Update on ROH and Spike TV Reports

Jack Encarnaco of The Boston Herald is featuring an article with Spike TV President Kevin Kay talking about the expansion of MMA and boxing on the network as part of the "Friday Night Lights Out" theme. Kay was asked to address recent reports about Ring of Honor being in talks with the network to also become part of the Friday night lineup.

"I’m not sure there is a deal there. We’re just kind of getting to know each other. . . . I think for Spike, the big question is, do we want to get into the professional wrestling business in any way? And I don’t have the answer to that yet. I don’t know that we’re going to do anything there, but if we do something, it’s probably not part of ‘Friday Night Lights Out.’ We want to keep that for real sports."

 

Opinionated View- What the fuck Spike. You don't promote TNA for years, you break off the deal with TNA and now you want to bring in a company with worse production, worse booking. And ROH bots don't jump for joy yet there isn't a deal yet.

 

https://www.facebook.com/RealWrestlingNewsAndOpinionatedViews

Rumor Killer: ROH Not in Talks With Spike TV

To kill off a rumor that has been making the rounds, ROH is not in talks with Spike TV for a new series on the network. The report has been making the rounds on certain websites, but PWInsider has confirmed that there is nothing to this rumor.

That this is a false report isn’t that surprising; ROH is owned by Sinclair Broadcast Group after all, and currently air on Sinclair’s affiliate television stations. The site says that not only are no current talks, there have not been any previous talks between the sides either

Opinionated View- I heard this rumor even saw one particular TNA troll bragging about it on a page. But here the thing people why would anyone believe this? If Spike wanted to stay with wrestling they would kept TNA. TNA has better production than ROH, TNA books better shows than ROH. Causal fans have heard of TNA when you say Ring of Honor to a lot of people they think you are talking the Dallas Cowboys Hall of Fame.

https://www.facebook.com/RealWrestlingNewsAndOpinionatedViews

Viewership for 12/24 Impact Wrestling

The 12/24 midnight airing of TNA Impact Wrestling on Spike TV did 403,000 viewers. This was the final airing of any TNA programming on Spike TV with TNA moving to Discovery Channel's Destination America channel beginning in January 2015.

https://www.facebook.com/RealWrestlingNewsAndOpinionatedViews?fref=nf

TNA Upset With Final Spike TV Episodes

TNA officials are said to be upset that Spike TV decided to move the last two “best of” episodes of Impact Wrestling to late night. Officials thought that the final two episodes would air in their normal 9-11 PM ET time

Opinionated View- They should be upset because those shows featured ads for the ShopTNA sales and the next set of tapings and well by dicking around with the time less people saw them. The good news is TNA is now onto a network that wants to work with them and Spike can air more shit like Cops and Dumb Tattoo Shows Number 7

https://www.facebook.com/RealWrestlingNewsAndOpinionatedViews?fref=nf

Spike Moves Last Two Episodes of Impact Wrestling Out of Prime Time

Spike TV is listing their last two broadcasts of TNA Impact Wrestling out of prime time. Wednesday's show is advertised for a 10:00 p.m. CT start time. The December 24 edition is listed as airing at 11:00 p.m. CT

Opinionated View- Remember these two will still be best of. I know some on the net will try to spin this against TNA but at this stage it doesn't matter. TNA is heading to Destination America. Spike wants to stupid shit like Cops and Tattoo Nightmares.

https://www.facebook.com/RealWrestlingNewsAndOpinionatedViews

TNA Reveals Schedule for Final Four Episodes of Impact Wrestling on Spike TV

TNA sent out the following today, announcing their schedule for the final four episodes of Impact Wrestling that will air on Spike TV…

