TNA wrestling has been around since 2002, following the death of WCW and was started by Jeff and Jerry Jarrett. Since its inception, TNA has tried to be WWE lite and has failed repeatedly, often giving up on what made them successful like the X-Division and the Knockout’s division to focus on wrestlers let go by the WWE.
Rumours of TNA’s problems began since Spike TV refused to renew their contract at the end of 2014 causing them to move to Destination American, which effectively halved their viewership. TNA moved to Pop TV at the beginning of 2016 which hurt their viewer base even more.
Rumours of TNA’s dire financial situation have been floating around all year and reports that WWE want to buy TNA and their tape library surfaced early September. Will the sale go through? We don’t know for sure but there were rumours of renewed talks between Billy Corgan and WWE that surfaced last week. This, along with the rumours that TNA almost didn’t have the money to go through with the Bound For Glory show, just add strength to the sale rumours.
With the possibility of WWE buying TNA getting stronger, let’s take a look at what could happen if WWE buys TNA outright (and not just the tape library).
5: TNA gets shut down
The first thing WWE will do after purchasing TNA is the obvious – they’ll shut TNA down as fast as they can. No, they won’t continue with TNA as a separate brand and showcase it on the Network. WWE will have the option to bring in some of TNA’s talent but there is no chance of them keeping TNA alive when they already have NXT which is one of the hottest products in professional wrestling right now.
If WWE buys TNA, we will have another promotion out of business and gobbled up by the WWE juggernaut. It will mean one less place for upcoming wrestlers to go to look for more mainstream exposure. This purchase would be great for WWE but terrible for the wrestling industry as a whole. After all, TNA were the second biggest promotion in the United States less than a decade ago.
4: Episodes of TNA television added to the WWE Network
Let’s face it. The main reason that WWE purchased TNA is for their tape library. The WWE Network already has some great wrestling content from WWE, WCW and ECW along with some great classic programming from other promotions and TNA shows would be a great addition to the Network.
With AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, Bobby Roode and other former TNA stars taking WWE and NXT by storm, this is the best time for WWE to add TNA to the Network. There is a buzz and a demand amongst hardcore fans, and this will definitely sell subscriptions.
3: Hardy Boyz reunion
With WWE’s penchant for nostalgia acts, a Hardy Boyz reunion is something that is bound to happen if WWE pick up their contracts. Matt Hardy has reinvented himself this year with his “Broken Matt” character while Jeff has always been one of the most popular Superstars of his generation thanks to his charisma, ability, and knack of jumping off high places.
A Hardy Boyz reunion is something that will definitely excite casual fans but WWE have to handle this carefully. There is money to be made in a reunion but if WWE handles it like the Dudley Boyz’ latest run, then Matt and Jeff’s return to the WWE will fall flat just like Bubba and D-Von’s.
Also, don’t expect Lita to reunite with the Hardy Boyz.
2: Invasion Angle On NXT
Vince McMahon is definitely a fan of Invasion angles. From the terrible NWA invasion angle of 97/98 to the failed WCW and ECW invasion angle, Vince has tried to recreate the magic of the NWO’s original invasion of WCW. With the demise of TNA, Vince gets another shot at it even though it’ll be on a lesser scale in NXT and booked by Triple H.
With the plethora of ex-TNA talent already in NXT, WWE could definitely sign the likes of ECIII, Lashley and Drew Galloway and do a TNA invasion angle. And you know what, with NXT booking it, the angle will probably be awesome.
1: The eventual Rise and Fall of TNA DVD
WWE has proved over the years that their media department are as good as any out there. WWE’s promo packages are always quality and the documentaries and original programming are brilliant too. WWE have already made the Rise and Fall of WCW and Rise and Fall of ECW documentaries that did really well and with WWE buying TNA, we will definitely get a documentary of the life and death of TNA.
TNA’s story is also a very captivating one, which most mainstream fans will probably be unaware of seeing how WWE has ignored TNA’s existence for most of their lifespan. Another documentary that will definitely come out is one of AJ Styles’ career after his massively successful current run in the WWE. With the tape library in WWE’s hands, they have all the material they need.
