Is WWE Going to Buy TNA? | Your Comments | The Wrestling Rewind #174🎙️| Clip

Summary

In this wrestling-themed discussion, the hosts explore the hypothetical scenario of WWE purchasing TNA, focusing on the implications for TNA's identity and financial stability rather than a crossover event. They consider the impact of Hulk Hogan's past with TNA and the importance of maintaining TNA's independence. Listeners weigh in with their opinions, and the hosts agree that WWE's involvement would likely be subtle, aiming to preserve TNA's distinct brand while ensuring its survival, reflecting the value of competition in the wrestling industry.

Takeaways

• 🤔 The main question discussed is whether WWE would buy TNA, specifically in a way that doesn't involve a complete takeover or crossover.
• 🎭 Michael Burns believes TNA is looking for its own identity after the Hulk Hogan incident and wouldn't want a WWE buyout.
• 💣 Hulk Hogan's involvement with TNA had a significant negative impact, changing the company's direction and causing problems.
• 💼 The conversation suggests that TNA might be more focused on maintaining its independence rather than a financial rescue by WWE.
• 🏢 There's a hint that the corporate structure and shareholders might play a role in TNA's decisions, not just the wrestling aspect.
• 🤝 The hosts agree that if a deal happens, it would likely be subtle, keeping TNA as a separate entity with occasional crossovers.
• 📈 Mike Jones' comment about Anthem's purchase of Nvidia FC is used as a comparison for a possible WWE-TNA relationship.
• 💡 The idea of WWE buying a majority stake in TNA without a public announcement is floated as a way to maintain TNA's independence.
• 👥 Mention of TNA talents like Jordan, Grace, and Joe Henry having success in WWE, suggesting a symbiotic relationship.
• 🌐 The importance of competition and different wrestling styles for the growth and health of the wrestling industry is emphasized.
• 🎉 The final takeaway is about the value of TNA to WWE and AEW, and the desire to avoid TNA folding, highlighting the benefits of having multiple wrestling companies.

Q & A

What is the main topic of discussion in the transcript?

The main topic of discussion is the possibility of WWE buying TNA (Total Nonstop Action Wrestling) and the implications of such a purchase.

What does 'buying TNA' mean in the context of the discussion?

Buying TNA in this context refers to WWE potentially purchasing TNA, providing financial support, and allowing TNA to operate independently without major changes to its identity.

What was Hulk Hogan's impact on TNA according to the transcript?

Hulk Hogan's arrival at TNA led to significant changes, including altering the entrance music, the ring itself, and the overall production style, fundamentally changing what TNA was at the time.

What is the opinion of Michael Burns 734 regarding WWE buying TNA?

Michael Burns 734 believes that WWE will not buy TNA, as TNA is looking for its own identity after the Hulk Hogan incident.

What is the Hulk Hogan scenario mentioned in the transcript?

The Hulk Hogan scenario refers to a period in TNA's history when Hulk Hogan joined the company and made drastic changes that negatively affected TNA's identity.

Why might WWE be interested in TNA according to the discussion?

WWE might be interested in TNA to ensure it doesn't fold, to have a separate entity that can operate independently, and to maintain the value of TNA as a wrestling brand.

What is the significance of the six-sided ring in TNA's identity?

The six-sided ring was a unique feature of TNA that distinguished it from other wrestling promotions and was removed during the Hulk Hogan era, symbolizing a loss of identity.

What is the role of Jeremy Borash in the wrestling industry mentioned in the transcript?

Jeremy Borash is mentioned as being backstage as an agent, having a significant impact on booking matches and contributing to the success of wrestlers in both WWE and TNA.

What is the importance of competition in wrestling according to the transcript?

Competition in wrestling is important as it provides different styles and alternatives, preventing the industry from becoming too homogenized and offering wrestlers opportunities to learn and grow.

What is the final point made about the value of TNA to WWE in the transcript?

The final point is that WWE recognizes the value of TNA and its talent, and that having TNA as a separate entity can be beneficial without the need for a public purchase or major changes.

Outlines

00:00

🤔 Speculation on WWE's Potential Purchase of TNA

The script opens with a discussion on the hypothetical scenario of WWE buying TNA (Total Nonstop Action Wrestling). It explores the idea of WWE providing financial support without significant creative control, allowing TNA to maintain its identity. Listener feedback suggests skepticism about such a deal, especially considering TNA's struggle to establish its own identity following the controversial involvement of Hulk Hogan. The conversation also touches on the impact of Hogan's changes to TNA, including altering the entrance music and ring setup, and the general consensus is that TNA would not want to repeat such a disruptive experience, even with WWE's financial backing.

