5 Reasons TNA Signing Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson Was a Bad Idea
When TNA and Dixie Carter tease a "big signing" disappointment is sure to follow. Kurt Angle was the last big TNA signing back in 2006. TNA constantly grasps at straws inking deals with WWE castoffs but they are still a distant number two to the WWE.
In the latest attempt to catch the boys in Connecticut, TNA announced a deal with Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson. Jackson is expected to hold a news conference this week but the contract includes appearances by Jackson for Bellator MMA and Spike TV.
This couldn't come at a worse time for TNA -- their Slammiversary PPV did well and featured an amazing bout between Knockouts Gail Kim and Taryn Terrell. Instead of building off the momentum and elevating current talent, TNA will shine a light on the new acquisition.
Jackson's time in TNA will be train wreck. Here are five reasons why.
- 1
Part Time Talent Splits Locker Rooms
'The Road to WrestleMania 29' was riddled with backstage resentment, as guys like Dolph Ziggler were vocal about their distaste for the many "part time" performers on the show. Superstars like Brock Lesnar, The Rock, and even Triple H were seen as outsiders by the less mainstream WWE regulars.
TNA now faces a similar problem. Rampage Jackson isn't a regular in pro wrestling, and depending on how much air time he's going to take up, he could cause dissension in the ranks. It's also possible he could be brought in as a color commentator, or a Mike Tyson at WrestleMania XIV role, in which he could be an outside 'enforcer. Anything removed from the ring probably effects TNA locker room morale in far more positive way.
- 2
Young Talent Will Get Buried...Still
For Jackson's wrestling image to work, the TNA needs to build him as a Mark Henry-type gimmick. A one-man wrecking crew squashing all babyfaces. The only problem with this is idea is he'll have to bury real wrestling talent. The established guys probably won't allow Jackson to walk all over them so this leaves only younger talent left to sell Jackson's routine.
- 3
Money Would Be Better Spent Elsewhere
TNA isn't exactly flush with cash. While the last PPV had bright spots, it was headlined by guys long past their prime. TNA decides the smart move is to spend more money on men who can't wrestle? Former wrestlers with MMA backgrounds like Ken Shamrock, Dan Severn, and Josh Barnett are all available or guys like Kevin Steen are just wasting away in the independents.
- 4
This Probably Means More King Mo
The TNA/Bellator crossover was a terrible idea from the start. Wrestling and MMA are just different sports, and the sooner these companies realize this fact, the better off wrestling and MMA fans will be. Unlike Rampage, King Mo isn't even a recognizable name, so he serves little purpose, if any but TNA will find a way to get him more air time with Jackson also now on the roster.
- 5
Two words -- Pacman Jones
Remember when Adam 'Pacman' Jones won a tag team title without ever making any contact in a match? Well, it happened, and it was atrocious. At best, Rampage will be like Brandon Jacobs, the former New York Giants running back who appeared on TNA in 2012, which means a little contact from an untrained monster.