"It's a Work, ya Maroons!" Really? Help me out here.

[johnbragg]

First of all, I believe Meltzer over anyone in or around TNA.

But that said, I could buy that Russo is masterminding a Russorific "work the marks" angle. But I have some questions.

1. Is the email where Dixie Carter called the DA suits "dummies" part of the work? Does that email not exist, or were/are the DA suits in on the work? Or are the DA suits being worked along with Meltzer and the fans?

2. Is the talent also being worked for purposes of secrecy, or do some/all of them know the score?

3. Are the stories of TNA talent and production staff consistently getting checks late part of the work, or is that real?

And most important, how exactly is this "work" supposed to turn into money for TNA? Is it going to sell tickets to live events--no, there are no live events? Is it supposed to get people to watch "to save TNA"? To buy PPVs?

Is the theory that we're building towards an ECW-on-TNN "TNA vs the Network" storyline?

 

[Messiah]

Dave Meltzer has got the IWC wrapped around his finger... It's sad, it's really sad.

 

[Con T.]

It ain't a work. If you hear it's a work, it's probably a TNA diehard who's probably trying to rationalize the last week's worth of news.

Suffice it to say, this has been the TNA fan base since, what, Wednesday?

If it is a work, it's about as dumb as that ECW/Network angle. For that matter, wrestling companies tend to run the Network angle when they're on their dying legs. See; ECW/Network, WCW/Powers That Be, you get the drift.

 

[johnbragg]

Dave Meltzer has got the IWC wrapped around his finger... It's sad, it's really sad.

If you're saying "Meltzer's making it up", that makes some sense. Meltzer's lying to get attention. (That doesn't fit with what Corgan said, but set that aside.) If you're saying that Meltzer invented the rumor and made up some anonymous sources, I'm not going to argue. I don't think you're right, but I can't prove you're wrong. It's certainly possible that this is all hogwash, and TNA is on DA for 2016 and beyond.

What I don't understand is the theory that "TNA is working Meltzer and working you! You suckers fell for it!"

 

[johnbragg]

If it is a work, it's about as dumb as that ECW/Network angle. For that matter, wrestling companies tend to run the Network angle when they're on their dying legs. See; ECW/Network, WCW/Powers That Be, you get the drift.

I'm pretty sure it's worse. Cyrus From the Network and TPTB and the Anonymous RAW GM made matches on TV, that furthered storylines (or at least could have.) This "story" is all happening on wrestling forums and news-sites, not on Impact.

 

[hatehabsforever]

It's a work, it's clearly a work. I mean after all, the storyline practically writes itself, it's classic pro wrestling storytelling 101.

Let's convince the world that we are a flawed organization with a multitude of problems. To further the storyline, let's end our association with Spike TV and go to a fringe station that only a fraction of the population gets or even heard of.

Of course, we have to really further the storyline. Let's convince the world that we are unable to pay our talent. That we are having difficulty remaining on television, even on DA. That we cannot even do PPV anymore. Let's let a multitude of our higher end roster guys leave the company, and let's create an illusion of complete and utter chaos.

Because the payoff will be all worth it. We will be able to tell Dave Meltzer and the naive IWC: nah nah nah nah nah, we fooled you. Sure, we will have alienated the vestiges of our fan base, turning off the few who were still loyal to the end. We will have ended any chances of getting guys (like myself) to ever give the product a chance again. And we will have made our uphill battle for success pretty much insurmountable. But boy, we fooled those guys, didn't we.

Come on guys, let's get real here. I wish no harm on TNA or any of its people. I used to watch the show once, albeit a couple of years ago. And I will be as disappointed as anyone if they go up the spout. It's nice to have a WWE alternative, and a little healthy "competition". But it's time to face the facts here. Get the proverbial fork ready, and cue the fat lady. They're done, and she's singing.

 

[Poop Master Flex]

It what universe is this a work? I mean seriously, how is this a work? Why would anyone in TNA try to work the fact that they're getting cancelled and their whole organization is in serious jeopardy? Where's the payoff? If there is the payoff how would it do TNA any good?

