FHWrestling.com - Wrestling News, Rumors, Spoilers, Results

Major News On Spike TV/TNA Meeting; Monday Night Deal Not Likely?

March 30th, 2005 by Brian Cantor

Two reports of the Jeff Jarrett/Spike TV meeting paint a conflicting picture of the situation; a top pro wrestling star claims he’d seriously consider TNA if it secured a cable deal

There are conflicting reports making rounds on Jeff Jarrett’s meeting with Spike TV. PWTorch.com claims that Jarrett left the meeting “upbeat and optimistic” about the possibility of a TV deal on the network, in addition to stating that Spike TV is interested in capitalizing on a wrestling product with a track record and smaller price tag than WWE. However, WrestlingObserver.com claims there was little interest expressed on Spike’s side. On the network’s part, the feeling is that even if TNA could draw a 1.5, and its spot on FSN gives no guarantee that a 1.5 is possible, Spike could achieve more business success by running a re-run of an established series like CSI.

Various sources claim that the very fact that Jarrett is meeting with network officials bodes well for TNA’s future. The promotion already met with a network about a better weekday cable deal, and a top pro wrestling star is claiming he’d seriously consider signing to TNA if it could secure clearance for a strong cable package. There also is animosity on Spike’s part due to Vince’s “pompous” demeanor in meetings, so getting the chance to compete with WWE wouldn’t exactly be a bad thing in the network’s eyes.

But, WrestlingObserver.com reminds fans that Spike and TNA are nowhere near reaching a deal for a Monday slot. Obviously, running TNA right after WWE jumped to another cable network could be a good ratings move, but there would have to be a huge boost in the network’s confidence to sign such a deal. In any event, the meeting did happen and Jeff Jarrett did leave optimistic.

   Post in News