411’s Roundtable Special: TNA Wrestling in 2008

Posted by Larry Csonka on 01.08.2008

The 411 staff looks into their crystal ball to see what is on tap in 2008 down in the land of Dixie!



INTRODUCTION:
Welcome one and all to some 411 round table fun! No, we're not here to discuss a PPV as usual; we have something different in mind today. With the year 2007 in the books, there are a lot of "wrapping up 2007" columns, as well as award columns. But now the time has come to look forward and into the year 2008. Today I have assembled members of the 411 staff to come together and discuss 10-Topics relating to Total Non-Stop Action Wrestling in 2008. Sit back, relax and enjoy.


THE STAFF:
Author of "The Way I C It," he is Chris Lansdell!

From the MMA Zone, Dustin James!

He writes the Impact Crater and the Custom Made News, he is Ryan Byers!

Column of Honor's Ari Berenstein!

Destiny's Matt Adamson!

The Shimmy's Andy Clark!

ECW Reporter Michael Bauer!

The High Road's SAT!

General Review Guru JD Dunn!

Truth B Told's Bayani Domingo!

And finally, the King Arthur of this round table, I am Larry Csonka!

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THE TOPICS:

Your thoughts on TNA's break out star of 2008…

Chris Lansdell: James Storm. If we've learned anything from TNA, it's that feuds with Eric Young lead to main event pushes. We know Storm can go in the ring, we know he has the charisma...now he just needs a chance to show it. He'll need to drop Jackie, drop the comedy drunk act, and turn into a badass, but that's not a stretch. I hope...

Dustin James: He sort of had a break out year in 2007, but I really believe that Kaz could fully break out in 2008. I loved the potential of Frankie Kazarian when he had his first stint in TNA and was over-joyed when I found he signed with WWE. Bad thing is, he only lasted a few months with the WWE before he was right back where he started. Needless to say I've always been a huge fan of Kaz's and I truly hope that 2008 is the year of the KAZ!

Ryan Byers: Is it cheating if I say Frankie Kazarian? He started to break out at the tail end of 2007, but I don't consider him fully "broken out" yet since he only managed a couple of weeks on the main event level instead of a sustained push. I hope that his recent shenanigans involving Johnny Stamboli and Dustin Rhodes are only a temporary step back as opposed to a sign of a larger demotion.

Ari Berenstein: The Motor City Machine Guns are just itching to really breakthrough to the top of the tag division. The way I see it, they're already the "people's champions" of that division (and maybe all of TNA) and with a huge title win they can cement what many fans of independent wrestling have known all along. Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin are true talent and worthy of being in the upper echelon of any wrestling company. A long run with the title where they prove their dominance over the other teams via TAG work would be best, but I don't have much hope of that.

Matt Adamson: It should come as no shock when Kaz inserts himself into the AJ Styles position and gets title shots and main events Impact regularly. He has the star potential and the in ring potential to be a real superstar. You'd think this would be a great thing, but we know how TNA treated their homegrown talent this year. With as much talent as they have, you'd think things would change, but that would be backward thinking in TNA land. My guess is no new breakout stars in 08.

Andy Clark: Tomko. I think Tomko may be on the verge of getting a big singles push and I say good for him. Tomko has proven to be reasonably over at TNA events and has improved greatly in the ring. I wouldn't put a TNA World Title run past him either.

Michael Bauer: TNA's breakout will be shocking to most, but I'm going with Johnny Devine. Yes, he is stuck as the third wheel of the anti X-Division group right now, but I think this could springboard him into a very nice title reign and a huge push into Kaz's type level, assuming he never has to face Black Reign.

Sat: You can never predict what will happen in TNA, but I think that Kaz will be the breakout star of TNA. TNA has been really focused on getting him over, so this makes me believe that they have some big plans for him.

J.D. Dunn: Kaz has already started his push, and if they can't get this right, then there's not a lot of hope for them. I don't see anyone else on the roster getting much more over than they already are. Jay Lethal is a novelty act. The Machine Guns will continue their success, but I wouldn't call them "breakout" stars next year. I could see TNA raiding some more ROH talent, particularly Chris Hero and/or Larry Sweeney who have stardom written all over them. The other exception is if Awesome Kong blows up next year, which she most definitely could, but I think we're assuming males here.

Bayani Domingo: Motor City Machine Guns have to get the call here. I know they might not fit the traditional bill here but I think they are on the cusp of breaking out but haven't quite done it yet. I think a Tag Title and a decent reign is in their future and once that happens then they've officially "arrived".

Larry Csonka: I have to go with Kaz myself. As mentioned in the TNA Awards Spectacular, back in 2004 I was positive that the combo of Shane, Kazarian and Brooks were people to watch out for. I thought the combination of the hot chick and a talented, young tag team would be able to set TNA on fire. Unfortunately a number of things happened and it just never came to be. Shane and he were de-pushed, Brooks was taken from them, Kazarian left and came back, Serotonin happened and we all know the rest of the history up to now. But then it slowly appeared that Kaz was going to get a push. Many thought it would be in the X-Division, but that doesn't seem to be the case. Kaz made it to the finals of the Fight for the Right Tournament, lost through shenanigans and then got one more chance against Christian Cage. They had a great ladder match, which Kaz won in a defining moment and earned a title shot against Kurt Angle. This was a damn fine TV match, one which Kaz looked great in and he certainly gave Angle all he could handle. Over the course of a few weeks they were able to do good repair work and made people care about him. I think that 2008 could be a huge year for young Kaz, if the booking is with him.