At most there is a chance Meltzer is just plain wrong, I don't think he would outright lie about this but Meltzer ain't the wrestling god a lot of people make him out to be, he's been wrong plenty of times in the past and this is could be one of them. Personally, I don't think he's wrong, the story itself seems like its set in enough logic to where you could see it being legit. From what I've read the consensus I get is TNA's ratings are good enough from Destination America but they aren't good enough to justify the cost, it's the same reason Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles got cancelled so the reason itself is a legit one. If Destination America is pumping a good source of income into TNA they naturally expect more out of TNA than they do many of their other shows because it costs them more, it's simple business logic.

Whether Meltzer is right or wrong though is moot in regards to the initial post because if there is 1 thing that's for certain is this is no work, if it is it has to be the dumbest work in the history of wrestling.

 

[OYDK]

I don't know why people care SO much about this, one way or the other. If it's a work, good on TNA... they worked the marks and still won't reach past 500,000 viewers; congratulations. If it's not than they probably go down and about 5 people will give a shit... Personally, I don't mind TNA. It's a decent product with some good talent, but I'm not going to be heartbroken if they fold. There's many other promotions that will give me my wrestling fix.

This has just become a pissing contest between people who don't seem to even care about TNA... they just want to be right.

 

[FromGlasgow]

I don't believe its a work on TNA's part as being cancelled by their network could only make TNA look weak and kind of a failure as a company, I can't see them wanting to be viewed as that, I don't really put too much stock into these stories untill I hear confirmation from TNA or the network as theres so many wrestling related stories and rumours around turning out to be false more often than not, I do think a lot of the IWC would love to see them fail and go out of business but I think the more competition and choice of wrestling companies we have the better the product all around.

 

[ABMorales787]

Its become apparent that people don't know what the fuck a "work" is supposed to be.

I'm expected to believe that the floundering state of a company and the ineptituds of a network are all an elaborate ruse to portray a storyline on a TV program taped a month in advance with a wrestling insider not employed by the company leaking information to progress it?

Somehow, wrestlers fighting for 7 magical medallions does not sound insane now.

 

[mlp420]

I don't recall anybody from TNA implying this was a work. All I know is everybody high up at TNA is adamant that the company isn't going to be closing down anytime soon, and if they've lied about everything else in the world they've never lied about that. So, I'll bet on them as opposed to the people who've unsuccessfully predicted they were going under for 13 years straight. My guess is either Meltzer missed key developments with this Destination America story or TNA's got something up their sleeves where they'll be fine anyway.

 

[Charismatic Enigma]

At first it may seem stupid if it was a work…

BUT…

Playing Devil's advocate here, there would be a logic to it. For example, just this last week we've seen all the hype surrounding David Letterman's retirement. I don't even remember how long it had been since I'd watched, but I watched his last few shows. Everyday they were trending on Facebook, he's on the cover of Rolling Stone, etc. You know why? Because all of a sudden people felt a nostalgic fondness, they knew if they didn't watch NOW they might never get another chance to, they wanted to see what all the talk was about, etc. Well…apply the same logic to TNA.

If I told you right now, "TNA is absolutely 100% done, finished, forever, it's doors close in two weeks", would you not watch the final two shows? Even if out of morbid curiosity? So there ya go. They just brought in Corgan…it's getting some buzz. Word is the shows have been good lately (but I haven't been watching so I couldn't tell you), but if I really thought this was it for them, I would.

So in short, this isn't the stupidest idea I've ever heard.

 

[filthyanimalz]

It's not hard to notice all the pro WWE advertising on the website, but to start a thread that serves no other purpose but to harm an organisation is appalling.

 

[Dmbfantomas]

At first it may seem stupid if it was a work…

BUT…

Playing Devil's advocate here, there would be a logic to it. For example, just this last week we've seen all the hype surrounding David Letterman's retirement. I don't even remember how long it had been since I'd watched, but I watched his last few shows. Everyday they were trending on Facebook, he's on the cover of Rolling Stone, etc. You know why? Because all of a sudden people felt a nostalgic fondness, they knew if they didn't watch NOW they might never get another chance to, they wanted to see what all the talk was about, etc. Well…apply the same logic to TNA.

