Did WWE Fear TNA?

[shattered dreams]

Now some of the dust is settling from the potential MEM storyline fallout in TNA. We all know how Nash was under contract and possibly Booker T as well then maybe 2 weeks before the Royal Rumble and the big they reveal everything changed. Sting's future is still up in the air at this time. My question is did WWE fear that possible storyline?

Booker T had not worked in TNA for well over a year and WWE suddenly has interest in him coincidentally? Nash can tell all the stories he wants but we all know it came down to money. Why did WWE decide to pony up at that specific time?

Also, before some idiot claims that I am saying TNA was going to surpass WWE with that storyline, let me make it clear I am not in case that wasn't obvious to said idiot.

 

[klunderbunker]

The Royal Rumble.

That's really that needs to be said here. This was the biggest Rumble of all time and there's almost always a surprise or two. This year they had more spots available so WWE reached out and got two big names. Judging by the reaction, it worked and it worked well. I think there was probably a bit of bashing TNA in there, but I don't think that was their primary goal at all. It was just getting surprises for the Rumble, which happens every year.

 

[a0161613]

I also think that with the Hall of Fame coming up, seeing Booker and Nash in there may not be a surprise if they go with a WCW theme.

With these guys noted mic abilities, I'm not surprised WWE got one on a commentary gig and signed Nash to an ambassadorial deal. They are confident speakers and popular faces so it seemed like the right deal at the right time for everyone involved.

So Im with KB, timing may have been a big factor here. Judging by their shows content, TNA hasnt been a threat to WWE since the end of the MEM at BFG 09.

 

[ScruffDog]

NO

I can see why you'd think that, but you'd be wrong. TNA gave us the head fake with Steiner, and maybe the MEM was there plan original we'll never know. Having AJ, Beer Money and Kaz turning on Immortal will prove to be better for TNA than having the MEM return. Vince isn't losing one second of sleep fearing TNA. TNA isn't close yet to even appear to be a threat to the WWE. Maybe if TNA left the Impact Zone and started touring, the WWE may feel a small sense of heat, but they are a long way from putting the fear into the WWE.

 

[shattered dreams]

Numbers, did you really just say the last time TNA was a threat to the WWE was when they had a MEM storyline as a reason why it wasn't this time

KB, so they find their surprises in guys under contract to TNA that are about to be in a big storyline and it is merely a coincidence? It is possible but it just seems unlikely to me. They knew what they were doing but they would like people to believe your version of the events.

TNA gave us the head fake with Steiner, and maybe the MEM was there plan original we'll never know.

It has been confirmed that Nash was under contract and that fortune as they was plan b.

Having AJ, Beer Money and Kaz turning on Immortal will prove to be better for TNA than having the MEM return.

I agree, although I think from a short-term business perspective this might not be true. I look at it as WWE trying to quietly hurt TNA but it actually backfired. Just surprised they got away with no one mentioning the ruthless practice of what WWE did.

 

[klunderbunker]

Numbers, did you really just say the last time TNA was a threat to the WWE was when they had a MEM storyline as a reason why it wasn't this time

KB, so they find their surprises in guys under contract to TNA that are about to be in a big storyline and it is merely a coincidence? It is possible but it just seems unlikely to me. They knew what they were doing but they would like people to believe your version of the events.



It has been confirmed that Nash was under contract and that fortune as they was plan b.



I agree, although I think from a short-term business perspective this might not be true. I look at it as WWE trying to quietly hurt TNA but it actually backfired. Just surprised they got away with no one mentioning the ruthless practice of what WWE did.

So what if they went to TNA's contracted people? Vince has said many times he doesn't see TNA as a threat because he has no reason to. This is like when he took Taz and the Dudleys from ECW. ECW wasn't a threat, but he took the talent he could use. That's smart business and it got him the biggest pops of the night at the PPV.

 

[shattered dreams]

So what if they went to TNA's contracted people? Vince has said many times he doesn't see TNA as a threat because he has no reason to. This is like when he took Taz and the Dudleys from ECW. ECW wasn't a threat, but he took the talent he could use. That's smart business and it got him the biggest pops of the night at the PPV.

