The blockbuster announcement of TNA Wrestling’s new multi-year media rights deal with AMC Networks was officially confirmed on December 2nd. The agreement establishes AMC and its streaming service, AMC+, as the new broadcast home for the flagship show, which will now air as Thursday Night iMPACT! in a two-hour block every Thursday from 9 PM to 11 PM ET.
The immediate and widely circulated rumors that this major television change would spell the end of TNA’s much-discussed partnership with WWE and its NXT brand were swiftly and vehemently denied by TNA representatives.
According to Fightful Select, company insiders not only stressed that the collaboration was secure but went as far as claiming that WWE had actually provided assistance in facilitating the successful negotiation of the new AMC deal. Furthermore, sources within WWE confirmed they were fully informed of the deal prior to its public unveiling.
Despite the official denial of a breakup, some TNA talent expressed private hopes that the expanded platform would lead to a reduction in creative decisions seen as “catering to NXT.”
Internally, the reaction from the TNA staff and roster was overwhelmingly positive, described universally as full of excitement and enthusiasm.
The common hope among those within the company was that this expanded platform would prompt a substantial upgrade in the show’s creative direction and budget.
The core details of the deal had been closely guarded, with work beginning on securing the new television home as far back as the spring and only a very small circle privy to the specifics until the morning of the announcement.
While the premiere episode on January 15th will be live, it was specified that subsequent episodes will feature a mix of live and pre-taped broadcasts, though TNA is believed to have a contractual obligation to produce a minimum number of live shows.
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