Is WWE pulling a WCW?

[Peter Kaymakcian]

Is WWE shooting itself in the foot with it's treatment of it's midcard wrestlers? I mean without a lot of these wrestlers WWE wouldn't be able to put on a show quite as good as it does. I could see guys like Santino Marella, Zack Ryder, and some others making big waves in TNA due to their popularity. Ryder and Marella are basically jobbers yet they are two of the top merch sellers in the WWE. Plus the McMahon's are losing quite a bit of money on Linda's senate campaign and producing the show. Do you think the WWE is making a mistake with how they are treating their midcard performers?

[Angryhero]

TNA doesn't have the money to bring these talents in, and WWE knows it. They are letting everyone know they are (practically) the only company out there, so take it... Which is totally bad business...

Imagine if they all (mid-carders) waited, and walked out on Wrestlemania night?

1/2 the card would be a mess... headlines everywhere- Career suicide maybe, but what Power they would hold for that moment!

[Darkside Ron Garvin]

TNA doesn't have the money to bring these talents in, and WWE knows it. They are letting everyone know they are (practically) the only company out there, so take it... Which is totally bad business...

Imagine if they all (mid-carders) waited, and walked out on Wrestlemania night?

1/2 the card would be a mess... headlines everywhere- Career suicide maybe, but what Power they would hold for that moment!

No, TNA might not have the ability to give them a high amount for a set contract, but I bet they would give them a higher percentage on Merch sales and allow them to keep a percentage off of their youtube shows. That bump would be enough in the mean time to get them by not having that promise $60k(rough estimate) that WWE gives them. Plus, they wouldn't have to be on the road 24/7, risking injury day in and day out, and could have a life outside of wrestling. Sure, TNA might not be the "guarenteed money" that WWE is, but with the situation they are in... Neither is WWE.

As for the walk-out, it would be one of the most infamous event to occur in the wrestling industry. To have the mid-card roster walk out on WrestleMania night would be WWE career suicide, but it would also gain a HUGE amount of publicity for those taking part in it.

[PSOjedi]

Leaving WWE for TNA is not always a good thing, especially for guys who are not used. I'm sure if Santino or ryder go to TNA, they would perhaps be used for the 1st 3 or 6 months, then bye bye. TNA can't sign each WWE Superstars who leave, and there is also wrestlers in TNA's locker room who are waiting for their spot so this is not a good deal.

[Tommy Thunder]

Leaving WWE for TNA is not always a good thing, especially for guys who are not used. I'm sure if Santino or ryder go to TNA, they would perhaps be used for the 1st 3 or 6 months, then bye bye. TNA can't sign each WWE Superstars who leave, and there is also wrestlers in TNA's locker room who are waiting for their spot so this is not a good deal.

The bolded especially.
TNA already have a pretty big roster, many of which aren't on tv on a weekly basis anyway. Many of these guys are very talented and I see TNA fans complaining that they aren't given a chance. Would signing a bunch of guys that used to be in WWE's mid-card really be an ideal thing? No. Because it would push the guys already in TNA that aren't used further down, and we'd have TNA fans complaining about it.

When guys leave WWE, going to TNA is NOT the one and only option for them.

[Shining Light]

It's all just going to reflect badly on Linda's Senate campaign. If they fire them, she gets heat. If they mistreat them, she still gets heat. The WWE have essentially shot themselves in the foot.

[TheDevilsAdvocate]

The WWE will always be a strong force. I think the only reason they're struggling right now is because of Linda Mcmahon's campaign. There have been MANY websites who reported the amount of money she pumped out into that campaign this year and last year.. It was around the serious millions range. That's a lot of paychecks that could have gone to the midcarders. I don't see anything positive happening to them financially until' Linda wins or loses this senate election.

[tommytopographic]

Imagine if they all (mid-carders) waited, and walked out on Wrestlemania night?

1/2 the card would be a mess... headlines everywhere- Career suicide maybe, but what Power they would hold for that moment!

Yep career suicide, would be the one of the most unprofessional things they could do, would turn the public against them and wwe would probably have grounds to sue them!

[JohnnyV123]

Sadly, I think WWE would rather the mid card talents completely walk out than have them form a union.

[Sahu]

The WWE will always be a strong force. I think the only reason they're struggling right now is because of Linda Mcmahon's campaign. There have been MANY websites who reported the amount of money she pumped out into that campaign this year and last year.. It was around the serious millions range. That's a lot of paychecks that could have gone to the midcarders. I don't see anything positive happening to them financially until' Linda wins or loses this senate election.

