Reported by Adam Martin of WrestleView.com
On Monday, July 10, 2006 at 4:23 PM EST

In what was probably the most important episode of TNA iMPACT! from a ratings standpoint since the debut back in October of 2005, the 7/6 edition of TNA iMPACT! drew a final 1.0 cable rating with an average audience of 1.1 million viewers, slightly down from last week's 1.1 rating. Demographic wise, the show scored a 1.0 rating among males 18-49 and a 1.12 among males 18-34. For those unaware, the importance of the show was due to TNA not having a UFC lead-in and instead airings of two new programs. Spike TV was paying very close attention to see how TNA would draw on its own and I think it is safe to say it was a success, but with room for improvement.

TNA has filed a trademark for the name "Austin Starr" for Austin Aries, who will be returning to the company after signing a new deal with TNA. It should be noted that TNA's new battle plan with stars they sign who have already established themselves on the independent scene is to create new names that the company can own and market. One example of this already is Low Ki, who changed his in-ring name to Senshi in TNA.

Although nothing has been confirmed, there is already talk of TNA returning to the Northeast later this fall after successful shows in Philadelphia, PA and Wayne, NJ.

Source: Mike Johnson @ PWInsider.com