While the news that the real-life Kia Stevens will soon be a free agent got me excited about a possible return to TNA, let's be clear that there is no indication that she wants to go back or that they want her back. Of course, the no brainer would be to do a deal to bring Awesome Kong back to the Knockouts division (a division she helped build and one that could desperately use her right now) but her last run in TNA ended after Kong (rather hilariously) beat the snot out of the very snotty Bubba the Love Sponge backstage at an Impact taping, and given the friendship between Bubba and Hogan, the Hulkster may block any attempt on a Kong return. It has also been well documented that the former Knockouts Champion has had to deal with some personal family issues over the past year and a return to an Impact Wrestling ring may not be at the top of her wish list anytime soon.
I'm a big fan of Awesome Kong and everything she brought to the Knockouts division. I would love to see her return to TNA, but time will tell if that's how it plays out. In the meantime, if the next story is true, the Knockouts divison could have more urgent matters to deal with...
"Hearing rumors two knockouts asked for their releases today..."
"Getting calls from people at TNA tonite alot of contracts are expiring,TNA wants to put them on pay-per deals & kill weekly contracts 4 some. I haven't watched TNA since January 2010 but for people who do, if u don't see someone in tonight keep it in back of your head."
Okay, I can go one of two ways on this. I could say that this just sounds like a B.S. rumour made up by another company that wants to get people talking and get themselves some exposure. Or, I could go down the route of saying that this could be absolutely true, and given the fact that a few Knockouts are no longer being used by TNA, the story actually seems quite likely.
It's no secret that the current TNA booking regime has no desire to use half a dozen Knockouts all at once and by now, they have clearly established their favourites. Those Knockouts that they don't like are obviously the ones who have been used rarely, if at all over the past 8 months. FK9, Shelbin and I did a column recently where we talked in depth about this, and the general opinion we had was that TNA were soon likely to release the Knockouts that they just weren't using anymore. And sure enough, whilst we were in the middle of writing that column it was announced that Angelina Love was the first of those Knockouts to part ways with TNA. So no, I'm not doubting that some other underutilised TNA Knockouts may have asked for their release.
What does seem strange to me though is, if WSU really has been getting calls from people at TNA, why would they choose to acknowledge such information publicly? It seems like a bizarre business practice to me and if the higher ups in TNA are making WSU aware of the details of existing TNA contracts, then that opens up a whole can of legal worms that the talent and WSU could be held accountable for.
So while it's entirely possible that some of the TNA Knockouts not currently being used are exploring their options outside of the company, it's also entirely possible that an another indy promotion is trying to get some exposure off of rumours about TNA. I'll let you guys decide for yourselves what you believe.
Next week's edition of Knockout Shots will feature the return of the "Pros vs Cons". I will take a look at the current Knockouts roster and weigh in on what each lady can or can't bring to TNA as we enter the second half of 2012.
