LaBar: Why WWE shouldn't buy TNA Wrestling
Just like clockwork, WWE is potentially buying TNA Impact Wrestling. That train is never late.
The latest arrival is courtesy of the New York Post in an article talking about rock star Billy Corgan, who is an executive for TNA Impact Wrestling. The Post cites rumors that both WWE and Sinclair Broadcasting have bids in to purchase TNA.
When contacted Sunday night, WWE “respectfully” declined comment.
Sinclair owns Ring of Honor wrestling, which has gotten syndicated around the country and is widely viewed as the top of the independent wrestling promotions. Sinclair would make more sense than any to attempt to buy TNA simply because TNA is the closest competition to it in terms of talent contracts and distribution in the United States.
However, the need to purchase TNA seems moot as ROH has operated and grown quite well in recent years. In fact, I'd even say that my judging of the pro wrestling landscape externally as a fan and internally as an active insider and performer would suggest TNA's existence has helped ROH's image.
While TNA has strived to be more on the level of WWE, it's more accurate to describe it as a well-funded independent company like ROH. TNA does have better talent top to bottom than ROH, but perception is reality, especially in the cult-like world of pro wrestling.
Perception is ROH is constantly pushing to put out the best product possible. Perception is TNA has long since tried to be WWE and never can or will be.
So, let's get to WWE.
Let me make clear, my perception of TNA as a whole is different than that of TNA recently. I feel TNA's programming over the past six months is some of its best ever. I credit Dave Lagana, Matt Hardy, Billy Corgan and any lack of Dixie Carter possibly running a business that it seems didn't fit her like a glove.
The thought of WWE buying TNA is headline click bait with no logic behind it.
WWE bought out WCW and won the Monday Night War in 2001 because WCW was a serious and direct threat to WWE for years. Eric Bischoff led WCW with Ted Turner's money and almost put Vince McMahon out of business. That's never been close to the case with TNA.
TNA is a pro wrestling company which is appealing to many in the business and audience because WWE does not label itself as that.
WWE has gotten back to basics in some regards, specifically with its NXT brand, but it still brands itself as entertainment competing against everything on television. In the years it faced WCW, Vince always pushed storytelling entertainment as WWE's modus operandi but still understood the company used a wrestling ring as its stage and its opponent in WCW did the same.
The game has changed.
While WWE's ratings have declined with fewer people watching or methods changing to watch like DVR and streaming outlets, you can't argue the company is making more money than ever maximizing on the audience that's there.
Why purchase TNA?
When WWE purchased WCW, it not only ended the competition war but also acquired some valuable talent in front of and behind the curtain. TNA does offer that, but nowhere near at the volume WCW did.
Truth be told, the showcasing a TNA show on WWE's Network would be redundant to its NXT programming, and NXT still does it better and is a WWE creation.
The TNA tape library is the true commodity for WWE. With the WWE Network, archived video is golden value to add to its programming to satisfy the repeat $9.99 subscriber.
Why buy TNA's video library?
There are only four names who are of value to WWE in the TNA library but all come with variables.
The first is Sting.
The icon spent a decade with TNA, but reality is he finally got to WWE and had his grand stage moment. There's nothing of need in TNA to fill in his documentary for WWE. His work in TNA was enjoyable, but not critical to his legacy.
Next, is Kurt Angle.
He'll eventually return to WWE. He surprisingly left WWE for TNA over a decade ago. His WWE return is highly anticipated. While Angle has had some great matches in WWE, his time away from WWE can be narrated as an era of gained maturity before returning home. Some of his TNA matches would be nice, but not needed. Some words of explanation from Angle and others along with easier obtained picture can describe that period in his life.
Also, there is AJ Styles
He's recently became one of the most decorated ever with his world title win in WWE. But, quick photos and storytelling could suffice. The cherry on top of those accomplishments is still WWE. That's the final piece of the puzzle. Is that worth millions asked upon of a TNA video library?
Finally, Matt Hardy.
The “Broken” one is the only one who left WWE after becoming a star who really has done must-see video on TNA. It's hard to describe the creative conquests he's been part of in TNA without seeing it. Hardy will return to WWE sooner than later, likely with brother Jeff nearby. When he does, his memorable episodes on TNA expanding his character and its television will either be bargained for or Hardy will have some pre-negotiated ownership to the cinematic battles that took place on his property.
That might sound ridiculous, but just remember how often Matt Hardy has been the smartest guy in the room with the renaissance of his career — both the character and who he performs for under what stipulations.
WWE buying TNA isn't needed.
TNA is either going to have a rebirth needed under the change in management, or it will disappear slowly and naturally.
Just think, Bobby Roode spent nearly 15 years as one of the faces of TNA and in one 90-second entrance in front of a WWE/NXT crowd with his “Glorious” theme song, all of his TNA legacy was overshadowed. The power of the machine.
Power to Roode, power to NXT and reality to the perception of TNA from the mass WWE audience.
WWE buying TNA isn't anything we should be expecting anytime soon, unless WWE's anticipated physical Hall of Fame location in Orlando includes a bonus to occupy TNA's property.
TNA has some emerging talent and entertaining stories, but it's not a must-buy for WWE. If it ever does, it will be on eBay.
Justin LaBar is a Tribune-Review staff writer. He can be reached at jlabar@tribweb.com or via Twitter @JustinLaBar.
