by James Caldwell, PWTorch.com assistant editor

Last week, we posted a TNA Survey with five questions on the direction of TNA to take the pulse of the discerning Torch reader's opinion of TNA.

Questions: (1) Has the Main Event Mafia angle been booked well and are you following TNA closer because of that heel faction? ... (2) When you tune in to TNA Impact, who are two or three wrestlers that you feel are the main attractions? ... (3) Do you watch TNA Impact more or less often than a year ago, and why? ... (4) Would you prefer TNA replace many short matches with fewer longer competitive matches throughout the show? ... (5) What is TNA's biggest weakness compared to WWE? And how about it's biggest strength?

Reax: (4) Would you prefer TNA replace many short matches with fewer longer competitive matches throughout the show?

Torch reader consent is for quality TV matches, but not simply for the sake of having long matches.

The two keys that Torch readers are pointing to are a way to differentiate from WWE, which has featured too many short matches on Raw recently, and to develop storylines, characters, and issues within the context of a 10-15 minute match.

Mike wrote: "TNA isn't going to win over new fans with its storylines and booking. The key for TNA is to focus on its in-ring product, and that means longer matches. And I don't mean ridiculously overbooked ones, but matches of a respectable length that tell a story and are able to further along the angles and storylines they're presenting."

Torch Trivia expert Dusty Robinson touches on one element of "sinking your teeth into the action." In an array of short matches, it's difficult to sit down and get emotionally involved in the action.

It would be like walking through a store and the sales clerk shows one product, but then quickly moves to another product, then another product before you have a chance to even understand what the first product was about. You can't make an educated "investment" in the product - whether it's the characters in the ring, the issue being played, or the future conflict to be resolved.

Torch reader Basstados points out the contrary of wanting to see more shorter matches because there are so many wrestlers on the roster: "Short matches are a must. Only one TV show a week for so many guys."

If TNA is going to stick to the short match formula with one or two featured matches per broadcast, the key would be for the wrestlers to work smarter matches that TNA's agents lay out pre-match. The issue in the ring becomes more important than the number of spots or moves performed.

In a limited window of time, it's about making the audience connect with the story, not shut down from being overloaded with too much action and not enough time to sink your teeth into what's happening.

Torch reader Marc says it's about quality over quantity: "I would like to see more wrestling period - longer or shorter matches. More wrestling and a better utilization of one of the most talented rosters assembled."

VIP member Niwir adds: "I think each Impact should have one decent length match, which while not necessarily being the main event, should be presented as the centerpiece of that week's show. Short matches are fine for the most part, but a squash here and there might not be a bad way to build up some of their top stars and guys they are trying to build."

Caldwell's Analysis: One of the benefits of the increased number of house shows TNA is running is allowing the wrestlers to have longer matches, but that also means it's a challenge to turn around at the TV tapings and cut those matches in half while still making the issue in the ring relevant to the audience.

The key isn't to incorporate more highspots or moves, but to simplify the story so that it stands out more on very fast-paced, content-packed Impact broadcasts.

Torch readers provided a variety of good perspectives on how to make that happen. Whether it's allowing for longer matches on the TV undercard to incorporate some of those well-reviewed house show matches or simplifying the stories in shorter matches, it's clear TNA needs to make an adjustment to grow the audience.

I've been an advocate of pre-match promos or video packages prior to shorter matches to help develop the back-story before anyone sets foot in the ring. TNA has tapped into that to a certain extent with the Rough Cut videos, but there still remains the infamous throw-it-at-the-wall X Division matches in hope that an issue or character resonates with the audience.

The key is making matches count and focusing on how to enhance the stories being played out in the ring whether they're four minutes or 14 minutes.

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