TNA REVEALS SCHEDULE FOR FINAL FOUR EPISODES
OF IMPACT WRESTLING ON SPIKE
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Nov. 25, 2014) – Before moving to Destination America in January 2015, IMPACT WRESTLING will air four Spike Specials highlighting the best of IMPACT 2014 and the greatest moments in TNA history, including matches and footage seen for the first time on Spike. The final four episodes of IMPACT WRESTLING on Spike will air on Wednesdays at 9/8c with the following schedule:
* December 3 & 10: Best of IMPACT WRESTLING 2014
* December 17 & 24: Countdown to the All-Time Best TNA Moment
“For the past 9 years, TNA and Spike have partnered to deliver the best professional wrestling in the world to our fans week in and week out. Before the move to our new home on Destination America in January, we wanted the final four episodes on Spike to celebrate the best moments for this incredible year of IMPACT and the greatest moments in TNA’s history,” said TNA President Dixie Carter. “I will always have a special place in my heart for Kevin Kay, Scott Fishman and the incredible team at Spike. Together we did amazing things and I wish them nothing but the best in their endeavor.”
Tomorrow (Wed., Nov. 26) night “Thanksgiving Throwdown,” an online exclusive episode, will premiere at 9/8c on TNA IMPACT WRESTLING’s YouTube channel and will be available for on-demand viewing through Black Friday. The YouTube special features the best Turkey Bowl matches in TNA history and offers viewers ShopTNA Black Friday deals, including a free replica TNA World Heavyweight Championship belt for one lucky shopper.
Fans are encouraged to take to twitter to share with @impactwrestling their favorite TNA moment by using #TNABestMomentTo keep up-to-date on all TNA news and ShopTNA deals, fans are encouraged to sign up to become a TNA-Lister.

Spike TV President Issues Statement on TNA’s Departure From The Network

Spike TV issued the following statement to Pwinsider.com, regarding TNA’s departure from the network. According to the end date revealed in the statement, it appears that the previously rumored “best of” episodes of Impact will air on December 3rd, 10th, 17th and finally on the 24th.

Our partnership with TNA Wrestling will officially come to an end with our last telecast on December 24.

Dixie Carter and her team have been incredible partners to work with over the past 9 years, delivering high-action entertainment and strong ratings.

As Spike continues to evolve into a network reaching a broader audience, we continue to look across our schedule to find opportunities to add original scripted and non-scripted programming that appeals to a wider demographic.

On behalf of everyone at Spike, we would like to wish Dixie and TNA all the best and continued success.

Kevin Kay President, Spike TV

https://www.facebook.com/RealWrestlingNewsAndOpinionatedViews

TNA Impact Wrestling Not on Schedule For Thanksgiving Week.

TNA Impact Wrestling will not be airing three weeks from tonight on Spike TV. The 11/26 time slot being listed is for a movie called "End of Watch." TNA has television taped to air through 11/19. The 11/26 show would have been the first week where they were scheduled to being airing "best of" programming on Spike TV until the end of December. Officials from Spike TV stated the change was made only for that week due to the holiday.

Opinionated View- Well if it was only going to be best of it's not a big loss. This also could mean TNA is finally on the verge of announcing new TV deal. Also remember things can change.

https://www.facebook.com/RealWrestlingNewsAndOpinionatedViews?fref=nf

Latest Update on TNA’s New TV Deal

As previously reported, a Spike TV source claimed that TNA and Spike TV are still in negotiations.

According to a new report from Wrestlezone, there is a feeling in TNA that the company will likely sign a new TV deal with Spike TV and stay on the network. The new deal would give Impact less money than their last deal, but the company will likely have to settle for Spike TV is willing to give TNA.

Opinionated View- Given how inaccurate the net is TNA is about to get it largest deal ever from Spike and get a second show.

https://www.facebook.com/RealWrestlingNewsAndOpinionatedViews

Latest Update on TNA's TV Situation

Here is the latest on the TNA TV situation. At this time, it appears "all but official" that TNA and Spike TV will part ways at the end of 2014. At this time, TNA is in talks with up to four different networks in regards to a possible TV deal. One of those networks being the previously mentioned VELOCITY Network, and another being WGN America. The potential WGN America deal would include possible pre-emptions of Impact. It is also being reported that the other two unnamed networks could be more significant potential deals than both VELOCITY or WGN.

https://www.facebook.com/RealWrestlingNewsAndOpinionatedViews?fref=nf

Note on Bobby Lashley At Bellator 123

From MMAFighting.com

Also notable is that Bellator's peak was not its championship fight, but earlier in the show, when TNA champion pro wrestler Bobby Lashley faced Josh Burns, with the match itself averaging 885,000 viewers. The highest actual peak was 979,000 viewers, at the start of the fight.