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Your thoughts on Samoa Joe winning the TNA World Title in 2008…

Chris Lansdell: He'd better. When the huge proportion of the IWC who have turned on TNA state their gripes with TNA, Joe's lack of title is one of the main ones. Not that the wrestling world has often cared what the IWC thinks, but TNA has shown on occasion that they listen. That aside, he's hugely over, he can talk up a storm, and he can put on a convincing match with anyone. They've missed the boat at least 3 times with this, so they may well be running out of chances. Joe himself has said it's all about the money, so maybe he's not concerned, but the product itself needs this...

Dustin James: Samoa Joe is basically the Chris Jericho/Chris Benoit/Eddie Guerrero of this generation. Guys who people would claim it was a crime because they weren't champion. I'm not saying that Samoa Joe isn't talented enough. He is. But it's just funny. It's something that will never end in the wrestling business. Promoter's refusal to give a title to a talented superstar. Admit it. It's one of the reasons we all still watch wrestling! Either way, I think this year WILL finally be the year that Samoa Joe wins the big one. Why? Because if he doesn't he might just snap Vince Russo and the rest of the bookers in half......which wouldn't be a bad thing.

Ryan Byers: This will most likely happen at some point. Whether it actually makes a difference for TNA business-wise depends on how they build him up prior to the title victory. The whiny, mopey bitch running around on TNA Impact these days and calling himself Samoa Joe would not make for a compelling World Champion, nor would I particularly care about his chase for the belt. What we really need en route to Joe grabbing the gold is a reversion to his old character. He needs to be the killing machine that he was promoted as being in the X Division.

Ari Berenstein: Who cares? Wow, did I really just write that? If the me of two years ago had read that someone wrote that, I'd be ready to slap the taste out of their mouth. Yet, really, that is my reaction: who cares? Because I don't. I don't care if Joe wins the title anymore, simply because TNA has burnt me on him winning so many times during '06-'07 that I can't truly believe in Joe succeeding in TNA on that level anymore. They really did have something with him but they lost it. For me, him winning the title right now is anti-climactic and really doesn't mean a damn thing anymore in the scheme of things.

Matt Adamson: This better happen. I understand the need to draw things out and make them look important when they finally happen, but it doesn't feel like creative or exciting booking anymore. It feels like politics, and it feels like Vince Russo. I hope Joe gets the chance to prove himself, but I'd prefer a remodeled Samoa Joe first.

Andy Clark: I think this is a 50-50 proposition. I like Joe's new push as it kind of rebuilds his character, but that doesn't mean it'll necessarily lead to anything. TNA is notorious for not giving us the matches they book to (Sting-Christian, Angle-Nash) so I wouldn't be surprised at all to see Joe forgotten again.

Michael Bauer: Samoa Joe will be TNA Champion before the summer this year or Vince Russo should be tarred, feathered, and burned at the stake. That is all I have to say about that.

Sat: I definitely thought that Samoa Joe would have won the TNA Title in 2007. He didn't, so it makes me question weather TNA would give him the title in 2008. Just because TNA did not give him the title in 2007, I believe that he will also not get the title in 2008. Samoa Joe is definitely deserving of the title, but with TNA who knows. He might or he might not get the title.

J.D. Dunn: Nothing like striking while the iron is cold. I mean, Mother Theresa naked on a pogo stick, the chicks from 2girls1cup.com didn't each that much shit this year. Yes. He'll win the title. No. Nobody will care by then.

Bayani Domingo: It's going to happen, I have to believe that. I know I thought it would happen last year, but Russo can't be this retarded can he? Look at the buyrates, Angle and Sting just haven't sold any PPV's, it's time to let Joe have a shot. I think at this point if it doesn't happen in '08 they might as well close up shop because I feel a mutiny on the horizon and it won't be pretty.

Larry Csonka: I would figure that it has to happen this year. If it doesn't then I have no clue what they are smoking in the booking meetings. But the question to me isn't will he win it, but when he wins it, will it be too late to mean anything? When Raven won the NWA Title it was too late to mean anything. It was cool, but it was well over a year (maybe two) after they had the greatest single build to a title match in the company's history. Let's hope that this doesn't happen when Joe wins the title.

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Your thoughts on AJ Styles winning the TNA World Title in 2008…

Chris Lansdell: Mark this down: AJ Styles will never be TNA World Champion again, unless he leaves and returns. He's firmly cemented right now as a mid-card comedy act, made to look bumbling and cocky to the point of near-incompetence. Even if he is able to break that mould, there are so many people ahead of him that by the time he works through them, others will have bypassed him. AJ's problem is that he would not be likely to succeed in the WWE, so he has less leverage than people like Samoa Joe and Robert Roode who WOULD be useful to Vince and company. Take the under.

Dustin James: Haven't we been there/done that with AJ Styles before? This guy is a guy who I look at as possibly the new "Sting" of this generation. Will he ever wrestle for the WWE? It doesn't seem like it. It seems that AJ Styles is loyal to the bone with TNA and that could prove worthwhile with another TNA Title run.