If I told you right now, "TNA is absolutely 100% done, finished, forever, it's doors close in two weeks", would you not watch the final two shows? Even if out of morbid curiosity? So there ya go. They just brought in Corgan…it's getting some buzz. Word is the shows have been good lately (but I haven't been watching so I couldn't tell you), but if I really thought this was it for them, I would.

So in short, this isn't the stupidest idea I've ever heard.

Then it would be working for a VERY short term gain, and then completely pissing off everyone you just reached out to. If a restaurant did a "going out of business in two weeks" gimmick to bring a lot of people in, they'd (possibly) suceed for two weeks...and then no one would go back when they realized they'd been conned or lied to. Same thing here. The only difference is...no one cares about TNA. It's kind of like how everyone on the Monday Night Wars Network Special all said "Well, if every episode of WCW Nitro was as good as their last one, I would have kept watching!" You can only do a doomsday thing for so long, until people stop caring.

 

[Zeven_Zion]

Okay, I get the whole "I wish this wasn't true" thing, but let's not Elvis this, alright?

1. Meltzer's anonymous source was feeding him correct information. Do you really think Meltzer would spit out something this huge, knowing that it might backfire and ruin his already stellar reputation? Hell no, he's not that stupid. I completely believe someone gave him a call and fed him this information, he's not making it up.

2. TNA threatens lawsuits. Adorable. But it means nothing until there actually is a law suit in motion. The fact that there isn't is telling me something here is ringing true. Why else would you wait? I'm sorry but if your company's reputation and future as a whole s being dragged through the mud because of some online rumors, the first thing you do is file a law suit for defamation or do SOMETHING.

The only logical reason why TNA hasn't done anything yet is to give them enough time to shut up, or they're talking to their people to find out if they have a case. Who knows.

3. This is what makes me believe this is pretty dang real. Destination America has not issued a statement. You'd think they would've by now, right?

As in anything, the LOGIC wins every time. Logically, if DA and TNA are in an alright relationship, as soon as some online sources suggest TNA is getting canceled and DA doesn't want this and that, and stir up some controversy soup, the normal thing to do is to have TNA people call DA people and agree to each issue a statement that kills these rumors, so that way TNA doesn't suffer and DA doesn't suffer either.

THAT'S IT! That's how it should be, if none of this is true. If this is all bullshit and Meltzer is pulling it out of his ass, this should've happened 48 hours after the news broke and spread like an STD.

The simple fact this didn't happen yet tells me something is definitely wrong.

As far as this all being a work goes ... it sounds quite interesting, it sounds like a nice wrestling angle, but I highly doubt it is. It's damage control.

I really want to believe that this is a work, maybe some way of TNA showing people how easy it is to trick the dirt sheets or maybe some future storyline - who knows. But something here doesn't feel right and that ain't good.

 

[johnbragg]

It's not hard to notice all the pro WWE advertising on the website, but to start a thread that serves no other purpose but to harm an organisation is appalling.

Yes, it's me asking delusional TNA fanboys a question on a wrestling forum that's harming TNA. Not paying your people on time isn't appalling, not paying your people's medical expenses incurred on the job isn't appalling, etc. My thread is appalling. Gotcha.

I don't recall anybody from TNA implying this was a work.

http://www.ewrestlingnews.com/news/...estination-america-canceling-impact-wrestling

@ldangeli It wouldn't be so bad if the whole truth was being reported and the person reporting wasn't being worked himself by a sloppy angle

2. TNA threatens lawsuits. Adorable. But it means nothing until there actually is a law suit in motion. The fact that there isn't is telling me something here is ringing true. Why else would you wait? I'm sorry but if your company's reputation and future as a whole s being dragged through the mud because of some online rumors, the first thing you do is file a law suit for defamation or do SOMETHING.

To be honest, that only matters if you're already circling the drain. If this rumor came out about WWE and NBC-U, it's a hit to the stock price for a while, but they ride it out. If this rumor came out about a Marvel STudios movie ("Ant-Man is a cluster**** and is being pushed back to 2017") they deny and manage.

