TNA/Impact Need New Stars As Soon As Possible

[AegonTargaryen]

First of all, this is my first thread in the TNA section ever, so I'm going to begin with a few disclaimers:-

I have been intermittently following TNA product since 2005. However, I had been pretty much disconnected with TNA after 2010 and barely watched a single episode of Impact for much of that part- until a few months ago- when I began watching Impact regularly.

Before 2010- I was invested in/interested mostly in Ex-WCW/WWE stars like Kurt Angle, Christian, Sting, and originals like AJ Styles. (Wasn't a fan of X-division or their tag team division really). I was excited in 2010 when it one point they had- Kurt Angle, Mr Anderson, Rob Van Dam, Jeff Hardy, Sting, and many more. However, I did not own a TV or cared to at that point, so I pretty much never really watched the show from week to week, and before I knew it- Hogan, Bischoff, Aces and Eights and other crap happened.

Fast forward to a few months ago- Kurt Angle's farewell tour was what got me hooked. With Angle, Sting, Styles, Bobby Roode, Eric Young, and Austin Aries gone, they are pretty much left with the following top-tier talents who are former world champions or potential to be so :-

Matt Hardy, Jeff Hardy, EC III, Bobby Lashley, Drew Galloway, Mike Bennett, Eli Drake, and Bram. (I've omitted Abyss, for obvious reasons. And Tyrus IMO has no potential).

Bennett and EC III are feuding, as are Matt and Jeff. And Lashley and Galloway are engaged in the feud for the TNA world title.

As a spectator who has just returned to watching their product, I am so far only impressed with/interested in Mike Bennett , in whom I see a huge star, great look and mic skills and I'm not so sure about his in-ring skills. Also, Trevor Lee from the X-division. And Eli Drake.

I feel that I haven't really connected with EC III much at all(despite following the product for over 2 months now). Same goes with Drew Galloway and Lashley.

Matty Hardy as Willow and Jeff seem to be feuding once again and will wrestle for the 1017th time come Slammiversary.

But as someone(WWE fan) who wants to enjoy what TNA has to offer, I am totally at a loss.

There is only so many times Matt Hardy can wrestle EC III, Jeff Hardy and others.

Only so many times Bobby Lashley can face and lose to Drew Galloway.

What after all the possibilities are exhausted, which I believe will be so in a few months?

Just think about it. From the 8 aforementioned "top-tier" talents, both Matt and Jeff are past their prime really. Jeff Hardy can reinvent himself or win the TNA title or feud with Matt Hardy ONLY SO MANY TIMES(already did the Jeff-Matt feud in the WWE).

I think it's undeniable that they're putting really coherent, "solid" shows with solid one-on-one matches on a weekly basis, including special matches like Last Man Standing and Steel Cage matches. But it feels too basic.

With all these factors in consideration, I would like to see fresh faces with main-event potential in TNA. I want a profusion of talent I can relate to, connect with at some level, as so far, I have only been connected to Trevor Lee, Eli Drake, and Mike Bennett, and to a lesser extent, Bram.

Most of the times, I am left unimpressed when I see Tyrus, Rockstar Spuds and the like in main events. Also, I am acquainted with Decay, The Wolves and Bro Mans, so I don't really have much hope for their tag team division as of now.

I think as a WWE fan/Casual viewer who wants to enjoy TNA just as much, they would have to bring in either or all of Cody Rhodes, Wade Barrett, and Damien Sandow. And NOT ever ever ever employ Ryback.

Thoughts?

 

[dsotm5150]

I believe they're working on that at this time, but it takes time and money to do so, and TNA may or may not depending on which rumours are correct have much of either. one of the biggest problem they face where building stars is concerned is they ran off all their top tier talent over the last 2 or 3 years which you need to help establish up and comers. They've had success building up their own stars in the past, AJ, Joe, Austin Aries, Bobby Roode, James Storm to name a few, and had success with established stars as well, but again it takes time to build new ones and money to buy the established ones.

