| We head into another year of WWE Wrestling... another year without a strong national competitor for Vince McMahon. But, it might not be that way for long. NWA-TNA has all the stars they need to compete on a national level with the WWE, all they need is the exposure, and they could be well on their way to getting that. Plans are in the works to get NWA-TNA's saturday morning show that airs in the Memphis area nationally syndicated. In my opinion... once people tune into the free show to see what kind of stuff is going on, and they catch a glimpse of some of the matches involving Amazing Red, AJ Styles, Lo-Ki, Christopher Daniels, Jerry Lynn, Joel and Jose Maximo, Kid Kash, Tony Mamaluke, and Sonny Siaki.... they will be bitten by the bug and realize that there *IS* an alternative to the WWE out there... one that gives the young, smaller, high-flying superstars that always got buried in Vince's WWE a chance. When you add in the old WCW fans, getting to see Jeff Jarrett... and EVERYBODY getting to hate Vince Russo all over again, even more people will tune in to see what happens. You also have the surprises... NWA-TNA has been VERY good with the suspense factor to this point... nowadays, if Tazz or Jericho or Scott Stenier is going to show up on WWE TV, fans know about it already, due to the internet buzz. NWA-TNA has done a magnificant job with surprises such as Vince Russo being the man under the mask, helping Jeff Jarrett win the NWA World Heavyweight Title, Rowdy Roddy Piper showing up at the beginning of one show and calling out Vince Russo, Paul Bearer appearing at the end of a contest and helping out the New Church keep their tag team titles, and as recently as the last broadcast, where the Legion of Doom, Hawk and Animal, ran out and started a war with Vince Russo and his guys. Tuning in each week to see what twists and turns and surprises will be unveiled is half the fun of watching, and its something that the WWE is unable to do anymore. Right now, NWA-TNA is in a battle of control with Vince Russo, and his Sports Entertainment Xtreme group. Or S.E.X. The past few weeks have seen an invasion angle being done THE WAY IT SHOULD BE DONE. Russo is aligning his troops, destroying the set, and doing other such things that really gets the point across that this IS a renagade group much better then the WWE did when they bought out WCW. Right now, I'll run down a list of the major players in NWA-TNA and the impact they could have in 2003, I'll also run down a couple guys that NWA-TNA are actively pursuing to join their group. Jeff Jarrett - The current NWA World Heavyweight Champion, engaged in a battle to keep his World title, and trying to fight off Vince Russo at the same time. How long will he be able to do both until one or the other overtakes him. His skills are better then ever, and he is the main opposition to Vince Russo. Ron Killings - "The Truth" as he is now known, the former "K-Kwik" of the WWF, is poised to have his best year as a professional. Already having held the NWA title, he too is engaged in a battle with Vince Russo, and a hard- fought fued with one of Russo's forces, B.G. James, better known as the "Road Dogg" in the WWF Sonny Siaki - A tremendously talented young superstar, reminds me of a young Rock. Sonny enters 2003 holding the X- Divison title. This is his time to shine, and he has all the tools to do it. B.G. James - The former "Road Dogg" has assumed a place as one of Vince Russo's best allies. Could be torn between his loyalty to Russo, and his feelings for his father, Bob Armstrong, who is the main NWA official that is opposing Russo and trying to keep control in NWA-TNA. Jerry Lynn - Never respected by Paul Heyman, (Justin Credible was the one who encouraged Heyman to give Lynn a shot in ECW) Never given a chance to shine in the WWE as he was cut while being injured. He came into NWA- TNA with something to prove. And prove it he has. He's been the leader of the X-Division, has been one half of the fued of the year with AJ Styles. And one of the main reasons that NWA-TNA has been a success to this point. 2003 will be a busy year for Jerry, he is the main instructor for the developmental traning facility that NWA-TNA is going to start in the new future, and he is a threat to any title in NWA-TNA. AJ Styles - The 2002 breakout star in the world of wrestling. AJ got his start in NWA Wildside, and when given the national stage with NWA-TNA, he took full advantage of it, showing off his talents. One of the best 5 indy- competitors in the USA right now. AJ is on a quest for Jeff Jarrett's NWA title. This guy is the real deal, and I'm sure the WWE is kicking themselves in the butt right now for offering him a $500 a week developmental deal, instead of locking him away so he couldnt be a main draw for any upstart promotion. Amazing Red - Much of what I said about AJ Styles can also pertain to Red. The best in the X-Division right now, and probally the most-over babyface in NWA-TNA. Red was trained by ECW legend Mikey Whipwreck. He is said by many to be like a "younger, MORE EXCITING, Rey Mysterio type wrestler. And I would have to agree. He's every bit as exciting as Mysterio, and 2003 should be the year that Red really breaks out and turns into the nationally-known breakout preformer that he has the tools to be. I'll be back next week with a short rundown of Lo-Ki, Christopher Daniels, Joel Maximo, Jose Maximo, Curt Henning, the Disciples of the New Church, Kid Kash, and Jason Cross. If anyone has a chance, I highly urge you to check out one of the NWA-TNA shows... its well worth it. -WholeF'nShow |
| NWA-TNA 2003 Preview and Forecast |
| Part One By : WholeF'nShow Jan. 7, 2003 |