10 Things We Learned From Dark Side Of The Ring: TNA (Part 3)
7. The 6-Sided Ring Blow Up
Hulk and Eric Bischoff argued that TNA’s trademark 6-sided ring was holding it back as soon as they strolled through the doors, so they changed to a more traditional square look. Speaking as a talking head on VICE, Bischoff didn’t think it mattered much, because the company hadn’t done enough to make ‘6 sides’ bespoke. Sorry, Eric, but that’s garbage.
The 6-sided ring was one of TNA’s most identifiably clear USPs, and the X Division matches literally benefited from its shape.
For his part, Jarrett thought changing back to a more traditional look was a mistake, and Vince Russo knew it was only done to accommodate Hogan. He got fired up about that on Dark Side. Really fired up. Obviously, those in the know hanging over from the old WCW days (or fans who have done their homework on Bash At The Beach 2000) will know that Russo and the Hogan/Bischoff combo don't exactly see eye to eye. There's some history, shall we say.
Generally, people behind the scenes split into 2 camps when TNA changed from 6 to 4 sides. Some (most of the older guys and Hulk's friendship circle) believed it legitimised the company. Others, including those who had worked their socks off inside the 6-sided ring for years, thought they were scuffing what had made the promotion a viable alternative to WWE to begin with.
It didn't seem to matter who argued against it. Bischoff and Hogan had their say, and Dixie went along with it. Jarrett says he wouldn't have.