The Rise & Fall Of TNA | Wrestling Timelines

17. November 5, 2009 | Step Up, Losers!

Dixie Carter
TNA

In what is nothing less than one of the stupidest moments ever broadcast on a pro wrestling TV show - on multiple levels - Dixie Carter addresses the locker room. 

Babyfaces and heels sit together, but that’s the least of our worries. In something that should not even be happening behind the scenes, let alone on national television, Dixie Carter - widely considered a figure that TNA has found a place in wrestling in spite of - questions the attitude and motivation of her talent roster, depicted here well beyond the parameters of kayfabe. Referencing the controversial October signing of Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff, Dixie lays down the law, telling the talent that she expects them to support her “100%”. Dixie says that she has chosen to risk her finances behind “each and every one of you”, although she did not, obviously, found Panda Energy herself. In a barbed statement, Carter says “It’s time for us to swing for the fences, it really is”. Any neutral, new observer would be under the impression that the roster is bad at their craft and unmotivated to get any better. Even if this were true - it is not - you do not say it on TV.

 “No great success comes without risk, and I’m great with that,” says the heiress to an extravagant family fortune. “I’m asking all of you to step it up,” Dixie concludes. 

Almost everybody within and following wrestling believes that the problem with TNA is in its creative approach. AJ Styles is considered one of the best wrestlers alive. So too is Kurt Angle. Sting is the absolute model of professionalism at this stage of his career. The promotion is well-stocked with critically acclaimed and dependable veteran talent. TNA fans do not chant “Fire AJ!”; they chant “Fire Russo!”

What’s even dumber about this insanity is that something so shocking and unfamiliar that it once more borders on the surreal unfolds in the last few months of 2009: TNA gets good. 

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick (Creative Writing BA Hons) is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over a decade of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential UK institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!