Opinionated View- Is this a huge deal? No but it's still interesting and important to note the TNA guy drew the best. You and I should be pointing that out when send our feedback to Spike TV. 

https://www.facebook.com/RealWrestlingNewsAndOpinionatedViews?fref=nf

Bobby Lashley Wins Bellator Debut

TNA world champion Bobby Lashley won his Bellator MMA debut via rear naked choke submission in the second round. Lashley's win over Josh Burns improves his MMA record to 11-2.

Opinionated View- Lashley dominated the fight easily taking Burns down in the first round and smothering him while working for submissions. In the second Lashley scored some good striking on the tired Burns and than taking him down landing some ground and pound and getting the choke in the second. It wasn't the highlight reel fight I'm sure Bellator/Spike would have wanted but a win is in a win. 

https://www.facebook.com/RealWrestlingNewsAndOpinionatedViews

King Mo and Lashley Return to MMA Tonight

Current TNA Champion Lashley make his return to MMA debuting at Bellator 123 tonight (9/5) live on Spike TV from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. Lashley (10-2) will face Josh Burns (8-7) in a heavyweight fight. Also fighting on the card will be King Mo Lawal (12-4 1 NC) who will fight Dustin Jacoby (10-3)

Opinionated View- Both Lashley and Lawal should win but that doesn't always happen. For Mo a loss would pretty much end any talk of him as an elite MMA fighter. Lashley needs a win based on the fact he's already 38 and in 12 pro fights hasn't made a big impression. For TNA Lashley losing especially a stoppage loss would undo all that build they have given Lashley.

https://www.facebook.com/RealWrestlingNewsAndOpinionatedViews

Has TNA Found a New Network For Impact?

The Wrestling Observer reports that the belief backstage in TNA is that the company will not stay with Spike TV when its extension with the network ends. The impression amongst those in the company is that TNA has found a new network and that Spike apparently wants out of the wrestling business.

While negotiations are ongoing between TNA and Spike, it's said that they aren't serious at this point. Part of the reason for the belief is that the question is being regularly brought up backstage of how willing Spike is to work with the company in switching to a new network.

Opinionated View- Than lets just announce the deal and get it over. Given it's Observer it wouldn't shock me if Spike trying to convince TNA to stay. Hell the Observer is bashing someone leaving TNA on a twitter bio.

https://www.facebook.com/RealWrestlingNewsAndOpinionatedViews

Breaking News: Dixie Carter Says TNA Will Remain on Spike Through End of the Year

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Aug. 20, 2014) – President Dixie Carter issued the following statement today:

“IMPACT WRESTLING will remain a vital part of Spike TV's programming on Wednesday nights, 9/8c, through the end of the year. Negotiations remain ongoing beyond this time frame.”

Tonight marks IMPACT WRESTLING’s official move to Wednesday nights. Tune in at 9/8c for the most anticipated night of hardcore wrestling on television. One of TNA’s most popular annual Pay-Per-Views “Hardcore Justice,” will be featured tonight, free on Spike TV.

Opinionated View- Well end of the year is better than nothing. But damn I just want this locked up long term. As always I ask you guys and girls to keep sending feedback to Spike.

https://www.facebook.com/RealWrestlingNewsAndOpinionatedViews

TNA Confirms TV Taping In Bethlehem

TNA has confirmed reports earlier this weekend that the company will be holding tapings in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania at the Sands Bethlehem Event Center on 9/16, 9/17, 9/18 and 9/19. The events are titled as "Impact Wrestling LIVE!" advertising TNA Champion Lashley, Jeff Hardy, Kurt Angle, MVP, James Storm, Bobby Roode and Gail Kim.

Tickets for the events go on sale this Friday (8/22). TNA is expected to film Impact Wrestling tapings and multiple One Night Only PPV tapings.

Opinionated View- Great news. At least now we know we will get some Impact. Of course we must keep sending that feedback to Spike TV.

https://www.facebook.com/RealWrestlingNewsAndOpinionatedViews

Update on TNA and Spike TV

In some new details revealed in a new report by Dave Meltzer this week, John Gaburick and Bully Ray headed up a meeting with TNA talent before the Impact Wrestling tapings on 8/6 in New York City. Talent were told the company wasn't closing and that they were negotiating a variety of different deals. At the tapings the next night, Spike TV President Kevin Kay attended and introduced himself to several talent. It should be noted that Kay was the one who made the call to not renew Impact Wrestling. TNA has taped all remaining episodes of Impact Wrestling as part of the current Spike TV deal meaning the final show would be airing on 9/24.