 

[TDFG]

With the financial difficulties they are in TNA appears to be doing just that and building stars again with nice mixture of veterans in there as well like Matt, Jeff, James Storm & Bobby Lashley.

As for bringing more guys in, again it's about the finances but they don't need a major overhaul either, Cody Rhodes would be a good signing for the X-Division before moving up the ladder, Wade Barrett would be a big signing for TNA.
Add another Knockout & maybe Aaron Stevens if need be.

 

[George Steele's Barber]

You're watching TNA. I think it is pretty clear that they are doing something right despite the fact that you don't seem to care for a good portion of the talent.

As far as building stars. OK. That goes without saying. Everyone has to build stars, tell stories, find a purpose. The recent WWE releases are an option but there are other options as well. Just because there are limited permutations that can be made with the big eight or whatever they have doesn't mean they can't drag things out for more than a couple months. Look at what WWE has done with their IC Title scene. There are lots of options. Solid ring work and a little personality, mixed with a tease or trick here and there and you can work the same group for a loooong time.

 

[Kamala316]

It's crazy to think about all of the talent that has come and gone in TNA over the years. Unfortunately, the ultimate demise of TNA will stem from mismanagement at the top; so "thank you", Jeff Jarrett and Dixie Carter. Jarrett started TNA, and proceeded to give himself 6 world title runs, multiple "King of the Mountain" titles, and more main event/tv exposure than anyone in the company. Dixie just wants to be on tv, and doesn't care how much daddy has to spend to keep doing it, so good for her...haha. Personally, I look at the current TNA roster and the only 2 I would pay to see are Crazzy Steve and Eli Drake. Steve plays up his character beyond well, and the man can go in the ring. Drake has "the look", and is one of the better guys on the mic that I've heard in a long time. EC3 would be better suited as a tweener than a face, and Mike Bennett (in my opinion) has been a huge disappointment in TNA...only time will tell. The Hardys and Lashley feel like they're going through the motions for a paycheck, and Galloway (to his credit) is trying to be the "stand up" face of TNA. But when you need to fill the rest of the shows with "wrestlers" like Grado, Trevor Lee, the Bromans (Godderz is terrible), and Mahabali Shera...you can even throw in Al Snow now, I guess...no one is going to watch (or pay) to come see your product. But it all starts with management - you need to always create new stars, not just wait to pick the bones from WWE/NXT's scrap pile. The way TNA has been run, it was destined to fail from the start.

 

[AegonTargaryen]

It's crazy to think about all of the talent that has come and gone in TNA over the years. Unfortunately, the ultimate demise of TNA will stem from mismanagement at the top; so "thank you", Jeff Jarrett and Dixie Carter. Jarrett started TNA, and proceeded to give himself 6 world title runs, multiple "King of the Mountain" titles, and more main event/tv exposure than anyone in the company. Dixie just wants to be on tv, and doesn't care how much daddy has to spend to keep doing it, so good for her...haha.

True.

Personally, I look at the current TNA roster and the only 2 I would pay to see are Crazzy Steve and Eli Drake. Steve plays up his character beyond well, and the man can go in the ring. Drake has "the look", and is one of the better guys on the mic that I've heard in a long time.

I agree. I saw potential in Crazzy Steve as well.

Eli Drake, IMO, resembles the Rock from his early days, like 1997 and early 1998(except for the skin complexion of course), I really mean it. The way he wrestles, kicks the opponent on the ground, etc. Also, the way he is built. His mic work is just excellent. The first time I really saw him was his ladder match with Grado when it suddenly struck me "This guy resembles The Rock!" And the Dummy segment with Bro Mans a few weeks ago was hilarious. The guy is just brilliant, I feel.

EC3 would be better suited as a tweener than a face, and Mike Bennett (in my opinion) has been a huge disappointment in TNA...only time will tell. The Hardys and Lashley feel like they're going through the motions for a paycheck, and Galloway (to his credit) is trying to be the "stand up" face of TNA. But when you need to fill the rest of the shows with "wrestlers" like Grado, Trevor Lee, the Bromans (Godderz is terrible), and Mahabali Shera...you can even throw in Al Snow now, I guess...no one is going to watch (or pay) to come see your product.

