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PWINSIDER Q&A: JOHNNY NITRO, HOGAN VS. VINCE, IS TNA A SUCCESS? AND MORE

Answered on 5/2

I was thinking especially after hearing and reading more internet rants against Russo and TNA all things considered, and acknowledging that I also feel the product is currently God Awful would say that overall is TNA a success or failure? Granted the product and writing is currently horrible but at the same time, in five years or so, they've obtained TV, have a national presence, and do have a solid audience (although somewhat stalled but still maintaining) this strikes me as much more than any other wrestling promotion over the last little while has been able to accomplish, and accomplish as quickly. Anyway, I would like to hear your opinions.

What do you call a success?  In terms of turning a profit, TNA is not a success.  They have gone through millions of dollars over the course of their existence, and even if they are profitable now (and to be honest, I don't know if they are), they certainly have lost more than they made.  So, from that perspective, they are a failure.  However, they have lasted for almost five years at this point, and in my opinion that certainly should be seen as some kind of success.  If nothing else, it is a testament to the hard work of Jeff Jarrett and others, who have figured out a way to keep the company alive and provide fans with an alternative to WWE. 

At this year’s Hall of Fame ceremony I was surprised by Cody Runnells' opening statements putting over his half brother Dustin as a pioneer for the era of WWE programming today. I wasn’t surprised that Cody felt that way, nor was I surprised about him saying it since Dustin was standing next to him; I was surprised that WWE aired the comments on the USA broadcast and didn’t edit them out. Was this done purposely to shine the light on the WWE created Goldust character or was it just left in without much thought? Also, have you heard of any reaction from WWE brass over the statement (meaning were they surprised Cody said it or expecting some sort of Goldust plug? ). Finally, what are the chances of Dustin making a return to the WWE? Not necessarily as Goldust either.

I believe it was just a genuine statement and display of affection by Cody, putting over his half brother.  I don't think WWE knew it was coming, but at the same time had no problem with it, thus it being aired was not an issue.  As far as Dustin returning to WWE, it certainly could happen, especially with Dusty working on the Creative Team, but at the same time, WWE may simply feel that Dustin's time, as Goldust or not, has come and gone.  I wouldn't rule out a return someday though, as Vince McMahon has always liked the Goldust character. 

My question is about time management on pay-per-views. Why is it that WWE spends so much time on video recap packages on pay-per-views? The last PPV I watched had almost 35 minutes of just recap video packages on the pay-per-view itself. To me, this makes no sense. If you are a WWE fan and have spent $40 (or in WrestleMania's case $50) to watch an event, its because you already know about all the angles and the storylines going into the event. Nobody just buys a Pay-Per-View on a whim without knowing all the angles and matches. I understand the video packages on Raw, Smackdown, ECW and the Pre-Show... they are trying to sell the event to you. But once you have already paid for the event, there is no reason to once again remind you why you ordered it. 35 minutes is time that could have been spent, gee... I don't know... wrestling?

You're preaching to the choir here.  I've said and written on numerous occasions how ridiculous it is to spend so much PPV time on long recap and video packages (many of which air on the pre-show right before the PPV anyway) when they could throw another match on the show.  Anyone putting $40 down for a show obviously has been following the storylines, and if not, the pre-show will get them up to speed anyway.  I know the mindset in WWE is that they don't want to "burn out the crowd" with non-stop wrestling on the show, but that reasoning holds no water to me.  Fans that pay for a ticket to go to a show want to see wrestling, not stare at a big screen waiting for the next bout in the ring. 

Do you think Vince blames Hulk Hogan for his shaved head? If Hogan had come to terms and fought at Wrestlemania, McMahon wouldn't have gone home bald headed would he? Also do you think there is any chance of reconciliation between the two. This seems much worse than their Mr America spat they had in 2002. I personally don't understand why Vince doesn't pay Hogan what he is worth. You wouldn't see Elvis or Michael Jackson taking less money for a show. Hogan is the most recognizable wrestler and the most over wrestler on the planet. I still haven't heard a pop bigger than the one he got at Summerslam since on WWE.

I don't think Vince McMahon blames Hulk Hogan or anyone for him having a bald head.  After all, it was his idea, and he certainly didn't have to put his hair on the line just because Hogan didn't want to work Wrestlemania.  For all we know, if Hogan had agreed to work at Wrestlemania, he might have ended up being Trump's representative and everything else in the storyline would have been the same.  As for their current spat, I definitely think it will blow over at some point.  As long as there is a chance to make some money, ill feelings will eventually go by the wayside.  Obviously, you take Hogan's side of things in this dispute, and I won't argue for or against it.  However, it should be pointed out that Michael Jackson is apparently hurting for money, and is considering touring with this brothers and sisters to generate some cash.  

Is there any reason why Johnny Nitro went from having a great series of matches with Ric Flair and Jeff Hardy to more or less going back down the card. To me he is a 2007 version of what Randy Savage in terms of look and unique style, and I think he's one of the best wrestlers WWE has. Why aren't the pushing him more?

I wish I knew.  When Joey Mercury was released and MNM was finally broken up (at least for now) for good, I figured WWE would pick up on Nitro's singles push again, which for a long time was continuing along with his tag team activities.  Instead, it has totally stalled.  At one point, he cut a great promo with Melina complaining about not being on Wrestlemania, but it was never followed up on.  He just seems to be floundering as an upper-midcard talent that is not being pushed, but rather wrestles (and loses) to others on Monday nights. I wish I knew why WWE hasn't pushed him, as he obviously has the talent and could be moved into a more prominent position on the card. 

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