It's easy to pass her off as a beautiful woman who got things handed to her from "Daddy the Rich", used that opportunity to take over a pro wrestling company in which she had no place, and get pushed around by all the politically-savvy, smooth-talking wrestlers that got in her ear. And maybe that statement is even true, in part or in full, but to succeed in the pro wrestling business for ten years, at the level TNA has, is no walk in the park. Dixie Carter deserves credit.
Watching Dixie Carter's recent sit-down interview with Jeremy Borash (seems to have been taped before Christmas last year), it's hard NOT to like the TNA President. She's very personable, and her love and support for the company she runs is obvious.
Are there still issues within TNA, preventing them from becoming any type of real threat to WWE? Of course. But that shouldn't be their focus anyway. Dixie's priority is keeping Spike happy and turning a profit at the end of the year. From what I can tell, she seems to be doing those things right.
I'll be the first to admit that my interest in TNA has waivered over the past few years, to say the least. What stood them apart from WWE used to be their sole focus, and as a result, their best attribute. A powerful Knockouts division, the "no limits" attitude of the X Division, incredible pay per views – they got replaced by too much nostalgia, B-rated celebrity appearances, and a ton of overhype, trying too hard, and failing to deliver on promises.
Bringing in Hogan and Bischoff was an easy decision, however. Hulk Hogan is one of the most successful brands to ever come out of pro wrestling. And still is. Was it the right choice? That's debatable, but I don't fault Dixie for trying.
And "try", she certainly does. Dixie Carter is not one to float by and fail due to complacency. If she fails, she'll do it swinging for the fences and fighting tooth and nail. That's respectable.
In the interview, Dixie encouraged fans to come back and watch the product again if they haven't in a while. I second that thought. 2012 was a good year for TNA in regards to creative development. Bobby Roode is incredible, Austin Aries is a breakout star, Bully Ray is one of, if not, the best heel in the business, and Jeff Hardy is…well, Jeff Hardy.
We'll see how the new pay per view changes play out this year. I have my doubts, but kudos to Dixie Carter once again for trying something new. If it works the way she wants it to, it should not only help their bottom line, but could also give them more leverage creatively. Use TV to build toward four mega-events every year, and stop at nothing to make sure those events are just that – MEGA.
TNA isn't perfect – neither is WWE – but it's the closest thing to "competition" out there. And for those of you that consider yourself to be true wrestling fans, you should want them to succeed. You should do your best to support them.
It's not just you, either. Guys like me and sites like WrestleZone should also do a better job of supporting TNA, ROH, and the indies. It's really the only way to hold WWE accountable for their mistakes. Even Walmart needs competition.
Society, in general, is overly critical. The internet, even more so. The internet wrestling community – well, now that's simply a beast of a different kind when it comes to negativity and criticism.
It's often justified, sure. But sometimes, we need to take the time to acknowledge the good in people, and the things they do right – as journalists and as fans. I respect Dixie Carter for what she's accomplished with TNA. I also respect her for what she continues to try and do with it.
Next week, I'm sure I'll be right back to normal with my what-in-the-hell-were-you-thinking's and my that's-the-stupidest-thing-I've-ever-seen's, but for now, Dixie, I simply say…
Thank you, and good luck.
Sincerely,
Chris Cash
Follow Chris Cash on Twitter @RealityofChris or email him at [email protected].
