5 ways TNA can survive and improve in 2016

A shell of its former selfTNA - ah how the mighty have fallen. Ever since Hogan and Bischoff ran amok in TNA and left the company for dead with some truly horrible decisions, the outfit has been struggling to survive, let alone compete with WWE.My personal belief is that ROH has overtaken TNA as the no. 2 American Wrestling promotion. As someone who enjoyed TNA before Hogan and Bischoff came along (think- Styles vs Daniels vs Joe), it pains me to see the company in this state.Some people feel TNA should just die, but I do not agree. I feel it is important that companies like TNA stick around as they help bring something different to what WWE has to offer. In this article, I will present 5 ways TNA can improve in 2016 and ensure wrestling has a brighter future.

#1 Venues

TNA, for cost cutting measures has began to tape shows from Universal Studios only (except in the buildup to BFG). That is not a horrid idea, but it is very important to note that TNA’s taping schedule means they tape episodes almost 2 months in advance.

Two problems- spoilers and talent morale. TNA needs to start house shows again, keep ticket prices low and attracting more viewers. In my humble opinion, TNA must focus on smaller venues rather than resorting to darkening parts of arenas.

I also feel that, occasionally, TNA should move from Florida to say, Nashville for some shows, perhaps a month’s worth and a PPV from The Asylum to keep things fresh. TNA needs to have more foreign tours. Cancellation of their India tour was upsetting as was that of the one in China, but TNA mustn’t lose hope. It does better in the UK than in the States. It should explore more such options to be more successful.

#2 The X-division

TNA must reestablish the X division and attempt to restore it to its former glory

One of the major reasons for TNA’s success was the X-division. Such talent as A.J. Styles, Christopher Daniels, Kazarian, Jay Lethal (ROH world champ), Consequences Creed (Xavier Woods), Austin Aries, Sabin, Shelley, the list goes on and on and on.

The talent that TNA presented in this division made it a magnet for hardcore fans of the independent circuit and the action presented in the ring was breathtaking. The Ultimate X match should not work on paper, but such performers made it perfect. Seriously, go to YouTube and watch AJ Styles vs Daniels vs Joe. It is one of my, if not my favourite match of all time.

Now, TNA has a weak X Division with Crazzzyy Steve competing in matches. The multi-man matches are fun, but the division is an afterthought. In my opinion, TNA needs to begin scouring the indies for young talent and start building up the X-division with rivalries. Tigre Uno probably needs a manager and DJ Z more of a character. Let’s be honest, TNA needs to sign new talent that is ruling the indies.

#3 Less former WWE stars

EC3 has been one of the brightest spots on TNA programming

TNA had an obsession with former WWE stars and they were pushed to the moon at the expense of homegrown talent. While Jeff Hardy, RVD, Kurt Angle and Bully Ray (his singles run is TNA cultivated) were acceptable, runs for Kevin Nash, Scott Steiner and the Nasty Boys were absolutely horrible and buried TNA talent.

The likes of EC3 are homegrown and deserve more of the spotlight. Samoa Joe was booked so poorly that when he joined NXT, he was being used as the lowest rung of the Beat Down Clan stable, jobbing left, right and centre while Kurt Angle and Mr. Kennedy/Anderson occupied the main spots.

TNA has the potential to use WWE stars to put over home talent. The likes of Bobby Roode, James Storm and Lashley (seriously, he has improved so much) still have a lot of potential. I feel WWE missed the boat on EC3 (Derrick Bateman) and Drew Galloway(McIntyre), but TNA is using them well. I believe TNA should build a long-term feud between the two to keep viewers hooked and save the match and a Drew Galloway victory for Bound for Glory in what, if done right, will sell tickets.

#4 Foreign Talent

The man to save TNA?

One of the biggest problems with WWE today is their inability to book foreign characters. Japan, for example, has seen some truly stereotypical and horrible representations. From Kai En Tai to Kenzo Suzuki to Yoshi Tatsu, WWE has always struggled to book the Japanese (hopefully Hideo turns out different). TNA had a working relationship with NJPW, but ROH took over from them. They had the potential to sell tickets, but struggled because they too struggle with foreign talent.

If TNA can turn around this rut and enter a working relationship with AAA/Lucha Underground or Pro Wrestling Noah/DDT, their roster will expand and with the right booking, they will succeed.

By promoting foreign talent, they will provide fans to something different, something that will make them stand out from the crowd of American Indies. TNA could start by signing Zack Sabre Jr. but thats wishful thinking.

#5 Build Television Specials

TV specials like No Surrender should have more emphasis put on them.

I agree with TNA’s decision to cut down on PPV’s and limiting them to two. But, this does not mean that TNA should stop hosting specialized events. WCW built up Clash of the Champions and TNA must do the same.

Host specials such as Full Metal Mayhem, Hardcore Justice, Destination X etc. on TV, but give them a couple months build and have solid matches. TNA often invests too much in one angle, which must stop and they should utilize their roster fully. TNA tried to do some specialized episodes this year, but due to the lack of build they felt like normal impact episodes.

TNA does a few one night only PPV’s which don’t usually have storyline progression. Since TNA has to (to fulfill foreign contract obligations) produce more PPV’s, they should focus on making these a part of the storylines and using them to again, put over homegrown talent. TNA brings up Indie talent for these shows and in countries like the UK, such events sell like hotcakes.