If TNA has a future, who is (and isn't) it?

[Uncle Sam]

TNA obviously can't live from WWE and WCW's scraps forever. Actually, maybe they can. John Cena's got become past it one day! But in this thread, operate under the assumption that TNA can't rely on almost-weres and has-beens from other companies; that TNA must push and develop talent from within.

Who can you see leading the company into the future?

Who can't you see leading the company into the future (besides Sting and co.)?

What are the specific roles that specific people should have?

AJ Styles​

Let's get the obvious out of the way first. Of course, AJ is the obvious choice for a reason - he's damn good and the fans know it. Always a little bland, a prolonged soak in TNA's patented silly sauce has imbued him with a little character and, after some initial doubts, I believe that AJ is ready to be a permanent fixture at the forefront of the company.

Definitely a more potent heel than a face, he'd likely be a pretty good chaser, picking up the belt to make big occasions that much bigger. I think chain-winning Bound For Glory main events is something that should go with Sting though. Problem is, how long can AJ hold his risk-taking style before he just becomes a Rey Mysterio? Will we still need him when he's sixty-four?

Alex Shelley​

I've never made a secret of it that Shelley is a personal favourite of mine. Despite what TNA's internal operations have had to say, he's also come across as a pretty nice guy - it's my theory that everyone else are bell ends. I'd describe him as Dean Malenko if he had much more structure, youth and creativity. A thrill on the mic and in the ring, he's one that TNA should not waste. He needs more free reign.

Definitely more versatile as far as face/heel alignment goes than AJ. However, heel is definitely where he feels most natural - he's Jerichoesque, you could say. Always a transitional champion, never the authentic figurehead, methinks. So very Jerichoesque indeed.

James Storm​

Yes, indeedy. Another bona fide Sam favourite, this guy. Nothing like Shelley, nothing like AJ. A man that has had TNA's most underrated midcard matches ever, but has never been able to pull himself out of the tag division. Still, just because you were part of an awesome tag tandem doesn't mean you can't have singles success - just ask Bret Hart.

I've always thought that Storm would be great as TNA's Edge (and plenty of parallels can be drawn between them already - opportunistic yet dominant. I thought he was a decent tweener for the two weeks he was one. Still, being "TNA's Edge", a heel is what his place is. I can imagine he could have some longish reigns with some surprising beginnings and endings. Would be great for guys like AJ to work off.

I grow tired now, so I'll quickly do who isn't TNA's future:

Kaz and Christopher Daniels​

Grouped into one due to how similar I consider their poor points to be. They'll always get a decent pop but that's just because they can do flips. They're very much both unremarkable cruiserweights, especially Kaz. Them getting too big for their boots wouldn't much help anyone.

 

[MisterRob]

I agree that, obviously, AJ Styles is one of the key wrestlers that are the FUTURE of TNA. There's no arguing or mistaking that. I do however believe the way Styles is being used right now is bland; let him take the lessons he's learned, the skills he's gotten over the past year or more in improving his character development and promos and return to a persona much closer to the old AJ Styles who was brash, confident, and knew just how "phenomenal" he was. AJ Styles right now has no edge to him, he's a bland character whose boring as a face because there's no gray there. He still, in my opinion, needs an overhaul with his character even if he's improved with promos and become more confident in areas such as that.

Samoa Joe is another who is a key part of the future of TNA. But just like AJ Styles they need to use his character better because he too has become nothing but a watered down, bland character. Thats why, I feel, like the TNA originals (or the Frontline) in this current storyline going on in TNA have no momentum and feel as if they're lagging, because they're boring characters who I'd find it hard to get behind.

Alex Shelley could, in my opinion, be a valuable asset to the future of TNA if only they used him to his fullest. He has charisma, he has character, he has talent in the ring, and he has all the tools that are needed to be something entertaining and a breakout star in my opinion. They need to allow him to shine, and obviously he shines much better as a heel. I could see him as one of the best heels in TNA in the future if they don't hold him back.

