We’ve all seen the news. There’s no ignoring the fact that after late talent payments, 3 networks in 3 years, and dismal ratings, we know TNA Impact Wrestling is most likely on its last leg. This is definitely not a bash TNA session. In fact, I consider myself a TNA guy. This is an all points bulletin to save the second largest wrestling promotion in the United States.
Step 1: Sell The Company
Yes it’s drastic. Yes it will shake up the industry. Yes it will piss off Dixie Carter. As much as I say give Dixie a chance, the writing is on the wall. TNA needs a reboot in the worst way. Right now, they are doing great television, but it’s not translating into ratings. The name is a bit too tainted and Dixie as the owner adds to the tainting.
I’m not sure which options are still available, but if the majority of the company was on the block along with some guaranteed talent deals, I truly believe the investors would come back to the table.
Step 2: Prioritize the X-Division
Besides the six sided ring, it was the X-Division that separated TNA from the competition. WWE has never really had a good grip on the light heavyweights of the world, but TNA had no problem exciting wrestling fans worldwide with the on screen actions of talents like AJ Styles, Jerry Lynn, Low Ki, and Christopher Daniels.
With the upcoming WWE Cruiserweight Classic, this is the chance to scout some potential talents to add to an already established group including DJ Z, Rockstar Spud, and Trevor Lee.
Not everyone in the CWC will be signed by WWE, but they will all benefit from the exposure on the WWE Network.
Making the X-Division a priority will make TNA a priority one again.
Step 3: Hire A Sales Team
One of the big problems TNA has had in the past is securing advertising dollars that can offset the productions costs. Quite frankly, it is an expensive show to produce, and most networks can’t find the big advertisers they need to justify the cost. TNA needs to hire an internal sales team.
This is where they can adopt the AAA/CMLL/New Japan model. Start selling off parts of your set up. The large screen at the top of the ramp can become a scrolling advert. The ring itself can have various parts branded by sponsors. The ring posts can be branded by sponsors.
If you can’t get $100,000 from one sponsor, get 10 to give you $10,000 each. It spends the same. It also establishes relationships with these sponsors, and once they have their wallets out, you can solicit them for more.
Step 4: Move Out Of The Impact Zone
It has run its course. It’s not worth the money anymore. The space is too large, and the crowd is uninterested. I can’t understand for the life of me how, just a few blocks over, a smaller crowd gives a bigger feel.
Trying to compete with WWE crowd sizes in the US is not going to work. You’re better off going where the crowd is more into you. It makes for better TV. My personal opinion is you need to spend more time in the UK. The crowds are huge, and they love Impact Wrestling.
Feed off of the crowd and let them energize the talent. Your stateside option is the Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC where most of the last Spike TV tapings took place. The crowd was very high energy, and almost ECW-like. It made for amazing television.
Step 5: Make It Real
This sounds like I’m breaking kayfabe. This couldn’t be further from the truth. I’m not saying break the fourth wall, but realize the fans are not stupid. You don’t have the tons of writers that WWE has, and quite frankly they miss the mark a lot of the time. Tone down the storylines and concentrate on the bell to bell action.
Make it real by incorporating elements of boxing and MMA. For your specials, invite websites like PWPNation, Wrestlezone, Wrestling Observer and more to do press conferences. Do weigh-ins, tale of the tapes, training videos. Give it that element of a big fight to draw in the smart fans. By making it real, you make it important.
This 5 step plan, while not perfect, will give TNA a dramatic face lift. It will shake up things enough for people to tune in to see what its all about. Now I don’t claim to know everything about running a wrestling promotion, but I do know that what is going on right now is not working. Even with all of the trouble, we at PWP Nation wish TNA the best.