The following is the debut column of WrestleZone.com’s newest opinionist, Bob Bamber.
Hardcore Justice – One step forward, two steps back?
Unlike many people, I’m not intrinsically against the idea of TNA resurrecting ECW. That’s not to say that I would be doing it if I were booking TNA right now, but I can think of worse things that Dixie Carter could book in the next few weeks.
It will create interest around the Hard Justice PPV that wouldn’t have been created otherwise. And, if you believe the rumoured TNA buyrates of their last two pay per views, then this makes quite a bit of sense for TNA. And if Tommy Dreamer is in charge of the booking of the show, I’m sure he will do a fine job with it.
In truth there has never been a better time to book this angle. As much as I believe in the long term that TNA must do it’s best to create a brand that is similar to the WWE – because that’s where a majority of their future fans are, a hardcore TNA PPV in the shadow of PG WWE certainly isn’t bad booking.
My problem with this show is long term TNA. I see no scenario with this show (good or bad) where the company can benefit long term. If the product is booked well, you will do two things. One you’ll attract people to a product that isn’t yours. And secondly, what does this show going well do for current TNA talent?
For people like Desmonde Wolfe, Jay Lethal, The Pope – three people who should be being pushed to the mountains by TNA right now. Congratulations lads, you’ve been outdrawn by a bunch of guys twice your age who were barely relevant the first time ECW was resurrected 5 years ago.
I’m not a TNA hater, far from it. I’ve only been watching TNA for a few months, and (despite TNA making it tougher than it should be) I do like the product. But that’s the thing, I like the TNA product – I don’t want to see that put on hold just for the sake of a few extra Pay Per View buys.
What does it say for this program that Paul Heyman wants no involvement in it? I’ve not been one for saying that TNA should roll over just to bring Heyman in, because he shouldn’t be the be all and end all. But if the founder of E(xtreme)CW wants no part of it, then that cannot bode well for this show.
The problem is that there is very little demand for it. TNA say they listen to their fans. Well I’m a fan, so Dixie, if you’re out there. I want to see TNA push their stars, not ECW’s old stars. I want to see TNA to chase long term rewards, not short term prizes. Jay Lethal and The Pope were both absent from iMPACT! this week, just so we could see Tommy Dreamer beg for one last night…
… ECW had it’s one last night five years ago. It’s dead – move on.
Bob Bamber
If anyone has any comments on this, feel free to email me on bobbamber@hotmail.co.uk.
