Anthem officially announces it has acquired control of TNA Impact Wrestling. Dixie Carter resigns as chairman

Anthem Sports & Entertainment have announced they've formed a new company that will be the parent company of TNA Wrestling. The company, called Anthem Wrestling Exhibitions will be overseen by Ed Nordholm as President.

Dixie Carter has resigned as Chairman of Impact Ventures, the former parent company of TNA. She will remain with Anthem in an advisory role and a minority equity shareholder.

Below is the official press statement:

Anthem Sports & Entertainment Forms Anthem Wrestling Exhibitions, LLC., Acquires Control of IMPACT Wrestling

Toronto, Canada (January 4, 2017) - 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.

“We are thrilled to have acquired TNA IMPACT Wrestling,” said Ed Nordholm, Executive Vice President of Anthem Sports & Entertainment Corp., the parent of Fight Network. “As we grow Anthem’s linear, digital and mobile platforms globally, top tier content with global appeal is key to that success and this acquisition is a perfect strategic addition to our portfolio. IMPACT has been a dominant wrestling brand around the world for more than a decade and we are confident that Anthem can leverage its assets and strategic partnerships to take IMPACT Wrestling to even greater heights.”

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.”

Ms. Carter will remain a minority equity stakeholder.

TNA Sale News: WWE Loses Interest Again, Huge Dixie Carter Heat, TNA Executive Contacted WWE, More

Regarding the TNA sale, Aroluxe and Billy Corgan are still involved in trying to make the purchase but one unidentified party that was previously involved is no longer interested as they do not feel a deal is worth it. WWE has also apparently lost interest as they have backed out.

The most recent set of Impact Wrestling tapings were the first that saw Billy Corgan have the final say in creative decisions. However, nothing long-term has been decided on, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, but changes have to happen imminently. We noted before that Dixie Carter was in attendance for the tapings and did hold a talent meeting but she wasn't there for the final days of the tapings and was reportedly having meetings with The Fight Network, which also owns a small stake in TNA.

Things between Dixie and Corgan have reportedly gone really bad and things are said to be "super heated" between Dixie, Corgan, Aroluxe and John Gaburick. It was noted on Wrestling Observer Radio that Dixie has made a real mess of the company between borrowing money and putting up various stakes in the company just to get quick funding. It was said that the company is in a "disastrous position" right now. There is also heat on Dixie for deals not getting done and nearly falling apart.

TNA still owes money to many people and continues to deal with other financial issues but right now they're not faced with another deadline for money until January and that's when they have some international TV revenue coming from.

There's still no word yet on where TNA got the money for the most recent tapings but it was not WWE, which has been rumored. Some higher-ups in TNA still don't know who funded the tapings but speculation is that it was one of the three minority owners - Corgan, Aroluxe or The Fight Network.

Regarding WWE no longer being interested in the tape library, Gaburick did go to WWE's Kevin Dunn with the idea of a package where WWE would hire Gaburick if he got them the tape library deal. Dunn reportedly went to Vince McMahon with the idea but it looks like the deal won't be happening. The Observer notes that WWE's involvement has been up and down for weeks.

Rumor Mill - Dixie Carter Said To Be 'Pretty Much Done' With TNA

On last night's episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer commented on the ownership situation in TNA following the announcement that Billy Corgan is the new President of TNA. Meltzer noted that former TNA President Dixie Carter is pretty much done with the company.

"Dixie's pretty much out of it now," Meltzer said. "She's out of power completely, she is completely out of power no matter what's said, but she may be gone."

Meltzer noted that Dixie was at the last set of television tapings and was there for some of the segments that were filmed, but that she left shortly after that and didn't stay for the whole week. He added that "there were some things said that were not so great about her."

"She's pretty much on her way out," he added.

As noted, Corgan appeared on Vince Russo's podcast last week and discussed his new role with the company. He said that he has an ownership stake with the company, and that it is a "fluctuating situation" that is moving "progressively into the right direction." He said that there are moves being made and that there were all good moves, but would not confirm if Dixie still owned a majority stake or not.