05:02

📈 The Business Side of Wrestling: Possible WWE-TNA Relations

This paragraph delves into the business aspects of a potential WWE-TNA relationship. It suggests that WWE might acquire a majority stake in TNA, leveraging the fact that TNA is not publicly traded to keep the deal discreet. The discussion points out that such a move could benefit both parties, with TNA gaining financial stability and WWE expanding its influence without directly managing TNA's operations. The paragraph also references the importance of TNA's independence in maintaining its unique identity and the value of having alternative wrestling styles, using the example of how wrestlers like Naomi and Trinity have evolved through their experiences in different wrestling organizations.

10:05

🎭 The Value of TNA to WWE and the Wrestling Landscape

The final paragraph wraps up the conversation by emphasizing the value of TNA to WWE and the wrestling industry as a whole. It argues against the idea of TNA folding, suggesting that its existence provides WWE with a valuable resource for talent and alternative content. The paragraph also touches on the mismanagement of other wrestling organizations like the NWA and the importance of learning from different wrestling styles to avoid stagnation. It concludes with an invitation for listeners to share their thoughts on social media platforms and a reflection on the passion for wrestling discussions among fans.

Keywords

💡WWE

WWE, or World Wrestling Entertainment, is a globally recognized professional wrestling company. It is a key entity in the script's discussion about the potential acquisition of another wrestling company, TNA. The WWE's interest in TNA is framed as a hypothetical scenario where they might provide financial support without a full takeover, which is central to the video's theme of wrestling industry dynamics.

💡TNA

TNA, standing for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, is another professional wrestling company mentioned in the script. The discussion revolves around the possibility of WWE buying TNA or investing in it without changing its identity. TNA's situation is used as a case study to explore the impact of financial backing from a larger entity on a smaller wrestling company.

💡Hulk Hogan

Hulk Hogan is a well-known professional wrestler who had a significant impact on TNA when he joined the company. His involvement led to substantial changes in TNA's presentation style, including altering the entrance music and ring setup, which is referenced in the script to illustrate the transformative effect a high-profile wrestler can have on a company.

💡Seed Money

In the context of the script, 'seed money' refers to an initial financial investment provided to a company, in this case, TNA, to support its growth and operations. The concept is integral to the discussion about how WWE might support TNA financially without taking over its creative direction or identity.

💡Crossover

A 'crossover' in the wrestling context implies the interaction or collaboration between wrestlers or brands from different companies. The script mentions that the discussion is not about a crossover or 'invasion' scenario, emphasizing that the focus is on financial backing rather than merging wrestling styles or talent pools.

💡ECW

ECW, or Extreme Championship Wrestling, was a wrestling promotion that was bought by WWE in the past. The script uses ECW as a historical example to discuss the potential outcomes of WWE's involvement with another company like TNA, suggesting that outright ownership might not always be the best approach.

💡Nvidia

Nvidia is mentioned in the script as an analogy to how WWE might handle a relationship with TNA. The reference to Nvidia's sale to Anthem and its continued operation as a separate entity suggests a model where TNA could maintain independence while receiving financial support.

💡Pay-Per-Views (PPVs)

Pay-Per-Views, or PPVs, are events where viewers pay a fee to watch wrestling matches, often broadcasted on a per-event basis. The script discusses the possibility of TNA continuing to hold PPVs with WWE's financial backing, indicating a business model that allows TNA to operate independently while alleviating financial pressures.

💡WCW

WCW, or World Championship Wrestling, was a major wrestling company that was acquired by WWE. The script refers to WCW in the context of discussing the documentary 'Who Killed WCW' and the non-wrestling aspects of running a wrestling company, such as executive decisions and shareholder interests.

💡Competition

The concept of 'competition' in wrestling is highlighted in the script as essential for the industry's health. It is argued that having multiple wrestling companies, each with its unique style and approach, benefits the overall landscape and provides fans with diverse options, contrasting the idea of a single dominant entity.

Highlights

The discussion revolves around the hypothetical scenario of WWE potentially buying TNA, not for a crossover or invasion, but possibly providing financial support.

Listener Michael Burns 734 believes WWE will not buy TNA, as TNA is seeking its own identity post-Hulk Hogan controversy.

The Hulk Hogan incident had a significant negative impact on TNA's identity, changing many aspects of the company's presentation.

TNA's financial struggles are a concern, and WWE's involvement could alleviate those issues without major changes to TNA's operations.

The corporate structure of TNA may involve stakeholders beyond the wrestling company itself, complicating any potential buyout.

A possible comparison is made to how Anthem Sports & Entertainment (ASE) handled the acquisition of an MMA company, suggesting a similar approach for TNA.

WWE's past attempts at reviving or acquiring other wrestling companies like ECW and WCW have not been successful, indicating the challenges of such a move.

TNA has been able to maintain a separate identity and operations, which could be beneficial in a potential partnership with WWE.

