The 411 Wrestling Top 5 8.27.12: Week 186 – Top 5 TNA Stars

Jack Stevenson
5. Christopher Daniels – When you think of homegrown TNA talent, you invariably think of three men; AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, and Christopher Daniels. Of those three, Styles has failed to make the most of his several pushes towards the main event while Samoa Joe has been drifting aimlessly since he lost the TNA World Championship. Christopher Daniels has never been given as much as the other two competitors, but he has made the most of everything he has been handed and never been anything less than entertaining during his entire TNA stint. From his dabbles with the main event early years to establishing the X Division in 2005, his exciting tag team runs with Triple X and AJ Styles, his tremendous comedic turn as Curry Man, and even today as a dastardly, Appletini drinking antagonist, Daniels has constantly delivered throughout TNA’s ten year history, and deserves to be recognized for that with a place on the list.

4. Kurt Angle – Kurt Angle’s defection to TNA in 2006 generated a lot of discussion within the wrestling industry. Widely recognized as one of the best workers in the world and undoubtedly the biggest name TNA had ever procured, Angle still wasn’t the perfect signing, with many wary of his delicate physical condition, fearing he would leave TNA in a wheelchair or a body bag. Thankfully, neither of those worst case scenarios have transpired, but Angle’s TNA run still hasn’t been of a truly spectacular standard; he’s had several high quality matches but also had his fair share of disappointing moments, and he hasn’t really given TNA heightened public awareness like many thought he would. Still, Angle is one of only two marquee signings TNA have made that stuck with the company through thick and thin, and his contributions during his six-year stint are worthy of recognition.

3. Christian Cage – Christian could probably earn himself a place on this list simply because of his status as the first person to choose TNA over WWE, but he also had a fair few in ring highlights during his stint in Orlando. Ever willing to sacrifice himself for the good of others, his bouts with Samoa Joe and Frankie Kazarian were admirable attempts to push his opponents towards main event status, while also featuring some tremendously enjoyable action. Cage also picked up his first two World Title reigns while under TNA’s employment, both of which made for decent viewing. Christian may have returned to WWE in 2009, but the warm welcome he received during his shock one off appearance at this Slammiversary indicates how highly the TNA faithful still regards him.

2. Sting – There’s a reason he’s the first person to enter the TNA Hall of Fame. The first major star to commit to TNA, Sting has done a fair bit for the company he’s called home for the past nine years. Simply by turning up he’s provided fans with exciting dream matches against the likes of Kurt Angle, while his high profile loss to AJ Styles at Bound for Glory 2009 looked like a legitimate passing of the torch moment. Sting is also a rarity in TNA; a huge, marquee name that stays out of trouble, puts in consistent performances, and is willing to do pretty much anything in an attempt to entertain the fans. Perhaps the only genuine legend of the business to been a help rather than a hindrance to the company, Sting has been nearly as important to TNA as he has been to the wrestling business as a whole.

1. Jeff Jarrett – Being as TNA wouldn’t actually exist if Jeff Jarrett hadn’t started it, I think it’s fair to consider him the most important wrestler in the history of the company, but his on camera contributions are also worthy of top spot. He may have veered dangerously close to drawing the wrong crowd of crowd hatred, but his long reigns as TNA Champion produced several exciting matches, and although his appearances have become more sporadic in recent years, that’s only served to heighten their overall quality. His bout with Robert Roode at Sacrifice 2007 is a forgotten gem, his series with Kurt Angle was first-class, and even in the depths of the creative slump TNA suffered from through much of 2010 and 2011, Jarrett still was able to provide some strong moments, with his turn as a wannabe MMA fighter providing plenty of entertainment. He’s been a hero, he’s been a villain, serious and comedic, he’s left blood, sweat and tears up and down the country in a TNA ring, he’s been at the forefront of all the backstage trials and tribulations, and he’s probably one of the few people who have directly ensured TNA can celebrate their tenth anniversary.

