The 1.0 rating which has just officially been released has certainly caused some discussion throughout the wrestling world and now more than ever people are starting to question the reasoning going head-to-head with the WWE especially in “Wrestlemania Season”. Regardless of the rating TNA was always going to draw a lower number than RAW simply because for the past 9 years RAW has been the only wrestling show you can watch on a Monday Night, it’s going to take time and the 1.0 rating is a building block which TNA needs to work on and improve over the next six months.
My personal opinion is that the 1.0 rating is a success, not only is it an accomplishment for TNA to be on Monday Nights but they have shown in the first week that they have a core audience to work from and it’s now time to continue to attract that audience and bring in others either from the WWE’s or from previous wrestling fans wanting to get back into the product. TNA needs to continue to put on excellent shows like last night and off camera continue to promote the company’s show wherever possible hoping that people will take a interest in the business and TNA Wrestling.
For me TNA has nothing to lose by moving to Monday’s, even before a punch was thrown fans were writing the company off like they have been doing so for over 8 years! The simple fact is that TNA has continued to prove people wrong and I’ve no doubts that moving to Monday’s will be a success for both the business and TNA Wrestling. TNA proved that given a LIVE environment they can deliver exciting, fast paced and well booked shows which not only have you shocked but leave you wanting more.
Overall it’s a great time to be a TNA fan, now more than ever there is a vibe around the product which can only escalate with excellent shows, with cutting edge angles and excellent in ring action, rather than fans complaining that there show was not seen by more people than they wanted, they should continue to enjoy the show and continue to convince people that they should give TNA Wrestling an opportunity on Monday Nights and all other nights it’s on National TV and Pay Per View.
I’ve debated posting this for a week now and finally decided to post it. It’s not that in-depth as others I’ve done, but I’m proud of it.
Change.
That word has been tossed around a lot, it even played a part in this past election. But, a lot of people fear change. Why? Change is all around you. Seasons change, weather changes, technology changes. Are you afraid of that change? But, the real question is, are you afraid of change or afraid of the unknown? If you’re afraid of the unknown, how do you know to be afraid if the unknown?
It is amazing for me to listen and watch people complain and carry on about how horrible something is with TNA Wrestling, yet are completely unwilling to accept change. Albert Einstein once spoke these words, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
Would you rather watch TNA do the same thing over and over again expecting to get different results or would you rather TNA take a risk and get different and better results? I want TNA to succeeded more than any other wrestling company I’ve ever followed. For those of us who have been TNA fans since the early days of the company, we want to see TNA become a great success. If that means change, then so be it. If you want TNA to be a success, you must accept change. You may not like it, you may not want it, but you must accept it. Everything in this world changes, will you be afraid your whole life?
“We must change in order to survive.”
Pearl Bailey
It seems a lot of people are up in arms about the loss of the 6 Sided Ring. I can relate to their frustration as can a lot of long-time TNA fans who watched from the start and saw them go from the traditional 4-Sided Ring to the 6-Sided Ring. So, let’s talk about this.
First, if your claim for being different is because your ring is different, you have a problem. You let your wrestling be the draw, your wrestling be the “stand out”, your wrestling be the reason people stop and watch. People aren’t going to flip channels on Thursday night, see a 6-Sided Ring and flip their lid about how freaking cool it is. They’re going to flip channels and flip their lid and see the look of a professional wrestling company. This whole “If it’s not 6 Sides, it isn’t TNA” is a joke. TNA was in business for two years before the 6 Sided Ring debuted. There was a TNA before 6-Sides and there will be a TNA now that it’s gone.
Second, this whole “We’re losing amazing matches!”. No, we aren’t. First Ultimate X took place in a four sided ring, first King of the Mountian took place in a four Sided Ring. The only match we’re losing is calling cage matches “6 Sides of Steel” but Lockdown can remain. It’s an all cage PPV and guess what – cage matches happened in four sided rings a long time ago!
Third, it seems to me that people just can’t handle change. People swear change, but for TNA to grow – TNA MUST change! It’s just like everything in the world. If something isn’t working out the way it should be, change it.
The whole “TNA TURNED THEIR BACK ON US!” attitude is pathetic. TNA didn’t turn their back on us by a long shot. People long for the “Monday Night Wars”, guess what? That’s where TNA is getting us. I don’t care if it’s 3 sides, four sides, six sides, ten sides – I’m a fan of TNA WRESTLING not a fan of the TNA Wrestling ring. If you are saying that you’re done with TNA because no more six sided ring, then TNA didn’t turn their back on you, YOU turned your back on TNA. “Total Non-Stop Action Wrestling”, that’s the name of the company. It’s not “TNA: WE HAVE SIX SIDES”. TNA can, TNA will succeeded more now then they did with the 6 Sided Ring.
