After the last few weeks of TNA from the UK, I challenge anyone to not see the vast improvement in content. The live show from Glasgow was a little off and lacking in actual wrestling content, but the broadcasts since have blown that first show out of the water.
Last week’s Impact from Manchester has to have been one of the best shows that I’ve seen in months.
It honestly looks like the guys behind the scenes are finally taking on some of the fans comments and reactions, and are playing to the major UK following. I was sceptical at first because all the UK talents were heels for the tour, but it’s really worked in TNA’s favour. Whether their reaction is to cheer or boo, as long as they’re reacting, then the talent is doing their job well.
Magnus recently did an interview for WrestleTalk TV on Challenge, and he was very honest about the way TNA are evolving, as well as the mistakes they’ve made in the last year or so – specifically mentioning 2 people who were brought into the company, but ultimately had their own agenda. No names were mentioned, but I’m fairly confident that I know who he was talking about.
Most of the fans and people who write about TNA will have their own ideas about who the culprits are, but I’m edging towards Hogan and Bischoff. Unfortunately, they weren’t as reliable as first thought, and a lot of the issues TNA had were due to the changes they implemented.
Looking forward, although another ex-WWE guy has been brought in to the company, I’m very confident that TNA have learned from their mistakes, and that MVP is just there as a wrestler.
His input so far has given a real energy to the shows and he’s been welcomed into the fold very quickly by the fans. I’m enjoying this new storyline and hopefully, they have a long-term goal. At the moment, it looks to be coming to a head at Lockdown, but I hope this is just the start of things to come.
There have been some very interesting talent showcased on this UK tour, including Alpha Female and Shanna. If these two do get signed by TNA, then it’ll boost the Knockouts Division which, hopefully, will once again become the pinnacle of women’s wrestlers.
As I mentioned last week, Jeff Hardy’s back at Lockdown and now it seems he’s bringing a new gimmick with him – Willow. It’s a character he’s used before and no-one’s sure if he’s returning as himself with an alter-ego, a la Abyss, or if Willow will be an entity of its own.
There are still some UK shows to be broadcast – the London show with the Hall of Fame induction should be a good one – so all we can do is hope that the current trend of improvements continues.
I honestly think things are heading in the right direction, but we’ll see how things go once they start airing shows from the US again. TNA are going to have a new base, starting in March (I think). It won’t look any difference, but if they’re looking to base themselves in one location for the long-haul, then they have to be secure in what they’re doing.
Don’t forget to leave any comments below or catch me on Twitter, I’m @ecwdave
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