The belief is that Spike could continue airing the show in the new Wednesday timeslot without a new deal finalized. How long that would last remains to be seen. Mike Johnson reported this week that TNA has scheduled Impact Wrestling and One Night Only PPV tapings in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania on 9/16, 9/17, 9/18 and 9/19. TNA has yet to publicly announce these dates as of Sunday morning as the last remaining dates being advertised includes tonight in Hagerstown, 9/5 in Charlotte, 9/6 in Roanoke Rapids and 9/7 in Fayetteville. TNA talent reportedly has additional live event dates scheduled beyond 9/7.

Opinionated View- This is why you gotta keep telling Spike to renew Impact. Find there Facebook, Twitter, Or just on the Spike Website.

https://www.facebook.com/RealWrestlingNewsAndOpinionatedViews

Breaking News TNA Sets New Impact Wrestling Tapings

Following the news yesterday that Impact Wrestling will move to Wednesday nights starting next week, the promotion has now set the next set of Impact tapings. PWInsider reports that the tapings wull take place September 16th through the 19th in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

While the news doesn't set in stone the idea that Impact will be renewed--the move could be in anticipation of a network move, or could be part of a temporary extension while a deal is discussed--it's certainly a positive turn for the company. The previous tapings took the company through September 25th, which was the end of their current contract.

The promotion will also tape some One Night Only PPVs during the dates. 


Opinionated View- This is very good news. If they didn't have a TV deal of some kind I don't think they would be taping. Now just make something official and I can sleep at night. Also I am glade they are heading back to Penn since I don't' want NYC to be the new Impact Zone. 

https://www.facebook.com/RealWrestlingNewsAndOpinionatedViews

Update on Impact Wrestling Changing Nights

: PWInsider reports that "one of the reasons" for the move absolutely has to with the additional competition on Thursdays, which is becoming a popular night for TV again. 

It's a fair point; in addition to the NFL games on CBS, Thursdays will feature The Blacklist on NBC starting in February and FOX's anticipated Gracepoint starting in October, all of which are expected to draw from the same demographic as Impact relies on.


Just to give some idea of what Impact's move to Wednesdays is doing to Spike TV's schedule, it won't impact it much (no pun intended). Currently Spike TV airs a marathon of Cops on Wednesday night, which is a show that they've had the full rights to since 2013 and can be very flexible in terms of scheduling with. Cops was on TruTV for years before moving to Spike full-time last fall.

It's important to note that this doesn't mean that the move is a "burn-off" move, where a network moves a show into a traditionally dead timeslot in order to finish off a contractual commitment to air episodes. As previously reported, the move has to do in part with the extra competition that Thursday Night Football on CBS will bring, which would effect a renewed Impact Wrestling (aka after September) more than the current contract. Thursday Night Football doesn't begin on CBS until September 11th.

Opinionated View- Makes sense. My only issue is it effect me because of my kickboxing and you never know that could change. This move makes a lot of sense.

https://www.facebook.com/RealWrestlingNewsAndOpinionatedViews?fref=nf

Breaking News: TNA IMPACT Wrestling Moving To Wednesday

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Aug. 14, 2014) – TNA today announced its flagship program, IMPACT WRESTLING, will make a permanent move to Wednesday nights at 9/8c on SPIKE TV beginning next Wednesday, Aug. 20.

 "Moving IMPACT WRESTLING to Wednesday nights gives existing fans and new viewers an opportunity to enjoy both wrestling and live sports even more throughout the week," said TNA President Dixie Carter.

IMPACT WRESTLING has enjoyed sustained ratings growth this summer, drawing over 1.5 million viewers each week this quarter, and is among the most watched cable series in key male demos in its timeslot.

Opinionated View- I'll be honest I don't like this move but that has to with my kickboxing being on Wednesday nights at this same time. So things might change and if I do coverage It might come on Thursday afternoon. But I see big potential in this move. It gets TNA away from a lot big events that take place on Thursday like NFL games.  What this could mean for the TV deal I'm not sure.

https://www.facebook.com/RealWrestlingNewsAndOpinionatedViews