EC3 just bores me, though I have tried to connect to his character/wrestling style. Both as a face and as a heel, so I'm not really sure.

I had never known about Mike Bennett before watching him on TNA. I think he has the look, physique, and is perfect on the mic. I am just not very sure about how good he is in the ring. I watched his debut match against some jobber or whoever and it left me like "meh". The finisher was feeble and generic. So let's see.

Mahabali Shera shouldn't even be employed by TNA. Just atrocious.

Trevor Lee is actually awesome, but small. The first time I saw him, he reminded me of Daniel Bryan. He's pretty good in the ring and the character, look and everything is perfect.

LOL@ Al Snow, though.

But it all starts with management - you need to always create new stars, not just wait to pick the bones from WWE/NXT's scrap pile. The way TNA has been run, it was destined to fail from the start.

Sigh.

 

[filthyanimalz]

New signings for TNA this year: Mike Bennett, Maria Kanellis, Trevor Lee, Pepper Parks, Andrew Everett, Caleb Konley, Allysin Kay (Sienna), Cherry Bomb, Marshe Rockett, Thomas LaRuffa, Mikael Viege, Courtney Rush (Rosemary). Gabi Costravinci (Raquel). I may have missed a couple, I'm not sure. Some of these guys are already stars for the company, others will become stars and some won't. But that's not a bad start especially when you add the possibility of Ryback, Cody Rhodes, Wade Barrett. Personally I'm not sure I won't to see ex WWE guys coming in (maybe Cody) I'm enjoying the influx of fresh new talent and looking forward to seeing what they offer as the future of the company. So far I am super impressed with Sienna, Rosemary and Trevor Lee, undecided on Mike Bennett and Andrew Everett and have high hopes for Pepper Parks, Caleb Konley and Raquel.

 

[Trill Co$by]

I've had my gripes with TNA recently that I've often times just put it as far away from POPtv as possible. Not because I forget it's on, but because it's just not TNA anymore. TNA's main event scene is at its strongest, and yet its weakest as well. Matt Hardy has become far more profitable as the heel he is in TNA than he ever was in WWE. Mike Bennett is nice, but I'm not seeing a World Champion there. Drew McIntyre (he's still McIntyre to me) is a great worker, and fits in the main event but he's missing something. EC3 is just godly, always will be. I'm not sold on Eli Drake. He bores me, a lot. And I just can't get behind that. But all and all, the top guys in TNA are going to do well as long as TNA sticks around. But as Jeff Jarrett knew, as Vince Russo knew, and as even Eric Bischoff knew; the only way to show people how solid your main event is, is to surround them with great supporting divisions as well.

I've heard all this good stuff about Trevor Lee, and he is good. He really is. But is he enough to let the world know why the X-Division is still king of the high flying? Ricochet says no. Right now, TNA needs to make a strong play for guys that ROH has parted ways with. Guys like Cedric Alexander, who would make a great addition to the roster should be their first move. I love Ceddy, he's got a nice size that can cross between divisions and he's agile enough to work the X Style. Plus, he has a huge depth of psychology that's lost among a lot of guys today. But still, that would be two guys. Tigre Uno is injured, if I remember correctly but when he comes back adding him wouldn't hurt either. Also, I'd love for TNA to make a move for ACH and Lio Rush. Make them a modern day MCMG so they can cross between the X and Tag divisions. They're a nice breath of high flying air.

Speaking of tag teams, I really hope TNA's pulling all possible connections to get Rhodes and Sandow together. The two have notoriety that can help the company, plus putting them against a returning Wolves (are they still gone?) would be a nice addition.

And finally, if I was TNA I'd sign Alex Riley. The guy has it. To me he always has. I just hope he gets everything going so he can become the beast in wrestling I picture him to be. Give him the KOTM title for a while, and see where he goes from there.

 

[FitFinlay4Life]

Drew McIntyre (he's still McIntyre to me) is a great worker, and fits in the main event but he's missing something.

