Why Luger is good for TNA

[Guest TDinDC1112]

Mentioning Luger in the same breath as Hogan in terms of name recognition is ridiculous.

Not to a wrestling fan it isn't.

[eirejmcmahon 0]

Mentioning Luger in the same breath as Hogan in terms of name recognition is ridiculous.

Not to a wrestling fan it isn't.

I disagree, but we'll leave it at that.

[bob_barron 0]

Why Luger is bad for TNA:

 

The IWC is TNA's main audience for the most part. Lex Luger is one of the more hated wrestlers. So they're not gonna want to see him.

 

Marks don't care about Luger either since he hasn't been on TV in two years. They probably most know him as the guy who killed Liz. They're not gonna care to see him.

 

No TV executives no who Lex Luger is. He's not Hulk Hogan, Savage, Piper or even Naitch. He's just some guy who got a few runs at the top and did nothing with any of them

[Guest TDinDC1112]

The IWC is indeed TNA's main audience right now, but the IWC will never make TNA any money in the long run. They will have to capture the non-IWC viewership, and to do so I don't know how else they can get their product out there without TV, and I just don't see what TV network will give them TV if they don't have big-names associated with their product.

[Guest Ghettoman]

Your suggesting Lugers worth alientating that fan base though. That base is good for now, they need to work on it. It's certainly not impressive, but it's maintainable, and something you can build on without turning people away. Luger doesn't have the name value to make up for the loss of diehards or the taste your gonna put in people's mouths. This isn't 95, and Luger couldn't even draw then. To think a TV exec is gonna see the name Luger and automatically think it would be a good investment is just ridiculous. It comes off as an act of desperation thats not even gonna help anyone.

 

I bet if you took a poll of 100 wrestling fans from 98, and asked them 'Who is Lex Luger' was, over half would say "Supermans arch enemy". Do it now and you'd get probably no more than 10 people who know who he is. Your totally overestimating his ability to attract people.

[bob_barron 0]

The IWC is indeed TNA's main audience right now, but the IWC will never make TNA any money in the long run.

 

And Lex Luger will not make them any money.

 

They will have to capture the non-IWC viewership, and to do so I don't know how else they can get their product out there without TV, and I just don't see what TV network will give them TV if they don't have big-names associated with their product.

 

Lex Luger really isn't a big name that the casual fan would know. Sting is a stretch. Hogan, Piper, Savage and maybe Bret are the three biggest non-wrestling names still out there.

[Michrome 0]

I bet if you took a poll of 100 wrestling fans from 98, and asked them 'Who is Lex Luger' was, over half would say "Supermans arch enemy".

 

God this was the line of the week. I spit out my pepsi.

[Guest TDinDC1112]

1. If you were a wrestling fan in 1998, there is NO WAY you wouldn't know who Lex Luger was.

 

2. Is Luger appearing in 1 or 2 shows really going to alienate TNA's fanbase?

 

3. I fully understand and agree that Luger himself is not going to make TNA any money (although I do think they'll get some buys this week out of curiosity). However, I firmly believe that when the day comes that they have to prove themselves to a TV station and roll out a list of who is and has appeared on their show, it can't hurt to have a major name like his somewhere on that list.

 

For everyone to keep saying that Luger is not a name is a refusal to acknowledge the past. In the mid 80's to 92, he was in the top programs in the NWA/WCW. He was pushed to the moon in WWF in 93, and when he appeared on the first Nitro, he was THE thing that made people say, hey, we got a wrestling war. He was in WCW's top programs feuding with the NWO through 97, and remained in the forefront in the following years. I know HE SUCKS, but to say that he is nobody and that people who used to like wrestling don't know him is just ignorant and shows the typical internet/indy wrestling fan bias that runs wild on these boards. Most of the casual fans who watched wrestling in 97 and 98 were WCW fans, and they surely know Luger.

[slimm44 0]

Okay so is Luger in TNA for a while or is it just one shot? Because Borash said Sting would likely be around for another coule of weeks which means he made a new deal with TNA.

[Anakin Flair 0]

I thought Luger was in Jail?

[Michrome 0]

Luger has been pushed many times, but never drew money, not in his prime, not ever.

[Guest Ghettoman]

Appearances wont do anything for a TV deal, it's who your constants are. You keep saying his only benefit is an edge for a TV deal, but that he wont stick around. If he doesn't stick around he's no benefit to getting a TV deal.

 

And TNA released a statement basically saying they were giving him another chance as a man, and didn't expect him to do anything for business. Nice, but all it's gonna do is make afor a styles clash between your workers and give the show a b-rate feel to it, especially for those turned off WWE fans looking for an alternative.

 

And how big he was back in 95 or 98, even though you seem to be misjudging it, doesn't matter since he hasn't maintained that in the least. He wasn't big enough to be gone for 5 years and come back and be known, so to suggest he's gonna be that remembered let alone peak interest enough to generate buys is absurd.

