By Chris Newth, PWTorch contributor

Before we get to the Royal Rumble line-up, let me preface with a note on the Bischoff/Hogan version of TNA: The last few weeks of the show has seen a lot of concrete changes, and I get the impression that a spate of ideas are being thrown against the proverbial wall hoping for some traction, some stickage, if you will (and don‘t bother looking up “stickage” anywhere; I made it up). So the company is rapidly revamping many of its essentials, most notably in the production and writing of the program.

In the last week or two, TNA has effectively altered its image. The new decision-makers have done a laudable job transforming Impact into something that looks more on par with the production level on which WWE works, while at the same time distancing themselves enough to present a unique product. For example, the four-sided ring provides TNA with a more professional appearance, but their elevated entrance ramp leading to the ring distinguishes the company from their big-time rival. Also, Impact’s new sleek logo design and subsequent updated graphics package gives TNA more of an A-show feel. The new look might seem small, but this more polished appearance really lends the company credibility over that grimy look they were championing in the past.

And on the written (and performing) side of things--the creative side--TNA is beginning to show specks of genius. Some of the main storylines, although much better than they were, could still use a bit of work, but the way they are starting to enhance specific characters should make WWE take note. Particularly good is A.J. Styles’s heel turn. The series of interchanges he has with Ric Flair, his new self-absorbed and superficially-driven attitude, and the entourage of women that perpetually circles him rounds out his new character. Now when you picture A.J. Styles, you have a better idea of who he is beyond the fact that he’s an awe-inspiring and amazingly talented in-ring wrestler.

Same thing goes for other TNA stars who are beginning to stand out. One more example: On TNA’s first-ever live Monday night show head-to-head against WWE, they re-introduced Jeff Hardy to the company. Forget about how he saved the opening segment for a minute. As far as I’m concerned, the most important scene for Hardy was actually when he was leaving the arena with Shannon Moore. It was there that TNA showed how they were changing gears. They had a unique exchange where a couple fawning fans ran up to Hardy pleading for an autograph. He obliged, then took off.

So what’s the big deal? It’s more clever than you might think. TNA had one of their stars actually appearing like a star. They set up a scene in which Hardy was made to look like someone really popular, important, and worth watching. It’s one thing to get people in the Impact Zone to cheer for you--nearly every babyface in the company can get that; but to have a few adoring fans run up to Hardy outside reaffirms his star power and places that image in the back of viewers’ minds. Little details like that can be instrumental in defining characters, and TNA has been sporadically hitting the right notes recently.

On the other hand, WWE is sitting on their own success. They have built an audience and have found a formula that makes them content. While at times the company can fall into a perfunctory state, they still have a seemingly impenetrable ratings base that doesn’t drop below a certain point no matter how weak a particular show might be. At the same time, WWE has also created some really intriguing stars and storylines, and their production values are unmatched. They have some real goldmines hiding just beneath the surface, and you can see some of their strengths by just looking at the Royal Rumble card.

Which storyline has WWE written and executed best? Which is the most interesting? Most intense? Which rivalry's culmination will compel you to either order the Royal Rumble PPV or to read the results online? Who has done the best job relaying their character’s struggles, motivations, and objectives? Who has been the most impressive wrestler within the context of their role on the show?

Let’s take a look at the line-up: Taker-Mysterio, Sheamus-Orton, Christian-Jackson, McCool-Mickie, and of course the Rumble event itself.

Out of all of these feuds, I’d find it hard not to give the McCool-Mickie rivalry the nod for the most impassioned, emotional PPV build-up. However, each of these upcoming matches has some stand-out quality that could pique somebody’s interest.

Taker-Mysterio draws attention on the mismatched aspect alone. WWE pitted the shortest wrestler on the Smackdown roster with one of the tallest, and unlike most David-versus-Goliath bouts, this one features two of WWE’s most celebrated and athletic veterans. The downside, of course, is Batista’s inextricable presence in the program. Although he may be in one of the best character stages of his career, Batista shouldn’t be overshadowing what could be a truly exciting battle between Undertaker and Rey Mysterio.

The selling point for the Sheamus-Orton rivalry is the heel vs. heel dynamic. Sure, most audiences will tune out and withhold any sense of passion. And yes, indifference may be the overall reaction this match receives, but Sheamus needs to continue to prove himself main-event worthy. If anyone can get him there, it’s Randy Orton.

As for the ECW Title feud, I think it had been pretty deflated up until the last week. People are saying that Jackson has no shot at winning, but I wouldn’t be so sure. WWE clearly backs him, and he’s shown tremendous improvements. Plus, if Christian defeats him, it could kill Zeke’s momentum, whereas if Christian loses, the chase for the title begins anew for Captain Charisma. Ezekiel is not only getting better on the mic, but he also seems naturally content with himself--what would be described as overconfidence if he couldn’t back up his words. He’s not a cowardly heel, but a monster one. And with William Regal as a secondary mouthpiece, Ezekiel Jackson could prove to be a really strong character. He’s mastered his post-match celebration, looking both smarmy and elitist after defeating someone.

The Rumble itself is its own draw, and WWE presents the build-up better in some years than in others. I think that there are too few wrestlers with legitimate chances at winning. The same top names come to mind when you consider the likely outcome even though this special event should favor just about anyone involved, including the midcard. The only logistical downside to having someone like Yoshi Tatsu or Cody Rhodes win the match is that WWE only has about two months to push them as a World Title contender. Lesser names will likely mean a lesser draw for WrestleMania, and WWE obviously doesn’t want to risk it.

And to wrap things up, let me just say that more credit should be given to the current feud between Women’s Champion Michelle McCool and the top babyface diva of the entire WWE, Mickie James. These two have spent months telling their story both in and out of the ring. The primary theme has revolved around what the ideal female figure happens to be, and Michelle McCool has taken it upon herself to be the impartial judge. She deemed that Mickie was too overweight, while Maria was too undernourished.

The idea, of course, is absurd. Perhaps only a handful of people fit somewhere between Mickie and Maria in terms of body type. But this bizarre, exaggerated criticism by McCool has left Mickie in tears multiple times, raising questions of Mickie James’s emotional fragility. It also suggests bullying in Mickie’s past, something to which many people can relate. So the story told by these women has resonance and substance if you look beyond the fat suits and swine-shaped cakes. Mickie plays her part to perfection, crying on camera to express deep sadness and vulnerability. Michelle McCool, on the other hand, lives up to that pretentious mean girl stereotype that so many people love to hate. The story is solid (despite Matt Striker’s obnoxious giggles) and the characters are well-defined. Also, because this rivalry has lasted a few months, its pace seems perfect with the culmination arriving at the Royal Rumble this Sunday.

Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Feel free to email me at newthtorch@hotmail.com

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