Since Drew has come in, you're right - something is slightly off that is preventing him from taking off. It isn't his wrestling ability - his in-ring work has been just as good in TNA as it has ever been. It isn't that he is bad on the mic - he's clear and pretty concise (not bad for a Scot talking to an American audience).

So what is it? Easy - he's been thrown into a stereotype that hasn't exactly worked for one of his old WWe luminaries, Sheamus. The issue I see for both guys is that neither of them walked that road in the US first. Now (as you may be able to guess), I adore Fit Finlay but he spent his whole US career as a midcarder. If Sheamus and Drew want to elevate that "... and I love to fight!" persona, then they need to bring something additional to the table. What like? Well, the Irish and the Scottish may be famous for drinking and fighting but we're also pretty good at the old put downs, so how about letting them do a Rock or Cena and verbally decimate an opponent - it DOESN'T weaken the hard fighting gaelic tradition.

 

[Bischoff's Knob Slobberer]

The problem with Galloway is he's just not believeable as World Champion. His reign kinda reminds me of the forgettable reign of Eric Young (Who I'm glad is no longer with the company). The next champion should be Lashley as he looks the part of a legit bad ass. He's gotten better on the mic also. I would put him with someone else, like bring back Kenny King and MVP. MVP has been fired from Lucha Underground and King...well hasn't been seen on ROH in months.

I would also add Rybach, Barrett and Rhodes. Add Taven when his contract is up and make a more formidable kingdom than anything seen in ROH.

I would also add "Brutal Bob" Evans as Bennett's crusty old mentor. I loved Evans role as that in ROH.

Fire Grado, Shebia, Melendez, and Mandrews ASAP. And for God's sake, hire a black Knockout! I would make a play for Sasha Banks, because apparently Vince thinks she's too injury prone. WTF?????

 

[Poop Master Flex]

If they don't have enough stars given the people who came through TNA at one point then it's pretty easy to say that it probably doesn't matter who they sign. When it comes down to it a lot of times it doesn't matter who they sign it's how they use them. Take The Undertaker for example. He was a guy known as Mean Mark Callous in WCW, wasn't really worth much but came to WWF, became The Undertaker and now he's one of the most recognizable wrestlers of the last 30 years. Point is, you can't just sign a ton of stars and expect people will just show up in droves and stick around for the long haul, it all comes down to how they are used.

Considering TNA has had a ton of stars, considering they often had a better roster than WWE, and considering they never did shit with most of them it's pretty clear the stars they sign isn't the problem, it's how they're used. If they can use their talent in a solid manner than they won't have to sign anyone and they can do well with what they currently have.

 

[MWRedskins]

i dont think TNA needs new stars ASAP....they need better management with money. signing guys like Cody Rhodes, Aaron Stevens, Wade Barrett and (a guy i really like and think TNA should sign) Alex Riley would be a huge help, but they have to fix their financial issues that they have. i really hope they add those four guys, i doubt they are able to get all of them (i see Cody and Stevens going elsewhere), but i think they should because all 4 of them have main event potential and have fine mic work. Riley has EC3-like potential, Stevens is great if he has the right gimmick and i think his original gimmick in WWE where he was the savior of the unwashed masses was perfect for him. Barrett was awesome as the leader of the Nexus and should be brought in as a real fighter type (like Lashley is being used) and Cody Rhodes should be brought in and immediately go after the X-Division championship.

 

[ShinChan]

So Aron Rex aka Damien Sandow has already joined TNA now.

While he was delivering his debut promo, the commentary team did mention the names of Stu Bennett (Wade Barrett) and Cody Rhodes as hot free agents.

This might be an indication that TNA is trying to sign those both. Even Ryback has teased a TNA signing. I won't care for him though.

But if Cody and Barrett join TNA, that could be a major boost to TNA. I have recently become a regular TNA viewer, thanks to EC3, Drew and Rex. I hope atleast one of Cody and Stu sign with TNA.

 

[snoopy]

These type threads kill me, I'll watch TNA if they give exactly what ''I'' want. That type crap is so ridiculous.