Ryan Byers: TNA has decided that AJ Styles is a mid-card comedy act. His days in the World Title picture are long over, and I don't see that changing anytime soon.

Ari Berenstein: AJ Styles as a face making a run at the title may be the more viable option between he and Joe as TNA champion, but let's be real, the way Styles's character has been portrayed over the last year it would take a lot of repair work to make the people take him serious as a world title contender. Besides, Styles has never been TNA champion for long periods of time, so again we have a believability problem, namely I wouldn't be able to believe in him as a man who could really uphold the idea of being a long term defending champion.

Matt Adamson: Everything points to a resounding laugh. Are you kidding me? It's not 2005 anymore, AJ Styles is talented, over and comes to work every time. That right there should tell us he won't be winning the title. If he does, I'll eat a pickle. I know that seems weak but I hate pickles.

Andy Clark: I see this as a very likely possibility. AJ Styles' problem is that he peaked too early in the development of TNA. Had TNA started out on Spike initially AJ would have been the face of the company. By the time they got national exposure, however, AJ had peaked with the TNA fan base. His heel turn and goofy nature have made him interesting and new again, and with the whole "Which side will AJ choose" story going on currently I wouldn't be surprised to see AJ get a shot at the TNA Title and do AJ-Angle the right way.

Michael Bauer: I don't see AJ Styles getting a title shot at all because he will be playing second banana to whoever the champion (or #1 contender) is all year. I think his time as a main eventer has gone since his heel turn, which is a shame, cause he was a good one.

Sat: The main event scene in TNA seems crowded and I think that it leaves AJ Styles on the outside. Again, he is deserving of the title, but I do not see it happening.

J.D. Dunn: Styles has been relegated to a comedy second banana, and he's excelling so much in that role that he'll probably not get anywhere near the title unless he holds it for Christian…or Angle… or whoever he's chosen to align himself with, assuming that angle ends by the time 2009 rolls around.

Bayani Domingo: Wish it would happen, but it won't. I have this dream where AJ and Daniels feud over the title and Christopher Daniels finally wins it after years of being a "bridesmaid". But alas I wake up and see 15 minutes of Karen Angle every Thursday night. AJ is doing a good job as a comedy heel right now and I think his best work has been in the tag and X-Division where he's had a chance to shine. Why can't anyone remember that the guy knows how to wrestle too, not just wear an Easter Bunny costume. Whoops…I should have marked that *Spoiler*.

Larry Csonka: As sad as it makes me to say this, I have to agree with many of my colleagues and say that AJ will likely never win the big belt again. He has been so great over the years in the ring, and now that they have him comfortable on the mic, he is a mid-card goof. He's great at it, but if that is what they want him to be it will never get him back to the world title picture, and that is a shame.

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Your thoughts on Booker T winning TNA World Title in 2008…

Chris Lansdell: Of all the questions I've been asked about the coming year, this is the closest to a slam-dunk. TNA have a history of putting the belt on established names to try and pop ratings. So far it hasn't worked. Booker is the latest established name, and will probably win the title before June. Whether it's a good move or not, and whether it will work, are other issues. I'd put money on it.

Dustin James: This I can see happening for sure. TNA loves to show off former WWE guys because they are recognizable. Thus meaning, if current WWE fan is watching SPIKE TV for Pros Vs. Joes and sees an ad for TNA with Booker T as the champion, they might be tempted to remember the time and date for TNA and view it. That's what TNA wants to happen of course. Which is why Booker T will be TNA champ by year's end.

Ryan Byers: If I had to make a prediction, I would say that this has roughly a fifty percent chance of happening. Though Booker isn't currently involved in the TNA World Title picture, he's a former WWE main eventer, which means that he's a candidate to step up and win the championship at any time. Frankly, I wouldn't mind seeing him getting a run with the strap. Though we all saw plenty of "King Booker" throughout 2006 and 2007, it's been a while since Booker T. has had an opportunity to be himself while on top of a professional wrestling promotion, and, if he's motivated, it might just be a breath of fresh air.

Ari Berenstein: The chances of Booker T winning the TNA title are far greater than Joe or Styles's chances because (and you know its true) TNA has found a way to give the World title to many former WWE superstars who come into the fold. Rhyno, Kurt Angle and Christian Cage (and even Sting to a lesser extent) are three examples that prove its better not to be a homegrown "superstar". So yes, Booker T is definitely on his way to winning the TNA title sometime in '08, taking it either from Angle or Cage.

Matt Adamson: Well, let's reverse everything I said about AJ except the work part, Booker does come to work. So, Booker T's chances of holding the TNA World Title in 2008 are fairly good. Do I think he should win the title? No way, this needs to be the year of the homegrown talent. I don't want to see Raw circa 2002 every Thursday night.

Andy Clark: I don't think it'll happen, but he'll probably challenge for it. Booker is probably just going to work with some of the newer guys, and if TNA ever wanted to create a secondary title Booker would be a great guy to put it on.

Michael Bauer: It will happen, but it will probably be nothing more than a transitional reign so they can continue to say he has been a World Champion wherever he has gone. Other that that, he won't be near the title.

Sat: Out of AJ Styles and Booker T, I think that Booker T is more likely to win the title. But, the question is will he? I say yes because it seems like all of the ex WWE guys are winning the title, so I see TNA following that trend and giving Booker T the title as well.