The only logical reason why TNA hasn't done anything yet is to give them enough time to shut up, or they're talking to their people to find out if they have a case. Who knows.

Given TNA's general history of professionalism, they didn't run that statement by legal counsel first. It's empty verbiage.

3. This is what makes me believe this is pretty dang real. Destination America has not issued a statement. You'd think they would've by now, right?

Maybe, maybe not. Step outside the wrestling bubble for a minute, where the ghosts of WCW and ECW and WCCW and the NWA etc etc etc are constant presences.

Shows get cancelled all the time. And shows are rumored to be cancelled all the time. It's not a big deal to the DA leadership. Who's Dave Meltzer anyway? Why is TNA burning up our phones to get a statement refuting this nobody? What difference does he make?

As in anything, the LOGIC wins every time. Logically, if DA and TNA are in an alright relationship, as soon as some online sources suggest TNA is getting canceled and DA doesn't want this and that, and stir up some controversy soup, the normal thing to do is to have TNA people call DA people and agree to each issue a statement that kills these rumors, so that way TNA doesn't suffer and DA doesn't suffer either.

OR course, if the relationship is less than airtight, and DA is at odds with TNA over various things, they may not jump just because Dixie said please. There is a lot of ground between "airtight BFFs" and "we're dropping these clowns."

THAT'S IT! That's how it should be, if none of this is true. If this is all bullshit and Meltzer is pulling it out of his ass, this should've happened 48 hours after the news broke and spread like an STD.

The simple fact this didn't happen yet tells me something is definitely wrong.

Alternate theory--this is somehow wrong (Meltzer misinterpreting, DA hasn't decided, etc) but DA doesn't share our wreslting-fan psychology and doesn't give a hoot in hell about internet rumors. Sponsors, fractions of a decimal of a ratings point, yes. Dave Meltzer and the IWC, not so much.

As far as this all being a work goes ... it sounds quite interesting, it sounds like a nice wrestling angle, but I highly doubt it is. It's damage control.

I agree.

 

[hatehabsforever]

At first it may seem stupid if it was a work…

BUT…

Playing Devil's advocate here, there would be a logic to it. For example, just this last week we've seen all the hype surrounding David Letterman's retirement. I don't even remember how long it had been since I'd watched, but I watched his last few shows. Everyday they were trending on Facebook, he's on the cover of Rolling Stone, etc. You know why? Because all of a sudden people felt a nostalgic fondness, they knew if they didn't watch NOW they might never get another chance to, they wanted to see what all the talk was about, etc. Well…apply the same logic to TNA.

If I told you right now, "TNA is absolutely 100% done, finished, forever, it's doors close in two weeks", would you not watch the final two shows? Even if out of morbid curiosity? So there ya go. They just brought in Corgan…it's getting some buzz. Word is the shows have been good lately (but I haven't been watching so I couldn't tell you), but if I really thought this was it for them, I would.

So in short, this isn't the stupidest idea I've ever heard.

It would unquestionably be the stupidest idea I've ever heard in my life, as it would be a unique combination of stupidity, shortsightedness, desperation, deception, and naivety. Because it would result in either stability in their ratings (keeping this statement in context) or even a tiny boost, for a week or two, before people realize: they did it to me again. And then these people are gone, likely for good. Fool me once, well you know the rest.

I just don't see the upside to a ruse of this nature, to this being a work, it simply doesn't make any sense. It wouldn't attract new viewers, who clearly don't care. It would alienate current viewers, which they clearly don't need. And to the true diehards (whose loyalty and patience I greatly respect), well they are going to continue to watch the product anyway until the bitter end, whenever that may be, regardless of any convoluted elaborate ruses of this nature.

I used to watch TNA reasonably regularly. And I often enjoyed it. What turned me off for good (over and above the move to DA which finished it for me as I don't get the station and have no plans to do so) was the continued deception, the ongoing false hopes and false promises, the proclamations of changing the world forever, yet never being able to deliver, never really trying to, never really intending to in the first place. I get the intention, trying to stay alive whatever the cost, but as a great mind once said, fool me once, well you know the rest.