[Guest TDinDC1112]

Appearances wont do anything for a TV deal, it's who your constants are. You keep saying his only benefit is an edge for a TV deal, but that he wont stick around. If he doesn't stick around he's no benefit to getting a TV deal.

 

And TNA released a statement basically saying they were giving him another chance as a man, and didn't expect him to do anything for business. Nice, but all it's gonna do is make afor a styles clash between your workers and give the show a b-rate feel to it, especially for those turned off WWE fans looking for an alternative.

 

And how big he was back in 95 or 98, even though you seem to be misjudging it, doesn't matter since he hasn't maintained that in the least. He wasn't big enough to be gone for 5 years and come back and be known, so to suggest he's gonna be that remembered let alone peak interest enough to generate buys is absurd.

1. He doesn't have to be a constant to help get a TV deal.

 

2. The fact that TNA released that statement does indeed bother me and if they plan on using him more than twice, I think they're nuts.

 

3. What, are professional wrestling fans a bunch of retards or something? They can't remember who Lex Luger is because he hasn't been on TV in 3 years? So when Luger walks out, everyone's just going to sit there and have no clue who he is? Come on. I think he'll generate a few buys for this reason alone: People like to see a train wreck. He won't generate buys b/c people love to see him wrestle. He'll generate a few buys b/c people want to see what he looks like still, or maybe b/c of the Liz thing. Then, while they're tuned in, they'll see Daniels wrestle Lo Ki and hopefully say, hey, that's pretty awesome - maybe I'll get this show again because they have some awesome wrestlers. That's how you use past names and freak shows to get people like Daniels and Styles and Sabin over. You have to hook them in with something they know, and then expose them to your good stuff while they're watching.

[Guest MikeSC]

1.  If you were a wrestling fan in 1998, there is NO WAY you wouldn't know who Lex Luger was.

 

Many fans know who Mabel was.

 

Doesn't mean ANYBODY wants to see him.

 

2.  Is Luger appearing in 1 or 2 shows really going to alienate TNA's fanbase?

 

Isn't going to help.

 

3.  I fully understand and agree that Luger himself is not going to make TNA any money (although I do think they'll get some buys this week out of curiosity).  However, I firmly believe that when the day comes that they have to prove themselves to a TV station and roll out a list of who is and has appeared on their show, it can't hurt to have a major name like his somewhere on that list. 

 

You assume that TV execs know who the bloody heck Luger IS?

 

NEWS FLASH: They don't.

 

For everyone to keep saying that Luger is not a name is a refusal to acknowledge the past.  In the mid 80's to 92, he was in the top programs in the NWA/WCW.

 

Only drew with Flair. Ironically enough, everybody drew with Flair. His World Title run was horrible for business.

 

He was pushed to the moon in WWF in 93,

 

And because they couldn't get much support, they never gave him ANY title in spite of that initial push.

 

and when he appeared on the first Nitro, he was THE thing that made people say, hey, we got a wrestling war.

 

Which makes Nitro lack of success until May 1996 all the more baffling, I suppose.

 

He was in WCW's top programs feuding with the NWO through 97, and remained in the forefront in the following years.

 

Ironically, WCW DIED during that time frame.

 

But, let me guess, it wasn't Luger's fault.

 

I know HE SUCKS, but to say that he is nobody and that people who used to like wrestling don't know him is just ignorant and shows the typical internet/indy wrestling fan bias that runs wild on these boards.  Most of the casual fans who watched wrestling in 97 and 98 were WCW fans, and they surely know Luger.

 

And they got turned off of WCW --- including Luger's "work".

-=Mike

[Guest MikeSC]

1.  He doesn't have to be a constant to help get a TV deal.

 

You're right. He'd have to be Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Steve Austin, or the Rock to possibly help that cause.

 

2.  The fact that TNA released that statement does indeed bother me and if they plan on using him more than twice, I think they're nuts.

 

But IT'S LEX LUGER! CASUAL FANS LOVE HIM! TV EXECS LOVE HIM!

 

Heck, push him for a month and we're looking at MASSIVE buyrates!!

 

3.  What, are professional wrestling fans a bunch of retards or something?  They can't remember who Lex Luger is because he hasn't been on TV in 3 years?

 

Remember the reaction Bagwell got on RAW?

 

Luger's might be WORSE.

 

So when Luger walks out, everyone's just going to sit there and have no clue who he is?

 

They might boo.

 

Some industrious ringside fans might fart on him as he walks pass.

 

Come on.  I think he'll generate a few buys for this reason alone:  People like to see a train wreck.

 

You know, SuperBrawl and Uncensored 2000 disproved that theory nicely.