This is a much better post. I actually agree to an extent. I do not think they fear TNA as a whole. It isn't because Vince says so though. He isn't Stone Cold after all. It is conceivable that they did wonder about the older audience implications in both companies though. This situation is different from the examples you mention though because of the timing of how they went after the guys and that they would I assume have to at least give them a reason to try and get out of what they had with TNA. It being a good business practice implies it helps WWE and hurts TNA, doesn't it?

The timing is too coincidental for this decision to have had nothing to do with TNA. Just look at how the roles of the two are nothing special or seemingly kind of just thrown together. Since it had something to do with TNA then WWE cared enough to do something to the company. Thus, they found it necessary to hold them back in some way. I doubt it was actually necessary but that doesn't change the fact they did it. It is an inescapable byproduct of WWE's actions. They cared enough about TNA enough to do this.

 

[Rckstrtmmy]

KB, so they find their surprises in guys under contract to TNA that are about to be in a big storyline and it is merely a coincidence? It is possible but it just seems unlikely to me. They knew what they were doing but they would like people to believe your version of the events.

If they were really under contract with TNA they couldn't go to WWE. That's kind of the point of said contract. If they were actually under contract TNA would be suing the shit out of Nash, Booker and the WWE. TNA simply jumped the gun and started trying to promote people that weren't under contract yet and that's just stupid. WWE knew they could get Nash when they wanted to, prolly the same goes for Booker and they were perfect surprises for the Rumble. WWE doesn't have to fear anything TNA does because honestly they are two completely different products.

 

[a0161613]

Numbers, did you really just say the last time TNA was a threat to the WWE was when they had a MEM storyline as a reason why it wasn't this time

A few reasons:

It was a personal opinion. The build up and aftermath of BFG09 until 4th Jan, including the conclusion of MEM storyline was the best TV product TNA has put out and it was the closest that they have ever been to matching WWE at a time where their TV product wasn't as good as it has been recently.

But that success had practically nothing to do with Nash and Booker. Booker left at BFG after running on autopilot for months and Nash is broken down as an in ring worker anyway.

The build to the MEM this time was rubbish. And the inconsistent TV product has only made it worse.

 

[The Suplexer Perfecter]

NO. A big N-O for that.

Why would WWE fear a company that can only get like 4k people for their biggest show of the year?

They probably saw they were available, and decided to bring them in. They were obviously unhappy with TNA anyway. Maybe they knew Booker T and Nash would get big pops?

I doubt they wanted to get them to "prevent" a storyline from happening that wouldn't touch them in the ratings anyway.

 

[Rampage Bentley]

I don't think so.

Nash was undoubtedly (at least in part) HBK's doing. Wants the big guy there for his HoF induction. And Booker's been trying to get a deal with the WWE ever since he left TNA, they've just laughed in his face at what he wanted. Seemingly though, they've found some sort of middle ground.

 

[Kitten Cutter]

Rather than argue against this, I can bring up another point to defend this...

The WWE has lost a good number of people over the past few months. We've seen the departure of Batista, Chris Jericho, Matt Hardy, MVP, and Kaval, five pretty major players who got some big notoriety at different points. What Vince McMahon should fear is what sent Sting and Kurt Angle there in the first place: an alternative to the WWE, but not for fans, but for wrestlers. The schedule we all know is lighter, the locker room is smaller, the TV time is more maximized to newer guys and the travel is less, so any wrestlers who actually have families, or wrestlers who aren't getting pushed as much as they think they should could have a new home, with a chance to renew their careers. Maybe right now TNA can't offer a better lifestyle than the WWE, which is actually better for older wrestlers (i.e. - Legends like Booker T and Kevin Nash), but for younger guys like Kofi Kingston, Jack Swagger, John Morrison, or anyone else that hasn't been pushed to their full potential, what happens when TNA does get its act together? How much talent would take a lesser check to main event in TNA and get a bigger name, only to go back to the WWE when they're done? True, WWE is a bigger worldwide company, but if TNA got better storylines and used its talent in better light, which is all fixable, how many wrestlers would not renew their contracts and head over to try their luck in TNA?