They are coming (but they were there all the time, and weren't that exciting in the first place). Ha ha ha, we fooled you. I never fully recovered from that one and it was years ago. Aces and Eights went on for an eternity, with promises of exciting revelations, yet we got D-Von Dudley and guys like that. Fool me once.... "We are going to change the landscape of professional wrestling forever". And we get Tommy freakin Dreamer or someone like that. Fool me once.... I mean I get it, they were operating from a position of weakness, doing whatever they had to do, likely with limited resources, to stay alive, I understand that. But the ongoing deception, that is what turned me off permanently and has left me feeling pretty apathetic to whether or not they survive or not. So if I were IDR, or JGKY, or Zeven, or one of these staunch TNA loyalists, and I found out that this was another example of deception, another elaborate ruse with no payoff, that would end it for me right there and then. Which would be unfortunate as they have been so supportive and loyal to the product.

I don't know if the reports are true or not. Maybe Meltzer is correct (and I think he is but hope he isn't). Maybe he's wrong. But if this is a work, all a storyline as you suggest, he will be reporting this for real again sooner rather than later. Because it would be the ultimate nail in their proverbial coffin. If that hasn't happened already.

 

[ABMorales787]

At first it may seem stupid if it was a work…

BUT…

Playing Devil's advocate here, there would be a logic to it. For example, just this last week we've seen all the hype surrounding David Letterman's retirement. I don't even remember how long it had been since I'd watched, but I watched his last few shows. Everyday they were trending on Facebook, he's on the cover of Rolling Stone, etc. You know why? Because all of a sudden people felt a nostalgic fondness, they knew if they didn't watch NOW they might never get another chance to, they wanted to see what all the talk was about, etc. Well…apply the same logic to TNA.

If I told you right now, "TNA is absolutely 100% done, finished, forever, it's doors close in two weeks", would you not watch the final two shows? Even if out of morbid curiosity? So there ya go. They just brought in Corgan…it's getting some buzz. Word is the shows have been good lately (but I haven't been watching so I couldn't tell you), but if I really thought this was it for them, I would.

So in short, this isn't the stupidest idea I've ever heard.

Are you ******ed? Devil's Advocate my ass. How about some basic logic? You can't just claim a TV show is cancelled to build interest. That's not how it works. This isn't pop culture icon David Letterman who is in fact retiring. This is floundering wrestling promotion TNA that just got its foot off the grave this year. People aren't watching now. Why the hell would watch knowing there's zero consequence? You expecting a repeat of McMahon on Nitro? On a taped show?

 

[Zeven_Zion]

Are you ******ed? Devil's Advocate my ass. How about some basic logic? You can't just claim a TV show is cancelled to build interest. That's not how it works. This isn't pop culture icon David Letterman who is in fact retiring. This is floundering wrestling promotion TNA that just got its foot off the grave this year. People aren't watching now. Why the hell would watch knowing there's zero consequence? You expecting a repeat of McMahon on Nitro? On a taped show?

Unless these are the seeds of a future storyline (similar to introducing "The Network"), and someone took it seriously and called Meltzer.

Let's say for some reason TNA runs some sort of storyline where Destination America is not happy with something TNA does. They can go realistic with this. Maybe someone like Aries doesn't fit what the Network wants (see: Daniel Bryan-esque). Maybe he's become vulgar, maybe he's too edgy, I don't know, I'm sprayin' and prayin'. They can work the 'sheets by feeding them false reports. Just like the 'sheets were reporting that DA wanted like Angle as Champion. We all ate that up. If done right, and a fake mole calls Meltzer or whoever and says that DA doesn't want Aries on top because of something, then we'll eat it up, as everyone loves Aries. I mean, these people believe any source that is nice enough to talk to them so that won't be too hard.

Months go on, more reports of DA being unhappy with TNA's decisions. More reports on them meddling with creative.

Similar to how USA or whatever network WWF was on wasn't happy with what DX was doing and they were prepared to take action against the WWE. To counteract it, in typical wrestling fashion, the Network hires a guy of their own to "take out" the person or people in TNA that are causing issues. At that point we'll know it's a little worky but whatever. It all culminates in a match where if the TNA guy loses - TNA gets canceled, and if the TNA guy wins, he becomes World Champion (assuming the Network already forced TNA to hand their guy the belt).

