10 Big Mistakes TNA's New Owners Can't Afford To Make In 2017
7. Letting The Hardys Go
Matt and Jeff Hardy were one of 2016’s biggest success stories, and the Deletion saga has taken wrestling by storm. Both wrestlers should be commended not only for finding a new way to stay relevant after 20+ years in the business, but for creating a level of buzz that TNA hasn’t seen in years. The duo are the undisputed stars of the show, and their absurdist genius continues to entertain, confuse, and delight in equal measure.
TNA must keep hold of them if they’re to build on 2016’s success, and the next few weeks will prove vital. Both Matt and Jeff’s contracts expire in February, and while TNA are keen to lock them up on exclusive deals, WWE are reportedly interested in capitalising on their momentum and bringing them back to Stanford. TNA should be hugely troubled by this, and they must push out the boat to ensure that the Hardys don’t leave.
Anthem likely can’t compete with WWE for financial clout, but they can offer the Hardys increased creative control and a guaranteed push. Matt is reportedly angling for an increased say on his character direction and while WWE might be preferable in terms of his long-term financial future, TNA will allow him to express himself without restriction. Lose the Hardys, and TNA lose one of the reasons they made it through a disastrous 2016 in the first place.