High Road/Low Road 01.08.10: Jeff Hardy In TNA
Posted by Chad Nevett on 01.08.2010
In this week's edition of the High Road/Low Road, we discuss Jeff Hardy joining TNA. Is this a good move for TNA or is this a huge mistake for TNA? Find out what we think inside.
Welcome back to the High Road/Low Road!
A brief explanation of the column: Sat takes the High Road (positive view) on angles, gimmicks, and other wrestling related "stuff" while Chad Nevett takes the Low Road (negative view).
Results for TNA-WWE Head to Head:
High Road: 56%
Low Road: 13%
Both Roads: 31%
Chad Nevett: I expected the high road to win, but am surprised at how many chose both roads. Some guarded optimism is usually the smartest way to go in these situations.
Sat: I also expected the high roads to win, but I was expecting to be by a larger margin.
Jeff Hardy In TNA
High Road:
Jeff Hardy joining TNA was definitely the most shocking moment of the night. We all expected Ric Flair to join TNA eventually. We knew that Scott Hall, Sean Waltman, and the Nasty Boys were going to be in attendance. I think that when we look back, Jeff Hardy joining TNA will be similar to when Lex Luger joined WCW.
Low Road:
I can't argue with the shock factor (even despite the rumors swirling on Monday about his presence in Orlando), but the actual execution of his arrival was pretty bad. He comes through the crowd with little fanfare, mixes it up for two seconds with Homicide, climbs the cage, and then paints pictures backstage. How about having him do something? For anyone who hasn't watched wrestling a long time (a group Hogan was supposed to bring in somewhat), it was a non-event when it didn't have to be. Having Hardy actually compete would have been a much better way of introducing him.
High Road:
TNA knew that they were not going to win the rating war against the WWE. I think that is one of the main reasons that they introduced Jeff Hardy in the first hour because they were guaranteed to have people watching who were waiting for RAW to start. Plus, after seeing his arrival people probably started to wonder what else TNA had under their sleeves and they would have been more likely to stay with Impact instead of changing the channel.
Low Road:
The poor manner in which he arrived also sends the message that while surprise arrivals may happen, nothing of consequence will actually occur. That reduces the surprises to soundbytes rather than something that must be seen. Seeing Hardy arrive live and hearing that he joined TNA were virtually identical, so why bother actually watching Impact?
High Road:
You could probably argue that Jeff Hardy made a mistake to join TNA, but I don't think that is fair. I think that Jeff Hardy joined TNA because he wants to wrestle, but he wants a lighter wrestling schedule. TNA can offer that while the WWE can not. I think that Jeff could have gotten more money from the WWE, but at the end of the day, I think he wanted to spend more time at home.
Low Road:
At the same time, TNA may not be good for Hardy since they are much more lax in their cracking down on talent with substance abuse problems. It's not my place to discuss Hardy's personal life, but there is at least some measure of comfort that, in the WWE, they try and keep their talent clean and provide whatever assistance to that effect. TNA, in its desperation to compete with the WWE, looks the other way much more.
High Road:
The one thing that I am willing to concede is that Jeff Hardy's court case could be a huge problem for TNA. If I had to guess, I think that TNA probably did their due diligence to make sure that this will not be a problem, but granted TNA has done some stupid moves in the past.
Low Road:
As has been pointed out, an indictment isn't damning and is, apparently, very easy to obtain. And, of course, Hardy is innocent until proven guilty. But, the timing of the indictment did not make TNA or Hardy look good. When Hardy debuted, news of the indictment hadn't been released, but it still seemed a questionable move to sign him because of the drug charges hanging over him. Whatever the reality is, it simply does not come off as the move a serious, professional company would be making at this time. We're expected to take TNA seriously and this move shows that they're far more concerned with a short-term surprise than long-term consequences, and that's an amateurish image to have.
High Road:
Jeff Hardy is definitely going to help TNA in multiple categories. I see his merchandise sales helping TNA and I think the potential is there to see Jeff Hardy's TNA DVD re-released. Jeff Hardy is also going to help TNA draw in the female viewer ship. We have seen Jeff Hardy have a huge influence on the female population and I see this continuing in TNA.
Low Road:
The crossover between the WWE and TNA is debatable when it comes to the fanbase and Hardy has been out of the general audience's eyes for four months, which may not seem like a long time, but is enough for people to forget about him. I think this is an area where the surprise arrival of Hardy hurt TNA as advertising his involvement with Hogan's may have brought in the female viewers you mentioned right off the bat. Now, it's a matter of hoping that things slowly build as people learn that Hardy is in TNA.