Billy Corgan named new president of TNA Wrestling

IMPACT Ventures [IMPACT], the parent company of TNA Wrestling and IMPACT WRESTLING, today announced the appointment of Billy Corgan as its new President. Current President Dixie Carter becomes Chairman and Chief Strategy Officer of IMPACT.

As President, Billy Corgan will be responsible for leading day-to-day operations for IMPACT and its affiliated brands. As Chairman, Carter will focus on long-term planning, strategic partnerships and global growth.

"Billy is a visionary, an iconic artist and savvy businessman with an incredibly gifted creative mind. He has built a decades-long successful global brand, and also has a deep passion and understanding for professional wrestling," said Carter. "In working with Billy over the last 16 months, he has impressed me to the point that I've been in discussions with him to take an elevated strategic leadership role within the company. The more we discussed our vision for the organization, the clearer it became that position needed to match his commitment."

"We are entering an exciting new era for IMPACT and will be working to continue to define our brand, develop global strategies for success, and structure for future investment and growth," added Carter. "These moves, effective immediately, signify the team's determination to work together to effectively cover more ground and capitalize on TNA's current momentum that has seen ratings rise in recent months."

Corgan, 49, is an American musician, songwriter, producer, TV writer and poet, best known as the lead singer, guitarist, and sole permanent member of The Smashing Pumpkins, who have sold more than 30 million albums worldwide and won multiple Grammy Awards. Corgan joined IMPACT in May 2015 as a senior producer.

"I believe in this company, its passionate fans, the talented roster and the dedicated staff and crew," said Corgan. "I am committed to this great opportunity and will use all of my resources and connections to drive the success of this company. This year we have made significant strides in establishing a strong foundation for our future and will be aggressive in continuing to evolve and grow the IMPACT brands."

IMPACT's flagship broadcast IMPACT WRESTLING airs Thursdays at 8/7c on Pop, and in more than 120 countries around the world.

Falcons Alum Signs with TNA Wrestling

During his time in the NFL, Quinn Ojinnaka earned his keep by performing the grueling (and often thankless) tasks of an offensive lineman. He was a versatile guard/tackle who was capable of filling in when needed, and typically not someone whom the media watched closely.

Ojinnaka’s journey into pro wrestling, however, has shown him what it’s like to be a star.

After two years with the wrestling company Ring of Honor, Ojinnaka, who goes by “Moose” in the ring, became the subject of widespread speculation when his last contract expired. Dubbed the biggest name in the sport’s free agency, it was unclear whether he’d re-sign with ROH or head elsewhere. Rumors swirled; Ojinnaka remained coy on social media.

The answer came last Tuesday night, as Moose made a surprise appearance on IMPACT WRESTLING’s live show, Destination X, confirming he joined the company TNA. He surprised fans by interrupting the Title vs. Title Main Event, showed off his new finishing move, The Gamebreaker, and took out both wrestlers to end the night.

“It was the first time in about two years I had nerves running through my body,” Ojinnaka, who spent four years with the Falcons, said. “I was shaking. It’s always a great experience when my music hits and I walk out there. It’s a new chapter and I can’t wait to see where it takes me. It was definitely amazing. It was a surreal experience”

Ojinnaka’s transition to a new home marks a big step in his career. At TNA, the second-biggest wrestling company out there, he’ll get to face top competition on a regular basis. He’ll receive plenty of exposure, too, thanks to TNA’s broadcast deal and production value.

“It was a bit stressful because of all the craziness that came with it, but I feel like I made the right decision,” he said. “I’m with TNA and ready to roll.”

source: atlantafalcons.com

TNA Announces Move To Thursday Nights, New Start Time Revealed

TNA announced that they are moving back to Thursday nights starting July 21st, two nights after WWE SmackDown moves to Tuesday nights.

