James Storm – One Step Down
The negativity continues on the TNA side of things, as Impact Wrestling last week reminded me of the challenges they continue to face creatively. I see huge potential in James Storm as a solo mega-star for their company, yet TNA can't seem to commit to much of anything, or anyone, for a long period of time.
There are exceptions in Bobby Roode, Jeff Hardy, Aces & Eights, and even Austin Aries, but James Storm is the one guy in 2012 that should have been the easiest to convert to a major player, but rather, he's the one they've neglected the most. The obvious main event between Storm and Bobby Roode has STILL yet to happen, and unfortunately, fans are likely past the point of caring by now, even if it did.
Don't get me wrong – Storm has made the most of it, and is still a viable contender any time they want to point in his direction, but his lack of growth and development since winning the world title for the first and only time has been a disappointment, to say the least.
The worst part is that I'm not sure the new year will necessarily provide much of a difference either. Roode and Aries continue to be the primary focus, opposite Jeff Hardy, and while all three are understandable, I think James Storm should be included in that list. Rather, he's wasting time with Kazarian and Daniels, who should be continuing their run in the tag division.
Quick aside: I had no problem with the Mike Knox reveal from this past week. The Aces & Eights are a slow build, and until TNA is ready to resume that angle to the fullest, I'm perfectly fine with what they're doing. They aren't involved with the title picture and are giving guys like Sting, Samoa Joe and Kurt Angle some sort of weekly relevance as well. The same applies to Bully Ray's program with the Hogans.
My gripe with TNA currently isn't so much on the storyline side of things as it is dropping the ball with particular talents at particular times.
