From the moment Samoa Joe debuted as a henchman for MVPs Beat Down Clan, it was clear that The Samoan Submission Machine wasnt high on new TNAs priority list. One of the greatest TNA World Heavyweight Champions ever and one of the worlds best wrestlers, Joe was reduced to doing run-ins and whacking other peoples opponents with steel chairs when the ref wasnt looking. Dont misunderstand, a heel Samoa Joe works just fine. In fact, many fans would probably prefer it, but Joe should always have an aura about him, a main event mystique, if you will, that is thoroughly trampled on when he engages in a largely nonsensical opening brawl or acts as a run-in guy during someone elses match. Recently, the news broke that Samoa Joe had severed ties with TNA management, which is a HUGE blow to the company. Although TNAs main featured performers at the moment are Lashley, Bobby Roode, MVP and Kurt Angle, amongst others, none of them can cover for the loss of Samoa Joe from the roster. Joes departure is the biggest loss to the company since the Spike TV deal and the overall implications could be almost as bad. TNAs public up swing took a major downward turn with the loss of Samoa Joe. The company was finally shedding its image as the promotion that let A.J Styles, Sting and Chris Daniels walk out the door and now this happens. FFS. The same also applies to the recent departure of Bully Ray, another of the companys top stars. So, as you can see, new TNA has proven to be something of a mixed bag. However, Destination America has taken more than a few steps in the right direction and the standard of wrestling, as usual, is very high overall, so theres still a lot to enjoy there. Despite a few early setbacks, it is pleasing to say that, at last, the future seems to be looking bright for TNA.
I am a professional author and lifelong comic books/pro wrestling fan. I also work as a journalist as well as writing comic books (I also draw), screenplays, stage plays, songs and prose fiction.
I don't generally read or reply to comments here on What Culture (too many trolls!), but if you follow my Twitter (@heyquicksilver), I'll talk to you all day long!
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Oh yeah - I'm about to become a Dad for the first time, so if my stuff seems more sentimental than usual - blame it on that!
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Latcho Drom,
- CQ
