The frontrunner to land the domestic TV rights to TNA’s programming is one owned by Discovery Communications. Discovery currently owns 14 domestic networks but the two rumored to land TNA programming include Velocity and Destination America.
Velocity was available in 58 million homes as of 2013 and is an HD-only network. Destination America was available in 57 million homes as of 2013 and has an HD Simulcast (like other cable networks such as Spike TV). How both networks compare to Spike TV is they are available in significantly less homes. Industry estimates have Spike in 98.7 million homes.
It is certainly possible that TNA will get more clearance on their new domestic TV deal. While their deal with Spike gave them a two-hour weekly slot in prime time for Impact, that was it (aside from occasional specials). They currently distribute TNA Xplosion and British Bootcamp internationally and Dixie Carter made it abundantly clear in a piece she did with Grantland.com that she wanted two things with a new domestic TV partner – stability and more hours. Below is her quote:
“We will die a slow death on the vine if we just stay as one two-hour show in the U.S.,” she says. “I have big decisions to make. I want this to be a big play. I don’t want this to be a status quo play.”
TNA already has TV tapings scheduled for January and those tapings will be for their new network. While we wait for TNA to announce their new domestic TV deal, here’s what we know:
TNA will continue to air on TV in the United States from 2015 and beyond
The final first-run episode of Impact will air on Spike TV on Wednesday, November 19, 2014
TNA’s new TV partner is rumored to be Discovery Communications
Rumored networks to house TNA programming include Velocity and Destination America
TNA will be available in fewer homes in the United States
Dixie Carter wants more than 2 hours per week and the new domestic deal has the possibility of more weekly hours
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November 17, 2014
Latest Details On TNA’s New TV Deal, Rumored Networks & More Programming
SmackDown Set To Air Live On The USA Network In December, Part Of "WWE" Week
Press Release from WWE:
"USA Network and WWE will kick off the holiday season with an action-packed "WWE Week" beginning December 15 with MONDAY NIGHT RAW®, followed by a live SMACKDOWN® and a two-hour TRIBUTE TO THE TROOPS® special, along with a week-long daytime roadblock featuring interviews with the WWE Superstars and Divas.
Both RAW and SMACKDOWN feature a star-studded cast of WWE Superstars and Divas, and deliver a shot of adrenaline to viewers with over-the-top action, feats of athleticism and high octane-drama.
On Monday, December 15 from 8-11pm ET, USA will air MONDAY NIGHT RAW, live from Detroit, Michigan. On Tuesday, December 16 from 8-10pm ET, USA will also air SMACKDOWN live from Grand Rapids, Michigan.
On Wednesday, December 17 from 8-10pm ET, USA will air one of the most patriotic and heartwarming shows of the holiday season, WWE TRIBUTE TO THE TROOPS. In the tradition of Bob Hope, WWE brings together the best of sports entertainment and pop culture with celebrity appearances and performances from music's most popular acts for our servicemen and women to honor their commitment and dedication to our country. The 12th annual holiday special will also re-air as a one hour special on NBC on Saturday, December 27 from 8-9pm ET.
WWE also takes over USA DAYTIME from 11am-3pm Monday, December 15 – Friday, December 19, as host Cat Greenleaf interviews WWE Superstars and Divas, on her iconic stoop, including The Miz®, Big Show®, Titus O'Neil™ and Brie Bella™, as well as Chief Brand Officer, Stephanie McMahon.
MONDAY NIGHT RAW on USA is the most-watched, regularly scheduled, year-round program on cable, airing a live three-hour block every Monday night, 52 weeks a year. RAW has been a cable mainstay for more than 20 years and is consistently a top ten show on television. The three-hour block on USA averages 2.12MM P18-49, 2.18MM P25-54 and 4.73MM total viewers P2+. RAW and SMACKDOWN have reached 53.1MM total viewers P2+ 2014 to-date."
Rumor Mill - AJ Lee Possibly Finishing Up with WWE
The rumor mill has been claiming AJ Lee might be finishing up with WWE soon, and if she drops the Divas Title at Survivor Series that could be a strong indication that she is indeed leaving.