True!!!esp the highlighted part!!

[Sahu]

The only difference is...there is no WWF now to buy the WCW....I mean, there is no other wrestling company which can buy WWE...

TNA is just an alternative for us fans...but not for wrestlers...

n more over Santino can get over anywhere he goes for his comedy n very good in ring ability..I would love to see a EY/Santino tag team..:D

But I don't think Zach Ryder can get over in TNA because his name, his gimmick, his show n hell even his catch phrases are owned by WWE...it'll be again really tough for him to find a new name/gimmick/catch phrase....

[The_Socal_Guy]

I was just thinking about this very thing before Raw came on. However my thoughts about this changed when JTG had a match. If he was really upset as he shows on twitter, I don't think he would have been wrestling tonight. He would have stood up to Vince at the pre Raw meeting. I now see this midcarders as a storyline of some sort. Or WWE's way of getting even more people to trend WWE and it's superstars. I don't see any wrestlers right now making any moves to TNA.

[hiphopjunkie]

I was just thinking about this very thing before Raw came on. However my thoughts about this changed when JTG had a match. If he was really upset as he shows on twitter, I don't think he would have been wrestling tonight. He would have stood up to Vince at the pre Raw meeting. I now see this midcarders as a storyline of some sort. Or WWE's way of getting even more people to trend WWE and it's superstars. I don't see any wrestlers right now making any moves to TNA.

WWE'S sarcastic way of giving them air time. If the WWE lost half their mid carderscand a couple of bigger names it would take them years to recover. Its not like running a factory in the sense that if people start making trouble they can just be replaced at a massive level. So i think WWE better play it smart and give them whats fair.

[Peter Kaymakcian]

Remember that WCW was known for mistreating its midcard wrestlers as well when they thought they were invincible. I'm not saying everyone will go to TNA, but their are alternatives like going over seas the indies and what not. I think that if most of the midcarders left it would be a serious blow to the WWE.

[Marx]

I think that if most of the midcarders left it would be a serious blow to the WWE.

They won't miss Yoshi Tatsu, JTG and the related clowns for 1 second. They'll promote some FCW/NXT-guys to the main roster and it would probably be better for everyone, us viewers included.

Zach and Santino would be a bigger blow, though I personally won't care a bit. I've never liked Santino and though I liked Zach's show (I can draw money, epic) he himself dropped the ball on his push. His ring work is sloppy at best and I can't remember him getting past 'woo woo woo' on the mic. I'll probably get flak for that and people will say: WWE won't let him this and that.. point is, he was in the matches, and it sucked. He had a live mic in his hands, and he didn't do anything with it. That cost him his push, and that's why he isn't on tv.

One thing in favour of Zach and Santino: if they got scammed on the merch side of the story, I find that sad and pathetic from WWE's side. Zach made a name for himself, WWE didn't help one bit, so please pay the man his dues (and then fire him, for all I care)

[Dubs]

They are pulling worse than a WCW. When talent left WCW, they actually got a higher pay even when they weren't scheduled to appear on Nitro or on a PPV but were sick of being underutilized (one of WCW's financial idiocies along with trying to steal WWE talent with lucrative contracts). WCW never thought long-term and always thought giving talent more money would be the answer to getting them to stay. Now, these WWE mid-card talents aren't even getting paid that much AND aren't even being utilized. The treatment of Zack Ryder along with other mid-carders is ridiculous.

Unless TNA is thinking about getting a second brand, I doubt these mid-card talent would fit on Impact. If they get air-time, than the others won't get as much air-time but if the WWE mid-carders don't get enough air-time, some of them will get fed up and leave. It's a difficult situation.

[Iron Ape]

The people who think guys like Ryder and Marella would be better off in TNA receiving a higher percentage of merchandise sales understand that they would still probably be making less money due to TNA's merch sales being a fraction of the WWE's, yeah? I'm not quite sure I see the appeal in that.

[Automatic]

They would be better off in TNA, except for the exposure and the pay, but those are the most important things.
The only reason TNA exist is, because WWE lets them exist anyway.

As long as there aren't any main eventers involved, WWE will be just fine. They just replace some spokes in the wheel. You can even doubt that the WWE will recover if some main eventers leave.
The selling point is the WWE show after all.