J.D. Dunn: Well, he's got the pedigree as a former WWE champion. I don't see a problem with Booker getting one more run because his career is clearly winding down, but he still has enough left in him for a baby face run as champion.

Bayani Domingo: Booker T is a high mid-carder and unfortunately for him there is no one on the roster he matches up to very well. Actually I was hoping that we'd get a Harlem Heat 2008 team with him and either Killings or Consequences Creed, but it seems he's set for the singles push. As much as I loved "King Booker" it seems that Mr. T has lost his edge now.

Larry Csonka: I like how Booker has been brought in thus far. He had the mystery guy deal, but then didn't jump into the world title feud. I like that. As Byers said, we got to see a ton of King Booker, but it has been over 6-years since we have seen Booker T run with a company's big belt. He seems motivated, is in shape and that is a main key to think of. If it is built right, I have no problem with it, and this has a very good chance, 70% or so of happening. I would be more surprised if it didn't happen.

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Your thoughts on a TNA PPV eclipsing 100,000 buys in 2008…(For reference, TNA's 2007 high was 36-37,000, company record estimated at 65,000)

Chris Lansdell: They'd be lucky to break 50,000 consistently. With the current booking, roster and promotion methods, almost tripling last year's high appears to be an unattainable goal. Although TNA's PPV offerings have been almost uniformly better than expected by looking at the cards, none of that matters if their TV ratings aren't moving. Nobody new watching is likely to mean nobody new buying, unless they can convince existing viewers that they need to buy the PPV to see matches they wouldn't see on free TV. And this is TNA's biggest weakness...they consistently give PPV-level matches away for free in an effort to pop the TV rating. If that doesn't work, what chance do they have of popping the much-harder PPV rating?

Dustin James: Not going to happen. In my mind, TNA will succeed with the WWE. It's the WWE and TNA's obligation to get PPV buyers to spend their money on wrestling PPV's and not UFC PPV's, or boxing PPV's. TNA has some time to go before they reach 100,000 buys. All the competition these days on PPV does not help this company. They should rely more on live events because the PPV market is a stretch right now.

Ryan Byers: To hit 100,000 buys, TNA would have to almost TRIPLE the viewership of its highest drawing pay per view of 2007. I'm not going as far as saying that the TNA PPV business won't grow in the coming year, but a wrestling promotion tripling its numbers in under a year goes beyond optimism and borders on stupidity.

Ari Berenstein: It will not happen in 2008 and in all likelihood it will never happen. TNA just doesn't have anything in terms of match combinations to offer that will attract that many viewers. Joe vs. Angle has been exhausted and subsequent matches never were able to exceed the buyrate of their first encounter. Joe vs. Sting may have worked but again it would take a lot of repair work now to get that match attractive to a larger audience. Barring TNA getting picked up by the major networks because they need content due to the writer strike, they will not get to 100,000. They will remain as they were in 2007, 30,000 and under.

Matt Adamson: So, when is Hulk Hogan going to wrestle for TNA? Never you say? I'm not saying it won't happen ever, but in 2008, there are really only 2 or 3 wrestlers in the world that could pull that number, and two of them are resting firmly in the comforting arms of Vince McMahon. Angle couldn't do it, Christian couldn't do it, and Sting couldn't do it. Hulk Hogan is the answer and it's a shame.

Andy Clark: Uh, no. Sorry, but I don't think TNA has anything out there that is going to cause people to tune in. And even if they did, I have no faith in them being able to promote it properly anyhow.

Michael Bauer: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Sorry, did I do that too loud? TNA has a better chance of double their ratings than that statement happening and there is no chance of a ratings spike like that.

Sat: The only way I see TNA getting to 100,000 buys is if they offer Sting versus The Rock, the Rock versus Samoa Joe, and The Rock versus John Cena on the same pay per view. And as you all know, that is never going to happen.

J.D. Dunn: This is even less likely than Mania beating 1 million because at least WrestleMania is growing every year. TNA has shown no signs of positive growth in their PPV buys, and many times they've regressed. If Joe vs. Angle gets you 60,000+, then what match-up out there could possibly get you more than that? Unless Hogan comes in, and I don't see that happening, it would take an act of God to get TNA to that level. And God apparently signed with Vince in 2006.

Bayani Domingo: TNA would only get close to 100,000 so long as it was headlined by a Samoa Joe title defense, Ultimate X featuring the MCMG and LAX, and a X-Division gauntlet where the winner gets to beat Russo to death with a piece of wood with a big nail in it. I kind of doubt the planets will align that way so I'll say they might get half that as a yearly high mark.

Larry Csonka: I hate to say it, but it won't happen. They first have to worry about repairing the damage they did to themselves in 2007. If they can do repairs and get some shows over 50,000 again, and by some I mean 4-5, then maybe in 2009 we could see them get reasonably close to 100,000 buys, but then again I don't think even then it will happen unless MAJOR things change. They had Sting and Angle and couldn't do it, which makes me doubt it even more. Tripling the current buys do not seem like a realistic goal to me.

