My Thoughts: WWE and TNA

As I had mentioned in my introductory blog, I love professional wrestling. It has always been my favorite T.V. show. Be it, WWE, the defunct WCW or TNA. I couldn't/can't wait to view their weekly programs. It is just good entertainment and I can't get enough.

In the beginning:

WWE:

A fan since 1987, I lived and breathed Hulk Hogan. I almost literally bled red and yellow. I was, also, your classic wrestling fan, loving the faces (good guys) and hating the heels (bad guys). Every X-mas and Birthday I received wrestling paraphernalia. From action figures to pajamas to underwear, that's all I asked for.

The '80's and early '90's were a great time for wrestling. WWE had awesome wrestlers and great story lines. I buy many of the DVDs that WWE releases and those characters and matches are still amazing to watch.

As time wore on, Hogan left WWE and Bret "Hitman" Hart was THE guy. He was MY guy. Still is too, Bret Hart and The Undertaker are tied for my favorite wrestler of all time. Their characters, quality of work and longevity are paralleled by few.

Then came the attitude era. It was edgy, wild and unpredictable. A new generation of wrestlers emerged. Those guys were doing the coolest and craziest stuff in and around the ring. Is it any wonder that WCW folded? WWE had better story lines, younger more athletic wrestlers and took women wrestlers to a whole new level. Another great time to be a wrestling fan.

TNA:

I first started to watch TNA in '06. I thought it was kind of boring, to be honest. I'd watch every now and again to try and keep up with what they were doing. I kept watching because I LOVE the wrestling business. I think wrestling is an art form. I couldn't make myself just not watch another night of wrestling a week. So, once I started to get to know their wrestlers and become familiar with their product, I watched every week.


I have a great appreciation for TNA and what they are doing. They have young, hungry wrestlers. Their talent can put on a show like nobody's business. It is really something to watch those guys and gals paint, if you will.

Women Wrestlers:

WWE:

In the late '90's, WWE brought back women's wrestling. They hit the ground running and haven't lost any momentum. There are some things that need to change, though. I hate the pillow fighting and jumping around in their underwear. I watch wrestling to see wrestling, not that. Yes, they are EXTREMELY hot, but they can do so much more than just tease the male audience. This is really just a moot point now. Since WWE has gone in their "kid friendly" direction, they just wrestle. That's the only good thing to come from the "kid friendly" thing. More on that later.

The other thing that needs to change is more air time for the "Diva's", as they are affectionately known. They are only out there for five minutes or so. I've watched tag team matches where all the competitors don't even get the chance to wrestle. They just stand on the ring apron. WWE has some phenomenal talent on their hands. I just don't want to see it wasted.

TNA:

They know what to do with their wrestlers. They are still sexy as hell, but are getting more air time. Most important of all, they are well respected. These athletes are having amazing, physical matches. TNA has also given them a tag team division. Which proves that TNA has faith in their talent. I'm really happy with what TNA is doing with their women's division.

Kid Friendly:

WWE:

I hate censorship. Wrestling is a physical, violent sport. The way wrestling was, is no worse than MANY video games. Kids are splattering pedestrians all over the sidewalk with cars and guns, or blowing up mutant aliens and zombies. Seriously, who cares? So why change wrestling?

Evey time a wrestler bleeds, they stop the match and a referee seals up the cut. Ridiculous!! If anything, seeing a wrestler bleed will deter them from trying it at home. Maybe it won't, but this sucks.

TNA:

Smash-mouth wrestling, blood, broken furniture, sexy chicks beating the hell out of each other....that's wrestling.

INNOVATION:

WWE:

WrestleMania, Survivor Series, the Royal Rumble Match, Casket Match, Iron Man, Hell in a Cell, Elimination Chamber, ect. Only praise for WWE and their innovation. The latest thing they've done to shake things up is have concept pay-per-views (PPV's). Extreme Rules, for example. Every match on the card has a stipulation. It's a street fight or cage match or Falls count Anywhere, ect. I love it.

TNA:

They have been innovators from the word, "go". The six-sided ring, the X-division, the LockDown PPV, Ultimate X, the Lethal LockDown match, Monster's Ball, King of the Mountain, ect. Only praise for TNA as well.

Both companies are constantly trying to better themselves and give the fans more than they paid for.

So, these are my thoughts on WWE and TNA. I truly love pro wrestling. You should check it out sometime.