[Xpacfan]

No, TNA might not have the ability to give them a high amount for a set contract, but I bet they would give them a higher percentage on Merch sales and allow them to keep a percentage off of their youtube shows. That bump would be enough in the mean time to get them by not having that promise $60k(rough estimate) that WWE gives them. Plus, they wouldn't have to be on the road 24/7, risking injury day in and day out, and could have a life outside of wrestling. Sure, TNA might not be the "guarenteed money" that WWE is, but with the situation they are in... Neither is WWE.

As for the walk-out, it would be one of the most infamous event to occur in the wrestling industry. To have the mid-card roster walk out on WrestleMania night would be WWE career suicide, but it would also gain a HUGE amount of publicity for those taking part in it.

Good point! But someone else made another good point in that a lot of these guys may not see the TV time desired. If TNA were to sign them, it would be a perfect time than ever to start another weekly show (preferably taped).

[Peter Kaymakcian]

Again TNA isn't the only option for these guys like I said. They can go over seas, the indy scene, TNA, or something else. People forget that the WWE can be taken out if they let themselves.

[Cabers]

Leaving WWE for TNA is not always a good thing, especially for guys who are not used. I'm sure if Santino or ryder go to TNA, they would perhaps be used for the 1st 3 or 6 months, then bye bye. TNA can't sign each WWE Superstars who leave, and there is also wrestlers in TNA's locker room who are waiting for their spot so this is not a good deal.

Exactly most former wwe guys strolled in expecting to have a title run or two and then bang right back to wwe for bigger money and a push at a bigger level *turns and waves* Hi Christian howya doin'?.

Doesn't always work.

[Giddy]

I believe both Ryder and Santino could be big in TNA. Both men are charismatic, good mic workers, have a HUGE following, and are good in the ring. I think Ryder going to TNA could help him get his big break, similar to Christian, and I also believe Santino could make waves in TNA as well.

[Dubs]

Again TNA isn't the only option for these guys like I said. They can go over seas, the indy scene, TNA, or something else. People forget that the WWE can be taken out if they let themselves.
Well of course TNA isn't the only option but it is for people who want to work for a major promotion not named WWE and TNA is the second biggest wrestling right now but yeah. I get what you're saying. I'm sure guys have other options like working in the indys or going to Japan to make a solid earning.

[HCollins-TNA1]

WWE mid-card talent want be the same as when several of WCW mid-card jumped..... Namely Beniot, Melenko, Eddie, and Saturn....

Although if certain guys would jump or leave they will be replaced.... Would and could they go to TNA, they could, but not sure TNA would be willing to take them as they had others in the past....

[Jerichoholic-NL]

The bolded especially.
TNA already have a pretty big roster, many of which aren't on tv on a weekly basis anyway. Many of these guys are very talented and I see TNA fans complaining that they aren't given a chance. Would signing a bunch of guys that used to be in WWE's mid-card really be an ideal thing? No. Because it would push the guys already in TNA that aren't used further down, and we'd have TNA fans complaining about it.

When guys leave WWE, going to TNA is NOT the one and only option for them.

i think it should be time a indy company steps up and gets bigger because both WWE and TNA (and maybe ROH) too have big rosters and don't use some wrestlers weekly

[Darkside Ron Garvin]

WWE mid-card talent want be the same as when several of WCW mid-card jumped..... Namely Beniot, Melenko, Eddie, and Saturn....

Although if certain guys would jump or leave they will be replaced.... Would and could they go to TNA, they could, but not sure TNA would be willing to take them as they had others in the past....

This is the point I was going to bring up. The main difference in this situation is the "mid-carders" that are involved. Ryder and Santino, yes they have the possibility of having a lengthy career. However, JTG, Reks, Hawkins (Unless the remain as a tag team ONLY) don't have that same thought come to mind when you see them. Honestly, neither do Ryder or Santino, but they have a good following. When you looked at Malenko, Benoit, Saturn, and Guerrero, you knew without a doubt that they were mid-carders who would be something special for quite some time. How many get that same feeling when you think about the Midcarders who have been associated with these stories?

Edit - If the midcarders included the likes of Ryder, Santino, Kidd, Sandow, and possibly Epico/Primo, then yes I could say that TNA would be gaining midcard talent that has the potential to be the next Radicalz... But with what they have now, I just don't see it.

