I write a wrestling column every Monday and Friday for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review which can be found online at Triblive.com.
Jeff Jarrett leaves TNA and what this means for everyone involved is the topic of today's piece. The following is an excerpt:
What makes the departure seem even more negative is the silence surrounding it. TNA doesn't want Jarrett talking because he will say nothing positive. Something is wrong in Dixieland. There is never any more emotional or genuine words spoken than when a parent realizes their child has gone down the wrong path.
Jarrett could bring TNA on a session of “Maury” where the military drill sergeant gives the kid a dose of reality. He's the father, TNA's the child and the drill sergeant might arrive too late.
As a wrestler, Jarrett was serviceable to the mid-card at best. He was pushed to the main event in WCW's final days but didn't belong. He was one of the recognizable names they had left and had friends in the right political places. Reality remains. He was a bigger persona in his mind than he ever drew to be. I believe the saying is a variation of he broke more guitars than dimes he ever drew.
In saying that, I give him more credit than most. He got out, made some money in guaranteed money he was able to ink (difference in getting a guaranteed and actually drawing nightly houses) and then moved into management. Too many guys aren't smart and capable enough to move to management. They had to rely on taking bumps and riding the road.
Jarrett does come from a smart wrestling family. His father, Jerry, might be one of the best wrestling bookers in the history of the business. In fact, Jerry Jarrett was being prepared to take over WWF in 1993 if Vince McMahon had been found guilty by the U.S. government during the steroid trial. That's a huge showing of how good a wrestling mind and trusted body of management he could be.
From all accounts of those who worked with Jeff Jarrett while he had stroke as management, I've heard positive things. Decent booker and nice enough guy. It seems he got out off the ship before he had to hold his breath, but where does he swim to now?
Is WWE an option? I give my thoughts in the final paragraphs of the full version of the column. Click here to read.