As of now, AJ is being advertised for WWE events through the TLC PPV on December 14th, and she is not being advertised for any events after the PPV. While this doesn’t confirm AJ will be done with WWE after TLC, it’s possible that could be her final date with WWE, and if she doesn’t drop the title at Survivor Series, it could happen at TLC.
November 15, 2014
NXT Attendance Improving
There has been a small increase in WWE NXT live events attendance. The original number of 100-150 fans per show has been increased to about 190-250 fans. This is a good sign for WWE, since they rarely promote their NXT live events like they do with the WWE live events shows for Raw and Smackdown.
Triple H Very Impressed by NXT Star, Regal vs. DeMott Backstage Issues?, More
We noted a few weeks ago that Triple H spent a day at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando and had talents work out in the ring and do promos for him. He also spent time with the NXT trainers.
NXT talent Dylan Mile really caught Triple H’s eye. Mile is the talent that several NXT stars, including Kevin Steen, was praising on Twitter a few weeks back.
Triple H was said to be so impressed with by Mile that he is giving him extra attention and ordered that Mile’s progress be closely tracked.
Triple H also reportedly had to deal with a Bill DeMott issue that day. The story is that William Regal complained about DeMott, who is known for controversy. DeMott has been spoken to several times by officials and usually tones his behavior down after the talks. However, sources indicate that DeMott is considered to be on the hot seat.
Video: Chris Jericho returns to SmackDown for a special "Highlight Reel" with guests Triple H & Stephanie McMahon
November 14, 2014
Great Khali's WWE Release Confirmed
Former WWE World Champion The Great Khali is finished with World Wrestling Entertainment. Sources say the "Punjabi Playboy's" contract has expired and the company decided not to renew his deal. Khali, now 42, first signed with WWE back in January 2006 when he was signed to a developmental deal. His career highlights include winning the Championship in July 2007 and being pushed as "monster" to feud with The Undertaker.
November 13, 2014
Paige & AJ Lee Lead the 2014 PWI “Female 50″
Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s annual “Female 50″ ranking of female pro wrestlers will be included in the February 2015 edition of the magazine. Subscribers of PWI’s digital magazine got the issue early, and the list includes WWE Divas Paige, AJ Lee and Natalya, NXT stand-out Charlotte, TNA Knockouts Gail Kim and Angelina Love, and many others.
The top 10 is featured below, and you can subscribe to the digital edition now for just $19.95 per year.
1. Paige
2. AJ Lee
3. Gail Kim
4. Cheerleader Melissa
5. LuFisto
6. Angelina Love
7. Ivellisse
8. Courtney Rush
9. Natalya
10. Charlotte
This year, PWI has said the list may be more controversial than usual, as women’s wrestling has been more popular than ever due to the rise of WWE’s reality series Total Divas. Paige, who made her debut after WrestleMania XXX earlier this year, topped the list and beat out Divas Champion AJ Lee. It seems her run as NXT Women’s Champion, debut and instant leap to the top of the WWE women’s division was enough to give her Paige the edge.
Mick Foley Confirms Future Special Airing on WWE Network
Larry Gallagher of ThisIsInfamous.com recently spoke to WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley, and during the interview Foley confirmed a future special will air on the WWE Network, as WWE cameras will be filming his November 23rd comedy special in Brooklyn:
“Well you know what? There was a last minute brokering and it appears like the show will be done instead for the WWE Network. Yeah it is awesome. I guess I kind of jumped the gun with the post. It really was like an 11th hour agreement where we both realized we were better off doing this thing together.”
WWE and Warner Bros. team up again for ‘Scooby-Doo 2’
Scooby-Doo and the gang will join forces with WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan and an array of other WWE Superstars to crack another mystery crime full of hijinks and adventure. Stay tuned to WWE.com for more on the “Scooby-Doo! WrestleMania Mystery” sequel!
WWE Releases Statement Regarding WWE Network Going Down
WWE Network was down for almost two hours on Wednesday night. WWE issued the following statement to customers today.
"Dear WWE Network Subscriber
Last night at approximately 8:30 pm ET, WWE Network experienced technical difficulties which may have impacted your ability to access video content. We apologize for the inconvenience this may have caused, but please be assured that we have corrected the problem and restored complete access to WWE Network.