That is a legit fear that Vince should have, to watch his new talent ship on over to Orlando, only to get them back when they've already exhausted their potential.

 

[Strife3]

Do we really need to ask this?

Nash and Booker T were brought in and offered contracts because WWE wants them. They didn't do it out of fear of TNA. TNA might be the future of wrestling but this isn't the future. Going to 40 man it made more sense to bring back a little of old school. Having both worked for TNA they didn't come out and do big things like both should have done but bringing back Nash it could work as an angle for Nash vs Undertaker at WM 28 with Nash trying to break takers streak and get back at him for retiring Shawn Micheals.

Vince and WWE has not lost any sleep over TNA.

 

[DForce]

Also, before some idiot claims that I am saying TNA was going to surpass WWE with that storyline, let me make it clear I am not in case that wasn't obvious to said idiot.

You're the "said idiot", for you're the only one that mentioned it.

Nonetheless, WWE could never fear TNA. Quite the contrary actually. As a matter of fact, WWE could do to TNA what 50 Cent did to Ja Rule. Has TNA even gone public yet? If so, WWE could impose a hostile take over of said company. Even if they're not public, one pay off would cause any one of TNA's top talent to pack their shit and leave. TNA has a nitch market, a cult followering, nothing that envokes fear on the "E". Ask Bishoff, Hogan, or Carter.

 

[Tech N9ne]

I don't think WWE feared TNA and it sounds lame to even say that. I think it was a general move to add some guys like that for The Royal Rumble. People that follow wrestling everyday might mistake TNA for some kind of competition for WWE, because they watch it.

Nothing the MEM could have brought to the table would have close the gap between TNA and WWE. On a grand scale, TNA is nowhere near WWE and would have to have some miracle to even sniff WWE's level.

Any time something like or similar to "WWE Feared Something TNA Did Or Is Doing" makes me laugh. I don't see them getting to their level anytime soon or even close. Also, NOTHING Nash, Booker, or Steiner could do, would ever change that.

 

[The Suplexer Perfecter]

Rather than argue against this, I can bring up another point to defend this...

The WWE has lost a good number of people over the past few months. We've seen the departure of Batista, Chris Jericho, Matt Hardy, MVP, and Kaval, five pretty major players who got some big notoriety at different points. What Vince McMahon should fear is what sent Sting and Kurt Angle there in the first place: an alternative to the WWE, but not for fans, but for wrestlers. The schedule we all know is lighter, the locker room is smaller, the TV time is more maximized to newer guys and the travel is less, so any wrestlers who actually have families, or wrestlers who aren't getting pushed as much as they think they should could have a new home, with a chance to renew their careers. Maybe right now TNA can't offer a better lifestyle than the WWE, which is actually better for older wrestlers (i.e. - Legends like Booker T and Kevin Nash), but for younger guys like Kofi Kingston, Jack Swagger, John Morrison, or anyone else that hasn't been pushed to their full potential, what happens when TNA does get its act together? How much talent would take a lesser check to main event in TNA and get a bigger name, only to go back to the WWE when they're done? True, WWE is a bigger worldwide company, but if TNA got better storylines and used its talent in better light, which is all fixable, how many wrestlers would not renew their contracts and head over to try their luck in TNA?

That is a legit fear that Vince should have, to watch his new talent ship on over to Orlando, only to get them back when they've already exhausted their potential.

Schedules don't matter when you're in front of 3k fans for PPVs on the road or 1k fans for television, so a big "main event push" doesn't feel as good in front of the small crowd compared to a Wrestlemania crowd. And WWE does indeed pay more. I'm sure Morrison is getting paid more now than he would in TNA if he went there now.

TNA also has a ton of wrestlers already and even more with only a 2 hour show a week doesn't help.

If that were indeed true, why did Christian leave main eventing TNA to go back to WWE to just to be ECW champion?

