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Jarrett Is Still King of TNA's Mountain

Posted: Jul 20th 2010 By: CMBurnham

On the deut show promoted by Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, an anxious Jeff Jarrett stood backstage at the Von Braun Civic Center in Huntsville, Ala., seeking the advice of famed country singer Toby Keith.

Keith, who performed that night, told him to earn fans one at a time, and more than that, know your audience. Jarrett, 43, took his words to heart, following them ever since.

``I can't really put into words how far we have come in just the uniqueness of our organization,'' said Jarrett, a third generation veteran who co-founded TNA with his father Jerry.

``The last eight years we have really learned what our audience likes and don't like. It's very gratifying.''

In its effort to please its demanding fan base, TNA made big changes over the years, in and out of the ring. Often, you will find Jarrett and company president Dixie Carter asking fans at various events what they want to see.

A point of criticism was iMPACT! on Spike TV moving to Monday nights during the spring.

``I can sit here and tell you that we have been doing everything on schedule perfectly. Hindsight is 20/20,'' said Jarrett.

``We all went into the Monday night experiment with our eyes wide open, and we dove in head first. In reality, our viewers only missed two Thursdays. We were on replay every week.

``So the time-slot never really went away. We've listened to our fans. We've listened to our focus groups. We've listened to numbers, and we would never have gotten to where we are today had we not tried that experiment.

``The mistake would be not learning from that experiment. We are about to take another step and change on how the company does business. We don't want to sit back and rest on our accomplishments. We are always trying and always pushing ourselves not just talent in the ring, but all facets of our business.''

Another opinionated topic is the signings of Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff. Those acquisitions, along with TNA bringing stars with big price tags, have led many to question if the money spent is worth it.

``If you have too many young guys, you don't have the teachers or the established brand names to spread awareness,'' Jarrett said. ``You could also swing the pendulum the other way and have too many older guys where there is not a good balance.

``We are always looking for that perfect mix, and in the months to come, I think we will have it. Hulk Hogan is far and away the most recognizable professional wrestler that has ever lived. He has surpassed Gorgeous George, and everyone knew that name.

``There have been some guys who have been main eventing for one year, two years, maybe three years., but Hulk Hogan has been a main event guy at the very top of every organization he worked for since 1981 or 1982, before the national expansion.

``So bringing him in, the dynamic has changed everything dramatically. I still welcome Hulk Hogan on board because the dynamic he brings. He is successful with wrestling outside the ring. His brand name with TNA has brought nothing but more awareness for the organization.''

With the recent money invested, there would be a number of cost-cutting measures, including roster cuts. Without confirming or denying, Jarrett believes it's the nature of the beast for any company.

``We run a business and in the business of making money,'' Jarrett said. ``So what needs to be done needs to be done in order for us to be in business.''

The Hendersonville, Tenn. native has his hands in many aspects of TNA. Jarrett works in public relations, marketing and live events. Despite his contributions outside the ring, the veteran doesn't plan on quitting what he has loved doing since he was a teenager.

``Wrestling is still my first love,'' Jarrett said.

``I still love what I'm doing. I have a tremendous amount to give and lead by example. There is a way a talent or TNA superstar should carry themselves in and out of the ring. I want to continue [showing them that].''

He added: ``With the relationship with Jakks [Pacific action figures] we are going to have an enormous year.''

``I'm really excited about that. That's really going to grow. As far as our live event business, there was a fan in Houston who told me he was a wrestling fan for 25 years and been to two WrestleManias and told me TNA was the best live wrestling show he had ever been to.

``That spoke volumes. We are going to grow and expand on that. On the marketing side, we have tricks up our sleeves coming your way.''

? If you follow Jarrett's Twitter, then you have seen hints he has been dropping relating to ``huge news'' coming soon. Follow him @JeffJarrettTNA.

? TNA is starting a major angle on iMPACT! (9 p.m. Thursdays Spike TV) involving former stars of the original Extreme Championship Wrestling leading to its Hard Justice pay-per-view at 8 p.m. EST Sunday, Aug. 8 from Universal Studios Orlando.

Look for VIP fan packages at tnawrestling.com.

Tags: Jeff Jarrett, TNA, Gorgeous George