TNA and Reality TV

[cartern923]

If Spike TV is serious about getting behind TNA's product, I believe that they should seriously consider filming a reality TV show based around the wrestlers of TNA. Now, for the show to be successful, I think Spike/TNA would have to totally drop kayfabe. That doesn't mean you allow the cameras inside booking meetings or show anything that would spoil shows, but for the purposes of the show, drop the characters and don't have them talk about each other like they're really feuding. You don't want it to come across to casual viewers as another 'cheesy, fake' wrestling show.

My thought process behind this is the success of HBO boxing's 24/7 series, and even The Ultimate Fighter. Now, I understand casual viewers of that show who end up buying the real fight (which I suggest is quite a large number) are buying in to see the real-life dramatic conclusion to the fight, but if you base the show around the real-life results (injuries, politics, etc.) of certain TNA shows, then the casual reality fan (people get pretty crazy about reality TV) would almost have to watch Impact on Thursdays or the PPV once-a-month to understand what the wrestlers are talking about.

Since reality TV is relatively inexpensive to produce and Bischoff's group has experience in the field, I figure it's at least worth a shot and it might be one of the best ways to cater to the casual fan.

The key, though, NO kayfabe.

Any thoughts?

[Dave at the Movies]

That'd either work really well and show non wrestling fans and people who don't know a lot about non-kayfabe or it could be a disaster and take away from the real show which is Impact.

[VINTAGE GRIDLOCK!]

For a media studies project i once did a reality-TV spoof called 'Celebrity Chemotherapy', in which minor celebrities would voluntarily take in cancer and the show would show their recovery, with none being offered to the person with the lowest number of votes.

that is a better idea and has more of a chance of happening than yours

[Dave at the Movies]

Well would you look at that.

www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1262545194.php?style=dark

[Rick Mad]

I think it would expose the business too much. It would be super interesting, yes, and wrestling fans would LOVE it, but I think it would be too bizarre to watch two guys be friends on one show and then hate each other on the "fake" show. It would make suspension of belief way too difficult.

[deeks]

Jan 3, 2010 14:48:46 GMT -5 Dave at the Movies said:

Well would you look at that.

www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1262545194.php?style=dark

At least we know where WWE will be scouting for fresh talent.

[________ has left the building]

Jan 3, 2010 19:24:39 GMT -5 deeks said:

Jan 3, 2010 14:48:46 GMT -5 Dave at the Movies said:

Well would you look at that.

www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1262545194.php?style=dark

At least we know where WWE will be scouting for fresh talent.

Since the show's on Spike there is going to be a potential crossover with TNA. If Super Dave can make a random appearance, then Teo and Puppet (who were part of TNA during the Asylum days and had a cameo during the Best Damn Sports Show Period special) are going to show up. It is one of concessions TNA has to make if they want Spike's money and support.