What Happened to TNA Wrestling on TV?By Coder| August 31, 2023 Wrestling TNA Wrestling, also known as Impact Wrestling, was once a prominent force in the world of professional wrestling. However, in recent years, its presence on TV has diminished significantly. Background Founded in 2002 by Jeff Jarrett and his father Jerry Jarrett, TNA Wrestling quickly gained a dedicated fan base with its alternative approach to sports entertainment. The promotion offered an alternative to the dominant WWE and showcased fresh talent from around the world. Early Success In its early years, TNA Wrestling secured a TV deal with Fox Sports Net. This partnership allowed them to reach a wider audience and establish themselves as a viable competitor to WWE. Innovative Storylines TNA Wrestling became known for its innovative storylines that pushed the boundaries of traditional wrestling. They introduced concepts like the six-sided ring, which provided a unique visual experience for viewers. Rise and Fall Despite initial success, TNA Wrestling faced numerous challenges that contributed to its decline on TV. Mismanagement TNA Wrestling struggled with consistent leadership and financial instability throughout its existence. This led to frequent changes in management and questionable business decisions that affected their TV presence. Impactful Departures Losing Key Talent TNA Wrestling experienced a significant blow when several of their top performers left the company to join WWE or other promotions. These departures weakened TNA’s roster and affected their ability to attract viewers. Daniels and Kazarian joined WWE AJ Styles departed for New Japan Pro-Wrestling Bobby Roode and Eric Young signed with WWE TV Network Changes TNA Wrestling faced challenges in maintaining a stable TV presence due to network changes. Lack of Consistency Switching Networks TNA Wrestling struggled to secure consistent TV deals, leading to frequent network changes. This lack of stability made it difficult for fans to find and follow the promotion on TV. Started on Fox Sports Net, then moved to Spike TV Spike TV dropped TNA in 2014 Moved to Destination America, then Pop TV In 2018, Impact Wrestling began streaming on Twitch and Pursuit Channel Rebranding as Impact Wrestling In an effort to revive their brand, TNA Wrestling underwent a rebranding in 2017 and became known as Impact Wrestling. New Direction and Partnerships Global Expansion The rebranding aimed to expand Impact Wrestling’s reach globally through partnerships with international promotions such as AAA in Mexico and Pro-Wrestling NOAH in Japan. A Fresh Start? While the rebranding brought some positive changes, including improved production values and fresh talent signings, it did not result in a significant resurgence on TV. The Future of Impact Wrestling on TV? The current state of Impact Wrestling on TV remains uncertain. With the rise of streaming platforms and the ever-changing landscape of professional wrestling, the promotion faces an uphill battle to regain its former prominence. Potential Opportunities Utilizing streaming platforms and building partnerships with established promotions could be key to Impact Wrestling’s future success on TV. The Road Ahead Despite its challenges, Impact Wrestling continues to strive for relevance in the wrestling industry. Only time will tell if they can successfully navigate the ever-evolving world of television and regain their position as a major player in professional wrestling.
