This is supposed to be the time of year where we talk about the releasing of WWE superstars, not TNA.
With the European tour winding down and the draft looming, we will more than likely have to talk about soon, but before anyone saw the axe, TNA beat them to the punch. Earlier this afternoon, news broke that TNA has parted ways with Jay Lethal. Suffice to say, I was not pleased.
While the details behind the release haven't surfaced yet, it is still a sad day. Jay Lethal is a young guy who has worked hard for TNA since 2005 and has played basically every role imaginable. I started watching TNA in about 2007 and at that time, Lethal was doing a spot on impression of the Macho Man as "Black Machismo". Yes it was gimmicky but you could see the charisma pouring out of the youngster!
Fast forward to 2010 and the new regime. Lethal was featured for a few months in a feud with Ric Flair. To put it mildly, he shined. Lethal went toe to toe with The Nature Boy on the mic and in my opinion, he owned him. This led to Lethal getting the utlimate rub (sort of) with a victory over Flair with his patented figure four leglock.
Normally when someone gets that sort of rub it leads to bigger and better things. Well, that's the case in wrestling organizations sans the influence of Eric Bischoff. Remember, if you haven't been a draw and others have, they will get what they want and you will never get past a certain point. This seems to be the case with Jay Lethal as he was relegated back to the X-Division after that great feud.
Lethal reminds me of another young guy with charisma that was buried under Eric Bischoff's watch. This young blonde shows signs of flash and stardom but never did rise past the midcard under Bischoff. All he needed was a change and when he got it, he never looked back. That man is now Dancing With The Stars, but he wouldn't be there if he stayed in WCW with Bischoff. Had he done that, he would never have become a star!
Perhaps that will be the fate of Lethal. I'm not claiming that he's Jericho or anything close at this point but he's 25 and has plenty of charisma just oozing to get out. Maybe the WWE will pick him up and give him a chance. He certainly can go in the ring and with the company looking at talents of all sizes now I don't think his 5'9" frame would be the hinderance it once was. If I were the WWE, I'd scoop him up. He's well under 30, can already work a good match, and has been on TV in a wrestling capacity. He's literally perfect for their new generation and if given the chance, he might be able to really shine.
I've been told I'm a bit biased about the guy but I believe my opinion is valid. When he's been given a chance, I've been impressed with his work and I do believe that he was given the short end of the stick. The whole story isn't out yet and I anxiously await to hear what really happened. For now, I'll just ponder what could have been with Jay Lethal and hope that he doesn't let this deter him from the excellent career he can still have.
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