Prior to responding, it's important to note that -- historically speaking -- I've written numerous posts greatly in favor of TNA's talent, title decisions and even acquisitions of past WWE talent. In fact, I have done so to the extent some would probably call me a "TNA mark," though I prefer to think of myself exclusively as a fan who has seen approximately 30 years of professional wrestling, which gives me a slightly greater perspective on things which have or haven't worked historically in the industry. For the most part, I think TNA could have made many far worse decisions over the years.
That said, I've been really disappointed in the TNA product the last numerous times I have tuned in. The Aces & Eights story has dragged and been utterly anti-climactic, largely because the 'gang' has been filled with -- basically -- nobodies inserted into the angle as a means of introduction to the company. The reformation of the Main Event Mafia has not interested me in the least, mostly because the faction was boring and lame the first go-round and feels (again) like a rehashed NWO angle. And the AJ Styles angle, for me, never gained traction.
Almost lost in all this is the World Title. That has been absolutely NO fault of Bully Ray. As a viewer, I find his promos entertaining, his ring work above average and have fully bought into him as World Champion. I was thrilled when he beat Sting in a match stipulating "The Icon" would never get another championship shot (because, as much as I appreciate Sting's legacy & grew up watching him, he should no longer be champion). I've even borderline enjoyed his B.S. with Brooke.
Most of all -- were they to pull back on the Aces' involvement, which utterly bores me to death -- I have been looking forward to seeing Bully face new (and old) challengers for the title. I was particularly ecstatic when it appeared he would meet Austin Aries, who used his unscrupulous means to gain the X-Division belt and, thusly, world title shot. This set up an amazing angle which had history, good tension and the popular David/Goliath story.
Then, quite suddenly, TNA tripped that genuinely intriguing storyline up by giving the X-Division belt back to Sabin. Now the guy's World Champion? Sure, it was unexpected -- but I don't feel it was necessarily in a good way.
Before anyone protests, it isn't so much that I oppose Sabin's opportunity to carry the ball. Rather, it's my frustration at how TNA went about it. On one hand, it could be argued that Sabin's rapid rise to X-Division Champion, then World champ, gives viewers the idea that "anything can happen" on these live Impact broadcasts. Perhaps it will fuel people to tune in so they don't miss anything?
On the other hand, I feel the company has put their title on a (worthy) individual without the proper emotional build-up or story required to make audiences care. Sabin winning, losing and regaining the X-Division title seemed so rushed -- which says nothing about how quickly he moved into being a World title contender, and eventual champion. It happened so fast, I haven't had much time to invest in him. Further, he's been around a really long time and (if I'm honest) I've never really cared for him. He's always just sort of been...well, boring.
If TNA wanted to give Sabin a run with the belt, I would have invested some proper time and effort into his development as a character. Had TNA wanted to build him as an underdog who consistently overcomes a size differential to win (a la Rey Misterio), I think I could have gotten behind it. Week by week, he could have overcome increasingly greater obstacles, perhaps even running an "Aces & Eights Gauntlet," having to defeat every member before finally getting to Bully Ray.
Ultimately, though, to move most X-Division wrestlers into the World Title scene requires a concerted build and effort by the company. Though these wrestlers have always been the workhorses of TNA, they've never been particularly highlighted as main-event worthy. Particularly Sabin, who -- though around for years -- has been jobbed out, sidelined and more to the point where I have seldom felt him much more than filler.
Prior to giving him the big win, I think Sabin would have been an ideal candidate for the same type of ongoing build up given Aries. From his entry into the company, right up to his eventual World title victory, the absolute best character development in TNA history was given Aries. Ultimately, regardless of his size, it made him extremely believable as champ. In stark contrast, Sabin received none of this. While I don't think he's undeserving of the win, I 100% believe it greatly undermines his believability as champ now.
Sure, it's always exciting to see someone new win the belt for the very first time, and I am glad Sabin has finally achieved top billing, even if briefly, but I still don't think he's the person to move the company out of ratings doldrums and onto the right track. For my money, a three-way feud between Bully, Aries and Roode for the belt would have been much more entertaining than this twist.
Or, if you really wanna give someone an opportunity which has been missed for a very long time, put the strap on Christopher Daniels. When given the chance, he's incredibly good in the ring, amazing on a mic and really knows how to entertain the crowd.
the match itself was nothing fancy but it made that final moment with the hammer so much better. I'd just like to add that I think it was great that Sabin cheated to win, given the circumstances! A face doing that is not something you see very often in wrestling. For what its worth I think Bully Ray has been a great world champion and top heel. I was enjoying his matches and promos very much. I seem to be in the minority there...