[HCollins-TNA1]

This is the point I was going to bring up. The main difference in this situation is the "mid-carders" that are involved. Ryder and Santino, yes they have the possibility of having a lengthy career. However, JTG, Reks, Hawkins (Unless the remain as a tag team ONLY) don't have that same thought come to mind when you see them. Honestly, neither do Ryder or Santino, but they have a good following. When you looked at Malenko, Benoit, Saturn, and Guerrero, you knew without a doubt that they were mid-carders who would be something special for quite some time. How many get that same feeling when you think about the Midcarders who have been associated with these stories?

Edit - If the midcarders included the likes of Ryder, Santino, Kidd, Sandow, and possibly Epico/Primo, then yes I could say that TNA would be gaining midcard talent that has the potential to be the next Radicalz... But with what they have now, I just don't see it.

That was the biggest thing that hurt WCW when 4 of the most popular mid-card talent jumped ship.... Esp with some people opening eyes and was going push them or so it seemed with at least Beniot he was going get a huge push... but WCW wasn't willing to give him the money....

If one look at the talents right now in WWE who could benefit from jumping ship from WWE to TNA IMHO... Cody Rhodes since it seems he have some kind of heat with the fall he has taken, beside I think Cody could be a World champion anywhere else beside WWE right now... Tyson Kidd, he has positional to carry any division be it X or World title... Epico and Primo who could add to the tag division of TNA..... As for JTG, Ryder and Santino, it my opinion if them 3 would leave they wouldn't fit in, in TNA....

[Darkside Ron Garvin]

That was the biggest thing that hurt WCW when 4 of the most popular mid-card talent jumped ship.... Esp with some people opening eyes and was going push them or so it seemed with at least Beniot he was going get a huge push... but WCW wasn't willing to give him the money....

If one look at the talents right now in WWE who could benefit from jumping ship from WWE to TNA IMHO... Cody Rhodes since it seems he have some kind of heat with the fall he has taken, beside I think Cody could be a World champion anywhere else beside WWE right now... Tyson Kidd, he has positional to carry any division be it X or World title... Epico and Primo who could add to the tag division of TNA..... As for JTG, Ryder and Santino, it my opinion if them 3 would leave they wouldn't fit in, in TNA....

Kidd, Rhodes, and Primo/Epico walked out, they could enter TNA and I would have no problem. They are solid wrestlers who also have the ability to perform on the stick (Kidd being the most unproven, but I loved his work in Hart Dynasty, even if I hated his hair). I have pleaded for WWE to release Kidd for the longest time now, but I don't see that happening anytime soon. I'd also like to think that if Tyson went to TNA, Harry would soon follow :D.

As for the other three, I might be able to see JTG ONLY if Shad joins because I see him not rising above his current position, even if he was in TNA. Add him to the Tags and he could hold gold for sure. Ryder doesn't fit my personal mold of TNA because his inring isn't that great (my opinion). The best thing Ryder has is by far his youtube show. Anything in the ring or on the mic leave me saying meh. As for Santino, I would only accept him if it was a solid program with EY, followed by a tag run from these two in which they turn from comedy back to serious characters. People often forget Santino has shown some good potential in the ring, and anyone who has followed TNA knows that EY plays the serious role just as well as his comedy. Have these two go from comedy matches, to competative matches, down to brutal... Then give them a run for the tag titles.

[Sahu]

The mid card talent who can make big in TNA:

1. Tyson Kidd hands down...he'll become the Face of their X-Division in no time and since Harry Smith worked for Ring ka King..there is a possibility of him joining TNA n will be great for tag team division..

2. Colons....I want all three of them to join TNA n make a Caribbean Stable with Epico/Promo being a tag team n Carlito in X-Div

3. Cody Rhodes....I can see him as a World Champion in TNA..but I want him to work for TV Title and bring some prestige to it to begin with

4. Santino can shine in TNA because he's a very good in ring performer..n he has got great comic sense n he can excel any gimmick given to him and I want him to team up with EY

[rofecoxib22]

Nah...but TNA is :eek:

[Peter Kaymakcian]

I think a lot of us are forgetting that Stone Cold, HHH, Taker and Mick Foley were all released from WCW at the height of its popularity with the exception I think being Taker he may have been a hair before, but I know he was in WCW as a midcarder. Those four were some of the biggest names during the Attitude Era. Then you had Jericho, Eddie, Benoit, Big Show, and a few others leave WCW for WWE when the ship started really sinking. I'm not saying anyone from this group of midcarders is the next Stone Cold, Foley, Taker, or HHH, but who knows?