High Road:
Jeff Hardy was a world champion for the WWE just a few months ago and now he is with TNA. I think that this is one of the things that makes it a huge signing for TNA. TNA has not brought in a guy from the WWE that was world champion just a few months ago. They have been bringing in guys who were world champions, but were on the tail end of their careers. Hopefully, TNA continues to make the Jeff Hardy's signing a big deal.
Low Road:
This could be big, but they seem intent on not capitalizing on that world champion status by putting Hardy into a feud with Homicide, a guy who hasn't been able to even win the X-Division title off Amazing Red. I don't want this to come off as being negative on Homicide as I like him, but Hardy's world champion status means zip if it's not used to push Hardy in TNA. He doesn't have to be the number one contender and scheduled to face AJ Styles soon, but at least placing him within the sphere of main eventers is warranted, or it's a waste.
High Road:
Jeff Hardy's arrival in TNA has created for some interesting matches. I'm not going to spend too much time on this, but if you look at the roster, every match up looks very intriguing. I think that this will help TNA's buy rate a bit and keep the fans interested.
Low Road:
Any new addition to a roster creates interesting match possibilities. This is only a positive if you like Jeff Hardy and TNA actually follows through on the promise of new, interesting matches.
High Road:
While I am writing this before anything has officially been announced, I think that it is a smart move to have Jeff Hardy face off against Homicide in his first feud. Since Jeff Hardy was a world champion for the WWE, it would seem like a mistake to start him against an X-Division competitor. I would argue that it would be a mistake to abandon a very good Angle/Styles program just to insert Hardy into the main event. Plus, Hardy has not wrestled for a few months, so he is going to have to get into ring shape. I see him being in the main event in a few months.
Low Road:
What about Daniels, Desmond Wolfe, or Samoa Joe? Why not have Hardy feud with one of them? How about playing up the real life friendship of Joe and CM Punk, using the WWE's own storytelling to help put over that feud? He doesn't need to be in the main event, but putting him up against main event talent is the smart move here.
Simply write "High Road", "Low Road", or "Both Roads" in the comment section.
E-Mails:
These are all of the e-mails that we received this week. We do not respond to the actual e-mail, but the reply to your e-mail will be below.
Freddy Neuwendyke Writes:
High road. This is what the business needs. Competition is what drives companies to be creative. It's no big secret WWE is in a huge rut and TNA needs direction. Hopefully competition is just the thing to force both companies to be creative instead of the same old same old.
As for the Fiesta Bowl well wrestling is always gonna be up against some show somewhere. It ain't like back in the `50s when TV was only the DuMont network, ABC, and NBC. Every program is competing against something. That's the way the biz goes. It's not up to the other networks to make room for wrasslin' it's up to wrasslin' to step up their game and prove they can hang in the bigs.
No more excuses about holidays, football, basketball, hockey, baseball, auto racing, olympics, poker games, spelling bees, eating contests, bowling, LOST, Survivor, or American Idol. It's time for wrestling to step up and answer the call to greatness not to keep leaning on the crutches of mediocrity.
Sat: Good point. When you think about it, there can be excuses made every week for why the rating is down.
Chad Nevett: I like the sentiment you're expressing here. I didn't mean to raise the Fiesta Bowl as an excuse for poor ratings, merely as one reason. Accepting specific programs as tapping into the wrestling fanbase as a reason for ratings dips is different than using that as an excuse. A one-time event (well, once a year) like the Fiesta Bowl is different than steady programs that happen every week, too.
Comments:
Below are the comments for last week's columns and our responses. Every comment will not be included because it makes our lives a lot easier. The comments section was last looked at on Tuesday Morning Pacific Time.
The Great Captain Smooth Writes:
Both roads, leaning high. Low, because of the crap that can be on both shows. High, because of Hogan, any other shocks that may happen on Impact, Bret Hart coming back, what might happen with Bret, Vince, and DX, how they will deal with Cena not being there, and I doubt this will happen, but anything could. Will Bret screw Vince and show up on TNA?
Sat: At the end of the day, the head to head showdown was a high road for me. Sure, there was problems with both shows, but I had a fun time watching both shows.
Chad Nevett: I wasn't that impressed with Impact. I found the drama better on Raw with Hart/Michaels/McMahon, while TNA only delivered two rather good matches that had nothing to do with Hogan.
The Gold Standard Writes:
High Road for TNA. Even if they get beat they have got the E's attention. TNA got Hogan so WWE countered with Hart. If the WWE acted like they didnt care they would have got someone else. In any event I hope TNA comes through cause WWE nowadays is just utter crap. Really no different then TNA when pushing guys past their prime over young talent (see Taker over Punk).I expect a lot of misutilized performers in the WWE to head to TNA.