But, the reports of TNA potentially getting canceled around September (the time of that match) will add that extra spice to the storyline. People might be split. Some will believe it's all a storyline and TNA will be fine, others will believe it's a storyline meant to write off TNA off TV and it's ending for real. TNA knows they're going away, so this is how their pack their bags.

Now here's the kicker ... the report by Meltzer said that they're planning to cut TNA loose at the last week of September. "Bound for Glory" is always in the first or so week of October. Tickets go out on July 22nd we don't know yet what the date will be.



Really reaching for straws here, but that's how I justify what Corgan said about Meltzer being "worked". That's what I pictured. Storyline plans that leaked out and someone thought they're legit. Is it true? Doubtful. But that's how I took it.

On a side note - why haven't wrestling companies taken advantage of how poor the 'sheets are at checking their sources? Some of you may know this, but JJ Abrams (directing the new Star Wars movie) loves to trick fans into thinking what will happen by feeding them false info on purpose through "anonymous sources". He raises awareness for the film, but at the same time keeps it all a mystery. That way you at least control what goes out there. The 'sheets can't know who's a fake mole and who's real. Hell, the more fake moles you have, the more the 'sheets will think twice before posting something. It creates doubt, and on top of that creates dialogue.

And before anyone says that the IWC is too small to be bothered with that - Samoa Joe debuted on NXT and his merch sold out already. Joe hasn't shown up on a truly major platform in his life. If people know him, they know him from TNA, ROH and the Indy Scene, and most of these fans are IWC. Internet rumors are nothing for the WWE, but for TNA they mean something. Their following mostly consists of IWC and less casual fans. Plus, everyone in the crowd at NXT was chanting "Joe's Gonna Kill You". Where'd they learn that from? TNA or ROH.

But forget it, too late, TNA's dead.

 

[johnbragg]

It would unquestionably be the stupidest idea I've ever heard in my life, as it would be a unique combination of stupidity, shortsightedness, desperation, deception, and naivety.

......................


When you put it that way, it does sound like something TNA, Dixie and Russo would come up with.

 

[It's Damn Real!]

If this is a work, it's the stupidest work in the history of works, and would only further emphasize why "working" the audience in this manner is just plain stupid. Pro wrestling is easy. It's simple story-telling with logical conclusions. Provided what you are sending out past the curtain itself is someone or someones people are interested in seeing, the rest is gravy. It's just simply pacing. Create a conflict, build a story, bring it to a close. Rinse and repeat as necessary.

Even with Corgan talking about wanting things to be more real, and reality-based, there's simply no reason for any wrestling story line to be this complex and "real".

At the end of the day, this is really simple too — until I hear from Destination America and/or Discovery Communications directly refuting the exact rumor of cancellation, I'm going to continue believing it likely to be true. Not absolutely true. Likely to be true. When something of this magnitude is reported and neither the product nor the parent broadcasting company actually refute it, it's concerning, to say the least.

What I want is an actual denial of the cancellation.

"These reports regarding the cancellation of IMPACT Wrestling on Destination America could not be farther from the truth. IMPACT Wrestling is not being cancelled by Discovery Communications or Destination America, and we look forward to continuing to work with our flag ship program!"

What we've seen thus far is a lot of lawyer-speak. A statement referring to "falsely attributed statements". Which statements, exactly are we talking about? The statements of cancellation? Because it's not clear. It's lawyered up.

 

[johnbragg]

On a side note - why haven't wrestling companies taken advantage of how poor the 'sheets are at checking their sources?

Because it doesn't pay off for wrestling promotions. Let's say that Agent Z backstage at TNA told Wade Keller and Dave Meltzer two different stories about who's coming out of Slammiversary as champion. That doesn't increase PPV buys or drive TV interest or sell tickets.

Some of you may know this, but JJ Abrams (directing the new Star Wars movie) loves to trick fans into thinking what will happen by feeding them false info on purpose through "anonymous sources". He raises awareness for the film....