The discussion suggests that if a buyout were to happen, it would likely be a quiet, behind-the-scenes deal rather than a public spectacle.

TNA's non-publicly traded status could facilitate a discreet acquisition by WWE or a related entity.

The value of TNA is recognized in its ability to provide an alternative style and competition in the wrestling industry.

WWE's main eventers now include many former TNA wrestlers, highlighting the impact TNA has had on the industry.

TNA's influence is seen in the booking and reception of matches in WWE, with former TNA talents contributing to well-received segments.

The fear for WWE might be in ensuring that TNA doesn't collapse and can continue to provide value as an alternative wrestling entity.

The conversation ends with a call to action for listeners to share their thoughts on the topic through various social media platforms.

Transcripts

basically we posed the question laid out

scenario will WWE buy TNA and and by by

buy TNA we mean you know purchase them

in the background or give them a bunch

of seed money and just kind of leave

them off their own way we're not talking

about a you know crossover or an

invasion or any of that kind of thing um

but here's what some of our listeners

had to say so um uh Michael Burns 734

says not a chance Michael of all the 730

five Michaels the 734th one was always

my favorite uh not a chance to believe

we have TNA uh TNA is looking for its

own identity after the whole Hulk Hogan

thing which I get I mean I would kind of

be of the same opinion um as that like

the The Hulk Hogan scenario was truly

horrendous uh Martin I don't think

you've seen a lot of hul Hogan stuff

have you um I've seen what like uh what

we've covered but I obviously as a

resident TNA historian I haven't seen it

to the same extent as yourself yeah I I

had to live it and I'm no rush to live

it again but yeah basically so when so

what Michael's saying here is when when

Hulk Hogan came in he did fundamentally

wiped TNA he uh he changed the entrance

music changed the entrance itself got

rid of the six-sided ring changed the

way it was done the way it was produced

it fundamentally wasn't TNA when he

showed up um and it was Bishoff as well

that was there so it wasn't just wasn't

just Hulk Hogan um so I do understand

that I I don't think TNA would do that

even if WWE were to bite them what we're

saying is they won't um they won't come

in Whole Hog and change everything what

yeah what what what we believe if this

was to happen is that TNA would be doing

its own thing but won't have to worry

about money per se which is a problem

that TNA has had in in the

past yeah but obvious other thing to

remember is that TNA is not really

just TNA anymore like the so we're today

we're going to talk about the um who

killed

WCW documentary and yeah like one of the

big aspects of that was the kind of

non-wrestling side of the company you

know the TD Executives and the people

who had shareholders and all that so it

might not actually be de to

TNA um to make a

decision uh but what I would say is I I

completely agree with Dara if it does

happen I don't think it'll be like a

like an outright uh public purchase or

anything I think uh much like they used

to do with ECW in the past they'll keep

up the pretense that TNA is a separate

entity and we' see the occasional

crossovers like we have with the Jordan

Grace and obviously Joe

Henry say his name and he appears he

appears to L though I go to bed every

night I shout it out and he never

appears no he's there he's there

watching

watching but yeah no because it's

interesting right because on that point

Martin uh Mike Jones

483 made a very good point which kind of

ties into that he says answer no but

check out what anom did did with Nvidia

FC and you'll get your answer so I

looked into it and Nvidia was actually

sold to Anthem Nvidia are um a female

only uh MMA um company you know and yeah

they're kind of off in their own sphere

and that's kind of what we were saying

we were saying that because Anem is

already very much um connected to WWE

from you know in the TKO side of stuff

that's what we were kind of angling at I

don't think like for one moment I don't

think you know WWE running TNA is the

answer that's silly we've seen that

before we've seen it with with ECW like

the WWE ECW we've seen it when they

tried to do WCW uh it just doesn't work

you know people reject it but I do think

having having that kind of deal is

exactly what we were talking about on

the podcast where yeah TNA is off on its

own it's doing its own thing it's it

it's maybe touring having some

pay-per-views or ples as they call them

as well I mean that that's a huge sign

right there right um no they are TNA

calling them that now yeah they are yeah

oh God and you said it wouldn't change

them well it's it's not them it's as you

said it's the the corporate structure

right um so yeah

I I I I agree with that and I I will

still say that if we do get this it'll

be a thing that it's a foot it's a

footnote somewhere it won't be huge

announcement obviously it'll be in the

trades or something like that but I

don't think it would be a a

gamechanging thing here's how you do it

right WWE buys or TKO buys majority

stock or stake I don't think TNA are

publicly traded I could be wrong an

the fact that they're not publicly tra I

think the fact that they're not publicly

traded might make the whole thing easier

to um yes it would kind of keep under

wraps secret yeah yeah like that that's

that's kind of why I'm I'm dancing

around this here if TNA is publicly

traded which I don't think they are um

this would have to be announced

immediately because it's not they can

just bite them and go look it's part of