 

[GameOver]

WWE Never, and i mean NEVER!!!!!!!!!!!! fears TNA and never will
if TNA Impact started beating Smackdown (or even NXT for that matter) on a regular basis and actually got PPV buys, they may consider them a hinderance.

All WWE has to do is let them drown in there own crappy PPV's/swerves several times a show and don't have to do anything to get people to swap. and those that are diehard TNA only fans, pretty sure WWE doesn't give a toss about them.

The whole "Them" storyline was ******ed from the start.

MEM/Fortune/Immortal is nothing but names, you can have all the big names you want but it wont draw for long unless it actually means something and goes somewhere.
MEM ok i can concede that atleast had a point initially though i hated them as a group.

as for Booker, Nash being involved in the Royal Rumble
a) When was the last time Booker was on TNA programming?
b) Nash and Sting pretty much said they didn't like TNA anymore, even said it on Impact as is Nash's style to air greivances in a "shoot"
c) If TNA was going with them as returning, don't ya think they shoulda got them under contract a long time b4 they decided to use them?

It doesn't take a genius to go with rumours of a WCW style hall of fame this yr, though so far they are leaving it to the last minute to pull through with that. anyways. Booker and Nash were major WCW players druring it's biggest rating era, and with HBK being HOF bound Diesel should be there since he was an intrical part in getting HBK to main even level and is good friends with Triple H and HBK.

 

[XgringolocoX]

No, wwe does not fear TNA. Nash might have been a "grab". Booker T I feel was in the works for a little time. Reason I believe that is that he's an announcer. I don't think that deal would have happened over night.

 

[sfury2005]

As for Booker, Nash being involved in the Royal Rumble
a) When was the last time Booker was on TNA programming?
b) Nash and Sting pretty much said they didn't like TNA anymore, even said it on Impact as is Nash's style to air greivances in a "shoot"
c) If TNA was going with them as returning, don't ya think they shoulda got them under contract a long time b4 they decided to use them?

I don't think WWE did it out of fear but Vince may have done it to say screw you TNA we can do what we want even steal people you want to use.

People keep saying If Nash and Booker wanted to be there TNA would have had them under contract.. As for Booker I don't think he was but Kevin Nash was under contract to TNA for the angle. He was signed, sealed and delivered he said so himself on x-Pacs show after Royal Rumble. He claimed seeing Abyss fall over with the board of nails in his back made him bristle along with other aspects of the angle so he backed out of it. Apparently TNA let him out of his contract when he went back and said he didn't want to do it. Most likely truth is he saw more money and went to WWE.

According to reports I saw Booker said no from the beginning because he had other things going on.

 

[goldbergiswrestling]

Now some of the dust is settling from the potential MEM storyline fallout in TNA. We all know how Nash was under contract and possibly Booker T as well then maybe 2 weeks before the Royal Rumble and the big they reveal everything changed. Sting's future is still up in the air at this time. My question is did WWE fear that possible storyline?

Booker T had not worked in TNA for well over a year and WWE suddenly has interest in him coincidentally? Nash can tell all the stories he wants but we all know it came down to money. Why did WWE decide to pony up at that specific time?

Also, before some idiot claims that I am saying TNA was going to surpass WWE with that storyline, let me make it clear I am not in case that wasn't obvious to said idiot.

fear? no not really, Vince knows bischoff and hogan, and he has proved he knows how to beat them. hes not worried because of what TNA has became with them in charge. I think its less their involvement with TNA that brought it on as it was their involvement in WCW. remember Wrestlemania is in Atlanta this year and there as been discussion of a WCW themed hall of fame.

 

[trouble in pardise]

Booker T had not worked in TNA for well over a year and WWE suddenly has interest in him coincidentally? Nash can tell all the stories he wants but we all know it came down to money. Why did WWE decide to pony up at that specific time?

booker t was interted in wwe for some tim and so was kevin nash but the timing wasnt just right and at the royal rumble the timinig was perfect

 

[shattered dreams]

Note I never said this fear was rational, in fact I already said the opposite. That does not mean that it didn't happen though. WWE may be insecure for whatever reason. Remember this is the same company that didn't want to let Matt Hardy out of his contract.

