TNA has been in the midst of a strange predicament in regard to their ongoing television troubles. It was announced some time ago that their contract with Spike TV will be coming to an end sometime at the end of September and that Spike did not seem interested in renewing the deal. That led to fear that TNAs flagship program, Impact, would be left homeless in just about a months time. However, it was announced just yesterday that TNA and Spike had reached a temporary agreement that would see Impact remain on the channel until the years end. On top of all of that, a decision was made to move Impact from its Thursday night timeslot to Wednesday nights. This move was announced just over a week ago on August 14th, giving less than a weeks notice for fans of the program. Furthermore, the move was not heavily advertised except for occasional commercials during other Spike programs. Unsurprisingly, the move actually hurt Impact. It seems that TNA and Spike were hoping the move would help the program, with the return of NFL football and WWE Smackdowns potential move back to Thursdays. However, with the lack of notice and advertising, many fans were left unaware that TNA had changed nights, and thus, simply missed the show. This weeks Impact -- aired on August 20th -- drew only 852,000 viewers for a cable rating of 0.65. By comparison, the previous weeks show -- aired on August 14th -- drew a 0.96, which was actually the lowest rating in two months. Two weeks ago, Impact was holding steady with a 1.09 rating -- a more normal number for the program. While the 0.65 rating is by no means a nail in the coffin for TNA or its Impact program, its definitely not good. Surely, TNA and Spike TV are hopeful that the program simply did not draw because of the sudden move to Wednesday and that next weeks rating will bounce back. It more than likely will, but on the off chance that it doesnt, then TNA may be in some serious trouble. If ratings continue to slide, TNAs supposedly ongoing negotiations with Spike will likely come to a screeching halt. Meanwhile, with a rating so low, Impact may not be able to find a home elsewhere, as no other network would likely be interested in such a poorly drawing program. Next weeks Impact rating will be the true indicator of things to come. Hopefully, for TNAs sake, the numbers and fans return, but at this point in time, nothing for TNA is guaranteed. Will TNA Impact rebound from this weeks poor rating or was the move to Wednesday a mistake? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Douglas Scarpa is a freelance writer, independent filmmaker, art school graduate, and pro wrestling aficionado -- all of which mean he is in financial ruin. He has no backup plan to speak of, yet maintains his abnormally high spirits. If he had only listened to the scorn of his childhood teachers, he wouldn't be in this situation.