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Your thoughts on TNA Women's Division in 2008…

Chris Lansdell: If everything carries on this way, it will continue to be awesome (KONG~! Sorry). My fear is that they are throwing so much TV time and money at the women's division to establish it, attract some viewers who like SHIMMER, and then they will let it slide into mid-card obscurity, much as they have done with the X Division. The Women's division in TNA right now is really the sole distinguishing factor that sets them above WWE on any level, which is sad in a way considering the talent they have. Unfortunately, the wrestling demographic in general is far more interested in eye candy than ass-kickers, unless they can do both. In a nutshell, I see a downturn, but not too steep, at least not yet.

Dustin James: Unlike the WWE's Women's Division I actually enjoy TNA's. I give most of that praise to how great Awesome Kong is however. I remember when I first saw her I couldn't believe that Viscera was the latest former WWE guy to sign with TNA. Then I found out it wasn't Mabel, but somebody else. Then I found out it wasn't a man, but a woman! Then I became glued to my seat, and that's what wrestling needs to do to people! Keep em glued and keep them wanting to see the product.

Ryan Byers: The women's division has been the highlight of an otherwise abysmal wrestling show in the second half of 2007, and I would imagine that it can remain that way for at least the first half of 2008. Hopefully Amazing Kong will take the championship off of Gail Kim at the company's January pay per view, after which it would not be difficult for the promotion to extend Gail's quest to get the title back until its April Lockdown show. Once that rivalry concludes, the future of the division turns in to a huge question mark. For the entire time that Kim has been champion, she's had Kong to play off of, and I think it's clear to most observers that the Amazing one has been doing 90% of the work in the feud. The future of the division will depend entirely on the performers selected to replace Kong when she can no longer be included in the title feud.

Ari Berenstein: It was maybe the one thing they got one hundred percent right at the end of '07. The women's division has immediately flourished by focusing on the wrestling inside the ring and having a handful of compelling personalities. of course having Awesome Kong do her Samoa Joe + Vader act has helped immensely to legitimize the division due to her awesome handiwork, the division does have some depth with Gail Kim, Roxxi Laveaux, ODB and Jackie able to "go" in the ring. If TNA picks up a few more talents they may lay claim to best women's division ever. In a way, it's a shame that SHIMMER has a low profile, because TNA has been able to follow in their footsteps by using honest to goodness wrestling to promote the division. However, there is danger if they focus too much on the "Divas" aspect, meaning-putting focus on the ahem...extra curricular action of Angelina Love and Velvet Sky. For now though, the women's division is immensely strong.

Matt Adamson: If it's anything like it has been recently, I'm expecting great things. Amazing Kong is the cornerstone of this division and that tells me that it's possible that women's wrestling in North America can compete at a national level against the quality of joshi. Hell, I look forward to these matches more than the men in TNA anymore.

Andy Clark: I'm curious to see where it goes AFTER Kim-Kong. Sure it's on fire now, but do you think they'll be able to sustain that when it's time to move on? I really don't know what will be on the horizon, but I wouldn't go predicting huge things just yet.

Michael Bauer: Once Kong becomes champion, you might have a similar problem that many promotions have faced with various champions who are just too dominant to credibly be beaten. I think the Women's Division will be booked good, but they will hit this problem soon.

Sat: I think that the TNA Women's Division will be very interesting to watch in 2008. I see Kong winning the title from Gail Kim this month or next month and then seeing Kong going on a dominant run as champion and then finally being defeated. Who she loses to is anybody guess and that is what makes it so interesting.

J.D. Dunn: The TNA KNOCKOUT Division has been the most consistently well-booked division in TNA. Most of the women are proof positive that you *can* be attractive and wrestle. Kong looks like the big star of 2008, and I mean overall because she draws in a demo that has been, as yet, unexploited by TNA.

Bayani Domingo: One of the best things going right now is the Women's Division. Kong, Gail Kim, eventually Rain, ODB is a hoot, and the "Porn Valley Princesses" are decently hot and capable in the ring. If there was only one thing I could ask for is Cheerleader Melissa getting a contract, but you can't really complain about the rest of the roster as is. I can't wait to see how Russo f's this one up.

Larry Csonka: I have really liked the TNA women's division. There have been some mistakes, like too many multi-person matches, which is actually a TNA problem in and of itself. But I have really liked it over all. Kong vs. Kim is great stuff and should continue to carry the division for a few months. ODB is getting over with the crowds with her wacky kind of charisma, and could transition into a good challenger. Roxxi is another who is very good, even if she is saddled with the silly gimmick. As long as Dutch, Jeff and Russo keep their hands off of the women's product and D'Amore keeps being sensible, then 2008 will be a great year for the division.

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Your thoughts on TNA's Tag Team Division in 2008…

Chris Lansdell: If TNA are going to let the Women's Division slide, which I feel they will, then they need to promote the tag division more to compensate. StyleKo are a great team, but they're placeholders. You've got LAX, MCMG, Rock n Rave and Team 3D, plus the broken-up AMW and a possible Rellik/Mesias team. Oh okay, and VKM. That's way more than WWE has, with a higher talent level. Tag teams are also a better draw than women's wrestling in general. If some of the focus can be shifted to a strong tag division, then rewards will be reaped. A major coup would be if TNA could sign the Briscoe's away from RoH. I'd cry, but it would be a great move.

Dustin James: TNA's tag division may be better then the WWE's, but that's not saying much at all. With Team 3D & The Steiner's another year older it might be time for TNA to start thinking about bringing some new teams in. But knowing TNA they will probably just sign Chuck Palumbo when the WWE releases him and bring him in to team with Kip James as a couple who pretends they are gay! Ohhhh exciting!