They were obviously unhappy with TNA anyway.

So unhappy that they signed to work for the company when they were free agents ... They were not "unhappy" until WWE came into the picture. By most accounts that did not happen until quite recently.

I don't think WWE did it out of fear but Vince may have done it to say screw you TNA we can do what we want even steal people you want to use.

Why would you intentionally screw them over if you did not care about them? Even if this is the case feeling the need to show your dominance highlights the insecurity over what TNA could be.

if TNA Impact started beating Smackdown (or even NXT for that matter) on a regular basis

NXT is on the internet

 

[Poop Master Flex]

Ummm, No, not at all.

I will say it right now, WWE threw a monkey wrench in their storyline for the simple fact they could, but it certainly wasn't because they were afraid of TNA and that storyline.

As much as I wish they were TNA isn't real competition to the WWE, they don't get the ratings WWE does and they don't make nearly as much money as WWE does, not hating on TNA just the facts of the situation.

WWE obviously doesn't need Booker T or Kevin Nash but they signed them because they could.

I know TNA's ratings been a bit better lately but they still have a LONG way to go for TNA to be real competition to WWE, I would say that they are more in competition with ROH than WWE.

WWE doesn't really pay attention to other companies unless they HAVE to and at this point they probably aren't paying attention to what TNA is doing, they only did it with WCW because WCW was constantly screwing with WWE like giving away their results on TV, not because they wanted to.

They did it because they could and even if Booker T and Kevin Nash were signed to TNA for the MEM reunion it wouldn't have made one difference in WWE's eyes, but WWE is messing with TNA for simple fun and nothing more. Hell their might be a good possibility they didn't even know about the storyline and they signed Booker and Nash because they saw them as an asset.

 

[The Suplexer Perfecter]

Remember this is the same company that didn't want to let Matt Hardy out of his contract.

Maybe WWE wanted him as a mid carder? Matt wanted to be world champion.

So unhappy that they signed to work for the company when they were free agents ... They were not "unhappy" until WWE came into the picture. By most accounts that did not happen until quite recently.

Unhappy with what they were paid obviously.

Why would you intentionally screw them over if you did not care about them? Even if this is the case feeling the need to show your dominance highlights the insecurity over what TNA could be.

Because he can and laugh about it and inflate is ego. Or like I said before, he realized he could use them for good pops at the Rumble and start some Buzz. Maybe Nash also wanted to be with HBK for his HOF?

Over what TNA could be? Be realistic. Nitro beat Raw early when they started going head to head and they traded back and forth until WCW went on that 84 week streak. What happened when TNA went against WWE?

TNA doesn't travel, at least WCW did that too. TNA draws how much in the US? 5k max?

The argument that "TNA could be/is a threat to WWE" is beyond ridiculous.

 

[itbewilly]

You guys are reading too much into the whole Nash/Booker WWE jump.I think more than anything it was all a matter of timing and all the cards falling into place rather the the "WWE trying to screw TNA" If they really wanted to screw TNA they will offer huge amounts of money to the likes of A.J Style's like WCW was doing with guys like Hogan and Luger to get them to flip,
All this was was simply timing and everything fitting in the right place.

Booker has been working with his school for how long now and been trying to get Vince to use some of his talent in the past for developmental reason's.Tough Enough comes along and needs trainers so Booker steps in as one.In the end Booker is back in the WWE and he can use his role to maybe put over some of the talent hes trained.Thats probably why Booker made the jump.

We already read and know why Nash jumped.He said he knows his career is getting up there.He knows he doesn't have long left and want's to leave in the WWE.Also add to it the induction of HBK his good friend in the Hall of Fame ceremony and you know he wants to be there for him.

Its not about Vince trying to "hurt" TNA.If he really wanted to do that he could buy out lots of their home grown talent.Does he care about TNA?He probably follows them but its not the same situation as it was with WCW when WWE was losing the ratings war to them for some time.