Robert Roode is another I really think has a ton of potential and could be a star in the future of TNA if he's allowed to and not held back. He's got a great look, he's find when it comes to charisma and promos, and he can go in the ring as well. There's really nothing Roode can't do, and if allowed I think he could just get better and better, but they really need to push him beyond the tag team scene and give him that chance to prove himself.

One person I disagree with Uncle Sam about is Christopher Daniels. Daniels can do it all, and he's far better on the mic then AJ Styles, but has just as much talent in every other department. Daniels is truly being underutilized in my opinion and I'm only hoping with the Curry Man gone that Daniels will be brought back and become an important part of the frontline.

Who is NOT the future of TNA?

Chris Sabin or Kaz. How ironic.

 

[Uncle Sam]

Samoa Joe is another who is a key part of the future of TNA.

Formerly the greatest Samoa Joe defender on Earth, I've now changed my ways. After Joe's title reign, I've decided that long term investment in Joe is not a great idea. A sometime main eventer, perhaps. A focal point, no.

But just like AJ Styles they need to use his character better because he too has become nothing but a watered down, bland character.

I'd say Joe's always been bland. His blandness was just better utilized when he just kicked the shit out of people. Buddying him out with Babysitter Nash was never, ever going to work out for him, and the resultant character alteration revealed many weaknesses. Watered down? Hmm, I guess I'll give you that. Just 'cos I don't wanna nitpick.

Thats why, I feel, like the TNA originals (or the Frontline) in this current storyline going on in TNA have no momentum and feel as if they're lagging, because they're boring characters who I'd find it hard to get behind.

Having not watched in several weeks, maybe I haven't got a pot to piss in. However, I was relatively in to AJ's character. Relative to all the bullshit, of course. Not saying much, I suppose.

Alex Shelley could, in my opinion, be a valuable asset to the future of TNA if only they used him to his fullest.

Why thank you. I'm glad we agree.

Robert Roode is

Robert Roode is... not on my list, not because I don't think he's made out of the right stuff, but I wanted to leave him for Will to make his triumphant return.

One person I disagree with Uncle Sam about is Christopher Daniels.

Everyone always does. No idea why.

Daniels can do it all,

He can't really. He's very much a high-flyer, and a scrawny one at that. Yes, he's got some mat wrestling skills and some unique moves - which, incidentally, makes him utterly better than Kaz.

and he's far better on the mic then AJ Styles,

Well, he's certainly not memorable. What little I can remember, he's not better on the mic than Styles. Certainly not far better.

but has just as much talent in every other department.

I hate to go all Slyfox, but Daniels really can't put a match together like Styles can.

Daniels is truly being underutilized

They repackaged him and gave him Sting, it didn't work. They gave him Triple X, it didn't work. They gave him Curry Man and, well, it's worked the best so far.

in my opinion and I'm only hoping with the Curry Man gone that Daniels will be brought back and become an important part of the frontline.

What is this, 2005?

Chris Sabin

Sabin's actually grown on me. Sure, he may not be particularly remarkable but he can be replied on to put a good match and his mic skills are growing. He's also a good four or five steps up from Kookie Kutter Kaz.

 

[jmt225]

To me, I personally feel that pound for pound and age for age (if that makes any sense, lol), Alex Shelly right now is one of the absolute best professional wrestlers on the face of the planet. That might be "overrating" him, but I truly believe that's the amount of talent that man possesses. He is basically Randy Orton x's 2. That's how I look at him. The guy has it all: Good looks, nice physique, charismatic, fantastic promo cutter, and when it comes to in-ring ability... he's one of, if not THE, the best TNA has to offer. Seriously, if pushed correctly, the guy could someday take TNA to great places.

And AJ Styles is the other guy, of course. He is what his nickname says he is: Phenomenal. There's nothing else I can really say about him other then that. His work speaks for itself.

But, there are no other young guys in TNA I feel are on par with those two names and the top talent in WWE. Samoa Joe is good, but I'm not a huge fan of his TNA work. Homicide and Jay Lethal are really good, but not main event material in my opinion. Matt Morgan is all right. I cannot stand James Storm. Eric Young gets on my last fucking nerve. Shark Boy is terrible. Kaz sucks. And Christopher Daniels has always had potential, but he's never lived up to it outside of his fantastic matches against guys like Joe and Styles.