Ryan Byers: The TNA tag team division is certainly not as spectacular as it used to be. Triple X is gone, AMW is gone, and LAX are glorified jobbers. Though the rise of the Murder City Machine Guns has provided a small highlight, we still have to deal with the fact that, once they get their hands on the belts, there aren't that many quality opponents for them to face. I'm generally not an advocate of TNA hiring more wrestlers given their bloated roster, but the tag team division is the one area in which I would be willing to make an exception.

Ari Berenstein: Again as far as talent goes there is a lot to be happy about...it's the storylines and booking that remain a cause for concern. The Motor City Machine Guns MUST have a decisive victory to end the feud against Team 3-D and they must restore pride to the X-Division. Otherwise they look like fools. LAX are still around and have cooled down, but it wouldn't take much to get them very over again. Styles and Tomko are good together as a strong / fast archetype, but who knows how much longer before they break apart? Speaking of that, let's hope that we continue to see tag partners hate and argue with each other, because that is super fun! I'm being sarcastic of course.

Matt Adamson: I expect good things as always out of TNA's tag division, but I expect the booking to be atrocious. There is no shortage of teams and with the Motor City Machine Guns and Daniels/Skipper in the mix, it's looking good. If they could just fix the shit booking all would be well and good in TNA's tag division.

Andy Clark: I like TNA's tag division, even when it's not being booked as well as it should. TNA can use their tag division to offer the quality match on the card just like the X-Division Title. Occasionally you need to let the main eventers play with the belts, but for the most part TNA has a great tag division that can produce quality matches and compelling match-ups even without the best booking.

Michael Bauer: Let's see, who have the last four tag team champions been? Samoa Joe with nobody, Angle and Sting, Team Pacman, and Styles and Tomko. You see the point, these are all people who are too good to be Tag Team champions. Get real tag teams going for the belts again and then get back to me.

Sat: It seems like TNA has kind of forgotten about their tag team division. The last few champions as been really weak. I think that the division will be much better this year, then it was last year. I think that we will see the tag team division take off once the Motor City Machine Guns become the tag team champions.

J.D. Dunn: With the older "I'm forty and I'm still wearing my high school letter jacket" crew starting to fade away, teams like the MCMG are starting to break through. LAX, if they go back to being heels, could easily return to prominence, and you'd have another great feud over the tag titles.

Bayani Domingo: How can a division with the MCMG, LAX, XXX, Dudleyz, the Steiners, and Hoss-Style be bad? Oh yeah, VKM and the Rock n' Rave Infectious STD. Plus the Dudleyz/Steiners feud which is a decade in the making and half a decade too late. All it would really take is a couple of pink slips to the Old Age Outlaws, no return ticket for the Steiners, and someone to tell 3D they are mid-carders at best who need to be putting over the young guys to make the division great again. If Shelley/Sabin can't save us, I don't know who can.

Larry Csonka: While the TNA tag ranks are better off than WWE's and have historically done well, they certainly aren't what they used to be. Right now we have:

The Latin American Xchange - Are great but have gone from the hottest act in the company to just another team.

Rock N' Rave Infection - The jury is out on them still

Voodoo Kin Mafia - Need to be fired, are lazy and are a drain on company resources.

Team 3D - When they are motivated they are putting on great matches, and still have a lot to give the company I feel.

Motor City Machineguns – Along with LAX are the reason to watch the tag team division.

For 2008 to succeed as far as tag teams go, they really do need to drop the VKM and either create of bring in a team that can go with the others, ONLY if they cut and or fire some people first. I think 2008 could be a good year for them, it won't get worse, just more of the same.

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Your thoughts on what former WWE star TNA will bring in during 2008…

Chris Lansdell: This rather depends on the post-Mania Fire Sale (PMFS). Charlie Haas is a candidate for release and thus pickup by TNA, who would certainly know how to use him better. Don't rule out Gregory Helms, whose girlfriend has loose ties with TNA. Wow, that sounded bad. Of course the RVD rumors will continue to swirl, right up until he actually signs somewhere. Apart from them, possibly the Highlanders if they go as I expect in the PMFS.

Dustin James: This could be called going out on a limb here, but I basically need to predict somebody that the WWE will cut and sign with TNA right away because that seems to be the pattern. Since I love going out on limbs and doing stupid predictions, I will predict that by year's end you can expect to see Paul London in a TNA ring...what? I couldn't think of anybody else and since I know that London loves to break Vince McMahon's rules I had to go with somebody!

Ryan Byers: Folks have been talking about Rob Van Dam potentially making the jump, and a smaller contingent have been longing for the Big Show. Honestly, I don't see either of them coming in. If anybody new does show up, I'm guessing that it'll be an individual who has jumped back and forth between the two companies over the last several years. I'm talking, of course, about Sabu. TNA already had plans to bring him in towards the end of 2007 to once again work with Abyss, and there were apparently also plans for him after that angle concluded. That, combined with the fact that TNA has always seemed high on the guy, makes him a likely candidate to show up on Impact this year.