It was also revealed that Impact Wrestling will now start one hour earlier at 8/7 CT.

New Knockouts Champion Crowned On TNA Impact Wrestling

Jade won the TNA Knockouts Championship on tonight’s episode of Impact Wrestling by defeating Madison Rayne and former champion Gail Kim, who had her reign end at 232 days.

The final moments of the match saw Gail go for a crossbody block, but Maria Kanellis knocked her off the ropes, which allowed Jade to hit a STO for the win.

TNA Announces New Partnership

TNA sent us the following today:

Comprehensive Global Content Partnership

Toronto – Fight Network, the world's premier 24/7 multi-platform channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, and TNA Entertainment announced today they have entered into a comprehensive content partnership to seize a global digital audience for fight-based content.

Fight Network's over-the-top (OTT) app available on digital platforms will become the global home for TNA Wrestling content starting in the second quarter of this year. Fight Network and TNA Wrestling will collaborate to produce digital content and will also partner on cross-promotion and joint sales efforts in global markets, as well as in the U.S. and Canada.

Fight Network's OTT app is available on Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Verizon Go90, Layer 3 and KlowdTV.

Fight Network is currently the home of TNA Wrestling programming in Canada, including its two hour flagship weekly program IMPACT WRESTLING, TNA Wrestling's Greatest Matches and TNA Xplosion. Fight Network will now also air select TNA Wrestling archive programming on its linear channels in select U.S. markets and in over 30 countries across Europe, Africa and the Middle East where Fight Network currently broadcasts.

"As a TNA Wrestling broadcast partner, we see the quality of the content, the viewer reaction and the potential to bring great programming to the world," said Leonard Asper, CEO of Anthem Sports & Entertainment Corp. "Our global OTT service now available on several platforms will be immeasurably strengthened by this partnership and we see this as just the first step in building global fight themed destination channel together."

"Our enhanced partnership with Fight Network to deliver new and archived content through linear and over-the-top platforms, as well as to bring TNA programming to new and emerging markets around the world, is a significant step in the execution of TNA's strategic plan," said TNA president Dixie Carter. "Fans are hungry for easily accessible content they can view on demand, and come this summer, the action of TNA IMPACT WRESTLING will be more available than ever."

For more information about the Fight Network OTT, visit fightnetwork.com.

IMPACT WRESTLING Welcomes Five New Athletes to Roster

IMPACT WRESTLING is proud to announce the signing of five fresh and new members to our active roster effective immediately. Jesse Guilmette, Laura Dennis, Marshe Rockett, Thomas LaRuffa and Mikael Vierge all signed their contracts with IMPACT WRESTLING earlier this month.

More?

Eric Young & Bobby Roode Leaving TNA Wrestling

Eric Young and Bobby Roode are leaving the company. The tapings this weekend will be their last with TNA. TNA issued this statement:

Impact Wrestling has come to terms on the release of veteran wrestlers Bobby Roode and Eric Young (Jeremy Fritz). Bobby and Eric have been valuable members of the Impact Roster since 2004 and we wish them nothing but the best in their careers going forward.

Bobby had this to say earlier today, “To the guys and girls I got to work with for the past 12 years, Impact Wrestling, the office and everyone associated with me getting to live this dream, I say thank you. It is time for me to move on to the next chapter in my life. This has been amazing.”

Eric Young had this to say. “Thank you. Thank you to everyone who watched me for the past 12 years. Thank you to Impact Wrestling. I wish everyone here nothing but the best going forward.”

Executive Vice President of Creative and Television, John Gaburick added, “Bobby and Eric are true professionals. We salute them for the 12 years they gave TNA.

With a Superstar roster including EC3, James Storm, Drew Galloway, Jeff and Matt Hardy, “The Destroyer” Bobby Lashley, Gail Kim, The Wolves, Maria Kanellis-Bennett and “The Miracle” Mike Bennett we couldn’t be more excited about showcasing the finest wrestling in the world for the Impact fans.”