[Peter Kaymakcian]

The mid card talent who can make big in TNA:

1. Tyson Kidd hands down...he'll become the Face of their X-Division in no time and since Harry Smith worked for Ring ka King..there is a possibility of him joining TNA n will be great for tag team division..

2. Colons....I want all three of them to join TNA n make a Caribbean Stable with Epico/Promo being a tag team n Carlito in X-Div

3. Cody Rhodes....I can see him as a World Champion in TNA..but I want him to work for TV Title and bring some prestige to it to begin with

4. Santino can shine in TNA because he's a very good in ring performer..n he has got great comic sense n he can excel any gimmick given to him and I want him to team up with EY

Other names to add to your list

1.) John Morrison-Isn't currently in WWE, but was still a former talent who had a ton of upside. He left the WWE due to frustrations with the company. He had tons of charisma and was fun in the ring. Could have been the next Shawn Micheals in my opinion.

2.) The Miz-Apparently earlier in the year he was frustrated with his current status in the company. It seemed his stock was on the rise, but ever since he became IC Champ he has been jobbing out in recent memory. Kane, Mysterio, Y2J, and I believe Christian as well.

3.) Ryder-Tons of potential from this guy. With a gimmick change this guy could be gold for any company he goes to. Before everyone jumps down my throat my I remind all of you that Stone Cold was the Ring Master and a Hollywood blonde before his gimmick change. Sometimes its the gimmick.

4.) Reks and Hawkins-Could help bolster TNA's tag division which could seriously use a boost right now. Both guys could be useful in a tag team role which WWE refuses to give them.

5.) Abraham Washington-I know this guy again isn't a current WWE employee, but the man is golden on the mic. I would love for him to be the mouth piece for Aces and Eights or maybe put in charge of TNA as a heel authority figure. Which by the way TNA has needed for sometime now. They need a legitimate GM who isn't a former wrestler for christ's sake. Seriously Hogan and Sting don't know how to be an authority figure.

[Sahu]

Other names to add to your list

1.) John Morrison-Isn't currently in WWE, but was still a former talent who had a ton of upside. He left the WWE due to frustrations with the company. He had tons of charisma and was fun in the ring. Could have been the next Shawn Micheals in my opinion.

2.) The Miz-Apparently earlier in the year he was frustrated with his current status in the company. It seemed his stock was on the rise, but ever since he became IC Champ he has been jobbing out in recent memory. Kane, Mysterio, Y2J, and I believe Christian as well.

3.) Ryder-Tons of potential from this guy. With a gimmick change this guy could be gold for any company he goes to. Before everyone jumps down my throat my I remind all of you that Stone Cold was the Ring Master and a Hollywood blonde before his gimmick change. Sometimes its the gimmick.

4.) Reks and Hawkins-Could help bolster TNA's tag division which could seriously use a boost right now. Both guys could be useful in a tag team role which WWE refuses to give them.

5.) Abraham Washington-I know this guy again isn't a current WWE employee, but the man is golden on the mic. I would love for him to be the mouth piece for Aces and Eights or maybe put in charge of TNA as a heel authority figure. Which by the way TNA has needed for sometime now. They need a legitimate GM who isn't a former wrestler for christ's sake. Seriously Hogan and Sting don't know how to be an authority figure.

I have not considered JoMo and AW as they r not current WWE superstars but, they can really excel in TNA...JoMO is a gr8 in ring competitor...I feel next HBK is a bit too much..in ring may be yes...but not on mic...but who knows he may improve on mic too...AW will be GOLD as a manager...

Hawkins n Reks can be good as a tag team but they have to start from scratch. Will TNA put money on them?? I mean TNA will not be ready to put more money (as reks/hawkins will expect more money than WWE) on the ppl whom they have to work from the scratch. Instead they can take two new guys n end up giving less money than Reks/Hawkins

Ryder, I have mixed feelings..in ring n on mic he's just okay..of course, he can cover up his mic skills with his catch phrases (he's good at it)..But one thing is, his name/gimmick/show/may be even catch phrase is also WWE trade marked..then what can he do in TNA?? He'll be shuffled in TNA...may be they can call him Zach E and team him with Robbie E and they two can start a show similar to his current show...:D

[HCollins-TNA1]

Nah...but TNA is :eek:

How???? Please explain????