“Change is the essence of life. Be willing to surrender what you are for what you could become.”
Since the arrival of Hogan/Bischoff they’ve talked about change and how they feel it’s needed in order to take TNA Wrestling to the next level and start to compete on camera and off. From the first show they’ve brought in some of there talent, new ideas and a new direction of the company and the January 4th episode showed that they can create and will take TNA to that next level. There’s one change we all agree is needed, TNA badly needs to start touring…
Last Night i’ve never been more frustrated with a crowd than I was with those inside the iMPACT Zone in Orlando. There have been times where TNA’s iMPACT Zone have added to the product, but for the past 3 years they’ve gotten into there comfort zone and it’s starting to cause problems to the overall product to those watching at home.
Regardless of whether you like the removal of the six-sided ring or not, the fact is chanting for it to be brought back will not change the minds of those wanting to remove it. If your not happy with the removal, then simply don’t attend the shows just like you wouldn’t buy a ticket for the show if they had the opportunity to charge you. The chant was predictable and embarrassing, but not only did they chant it they also had signs for it. What they actually wanted to achieve by this, I still don’t understand.
My personal opinion is that the six-sided ring was TNA’s identity, but it started to fail because people still questioned what the company’s identity was. So if it isn’t working, then surely it was time to remove it for a more traditional ring that might attract fans who don’t actually like it. My only concern from it being removed is the fact that Hogan and Bischoff never gave it the chance. Because it caused some discussion and took some getting use to when it was brought in, I was hoping they would give it more time. Either way it’s gone and it does not matter how many sides the ring has, it’s about the product in the ring.
The simple fact is they knew before the show started, yet they went into the arena and crapped all over the product (and when Hogan was leaving gave him “High 5’s”). They’re a bunch of hypocrites who are more interested about getting themselves on TV and looking cool than the actual in-ring product. The crowd also showed complete disrespect for Sean Morley during his match by chanting “fall” when he’s going to the top rope to finish the match. While the match was not great, it was really disrespectful for those fans to chant that and possibly cause him life threatening injuries. Once again if you don’t like the talent don’t attend because it’s embarrassing to the product and does nothing but hurt the actual talent in the ring. Chanting “Overated” during a debut does nothing but kill the buzz both the talent and the company have generated as well.
Ever since Slammiversary 2006 where the same crowd threw bottles at Jeff Jarrett during his King of the Mountain match as he was on top of a ladder, the iMPACT Zone has been on borrowed time. The company should have done something about it at the time, but they were not in the position to do so. With the buzz from the LIVE iMPACT Show, it’s now more than ever time to take the show on the road and start to take TNA to the next level.
The iMPACT Zone fans are in there comfort zone, it’s now time to remove the cancer of TNA.
As reported here Thursday TNA’s next pay-per-view Genesis will not be airing in the United Kingdom for Virgin Media and bSkyb customers which has left alot of TNA Wrestling fans disappointed and worried about the future of TNA on UK Television.
It was widely reported in May last year that Virgin Media were looking to sell 7 digital channels to bSkyb (both Bravo 1 & 2 were included in the package) as it would allow bSkyb to save on fees that it pays to Virgin Media. While nothing official was announced it’s expected that this could potentially be a reason for TNA’s monthly pay-per-view and potentially iMPACT losing it’s coverage in the United Kingdom.
TNA’s contract with Bravo was due for renewal early 2010, regardless wherever Virgin Media want TNA on there channels the fact is that if they are still looking to sell the channels having TNA apart of there package might put bSkyb off from buying them due to there long relationship with WWE and if a new contract is agreed, TNA would most certainly have the contract paid off.
TNA have certainly given some strong hints that iMPACT will indeed be taken off air as they have recently started to upload full episodes before they are aired in the UK through there YouTube Channel and after the “3 Hour LIVE iMPACT” saga where Bravo would not give TNA any further time, it seems as though the relationship has broken down and millions will no longer get access to TNA as they currently do.
I can understand fans frustrations but it really does not make sense for TNA to remove there pay-per-views off the channel when they are getting good ratings and getting more exposure. Both Dixie Carter and Jeff Jarrett this week announced that TNA are looking to distribute pay-per-views online to allow fans to watch the shows LIVE, like many do already but through a legal way which would generate money for the company. Regardless wherever they offer LIVE PPV’s they will still get extremely good ratings compared to what Bravo 2 currently air (Which isn’t alot).
Overall it’s a disapointing and concerning start to 2010 for us UK fans but i fully expect TNA to resolve the issues soon regardless wherever it’s through online or through national TV, TNA will provide us with the shows.