Details On Ken Anderson’s TNA Release And Failed Drug Test

Wrestlezone Radio guest and Pro Wrestling Sheet editor-in-chief Ryan Satin is reporting former WWE/TNA star Ken Anderson was released from TNA Wrestling after he failed a drug test, which was administered after he appeared to be under the influence during a match.

According to sources, Anderson was reportedly working a match with Eric Young, but he looked so bad in the ring that he was forced to take a drug test before being sent home. Sources told Satin that the match was originally scheduled to air on the January 19th episode of Impact Wrestling but it had to be removed from the show. Eric Young was reportedly furious with TNA management after the bout, to the point he could be heard yelling at officials to do something about the situation.

Pro Wrestling Sheet says they’ve attempted to contact both Anderson and TNA officials for comment on the story, but have not received a response from either side. A source did tell Satin that management, while not commenting, does hope Anderson will get some sort of treatment.

Anderson made headlines earlier yesterday after a video of him surfaced where he announced he was no longer with the company, and said “f*ck TNA” during an Insane Championship Wrestling event.

James Storm Reveals Why He Chose to Sign with TNA & Not NXT, Talks Fans Criticizing His Decision, Praises HHH, Is the Door Open for a WWE Return?

Returning TNA star James Storm recently spoke with Bill Apter for WZ and 1Wrestling.com, to talk Storm’s return to TNA Impact Wrestling, and below are some interview highlights:

On why he returned to TNA vs other promotions:

“You know to me I got unfinished business to do and basically to support my family. Thats what it came down to. I was in contract negotiations with different people and what it all boiled down to Impact Wrestling gave me the best offer.”

On people criticizing his decision to return to TNA:

“They can say whatever they want to say if they want to say negative stuff about me I don’t care. Because they don’t know the whole story. There’s a lot that went on behind the scenes.”

Storm then elaborates on the above comment, praises Triple H, reveals whether or not the door is open for a WWE NXT return and much more. Be sure to check out the entire interview in the video player below:

Big Backstage Update on Why James Storm Did Not Sign with WWE NXT, Details on Storm’s New TNA Deal, Possible WWE Return & More

As noted, James Storm made his official return to TNA last night at the Impact Wrestling debut on POP TV.

According to WZ Daily regular and ProWrestlingSheet.com’s Ryan Satin, sources noted that after months of negotiations, WWE was only willing to offer Storm a deal that would earn the former TNA Champion less than $100K a year. TNA, on the other hand, was offering 2 1/2 times more than that.

Money was the motivating factor for Storm, who signed a two year deal with TNA which will also see him get a cut of merchandise sales. The offer from TNA is said to be guaranteed money, and as for WWE, the door remains open for a possible return.

Former TNA World Heavyweight Champion Returns To Company

Former TNA World Heavyweight Champion James Storm returned to TNA at tonight's show.

Storm had been wrestling on and off for NXT, but hadn't signed a deal with the WWE. Yesterday, Storm said that he was only going to the TNA tapings in order to have a meeting with the company. You can see a photo from his return below.

TNA Reveals New TV Deal, Timeslot

TNA has announced that Impact Wrestling will debut on POP TV, the former TV Guide Channel, beginning Tuesday, January 5th at 9pm EST. This will be a live episode but they will air every Tuesday night on POP.

WWE Reportedly Nixes Plans to Bring Big Name in For NXT Appearance Due to Him Appearing on TNA TV

According to The Wrestling Observer, WWE wanted to bring Bully Ray in for the May 15th NXT Live Event which took place in Philadelphia.

WWE knew Bully Ray would get a big pop from the Philly crowd, but after he appeared on the May 8th edition of Impact Wrestling to referee a match between Kurt Angle and Eric Young, WWE nixed the idea to use Bully. The role went to Tommy Dreamer instead, and he ended up working an NXT match against Baron Corbin.