Ari Berenstein: I feel foolish for having to pick just one, because you know that TNA won't be able to resist getting their hands on as many of the E's former playthings as they become available. I mean during 2007 they saw fit to bring in Test, Matt Morgan and Rikishi among others. This year I'd have to say the call will go to Giant Bernard (the former A-Train in WWE), who has made huge strides in Japan. There are always rumblings that TNA would love to have him appear on the show and this is the year they finally get him. I'd also speculate that Marty Jannetty, Berzerker and Barbarian will also make comedy cameo appearances. Finally, if they're ready to make a comeback, there's always Marcus Cor Von or Sabu. Hmm...I have this funny feeling we've seen them in TNA before...but nah...couldn't be.

Matt Adamson: Again, I haven't been keeping abreast of the situation with contracts and what not, but I'd love for it to be Ric Flair. I don't know what his plans are after retirement, but I can't think of a greater experience than watch Flair go one last time against Sting in a southern run promotion. While it's unlikely, that's my hope at least since Sting doesn't look to be coming to WWE in 08.

Andy Clark: Ooooooooh yeeeeeeeah. Between the success of Black Machismo and they fact that TNA is going to want to capitalize on WWE's Macho Man DVD and I think Macho Madness comes to TNA.

Michael Bauer: Hopefully none, but if I had to pick one, I'd say that Giant Bernard will come in to team with Tomko and give us a very solid, very believable, and very dominating team. And unlike all of these main event signings, this one could actually work out and help TNA.

Sat: This is a difficult one. I think that TNA wants to bring Rob Van Dam in, but I don't think that he will come in. So, I will go with Giant Bernard. He and Tomko already have been teaming in Japan, so it makes sense for TNA to bring in an experienced team.

J.D. Dunn: Rob Conway FTW! There is a smorgasbord of talent either on the cusp of release (Charlie Haas, I'm looking at you) or with the potential for "wellness" problems that could force their release. Of course, with TNA's strict adherence to their own drug-testing program, we won't be seeing any of those people. **cough**

Bayani Domingo: I actually hope they bring in Giant Bernard. A monster team with him and Tomko would be fun. In fact I wouldn't mind seeing him replace AJ as Tomko's co-champion as early as next PPV. Its just the kind of thing Russo loves doing and gives AJ a reason to turn face again. Whoops, there goes that damn logic again.

Larry Csonka: While I am sure they would love to bring in a big name like Big Show or RVD, I doubt that it will happen, and really it shouldn't. They have all of the talent they need and could stand to drop some. Seriously, we hire Matt Morgan and make him a goof? Really TNA? Really? Is that the best use of him? Anyway, if they bring in anyone from WWE I could see Sandman or Sabu coming back first, but I would love for Bernard to get the shot as he has been very impressive in Japan.

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Your thoughts on TNA's increased touring schedule for 2008…

Chris Lansdell: It can only help. one thing they have been very smart about is only touring wrestling hotbed cities, where wrestling fans are so rabid that they will eat up anything taking place in a ring. Increased visibility SHOULD lead to higher ratings and more buys, presuming they do a good job with the house shows and road PPVs. As much as the IWC like to rag on TNA, me included, they can put on great shows when they put their minds to it, so with any luck for them, they will do so.

Dustin James: I think it's the best possible thing for TNA to do. Like I mentioned earlier, I believe the PPV market is too crowded to compete in. I think TNA needs to put on entertaining enough TV shows so that they can travel through out the country and put on live house shows, TV events, and PPV events. TNA needs to branch out and do shows on the West Coast. A tour of the West Coast could be huge in helping TNA establish itself as a major wrestling promotion. Either way, more live shows equals more money for TNA, and we know that they need it!

Ryan Byers: You can say a lot about their pitiful booking and their lousy pay per view buyrates, but one thing that TNA has actually managed to accomplish in 2007 is significantly expanding their touring schedule. Of course, we have no indication of whether this schedule has actually proved to be profitable. Because of this, it's virtually impossible for me to make a prediction as to whether their house show business will continue to expand in the new year or whether the dates will have to scale back. My only hope is that the house shows do not continue if they're not making money, because the last thing that this promotion needs is more debt.

Ari Berenstein: The major deciding factor for former WWE stars jumping ship may about to be debunked. If TNA decides to go with more shows, then they're going to need as much as their name talent on these shows as possible. However, if Cage, Angle, Booker T, Sting or whoever else they sign have in their contracts that they only have to work a certain amount of house shows, that's going to create some problems among the lower card guys. That's what happened in WCW when guys like Nash and Hogan wouldn't work house shows. Finally, if TNA thinks that ROH is just going to roll over because they have chosen to run shows on the same day in nearby towns, they better get ready for a rude awakening. ROH has already stepped up their Dayton card with some attraction matches and my guess is that they will continue to do what it takes to compete and make sure they maintain their audience.

Matt Adamson: TNA, get your asses to the Northwest. I think this increased touring is great for the company and will also help them see where they can take risks like running a PPV. The Ontario shows showed that TNA can take some risks up in Canada and hopefully they will be able to run a few more shows up there in the near future.

Andy Clark: I like it, as long as they mix it up. Nobody wants to see your lame ass house show if it's the same one you give everybody else, that's why nobody cares about WWE house shows. The UWF shows were successful because they offered something different. While it's good that TNA is getting their name out there and reaching more people they can't rely on the same old matches for too long.