If you have any questions regarding your subscription, please visit wwe.com/help. wwe.com/help .
Thank you for being a WWE Network Subscriber.
WWE Network Support"
November 12, 2014
WWE Hall of Famer Amy Dumas giving back to next generation of female wrestlers
ABC2News.com recently looked at Maryland Championship Wrestling and how WWE Hall of Famer Lita has been working with the women's wrestlers there. Below are some quotes from Lita:
"It’s great to see MCW still going strong. They saw something special in me and I slept on their couches many nights when I was coming up on the independent scene. I’m glad I’m able to give back to them and my fans now in a way I was never able to in the WWE."
"I’m really enjoying the chance to get up close and personal with fans and up-and-coming wrestlers. It’s given me the chance to see how many lives I’ve impacted and that’s pretty special. I was in the WWE during a special time when female wrestlers were given a chance to shine. I’m just now getting the chance to reflect on my career and what I accomplished. Now I have a chance to give back and help the next generation reach their goals too."
Details Behind WWE and Alberto Del Rio's Legal Settlement
Alberto Del Rio and World Wrestling Entertainment have reached a confidential legal settlement concerning Del Rio's non-compete clause.
It is being said that both sides have agreed that Del Rio, real name Alberto Rodriguez, would make no further remarks in a negative manner about WWE, mainly concerning the allegation of racist jokes and insinuating insensitivity by those in power.
Rodriguez on Twitter put out a joint statement with WWE stating, “Following my departure from WWE, an understanding was reached with regards to my future booking opportunities. We wish each other well in our respective future endeavors.”
Another source close to the talks said that there was a last minute change to the agreement. At one stage, the joint settlement was expected to include a WWE apology for inappropriate remarks. The source said WWE agreed, but then in its written settlement agreement, took that out of the deal.
Rodriguez had done media interviews in Mexico, as well as the U.K., talking about racial jokes said by people higher up in WWE. These were claims supported by the original Sin Cara but said he didn't blame that for failing in WWE. Rey Mysterio has remained silent on the issue and recent reports suggest relations could be strained despite this.
Rodriguez said he was told WWE would hire him back after a period but Del Rio was not placated by a phone call with Triple H. Many WWE wrestlers are said to have gone to bat for Del Rio but it was Del Rio himself who declined to return.
Rodriguez was given a one-year, unpaid, non-compete term from the date of his firing. It was highly unlikely such a term, even with the slap being a contract breach, would have held up in court.
Rodriguez had wrestled for AAA and on independent shows in Mexico, as well as for Wrestle-One in Japan, even with the non-compete in effect, with the feeling it would be unenforceable outside the U.S.
It is believed the settlement includes an agreement he would not sue the company, that he would no longer publicly talk negatively about the company, and that the non-compete would be dropped.
November 11, 2014
November 10, 2014
Alberto Del Rio and WWE Reach A Joint Settlement
Alberto Del Rio and WWE have appeared to have reached a joint settlement in their on-going legal dispute over Del Rio's contract since departing the company several months back.
The former WWE World Heavyweight Champion was released after an incident in which he slapped a WWE.com social media manager after the manager allegedly made a racist remark. WWE claimed Del Rio was in breach of his contract and tried to keep him from wrestling until August 2015.
The agreement reportedly means Del Rio can take bookings going forward with the understanding that neither he or WWE will disparage each other.
His new ring name will be "El Patron" (The Boss).
@VivaDelRio: I want to announce the following joint statement by me and the WWE... pic.twitter.com/tbk4dxUHN8
— Alberto El Patron (@VivaDelRio) November 10, 2014
November 9, 2014
WWE Raises Big Money for Susan G. Komen
Nancy Brinker of Susan G. Komen thanked WWE on Twitter for raising over $1.5 million for the fight against breast cancer.
November 8, 2014
Mick Foley Reveals That He Wants To Return To WWE
Mick Foley posted the following on Facebook in which he reveals that he has changed his tune on becoming the WWE Raw General Manager.
FOLEY FOR GM?
"When asked how I would feel about another run as GM on social media a few months ago, I said. "I don't think I will be asked, and would turn down the offer if I was."
Well, after my appearance on WWE Monday Night Raw a few weeks ago, I've kind of changed my tune.
