The Wrestling Observer Newsletter is reporting TNA’s new television deal with Pop TV is generally seen as a positive, including an increase in network reach, the benefit might not be as big as it is hoped for.
Pop TV has been said by Dixie Carter and others to reach “85 million homes”, when according to the Observer the number was significantly less at 74 million homes. Not only this, but Pop TV has a low viewership, and a number of the cable and satellite providers they broadcast on don’t have an HD version of Pop TV.
TNA also announced new Impact Wrestling taping dates for the Sands Casino in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, a venue they’ve run before. While this was also seen as a good sign, the last time they were there did not draw well. A four night set of tapings was seen by 350, 200, 275 and 650 fans on each respective night, low enough numbers to keep the house lights down. While low attendance was mentioned, TNA likely got a good deal to run the venue again, and may look to sign a big name for the live show, the same night the TNA World Title Series should conclude.
