7 History Lessons AEW Could Learn From TNA

by Jamie Kennedy

1. Sell Tickets For Better Or Worse

Impact Wrestling Impact Zone
Impact Wrestling

Both WCW and TNA have produced weekly shows from a fixed location that didn't technically charge fans to attend. In the mid-90s, Eric Bischoff cut down WCW's travel schedule by taping at Disney MGM Studios, and TNA regularly produce content at Universal Studios' Soundstage 21, commonly known as the 'Impact Zone'.

The main problem here is obviously that these shows don't make the promotion any money.

In a 2011 interview with FSM, Dixie Carter revealed the hierarchy of TNA's thoughts on this by saying she'd rather fans didn't have to pay after they'd "already forked out cash to travel or gain entrance to the park". In other words, who cares if TNA didn't see a penny of this revenue, right?

Fingers crossed the Khans see things differently. They have to learn from TNA's mistakes and know that gauging fan interest through ticket sales is still an important aspect of the pro wrestling business. Even if things hit the skids (which seems unlikely given the hot sales Cody and The Bucks had for All In), they have to keep selling.

All Elite have to make it clear that their live product is one fans would want to pay to see, not a free-of-charge exhibition that aims to get people through the door for free just so it looks good on camera.

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What else do you think AEW could learn from TNA's past failings? Let us know down in the comments section below!

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Contributor

Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.