. Most of the guys made in TNA have years left to go in their careers. Lets watch and see.
Cody Rhodes America's Dream, WWE's Nightmare
Cody Rhodes America's Dream, WWE's Nightmare
Jack-Hammer
YOU WILL RESPECT MY AUTHORITAH!!!!
Sure, Sting and Flair are legends of wrestling. However, WCW is a company that's head and shoulders above TNA in terms of production value and just overall audience. Look, no matter who thinks which wrestling company is better than the other, what it all boils down to at the end of the day is numbers. WWE has a much larger audience than TNA, both domestically and internationally, hence the WWE has greater exposure, hence the WWE makes much more money.
The talk of anything "legendary" with TNA at this point in time is entirely premature. Legend is a term that gets tossed around casually and easily. TNA is a company that's only 7 years old. While it's still a young company, the time is coming when TNA is going to have to ante up and kick in if it hopes to be considered in the same league as the WWE. The whole "it's a young company" argument can't go on forever. If TNA is still around in 10 years or so, then that's when the talk of legends can legitimately begin.
The Mark of Zur-En-Arrh
Tell me what's on ur so called mind
I wasn't comparing them dude, i just gave 2 examples of legends who didn't have long stints in WWE.
Flair's status was achieved in the territory promotions before WCW and WWE became the only games in town, was it not?
But we're not asking the majority of wreslting fans are we? We're asking the members of WZ, most of which have quite a bit of knowledge about old school wrestling promotions and the stars that rose from them.
Plus new fans only have to watch this year's HOF ceremony to learn about Terry Funk's achievements.
Without WWE, Vince wouldn't have bought up all the territories, Ted Turner wouldn't have had any interest in the wrasslin' business, and Eric Bischoff wouldn't have had a goal to achieve in beating the #1 promotion, so Sting would have been just another guy in the territories wouldn't he?
See, i agree.
Why not? And don't say it's because he's a spot monkey because your wrestling style doesn't really impact whether you could be considered a legend or not imo.
Agreed.
I notice that you didn't include Taker or HBK in that list. Do you not consider 2 of WWE's biggest draws for the last 2 decades to be worthy of the title 'Legend'?
Exactly TNA has potential to become #1 as well in the future like WCW. So to answer the threadstarter's question, yes you can work in TNA and become a true legend because they have the potential to be #1 or go neck and neck with WWE. Not only that but even if the promotion you work for isn't competing, the respect from the fans, your peers, your contribution, and your age alone is enough to justify you as a legend.
The Mark of Zur-En-Arrh said:
Yes, which should be so because every wrestler has contributed to the sport in some fashion. They should all be put on a pedestal and be appreciated for putting their body on the line night after night. It is a show of respect and every inring performer needs to get that respect at a certain age imo.
The Mark of Zur-En-Arrh said:
No because RVD has not lived to a certain age to be considered a legend although he will in the future for his contributions to the sport.
The Mark of Zur-En-Arrh said:
Well Jeff Jarrett was a 4x WCW champion before he started TNA so I think that alone proved he was worthy.
The Mark of Zur-En-Arrh said:
TNA acquires legends so the casual fan can get the perception that they're not the minor leaques and that their promotion is credible. Not only that but there's a saying in wrestling that to make stars, you have to wrestle stars. Ultimately, it is to benefit the young stars and the company as a whole. So yes, TNA is in the process of making legends. Every wrestling company wants to produce stars and legends. TNA is very promising in that department.
Yes, but WCW didn't just wake up with production value and big audiences. It grew as time went on. They began small and began to rise like what TNA is slowly trying to accomplish.
WWE for now is bigger than TNA. No doubt about it. But if TNA ever gets to that level of WWE, everything TNA has done will become recognized and solidified. When WCW got big, the homegrown stars like Sting, Flair, Steiners, and the horsemen became a staple of the company and became legendary. When TNA gets big, the homegrown stars like AJ, Jarett, Joe, LAX, and Beer Money will become recognized down the line. Like if the original ECW was huge today, Tommy Dreamer, Sandman, and Raven would be considered Legends to the wrestling world. So yes, as long as TNA goes on the path their going and continues to grow, their stars, their history, and the promotion will be put on a pedestal and the longtime stays will be considered legends.
