Just when it seemed as if TNA Impact Wrestling was making a single turn for validated improvement, the fans are left with a sour taste as Sting will be challenging Bully Ray for the world title at Slammiversary 2013. Yes, Sting. The one who will make this his 4th Slammiversary pay per view where he is involved in the TNA world title picture. Granted, I understand that it is common to see a top star competing for the top title consecutively at annual pay per views, but when does someone say “enough is enough” when it comes to these veterans constantly smothering the world title scene?

When both Sting and Hulk Hogan arrived at TNA, fans were under the impression that this would be company’s prime opportunity to assist in putting over some of the younger talent who are coming up in the company. But this has been quite the opposite. Sting debuted in TNA in January of 2006, and the company instantly felt the difference. Even though it was expected that he’d had a world title run here and there, no one would think that this position would last for seven years. But here we are.

For the last few weeks, Impact Wrestling has ended its show with Hogan and Sting fighting off and striking fear into the hearts of the terror group, The Aces of Eights. Yes, the same Aces of Eights who have wreaked havoc and destruction across the company, adding victims’ names to their list. So how does it make sense for the likes of an aged Sting and a one hip and bad leg Hogan to fight off an entire group of thugs whom hold two major TNA titles?

Hogan had always been known for his extreme backstage politicking to make sure that his spot and a spot for his friends are always secured, but this method of his has been alive since 1985. For almost the last 30 years, the Hogan “good ole boys” network has been cancerous of the pro wrestling world, and on the contrary to his beliefs that his name alone generates ratings, this couldn’t be further from the truth. TNA Television ratings on Spike TV are the same rating as before when Hogan arrived and the company’s most sought after pay per views are the ones where Hogan is not a main factor (i.e.: Destination X 2011 and 2012 and One Night Only: X-Division).

The fans have spoken loud and clear that they have a much fonder appreciation of quality in right talent, such as Austin Aires, Bobby Roode, Kenny King, Chris Sabin, Zima Ion, Kaz and Christopher Daniels. TNA has a world of possibilities to set themselves apart as an innovative company, but implementing this archaic factor into the wrestling product is doing more harm than help.

 

Maurice D. Proffit is a Writer for Rant Sports