Despite recently returning to TNA as the new authority figure on Impact Wrestling, Bully Ray is still pushing for one last run in WWE with his tag team partner Devon. In a recent interview with The Fight Network, Ray said he thinks him and Devon are in their best shape

Potential Legal Issue Leads to TNA Dropping Wrestler & Causes Massive Changes to Impact Wrestling TV Series

An issue between TNA and Lucha Underground has led to a number of planned TNA TV segments being pulled from upcoming episodes of Impact Wrestling, storylines being dropped and one recent TNA signing being dropped from the company, PWInsider.com has learned

At the center of the controversy with Shawn Hernandez, who recently returned to TNA and became part of the Beat Down Clan after appearing on the first season of Lucha Underground on The El Rey Network.

TNA sources indicate that Hernandez was signed to a deal by the company after informing TNA that contractually, he was free and clear to do so. After Hernandez made a number of appearances at TNA TV tapings, Lucha Underground approached TNA and informed them that contractually, Hernandez was still their talent, signed to their series and that he was not released from his obligations to their promotion, therefore he could not legally appear on TNA broadcasts.

As you might imagine, this put TNA into a legally actionable position where they could be sued. With Impact Wrestling already pre-filmed well in advance as well, it put the company into a terrible situation where their storylines, which are worked out well in advance, would be useless.

I am told that TNA management attempted to work out an agreement with Lucha Underground that would allow the existing footage to be used, including offering to pay Underground for Hernandez' appearances. We are told that Underground turned down all those attempts. Given that the producers of the Lucha series come from a film and TV background, I was not surprised to hear that.

Since TNA cannot use the footage, the decision was made to pull anything involving the BDC. As of today, all of the current BDC storylines are completed and done as it would be impossible to edit around Hernandez.

I am told that starting tonight, TNA will be replacing those matches and vignettes with existing material, including some matches from the TNA Slammiversary PPV from a few weeks ago. TNA also intends to film material at their Orlando TV Tapings later this month that they can drop into the segments that are no longer available to be used.

The matches and segments that were filmed are (for now at least) completely scrapped and TNA will re-edit all of their TV.

Hernandez, obviously, is gone from TNA and he is now in a position where he's losing work as TNA wanted to use him and cannot. Lucha Underground is still working to finance a potential second season, so Hernandez is now stuck off TV until they pick up production again.

As far as the rest of the BDC, MVP, Kenny King, etc. are also effectively be off those TV episodes until TNA can get new material with those talents. So, through no fault of their own, a number of TNA talents are now off television suddenly until TNA can work them back in while talents who wrestled them also find their matches yanked.

Obviously, the TNA editing team has their work ahead of them.

source: pwinsider.com

TNA Receives Lowest Viewership Since Changing Cable Networks

Last night's (6/3) episode of Impact Wrestling garnered 297,000 viewers in the first hour, down from the 413,000 from the 5/29 episode, which was a Friday. It is speculated that the night change from Friday to Wednesday caused this viewer-drop.

This is the lowest amount of viewers TNA has had since switching Cable Networks.

What The TNA Talent Has Been Told About The Cancellation Rumors

According to The Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the TNA roster has been told that the company will respond to cancellation rumors at the next set of television tapings, which are currently scheduled for June 24th through the 28th. TNA has four full days of Impact Wrestling tapings during that period, in addition to the Slammiversary pay-per-view. Neither Destination America, nor Discovery Network has commented on the status of Impact Wrestling or the cancellation reports.

TNA Issues Official Statement Responding to Report of Destination America Canceling TNA Programming

As noted, Dave Meltzer of The Wrestling Observer reported this week that Destination America will be canceling TNA programming effective this September. In response to this report, TNA has issued the following statement:

Statement from TNA Regarding IMPACT WRESTLING

It has come to our attention that several internet news sources have falsely attributed statements to TNA, its executives and broadcasting partner. These false statements constitute defamation and if necessary we will seek all legal remedies available to us.