Sat: I'll agree that TNA has the WWE's attention. I will also say that there were some questionable calls by TNA too.
Chad Nevett: Both companies need to do better, but getting the WWE's attention may not be the best thing for TNA in the long run given the WWE's much larger size and financial position.
Guest#4602 Writes:
High Road
Positives:
- TNA has nothing to lose.
- WWE probably already had the Hitman lined up, but they'll have more incentive to deliver something big.
Negatives:
- Probably lots of promos and highlight reels to fill time on Impact.
- Tons of direct references to Raw on Impact. (Although, with Cena at the Fiesta Bowl, I'd like to see TNA bring in a Cena lookalike to kick around.)
Sat: The one thing I found surprising about TNA was the amount of promos and commercials that they had (the commercials is understandable though).
Chad Nevett: TNA has plenty to lose, but more to gain. There were far less promos on TNA than I'm used to, but that's because Hogan has arrived, so there's no need to constantly hype the deal he made and his imminent arrival before and after each commercial break.
JLAJRC Writes:
Both Roads. This Monday is going to be a fun time in general for wrestling fans, like it was during the original Monday Night Wars. I can also see the ratings for both shows going up, even if it is slight. That's actually benefits TNA more because any increase for them is good.
Now for the lows:
Let's be honest, this Monday boils down to "Who do you like more?" Hulk Hogan (and whoever he may bring in) or Bret Hart? The matches on either show, even if they're good, don't matter. It's all about Hogan/Hart. Once the excitement of their appearances wears off, what are they gonna do?
I don't see the ratings for either show skyrocketing this Monday. I can see TNA going from a 1.1 to a 1.4, and Raw going from 3.2 to a 3.5. While TNA might declare that a victory, that would have to be a disappointment for the WWE.
Speaking of a ratings increase for TNA, will those extra viewers follow them to their usual Thursday night slot? That's a big maybe.
Plus, what about long term plans? If TNA's big plan is NWO Part 78, they are going to be for a big shock when that fails. A Hart/Vince feud is just plain more interesting, even if everyone is expecting it.
Sat: Seems like TNA is rehashing the NWO which I think is a mistake. Hopefully, it is not the same old stuff and something new.
Chad Nevett: The Hart/Vince stuff is far more interesting than an NWO retread. Sure, neither story will feature great wrestling, but one has been twelve years in the making and the other has no real reason to return other than... a lack of creativity?
KanyonKreist Writes:
Sure, TNA will get their asses kicked this time around, but the bigger failure here would be a failure to TRY to compete. They really do have nothing to lose.
I mean, how much of the casual viewing audience checks the ratings? Y'know? TNA *LOOKING* like a credible rival show would be almost as good as actually BEING one, on this occasion.
Until I'm proven wrong, I say that any competition for the WWE juggernaut is a good thing... even if it is the stink-bomb that is TNA Impact!
HIGH road.
Sat: That's a good point. Any competition is definitely a good thing for the wrestling fans.
Chad Nevett: The perception of being a credible rival is, indeed, more important than actually being one since being perceived as one can lead to being one.
The Pants Writes:
Low Road
It seems the more we clamor for a new Monday Night War (capitalized), the further from it we get. Not that TNA or WWE is so bad, you just need to convert fans who wouldn't watch at all, not old fans who stopped watching. Most of those folks were following the fad, not that invested in the actual show (Lots of my old wrestling buddies fit that mold).
That said, though Hart's arrival is better hyped and more meaningful, nothing brings people to wrestling like Hogan. In the long run, unless TNA has a genius streak of innovative shows (which, if anyone in wrestling can do it, it's Russo) this won't mean too much, though. There just aren't enough wrestling fans, and creating new ones takes risks that wrestling is not apt to take, though they try, with pathetic results, now and then (Katie Vick, Vince's death, Sandman crucified, Oklahoma). Also, wrestling is so ubiquitous now that another boom seems hard to accomplish. From video games to stores in the mall people are constantly shown it. It may be too mainstream for another resurgence.
Sat: I kind of buy that. I don't see there being another huge reassurance like before, but I do see a small resurgence.
Chad Nevett: I've also been wondering if another Monday Night War is really a good thing. The first time around, it was exciting and lead to some good things, but the product then was just as uneven and full of godawful stories and angles as it is now. I think a lot of people look back on that time through rose-colored glasses.
Eboney Writes:
I say Both.