MICHAEL WEYER
HM: James Storm – From AMW to World champ, the Cowboy has been with the company since day one and provides great heart to fans and fellow workers alike.
HM: Kurt Angle – His defection to TNA was huge, the biggest guy to jump from WWE to them and gave them major credit with a lot of fans that Angle has continued to use.
HM: Hulk Hogan – Argue his actions but no denying Hogan’s star power gave TNA a lot more press when he arrived.

5. Samoa Joe – He’d already proven himself in ROH but moving to TNA enhanced his profile with mainstream fans. TNA did a great job pushing him with an undefeated streak, letting him run roughshod over the X Division, wowing fans with technical abilities and how he could move so fast despite his size. His feud with Angle was huge because of that streak and when he finally got the title, it was a big deal to see him win. He may not get the same push anymore but Joe’s presence in TNA is something to pull in fans and keep them with some respect for wrestling over sideshow.

4. Sting – It’s easy to sniff at him being past his prime and all that but the fact Sting has chosen to stay with TNA when WWE makes him big offers says a lot. Sting gets pushes as he still wows fans with incredible charisma and can deliver a good match if need be. He’s helped give TNA a push with many fans and his choice of them over the glitz of WWE shows how Sting’s heart is with wrestling more than just resting on his laurels.

3. Christopher Daniels – He’s been called a backbone of the locker room, a man capable of amazing matches and an awesome heel. XXX helped put the tag division on the map but his run with the X Division was even better. The veteran finally shone with TNA, especially in 2005 and even ignoring the Curry Man bit, he’s a standout in the company. His current run shows his great skills on the mic and backing it up in the ring and why he gets such great pops from crowds and respect from fans.

2. Jeff Jarrett – Love him or hate him, without Jarrett, there would be no TNA. Yes, he made HHH look the model of restraint when it came to hogging the spotlight and the title. But Jarrett is an effective heel and dominates a lot of talk both in front and behind the camera. He really gives this company his all, even coming back after the loss of his wife and trying to make things work. Jarrett really does love this company, wanting it to succeed and that drive has helped maintain TNA longer than most expected to make it a force in wrestling.

1. A.J. Styles – From the beginning, Styles has been the heart of TNA. The first X Division champion, he helped put them on the map with his amazing style. He’s held every belt in the company multiple times, put up with some crazy stuff (the bit where he was painted as an idiot) but in the end, he is still the guy TNA fans love to watch. He is sensational in the ring, pulling out amazing flying moves, able to brawl and take a beating, showcasing his style with moves no one else can perform. He always manages to rise to the occasion and was a reason myself and so many others got into TNA in the first place. As long as AJ is around, the spirit of TNA will remain phenomenal.

Francisco Ramirez
HM: Monty Brown – Could have carried TNA on his bag, never was given the chance
HM: Sting First member of the TNA Hall of Fame

5. Kurt Angle – If anyone has delivered to TNA, it’s Kurt Angle. TNA is like the Island of Misfit Toys. People leave WWE, TNA signs them like they are the second coming of Christ. They flounder in TNA, get paid and once their contract is up they head back to the WWE. Kurt Angle has stuck around, and has put on incredible matches. It can be said that of all the former WWE stars TNA has signed, Kurt was the only one worth it.

4. Samoa Joe – JOE’S GONNA KILL YOU! There was a time when that chant resonated throughout TNA tapings. Joe was the hottest thing going, and TNA managed to drop the ball. Regardless Joe has come close to being the poster boy of TNA. His matches have been enjoyable and his semi-shoot on TNA, Scott Hall and Kevin Nash was one of the most memorable moments in TNA history.

3. LAX -My controversial pick! Konnan was the mouthpiece, Hernandez was the muscle and Homicide was Homicide. For a short period in time LAX was the hottest team in TNA, TNA had captured lightning in a bottle! They took over TNA, they were political, controversial, and had an incredible feud with AJ Styles and Christopher Daniels. TNA and Konnan had issues, and like the goose with the golden egg, a good thing was lost.

