As mentioned previously, the ring itself is not the issue here. Whether fans clamored for its return or certain wrestlers are dreading its comeback, TNA has a lot of other things it must work on and improve if it truly wants to be a competitor in the wrestling world. Some would even argue that TNA will never be on an even playing field with WWE -- but thats a different discussion for a different time. TNA has undoubtedly carved their own little niche as an alternative to WWE. However, its an alternative that is too similar to the perennial-champion headquartered in Connecticut. Real alternatives lie in companies like Ring of Honor, Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, and Chikara. However, these promotions are too eccentric to ever breakout as direct competition to WWE -- although they do seem to survive and even thrive thanks to their small, loyal audiences. TNA though is suffering from the problem that many companies suffer from -- theyre too big to be small, and too small to be big. They arent viewed as direct competition to WWE, because they arent big enough to challenge the established veteran. But theyre not different enough from the global enterprise to be their own little entity. Instead, theyre stuck somewhere in the middle. If TNA ever wants to get out of this proverbial rut, they have to look beyond what ring theyre using, and instead look to whats taking place inside of it. Theres no doubt that TNA has some world-class athletes, established ring leaders, and future breakout stars. However, much like WCW before them, they can never seem to put all the pieces together to create the perfect picture. It just always seems that TNA is one step behind where they need to be. Theyre never quite sure what to do with their talent and how to execute properly. Theyve come close on numerous occasions -- both Christian Cage and Kurt Angle were viewed as huge coups upon their respective debuts, but beyond the initial buzz, TNA was never able to capitalize. The Panda Energy-owned promotion seems to constantly languish in no-mans land -- forever taking one step forward, while simultaneously taking two steps back. The return of the six-sided ring is arguably a great step forward -- as it does set them apart from WWE and other organizations. Their recent partnership with Keiji Mutohs Wrestle-1 promotion is another step forward. However, the recent news of the splintering between TNA and Spike TV has left the company in jeopardy. And while the six-sided ring can be given credit for getting them to the dance, its also playing a part in their potential downfall.
Douglas Scarpa is a freelance writer, independent filmmaker, art school graduate, and pro wrestling aficionado -- all of which mean he is in financial ruin. He has no backup plan to speak of, yet maintains his abnormally high spirits. If he had only listened to the scorn of his childhood teachers, he wouldn't be in this situation.
