The land of Total Nonstop Action Wrestling has been a curious one from the minute it opened its doors way back in 2002. Designed to be an alternative to World Wrestling Entertainment, the brand touted some of the best young talent in the sport. Stars such as AJ Styles, America's Most Wanted, Team Canada, Michael Shane, Frankie Kazarian and Chris Sabin were recruited to create a futuristic wrestling company featuring some of the most exciting and innovative in-ring action known to man. The eventual addition of the incredibly agile super heavyweight Abyss and former ROH Heavyweight champion of the world Samoa Joe only helped bolster what was widely considered one of the most impressive rosters in the business. Add to those incredibly talented individuals the likes of Christian Cage and 1996 Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle, two men who chose to venture into TNA rather than remain in WWE, and you have all the makings of a promotion that could, and should have, rivaled the popularity of Vince McMahon's promotion. Unfortunately, wildly inconsistent booking and writing doomed the company. Too much focus was placed on trying to be sports entertainment rather than professional wrestling, a decision that proved costly over the years. The fact of the matter is that the company lacked the guidance necessary to take some of the risks that it took in its storytelling. Without anyone to step up and recognize when something was a bad idea, they were left to suffer the consequences from allowing it to make air. That the spotlight was eventually moved from the stars of tomorrow to ex-WWE competitors only further clouded things. Storylines involving magical, mystical Hall of Fame rings, mothers shooting fathers, Knockouts brainwashing other Knockouts and serial stalkers straight out of American Psychos wound up dragging down the quality of the show, leading it to the position it currently finds itself in now, their television home clouded in uncertainty. As fans continue to look back at the 13-year history of TNA, wondering where it all went wrong, consider these 10 incredibly weird stories churned out by the creative staff.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
