Matt Hardy is a 41 year-old WWE alumni with a beaten and tired body.
He's everything a TNA World Champion shouldn't be.
Yet, he may just be exactly what the company needs right now.
He's everything a TNA World Champion shouldn't be.
Yet, he may just be exactly what the company needs right now.
In what seems like a lifetime, TNA fans have pleaded for homegrown wrestlers to take charge and lead. At every turn, it seems Dixie Carter and co. have featured WWE's released talent over their own. This cycle has been well established and discussed to death. It's an undeniable trait that they will never steer away from.
As for previous examples, there was the Main Event Mafia's reign of terror that allowed/forced fans to embrace local wrestlers like AJ Styles even more. However, none of those locals were really able to topple M.E.M which made the story a bit meaningless.
This time around though, there's a chance for someone to get over that WWE-stigma. Ethan Carter III - yes, a former albeit forgettable WWE prospect - has grown himself into TNA's biggest star nonetheless. All signs point to him returning as a hero to collapse Hardy's growing empire. The only issue is: when should he do it?
With television network changes and constant story alterations, consistency has been missing the past couple years. There hasn't been an ultimate villain to be conquered. Professional wrestling is about "Good vs. Evil" after all, isn't it? TNA is at its best when there is a firm champion being chased (i.e. Jeff Jarrett, Bobby Roode in 2012, and Bully Ray in 2013). "Big Money" Matt Hardy fills that missing piece.
Hardy has the perfect gimmick for it too. He's the exact opposite of what a TNA fan wants as champion. The casual fans will dislike him because of the usual theatrics. Concurrently, the internet fans already despise him so even a smarky crowd will hiss at his general direction.
He's a self-made millionaire. He made a name for himself in WWE. WWE is profiting from his contributions, and he'll let you know about it. He's not in the best of shape, but he'll still work hard to get it done. Lastly, he's the best he's ever been on the microphone.
He exudes egotism with more than a hint of realistic disdain. His wife can pull off a pretty convincing stank face, and hiding behind baby Maxwell Hardy could be lovingly despicable.
EC3 will run after Hardy to the fans' applause, but there cannot be instant gratification. TNA should prolong it until the right time. Giving Matt a lengthy title reign will drive fans nuts, possibly enough to stay tuned for good.
Written by: Jacob Stachowiak
As for previous examples, there was the Main Event Mafia's reign of terror that allowed/forced fans to embrace local wrestlers like AJ Styles even more. However, none of those locals were really able to topple M.E.M which made the story a bit meaningless.
This time around though, there's a chance for someone to get over that WWE-stigma. Ethan Carter III - yes, a former albeit forgettable WWE prospect - has grown himself into TNA's biggest star nonetheless. All signs point to him returning as a hero to collapse Hardy's growing empire. The only issue is: when should he do it?
With television network changes and constant story alterations, consistency has been missing the past couple years. There hasn't been an ultimate villain to be conquered. Professional wrestling is about "Good vs. Evil" after all, isn't it? TNA is at its best when there is a firm champion being chased (i.e. Jeff Jarrett, Bobby Roode in 2012, and Bully Ray in 2013). "Big Money" Matt Hardy fills that missing piece.
Hardy has the perfect gimmick for it too. He's the exact opposite of what a TNA fan wants as champion. The casual fans will dislike him because of the usual theatrics. Concurrently, the internet fans already despise him so even a smarky crowd will hiss at his general direction.
He's a self-made millionaire. He made a name for himself in WWE. WWE is profiting from his contributions, and he'll let you know about it. He's not in the best of shape, but he'll still work hard to get it done. Lastly, he's the best he's ever been on the microphone.
He exudes egotism with more than a hint of realistic disdain. His wife can pull off a pretty convincing stank face, and hiding behind baby Maxwell Hardy could be lovingly despicable.
EC3 will run after Hardy to the fans' applause, but there cannot be instant gratification. TNA should prolong it until the right time. Giving Matt a lengthy title reign will drive fans nuts, possibly enough to stay tuned for good.
Written by: Jacob Stachowiak