TNA Impact Wrestling to begin airing on Pop TV in 2016

After much speculation on where TNA Impact Wrestling will end up on national television in 2016, we finally have our answer.

President Dixie Carter confirmed today that the company’s flagship show is making its way to Pop, a network joint venture between CBS Corporation and Lionsgate. She teased some sort of announcement on social media leading up to the real one.

The TNA website also had a countdown clock going.

“Pop’s enthusiasm for our partnership and the network’s fan focus is a perfect fit for our company,” Carter said in a release. “Wresting has always been at the forefront of pop culture with the most passionate, loyal fan base. We’re thrilled to be in business with Pop and to bring Impact Wrestling to more than 80 million homes.”

The partnership kicks off with a live two-hour broadcastTuesday, Jan. 5 at 9/8CT. This will be the show’s regular weekly timeslot.

“Wrestling has been a fan-fueled staple since the ’50s, and continues to be some of the most-watched appointment television today. The die-hard fandom and extraordinary passion surrounding Impact Wrestling captures the spirit of Pop as a network that celebrates fan-driven entertainment and excitement,” said Brad Schwartz, Pop president.

“We’re committed to this new partnership and psyched to bring the show’s loyal fans a dedicated night to watch their favorite show on Pop every week.”

Around this time last year TNA was preparing for the transition from Spike TV to Destination America. Ring of Honor is also leaving the channel known for such programs as BBQ Pitmasters and Exorcism: Live for Comet on Dec. 2.

If you’re keeping score, Paragon Pro Wrestling, which aired on Pop, is moving to midnight ET on Tuff TV.

Here’s hoping TNA has found a more long-term home in Pop, as the lack of stability has definitely hurt them in the past. It’s hard to build an audience when you are constantly moving networks, days and air times. I think Pop is a far better fit for TNA, as they may even have a better understanding of how to market the product. There was a dark cloud over the organization’s run on Destination America with talk that they were not renewing Impact Wrestling less than one year in.

And so the Nashville-based company continues to move forward in spite of detractors who wonder about their future. Just when you think they are out, they find another way to stay alive. If you are a genuine fan of the genre and TNA’s hard-working roster, today is a very good day.

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