I think there is a chance I'll be asked about becoming GM within the next year - and if asked, I think I'd do it"
So after the WWE and Triple H bashing, someone wants back in. Could it be that Mick is crawling back because his daughter is training to be a wrestler?
November 7, 2014
WWE Announces WrestleMania 31 Party with NXT Stars, WWE Legends and More
WWE has announced a WrestleMania 31 On-Sale Party for Friday, November 14th from 6pm until 9pm at Intel Plaza inside Levi's Stadium. Tickets officially go on sale the next morning.
Stars scheduled to appear include Daniel Bryan, Bad News Barrett, Charlotte, Tyler Breeze, Rosa Mendes, Booker T, Hulk Hogan and Jimmy Hart. The event will be hosted by NXT's Corey Graves and Fan Axxess emcee Christian Litke.
Also, a DJ will be playing throughout the night and fans will have their first opportunity to get official WrestleMania 31 merchandise.
Stephanie McMahon Named by CableFAX Magazine as One of the Most Powerful Women in Cable for the 5th Time
Stephanie McMahon has been named by CableFAX Magazine as one of the most powerful women in cable for the fifth time. She has been given this honor in 2009, 2011, 2012, & 2013. A breakfast for the honorees will be held on November 20st from 8:30 - 10:30 a.m., at the Grand Hyatt in NYC.
November 6, 2014
WWE NXT Moving To Wednesdays On WWE Network
Michelle Wilson, chief revenue and marketing officer, WWE, told Variety that NXT will move to Wednesday nights at 8 PM on the WWE Network in response to Smackdown’s move back to Thursday nights. You can read their coverage at this link.
November 5, 2014
Backstage News On Kevin Steen's WWE NXT Debut
Kevin Steen's new NXT ring name Kevin Owens is indeed a tribute to the late Owen Hart, who Steen named his son Owen after. We noted that Steen recently filmed vignettes for his NXT TV debut and that he's expected to debut at either Takeover on December 11th or the TV tapings on December 12th. Steen also did an individual work-out in front of Triple H a few weeks back.
Details on WWE's Gerald Brisco Trying to Recruit MMA Fighters and Pro Hockey Players
WWE's Gerald Brisco has been recruiting athletes who would have normally gotten into MMA with the idea that they can have a longer career in pro wrestling. Brisco is also going to be recruiting tough hockey brawlers from Canada soon.
Brisco is also using the idea of making better money to attract those athletes. Brisco also tries to sell potential MMA fighters that they can follow the path of Brock Lesnar by using their pro wrestling success to get into MMA.
Rumor Mill - Backstage News On Rey Mysterio Turning Down Recent WWE Return
WWE reportedly asked Rey Mysterio to come back before the Mexican tour as they were concerned that ticket sales were below the company's normal standards. Mysterio told officials he didn't want to return.
Mysterio flew into Buffalo, New York, on Monday to meet with WWE officials and then returned home to California on Tuesday.
No word on what went down as yet.
Vince McMahon apologizes for WWE Network UK delay
Earlier today, WWE.com posted a video of WWE Chairman Vince McMahon apologizing to UK fans for the delayed launch of the WWE Network in the UK that was slated to take place this past Monday (11/3). The video is only being made available on WWE.com to those who have a UK-based IP address, but the following is a transcript of McMahon's apology to UK fans:
"On behalf of WWE, I want to personally apologize for the delayed launch of WWE Network here in the United Kingdom. There's no one more important than each and every one of you in the WWE Universe, especially here in the United Kingdom, where we've shared so many great memories together. We appreciate your patience as we work through the details in the roll-out and potential partnerships. I assure you that we are working day and night to launch WWE Network as quickly as possible. And I promise that WWE Network will be well worth the wait. Again, thank you for your understanding."
November 4, 2014
Sky TV Comments On WWE Network UK Issues
It was reported that the WWE Network UK launch was delayed at the last minute due to negotiation issues with Sky. Sky has denied this on social media today. They are telling customers that it was WWE's decision to delay the launch and that the WWE Network is an independent service that they won't be providing. F4Wonline.com reports that WWE sources close to the situation insist that it was the ongoing talks with Sky that delayed the launch.
