TNA Rumors: Is Signing Alberto Del Rio a Risk for TNA?
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Fighting Gobbler
According to recent reports and hints from the man himself, the former Alberto Del Rio is closing in on signing a deal with two wrestling companies with television rights. Thus, it has been widely speculated that these will be the newly-established Lucha Underground and TNA. The latter of the two has been discussed since Del Rio was unceremoniously released from his contract back in August for a backstage incident with an employee. Del Rio has currently been appearing in a number of independent organizations in the US and Mexico, going by the moniker of El Patron Alberto, and with Ricardo Rodriguez in tow.
On first reflection, this would appear to be a major coup for both companies, depending on whether Del Rio will be allowed to compete for both simultaneously. He is a former four-time world champion in WWE and a Royal Rumble winner, with a great deal of experience in Mexico as Dos Caras Jr. His Mexican following is impressive, and he has always been a solid hand in the ring, with excellent bouts against Christian, Rey Mysterio, Dolph Ziggler and Sheamus to his credit.
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For Lucha Underground in particular, this seems to be a no-lose situation. The popularity and heritage Del Rio has in Mexico makes him immediately attached to the fanbase there. His legacy and popularity would immediately get him over with the audience, either as a face or a heel. And, since it only recently debuted on television, the presence of a superstar of Del Rio’s caliber and reputation can only increase viewer interest and gain them the notoriety they need.
TNA however, is a whole different kettle of fish. Only a few months ago, the rumor mill abounded with suggestions that Impact Wrestling may not even be on television by the time 2015 came around, let alone signing a free agent like Del Rio. Although it is widely believed that they will be signing with a new broadcaster this week, it will be a smaller network than their current deal with Spike, and even that platform was garnering them ratings of less than 1 million.
From being viewed as a growing competitor to WWE four years ago, through a mixture of poor storylines, expensive signings and shrinking their PPV schedule has seen the company shrink remarkably in the last couple of years. It has let go of a number of its homegrown stars to ROH, NJPW and other independent organizations, whilst signing the likes of Hulk Hogan, Rob Van Dam and Sting to hefty contracts did not dramatically increase fan support, leading to their departure from Spike TV. Sadly, it has been a case of spending too much to try and get big quick before having the solid foundation needed to build upon, which means they have reverted to a setting not dissimilar to back in 2006.
Things may be on the up for the company though, with Kurt Angle set to recommit to a new deal in the twilight of his career and the new television deal on the way. The Impact episodes have increased in quality, with less convoluted or nonsensical feuds being shown. So, signing Del Rio could be another indication of a period of prosperity for the Florida-based organization.
But, whilst Del Rio is a Mexican cult hero due to his reputation and family heritage, his time in the USA has been decidedly lukewarm. Despite being a solid hand in the ring and staying in and around the main event in WWE for the vast majority of his run, he was unable to create a meaningful attachment to the WWE Universe. The crowd seemed to take an apathetic attitude towards him, likely due to his immediate Royal Rumble victory and subsequent defeat to Edge at WrestleMania 27, followed by being thrown into CM Punk and John Cena’s feud for the WWE Championship. And a brief face turn in late 2012 until the middle of 2013 did not make him anymore relevant, as the crowd didn’t buy into the Mexican Aristocrat as a believable babyface.
Therefore, as Del Rio would likely carry a significant contract and signing fee due to his time in WWE, wouldn’t it be somewhat of a risk to pin a great deal of hopes on him bringing more fans to the product. He has always been great in the ring, and the thought of matches between him and Bobby Roode, Kurt Angle, Austin Aries and Jeff Hardy would be excellent prospects. As a heel he showed potential and character, and has an aggressive persona that was highly under-appreciated in WWE.
But, that is just it. For whatever reason, his WWE run will likely be remembered for the manner of his departure and little else. Del Rio was pushed to the moon upon his arrival and WWE Champion within a year of joining. Yet, the audience didn’t buy into him, and the only strong fan reactions he ever received were when shows emanated from Mexico. He would likely receive a huge pop upon debuting in TNA like any other star that has made the jump, but when he is inserted into the main event scene with a number of other stars, he could become lost in the shuffle like he did in WWE.
With TNA in the predicament they currently find themselves in, wouldn’t they be better placed trying to uncover new talent that hadn’t already been witnessed in WWE? Names like Sting and Angle have already handed the company notoriety, and signing wrestlers such as Del Rio would be unnecessary unless they can add something to the product or bring fans in. I hope this is just pessimism, but after seeing the Mexican fail to attract significant reactions during his stint in the WWE, this could be another risk TNA would be wiser to avoid.