King Patrick Star
K. O. T. R. 2007 - Team Undisputed
Can you be a Legend in Wrestling without being a stand out Superstar for the WWE?? YES!! Of course you can. Yes A. J. may have worked there, but no one knew who he was till he got to TNA. There are Superstars from the past that are in the WWE Hall of Fame that never worked in the WWE. There are Icons that never worked in the WWE, namely Sting and he was already on top before Ted got involved. If anyone is going to be a Legend out of TNA, it’s definitely going to be the TNA Grand Slam Champion.
waylonmercy
In Waylon Mercy's Hands
You don't have to be in WWE to be a legend. You have to be in WWE today to be a more recognized legend. They travel worldwide and have several television deals that offer exposure for all their talent. TNA Wrestling does not have the exposure nor do they generate the same revenue as WWE, or even close.
Ric Flair is recognized as THE best wrestler ever, and his WWE impact has been minimal at best. His NWA impact was enormous.
It also has to be determined WHAT makes you a legend. Until there are certain criteria needed to become a legend, then really anyone can be a legend.
Ric Flair is recognized as THE best wrestler ever, and his WWE impact has been minimal at best. His NWA impact was enormous.
It also has to be determined WHAT makes you a legend. Until there are certain criteria needed to become a legend, then really anyone can be a legend.
MikeKillam
Pre-Show Stalwart
I think this remains to be seen. There are a lot of really good wrestlers out there that don't get "legend" status, simply because they're not WWE wrestlers. A lot of guys in the business have said this, including some who are in TNA. "If you're a professional wrestler, you're goal is the WWE title."
TNA is a really cool promotion, and they a lot going for them in my opinion. But let's face it, the people who tell you that TNA is the top promotion, or will be the top promotion in 10 years...just dumb.
I like TNA, but what you have to realize is WWE is a dynasty. It's been around forever, and it's outlived a lot of things. Even if TNA can get to the point of actually be competition for the WWE, you know Vince will actually start trying to make their promotion fail. He's done it with every other competing promotion in history...
I'm not saying TNA isn't great, or it couldn't become better at some point, I'm just saying that it has a lot of work to do. Right now it seems that things are going downhill for them. With only 7000 PPV buys last month? That's just terrible!
We'll see what the future holds for TNA.
As far as being a wrestling legend and living out your whole career in TNA...I don't honestly know. It will take another 10 years or so to find that out. If AJ Styles is still in TNA in 10 years, I dunno...I would just be surprised. But if he is, or if Samoa Joe is in TNA in 10 years, I think they would be phenomenal (Pun intended) and I think they'll be some of the best of all time...but because they're in TNA, there will still be people who haven't watched a single one of their matches. You never know though...here's to hoping!
TNA is a really cool promotion, and they a lot going for them in my opinion. But let's face it, the people who tell you that TNA is the top promotion, or will be the top promotion in 10 years...just dumb.
I like TNA, but what you have to realize is WWE is a dynasty. It's been around forever, and it's outlived a lot of things. Even if TNA can get to the point of actually be competition for the WWE, you know Vince will actually start trying to make their promotion fail. He's done it with every other competing promotion in history...
I'm not saying TNA isn't great, or it couldn't become better at some point, I'm just saying that it has a lot of work to do. Right now it seems that things are going downhill for them. With only 7000 PPV buys last month? That's just terrible!
We'll see what the future holds for TNA.
As far as being a wrestling legend and living out your whole career in TNA...I don't honestly know. It will take another 10 years or so to find that out. If AJ Styles is still in TNA in 10 years, I dunno...I would just be surprised. But if he is, or if Samoa Joe is in TNA in 10 years, I think they would be phenomenal (Pun intended) and I think they'll be some of the best of all time...but because they're in TNA, there will still be people who haven't watched a single one of their matches. You never know though...here's to hoping!
foxhound101
Dark Match Jobber
Legends are created, most times not by their in ring abilities, but by how they are marketed and packaged. Hulk Hogan, never a great wrestler. Prolly be the greatest Ever...Great writing....along with basically wrestlers ability to speak well, have infact made legends out of them...Rock...Flair....and on and on.
So Yes, I do believe TNA could create some legends, but everybody from the writing staff, to the bookers are going to have to play it off much smarter in order to do so
So Yes, I do believe TNA could create some legends, but everybody from the writing staff, to the bookers are going to have to play it off much smarter in order to do so
WWF Wrestling Fan
Pre-Show Stalwart
Styles was in WCW I for get who his partner was but there tag team name was Air Paris or Air Styles and Joe was in WWF for a hot second but can you become a wrestling legend and be in TNA your whole Career well didnt Sting already prove that in NWA / WCW so yes i think someone can i dont know who sence alot of guys were in wwf and wcw for there careers because James Strom was in WCW the latter part of it but i really dont know .
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