While the trope of wrestling promotions signing former WWE stars has been prevalent across the industry, TNA (now Impact Wrestling) was particularly known for its practice of recruiting ex-WWF/E talent. This often led to mixed reactions from fans and journalists. On one hand, there was concern about becoming a company that merely picked up WWE’s cast-offs and showcased them at the expense of homegrown talent. On the other, many former WWE wrestlers found new fame and success in TNA that they might not have achieved under Vince McMahon’s reign. Notably, Seth Rollins, known as Tyler Black before his WWE career, was a potential TNA recruit.
Seth Rollins: The Tyler Black Era
Seth Rollins, known for his notable WWE career with The Shield, his Money in the Bank win, and his multiple world championships, was once known as Tyler Black. Before his WWE fame, Rollins competed from 2005 to 2009 under the Tyler Black moniker in promotions like NWA, Full Impact Pro, and Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, where he earned tag team and world championships. He even appeared in a TNA match in 2006, though it ended in a loss to Homicide and Hernandez.
Rise in Ring of Honor
Rollins’ career took a significant leap when he joined Ring of Honor (ROH) in 2007. His initial ROH appearances included a memorable debut with the faction ‘Age of the Fall,’ which attacked The Briscoe Brothers in a dramatic and controversial angle. Tyler Black, alongside Jimmy Jacobs, won the ROH Tag Team Titles twice before their eventual feud. Black’s tenure in ROH also featured high-profile matches with Nigel McGuinness and Austin Aries and culminated in winning the ROH World Championship, which he lost to Roderick Strong on his way out.
Jim Cornette’s Impact
Jim Cornette, a prominent figure in wrestling, has worked with nearly every major U.S. promotion, including WWF, WCW, NWA, TNA, and ROH. His tenure in ROH saw him as an executive producer, head booker, and onscreen authority figure. Cornette played a role in Tyler Black’s success by arranging a crucial rematch for the ROH World Title. However, Cornette’s controversial departure from TNA and his subsequent return to ROH were marked by disputes, including his issues with Vince Russo’s booking decisions.
The TNA Opportunity
In 2010, Tyler Black was offered a contract by TNA. Cornette advised Black to carefully question the offer, suspecting it might be a lowball deal. Cornette hoped that by stalling, WWE would give Black a tryout. This strategy worked, and Black signed with WWE as Seth Rollins, setting the stage for his future success.
What Could Have Been?
Had Seth Rollins signed with TNA, we might have seen him compete against top names like AJ Styles, Kurt Angle, Mr. Anderson, and Abyss. His involvement in TNA’s X Division could have led to memorable matches with stars like Amazing Red, Jay Lethal, and Frankie Kazarian.
However, given the tumultuous period of TNA during the Hulk Hogan/Eric Bischoff era and the mishandling of talent like the Young Bucks and Nigel McGuinness, Rollins might have struggled. Yet, it’s possible that he could have excelled and become a major star for TNA, with Dixie Carter reportedly interested in making him “The Face of TNA.”
While we’ll never know for certain, one thing is clear: if Tyler Black hadn’t joined WWE, the current landscape and history of professional wrestling would look very different.
