TNA's move in the right direction (maybe)!!

[ringsyde]

Christian (Cage) will be making his debut in TNA this Sunday, and from the sounds of things, he may soon be followed by Bret Hart and Chris Benoit.

While the validity of the rumors surrounding Benoit's TNA arrival is questionable, Bret Hart has gone out of his way to praise TNA, and he thinks this could be the perfect place for a "wrestling" rebirth (odd, considering how much of a stunt show it appears to be). It's as if Hart is telling everyone now not to be surprised when he shows up on a TNA event.

Benoit appears to be at the end of his WWE tenure (on camera, he's losing often and not producing quite the same effort in the ring, and he's not talking contracts and creative direction backstage). It wouldn't be hard to see Benoit leaving the WWE. While I think a return to Japan and a showdown with Brock Lesnar would be ideal, I could also see Bret Hart, the Jarretts, Rhino and now Christian convincing him to let his contract lapse and join TNA.

As unlikely as this seems, if it happens, I think it would be just the shift that the WWE needs to start taking wrestling seriously again. It would also provide TNA with a guy around which storylines and future stars could be built.

While it's a far cry from the rapidfire swapfest that went on during the infamous Monday Night Wars, Benoit and Christian suddenly appearing in a TNA ring would get the fans buzzing. If TNA does the right thing - use one of these guys to dethrone Jarrett and elevate other talent through great, tough matches - they could suddenly become a very viable contender for the fans' interest and dollars.

I'm not a fan of TNA just yet because I think it's got a long way to go before it can truly be taken seriously. Adding name-recognition, in-ring performers who can tell a story without killing themselves is a big step in the right direction. Action figure, DVD and videogame merchandise will certainly help to get their name out, but taking in a popular former WWE champion like Benoit (or even Hart, in a non-wrestling capacity) would help them win fans during a very lackluster WWE run.

[floydthebarber]

Well said RingsYde. This echo's many of my own thoughts on TNA. Nothing much to add really, as I too am someone who wants to see TNA do well, but have yet to be impressed with the show (or watched enough of it to have a really solid opinion). I'm all for low budget, 'just go out and wrestle' wrestling, but I still think the atmosphere doesn't have that 'take them seriously' feel yet. That could be the production, the announcers, the crowd...but there are a few things missing still. However, the addition of guys like Christian, Benoit (probably 50/50) and Bret Hart (I think that's one is a long shot) would do a lot to bring a certain kind of professionalism that is lacking in TNA. Not that they aren't professionals, but to have a guy like Benoit on your roster and being the standard by which wrestlers in the company are measured would significantly improve the perception of the wrestlers in TNA.

I wish them well, cause as RingsYde pointed out, one of the best aspects of wrestling during its peak was the different wrestlers going to different shows, with fans wondering who would jump next, and how would he be used in his new home.

[tafkaga]

I would be surprised to see Bret Hart in TNA...but not shocked. I really don't figure Bret will ever wrestle again. Maybe a one shot thing, but never full time.

As for TNA seeming small-time, I think that the setting has a lot to do with that. I really don't like the Impact Zone and all of the retarded fans who chant "Holy Sh**" to armbars. When I see them they remind me of a very watered down version of the ECW crowds. Plus even at their loudest they're not very loud. They don't respond at the moments that you can tell TNA wants them to respond at, like for interview segments, which I think might dissuade TNA from attempting more sports entertainment vignettes.

[ringsyde]

I can't ever see Bret Hart getting back in the ring, even for a one-time deal. I do see him being given a contract, a mic and a segment on TNA to say whatever he wanted. Also, the idea of him being an announcer or eve a manager isn't too far fetched.

I think TNA is starting to realize that there are only two ways to be taken seriously by the wrestling world. One way is to create a better product. This is the way to get fans who have grown tired of the WWE "same old same old" policies and programs, and it's the way to establish the company as a serious alternative. The other way? You have to take it right to Vince and the WWE. Jerry Jarrett's relationship to the McMahon family will make it difficult to call out Vince. A screwed over Bret Hart, an underutilized Christian Cage, and an exiled in-ring icon like Benoit could be the way to do this without coming right out and attacking Vince and his product. Bret could be the mouthpiece, Christian could be the future that WWE will be sorry for letting go, and Benoit could be the guy that makes everything else fall into place.

We'll see what happens as this interesting turn of events unfolds.

[floydthebarber]

I am a big fan of Bret Hart, and think he really is one of the greatest wrestlers of all time...but I wouldn't want to watch him talk about whatever he wants. Hart has been through a ton of tragedy over the past few years, and it has left him a very bitter person...and while the idea of Hart in TNA giving it to WWE or whatever sounds good...honestly, I get tired of seeing Bret reduced to a old, washed up wrestler. As a manager, or an authority figure it would work...but simply signing him to come in and 'take the mike' would't do anything for me. Some fans would love it...but it would get old really fast...like how many fans think Canadians should get over the Montreal Screw Job.

That being said, I may be wrong...and given the right platform and the right mix of angle and shoot, something like that could be a spark for TNA to work with, just like the signing of Christian (if it is him) is proving to be a bit of a spark right now.

[tafkaga]

Bret Hart has done the "shoot" thing to death. It's time to move on. If he wants to come back and contribute something to the sport, I say fine. But it's really time that they stop milking the "I've been screwed" and Owen's death. I think Bret was one of the best men behind the mic that there ever was, especially as a heel. The manager thing would never work, but I would love to hear Bret Hart try his hand at commentary.

[dennish]

I'm not backing down from my opinions on TNA, I really like TNA and the shows it's put on so far. I do want to see TNA improve it's product, but not become a clone of the WWE or any other past promotiona and continue to be the new wrestling alternative. Brett Hart to TNA as maybe a spokesmen would be awesome, and not trash the WWE. Christian to TNA is very cool, and this weekend is yet another GREAT TNAWeekend!

[pman]

I personally like the difference in TNA. I watch both but I am bias towards traci!