Star Wars VII doesn't need any awareness. A turd like Phantom Menace still made all the money, so will The Force Awakens.

but at the same time keeps it all a mystery.

STar WArs VII might lose a bit of steam if too many details are revealed. But those details are going to be out there after opening weekend anyway.

Furthermore, Abrams doesn't have to care about burning the entertainment media. He's not going to lose out on directing Avengers III because the writers at Entertainment Weekly say he's a turdburglar because he lied to them. But for the folks who work at TNA or WWE or ROH, Keller or Meltzer etc can seriously damage their reputations in a small, incestuous industry.

That way you at least control what goes out there. The 'sheets can't know who's a fake mole and who's real. Hell, the more fake moles you have, the more the 'sheets will think twice before posting something. It creates doubt, and on top of that creates dialogue.

So let's say you win, and Meltzer and Keller and the others look like fools and their sites go bankrupt and they have to take day jobs. So how does that increase viewership/ticket sales/PPV buys/merchandise sales?

It doesn't.

And before anyone says that the IWC is too small to be bothered with that - Samoa Joe debuted on NXT and his merch sold out already. Joe hasn't shown up on a truly major platform in his life. If people know him, they know him from TNA, ROH and the Indy Scene, and most of these fans are IWC. Internet rumors are nothing for the WWE, but for TNA they mean something. Their following mostly consists of IWC and less casual fans. Plus, everyone in the crowd at NXT was chanting "Joe's Gonna Kill You". Where'd they learn that from? TNA or ROH.

True. The IWC is imporant to TNA, and to NXT and to the WWE Network. But I was saying that DA, which is outside the bubble, doesn't necessarily know or care about the IWC or Meltzer.

What you're arguing here is a Russo pitfall--focusing on surprises rather than focusing on good storytelling and strong characters. In the Monday Night Wars era, you could win small weekly victories that way--if you were surprising enough, you'd win the ratings battle for the week. But it does long-term credibility damage.

Short answer, the suits spend their time figuring out how to sell T-shirts, not how to "work" the media.

 

[snoopy]

If this is a work why are people calling it stupid? It fits perfectly within the Deception storyline with Sting Five years ago. If this is a work I would consider it brilliant and well played. I just find it funny how people act like this would be so bad, Like it would be morally wrong or something. Lol it is wrestling for god sake. I think its a work and a damn great one at that.

 

[Zeven_Zion]

If this is a work why are people calling it stupid? It fits perfectly within the Deception storyline with Sting Five years ago. If this is a work I would consider it brilliant and well played. I just find it funny how people act like this would be so bad, Like it would be morally wrong or something. Lol it is wrestling for god sake. I think its a work and a damn great one at that.

I think it's mostly because people can't see the value it will bring. What are some of the values TNA cares about?

1. Money
2. Viewers
3. Advertising
4. Brand Awareness

So out of those (and there's likely more), which will TNA get if this all turns out to be a huge work.

• Money - won't translate into money, there's no call to action.
• Viewers - perhaps. But how many? And for how long? Won't they just go away once they give it a chance and don't like it? How many will stay? Is this worth it if it's just a few?
• Advertising - how? This doesn't make TNA a more appealing target for advertisers.
• Brand Awareness - sure, maybe, if coverage of these news breaks the dirt sheet universe. But it hasn't. And even then, it's not bombastic enough to really carve their name out there.

If people think it's dumb, it's because it brings no good value to TNA. Nothing long term, nothing sustainable. Creatively, it's awesome. How they trick all of us into thinking this, showing us how gullible we are and how even more gullible the 'sheets are.

Cool. But that's something a 14 year old high school girl does to prove her haters are wrong. Not a self-respecting company, ran by adults, that tries to survive in a monopoly dominated market. If time, money and effort is put into this kind of stunt, then TNA needs to do a Purge pretty damn soon. We all know who'll go first then.

Whoever came up with that idea and didn't think of the value it will fail to bring.

 

[Bischoff's Knob Slobberer]

A lot of you ignorant cock suckers are going to eat crow soon. You're getting played and you're so blinded by Vince's nutsack or got your lips on Hunter's cock that you cant see the truth.

TNA isn't going anywhere...but up. Idiots.