 

[thepoo62]

I really like Matt Morgan... he is big enough to actually compare to WWE guys and has impressive in-ring work. I want him to repackaged as a giant that destroys TNA from the bottom up.

 

[klunderbunker]

As for who isn't the future, I'll offer three names: Roode, Daniels, Storm. Never once have I seen the potential these guys have had thrust on them. Storm has some stuff going for him that I kind of like so he's easily in the top three here, but as for the other two, I couldn't be less impressed. Daniels, people always talk about how great his Fallen Angel gimmick was. If that's teh case, when has he ever done it on TNA, because I've been watching for about 3 years no and have never seen it once. It's his name, and he uses it for his finishers. Other than that, he's a bald cruiserweight, and a below average one at that. Roode is just a basic rich guy gimmick. He doesn't do it well, he doesn't do it bad, he just does the gimmick. He's not bad by any means, but he's far from great.

 

[Miko]

The problem with TNA is I cant really see anyone who could be a focal point of it, well there are some obviously that it's current fanbase will accept but no one that will help TNA expand beyond that. Hopefully I am wrong.

As far as future of the company then obviously AJ Styles is the man to be considered, yet even he doesnt seem like the kind of guy who is going to push TNA to the next level. I could be wrong but AJ seems more Jericho-esque than Cena-esque if you know what I mean. A main-eventer but not the main-eventer. Damn I am comparing TNA to WWE again.

Then you have Samoa Joe who has been endorsed by Kurt Angle himself, the only problem with that is Kurt seems more concerned with legit toughness than the ability to put on a good fake match. Besides Joe kinda already tried and did indeed fail.

I watch TNA I swear but which one of Beer Money has the money gimmick? Anyway's whichever one that is could do well someday I think, he seems like the kind of guy people would pay to see get beat up. The other one Roode/Storm could be good as well I think.

Still doesnt alter the fact that TNA's best worker could well be the 49 year old Sting.

As for who isnt it, well no one was more pleased than me to see El' Mariachi leave. I also gotta agree with Christopher Daniels as well. The guy is very overrated by people on the internet but I dont suppose it matters because outside of Curryman I dont think he's ever been over.

 

[Uncle Sam]

As for who isn't the future, I'll offer three names: Roode, Daniels, Storm.

If you'd put Kaz in there you'd be perfectly balanced. But you didn't, did you?

Never once have I seen the potential these guys have had thrust on them.

Daniels, sure. Storm and Roode have already realised some of their potential, but you can tell there's still more there. Two to keep an eye on, I assure you.

Storm has some stuff going for him that I kind of like so he's easily in the top three here,

You've confused me here. Top three of what? In the top three of... these three?

but as for the other two, I couldn't be less impressed.

Daniels, sure.

Daniels, people always talk about how great his Fallen Angel gimmick was.

It wasn't a gimmick. It was entrance music and a cloak.

If that's teh case, when has he ever done it on TNA, because I've been watching for about 3 years no and have never seen it once.

He's definitely done it within that three year limit. I think this says more about the gimmick than your perceptiveness.

It's his name, and he uses it for his finishers. Other than that, he's a bald cruiserweight, and a below average one at that.

Below average is a bit harsh - there are a lot of poor cruiserweights out there. He's certainly not particularly remarkable, no.

Roode is just a basic rich guy gimmick. He doesn't do it well, he doesn't do it bad, he just does the gimmick. He's not bad by any means, but he's far from great.

Whereas with Daniels you were pointing out how people genuinely oversell him, now you're seriously underselling Roode. Robert Roode is more than his gimmick - he's not just "the rich guy". He's suave and arrogant, with great ring presence and I suppose what you would call psychology and workrate. His moveset and he way he conducts himself in the ring certainly puts him above par.

Will's better at selling him than me, to be honest. I, however, do a better job at selling Storm.

