TNA iMPACT! made its debut on SpikeTV 4 months ago. Since then, both parties have been very pleased with iMPACT!'s strong performance, despite the show's less-than-desirable timeslot on Saturday nights at 11pm. Hilighted by former WCW Champion STING's first cable television appearance since the last episode of Nitro in 2001, this past weekend's edition of TNA iMPACT! drew its highest rating ever - 1.3 million viewers.
The big news of TNA's record-breaking show was followed by reports that SpikeTV was on the verge of rewarding TNA Wrestling with a more favorable primetime weeknight timeslot. It was rumored that TNA would be moving to Thursday night at 8PM, to be followed by 2 hours of UFC programming.
This morning, Mike Johnson of PWInsider broke the news that TNA officials are in New York City today for a big meeting with SpikeTV in regards to iMPACT!'s upcoming new timeslot. The decision to move the show to weeknights has already been made, and the meetings today will help determine that movement. Johnson reports that despite the rumors of iMPACT! being moved to Thursdays, the actual timeslot has yet to be finalized.
TNA and SpikeTV have already scheduled a media conference call with TNA X-Division champion Samoa Joe for next Tuesday. If both parties can come to terms on a new timeslot by then, its very possible we will hear about the news officially as early as next week.
On Monday night, February 13th, WWE RAW will be pre-empted because of the annual Westminster Dog Show. Many believed this was a golden opportunity for TNA to air a special in RAW's place, unopposed, as a chance to capture some of WWE's viewership. SpikeTV decided NOT to run a TNA special that night and instead will be showing "UFC's Best of 2005".
The reason Spike did not award TNA the Monday night special yet is because TNA has not signed enough big names to contract yet. For months, Spike has been urging TNA to sign more big-name talent. SpikeTV funded a good part of Sting's $500,000 contract because they know big names bring big ratings. Because Sting has already brought an increase in weekly viewership and Pay-Per-View buys, you can be sure that TNA is reaching out to more big stars.
