Backstage Update – Is TNA iMPACT! Leaving SpikeTV?, Rumors & More

UPDATE: As noted yesterday here on the website, TNA has announced that iMPACT! Wrestling will remain on Spike TV through the end of 2014. The announcement, as made by Dixie Carter, says that the show will “remain a vital part of Spike TV’s programming on Wednesday nights” at 9 PM ET/PT and adds that negotiations are continuing for further renewal.

The show’s future, as you surely know, has been speculated on for some time. There were reports that Spike TV had decided not to renew iMPACT! but those were shot down by TNA and Spike; Spike’s President recently visited the iMPACT! tapings in New York. There were also reports that Spike would be willing to continue airing the show even if they didn’t renew it if TNA could get a deal with another network.

For what it’s worth, there are some who still believe SpikeTV has decided not to renew iMPACT! but have extended TNA’s deal through 2014 to give them enough time to find another network. The way the press release was worded yesterday is very interesting and is only going to fuel those rumors that iMPACT! will be finished with SpikeTV at the end of 2014. We shall see.

The show’s Wednesday premiere was last night for its “Hardcore Justice”-themed show.

ORIGINAL: TNA issued the following:

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Aug. 20, 2014) – President Dixie Carter issued the following statement today:

“IMPACT WRESTLING will remain a vital part of Spike TV’s programming on Wednesday nights, 9/8c, through the end of the year. Negotiations remain ongoing beyond this time frame.”

Tonight marks IMPACT WRESTLING’s official move to Wednesday nights. Tune in at 9/8c for the most anticipated night of hardcore wrestling on television. One of TNA’s most popular annual Pay-Per-Views “Hardcore Justice,” will be featured tonight, free on Spike TV.

100% DIRECT LINK (PHOTOS): Randy Orton With TNA Knockout Miss Tessmacher! UHHHHH OHHH!!!