The Katz Files
Rating the TNA Roster 4

The Kingfish Arnie Katz concludes a new, monthly series that rates TNA wrestlers’ recent performances, analyzes strengths and weaknesses, and even charts future courses for major TNA stars.

Part 4

Check the first column in this series for the long-winded explanation if you haven’t yet read it.

Sean Morley
Mic: C+
Ring: C
Comment: He had a good run as Val Venis in WWE – and then several less productive stints with the same company. Now he’s in TNA, where he has not yet shown that he can even return to his former mediocrity, much less assume a major role in the show. Morley definitely has his uses, but he might do best as part of a tag team or as a member of a faction.

Shark Boy
Mic: B
Ring: B
Comment: This is a performer who, indeed, “knows his role,” which is what makes him so valuable. He always gives his best and that’s generally enough to make any match interesting, if not meaningful.

SoCal Val
Mic: N/A
Ring: N/A
Comment: She’s back, but they aren’t exactly over-working her. Since Val is fundamentally a Valet and not a wrestler, how about giving her to AJ Styles? She has the right look for the role and her presence would emphasize The Phenomenal One’s inability to become a new Nature Boy.

Sting
Mic: ?
Ring: ?
Comment: I’d like to see him return to the show. He is getting up in years, true, but he is exceptionally well preserved.

Suicide
Mic: N/A
Ring: B+
Comment: TNA has apparently finished using this character. Presumably, Kaz will soon return. The Dark Savior had some good moments, but TNA never exploited the idea to the fullest extent.

Tara
Mic: C+
Ring: B+
Comment: She has always had the in-ring kill, but she has upgraded her look to go with it since coming to TNA. The Poison gimmick is tired and should be retired.

Taylor Wilde
Mic: B-
Ring: B-
Comment: Sometimes, charisma counts more than talent in pro wrestling. Taylor is so-so in the ring, but the diminutive Knockout possesses a star quality. TNA has her concentrating on tag team wrestling, which is fine for now, but it won’t be long before she is back in the title picture.

Taz
Mic: B+
Ring: N/A
Comment: He has lost that extra “z,” but otherwise continues to be an effective and entertaining color commentator. The Hogan-Bischoff regime has made his work much harder, but he has persevered so far.

Team 3D
Mic: A-
Ring: B+
Comment: The Nasty Boys beat them at Against All Odds, but Ray and Devon will get their revenge, unless TNA is crazy. Team 3D is the class of the division.

Tomko
Mic: C+
Ring: B-
Comment: He has returned to TNA, which plans to push him. Let’s no hold the masked man reveal against him; TNA obviously blew off the whole story.

Traci Brooks
Mic: B-
Ring: C
Comment: Her bad girl looks and rockin’ body are a stunning contrast to all of TNA’s villainous blondes. She doesn’t wrestle much, so TNA doesn’t really have a spot for her, but every male’s pulse beats a little quicker when they see that remarkable cleavage.

Willie Urbina
Mic: ?
Ring: N/A
Comment: The S[annish-language announcer continues to hold his job, so I assume he does good work in an area to which I have no access.

I’ll be back on Friday with the first part of myRAW roster ratings. I hope you’ll join me then and, please, bring your friends.

– Arnie Katz
Executive Editor
crossfire@cox.net
(2/17/10)