I'm curious about the push that TNA is giving Bobby Lashley. Whether its actually a good idea or not. The upsides are pretty obvious - great look, believably dangerous, etc. However, trying to push him to be a new star seems like it could backfire on them. If Lashley is serious about his MMA career, then he is likely to have to give up pro wrestling at some point. Assuming he aspires to become part of the UFC at point, then there is no way he can do both - the UFC would not allow it. Other organizations might, but not the UFC. So its conceivable - perhaps even likely - that TNA could build Lashley into one of their main stars, then see him walk away... Not too different from what happened to the E with Brock Lesnar. Curious on other people's thoughts on this...
The upside to pushing Lashley is *ZERO*.
He was never a draw in the WWE. He wasnt a rating mover, and he wasnt a PPV draw. And this despite McMahon strapping the rocket to his back and giving him the monster push of all monster pushes.
To think TNA, who has never gotten anyone over to any degree (maybe Joe until they killed him dead) as a draw, can do with Lashley what McMahon couldn't is laughable.
It's a great deal for Lashley, because what TNA is doing is giving him TV time to promote his MMA fights...and
paying him.
TNA is essentially helping promote fights that they will never make a single dime on. Unless they are getting a cut from his MMA fights, Lashley is just another former WWE "name" getting a push, instead of giving that slot to a homegrown star--which is really what TNA needs to get to the next level.
EDIT: I would use Lashley to put over the Joe's and Hernandez's and Styles' and Morgan's of the world.
"See, our guys are better than those guys!!"
But when has TNA ever done that? They brought in the completely worthless Rikishi and had him beat Robert Roode on TV...and he never had a chance to give Roode his win back, because he walked away before signing a contract. That epitomises TNA...push the former WWE scrubs to the moon, bury your own guys. And then wonder why you are viewed as second rate.