Every year wrestling fans hope for the next calendar change to feature an exciting turn of events. 2016 will feature one of the biggest events ever, from a potential capacity standpoint with WrestleMania 32 at AT&T Stadium, but it also holds much more that has yet to be revealed. January promises the Royal Rumble, followed shortly thereafter by WrestleMania, undoubtedly the biggest show of the year. Along with the hype of those two immensely popular PPVs comes the next year of wrestling storylines, angles and character development. From new superstars to fresh ideas, there's a lot for sports-entertainment viewers to be hopeful for.
10. A True Competitor To WWE?
True fans of professional wrestling should be rooting for TNA to not only survive their current financial difficulties, but to thrive upon their switch to POP TV come the new year. Likewise, when Ring of Honor moves to Comet Network, fans of the business should be cheering for their success. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand that most companies, including Vince McMahon's WWE, often produce their best efforts when faced with competition. Strategies have to be sharper, ideas have to be better, execution has to be perfected. Without a true sports-entertainment competitor, the WWE has grown to become a global powerhouse and while that is good for the industry in several ways, it has also allowed for complacency. The greatest leaders and innovators do not rest on their laurels. In 2015, judging by years and years of head-scratching and narrow-minded, self-gratifying decision making, Vince McMahon has absolutely rested on his laurels. When pushed by Eric Bischoff and WCW, the WWE contributed to a boom period the likes of which had never been seen before in the sports-entertainment industry. While a rise to that level is unlikely, progress can be made collectively by TNA, ROH, Lucha Underground and other wrestling promotions achieving success. Competition is a good thing, good competition is better.
A former stuntman for Paramount Pictures, Matt enjoys sports, water skiing, driving fast, the beach, professional wrestling,
technology, and scotch. At the same time, whenever possible.
Having attended many famous (and infamous) shows including WrestleMania XV, In Your House: Mind Games, and the 1995 King of the Ring, Matt has been a lifelong professional sports and wrestling fan. Matt's been mentioned in numerous wrestling podcasts including the Steve Austin Show: Unleashed, Talk Is Jericho, and Something To Wrestle With Bruce Prichard.
As a former countywide performer, Matt has been referred to as Mr. 300 for his amazing accomplishments in the world of amateur bowling. He is also the only man on record to have pitched back-to-back no hitters in the Veterans Stadium Wiffle Ball League of 2003.
