TNA Wrestling has been the buzz of the sports entertainment world as of late, and not for particularly good reasons. TNA is in jeopardy of being kicked off the air when their deal with Spike TV expires at the end of the year. Impact -- TNAs flagship program -- is on the verge of being homeless, and if that occurs, TNA could soon fold. However, before this potentially harrowing news hit the dirt sheets, TNA seemed to be on the up-and-up. Back in June, the alternative wrestling promotions agreement with Japans Wrestle-1 began to bear real fruit. It was announced that TNAs premier pay-per-view event, Bound for Glory, would take place in Tokyos famed Korakuen Hall. TNA president, Dixie Carter, made the announcement alongside Wrestle-1s founder Keiji Mutoh at a press conference in New York City. Earlier in June, TNA announced an online poll where fans could vote on their preference of wrestling ring, wherein the winning ring would be used permanently by the promotion. Unsurprisingly, fans called for the return of TNAs beloved six-sided ring in a landslide vote. Later that month, the promotion brought back those renowned six sides for their television tapings in NYC at the Manhattan Center -- the first episode of which aired on July 17th -- and according to Dixie Carter and TNA management, the six-sided ring is here to stay. With that said, the future of TNA is in doubt, however, nothing is set in stone yet -- rumors of TNA shutting down its operations have hit the internet wrestling community before, and yet the company prevailed. The wrestling community is often too quick to jump to conclusions with countless fans and detractors alike stating that the imminent demise of the promotion is upon us, as if it were solidified fact. The true fact is that TNA isnt out of business yet. Theyre teetering on the edge, poised to slip into the precipice, but the ship has yet to sink. As countless cliches tell us, its not over until its over or until the fat lady sings. In the world of wrestling, its not over until Vince McMahon buys your tape library and signs a handful of your guys. Therefore, lets analyze the positive and negative aspects of the six-sided ring and its return, and whether or not its use -- in both years prior and recently -- has contributed at all to TNAs dire situation.
Douglas Scarpa is a freelance writer, independent filmmaker, art school graduate, and pro wrestling aficionado -- all of which mean he is in financial ruin. He has no backup plan to speak of, yet maintains his abnormally high spirits. If he had only listened to the scorn of his childhood teachers, he wouldn't be in this situation.
