Paul Heyman & ECW Stable to Invade TNA?

[slashsfro]

I would actually be for this idea too.  If they're dumping Russo, they might as well give Heyman a try.  He can't write stuff that's any worse.  Although wouldn't it make more sense--former ECW stable vs former WCW/WWE guys (Hogan, Flair, the band) vs TNA guys (with some WWE guys like Hardy, Angle).  That would be very interesting.

[Gnrfan]

Heyman could only improve things and would use his common sense to TNA's benefit.

I wouldn't Slashfro's three stable thing, but it would be harder to write. If TNA do have their own stable then it should be guys who are as near to pure TNA as possible. Guys like Joe, AJ, Beer Money, Morgan, MCMG & Abyss. Give them a chance to shine!

[Izzy]

Issue here is how bloated the roster is in places

main event scene is very crowded, as is the upper mid card

trouble is x division and knockout division are a but thin - the ECW guys would only make the balance worse...

[D]

The latest news regarding Paul Heyman going to TNA Wrestling is looking VERY positive. Spike TV have given TNA the green light to allow a **** in-ring product something which Heyman will feel right at home with. Heyman would almost certainly be brought in to head the creative a role which has previously been assumed by Vince Russo who has expressed interest in working in other areas of the company.

If Heyman does sign with the company Eric Bischoff will be responsible for the production of iMPACT! and PPV's while Hogan will become an ambassador for the company to represent them in media appearances.

[Izzy]

I have defended Russo alot over the years and I'm deeply suspicious of change...but TNA, while entertaining, isn't what it could be. Some creative changes might be in order...

But then again didn't they try that with EB?

Spike seem to be good partners here - I don't need more PC programming

[Hammy]

Right now, TNA officials know that they’re doing an angle with the ECW originals but do not know exactly what that angle will consist of. Different ideas are being discussed, including the idea of eventually producing a second ECW-like brand in the company with it’s own TV show.

The feeling is that the more TV programming they have, the more money they can charge Spike TV for TV. That’s what helps the company stay alive.

[Lineker10]

while Hogan will become an ambassador for the company to represent them in media appearances.

This is what TNA should of had Hogan doing from the start. Very good news if true.

[Izzy]

Is Heyman any good?

I never saw ECW and while I understand he booked smackdown for a time but wasn't watching at that point

he promoted a violent style of wrestling in ECW but seemed to have been PG in WWE long before that went official

right now TNA is pretty good and I'm not sure another new direction is called for

in less than a year we've had Jarrett then Russo run the show, then it was Bischoff and now Heyman?!

[slashsfro]

On Heyman--he's a great booker.  He was responsible for that great string of Smackdowns a few years ago.  Assuming they give him total control with zero (or even minimal) interference from others, I have no doubt that he will book a good product (ECW vs TNA).  There isn't as much crap here to deal with as opposed to WWE.  Now that WWE has gone kid friendly, it would be perfect for them to bring back some blood or violence into their matches.

Long story short--I am fully on board with this.

[Hammy]

He is a super intelligent booker, just don't leave him in charge of the company finances.

[Izzy]

Rumour has it all this Heyman talk has annoyed Bischoff (oh well) and pissed off Hogan (yey!)

Hogan is simply using TNA and his exit, while a blow for star power, is no great loss

[EricxGNRxSTARx]

In an interview with MMAFighting.com, Paul Heyman goes into detail about what he had planned for TNA if he had joined the promotion:

"It came real close with TNA. To me, it was more of a deal with Spike TV and then a stock and ownership deal involving TNA. I had a five-year plan. I was going to spend 18 months building the roster, the next 18 months exploiting that built roster, that's three years in, go public in three, stay for two more running it and get out at 50 [years old]. That was my plan. I had an exit plan. I had a five-year plan and I clued everyone into it. I told TNA what my plan was and I told Spike TV what my plan was and how we would capitilaze on it and how we would make this thing move and an acknowledgement that wrestling is a diminishing market and it's not perceived as cool and here's how you, if not change course, at least present it differently so that at least you have a chance in today's marketplace to at least compete."

"When that didn't happen, that was it. I didn't have any other interest in doing it. It was close. I would have done it for that particular deal and that's it. That time passed. Now I'm looking at taking my abilities elsewhere and the logical step for me is this entry point right now both into MMA and into also just the branding world."