TNAsylum is excited to announce that Jerry Lynn is the first-ever recipient of the "TNAsylum Pioneer Award." The award is the first for the site and recognizes a wrestler's contributions to TNA Wrestling as an organization and a product.The award will become an annual feature with one new recipient announced every year.
With TNA reaching its 11th year in existence, TNAsylum felt it was important to recognize those that got the company where it is today. While the organization is the largest it has ever been, it wasn't always like that. Before big names such as Kurt Angle, Hulk Hogan and Sting arrived in the company and before it's two-hour, primetime spot airing every Thursday on Spike, the company was struggling to survive.
TNA was a new frontier in wrestling. There were many wrestlers who were living paycheck to paycheck with fear of not having a job the next week. They put their bodies and careers on the line every week to put themselves and TNA on the map. These wrestlers are deemed "Pioneers" for paving the way for the product that you see today.
While there are many names that could have been given the award, we decided that the first-ever recipient of it needed to be someone who is recognized by the entire fanbase as respectable and legendary. With that thought in mind, we chose a future TNA Hall of Famer in Jerry Lynn.In 2002, before TNA had all the big names that it has today, a group of guys were doing everything possible to make TNA stand out as a company. One group of talent were the X Division. It was Jerry Lynn who was the person to lead the X Division in its early years.
Many remember the epic matches that Jerry had with AJ Styles and Low Ki. Jerry was in the first-ever TNA Match, teaming with AJ and Low Ki against the Flying Elvises. Through the early days, Jerry would win both the X Division and Tag Team Titles.
Lynn is also known as a person who has helped build the careers of others. Most notably, was AJ Styles, who feuded with Jerry over the X Division Champion. The two battled in many excellent matches including the Double Elimination Match as well as the Triple Ladder Match. They would also win the World Tag Team Titles together.
After an unfortunate shoulder injury, Jerry had to take a backstage role in TNA. In this role he helped many others develop as personalities. Jerry would return to an onscreen role in 2007 feuding with Christopher Daniels and Chris Sabin before leaving the company later that year.
Jerry would return to TNA in 2011 feuding with his greatest rival Rob Van Dam. The two had a series of memorable matches that took place in a variety of matches. It would be against Rob Van Dam that Jerry would have his final match in TNA. This match would take place at the first ever One Night Only event. Following the contest, the TNA roster would come out onto the stage to celebrate with the respected veteran.
Along with sending Jerry the physical award, TNAsylum will honor him and his TNA career on June 8th. It will be a "Tribute to Jerry Lynn" and will involve videos, columns, commentary and featurettes designated to the first "Pioneer of TNA."
Congratulations to Jerry Lynn for his many contributions to make the organization we are all on this site for what it is today. Thank you Jerry!
About TNAsylum
TNAsylum is one of the most recognizable and distinct TNA Fan Sites on the net. Known as "The Haven for TNA Fans," TNAsylum is a fan-driven site focused solely on TNA Wrestling. We are known for our diverse set of columns, unique look and passion for the brand. TNAsylum is celebrating our 3-Year Anniversary this year.
