The expected finally happened yesterday when TNA announced the release of Ayako Hamada. Ayako has been in Japan since October so it was just a matter of time. When you consider the way TNA didn't use her, fans are wondering why they signed her in the first place. The main problem was by the time Ayako arrived in TNA, there were changes in TNA creative that aversely affected Ayako's future in the company. She was never given a chance to do her thing. And she gets paid by the date. So if they don't use her, she doesn't get paid. And part of her deal was she couldn't work in Japan for a year. It's been well documented that the TNA Knockouts get the highest ratings on Impact. But TNA's constant lowball contract offers and disposable treatment of female talent is disgraceful. Jeremy Borash had wanted to bring Ayako to TNA for several years. Awesome Kong told TNA management that she wasn't happy with some of the girls they were bringing in. They never really replaced Gail Kim. So Ayako announced in April 2009 that she had signed with TNA. In Japan, she was semi-retired at age 28. She was working as a trainer at Ito Dojo and rarely wrestled. Her price is probably high because she's a star in Japan. But by the time Ayako arrived in TNA in Sept. 2009, Borash was no longer part of TNA creative. Jim Cornette had left and Dutch Mantell left. Vince Russo was now firmly in charge and was interested only in The Beautiful People storyline. Ayako, Awesome Kong and Alissa Flash didn't really fit into that angle. So Ayako was doomed before she ever started. It didn't help that AK and Alissa were both gone from TNA by early 2010. When given the opportunity, Ayako performed very well especially on that Christmas Eve throwaway all Knockout show. She held the tag team belts with Awesome Kong. So TNA stopped using Ayako but brought her back briefly to tag up with Taylor Wilde and win the tag straps again mainly to get them off the soon to depart Lacey Von Erich. Ayako returned to Japan in October and has been working a few dates. The rumour is that Kyoko Inoue and Kaoru Ito will start a company in 2011 and Ayako will work there and return occasionally to Mexico. I don't see why she would work any US dates if she's not living there. It costs too much to bring her over for one shots. Chalk it up as a wasted opportunity for TNA to create a star. Ayako Hamada never got the opportunity she deserved.
I think, she should wrestle in Japan or Mexico more than USA because her presitage is higher while her wrestling style belongs for it. I can't blame TNA , the most American female wrestlers aren't good enough for taking the Jap heel style. The company didn't maintain Awesome Kong Jamie D. or Cheerleader Mellisa for the serious wrestled.
ReplyDeleteTNA is better than WWE but it still wants the personal look coz the female wrestling doesn't the main storyline of the company.
The reason is no TNA wrestlers,except A. Kong, as good as Ayako. The company has still used the personal look and sex appeal for the female division marketing. I can't blame the manager coz the female wrestling's not the main event.
ReplyDeleteThe reason why Ayako doesn't wrestle many matches in Japan, I think she wanna stable her physical, all matches of her are so impressed.
That sucks...was hoping to see a match between Ayako and Mickie James now that Mickie is part of TNA. - Steve T.
ReplyDelete