High - TNA has everything to lose, but it's about time they are taking a big gamble like this. The last time they had a Monday night slot is when the WWE was bumped for a dog show. So, what did TNA do? Not a live show, not even a new show. But a recap? Come on. I wasn't sure what to think about Hogan being in TNA at first. But if this means that he single-handedly made TNA as a whole grow some balls, this I am all for it.
Low Road -
It has nothing to do with having to choose sides. This is TNA. For every good episode of iMPACT!, there's at least a whole month of TV that even the biggest fan would be hard-pressed to say they watched. If any company in history has managed to shoot themselves in the foot continuously, it's TNA.
Sat: I would say that TNA shot themselves in the foot this past Monday. Besides Hardy debuting and the Angle/Styles match, everything was pretty hard to watch. The opening match was bad, strip poker was a bad idea, Orlando Jordan debuting, NWO rehash, multiple people trying to get in the building. I think at the end of the day, TNA shot themselves in the foot.
Chad Nevett: It was an uneven episode that, honestly, wasn't that different from any other episode. The best and worst parts of it were the sorts of thing you'd expect from TNA and have seen from them in the past. For all the talk of change, I didn't see it.
Your reasons for taking the High Road, Low Road, or Both Roads and suggestions for future High Road/Low Road are welcome at satuncletrunx@gmail.com or in the comment section. Your reply will be included in next week's column.
i think it would have been neat to reveal jeff hardy as the masked man in the main event. they could have had him come out at the end of the match to make it a no-contest instead of giving away a finish to a ppv main event, and if he came out there and took out aj and kurt, then took of the mask to reveal himself, he could possibly be interjected into the feud. idk, could've been cool maybe.
Posted By: Guest#1898 (Guest) on January 07, 2010 at 11:05 PM
low a million times low
idiot on every level
Posted By: pure (Guest) on January 07, 2010 at 11:06 PM
I hear Hurrican and Matt Hardy may be leaving WWE for TNA soon as well, so looks like more 'originals' to be pushed to the side.
LOW
Posted By: Industry (Guest) on January 07, 2010 at 11:07 PM
I read online that Jeff drove home Tuesday morning and did not appear on iMPACT tapings Tuesday in any way, so that alone makes this a FAIL. Low road big time here for TNA!
Posted By: Moses (Guest) on January 07, 2010 at 11:16 PM
Low Road. Hardy has drug issues and legal issues. Thus, TNA can't really put him in the main event scene. Plus, it feels that Hardy has stooped down to TNA even with TNA on the upswing. Quite simply, Hardy headlined Summerslam and now he is attacking midcarders in the X division.
Hogan taking a gamble on Hardy would also be a good excuse why Hogan cant afford to a take another risk on Hall and Waltman.
Shannon Moore adds nothing and the prospect of other Hardy cronies joining TNA is not appealing. I dont look forward to Matt Hardy and The Hurricane joining TNA.
Ultimately, I dont think much comes out of this. Hardy will go back to WWE eventually for big money.
Posted By: ROH Commish (Guest) on January 07, 2010 at 11:25 PM
high road
Posted By: cesarmania (Guest) on January 07, 2010 at 11:31 PM
Low Road.
It was hasty to go to TNA on his part. He's still hugely popular among WWE fans. The timing of it was terrible also given his legal problems. Given his star quality in WWE he probably would have had the door opening for him if he wished to return (assuming he got his legal problems rectified). I know Vince won't be happy with this. Heck they released a DVD on him! Coming out after that terrible X-Division match didn't feel like a major moment, it felt like a pause of apathy. And with the ongoing legal issues how can TNA get any mileage out of him if he's unable to show at the tapings or PPV's?
Posted By: Code Red (Guest) on January 07, 2010 at 11:51 PM
Low Road: Jeff Hardy is going to court for 6 felonies regarding/related to drugs. There's a strong chance Hardy will spend years in prison, the same years he'll be under a TNA contract.
Also, if TNA wants to be on WWE's level, why should TNA talent not be drug tested? Say what you want about soulless WWE, at least they've instituted drug testing and rehab promotion.
Posted By: The Dutch (Guest) on January 08, 2010 at 12:10 AM
High Road only because I think he could be a beneficial to rebuilding the X-Division.It might be a step down from his status in WWE but Jeff Hardy as a future X-Division champ not only will elevate the belt but elevate whoever defeats him for it and you always could throw him the main event.Plus the man is a draw.
Posted By: The Gold Standard (Guest) on January 08, 2010 at 12:17 AM
The only positive to Jeff winning the belt from AJ would be AJ jumping to WWE.
Low Road.
