What should TNA do with Samoa Joe

[hatehabsforever]

And with it the entire basis for what made Joe Joe in the first place.

The reason people took to him the way they did is because a 250lb + athlete came into the X Divison (of all divisions) and redefined what "big men" can do. Having him lose 40lbs means he comes back lean and mean, but would have lose the concept of awing the audience who'd watch in disbelief as as man of that size performed well above his rank.

Sorry, Jack – couldn't possibly disagree more.

And I in turn don't agree with you here IDR. You talk about Joe "awing the audience who'd watch in disbelief..." but let's face it, it's been a long time since Samoa Joe wow-ed anyone. When he first entered the X-Division, at his size, that was great, but it was a novelty act. Joe hasn't made any impact on anyone for a really long time. He's been tweaked, re-invented, taken off TV, put back on, kidnapped, etc., and nothing, just not over with hardly anyone except the loyal TNA faithful like yourself (no disrespect intended). The crowd is totally un-impressed with Joe as just another big man who granted, moves very well for his size, but so do a lot of other big men in the WWE or in TNA. It takes a lot more than this to impress the fans, especially the casual wrestling fans who comprise a lot of the audience.

To me, he's just another Umaga. Or Rikishi. Talented, yes, agile and mobile for his size, yes. But unfortunately, over-rated, boring, and stale, yes. And in my opinion, especially in the new Hogan version of TNA, Joe's going nowhere fast. Regardless of how they re-invent him. Again.

 

[Jack-Hammer]

And with it the entire basis for what made Joe Joe in the first place.

The reason people took to him the way they did is because a 250lb + athlete came into the X Divison (of all divisions) and redefined what "big men" can do. Having him lose 40lbs means he comes back lean and mean, but would have lose the concept of awing the audience who'd watch in disbelief as as man of that size performed well above his rank.

Sorry, Jack – couldn't possibly disagree more.

I get what you're saying but, the "old Joe" exactly the way he used to be just isn't going to cut it anymore I don't think. Samoa Joe has been revamped, tinkered with, had face paint slapped on him, etc. and it's just all been underwhelming. He's worked some good matches but nothing about Joe has really wowed me in a long time.

Taking the old Joe's mentality, wrapping it in a 250-260 pound body and jacking up the aggression factor I think is a realistic way of converting people into Joe fans, which could mean more fans for TNA in general. Nothing's a guarantee, but I don't think a tune up can hurt. I know a lot of the diehard TNA fans might not like it, understandably so, but TNA can't grow while only catering to those fans.

 

[JackBurton]

Mick Foley said it on more than one occasion; on air and off it:

At one time Samoa Joe was the most legit tough guy in the business. That is to say -- he was the most believable. TNA had something with Joe that is fairly rare this last 10 years or so (in my opinion since Takers debut year; and no I'm not saying hes as good so just ssshh before you start). A monster heel (sort of) who brought an air of menace and "someones about to get whipped" feeling -- without being unstoppable. It was pitch perfect for a while there and I dare say it wasn't by design. I'm fairly confident they stumble into it with Joe; cos they sure as fuck stumble bummed there way out of it. *shakes fist*

Fans bought his shtick. He did something, probably by accident, that every worker strives for: He made the fans think "I know all that other shit is fake -- but this guy? This guy is hurting people, even if its meant to be fake, this guy is taking it too far......and I fuckin' like it!"

Slight variation on the intended outcome of a work - but still, the end result is believability and therefore emotional connection and that equals money.

I'm just gonna say; I'm not a huuuuge fan of Joe. But I will say that he was as hot, if not more, than anybody in TNA. Hell, Im gonna put my nuts on the block and say; Other than the top 3 or 4 guys in the E at that time - he was as hot or more, than anyone in the business.

No, I'm not saying hes an amazing worker or that he cuts a great promo. I'm just telling you what I gauged from the reaction he used to get. The walk, the look, the moves, the snarls between the moves. Reminded me of Goldberg in a way. Perfect TV character for wrestling. Stalk to the ring; nail the guy; slam the guy; tap the guy - stalk to the back.

Course they didn't use Joe exactly like that. But that's the answer to the ops thread.

There is a saying that is used by old wrestlers; "Less is more"

You do the math

 

[Goliath Uterus]

I think, for now, they just need to keep him relevant. Continue to have him beat the shit outta people until Angle gets to Joe on the list, then, have a looong feud w/Angle until Kurt finally defeats Joe.

After that, they should have him go back to the X-Division, I'm sick of it getting pissed on week in and week out, Joe is the perfect guy to come in, fuck shit up, and bring back interest into the X-Division. A Brian Kendrick/Samoa Joe feud would certainly be entertaining (IMO) and I'm sure everybody would like to see Joe destroy Doug Williams in an X Division title match.

 

[Sting's Bat]

Whatever they do with him i'd be nice to actually see him on tv on a weekly basis instead of every other week like now.

It would also be good for him to a be a tweener cause it gives him the freedom to be on his own which is always for the best.

One More thing explain the whole kidnap thing cause right now its a big-lipped alligator moment in TNA.

 

[Travaje]

They should do him a favor and release him. They're going to continue to find nothing for him to do. He's already gone through most of the top talent. He's too young to be putting guys even younger than him over. There is nobody in that locker room that TNA can put in a program with him and come up with something similar to the Angle/Joe feud that's going to capture the imaginations of the fans. Release him.

Granted, if TNA knew what to do with their talent, they would be able to use Joe correctly and he wouldn't have to leave, but there's an argument I believe in that this is why the old territory systems back when worked better.....once a guy has done everything he can in a place, he moves on to the next one and starts over. Can't do that anymore. It's either back to ROH (probably his best move) or Japan, or to WWE. I can't see Samoa Joe in WWE.