The Slow Painful Death of TNA... Or How To Save It: Episode One
By a frustrated 8-year TNA podcast vet who still wants to believe. Look, last night’s episode left a lot of us waking up in a bad mood.
Between the lightning-quick battle royal, Leon dropping the title the day before breaking the record, Tessa standing around like furniture, and EY continuing his tired Cleanse victory lap, it felt like another week of “we have no real plan, let’s just do stuff.”
So here’s my quick re-draft. Short, realistic, and focused on fixing the biggest head-scratchers from the show.
1. Battle Royal – The #1 Contender Spot
What Happened: Eric Young wins with a low blow on Elijah, then cuts the same “I’m cleansing everyone” promo (Sosa’s gone, Hendry’s gone, etc.).
Re-Draft Fix: Elijah wins clean. Last eliminates EY after a solid back-and-forth.
This gives a young, over guy a legitimate World Title shot against Santana and actually builds someone. EY gets eliminated looking furious — perfect setup for him to start questioning the system and eventually turn face.
No more veteran burying the next generation.
2. X-Division Title – Leon Slater vs Cedric
What Happened: Cedric wins 2-1 the night before Leon was set to break Austin Aries’ record. Fabian Aichner debuts with a stare-down.
Re-Draft Fix: Leon retains in 2-1 and breaks the record on television like he should have. Post-match, Fabian Aichner attacks Leon — big powerful newcomer vs. the speedy record-breaking champion.
Instant feud that actually means something instead of crowning a new champ just to give him a challenger the same night.
3. Knockouts Tag Match + Tessa Blanchard
What Happened: Rosemary & Allie win while Tessa just stands there with the Diamond Collective doing nothing.
Re-Draft Fix: Tessa’s team still loses, but right after the bell she snaps.
Brutal, one-sided beatdown on Mila Moore and Victoria Crawford. Chair, moonsaults, the works.
Then the money promo: “I tried! I really tried to make this work… but I’m not a third wheel. I’m Tessa Blanchard. I never lost that title. Now I’m coming for what’s mine.”
Straight into a Knockouts Title program with Léi Yǐng Lee. Finally gives Tessa the spotlight she deserves.
4. Quick Hits on the Rest
Mustafa Saed: Keep the nostalgia hardcore spot, but let the old man eliminate one System guy first. Harmless fun for the OGs.
Indi Hartwell re-signing: Give her an actual 30-second character vignette instead of generic “I’m back” stuff. Turn her into a smug “WWE couldn’t handle me” heel.
Maclin return: Tie him into the battle royal losers or a secondary story. No random #47 title shot please.
EY/Sosa: Keep the “Cleanse” failing narrative but have Sosa return next week to cost EY big and keep the story alive.
Final Verdict on the Re-Draft:
This version turns a disappointing C- episode into a strong B+ with actual momentum heading into Slammiversary.
Young talent gets protected, Tessa becomes a star again, and we stop spinning our wheels with the same stale stuff.
This might become a running series because TNA keeps giving us material.
“The Slow Painful Death of TNA… Or How To Save It.”
