In an interview with the Busted Open satellite radio show* (and as reported by PW Torch), Kurt Angle criticized TNA’s 2011 performance and personally addressed several well-known issues with TNA’s programming and structure:
“I think we did a lot of things right and a lot of things wrong. The most important thing I’d say is the lack of communication within the writing and creative team. When you have a written show and you present that to everybody and then they start changing things and it becomes a watered down version of what the writer wanted in the first place. Now you don’?t know which way to go.
“We do have a lot of chefs in the kitchen. I think that is the hardest part for our company because when Vince Russo is writing the show and you have Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff and a few other people and other TNA writers changing it up the last second, which I don?’t disagree with what Hogan says, I agree with him 100 percent. But, we need to regroup earlier, maybe a week earlier and get it done, change it up, make sure we have the right changes so that we can keep going with the storyline the right way.
“So, I think 2011 was a very confusing year, so this is what we are going to capitalize on in 2012. We are not going to make the same mistakes. I think Hulk Hogan will get with to Vince Russo quicker, Eric Bischoff will get with Vince Russo quicker. We will get the show written, get it done a week earlier instead the day of the show, and changing it up. It was just very frustrating. Because I’?m a little bit of part of everything in TNA and I watch what?’s going on and sometimes I get a little bit frustrated when I see what Vince Russo is trying to do and I see what the outcome is.”
Angle also added the following comments about possibly retiring sooner than later:
“We?’re starting to get to the point where these guys are going to start full-time and Kurt Angle and Sting can dwindle off and retire. That?’s what we need to happen and that?’s what?’s happening right now and I?’m glad because I don’?t want to leave TNA and leave an open spot there. I can’t wrestle forever. As a matter of fact, I am already talking about retirement. It?’s about making guys and putting them in my spot and making sure they are secure there before I leave.
Lastly, Angle blasted TNA about their mismanagement of guys like Samoa Joe and AJ Styles, who should be much bigger stars than they already are by now.
CB’s Slant: Like Sean O’Haire once said, Angle isn’t telling us something we don’t already know. However, Kurt’s affirmation of TNA’s assorted issues is still disheartening to say the least.
*Busted Open with Doug Mortman and Dave LaGreca airs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 2:00-4:00 EST on Sirius 94, XM 208.
