Two years, two months, five days. That's how long ago the National Wrestling Alliance debuted it's "NWA Powerrr," show on Youtube.
I was hooked from the opening salvo of 80's hair band Dokken's "Into the Fire" began. This felt like something new, something special.
While not entirely different (we've had studio wrestling for years) or revolutionary, it was certainly a different tasting product from WWE, AEW or Impact Wrestling - it felt like an indie wrestling show with higher production values and a chance at doing something the bigger companies couldn't: anything they wanted.
There was a feeling of fun; of a stripped back show that catered to the wrestling fan. The matches weren't long, but they weren't bad either. Get in and get out and interact with the fans; make them care about the individuals in front of them.
Aldis was superb as the champ for the first dozen episodes but then it became apparent, he was slowly becoming a mark for his run - the title became predictable. But, his mic work was excellent, the Aldis/Storm angle simple yet entertaining.
The emergence of Thunder Rosa began in the NWA as she chased down NWA women's champ Allysin Kay, and then taking the title. It was another really fun fued. (Though, I could have done without Melina).
Things were going great until a series of events pushed the NWA off course, and to this day, it hasn't recovered.
First, the Cornette incident.
Then, Covid. With Covid, contracts started to end or talent found themselves released: Eddie Kingston, Ricky Starks, a huge factor in the reemergence of the NWA, Zicky Dice & the company having some kind of fall out; Allysin Kay leaving as well as Thunder Rosa, etc.
When things began to get back to normal, they made some unusual hires. Tyrus and Austin Aries to name a few. Sure they brought in really great talent too, including Kylie Rae, a returning Allysin Kay & Marti Bell ... but the vibe has turned different.
It's not that fun company it used to be. It's over booked, over thought, and the strange thing is ... the stories don't even feel that important.
With WWE releasing talent on a regular basis and Ring Of Honor now seemingly closing shop there's way to much talent to be housing dead wait like Tyrus and Aries.
Here are 10 wrestlers I want the NWA to sign
1. Silas Young
2. Tony Deppen
3. Cabana Man Dan
4. Derek Neal
5. Shane Mercer
6. Tina San Antonio
7. Gary Jay
8. 1 Called Manders
9. Joshua Bishop
10. Billie Starkz
But how much do you want to bet that out of all the talent out there, we get Flip Gordon.