The General’s Log: Entry #1
The day has arrived.... months ago we set out on a mission to bring you the fair, unbiased analysis of the Aces & 8's, and attempt to remove some of the falsely based negativity that the group has been given by the majority of the IWC. As well as broaden the narrow minded view many have adopted when watching the group. Now with my arrival, joining my loyal companions Big Dawg & TNAces&8's, the mission can official begin.
The phrase "if you hear something enough, you'll start to believe it" seems to have become the best description of what has happened to the IWC's opinion of the Aces & 8's. After a small portion began to complain about the group early on and continued with their negativity towards the group for the months that followed, more and more have jumped on the bandwagon to the point now where people criticise the group constantly. Yet when asked why they do so many are unable to come up with a logical reason or point behind their argument. Some time ago, I saw several people claim that the Aces & 8's have done nothing since their arrival and have been a waste of time. I’d like to ask if any of you reading this right now feel the same? If you do, prepare to open your mind and really take on-board exactly what the Aces & 8's have done & given you, the fans, since they arrived.
Excitement – When TNA stepped into the realm of Impact going live each and every week, they needed the excitement factor that Live TV thrives on. While Bad Influence tried with their accusations of affairs and bastard babies, it was the Aces & 8's who brought the edgy feeling to TNA for the summer of 2012.
From the night they arrived, the Aces & 8's brought shock & questions throughout that summer, who were they? What was their agenda? Who are behind the masks? The many questions gave fans something to be excited about in relation to the TNA product; exactly what TNA needed to kick off their Live Era. Without the Aces & 8's, you fans wouldn't have had that eagerness to tune into Spike each and every Thursday to see what would go down, and that is directly because of the Aces & 8's.
The Rise of Magnus – I'm a fan of Magnus, I really am. But let’s face the facts: after back to back loses against his former partner Samoa Joe, the Mag Daddy was gradually sinking back into the mid card shuffle where he once dwelled. That is until the Aces & 8's came along.
Now some may not agree, but face it, where could Magnus go after 2 losses to the Television champion? Magnus was preparing to be benched by TNA along with the likes of Gunner, Crimson, Mr Anderson, Doug Williams, Kid Kash and others. If D.O.C., Devon and the boys had not of beat the shit out of Magnus' knee, he would've never experienced returning to TNA in-front of a huge home town crowd back in January. This led to him becoming a fan favourite and going on to semi-main event Lockdown and compete in a #1 contender's match for a chance at the TNA World Championship. Now while you may be upset at The Brotherhood for taking out Magnus yet again recently, it seems we may of gifted you with the possible reunion of Magnus & Samoa Joe after handing them both reasons to re-unite and attempt to gain retribution against The Club. So in advance, you’re welcome.
Beating EY Back to Reality – Like Magnus, a simple throw of a dart caused Eric Young to fall victim of a hammer shot to the ankle. However, while one resulted in Magnus re-gaining his deserved push, the other caused EY to regain his sanity.
Before the attack, Eric Young was obsessed with dropping his pants, determined to lock up with anyone other than his opponent and yes, one half of the KNOCKOUTS tag team champions. This was the same person that showed main event potential in his days as the leader of the World Elite. Thankfully though, D.O.C.'s hammer shot triggered Young to return without his Knockouts Tag team title belt and his shorts falling down. As well as the mentality to actually compete at the level he is capable of performing at; which peaked with him scoring the pin in Lethal Lockdown after hitting an elbow drop off the top of the cage on Knux (don’t worry, he was fine, his robust beard absorbed most of the Impact).
Joseph Park: Professional Wrestler – The fans praised Joseph Park after his arrival in 2012, claiming him to being the most entertaining character in all of wrestling (hard to argue). After finding his brother Abyss, who vanished again shortly after; seemingly blowing off his brother's efforts and concern for his well being, Park's time in TNA looked to be coming to a close. But then Park's curiosity in a certain group that didn’t concern him changed his life forever.
After snooping around trying to get to the bottom of who the Aces & 8's were, The Club decided to deal with the lawyer in a fair, reasonable way.....abduction. The gang held Park against his will and tortured him, using his suffering as leverage over TNA. Once The Club got what they wanted, Park was set free. However, because of the abuse he suffered at the hands of the Aces, Park decided to start training to become a professional wrestler. So to those who enjoy Mr. Park and his journey as a TNA superstar, then direct all your thanks to the Aces & 8's.
Appreciation for the Asshole – A man who becomes the TNA World Heavyweight Champion twice in 2011 finds himself at the end of the year on the sidelines for no apparent reason. He continues to do so until March 2012, where he has several months on screen with no real direction. He then attempted and succeeded in impressing Hulk Hogan enough to be given a chance to team with Sting at Bound For Glory against the Aces & 8's, only to be taken out by the Aces & 8's and disappear back to the bench. Ladies and gentlemen, that is an example of favouritism at the opposite end of the spectrum.
It was quite clear that the management team of Hogan, Dixie & Pritchard were not 3 of Anderson's Asshole's. Even after proving to them he was worthy of fighting off TNA's biggest threat they had no problem of casting him aside after being taken out. And after seeing the opportunity, The Brotherhood made room for one more; patched in The Ass-Hole and gave him the treatment he deserves. One of the most popular stars in TNA and wrestling at one time was almost ruined by TNA management, but thanks to the Aces & 8's the Green Bay native was given a life line. After finding his feet he seems to be showing signs of being a natural leader and a committed member of the club.
Storm vs. Roode – Now you’re wondering why this is on a list of things the Aces & 8's have given to you. We'll this is the best example of the eye opening we have been talking about; it’s been put out there in black and white yet nobody has mentioned it.
If it wasn't for the Aces & 8's plan, our leader Bully Ray would have never felt the need to go to lengths outside of the ring to guarantee a semi-final win over James Storm. This which was calling Bobby Roode and firing him up so much that he returned at No Surrender and cost the Cowboy the match, which led to their fantastic Street Fight at Bound For Glory. If the Aces & 8's plan to get the World Title on their President, and the Cowboy James Storm had of never crossed paths, the seed may have never been planted to get Storm vs. Roode II.
Hulk Hogan: Shameless Nepotist – Come on, this is something the IWC has begged to see on their TV's for years. Many have said that Hogan is a sucker for putting his friends over others. The fact that the Aces & 8's plan showcased Hogan shamelessly putting Bully Ray on a pedestal because he was his son-in-law. Even going as far as making eight of TNA's best wrestlers effectively audition for him to get a World Title shot; only for Hogan to completely dismiss all of them in favour of his injured son-in-law. It just shows the type of person Hogan is when given any power. If you say it wasn't good to see Hogan made a fool of and his blatant nepotism bite him in the ass, then you’re either a liar or a Hulkamaniac brother!
Bully Ray: World Champion – And last but not least, how many of you asked at one point or another for a Bully Ray title run? Without Bully forming the Aces & 8's and putting his plan into action he would of never received the one on one World Title match he had earned. Bully was yet another victim of management having their favourites. But thanks to Bully's determination to become the World Heavyweight Champion we now have what he and we all deserve.
As displayed above, the Aces & 8's have done a lot for TNA. Some things are obvious, others not so much. However, we are here to help. We are not here to tell you to like the Aces & 8's. We are here to give you the clearest picture of the Aces & 8's, and give you all the opportunity to create your own opinion with the facts you have been given. We are foot soldiers, spreading the word of the Aces & 8's; here to remove the grey area and make things clear. So, who am I? Who is the General? I am MisterTNA. I am the General of the Aces & 8's foot soldiers, and until next time, General over & out.