Posted By: Ziggy Zenf (Guest) on January 08, 2010 at 12:19 AM
A good drug testing program costs a lot of money, which is why I feel TNA has a tendency to look the other way. Regardless of one's opinion of TNA or WWE, both companies need to step up their game. Wrestling has not been good for years. TNA has a lot to look forward to, but can easily destroy themselves by not emphasizing their positives (ie. the Knockouts and X-Division). I don't mind seeing WWE talent jumping ship, as long as they are not the wrestlers who are past their prime, or who cannot perform like most of the Divas. I really do hope that this little NWO reunion is temporary, and will only be used to put over the younger talent. As for WWE, I wish they'd get off of the John Cena lovefest and do something interesting. Seriously, anything would suffice. Aside from that, I'd rather watch Joshi wrestling from Japan, anyway.
Posted By: M. (Guest) on January 08, 2010 at 01:10 AM
I think this whole thing depends on the result of Hardy's legal issues. So until then...
Both Roads
Positives:
- Popular / able-bodied name added to TNA
- Hardy has a better crop of workers to work with
- May lead to Hardy Boyz in TNA (there seems to be a tag revival there)
- Makes WWE take notice (and hopefully want to create a new main eventer)
Negatives:
- TNA needs to tread water on Hardy's storyline until issues are resolved
- Takes spotlight away from homegrown talent
A couple more thoughts:
- The debut was lackluster considering who it was, but that's understandable. I think TNA wanted him to debut but not insert him into major storylines b/c of the legal troubles.
- If Hardy does have to serve time, TNA could probably spin it by saying that he did all of these illegal things while employed by another company.
Posted By: Guest#1852 (Guest) on January 08, 2010 at 02:19 AM
Low low low low low low low low low road
Posted By: BPN (Guest) on January 08, 2010 at 03:36 AM
Both roads.
Proverbially, a good DA can get an indictment against a ham sandwich. That has to play out. The timing makes TNA look like amateurs like the first time they tried to get Hogan, or Nash, or any person they announced but hadn't signed.
On the surface, having Hardy in the X-Division looks like a step down. Consider two things - they know his unreliability and star power.
First off, if they can keep Hardy on the straight and narrow he can help revive the division. If they want to make themselves the alternate choice the cruiserweight spotfest is one way to go. Hardy brings marketability (viewers) and credibilty (multiple WWE Gold) to the X-Division.
Second, he might not have been put into a major feud precisely because of pending court dates and his known unreliability. They might want to let him prove himself while not getting egg on their face like if they had hot-shotted him into a feud with Joe, for instance.
The rest is a wash. The more discipline "corporate" WWE environment might have been better for him. Less travel could stress him out less, leading to fewer legal incidents.
Posted By: Guest#8585 (Guest) on January 08, 2010 at 03:45 AM
Both Roads, but leaning down. Yes, there is potential there, but will not matter if they don't execute and not to mention the question marks with his legal issues.
Posted By: Guest#3053 (Guest) on January 08, 2010 at 03:46 AM
High Road
They are attempting to compete with WWE, so they are taking risks, even if that means being a little unscrupulous about the kinds of people they hire for the time being.
Plus, I'd like to think they're not dumb enough to throw away their money until they find out the outcome of Jeff's personal situation.
Posted By: Satan (Guest) on January 08, 2010 at 07:22 AM
High road, if Russo is smart enough, Hardy is a huge boost to the company, considering he was their biggest star of the summer '09. And anything that's good to TNA is a high road, cause they need momentum. If you want TNA to fail, you're moron, cause it means you also was mainstream prowrestling to continue being the same failure it has been in mid-late 2000s
Posted By: Walleris (Guest) on January 08, 2010 at 08:14 AM
Low Road- Mainly because the debut was so horribly done.
Posted By: Justin (Guest) on January 08, 2010 at 08:39 AM
low road for both TNA and Hardy
Posted By: Guest#8087 (Guest) on January 08, 2010 at 09:02 AM
Whoooooa guys, you're weighing this all out versus the prior TNA... You need to scrap the whole column & redo it because this is not the same TNA that Jeff was in before. This one is getting "turned upside down" and everyone had to "earn their spot". I mean, I thought Hogan clearly covered this in all of the interviews prior to the event as well as his live in ring promo.
It could be Jeff taking AJ to epic matches like Angle, he's not necessarily stuck in the X Division in a Homicide feud. Upside down he said! Come on guys!
---
Yes, that was intential sacarsm since the comment posting delay will likely prevent me from explaining that should I get flamed by those that didn't get that.
Posted By: Byzdalmyt (Guest) on January 08, 2010 at 09:27 AM
WHAT?! How can this be a debate? Jeff Hardy got sent to criminal trial by a grand jury THE DAY AFTER his TNA debut!!
