Rebuilding TNA: A Look At TNA Impact Wrestling Roster

As a writer who tends to specialise in wrestling I am often criticised by fellow fans for my often derogatory remarks about TNA Impact Wrestling. But you see, I don't hate TNA - quite the contrary. I want TNA to succede. I want TNA to be a legitimate threat to the WWE. I want wrestlers to consider who's better to work for when there WWE contract ends rather than just staying with Vince and co just for the money or heading to Tampa for a lighter working schedule. There should be more to it than that. Wrestlers should have more choices. It's just a shame that I can remember when TNA was part of the NWA and made some really unmissabel television - especially with its X Division. So I've decided to have a look at the TNA roster and to decide upon a workable structure that can help build the company as it goes forward in what has been a strong 2012 - just not strong enough.

THE MAIN EVENT

AJ Styles A reliable, exciting go to guy at present who should be a constant in the main event scene, not an afterthought. AJ can have great matches with anyone and should be pushed as the face of the company. Sure, he's not what you'd call a big box office draw but one day if TNA becomes big enough he might be. Is it that far a stretch to think of him as the next Heartbreak Kid? He isn't called the Phenomenal One for nothing. Austin Aries The current TNA Impact Wrestling World Heavyweight Champion is the total package. He has a unique look, has great matches with anybody (Samoa Joe, Bully Ray) and is fantastic on a microphone. TNA has finally seen sense and given him a run as a main eventer and it would be in their best interests to keep him there. Personally I feel Aries works better as an arrogant heel but he's playing a pretty good tweener anti-hero role at the moment and a long run as champion would be a real vote of confidence. Bobby Roode A proven heel character with a great look and great in-ring ability. Roode was a top notch babyface as part of Beer Money but is much better suited to an asshole role and with the longest reign as champion under his belt it's proof that the tides are finally changing in TNA for the better. It will be interesting to see where Roode goes from here as it seemed a given that James Storm would win the Bound For Glory Series and get another shot at his ex-partner. Bully Ray If Bully Ray continues to play his card right he WILL be World Champion in the next 12 months. The former Dudley Boy has worked his ass of to get to where he is and is probably one of the best heels in America right now. No more overweight, lazy tag team wrestler. Ray has slimmed down, taken himself to a gym and had some of the most entertaining matches of the year so far. James Storm The Cowboy is over big with the TNA faithful. He's every bit as good as anyone else we've mentioned already and is truly exciting to watch. Beer Money were great but Storm is every bit as over doing the gimmick by himself and his tragically short run as champion only served to endear him to the crowd even more. TNA has a great story on its hands with Storms battle to get back his gold, and this time hang on to it. Exactly when this will happen given the change in World Champion is up in the air at present but I'm sure he'll be main eventing PPV's again by the end of the year. Jeff Hardy Do not turn Hardy heel. Ever. It doesn't work. If he's 100% and focused Jeff could still be of use in the main event, even if it's only to help put people over. No one on the roster will be hurt by losing to Jeff and likewise all of them could be made to look a million dollars by beating him. Hardy is not the reliable veteran that TNA should be looking to in the main event but he's certainly a useful addition to any main event. Kurt Angle Speaking of reliable veterans Kurt Angle is your man. He can have great matches with ANYONE, isn't selfish and will make his opponents look fantastic even in defeat. Angle will probably one day end up back in Vince's fold but while ever he's under a TNA deal I'd be damn sure keeping him in a prominent role. This isn;t like having a Hulk Hogan in the main event. He doesn't need a belt to justify his place. Kurt Angle simply oozes main event. There are others who could probably slip in and out of the main event while others like Mr Anderson and RVD I would release from their deals. I can't see what either of them brings anymore and neither has had a five star match for quite some time. It's time to slim down on those big money contracts Dixie. Click "next" below to read The X Division section...