What Happened TNA Wrestling?By Coder| August 31, 2023 Wrestling What Happened to TNA Wrestling? TNA Wrestling, also known as Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, was once a popular professional wrestling promotion. It offered an alternative to the dominant WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) and gained a loyal fanbase over the years. However, TNA Wrestling went through various ups and downs, ultimately leading to its transformation into Impact Wrestling. The Early Years of TNA Wrestling TNA Wrestling was founded in 2002 by Jeff Jarrett and his father Jerry Jarrett. It started as a weekly pay-per-view event before transitioning into a television show. The promotion showcased many talented wrestlers from around the world and introduced innovative concepts like the X Division, which focused on high-flying and fast-paced action. Key Highlights: The debut of stars like AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, and Christopher Daniels Creative storylines and memorable matches An emphasis on showcasing different wrestling styles The Rise and Challenges of TNA Wrestling TNA Wrestling experienced significant growth during the mid-2000s. It secured a television deal with Spike TV (later rebranded as Paramount Network) in 2005, providing exposure to a wider audience. The promotion even managed to sign established WWE stars such as Kurt Angle, Sting, and Christian Cage. However, despite its successes, TNA Wrestling faced numerous challenges: Financial Instability: TNA struggled with financial issues throughout its existence. The company had difficulty securing consistent funding, leading to payment delays for talent and uncertainty about its future. Inconsistent Creative Direction: TNA Wrestling often faced criticism for its inconsistent storytelling and questionable booking decisions. The lack of long-term planning and changes in management hindered the promotion’s growth. Loss of Key Talent: TNA had difficulty retaining top talent due to financial constraints and creative frustrations. Several notable wrestlers left the company, impacting its overall star power and credibility. The Rebranding as Impact Wrestling In 2017, TNA Wrestling underwent a rebranding and officially became Impact Wrestling. This change aimed to distance the promotion from its tumultuous past and signal a fresh start. The Impact Wrestling Era: A renewed focus on in-ring action and athleticism New talent acquisitions, including established stars like Austin Aries and Pentagon Jr. An increased emphasis on international partnerships, expanding the global reach of the promotion The Future of Impact Wrestling Impact Wrestling continues to operate as a prominent professional wrestling promotion. Under new ownership, it has made efforts to stabilize financially, improve creative direction, and rebuild its reputation. Key Takeaways: TNA Wrestling underwent several challenges that affected its growth and stability. Rebranding as Impact Wrestling aimed to revitalize the promotion. The future of Impact Wrestling looks promising with renewed efforts for financial stability and creative improvement. In conclusion, TNA Wrestling’s journey from its inception to becoming Impact Wrestling has been a rollercoaster ride. Despite facing financial obstacles, talent departures, and creative struggles, it remains an important part of professional wrestling history. With its ongoing efforts, Impact Wrestling hopes to regain its former glory and continue to entertain wrestling fans worldwide.