10 Fatal Mistakes That Destroyed The TNA Brand

1. Jeff Hardy Vs Sting

Jenna Morasca
Impact Wrestling

It was the most embarrassing night in TNA's potted history. A scene unlike anything ever witnessed before or since on a mainstream wrestling programme, a World Heavyweight Title main event became an uncomfortable exhibition of a man's significant health problems following an utterly inexcusable decision to push forward with a contest as advertised.

Ahead of March 2011's Victory Road pay-per-view, Sting had returned to take Jeff Hardy's TNA Title after the evil 'Immortal' leader had held the company hostage alongside Hulk Hogan, Eric Bischoff and their collected associates since his surprising heel turn the prior October. Hardy requested and received his rematch, but would enter in a performance that dangerously portrayed his troubled personal problems.

To suggest that 'The Charismatic Enigma' was 'in no condition to perform' would be an understatement. He was an absolute mess. Gracelessly bumbling to ringside, he spent an eternity teasing the crowd with a feigned shirt throw, occasionally flashing a look that highlighted his dazed disposition.

Infuriated that TNA would have been stupid enough to send him out in that condition (even if it was just to get locked in a tight pinfall following a visible last minute change from Eric Bischoff), a livid Sting backed up the aisle in abject disgust, loudly agreeing with fans who called 'bullsh*t' as the show went off the air.

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Michael is a writer, editor, podcaster and presenter for WhatCulture Wrestling, and has been with the organisation nearly 8 years. He primarily produces written, audio and video content on WWE and AEW, but also provides knowledge and insights on all aspects of the wrestling industry thanks to a passion for it dating back over 35 years. As one third of "The Dadley Boyz" Michael has contributed to the huge rise in popularity of the WhatCulture Wrestling Podcast and its accompanying YouTube channel, earning it top spot in the UK's wrestling podcast charts with well over 62,000,000 total downloads. He has been featured as a wrestling analyst for the Tampa Bay Times, GRAPPL, GCP, Poisonrana and Sports Guys Talking Wrestling, and has covered milestone events in New York, Dallas, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, London and Cardiff. Michael's background in media stretches beyond wrestling coverage, with a degree in Journalism from the University Of Sunderland (2:1) and a series of published articles in sports, music and culture magazines The Crack, A Love Supreme and Pilot. When not offering his voice up for daily wrestling podcasts, he can be found losing it singing far too loud watching his favourite bands play live. Follow him on X/Twitter - @MichaelHamflett