Challenge TV in the UK announced on Tuesday morning that as of January 2017, TNA programming would no longer be airing on their network ending a five year relationship.
Challenge TV issued the following statement on their official website about the decision to cease their relationship with TNA:
“We know that many TNA fans will be disappointed to hear this, but we wanted to let you all know that as of January 2017, Challenge will no longer be the home of TNA in the UK. TNA has been a huge and important part of Challenge’s story over the years and we will treasure some great moments like the British Bootcamp and UK tours. We have been proud to bring UK viewers coverage of TNA and have huge respect for the company and its fans. TNA is packed with great talent and we know they will continue to do great things – we wish them all the best.”
TNA issued a statement in response to Challenge TV’s decision, claiming that they decided to end the relationship because of claims by UK fans that they didn’t want to wait a few days to watch Impact Wrestling after its initial airing in the United States and be spoiled:
“We are proud to have had such a great relationship with Challenge, and appreciate how the channel brought Impact Wrestling to our avid viewers through the years. In today’s world, spoilers are inevitable. We’ve heard from the amazing fans in the UK and know you do not want to wait 3-5 days to watch the program after it airs in the US. Our goal is to broadcast Impact Wrestling in the UK as close to the US premiere as possible. We look forward to announcing that opportunity soon, so stay tuned. In the meantime, we hope you continue to watch Impact Wrestling on Challenge, Sunday nights at 9pm, as well as Xplosion and pay-per-views and follow us on social media. Thank you.”
With the end of the partnership with Challenge TV, TNA will be losing what has been described as one of their biggest licensing deals, second only to the Sony Six TV deal in India. TNA is also slated to head to the UK in January 2017 to film episodes of Impact Wrestling, which would be the first time TNA will not be touring the UK since 2008.