The Rise & Fall Of TNA | Wrestling Timelines

10. July 28, 2014 | Doom

Vince Russo WCW 2000
WWE

TMZ, of all outlets, reports that Spike will not renew TNA. This is catastrophic, but Spike actually grants TNA more time than exists on the contract so that the promotion can remain visible and potentially land another deal. The declining viewership is just not good enough; even though it still ranks amongst the most-viewed content on the station, in an age-old wrestling problem, the ad rates are poor. However, terrible leadership and a woeful creative vision contribute to this decision; as Dave Meltzer writes in the November 24, 2014 issue of the Observer, “If TNA was doing the same ratings as it was a few years back, this call wouldn’t have been made”. 

Industry whispers suggest that Spike made said call because, as inadvertently leaked to reporter Mike Johnson in an email intended to land in Mike Tenay’s inbox, Vince Russo outed himself as a secret TNA consultant whose role was meant to remain confidential.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick (Creative Writing BA Hons) is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over a decade of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential UK institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!