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RADICAN'S TAKE
Tales From The Pulpit: Carter's words ring hollow in new statement to TNA fans Feb 25, 2009 - 3:32:30 PM
Here are my reactions to TNA President Dixie Carter's letter to the TNA fans from TNAWrestling.com.
"I want to take this opportunity to personally thank all of you for making last Thursday's edition of TNA “iMPACT!" the most-watched broadcast in our company's history."
RADICAN'S RESPONSE
Yes, it's great that TNA raised their ratings to new heights last week, but will anyone that watched the show order a PPV besides the hardcore fans? Even those fans are starting to lose interest in the product.
"Last October, we invited wrestling fans around the world to "Cross The Line" and sample our product, whether it was watching "iMPACT!", ordering a Pay-Per-View, experiencing a live show or even visiting our website. We asked that if you enjoyed it, you would tell a friend about us. Well, you have responded and we are so grateful."
RADICAN'S RESPONSE
How much of the ratings increase is due to TNA giving away a marquee match between two of their biggest stars for free on TV? How much of the ratings increase is due to people staying at home because the economy is so bad that many people simply aren't spending money? Lastly, if the people that are tuning in are responding by not buying your PPVs, what does that say about your product?
"Since that time, TNA has also accomplished several major milestones including our debut in Hi-Def on SpikeTV, our first live television special from Las Vegas, our biggest event of the year with Bound For Glory and our hugely successful tour of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland.
"In 2009, we will celebrate seven years in business. The little company who no one gave a chance has grown by leaps and bounds because of you, our fans. We will continue to work hard to earn your support. Several big things are already being planned including April's brutal, all-steel cage pay-per-view, Lockdown, in Philadelphia, new superstars, new programming, a reinvigorated focus on the X Division, expansion of our online digital world and so much more.
"Once again, all thanks to you. You are loyal and passionate and we don’t take this opportunity you have given us for granted."
RADICAN'S RESPONSE
Shouldn't TNA be doing better after 7 years of being in business? I have no doubt the company would be doing better if it wasn't starting to resemble a country club for the stars of the WCW vs. WWF Monday Night War era.
The members of TNA management should ask themselves how many performers they showcase right now in main event PPV matches would be showcased in a WWE main event.
It's scary that those in TNA didn't learn anything from the Samoa Joe vs. Kurt Angle build for Lockdown last year and the numbers that particular PPV achieved.
Why did TNA choose to get away from that? It couldn't have anything to do with the top guys worried sick about what would happen to their spots if the promotion featured an entire card with compelling matches built in the same mold as Joe vs. Angle would it?
Dixie Carter can make all of the promises she wants, but actions speak louder than words and with TNA, it's obvious the status quo is good enough for the management and top acts in the company.
If everything is going so great for TNA right now after this big rating they pulled, than why are so many people in that locker room so miserable?
Contact me at PWTorchSean@gmail.com
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