This is another example, like so many before it, of BAD TIMING by TNA. So, they have Jeff Hardy show up, lay out a mid-card guy, sit around and sulk for a while, and now he'll be gone. Like, GONE. The poor dude's probably going to PRISON!
How can this help anybody...?
Posted By: KanyonKreist (Registered) on January 08, 2010 at 10:52 AM
Both roads, leaning low. Low, because there is too much crap going on with him to list. High, because he is a big name. Also, he can go and go very well. If his troubles turn out to be small, it could be a very big win.
Posted By: The Great Capt. Smooth (Guest) on January 08, 2010 at 11:49 AM
Low Road.
I say that because Hardy's debut was a disaster. Maybe some people couldn't stomach the orange mouse trap asylum and missed even seeing Hardy.
Of course his legal issues are up in the air so that makes everyone nervous.
I also think the haircut Jeff Hardy's attorneys told him to get looks awful. That new hairstyle definitely takes the low road.
Posted By: Dr. Neutrality (Guest) on January 08, 2010 at 11:54 AM
Low road all the way. When Jeff Hardy returned to the WWE, the first thing he did was attack Edge. Now he comes to TNA and the first thing he does is attack... Homicide?
To be fair though, they probably didn't want to put him in any big feuds until the legal issues were sorted out. :p
Posted By: Guy (Guest) on January 08, 2010 at 12:44 PM
If you are a WWE fan: Low road
If you are a TNA fan: High road
There, no more comments needed.
Posted By: D-Steak (Guest) on January 08, 2010 at 01:08 PM
Low, but I do think that the feud with Homicide might be good if they use it to elevate both of them to the level that Homicide can regain the X-Division title and Hardy can face Styles.
Posted By: Cun\' (Guest) on January 08, 2010 at 01:10 PM
Low Road, because I hate TNA from all my heart
Posted By: Guest#1047 (Guest) on January 08, 2010 at 01:17 PM
Low road.
Yes, he has a lighter schedule, which will lead him to continue his drug-addicted life, instead of looking for rehab (I hope I'm wrong and TNA Management actually helps Jeff get fully clean). The only dream match I can see with him is against AJ Styles and even then, it's not ground breaking. A TNA World Title run could help the company but they have to risk losing their champ and being blasted by the media by promoting "drug dealers" and other exaggerated and sensationalist press.
Also, Jeff already had a groomed spot in the WWE to come as a returning hero to face the evil CM Punk, all he had to do is negotiate a contract that pleased both sides.
He might not have burn bridges with WWE, but McMahon must be looking for some dynamite to blow it up...with Matt Hardy in the middle of it.
Posted By: JA Toro (Guest) on January 08, 2010 at 01:35 PM
Considering Jeff is being thrown into the X-Division, which has its credibility totally shot and unrepairable, Jeff's made the wrong choice. He was at the top in WWE and he won't be in ME in TNA like he should be. It was the wrong call
Posted By: PX (Guest) on January 08, 2010 at 01:48 PM
Both roads
The guy is an idiot and a criminal, He has tried to "Fix" his life several times and keeps fucking up. With that being said if TNA can keep him clean and make it work, he can be a huge star. His personal life can only make me say both roads though.
Posted By: Guest#5473 (Guest) on January 08, 2010 at 01:49 PM
Both Roads.
I think that a man can be measured by his word and Jeff Hardy proved himself to be a munchkin. WWE gave him a push of a lifetime despite the bucketload of crap that he gave them in return, and he STILL jumped ship. I dont care if the schedule is lighter or that he can now take drugs again (YAAY!). He owed the WWE a lot more than this.
But enough Hardy bashing (fun though it is)i think TNA actually did the right thing by placing him in the X division. TNA have a history of pushing guys simply due to their WWE background. Putting WWE guys over your main-eventers simply puts out the message that TNA is second rate. Jeff Hardy will main event TNA in a couple of months and he should but having the ex WWE champion punk out the current TNA champion does nothing to help TNA. Making Jeff Hardy work his way through the ranks of TNA could help legitimise TNA in the eyes of the casual fan, which i felt was the point of the January 4th show anyway.
I understand that Jeff Hardy is currently a hot name in the business that has a big following, but he should not be portrayed as bigger than TNA. No wrestler should be. Except Hulk Hogan apparently...
Posted By: the_horrible_fanfare (Guest) on January 08, 2010 at 01:53 PM
One simple fact everyone still ignores - Hardy has burned TNA and WWE on multiple occasions. Why sign an unrepentant drug addict that has a more than 50% chance to flake out and screw the company over again?