Senior Vice President of Sports/Specials at Spike TV Brian Diamond and TNA President Dixie Carter both downplayed the importance of the iMPACT rating last week and rightly so, as Monday’s iMPACT was all down to the product and what it could deliver in terms of excitement and the reaction of the fans. Not only did TNA generate a fantastically exciting show which created a real buzz (Sorry for the pun) but they had a rating to back the show up and the potential Monday Night Wars debate will continue more than ever.
Once the show was originally announced, the sheer amount of fans who had nothing but negative comments regarding the show and questioned the decision was unbelievable. My original reaction was that if TNA could draw it’s usual 1.1 rating then against RAW it would be classed as a success but deep down inside i was hoping they could really get a solid rating and proved once again that TNA can climb the mountain and go head to head with Monday Night RAW. They not only did that but they drew in a number which they should be really proud of and did it against a RAW episode which had arguably the WWE’s hottest possible angle for over a decade.
So what of The Monday Night Wars: Round II, We’ll I can guarantee that Spike TV wont jump the gun based off one single show which is being reported elsewhere. While there will no doubt be discussion now to when they will broadcast on Monday’s again the simple fact is that TNA is still not ready to be on Monday’s every week and first must take the next step which is broadcasting LIVE every week. Moving to LIVE every week allows TNA to add a “must see” element to the show rather than it’s standard taped show which has reached it’s peak, if TNA is serious about taking the next step moving to LIVE shows will certainly add some excitement and with no competition on Thursday’s they could generate a higher number than they did on Monday’s due to more fans being available on Thursday without RAW.
Monday Nights are classed as Wrestling Nights, so having TNA on Monday’s would certainly add some much needed buzz every week and there have been discussions of a potential 8pm-10pm timeslot with iMPACT going head-to-head with RAW 1 hour a week which would be good but with TNA promoting more adult related storylines they need to be on starting at 9pm in order to get the best of our there angles.
So the overall thoughts are that TNA delivered a fantastic rating against strong competition, for me personally it’s far too early to consider Monday Nights on a weekly basis but once a month would be a good step but TNA must first go LIVE on Thursday’s in order to create a “must see” TV tag with there product. Stay Tuned to TNARevolution for my overall thoughts of Monday’s Broadcast including the Hits and Misses.
Question of the Day: “With the WWE focusing on kids, surely to maximise there audience they should move RAW to a earlier timeslot in order to attract more kids who are unable to stay up late?” Hit us a response, would love to hear your opinions.
With 2009 coming to a end many TNA fans will reflect on another year that has seen the company globally grow and start to compete internationally with the WWE, but in the US the story is still the same with TNA not closing the gap on the WWE in the ratings battle.
While many fans will see this as another throw away year for TNA the fact that TNA are growing internationally is only a positive step in the right direction which will be even better in 2010 with the African TV deal coming to shape which is going to broadcast TNA Wrestling to millions more which will only benefit the company financially.
Monday January 4th is going to be a exciting night for TNA and wrestling fans in general, not only are the WWE throwing together a strong show with a guest host who has a connection with the wrestling fans but they’ve added a number of matches which showcase that they really don’t want to lose any viewer ship to TNA and for once have competition which will most certainly bring out the best in both companies. TNA on the other hand have the biggest name the industry has ever produced, Hulk Hogan and a number of surprises planned plus with a 3 hour broadcast and a LIVE show there will be a cutting edge feel to iMPACT which Monday Night RAW has.
But 2010 as whole for TNA is going to be an important year, with Hogan’s direction of the company it’s now “swim or sink” time for the company and this year is the year that TNA needs to develop and deliver a more positive ratings growth in the US. With Hogan, Flair, Bischoff and potential others the talent and exposure to the general wrestling fans is there but now it’s time for the company to creatively go back to basics and put on a more edgy product which will continue to please there current audience and attract new viewers to the product. With more sensible, edgy feuds the company can build both in ratings and also start to develop a strong ppv buyrate which will allow them to put more money into help the company tour more often and build a better look for the PPV’s.
Hogan is key for 2010, wherever you love him or hate him everything he’s done throughout his career has been positive and with Bischoff behind him they are without a doubt the biggest signings TNA could of made and potentially the only ones who can move TNA to the next level. Hogan has discussed his visions for TNA and quiet frankly they have impressed me but he’s always been a man who can talk the talk and it’s time for him to prove he can walk the walk with TNA Wrestling. Both Dixie and Hogan have put everything on the line regarding this year and here’s hoping we get the results needed in order to improve the overall wrestling business and start to put some competitive interesting TV back on our screens every week.
Happy New Year! Enjoy the ride, and don’t forget to watch iMPACT Monday Night starting at 8pm on Spike!
