Being a wrestling promotion isn’t easy in an ever-changing world juggling the demands of the fans are exceptionally high, combined with budgets, sponsors, TV deals and alot more, however, no other company has displayed its versatility in it’s ability to survive more so than TNA.
For the past three years, January has always been a time of change for TNA. In 2015, IMPACT moved to Destination America airing every Friday, then on January 5th in 2016, IMPACT moved to POP airing on every Tuesday in USA. But during this time it appeared the UK was always exempted from this pass the promotion between TV stations as UK viewer and TNA always had their TV deal with UK Channel Challenge TV.
How to watch TNA Wrestling in the UK and Ireland?
It was in the later half of 2016 that all of that changed,
“We know that many TNA fans will be disappointed to hear this, but we wanted to let you all know that as of January 2017, Challenge will no longer be the home of TNA in the UK. TNA has been a huge and important part of Challenge’s story over the years and we will treasure some great moments like the British Bootcamp and UK tours. We have been proud to bring UK viewers coverage of TNA and have huge respect for the company and its fans. TNA is packed with great talent and we know they will continue to do great things – we wish them all the best.” – Challenge TV on November 1st.
Now in response to this Anthem launched the TNA Impact Wrestling App, Total Access TNA Wrestling, to feature new weekly episodes of IMPACT Wrestling. The new TNA Impact Wrestling app will be available in the UK & Ireland – Total Access TNA Wrestling – available online and on mobile platforms for £4.99 per month.
Starting on January 5, 2017, new weekly episodes of IMPACT Wrestling will be available to watch immediately on the app at the same time as they premiere on Fight Network and Pop across North America.
Fans in the U.K. can download the app at Apple’s App Store or Google Play or visit www.impactwrestling.com/ to sign up to watch online. Total Access TNA Wrestling will soon be available on more platforms, including streaming devices and gaming consoles such as Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire and Xbox.
What does the app contain?
“In addition to premiere episodes of TNA’s flagship weekly show IMPACT Wrestling and Fight Network’s original weekly recap series Inside IMPACT, subscribers will have access to extensive TNA library content, including episodes of classic IMPACT Wrestling, TNA Xplosion, TNA Wrestling’s Greatest Matches, TNA British Boot Camp, TNA Epics, TNA Unfinished Business and TNA Legends, plus the latest live pay-per-view events, classic pay-per-view events, One Night Only specials and more.”
However, that isn’t the only way to view TNA now via Hulu’s New Live TV Offering as Hulu announced “a comprehensive, new agreement with CBS Corporation to carry America’s most-watched broadcast network, CBS, as well as popular sports and entertainment channels CBS Sports Network and POP, with the potential to add additional networks in the future. All networks in the deal will be available to stream live, with much of their programming available on-demand as well, through Hulu’s new multichannel, live TV streaming service, set to launch in the coming months.”, that includes IMPACT.
With television deals and a way to guarantee than fans can still gain access to TNA organised Anthem Sports & Entertainment issued a statement regarding TNA IMPACT Wrestling itself.
“Anthem Sports & Entertainment Corp. today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a majority interest in TNA IMPACT Wrestling, and has formed Anthem Wrestling Exhibitions, LLC. Anthem also owns Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 multi-platform channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, which is IMPACT Wrestling’s exclusive broadcast partner in Canada and worldwide digital partner.
Mr. Nordholm, who has been the managing director of the IMPACT Ventures Board of Managers since October 2016, will assume the position of President of Anthem Wrestling Exhibitions, LLC. Dixie Carter will resign from her position as Chairman of Impact Ventures and join the Advisory Board of Fight Media Group, which holds all of the combat sports-related assets of Anthem, where her focus will be on the global growth of the combat sports-related brands owned by Anthem.
“Anthem has been a great partner for many years,” added Dixie Carter. “We have worked hard to find the right company who would acquire TNA, use its strategic influence and have a long-term commitment to the brand. TNA’s incredible fans, talent and staff deserved to see the brand continue to thrive after 15+ years of incredible growth. I’m excited to move to a new position and work with Anthem on their global strategic plan, and I am confident TNA IMPACT Wrestling is going to be a huge part of their success.” – Anthem Statement.
It was confirmed that Dixie Carter will remain a minority equity stakeholder. However pwinsider.com has announced that Anthem has reached an agreement with TNA and GFW creator Jeff Jarrett who resigned his position from the company in December 2013 to return alongside his wife Karen Jarrett. Also returning is Dutch Mantell, who is in Orlando and is expected at this week’s tapings.
This news will no doubt please TNA IMPACT fans who have longed for a change in management and for Jeff Jarrett to return, but there is no doubt that like 2016, in 2017 wrestling fans will be talking about TNA no just for the action in the ring but behind the scenes as well.