Michael Bauer: I think TNA needs to keep doing it, but be realistic about it. Just because Ring of Honor is in Long Island, you do not need to waste time by trying to run a show in Westbury, where they really can't support a wrestling show. They need to be smart about how they do this and not try to steal fans of the WWE or RoH, because it will not work.

Sat: TNA's increasing it touring is a good idea because more people will be able to see their product live. I think that TNA will be able to convert some fans that way. My biggest worry with the increased touring is that I hope that it does not have an adverse affect on some of the wrestler's health. I was looking at some of the dates for their next string of dates and it is four or five straight days of wrestling.

J.D. Dunn: While the Impact Zone generally has a raucous crowd, they can only fit so many people and with house shows outdrawing the Impact Zone, it only makes sense to start shooting more shows outside off that arena. Plus, the crowds are fresher because they haven't burned out yet. Hopefully, Atlanta will still be an option in the future.

Bayani Domingo: It's necessary for TNA to get their name out there, too bad their name is for sh*t right now. Instead of focusing on running more dates, maybe they should figure out how to book and put on a quality product. Why spend the time traveling when you can put on non-sensical booking right in Orlando. If anything it might be interesting to see TNA really go international or come out West. C'mon TNA…I dare ya.

Larry Csonka: If they can make some money and further get exposure for the product, they yes, it is a great idea. TNA needs to do anything they can to increase their fan base, not for ratings, but for PPV Buy Rates. As mentioned they desperately need to increase them to make money. House shows can be a strong source of revenue, and I hope that this is the case for TNA in 2008.

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Your thoughts on TNA starting a developmental system in 2008…

Chris Lansdell: They are? There's all sorts of clever remarks here just BEGGING to be made...like training new people to job to Dustin Rhodes, or using half-trained people as Russo guinea pigs, but I'll resist. TNA has rarely had people show up on their main shows who weren't ready to do so. Whether that's because of their relationship with numerous indies, or because they haven't really signed anyone that hadn't been in the business for a while is up for debate. I can't see any real negatives here, though, as it gives TNA a chance to find fresh talent, and bring people in from the Indies who might be lacking in an area. Hopefully they learn to USE them too.

Dustin James: This is one of those things that I think would be good, but isn't exactly needed by TNA yet. TNA needs to run more live events, and maybe get more TV time before they start worrying about needing time to improve prospects. Once TNA starts running live events more often, and possibly gets another TV show then I would start worrying about opening up a place to get prospects ready. Because as of right now, TNA might not be around in 5 years. The wrestling business is nasty remember!

Ryan Byers: They should probably get that drug policy of theirs out to the public first.

Ari Berenstein: To develop who? To do what exactly? And where would they appear? Its not like TNA has the time or roster space...and they ONLY HAVE TWO HOURS FOR GOD SAKES! TNA has too much talent for its own good, so this is a moot point right now and not a realistic option. Besides, they always have WWE and by proxy their developmental system to raid.

Matt Adamson: Well, I hate this idea, but only because it'll mean exactly dick. If these developmental talents turn into great wrestlers are they going to be in the same spot as AJ Styles and Christopher Daniels, or will they end up as the TNA version of John Cena or Batista? See, there is my problem, TNA doesn't know how to make stars. Well, they used to, but that seems to be circling the toilet bowl.

Andy Clark: I don't like it. WWE can afford to do this because they are a large company that has the time to wait for development (whether they do or not is another story). TNA needs people that can make an impact right away and the only people they should even be interested in are proven commodities on the Indy scene. I suppose TNA has enough talent that they COULD run a developmental system if they wanted too, but I don't think it's that great of an idea.

Michael Bauer: It's a very smart idea, because it allows you to sign some of the best Indy guys and not waste them on television (see Rave, Jimmy) making them worthless to us. TNA could have a very solid roster if they did this, including sending down some of their lesser talent without hurting the fan's view of them.

Sat: I do not think that TNA should be thinking about a developmental system right now. They have a ton of things already on their plate that they need to get done. Plus, they already have a full roster of talent and they have no need for more talent.

J.D. Dunn: Not having read the rest of the comments, I'll just make the requisite joke. **Ahem** You mean they're replacing Ring of Honor? In actuality, picking over the bones of PWG, IWA Mid-South (assuming they're still around in 2008), ROH, FIP and Chikara makes more sense than putting a bunch of guys into a meat grinder so they all come out the same like the WWE does.

Bayani Domingo: I thought they already had a developmental system. It's called the WWE's mid-card. They used to have one called RoH, but they dried up that well. Its not the lack of quality wrestlers or seasoned veterans that is killing TNA it's the lack of quality booking. They need a developmental system for writers and bookers in 2008. No, not that kind of ‘Booker'.

Larry Csonka: I have been a supporter of TNA starting a developmental system for years. When they were part of the NWA I felt they blew a big chance to revitalize the NWA name and use the small territories as a feeder system, but that got scrapped. TNA cannot depend of WWE and Indy cast offs forever. With Booker aboard, I believe that now is the time to go to him and use his small promotion and school as just that. This is needed soon for survival purposes. Although as Byers stated and I do every week, getting the drug policy settled and public may be a good first step.

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And that's it for us. What are your thoughts on these topics? Drop us a line in the comments section or shot an email to me if you feel like getting long winded!