 

He won't generate buys b/c people love to see him wrestle.  He'll generate a few buys b/c people want to see what he looks like still

 

Appealing to the homoerotic casual fan?

 

THAT is some niche marketing.

 

, or maybe b/c of the Liz thing.

 

Heck, sign OJ then.

 

Then, while they're tuned in, they'll see Daniels wrestle Lo Ki and hopefully say, hey, that's pretty awesome - maybe I'll get this show again because they have some awesome wrestlers.

 

Then they'll see the main event and say "Well, Nathan Jones is no longer the worst active wrestler on Earth".

 

That's how you use past nmes and freak shows to get people like Daniels and Styles and Sabin over.

 

Has that EVER worked? I mean EVER?

 

You have to hook them in with something they know, and then expose them to your good stuff while they're watching.

 

So, casual fans --- who have no clue about NWA:TNA anyway --- will tune into a show to see a guy they didn't want to watch in WCW?

-=Mike

[Styles 0]

I'm going to give him a chance. I don't like Luger, but I will give him his chance. He very well might be motivated to get back in the best natural shape of his life to gain back the respect of the fans. You know Sting will be in his ear. Contrary to what people think, Luger is a pretty big name for most wrestling marks. If he's still a stiff windbag, then he won't last more than a week anyway, so quit your bitching.

[Styles 0]

11.07.03 | A Message From TNA President Dixie Carter Regarding Lex Luger

 

It is rare that TNA ever responds to media, no matter how off it may be from fact. But we strongly believe it is appropriate at this time to address what is being said about Lex Luger appearing on our November 12th pay-per-view telecast.

 

TNA is about opportunity -- for wrestlers new and established. For the fans, TNA provides a weekly program that showcases today’s hottest talent, introduces the stars of tomorrow, and provides the opportunity to re-experience wrestling icons. Since its inception, TNA has paid homage to NWA legends who have laid the foundation for our company.

 

As far as TNA talent is considered, we could not be more proud of our entire roster who give their heart and soul week after week to build this special group. We believe in being compassionate and giving guys a chance. From new, incredibly talented young men to veterans who may need lifting up when trying to change their lives. Surrounding a man with the kind of environment we enjoy backstage at TNA can only be considered a very good thing. We are about accentuating the positive, not the negative.

 

When our talent approaches management and recommends giving someone an opportunity, we listen, and that is the case with Lex Luger, as well as others. The success of bringing Lex to TNA won’t be measured with pay-per-view buys. It will be measured by what a man does with an opportunity given.

 

As a company, if any talent becomes a negative force in the locker room, then they are no longer welcome to be part of our team, and that has been proven on occasion and will continue to be our manner of operation.

 

The Ultimate X Match, Raven’s Clockwork Orange House of Fun and the current X Triple Chance Tournament are the kinds of things created to generate buzz and increase buys for TNA -- because it’s outstanding wrestling in a unique format. But to take advantage of a difficult point in someone’s life is not the practice of our company. Our philosophy may be uncommon in the wrestling business, but our goal is to be a different kind of company, inside the ring and out.

 

Dixie Carter

President

TNA Entertainment

[Guest MikeSC]

I'm going to give him a chance.

 

I gave him enough chances in the past.

 

WWF wouldn't TOUCH him after the buy-out. They took friggin' Bagwell, but wouldn't take Luger. That should tell you something.

 

I don't like Luger, but I will give him his chance. He very well might be motivated to get back in the best natural shape of his life to gain back the respect of the fans.

 

Let's stick with a more realistic assumption here.

 

You know Sting will be in his ear.

 

Sting is damned lazy, too.

 

Contrary to what people think, Luger is a pretty big name for most wrestling marks.

 

WCW's demise shows otherwise.

 

If he's still a stiff windbag, then he won't last more than a week anyway, so quit your bitching.

 

NWA:TNA is trying to build. You can't take risks on poor workers when you're trying to build.

-=Mike

[Guest Mulatto Heat]

The success of bringing Lex to TNA won’t be measured with pay-per-view buys.

Well, at least they're coming clean from the start when it comes to that.

[bob_barron 0]

1. If you were a wrestling fan in 1998, there is NO WAY you wouldn't know who Lex Luger was.

 

There's a difference between 'knowing' who Lex Luger is and paying money to want to see him wrestle. Luger's never really drawn a dime.

 

2. Is Luger appearing in 1 or 2 shows really going to alienate TNA's fanbase?

 

I would not buy a show with that piece of shit on it.

 

3. I fully understand and agree that Luger himself is not going to make TNA any money (although I do think they'll get some buys this week out of curiosity). However, I firmly believe that when the day comes that they have to prove themselves to a TV station and roll out a list of who is and has appeared on their show, it can't hurt to have a major name like his somewhere on that list.

 

No TV executives really care about Lex Luger. At least Hogan is a name.