2. Jeff Jarrett – I hated the King of the Mountain during his early run. It seemed he hogged the spotlight a little too much, regardless, I have to give the devil his due! Jarrett was the man in TNA, hell, he was a founding father! Feuds with the likes of AJ Styles, Raven, and Samoa Joe among others have kept Jarrett consistent. Maybe not the King of the Mountain, but definitely one of TNA’s biggest stars.

1. AJ Styles – If Tommy Dreamer was the heart and soul of ECW, then no other man can be that for TNA but the Phenomenal One. Styles was the X-Division at one point! He, Low-Ki, and Jerry Lynn MADE the X-Division! He’s been part of a great Tag Team alongside Christopher Daniels, and he’s held the TNA World title on numerous occasions. Regardless of his accolades, whatever TNA tells AJ to do, AJ follows. Heel turns, the new Nature Boy, Fortune, pregnancy angles. Styles sticks with it, and eats, sleeps and breathes TNA.

Gavin Napier
HM: Christopher Daniels – The Fallen Angel, Suicide, Curry Man. Daniels has been the yin to AJ’s yang for a long time now; if AJ is the heart of TNA, Daniels makes up the guts of the promotion.
HM: Abyss – He’s been around damn near forever and is a highly identifiable part of the promotion.
HM: Christian Cage – My personal favorite “get” in TNA’s history, he used his time there to prove he was a legit main eventer.

5. Robert Roode – It took TNA ten years to do it, but they’ve built a legitimate star of their own. Robert Roode wasn’t like AJ Styles and Christopher Daniels in that he didn’t have any great indy buzz coming in to the promotion. He certainly wasn’t like Kurt Angle or Christian Cage, recognized as a top flight worker from the number one promotion in North America. He wasn’t like Sting or Nash or Steiner, a legend collecting a paycheck based on his name. No, Robert Roode has been a work in progress, building himself up slowly through Team Canada, a stalled singles attempt, Beer Money, and a successful singles run. Others are sure to follow – James Storm and Austin Aries spring to mind – but Robert Roode is TNA’s first true homegrown breakthrough talent.

4. Sting – Sting is in a unique situation in TNA. He’s certainly not a “homegrown” talent, as his career started more than 15 years before TNA was born. However, he wasn’t a “get” from WWE, either. Sting in TNA doesn’t feel as natural as Sting in WCW did, but it feels way more comfortable than Sting in WWE would. Sting is easily the biggest star to never compete in WWE, and is a genuine icon in the sport’s history. He’s stuck around a lot longer than he had to, and maybe even longer than he should. Sting’s experience and name recognition has been invaluable to TNA through the years, and he can still capture the old magic and put on a surprisingly good match from time to time.

3. Jeff Jarrett – Jarrett was, of course, the founder. TNA was his vision. It’s good that he had one, because he probably wasn’t going to be welcomed back into WWE. The problem with Jarrett being the founder was that he knew he could rely on himself more than anyone. As a result, Jarrett forced himself into the main event picture and was guilty of the same thing so many of WCW’s veterans were guilty of – not letting go. Jarrett could have put over Monty Brown and made a star years ago, but the trigger was never pulled. Jarrett waited too long to switch the title to Raven, and the momentum was lost. Still, Jarrett was a recognizable name to wrestling fans. He may have never been a huge draw, but it was a familiar face. Jarrett is underrated in the ring (then again, I grew up watching the southern style of wrestling), and was vital to the company’s success.