Posted By: Scott B (Guest) on January 08, 2010 at 02:01 PM
Lower than the Low Road.
Underground.
Posted By: King Tony (Guest) on January 08, 2010 at 02:05 PM
High Road - At the end of the day Hardy is hugely over, a big merch seller and one of the WWE's most popular wrestlers who was also recently a world champion. At the end of the day you can say what you want about the negatives, but how many people actually expected Hardy to have signed any kind of deal with TNA? Personally I marked just for the surprise of it.
Posted By: Col (Guest) on January 08, 2010 at 02:16 PM
Low Road all the way. Yes, TNA made a big splash by getting Jeff Hardy, but given his recent indictment, one has to wonder how available he's going to be.
WWE let him go for a reason, and that reason is his drug issues. Granted, they had no way of knowing that he was going to be arrested just weeks after he left, but you have to think that his past drug issues were a factor in WWE deciding to let Jeff have some time off. TNA knew he was embroiled in legal issues, and instead of staying far away from him, they snatched him up like idiots JUST to try and get some press, without thinking about the long-term ramifications of hiring someone who could very well be convicted of several felonies while under contract.
TNA should have stayed far away from Meth Hardy.
Posted By: Anonymous Smart Mark (Guest) on January 08, 2010 at 02:37 PM
Low road.
It was a crummy intro after a crummy match. He just walked out, did a "Yeahhh!" thing and had some weak offense with Homicide. Underwhelming, and then painting with Shannon Moore? I liked the Nasty Boyz way better and that's sad considering how good Hardy's year has been.
Posted By: ThePants (Guest) on January 08, 2010 at 03:20 PM
Both Roads.
There is no doubt Hardy is a big time free agent acquisition for TNA. But attacking Homicide? Homicide hasn't done crap in months has he? There are several money matches for Jeff in TNA. Jeff vs Angle, Jeff vs AJ, Jeff vs Joe? any of these could be money feuds that last for several months.
Posted By: Jake Fury (Guest) on January 08, 2010 at 03:44 PM
Low Road
Posted By: CS (Guest) on January 08, 2010 at 04:04 PM
If you are a WWE fan: Low road
If you are a TNA fan: High road
------------
That's a fair point.
Posted By: CS (Guest) on January 08, 2010 at 04:11 PM
Low road
Posted By: antman (Guest) on January 08, 2010 at 04:14 PM
low road - hope he doesn't die
Posted By: s1rude (Guest) on January 08, 2010 at 05:21 PM
Low road...the criminal drug charges is NOT the type of publicity a fledgling group like TNA needs right now. What if Vince decides to go to the press and point out Hardy's problems and single in on how TNA would be so immoral as to hire a convicted drug pusher.
HORRIBLE PRESS WOULD FOLLOW. That along makes this a terrible decision and the LOW LOW LOW LOW ROAD.
Posted By: Constructicon (Guest) on January 08, 2010 at 05:25 PM
Low Road: TNA should have waited for Hardy's legal situation to get sorted out, they could get burned if they plan big things for him and he ends up going inside then it could leave TNA with egg on its face plus it could be a PR nightmare, "TNA star jailed for 5-10" is something the mainstream press would have a field day with
Posted By: Guest#1879 (Guest) on January 08, 2010 at 06:02 PM
High Road.
Jeff brings more to Wrestling than he takes away.
Well done TNA
Watch the loyal Hardy fans come running to TNA
Posted By: Dave (Guest) on January 08, 2010 at 06:19 PM
Low Road
Posted By: Doc (Guest) on January 08, 2010 at 06:23 PM
High Road. The charges are admitted to be bullshit(i.e a sting), and he's the second hottest wrestler in the world.
Y'all need to wise the fuck up, because even if he goes down, it'll cool wwe rather than hurting TNA.
Posted By: Guest#9215 (Guest) on January 08, 2010 at 06:53 PM
Jeff Hardy's new haircut.
Posted By: Low Road (Guest) on January 08, 2010 at 08:05 PM
If you are a WWE fan: Low road
If you are a TNA fan: High road
There, no more comments needed.
Posted By: D-Steak (Guest) on January 08, 2010 at 01:08 PM
Really? Because Hardy was on that night and Daniels wasn't. How is that good for TNA?