 

 

For everyone to keep saying that Luger is not a name is a refusal to acknowledge the past. In the mid 80's to 92, he was in the top programs in the NWA/WCW.

 

Luger was super over at the beginning of his career but it's 2003 now.

 

He was pushed to the moon in WWF in 93

 

Mabel was pushed to the moon in 1995- does that make him a draw?

 

and when he appeared on the first Nitro, he was THE thing that made people say, hey, we got a wrestling war.

 

That was 8 years ago.

 

He was in WCW's top programs feuding with the NWO through 97, and remained in the forefront in the following years.

 

6 years ago.

 

I know HE SUCKS, but to say that he is nobody and that people who used to like wrestling don't know him is just ignorant and shows the typical internet/indy wrestling fan bias that runs wild on these boards. Most of the casual fans who watched wrestling in 97 and 98 were WCW fans, and they surely know Luger.

 

They probably know of a lot of wrestlers. Doesn't mean they'll buy the show

[bob_barron 0]

1. He doesn't have to be a constant to help get a TV deal.

 

 

Well what TV exec is going to give them a deal based on the fact they HAD Luger.

 

 

2. The fact that TNA released that statement does indeed bother me and if they plan on using him more than twice, I think they're nuts.

 

The fact that they're using him once makes them nuts.

 

What, are professional wrestling fans a bunch of retards or something?

 

Yes.

 

They can't remember who Lex Luger is because he hasn't been on TV in 3 years?

 

There's a difference between KNOWING and BUYING.

 

So when Luger walks out, everyone's just going to sit there and have no clue who he is? Come on. I think he'll generate a few buys for this reason alone: People like to see a train wreck.

 

So they'll buy one show, notice it sucks and won't buy again. What a great business model/

 

He won't generate buys b/c people love to see him wrestle. He'll generate a few buys b/c people want to see what he looks like still, or maybe b/c of the Liz thing. Then, while they're tuned in, they'll see Daniels wrestle Lo Ki and hopefully say, hey, that's pretty awesome - maybe I'll get this show again because they have some awesome wrestlers.

 

If the main event is a disaster it will overshadow Low Ki v. Daniels. And I doubt they'll get enough time anyway.

 

That's how you use past names and freak shows to get people like Daniels and Styles and Sabin over. You have to hook them in with something they know, and then expose them to your good stuff while they're watching.

 

You know what would get Daniels and Sabin over? Putting them in the main event.

[Guest TDinDC1112]

Bob - Why do you say Luger is a piece of shit? Because he uses drugs? Because he can't work?

[The Ghost of bps21 0]

"If the main event is a disaster it will overshadow Low Ki v. Daniels. And I doubt they'll get enough time anyway."

 

Apparently bobbarron now has the ability to see into the future when he makes his arguments.

[Guest Salacious Crumb]

I don't see how the ME will be that bad. Sting/Styles/Jarrett are solid workers and Luger will see very limited time.

[bob_barron 0]

Because Luger was one of those people who never wanted to put over the young guys. And because he Liz.

 

And no- I don't like Austin either.

 

 

On Low Ki-Daniels not getting enough time:

 

There are 5 matches scheduled plus a gauntlet. That's a lot of stuff to squeeze into a 2 hr show. Don't you think?

 

The main reminds me of the time they did Jarrett/Raven v. Douglas/Gilberti- and that was just awful.

[Guest Man Of 1,004 Modes]

Whats the full card (as of now) anyway?

 

And if Styles is on his A-game, and Sting can work well with Luger still (judging from Starrcade 99, I doubt it), the Main Event won't be THAT bad considering the 3 guys other than Luger are still either decent workers or really good.

[Guest MikeSC]

"If the main event is a disaster it will overshadow Low Ki v. Daniels. And I doubt they'll get enough time anyway."

 

Apparently bobbarron now has the ability to see into the future when he makes his arguments.

It's not exactly a stretch to make that assumption. Do you think Low Ki v Daniels will get even 10 minutes?

-=Mike

[The Ghost of bps21 0]

Considering they've been giving everything 8-10 minutes I'd say yes.

 

They spend most of the two hours in the ring and with only 6 matches (less than they usually schedule) 2 of which are storyline matches more than wrestling matches (Abyss/Harris and Raven/Redshirts) AND that they spent the whole battle royal building up the storyline for Low Ki/Daniels just so they could get the fans of good matches to order.

[bob_barron 0]

Is the gauntlet one match or a bunch of different matches?

 

Cause that could eat up time

[Styles 0]

Is the gauntlet one match or a bunch of different matches?

 

Cause that could eat up time

Gauntlet for the gold is like the royal rumble. New participant enters every 90 seconds. The last 2 then wrestle a regular match. The last tag guantlet they did, had the final person remaining and his tag partner win.