the deal you don't tell anybody you know

we just give you money

we were able to set up certain things

that we want to do like having Jordan

Grace Joe Henry Frankie Kazarian was

there as well I mean everybody forgot

about Frankie gazarian which I feel bad

about but it was like he was there too

he's a massive TNA star and uh yeah like

I just and former a like you think

they'd make a big deal out of that but

again it just shows you that like this

this thing does go deeper than just a

work in relationship like obviously um

NXT is their feeder brand but one of the

complaints that they've had about NXT is

that it doesn't give them as much

exposure it it's limited in a certain

way and then again like TNA is there

they're touring they are doing their own

TV it can get like look at Trinity or

Naomi right I was not a fan of Naomi in

WWE initially right I thought she was

fun as the funk at axles and when I saw

her wrestle in glasg

after watching her um on before going to

the house show or before going to the

tap I was like right she's like a

different she's like a different person

totally different woman totally

different person I I wasn't at the

Glasgow show with Dara but I watched the

um the taping that they did in England

before they went up to Glasgow yes

totally different woman but that's what

won me over I was like oh my God her

working with TNA has rebuilt her into

this actual main eventor like a Bonafide

Main aventor and I think here this is

this is the reason any wrestling fan out

there who wants you know such and such a

company today or such and such a company

to be the only one is an idiot wrestling

needs

competition Alternatives it's not even

that needs Alternatives of competition I

agree with you on that but it needs

different styles you know like if you've

read Chris Jericho's book look Chris

Jericho modern Chris sorry modern Chris

Jericho is is a different man to you

know Y2J but his book is is quite a good

template where he'd move

around go to Mexico go to Japan WCW ECW

WWE and they get to learn different

things learning the WWE style in and of

itself is bad you telling me that you

have sat Under The Learning

Tree but learning the WWE style

necessarily isn't a bad thing but when

it's the only thing you have that's very

limiting right and it's it's you know I

don't think

that's what you know we've seen that WWE

can't do that right like the main

eventors that they have now are all TNA

guys even in aw a lot of the main

avenders are TNA guys you know it's it's

actually it's it's a a point you'd made

on a different show we done that um the

final revenge of TNA was that top gays

and the two main companies

are TNA gays now even if TNA not get the

credits and their

agents you know Jeremy borash is is

backstage book as an

agent ays is backstage as an agent you

know that's great yeah all these guys

are are there quite well has booked some

of like the WWE's best received matches

he absolutely has CU he had some of

TNA's best matches as well and it it's

cool that I think

WWE finally gets the value of TNA you

know and and aw of course does as well

but it it it to me and we'll close on

we'll close on this segment down on this

to me it just doesn't make any sense to

risk having TNA fold when they have when

they can be like right we can actually

use this this has value compare we were

joking about the NWA before we went on

the NWA has no value it's a complete

joke of a company right um and it's pity

because it had such like a prestigious

name for a long time but but

mismanagement that that weird

pay-per-view angle that we talked about

with the the the cocaine and you it's

like for no reason and you know one of

the young ones like these days cocaine

and we're not joking folks that that

happened on on TV for some reason and it

cost them the TV deal um you

know I think WWE's fear is here right

we're working with our people you know

we're we're opening this we're bringing

people they're like we got to make sure

okay we're not going to strangle them to

death which is what fce would have done

but we have to make sure there's some

kind of like you know some kind of guard

rail so we don't have a random cocaine

segment or we don't you know something

like that where where it nobody looks

good from it all the things we've seen

Vince do over the years that's where I

draw the line

folks a random cocaine

segment but that's why I think they're

doing it they want to have some stronger

control on or not even control just

Assurance is that like right if we book

Joe Henry he's not going to get injured

he's actually going to show up and and

be very well received it's the highest

rate that

segment that that segment is the highest

rated

I social media clip in history of WWE

here where to go who is having a better

20124 and Joe

Henry nobody man I said I said killing

it I said it to

you when I saw that gimmick

live this I that is the greatest

gimmick of all time and it is it's just

it I don't know why it works it just

works so well

um but

look that that that's what we think

that's what our listeners think guys if

you want to comment on that I'm going to

clip this and put this up on YouTube let

us know do you disagree do you think

we're we're on the money you think we're

completely off uh we'd love to know and

we will course talk about it on the show

and we genuinely love to know um so

comment on like wherever you find us

YouTube Twitter Facebook Instagram

LinkedIn only fans wherever you find us

a comment and we'll uh we'll chat about

it on the show and uh we'll we'll we'll

chat we'll chat back as well absolutely

because uh I mean like it's cool to talk

about wrestling because we're so

lonely well I mean