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On last Thursday’s TNA Impact they decided to give away the match where Daniels and Styles took Joe’s bait and have at one another. OK, so they don’t watch their own show and don’t realize that the big guy from Samoa is playing them. So they fall for the bait. However could some one take a week and come up with a logical reason why Joe himself ends up the “Special Referee”?? Are all the other officials on strike or taking a smoke break? Is there actually a walking talking human being somewhere that makes these decisions? Did Joe appoint himself? Does he also own part of the company like Dixie, Jeff, Mick, and Panda, and a cast of thousands?
Here we have three of the top talents in the company and someone can’t take the time to work out the details of their angle and have it all linked together with logical or semi-logical reasoning for everything. On top of that once Joe nails Daniels after AJ gets attacked in the back for the hundredth time, don’t we all figure when they come out for this match a second time that Joe will get to Styles as well? Can you say surprise, or anticipation, and can you please give us a little of both once in a while? These are the little things that tie the big things together and make them work. These are the things that help draw your viewers in to the plot and actually help them buy into your story. Lay your story out and then go backwards and shoot holes in it yourself, till you bridge the gaps and make it flow with some semblance of logic.
I’m not asking for a Vickie, or Teddy, or another Cornette, or even Mick riding in a tricked out golf cart. But while you’re spending money on legends could TNA spend a buck or two on a person who can actually be the voice of reason, seriously make sane decisions and make us think there really is a sheriff in Dodge City with some power for law and order, and not a goofy character who gets no respect; but instead someone who isn’t acting a part of the show. As I said, I realize I’m asking for the moon here.
While ranting in this territory, and hearing about WWE having a pay per view drop six figures in buys, and TNA putting 500 people in a 8500 seat venue, or canceling a house show. The next question I want to ask would making sense make sense. As negative as my observations are at times I personally want to see this industry flourish and grow and be as successful as humanly possible. It’s not that I worry about having to attend a benefit for Dixie or the McMahon family, as that won’t be necessary and I am not on either company’s payroll. What it is for me is that I love the stupid industry and realize that for all the current hard working wrestlers it supports; I would like it to be able to pay them more and add young talent, be secure, and have all of them be able to retire without fear of having to sell Big Macs.
Other observers of the industry with an inside background see the flaws and continue to wonder why those in power keep going down hill with how they produce their product. If they are really the geniuses they are made out to be then like a wrestler shifting gears in a match to hook his audience; they too should be shifting gears and looking at the reasons and solutions of the current declining state of the business and the talent that fuels it. It seems that common sense isn’t all that common.
This column week’s wasn’t meant to focus on TNA, but readers and friends spent a lot of time discussing Dixie Carter’s opening speech on last week’s Impact. I was very surprised when that opened the show, never mind that it aired at all. I believe there are things that aren’t supposed to be put out for public consumption regardless of what industry we are talking about, and feel airing this was ill advised.
If the uncertainty and turmoil that apparently is part of TNA’s behind the scenes structure becomes more important then their on air product (as I stated last week), that is not a positive for the company. It’s not like second guessing is limited to TNA or the wrestling industry. It happens everywhere daily; it just doesn’t always become tabloid fodder or thrown out for public debate. Whoever is calling the shots, and which ever direction they are going, lets all cheer for something positive to show up soon. As mentioned over and over here; the industry needs to keep the labor force working and profitable.
WWE has announced Jamie Noble’s retirement after a match with Sheamus this week. Weak story line because they hadn’t been using Noble with any regularity anyway, so the impact isn’t strong. Also it dry docks one of the best damned wrestlers in the company and one of the most technically sound in the industry.
I was honored to have Jamie on my roster for a year and his work ethic and devotion to the business could never be questioned. I always called him and Alan Funk my Energizer Bunnies as they never seemed to grow tired. The shame of this is Noble could have lead a strong cruiserweight division for WWE if someone there would have spent the time letting the division develop. It’s a sad waste of great talent and so many will never get to see him perform. If it’s just a story line they didn’t get much out of it, and if it’s for Jamie to move on and concentrate on being an agent/producer then I wish him the very best. The young inexperienced talent there can learn a lot from him.
I like the oil and water personalities of Chris Jericho and Big Show. They remind me of that same chemistry that was between Bill Watts and Bobby Shane back in 73/74 in the Atlanta territory. Shane was the cocky egotistical talker of the tandem and Watts was the serious no nonsense kick ass guy. It was always so edgy when we interviewed them that the thought was always there that at some point Bill would lower the boom on Bobby, but it never happened because it was never figured to happen. The whole idea was to keep the viewers anticipating it. However I figure that at some point the creative folks at WWE will have to satisfy themselves by having Show clock Jericho, but the longer they wait the more buzz and excitement it will cause.
Train hard and master your craft.
Till Next Time,
Les
For a unique training experience and to up your game book your seminar or weekend training camp with Elite Pro Wrestling Training. EPWT’s instruction is based on the principles of the founders Harley Race, Ricky Steamboat, and former staff member Dr. Tom Prichard. To learn more about the company go to www.epwt.com. To book a seminar or camp contact Les at les@epwt.com .
Get your copy of “The Professional Wrestler’s Workout & Instructional Guide” by Harley, Ricky, Les, and Alex Marvez published by Sports Publishing LLC at your local bookstore, or the PW Insider Super Store.
Harley will be appearing at these World League Wrestling events.11/14 Keokuk, IA. 11/21 Richmond, MO. For details go to www.harleyrace.com .
Thanksgiving weekend Les returns to the Gulf Coast and Pascagoula, MS. For a weekend training camp and show Nov. 27-29. For information contact John Saxon at lohnsaxon4@yahoo.com or call 228-327-7098.
Join Les and host Rich Tate every Wednesday night at 9: PM EST with their special guests on “Peach State Pandemonium” by clicking on www.georgiawrestlinghistory.com .
