As previously announced, TNA has a new deal with Spike TV that will give the wrestling promotion a Thursday 9-10pm slot for its flagship iMPACT! show. As part of the deal, there will be several live specials to air on the network, with PWInsider reporting that these specials will resemble NWA’s old “Clash of the Champions” shows, used as live countdown shows used to promote pay-per-views.
Additionally, Spike will air occasional specials designed to profile individual TNA stars (similar to what UFC does with its fighters and what WWE has done in the past with profile features on series such as “Confidential”).
The premiere of TNA in the new timeslot will be a two-hour special on November 16 at 9pm, a timeslot that faces tough competition but one in which UFC has seen ratings success to date.
In other news:
– WrestlingObserver.com’s Dave Meltzer is reporting that most of the No Surrender PPV was booked before Vince Russo was added to the creative team, with only minor changes made leading up to the show, and no mention of Russo made during the event. PWInsider added that Russo was seen by fans during No Surrender, watching the event as he was known to do during live RAWs back when he was in the WWF.
– Most within TNA believe that storylines will continue as planned through Bound For Glory in October, according to PWInsider.
– Meltzer is also reporting that there are mixed feelings backstage about Russo being brought back to TNA, with most being open-minded due to having never worked with him before, wrestlers like Konnan and Raven — who have always liked Russo — being happy about it, and people like Jim Cornette feeling differently. Those with past issues with Russo were assured by TNA management that he has changed, and of course time will tell how he works with fellow creative team members Jeff Jarrett and Dutch Mantel.
– Sean Waltman was backstage at the TNA PPV, according to PWInsider.
– PWInsider has also reported that Scott Steiner has been renegotiating his contract with TNA. He was expected to be a part of Bound For Glory, so it is expected that any money issues — he is rumored to be asking for an increase in pay, as he came into the company for lower than he normally would have, and feels he’s proved himself — will be worked out sooner rather than later.
– Before going live at the PPV, TNA ran a promo video for the new Spy Hunter video game featuring The Rock. There are ads for the game on TNAWrestling.com as well.
– Insane Clown Posse told Howard Stern this morning that they were flying down to Orlando to work for TNA, and will be involved in something with Team 3-D.
