TNA (Total Nonstop Action) have concluded their deal with UK TV station Challenge, citing the rise of online spoilers as the reasoning behind the company’s decision.
Despite Challenge providing the professional wrestling company with its second most lucrative TV deal, TNA has made the incredibly odd decision to look for another partner. A statement published on the company’s social media channels reads:
“We are proud to have had such a great relationship with Challenge, and appreciate how the channel brought Impact Wrestling to our avid viewers through the years. In today’s world, spoilers are inevitable. We’ve heard from the amazing fans in the UK and know you do not want to wait 3-5 days to watch the program after it airs in the US.
Our goal is to broadcast Impact Wrestling in the UK as close to the US premiere as possible. We look forward to announcing that opportunity soon, so stay tuned. In the meantime, we hope you continue to watch Impact Wrestling on Challenge, Sunday nights at 9pm, as well as Xplosion and pay-per-views and follow us on social media. Thank you.”
Like most independent wrestling companies, TNA films its Impact Wrestling shows months in advance, meaning that spoilers can inevitably be shared online ahead of schedule. However, considering the company’s well-documented financial troubles, it’s questionable that it would decide to bring one of its more profitable deals to an end as a result of this issue.
TNA may announce a better UK TV deal in the near future, but it seems unlikely given the company’s recent history. With the company’s week-to-week programming continuously in question as a result of its finances, and a few companies (including WWE) reportedly in line to purchase its assets, TNA fans will be hoping that this latest decision isn’t as ill-advised as it appears to be.
