Tom Prichard says TNA problems start at 'the very top'

We've been chronicling the recent departures from TNA, and our own Keith Harris offered up a fantastic opinion/editorial piece on the causes of the problems that have plagued the world's number two pro wrestling promotion.

Not to pile on, but this blog post from Tom Prichard, an industry veteran and the brother of recently released TNA Vice President of Talent Relations Bruce Prichard, confirms many of the suspicions of wrestling journalists and fans alike.

First of all, I never worked for TNA. That was my brother Bruce. I don't care what happens to TNA. It was evident long before Bruce ever got there that their problems were (are) deep. Maybe TNA should start at the top (the very top) and look at what the real issues are. Hiring and firing people is all well and good if it produces the desired changes and makes the company more successful. I can't speak about what's going on behind the scenes and I never discussed that with Bruce or anyone else at TNA.

I can tell you I got a call last July with an offer to help with the developmental system in OVW. As seems to be the case with TNA, lack of follow up and professionalism was indeed the case as I didn't go to Louisville. Why? Never got a straight answer or courtesy call explaining why a representative of the company called and initiated talks about going to OVW as a trainer, ask what I would want to go and then promise an answer "by Monday." Monday has yet to come...

It's a shame when a talented roster can't get a straight answer or get paid on time. Who's to blame? All I know is if no one can get a straight answer at WWE they go to Vince McMahon. At this time, Vince has the last word and accepts responsibility. Did Bruce screw up or make bad decisions? Don't know. I wasn't there. But I do know enough people in TNA who enlightened me on the dealings they've had with upper management (long before Bruce ever entered the picture) and the song remains the same...

The entire post is worth a read, as Dr. Tom also discusses/defends his time in charge of WWE's developmental program. But his personal experience dealing with TNA lines up with others, and it's becoming impossible to not see the pattern.

Organizations with enough money to survive despite being poorly run are not uncommon, but they're not fun to work for and they don't last long. Provided the signs we're getting about TNA are true, the entire situation is a bummer for the industry and probably much worse for most of the company's employees.