Posted By: Guest#3804 (Guest) on January 08, 2010 at 09:10 PM
I am an unashamed Jeff Hardy fan and even I have to say Low Road on this one. Not only for the legal troubles Jeff's in the middle of, it's TNA for crying out loud. I don't necessarily hate TNA, I watch a good bit of it, but I've said for a long time now that TNA is insanity packed into two hours. I enjoy the show most of the time, but it just seems to me that it's turning into a fed full of guys that are too old and broken down to execute a proper DDT. TNA needs to concentrate on their "Originals", like AJ Styles, instead of trying to make their name off of ex-WWE wrestlers.
Posted By: Diamond Rain (Guest) on January 08, 2010 at 09:31 PM
If his debut had been done differently, I'd have said both roads, even leaning towards high. He was pretty much the biggest free agent there was.
But him going after Homicide and the X-Division is a complete waste, not to mention what a non-event his debut turned out to be.
Low road.
Posted By: Deathpool (Guest) on January 08, 2010 at 09:37 PM
Both, leaning high. Hardy's legal situation puts a slight mar on TNA, but he's still innocent until otherwise. TNA did a good thing in once again landing a big talent, even though it didn't take much to get him. He does need to be put up against a main eventer though(minus AJ or Angle)to begin with. Homicide is good, but he's beyond their X-Division. I'm overall intrigued into where this goes, however...
Posted By: Brian B. (Guest) on January 08, 2010 at 09:52 PM
No Road.
This column sucks.
Posted By: The Fuj (Guest) on January 08, 2010 at 11:14 PM
HIGH ROAD. Hogan is the face of the past generation, but Jeff is the face of the present, for those fans who haven't made the transition from wrestling to CNN and Discovery Channel yet.
Jeff is TNA's greatest acquisition since Kurt Angle. Look at what they took from WWE . .
- He was just champion less than a year ago
- He was being built into a WWE storyline, which they now have to stop.
- WWE just released a DVD of him, which they now have to stop promoting.
- He was equal to Cena and Triple H in selling merch, and even STILL has things in the Top 10 on WWEshop months after he left.
- He's the main reason TNA reached the top of those tweet trends.
- He has a built-in fanbase that follows him anywhere.
Did they mess up his debut? Sure. But I think you'll see in the upcoming weeks the real impact he has on the ratings, merchandise and buyrates.
Of course, there could be problems. Hardy reminds me a bit like WCW's acquisition of Bret -- a great acquisition that was poorly executed. But if executed properly, it could really mean good things. I tweeted Dixie as soon as I heard the news and warned her not to let this end like Bret and WCW, and I really do hope she, Hogan and TNA capitalize!
Posted By: b2 (Guest) on January 09, 2010 at 03:46 AM
low road
how is debuting a guy about to go on trial a posisitive?
Posted By: rm (Guest) on January 09, 2010 at 04:33 AM
Low road. Jeff Hardy was main eventer in WWE ,former world champion and now in TNA he s fighting Homicide???Xdivision program ??WTF??? For me Jeff Hardy vs CM Punk at Wrestlemania 26 >> Jeff Hardy cs Homicide
Posted By: HEIDENREICH (Guest) on January 09, 2010 at 03:33 PM
Low road. In WWE he was a star, in TNA he's just another wrestler.
Both Hardy and TNA come off looking bad in this, Hardy for turning his back on WWE even after everything they did for him and TNA for not giving a damn about his wellbeing, you know he will not be subject to drug tests there, that is why he signed.
Posted By: Guest#7383 (Guest) on January 09, 2010 at 03:40 PM
Low Road
Posted By: Guest#3579 (Guest) on January 09, 2010 at 05:29 PM
Low Road: Other than the lighter schedule and lax drug enforcement policy, what exactly does both Jeff and TNA hope to gain from this.
Jeff will go from a main eventer in the WWE to a midcarder in TNA (kinda like a reverse Christian). He's also making less money probably.
For TNA, yes he makes them money. But if he's convicted or even dies, that's gonna be huge bad publicity for them (of course, people have been expecting Kurt Angle to croak at anytime since joining TNA and that has yet to happen). Plus, they have prior bad experience with him, why continue taking chances?
Posted By: JLAJRC (Guest) on January 09, 2010 at 07:37 PM
the only reason tna got hardy to appear on their stupid show was because they were desperate to pop a rating.
carter knows that has been hogan and fossil flair are washed up has beens who can cut the rassling promo but they are crippled physically.
hogan can't even do his stupid leg drop anymore because he would shatter his fake hip, brother.
i hope jeff get convicted because any jail time would teach this freak a lesson once and for all.
Posted By: Guest#3582 (Guest) on January 10, 2010 at 01:04 AM
Copyright � 2011 411mania.com, LLC. All rights reserved.
Click here for our privacy policy. Please help us serve you better, fill out our survey.
Use of this site signifies your agreement to our terms of use.
