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PARKS'S TAKE
PARKS'S TAKE: TNA's signing of Rampage Jackson is win-win

Jun 6, 2013 - 7:13:12 PM
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TNA's signing of Quinton "Rampage" Jackson may have raised some eyebrows, but for TNA, it really seems to be a win-win situation at this point. Jackson is a big enough name in MMA circles to perhaps create even just a minor buzz around TNA for the signing. Jackson is starting from scratch (and starting late - he's 35 years old) in training, but TNA won't lose much if Jackson doesn't pan out.

It's not likely they shelled out a ton of cash to get Jackson aboard. Because of the unique deal brokered by Spike TV between Bellator and TNA for Jackson's services, the costs were probably split by the three entities. It's incredibly important for TNA to get someone of Jackson's name value on the cheap.

Jackson debuts tonight on Impact, but what his long-term future holds remains to be seen. Will he train in OVW like King Mo? Will he make rare appearances in TNA while training or will he be a constant presence on the show? Will he be involved in the Aces & Eights storyline?

For the wrestling industry itself, this continues to stem the tide from years ago, where pro wrestlers were transitioning to MMA. Now that we've seen Lesnar, King Mo and Jackson going into professional wrestling, perhaps it adds some legitimacy to wrestling in the eyes of some in the mainstream. It also opens doors for current MMA stars to eventually try their hand at wrestling down the line.

This is not a make-or-break signing by TNA, and offers very low risk. If Jackson takes to pro wrestling and becomes a permanent member of the active roster, he's someone they can push who hasn't been a product of WCW or WWE. He wouldn't necessarily be a homegrown star and isn't someone they'd likely build around long-term due to his age and the wear-and-tear he's already accumulated, but he could be an occasional attraction for the company that needs more larger-than-life, buzzworthy characters.


Greg Parks has been a columnist for Pro Wrestling Torch since 2007. Follow him on Twitter @gregmparks for live Tweeting during Raw, Impact, and PPVs, as well as other bits of wisdom. Comments, questions and feedback are welcome, and can be sent to g_man9784@yahoo.com.


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