Challenge TV has announced that as of January 2017, they will no longer be airing TNA programming in the UK. Challenge TV issued the following statement regarding their working relationship with TNA.
“We know that many TNA fans will be disappointed to hear this, but we wanted to let you all know that as of January 2017, Challenge will no longer be the home of TNA in the UK. TNA has been a huge and important part of Challenge’s story over the years and we will treasure some great moments like the British Bootcamp and UK tours. We have been proud to bring UK viewers coverage of TNA and have huge respect for the company and its fans. TNA is packed with great talent and we know they will continue to do great things – we wish them all the best.”
This is obviously not good for TNA, as Challenge TV has been running their programming since 2011, and the TV deal was an important revenue stream for the company. For years TNA seemed to be having success with their events overseas, but TNA has not announced any UK tour dates for 2017.
TNA responded with a statement of their own, which you can read below.
“We are proud to have had such a great relationship with Challenge, and appreciate how the channel has brought Impact Wrestling to our avid viewers through the years. In today’s world, spoilers are inevitable. We’ve heard from the 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.”
