TNA Wrestling, or IMPACT Wrestling, as they are more commonly known these days, is a company that has seen every peak and every pit that a roller coaster can offer. They were a once thriving underground operation, running shows out of the famous Nashville Fairgrounds. This was when the company was seeing its very best in-ring action and the cult following was almost bursting at the seams.
Then something happened and the once surging promotion decided they wanted to jump into the world they were not ready for. Instead of growing off of the success they were enjoying, TNA decided they wanted to be seen as a company who could possibly rival Vince McMahon and his juggernaut WWE. Unfortunately for TNA, they were not at all prepared for that journey.
TNA has gone through leaders, top talent, storylines and everything else that is operated under a professional wrestling umbrella. They have struggled through the Dixie Carter leadership, tested the waters with a rock-star and have now gone back to the drawing board by inserting the original face of the company back into the picture, which is, of course, Jeff Jarrett. Since arriving, Jarrett has certainly taken the bull by the horns, so-to-speak and has shown the world that he wants his company to be taken seriously.
To his credit, Jeff has already made huge strides in the right direction, primarily by going after and signing hot, new talent. As it stands, Impact has already added mega-star names such as Alberto el Patron, top free agent Matt Sydal and one of the best heavyweights of the past decade in the indie scene, Jax Dane, now known as Wilcox in the Veterans of War tag team. Needless to say, the talent pool is growing and that has always been an issue with TNA.
Along with all of the recent changes, the most significant change has been the partnership with Anthem Sports, which is the company who essentially took over and provided the financial backing needed to salvage Impact Wrestling.
So, when you look at the current TNA roster, there are several big names at the top of the roster. The company is going to have to depend on all of these guys sticking around, in order to make the new overhauling a success. But, the “what if’s” still remain. One of those “what if’s” involves the top talent.
When looking at the main eventers, here is a list of the 5 names who would cripple the promotion, if they were to depart the company. Here’s a look at 5 TNA Stars whose departure would kill Impact Wrestling.
#5 Moose
Since arriving in TNA, Moose has not only captured the hearts of the fanbase, but he has also gained the respect of an entire locker room. His size, presence and overall natural athleticism are simply unmatched. Moose has brought a new energy to the company that they have needed for quite some time.
As the two-time and current TNA Impact Grand Champion, this 6’5”, 300-pound monster is ready to move up and compete for TNA’s top prize, which would be the Impact World Championship.
#4 Low-Ki
From time to time, Low-Ki has to take a brief hiatus from TNA, but it appears he is back for good this time and it could not have come at a better time.
Low-Ki is such a versatile and exciting performer to witness live. I have often mentioned that Low-Ki moves like a ninja. He's quick, deceptively strong and capable of working with the heavyweights, just as easily as he works with the guy in the X-Division, which happens to be the same division he put on the map and helped legitimise.
He is a part of an upstart movement and at this point in his career, he’s ready to step up and be one of the leaders of this movement. This is absolutely one star that Impact Wrestling needs for the long-haul.
#3 Alberto El Patron
I may not be happy with the way things fell apart with the WWE and Alberto and I certainly wish things would have transpired differently. But, in this business, you can always expect the unexpected.
Nonetheless, Alberto El Patron left the WWE and immediately became one of the most sought after free agents in the world. After testing the waters in various areas, Alberto has since made TNA’s Impact Wrestling his new home and if things are done right, we could see Alberto in the six-sided ring for a long time to come.
TNA cannot afford to lose anyone with name brand appeal. The whole world knows who Alberto is. That alone is an asset within itself, which they should hold on closely to.
#2 Lashley
Bobby Lashley is the most underrated heavyweight in the world, in my opinion. He has been one of the most consistent performers, in and out of the ring, for decades. Lashley is the perfect representative to carry a company, especially one like TNA.
One of the best attributes about Lashley is his sincere humbleness and the way he treats his fans, as well as colleagues. I feel safe in assuming that if you were to question the TNA locker room about their thoughts on Bobby Lashley, the results would be nothing but positivity.
Lashley sits high atop the TNA mountain, as the current Impact World Heavyweight Champion, a title he has held now for four combined reigns. Don't look for that trend to slow down anytime soon as TNA officials should certainly hold tight to this valuable asset.
#1 Ethan Carter III (EC3)
I often wonder what this guy would have accomplished, had he not been released from his WWE contract. While cuts are a part of the business, which will always exist, it’s always difficult for a company to cut someone, then watch them move on to become one of the top stars in the world, which is exactly what happened in this situation.
EC3 left WWE and quickly became THE guy in Impact Wrestling. Everything about EC3 screams “money!” This guy has the look, the presence, the confidence and all the other tools needed to become one of the best in the business, which is exactly what happened when Ethan Carter III was created.
EC3 is the cornerstone of TNA Wrestling. He is someone who is also capable of carrying an entire company on his shoulders. Of all the talent on the Impact roster, EC3 is the man among men and without question, Carter is the franchise player for TNA and needs to be treated as such.
