The new "Ask the Specialists" Roundtable is the latest spin-off from the "Ask the Torch" feature. CSI led to CSI: New York and CSI: Miami, which is where you'll find the Specialists tackling a daily topic submitted by PWTorch readers to askpwtorch@gmail.com.

Ask the Specialists Roundtable #8

- Question from PWTorch reader Adam Aviles: How do you guys feel about how the Willow character is presented in TNA? I feel it was odd that everyone just says its Jeff Hardy's alter ego and that's it. He's a pretty established star with no storyline mental issues and all of a sudden he's wearing a mask, acting odd/violent, wearing the same ring gear, and everyone just thinks of it as odd. Pretty much to say 'Well, that's Jeff Hardy for you.' If that's the case, then what's the point of even using different egos? I just feel like they should be talking about him and presenting him differently, but then again this is TNA. Thoughts?

- "Common Fan" Jimmy Eaton (@TheCommonFan) responds: From what I've seen of it... It's not my cup of tea. I really don't care for and think it's weird for the sake of being weird. I give Jeff credit for trying something different and wanting to bring his art into his character, but there seems to be no depth at all and it's just known for how crazy it is.

People know it's Jeff Hardy, yet they're playing it seemingly like the Abyss/Joseph Park stuff. It's another example of TNA being a bit of a mess from a storyline standpoint because right now as a viewer I have no idea why I should be rooting for him to succeed. But again, more power to Jeff for having the creative control to be able to do something he enjoys with something he created. It's just not for me.

- "Falls Count Anywhere" Tony Donofrio (@TonyDonofrio) responds: Adam, you are right, this is TNA. But, this is also what happens when wrestlers are given too much creative control, which is where I believe Jeff Hardy is allowed to portray this character with no other back story than "well, it's just Jeff behind a mask." The character does nothing for me and hopefully, sooner rather than later, TNA and Hardy will mutually see that it needs to be scrapped.

- "Mr. PPV" Nathan Kyght responds: This latest wacky Jeff Hardy angle is a tough one to defend. From the shrieking promos to the seeming indifference of the crowd, I'm not 100 percent on the idea behind making this transition for a guy who was the number one babyface on the roster. The fact that TNA doesn't go into much explanation other than "Jeff Hardy is weird" is unfortunately typical of a lot of the booking the company has shown over the last few months. You just have a sudden change and that's now the way it is.

Bully Ray, for example, went from using his motorcycle club to try to put the company out of business, to threatening to MURDER Mr. Anderson's family, and now he can't wait for fan approval. Um...okay? I used to love TNA, then I got kind of indifferent, and now it's just confusing. This is the same company that is booking a "committed match" between Ken Anderson and Sam Shaw at the PPV on Sunday. Between you and I? I don't think that legally you can commit someone to an ASYLUM with the explanation of "Well Doctor, he DID lose at Sacrifice." But, I digress.

Obviously the Willow character is something close to Jeff Hardy's heart and if he is being allowed a forum in which to present the character, then I guess more power to him. But, it's a jarring part of the broadcast, I don't think it's particularly entertaining, and I honestly think just putting Jeff Hardy out there would draw more money and that should probably be TNA's goal. Anyone that disagrees with me can head to the TNA site and buy a Willow umbrella to show their support. I'm not making that up.

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[ FYI: The specialists consist of a mix of current PWTorch contributors providing their opinion on today's wrestling scene and modern wrestling history questions, including Shawn Valentino, Michael Moore, Ben Tucker, Jon Mezzera, Justin James, Brian Leahy, Jimmy Eaton, Nathan Kyght, Tony Donofrio, and Mike Roe. ]

[Torch art credit Travis Beaven (c) PWTorch.com]

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