Over the last few months, TNA has been slowly rebuilding Samoa Joe into a main event wrestler that is capable of carrying a company.
Rebuilding Samoa Joe
For a while there, the TNA detractors had a legitimate complaint about how the company was using Samoa Joe. He went through a period of time where he was booked as a whiny babyface, which took away much of his appeal.
Toughness has always been the thing which made Samoa Joe stood out. That's how he was able to tear through the X division and become a huge star. His "no nonsense" style was a highly welcomed addition to the fast paced division.
An 18 months undefeated streak helped Samoa Joe ascend to the top of the ladder in TNA rather nicely.
TNA then went with a different route for his character. They turned him into someone that was constantly whining about how things were going. He became someone that went against management.
It didn't work out too well.
TNA must have realized this somewhere along the line, so they decided to bring the toughness back to Samoa Joe. His character became darker and more aggressive.
That in turn has brought him that much closer to being the centerpiece of TNA once again.
What's Next?
Day by day, the anticipation of Samoa Joe reclaiming the TNA World Heavyweight Championship grows. With every display of dominance that he shows, fans are clamoring more and more to see it happen.
The former TNA X Division Champion promised to tear through every single member of the Main Event Mafia, and he's already shown plenty of progress i that goal.
TNA should spend the next few months building up programs for Samoa Joe against Kurt Angle and then Sting. After he tears through them, he should have enough credibility to become the world champion again.
It would be great if TNA could figure out how to keep the strap around Mick Foley's waist until they're done building up Samoa Joe.
A hardcore match for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship between Samoa Joe and Mick Foley could do wonders for the Samoan star.
Not sure just how much Mick Foley has left in the tank, but if he can pull out one more performance to get Samoa Joe over, then things would be even better overall for the company.
Keep in mind that Mick Foley takes a lot of pride in elevating other wrestlers. Look at what he did for Randy Orton and Edge in WWE. They became bigger stars after working programs with Mick Foley.
A Pinch of Taz
While Samoa Joe is more than capable of becoming a main event wrestler on his own, TNA is planning on adding a secret ingredient in the coming weeks.
The Samoa Joe recipe for success is about to have a pinch of Taz added.
The former ECW World Heavyweight Champion is expected to make his official TNA debut soon. His role will be that of an advisor for Samoa Joe. The company has been teasing his arrival for weeks now.
With Taz by his side, Samoa Joe should have an additional element as he ventures back to the top of the ladder.
Closing Thoughts
TNA has to play this right. The older main event wrestlers in the company aren't going to be around for a very long time. Samoa Joe, on the other hand, should be. |