2. Kurt Angle – TNA was always going to be “the other guy” until somebody important jumped. Sting was there, but Sting didn’t have to actively leave anybody to get there. Sting was a WCW guy, and TNA offered him a chunk of change to show up. Kurt Angle was different. Not only was Kurt Angle a WWE guy, he was widely regarded as one of the top two or three workers on the planet, if not the very best. His exit from WWE wasn’t pretty, but his arrival in TNA was awesome. Angle’s jump immediately provided much needed credibility to TNA. He made them a viable option for talent looking for a change of pace. All that would be sort of moot if he couldn’t deliver in the ring, but he’s Kurt freakin’ Angle. That part was never in question.

1. AJ Styles – For my money, there’s nobody else that it can be. From the word go, AJ Styles has been there. From the lean times when people said they wouldn’t last six months, to the seeming reliance on WWE castoffs, to the current product on Spike TV, AJ has been there for everything. If they needed a face, he could do it. If they needed a heel, he was willing. If they needed a World Champion, he was believable. If they needed an X Division champion, he was capable. He’s worked with everybody that’s come through the locker room, and is always reliable for a great match. WCW had Sting. WWE has The Undertaker. TNA has AJ Styles. He’s their franchise, period.

Ryan Byers
5. Raven – What is a star? A star is a wrestler who moves the company’s bottom line. That’s why Raven is on my list. Back when TNA was solely producing weekly pay per views, Raven had a feud with Jeff Jarrett that culminated in an NWA Title match. The show that the championship match between Jarrett and Raven was on drew significantly higher than any weekly PPV up that point and was still one of the most-purchased TNA shows of all time as of a couple of years ago. Hulk Hogan hasn’t done that. Yes, Raven has meant more to TNA’s pay per view business than Hulk Hogan.

4. The X Division – The other major draws of the weekly PPV era weren’t the live, episodic shows that TNA was putting on for most of its run. They were pre-taped shows featuring X Division wrestlers (tournaments, World X Cups, etc.) that the company would put on any time that they wanted to give the regular roster a vacation. Virtually every time that TNA did one of these shows, it did better than the standard fare. It didn’t matter who the wrestlers in the tournaments were or even if they were regular members of the promotion. That’s why I’ve listed “The X Division” as the “star” as opposed to, say, Teddy Hart or Juventud Guerrera.

3. & 2. Kurt Angle & Samoa Joe (tie) – Raven drew the highest pay per view buyrate of TNA’s weekly PPV era, but the overall record for drawing on pay per view goes to Kurt Angle and Samoa Joe. Their first match against each other drew approximately 60,000 buys, which is almost ten times the buyrate that a lesser TNA show does these days. Yet, despite his track record of doing big business, Joe was almost immediately shunted down the card and turned into a joke when people who were perceived as bigger stars came in . . . even though those bigger stars had only a negligible impact on the bottom line. Which brings me to my number one entry . . .

1. Nobody – Yes, nobody. There has been no one major star in TNA who has consistently done anything more important for TNA from a business perspective than anybody else has. Kurt Angle’s first match did do the large PPV buyrate referred to above, but his drawing power on pay per view wasn’t consistent and ratings went nowhere. There was no appreciable bump in ratings or buyrates when the company brought in Christian. Or Sting. Or Ric Flair. Or Booker T. Or Kevin Nash. Or HULK FREAKING HOGAN, one of the two biggest stars in the history of wrestling in the United States. Things have, for the most part, remained stagnant ever since the promotion got its deal with Spike TV. This isn’t to say that there aren’t wrestlers who I have enjoyed in TNA or that there aren’t any shows from TNA I have enjoyed. This just means that TNA is not a “star” based company. TNA is a company that a certain number of people are always going to watch and that very few people are going to buy because they want to watch some form of non-WWE wrestling on television. They have picked up a marginal number of viewers here and there due to longevity and due to changes in time slot, but no individual piece or pieces of talent can take credit for any growth that the promotion has seen. They’re not really stars, they’re just the talent who is present on a show that a certain number of wrestling fans will always watch regardless of who is there. That is why nobody can be considered the biggest star in TNA history . . . there just aren’t any stars, in the traditional sense of the word, to speak of.