For The Record 7.26.09: Ken Anderson’s Potential

When Mr. Kennedy was released by WWE, speculation was wild and rampant. Initially, the IWC guessed that an injured wrist was to blame. Then there were rumors that a botched suplex triggered his firing. Some also wondered if Kennedy was subject to a wellness violation. It could be any of those things, or neither of those things. But once the theorizing and hypothesizing ceased, an important question surfaced… Would Kenneth Anderson (the artist formerly known as Kennedy) sign with TNA?

WWE released a major star. McMahon lacked confidence in the Kennedy character. But the fans believed in the young star. And that’s all that matters. Wrestling fans want to see Kennedy succeed, even if they must refer to him as “Anderson” or “Mr. Anderson.” Anderson will have a chance to thrive. Wherever he goes, he’ll bring with him a legion of supporters. Anderson has a following, and those fans will traverse with him to TNA if need be.

If Anderson signs with TNA, it will be a MAJOR acquisition. I know this sounds bold, but I’ll say it anyway:

It would be the BIGGEST signing in TNA history.

There’s one glaring objection to that hyperbolic statement… “Kurt Angle was TNA’s most important signing.” An argument in that direction is compelling indeed. Even before signing with TNA, Angle was among the most decorated stars ever. He was an Olympic Gold Medalist, a former WWE Champion, World Heavyweight Champion, WCW Champion, Intercontinental Champion, European Champion, United States Champion, WWE Tag Team Champion, and the 2000 King of the Ring winner. He competed in classic matches with Shawn Michaels, Chris Benoit, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Eddie Guerrero, Rey Mysterio, The Undertaker, and even Shane McMahon. With all that said, let’s not forget… he reached his peak before signing a TNA contract.

Kurt Angle entered TNA as a wrestling legend. He didn’t have much to prove. Don’t get me wrong, Angle has been great since signing with TNA. But it’s not like his career has reached new heights. When he became the first TNA World Heavyweight Champion, it just didn’t feel like a big deal. It was cool to see, but we knew it wasn’t his biggest moment. Ironically, I think his “legend” status has diminshed the relevance of his TNA title reigns. He doesn’t need the title; it doesn’t elevate him. The TNA World Title would, however, elevate Anderson…

Anderson hasn’t accomplished much in his career. He does, however, possess unlimited potential. He’s a good wrestler and a superb talker. More importantly, he’s blessed with a form of charisma that wrestling schools don’t teach. All he needs is a world title and a top spot to magnify his character’s best qualities. The TNA World Title didn’t do much to elevate Kurt Angle. But that same title would do wonders for Anderson’s career.

Anderson is somebody who the fans want to see on top. They want to see Anderson ascend as a main eventer and a world champion. WWE tends to force certain wrestlers down our throats. In the late 1980s-early 90s, fans were ready to see someone other than Hulk Hogan on top. Some were happy to see the Ultimate Warrior get the nod. But the wrestling world would have been rocking if Jake “The Snake” Roberts was given the gold. Jake Roberts was a solid mid-carder, but I’ll bet the roar of the crowd would have been DEAFENING if Roberts became WWE Champion. The same goes for Rowdy Roddy Piper. Piper was a “featured attraction” wrestler, but never “the man.” And yet, fans wanted to see Piper get his day in the sun. Just watch Royal Rumble 1992 when Piper beat The Mountie for the Intercontinental Championship. The crowd was going insane! And a Razor Ramon WWE Championship win in 1994 would have torn the roof off of any arena.

WWE missed the boat on Roberts, Piper, and Ramon. The fans were ready to get behind those stars wholeheartedly. The fans of today are also ready to get behind Anderson. Sure, he might not be the safest worker or the smartest guy in the room. But when utilized properly, few wrestlers have Anderson’s charisma. If WWE was smart, they would have held on to Anderson to at least prevent him from signing with TNA.

If TNA signs Anderson, they first of all get someone who’s relevant. Anderson would be far more relevant upon arrival than Booker T, Scott Steiner, Sting, or Kevin Nash. Those guys were the stars of last generation. One could even argue that Kurt Angle was a megastar of yesteryear. Anderson, on the other hand, could indeed become THE superstar of today and tomorrow. He’s hungry and he’s got a lot to prove. He wants to show WWE what they passed on. He wants to be a main eventer and a world champion. He wants to make millions of dollars and take the occasional movie role. He’s going to be a man on a mission. And he’s a perfect fit for TNA right now.

TNA is not good at developing stars. They’ve got AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, and Eric Young. But those wrestlers aren’t exactly treated as industry leaders. Anderson, on the other hand, would enter TNA as someone who’s still somewhat developing, and yet on the precipice of greatness.

Some readers might say “He’s developing, but he’s not exactly young. He’s 33 years old!” He might be 33, but he hasn’t wrestled much in the last two years and thus he’s had two years less of wear and tear. And because TNA’s schedule is far lighter than WWE’s, Anderson will be enabled to wrestle a longer and more prosperous career.

Anderson has a chance to peak as a professional in TNA. He could help to reshape and remake America’s #2 wrestling promotion. The book of Anderson’s career is still a working progress. The best chapters are yet to be written. For guys like Angle, Sting, Steiner, Booker, and Nash, the best chapters of their careers were written long before they joined TNA. Anderson still has many more years of wrestling left in him, and he would have tons of name recognition upon his TNA arrival. TNA has the chance to sign a once in a generation performer, and a potential industry leader. Free agents of that caliber are rare.

We shall see in the coming months if TNA and Kenneth Anderson can seize the moment. Anderson needs TNA and TNA desperately needs Anderson.