If you're a wrestling fan, it is safe to say that you've heard that Ring of Honor will be on Destination America airing as a lead-in to TNA's Impact Wrestling flagship show. If you haven't, you must live under a rock.
Of course, all of this is part of what has been a whirlwind of news, rumors, hearsay, gossip, and various adult versions of the "telephone" game, which has been going on as of late. From rumors of Impact Wrestling's cancellation, to other "news", the recent pro wrestling fandom landscape has been sketchy to say the least.
For this fan, I'll be honest, I am a bit burned out on the negativity. It's no question that I love pro wrestling, but the recent "journalism" (term used very loosely) and random negativity simply has jaded me from various aspects of the wrestling fandom that used to be fun, engaging, and passionate. It's now turned into a sea of negativity and complete hypocrisy.
For starters, Destination America was mocked as an option for TNA, but now many are praising it as HUGE for ROH? What?!
Speaking of TV deals, notice no one is covering the on going negotiations of Lucha Underground's second season, which has yet to be confirmed. From this fan, I hope LU returns, big fan here. But for some reason, TNA's deal is always in peril.
Also, ever notice there is never any reported "news" or coverage on ROH, like ever from some of these "sites" that always claim to support the company? Barely, if ever.
And of course, only in the pro wrestling world is shady journalism like a "maybe" or "possibility" on a company's TV cancellation tolerated. How about the fact that the same journalists, while dabbling in inaccuracies, completely missed an epic story like ROH joining Destination America?
Us wrestling fans need to smarten up. Just being honest. Just bloggin...
Alright, I'll calm down on my frustration as of late. I'll leave it all for another day, and another post.
Anyone else wonder how none of the supposed "reporters" had a "source" on this Destination America/ROH deal?
— Dome Pondering (@DomePondering) May 27, 2015
In regards to Ring of Honor moving to Destination America, I'm ecstatic. I am truly, truly happy for the talent and for everyone who makes Ring of Honor happen. I've stated in my PWP Column for TNAsylum back in April (Forging an Honorable Partnership) that TNA and ROH needed one another more than they believe. I've always been a huge backer of this thinking.
Sure, going as far as collaborations and crossover events is getting way ahead of ourselves, but the three hour block on a Wednesday night is a start, and to be quite frank, a pro wrestling fan's dream. Especially this fan who enjoys both products.
As stated also in that PWP column (seriously, go check that out after reading this!), I would love to see TNA and ROH come together for a yearly collaboration event held in the same city as Wrestlemania, on the night before. That, personally, would be a selfish want as I think it can be huge. However, for now, I'll settle for the mere idea of both being cordial under the Destination America umbrella.
Though, I will say, the expectations for ROH all of a sudden seems to be through the roof due to excitement from the announcement. I'll make a bold prediction and state that I don't believe ROH will draw as many viewers as TNA. Again, I'm a big fan of BOTH products, so not being biased, just honest and of course, being real.
I've been to ROH shows, and TNA tapings/shows - no women or kids are present at ROH shows. If they are, it's a rare site. It just doesn't seem like a product (yet?) that attracts those kinds of eyeballs. The product is for the hardcore fan, the same fans who make these silly ambitious claims on the internet.
And really, that's OK. One of the things I love about ROH is that they know who they are, and stand by it. I just hope they quit embracing the idea of being NXT's feeder. Again, my opinion, ROH needs to shoot to be better than being WWE's development, well, development.
Also, I'm hoping ROH looks to revamps it's production. It's a must do and will be very obvious to viewers once ROH ends and Impact Wrestling begins within that three hour time block.
As for TNA, who knows? I mean that in the nicest way, as being a fan of TNA Wrestling is on par with my fandom of my New York Knicks - there is always controversy, always heartache. And often times, the most frustrating part is that the criticism is unwarranted.
Nonetheless, the product has been great, it's all the outside-of-the-ring and business aspects that is worrisome. I hope TNA uses their new neighbors in ROH as fuel to motivate themselves and of course, to get their you-know-what together. Also, I wouldn't mind TNA taking a more aggressive approach in defending themselves. You do have supporters, TNA.
As for Destination America, it's going to be surreal seeing ROH advertised during IMPACT and vice versa. For me, here was this channel I never knew I had included in my cable subscription for nearly five years, and now it will be one of the focus channels on my DVR in my household. Well played, Destination America, well freakin' played.
So happy for ROH. Destination America really seems to be doing something new here. ROH and TNA continued to be tied together. #Inevitable
— Dome Pondering (@DomePondering) May 27, 2015
As for Destination America, it's going to be surreal seeing ROH advertised during IMPACT and vice versa. For me, here was this channel I never knew I had included in my cable subscription for nearly five years, and now it will be one of the focus channels on my DVR in my household. Well played, Destination America, well freakin' played.
So yes, having a wrestling block of different organizations on one night has never been heard of - ever. And in an age where wrestling is still looked at as "low brow" entertainment (can you blame white collar executives when you read wrestling forums/comments?) even with so much garbage on elsewhere (seriously, have you browsed around television?), DA took a chance and has created some serious buzz. They've been trending every night on social media, and of course, are the talk of the wrestling world. Time will tell if this is a disaster, or something very special.
Regardless of what happens, until September, or the end of ROH's 26 week agreement, I just wish pro wrestling fans can step away from giving power to these pseudo-journalists, as well as from the negativity, the over-analyzing, the rumor spreading, and the prognostications - and just, you know, enjoy it. Gasp! Yup, just enjoy what is about to happen!
When you throw NXT and Lucha Underground into the mix, Wednesdays, more so than Mondays, might be the new night for pro wrestling.
Sorry, Vince. You still have my childhood - always will. And oh yeah, thank you Destination America. Not sure how many times you've heard that this week, but you deserve it. This fan is looking forward to Wednesday nights.