
In 2011 James Storm shocked wrestling fans late in the year by becoming TNA World Champion. On the Impact following Bound For Glory James defeated Kurt Angle in about 30 seconds with his signature Last Call Superkick. 2 weeks later he lost the title to Bobby Roode in the start of one of TNA's most memorable feuds as well as the seeming catalyst to turn James Storm into the flagship star of TNA. A country music video, endless support and major build for his rematch seemed to point to him winning the title. But it seems that just as various twists of fate led him to being TNA Champion, other twists of fate would cripple his chances to the top.
When he first became champion it was because Kurt Angle was injured and needed time off. At the same time there was very little faith in a babyface Bobby Roode working out. Therefor Storm was used as the bridge for Bobby's heel turn as well as start off the breakup of Beer Money. Storm caught on in 2 weeks. Like REALLY caught on. He came off as a very likeable and reliable babyface with his gimmick being a throwback to Stone Cold Steve Austin. In those 2 weeks he clicked enough to inspire heavy dislike in the fact that he was a transitional champion. For now.
As I said, all signs pointed to Storm winning the title off Bobby Roode at early as Lockdown 2012. But then two more things threw things off. Storm both needed and got foot surgery as well as delivered his son. Bobby Roode made it public knowledge that James Storm lost his father and brother so it's no shock that he may have put family first. Add the surgery had just gotten and the end result was the bitter ending at Lockdown. Well, that's OK. There's always Bound For Glory, right? Well it seems like it was the plan. Following a great return at Slammiversary X, James Storm went on to completely dominate the BFG Series. But along the way something else happened. Austin Aries. The Greatest Man That Ever lived had debuted around the same time as James and Roode rose to prominence and in a year's worth of time showed he was above the crop of talent he was with. The end result was TNA deciding to trade one major blow off to various small ones. Aries won the title, which led to Hardy's Redemption while Roode and Storm was just a blood feud without the title. Storm has not sniffed the World title ever since.
The sad fact is that it's more than TNA dropping the ball with him. Lots of unexpected things stopped James Storm from getting to the top and now he finds himself as enhancement for rising midcarders. Putting over Daniels, Gunner and the repackaged AJ Styles. He's also shown to be injury prone. Very injury prone. At least once a year since his rise, ironically, he's been sidelined for an injury. It's no Magnum T.A. story, but the pieces show Storm was on his way to major things before the stars were re-alligned and he found himself in a crowded area. What are your thoughts on the Cowboy? Do you believe he was destined for greatness? Or just lucky to be under a good circumstance once?
When he first became champion it was because Kurt Angle was injured and needed time off. At the same time there was very little faith in a babyface Bobby Roode working out. Therefor Storm was used as the bridge for Bobby's heel turn as well as start off the breakup of Beer Money. Storm caught on in 2 weeks. Like REALLY caught on. He came off as a very likeable and reliable babyface with his gimmick being a throwback to Stone Cold Steve Austin. In those 2 weeks he clicked enough to inspire heavy dislike in the fact that he was a transitional champion. For now.
As I said, all signs pointed to Storm winning the title off Bobby Roode at early as Lockdown 2012. But then two more things threw things off. Storm both needed and got foot surgery as well as delivered his son. Bobby Roode made it public knowledge that James Storm lost his father and brother so it's no shock that he may have put family first. Add the surgery had just gotten and the end result was the bitter ending at Lockdown. Well, that's OK. There's always Bound For Glory, right? Well it seems like it was the plan. Following a great return at Slammiversary X, James Storm went on to completely dominate the BFG Series. But along the way something else happened. Austin Aries. The Greatest Man That Ever lived had debuted around the same time as James and Roode rose to prominence and in a year's worth of time showed he was above the crop of talent he was with. The end result was TNA deciding to trade one major blow off to various small ones. Aries won the title, which led to Hardy's Redemption while Roode and Storm was just a blood feud without the title. Storm has not sniffed the World title ever since.
The sad fact is that it's more than TNA dropping the ball with him. Lots of unexpected things stopped James Storm from getting to the top and now he finds himself as enhancement for rising midcarders. Putting over Daniels, Gunner and the repackaged AJ Styles. He's also shown to be injury prone. Very injury prone. At least once a year since his rise, ironically, he's been sidelined for an injury. It's no Magnum T.A. story, but the pieces show Storm was on his way to major things before the stars were re-alligned and he found himself in a crowded area. What are your thoughts on the Cowboy? Do you believe he was destined for greatness? Or just lucky to be under a good circumstance once?