Monday; 12:38PM: Wow, what a show! The show was amazing live. Motor City Machine Guns vs. The British Invasion was a great match and an good to kick off the show and got the crowd pumped up. The big yelling match at Rob Terry killed the Feast or Fired match. I’m happy with the case results though. I wasn’t a fan of the two DQs during the 8-Man Elimination Match but I guess it was a way to keep the feud going. Tara vs. ODB was a decent match but not up to par with some other matches either of them have had. Steiner/Lashley was good but just a eh Last Man Standing match. I’m glad they didn’t do what I thought that would do when Kristial came back down since I thought she was going to give Steiner the pipe. Stevie/Abyss was good, I loved the Foley/Stevie part when Foley dropped the elbow off the stage. Angle/Wolfe was one of the best matches I’ve seen in person. The crowd was into it and they put on a clinic. Of course, I had to sit near a “Mr. Know-It-All” who said it was “boring” and “was more of a UFC match” and he also said in the first fall “Oh, that’s stupid they’re not using the cage!”. Unreal. Anyways, loved the match based on the fact it was a true wrestling match. AJ Styles/Daniels was just as good as Wolfe/Angle. I loved how they didn’t go straight into flips and that, just tried to tell a story. I loved the Styles Clash from the 2nd rope as the way to end the show. It just put a bigger impact on it. After the show I hung out in the hotel lobby and TNA had one of the restraunts closed for a private function so I got to see pretty much everyone. I was able to get AJ, Dixie, Abyss, Chris Sabin, Daniels, Doug Williams
D’Angelo Dinero, Homicide, Hernandez, Jesse Neal, Mick Foley (got a pic with aswell), Scott Steiner, Hamada, ODB, Tara, Velvet Sky, Hector, Willie, JB
Jamie Tucker, Earl Hebner,Andrew Thomas,Slick,Kazarian, & Raven to all sign my TNA 2010 Program. I know I missed out on Alex Shelley, Matt Morgan, SoCal Val, Robert Roode, Brutus Magnus, & Sheik Abdul Bashir. Everyone was great to meet and happy to sign. JB actually came over to us and started talking with us. I’ll have a photo album up soon, just gonna postit after tonight’s TNA iMPACT tapings.
Saturday; 10:45PM: Finally at a point where I can stop and blog. I made it to Orlando and have lucked out. I was walking through the hotel lobby and looked into one of the restraunts and saw Bob Ryder (in charge of TNA travel) and didn’t think anything of it. I looked back and saw “Cowboy” James Storm sitting there next to Bob! I went in and asked him if he signed my 2010 TNA Program and he signed it for me. Great first day for me!
Saturday; 5:13AM: Yeah, I didn’t know what to call it so that’ll do. Anyways, today (in a few hours actually), I’ll be heading down to Orlando for the Final Resolution pay-per-view aswell as the all Knockout iMPACT taping. Final Resolution should be a great show with the two main events alone. Overall, I’m excited to finally get to go to another TNA PPV. This will be my 2nd PPV and 2nd iMPACT taping but my over all 7th & 8th time seeing TNA live. I’ll edit this later on today. Be sure to follow me over on Twitter for some stuff I might not post here. Hope you guys enjoy the read along the way.
2010 is already shaping up very nicely if your a Pro Wrestling fan with the announcement of TNA’s Monday Night iMPACT Special coming January 4th on Spike TV, the announcement of a special iMPACT aswell as Spike TV allowing TNA to announce it during the UFC shows that Spike TV are firmly behind TNA and working with them to elevate the company to the next level. Read the Full Blog
It’s been nearly a month since my last blog here at TNARevolution but due to my poor health i’ve been restricted to adding news now and then and trying my best in order to continue to improve the service we provide here at the site.
Since my last blog there has been so much happening at TNA including the “Dixie Speech”, TNA’s return to it’s past glory with the best pay-per-view since 2005, Hogan continuing to say “I’m running TNA” and fans continuing to be confused and excited as to what he’s going to do with the company.
Over the past couple of weeks TNA has really steped up there game with some really good shows recently, and some excellent creative work which continues to get overshadowed by the general negativity of the odd few mistakes. With the WWE putting on a solid Survivor Series the week after TNA put on a phenominally good show, the buisness is really hotting up and 2010 is really shaping up to be a year of change for both company’s which all wrestling fans have been desperate to see.
As for the site, i continue to try and improve the look and feel of the website and over the next couple of weeks hoping to improve the service even more heading into the final weeks of the year. HistoryofTNA will be attending Final Resolution so i’m excited to see what he’s overall opinion on the show is and so far the card looks excellent.
Thanks for reading, and continue to visit TNARevolution for all the latest news, results and information from Total Nonstop Action.
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