Why I don't hate TNA
Hello everyone and welcome to the longly waited return of the only blog in professional wrestling that makes less sense than Vince Russo's booking :D I've been wanting to write a proper blog on this site for a long time and finally have a topic and time to give it the good go I wanted to.
So i assume that the even the title of this blog will draw great debate. As a group, generally the IWC either love or hate something. You always hear about the awesomeness of some new indy wrestler recently signed to one of the two top companies, or the pure atrocity that is the debut of some new personality-less hoss burying your favourite crusierweight, smarks only work in extremes. However the one subject that polarized arguments more than anything else, is how we rate TNA. It is the ultimate marmite subject, you either love it or hate it. Hell I've even seen arguments about Hitler's racial policy less acute than some arguments over TNA. Personally, I never really understood TNA and felt it was one mistake away from failing being wiped out, its only successes being kept in WWE video library. However recently I've changed my mind and while I'm still not TNA's biggest fan I now see why they are still going strong and have a large fanbase.
The main problem I've always had with TNA is the general stupidity of the show and the unbelievability of its product. Take the name for example. I mean WWF always had a certain ring to it and even WWE reflects the current product but Total Non-stop Action? It sounds more like a cheap porno than a wrestling show. The booking as well at times can also be idiotic. I mean sitting through a King of the Mountain match can be one of the most confusing times for a fan trying to count falls and time outs while some of the most nonsensical action I have ever seen goes on. Does anyone else remember the KOTM where Earl Hebner accidentally collided with the ladder, giving Jeff Jarrett the match? I never understood the point of this and I felt it ruined the match. However I've come to realize that to enjoy TNA you have to view it through those famous "Rose Tinted Spectacles". If you are looking for realism and old school wrestling booking, TNA is not for you. The real value in TNA is the almost perverse viewing product it produces. The unpredictability of the show is second to none and the enjoyment comes from going along with the soap opera like booking style, where the answer to the question is usually the most convulted one. Also compared to the WWE booking at the minute, TNA isn't coming off all that bad. I'm only after watching one of two nobodys from NASCAR calling Kofi Kingston to Kofi Johnstone. Maybe Kofi is moving hometowns again, from Ghana to England?
Also recently TNA has been giving their young talent some good pushes. From Hernandez to Matt Morgan we are seeing new fresh faces in the upper mid card and main event scene. I feel this is extremely important especially at the minute while everyone is talking about the problems about the main event scene in the future, the main event scene at the minute is completely stale. Even during Hulkmania at least there was numerous heels feed to him to fuel his push, but now we are stuck with an almost constant combination of Randy Orton, John Cena, HHH, Undertaker, Batista and Edge in the title scene. While these men range from good to great performers, variety is the spice of life. The ultimate rule of any successful wrestling federation was that they must always be creating new talent; stop doing that and the company collapses. There are numerous examples be it AWA, WCCW or WCW; the rule is simple , make new talent or fail.
Also the big part of my enjoyment of TNA was something that is supposed to be the core of the business, but recently seems to not matter as much, WRESTLING.I could hardly be called a wrestling purist but I know what entertains me and what doesn't. What "put your ass into that seat" the wacky characters or the insane spots? Did you love Mick Foley for his cheap pops or for his literal fall from grace? I don't know about the rest of you but the wrestling drew me in the business. It doesn't matter if its the MCMG's are wrestling the ultimate spotfest or its Chris Jericho putting on a masterpiece between the ropes wrestling draws the fans and the storylines keep the fans interested.
Ultimately TNA may never reach the pinnacle of the business but it is much more than the skidmark that some fans make it out to be. To get the full enjoyment from the show expect the unexpected and most of all be prepared to laugh, because its alot more fun than getting frustrated over some strange booking. Remember we watch wrestling for enjoyment not out of necessity, so cynicism is not the main objective.
Sorry if any of this blog doesn't make sense its 2 O'Clock in the morning here in Ireland and between the insomnia and the flashing lights of the tv something is driving me on to finish this blog. Feel free to comment and I'd like to know your point of view.
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