 

[klunderbunker]

I'll go with just Roode here. Like I said he's certainly not bad, but at the end of the day he was put into a tag team. Rarely does that mean much in the way of singles confiednce. He's had two main singles feuds, one with Young that went nowhere and one with Booker that went on too long. Now to be fair that's not his fault as that's waht creative gave him, but the feuds just aren't that memorable. They were ok, nothing more. Roode could be a solid upper mid carder, but I can't picture him getting to the main event.

 

[Uncle Sam]

You forget the feud with Samoa Joe. The feud in which Roode split Joe's face open, and I mean open, on steel steps. It culminated in a, pff, three, maybe four star (pretty good) match where Joe fell on his ass chasing Roode. For my money, that is the greatest feud that Samoa Joe has ever, ever had. It was exactly the same as all the other Samoe Joe filler feuds at the time, but with one difference - his opponent.

Now, if Roode can get something interesting out of an identikit Samoa Joe feud, just imagine what else he can do.

 

[image1986]

Well aj styles charecter right now is ok but just needs to be tweaked to be made more arrogant and cocky. Him being heel doesn't real fit not because he can't do it but because he wasn't as effective. He was seen as a lackey and joke which didn't help his charecter expect his promos. Overall he is the most over person in the company. I think everyone charecter in tna is bland expect for the main event mafia and alex shelley. All the faces seem the same promo use and don't stand out. I think eric young is the mick foley of tna and has potential. I think petey williams is the most underused talent on the roster could have been a break out star. All in all without major storylines and charecter development of the midcards tna is not conpetitive

 

[Milkyway!]

Alex Shelly is the future of TNA. Hes got great charisma. Can play both face, and heel. I prefer heel personally. Has good tag team skills. Is in a company, where they don't push size. If shelly were WWE, his size, wouldn't allow him to be champion. Lucky for us, and Shelly tho, hes in TNA. Where his size, plays to his advantage. Having a croud that loves flips, kicks, jumps and things. Does come in handy during this day and time. I have a feeling before too long, when the MCMG's break up, and their fued starts. Shelly will be shot into stardom.

AJ Styles, is an obvious. For obvious reasons. Anyone whos watched TNA in the past few years. Knows Styles, is a diamond in the making.

Roode, I love Roode. If he wasn't stuck with a nasty gimmick, this guy, could be amazing. He got gold out of Joe (as Sam allready talked about.) A guy who got 3 star matches out of Eric, when Eric still had a severe vaganitous. Pop a nice Gimmick on this guy, he will, give you gold, I promise.

Honorable mentions go out to Storm, and Morgan. While I've not seen enough out of either. I like their work. Slap a decent gimmick on Storm, and take Abyss away from Morgan, and these two could be gold themselves.

Guys who I'm not sure about??

LAX. Homocide, I'm just waiting on you to grab a switchblade and kill your opponets the next time you have a no DQ match. Wouldn't suprise me, Not in the least. I think your bland. Outside your sterotype mexican street gang member. Your nothing more than a Kaz/Christopher D. Hernandez, Big guys, arn't supposed to fly. If he kept it on the ground he could be something. It just looks too fake.

Chris Sabin, Without Shelly, who knows what this guy can be? I think shelly is carrying him, BIG time.

Those who wont make it?

Kaz, Could you be anymore bland??? Honestly???

Christopher. Solid Mid-carder in TNA, always. I liked him better as Curry Man, at least he wasn't SO bland then.

Suicide. Boy do I think this will be a HUGE flop. At least, I pray to God it is anyways.

 

[The Big Gunnzbowski]

Mick Foley and Jeff Jarrett are NOT. Sting, could be. Booker has no chance. Christian, is leaving, so nope. Angle is just ******ed, so nuh uh. AJ Styles, has a really good chance if he'd stop being himself. Shelly has a damn good chance no matter what happens. Abyss is just fucking lame. Shoot him...please. Curry Boy is a strong favorite for the simple fact that he has more charisma in his bowl than anybody else on the roster combined. Therefore, the future of TNA was, is, and always will be........











ME!