(And - oops! I just realized I misspelled wrestling in the header. Sorry, guys.)
I wanted to keep this away from the topic of TNA's first IMPACT episode, because it's not a reflection on TNA's show itself, but rather how the television industry is seeing the shift of WWE from Spike to USA.
This is from an article just released from Television Week's website where the topic was on the TNT/USA battle for top cable network. In some ways, this looks bad for TNA as they make it sound like wrestling is no longer available on Spike; on the other hand, that may be good, as they're not looking at TNA to be a ratings-driver for the company:
The longtime TNT-USA race should soon tighten with return of World Wrestling Entertainment to USA.
"Wrestling alone will give it a couple of tenths in its prime-time average," Mr. Brooks said. "Don't think that's enough to put USA past TNT, but I think it's going to be a tighter race."
Fourth-place finisher Spike TV, WHICH HAS JUST LOST WRESTLING, is also about to feel the impact of the move to USA. Spike TV is up 33 percent this quarter, continuing a string of successful quarters due to "CSI," "WWE Raw" and "Ultimate Fight Night."
"Spike has got some challenges coming, because 'CSI' and wrestling have been their fuel, getting triple their prime-time average," Mr. Brooks said. "So when you pull out wrestling, that's probably going to deflate them out of the top 10. 'CSI' is a strong franchise, but they haven't built things around it like TNT."
Spike TV spokesperson Robert Pini said the network has a strategy to offset THE LOSS OF WRESTLING.
"WWE Raw [is] a mere two hours on our network and a franchise that is in steady decline," he said. "With 'CSI,' original programming like our 'Ultimate Fighter' franchise and our movie acquisitions, we are confident that we will remain one of the top 10 networks."
Originally posted by StevieRichardsWhat is interesting to me is how stylized the new ad campaign for USA is...and how awesome it makes RAW look.
I hope, but I wouldn't bet, that RAW gets an overhaul in conjuction with the new ad spots. New set, new theme/opening, new graphics.
Yeah, that would be cool having a whole new look to the set. It hasnt changed much in years, and I'm getting kinda sick of it. I know Meltzer and others (including myself) feel that something resembling the PRIDE FC style look would be excellent for the WWE.
That's somewhat interesting. Also discouraging that the article doesn't even mention Spike TV getting TNA and only talks about the "loss of WWE." Just like the media to bullshit and manipulate facts or non-facts as they see fit.
Originally posted by The Vile1That's somewhat interesting. Also discouraging that the article doesn't even mention Spike TV getting TNA and only talks about the "loss of WWE." Just like the media to bullshit and manipulate facts or non-facts as they see fit.
Do you really think the mainstream media has a vendetta against TNA and would go to the lengths of bullshitting or manipulating facts to sabotage it? Get a grip. Spike losing WWE and getting TNA is akin to ABC losing the NFL and getting high-school football as a replacement. On another night. In a terrible timeslot.
Christ dude, doesn't the Spike spokesperson not mentioning TNA piss you off more than the media not going out its way to uncover information about it?
Hot Virgins-The World's Most Steadily Shrinking Commodity
Originally posted by Hogan's My DadSpike losing WWE and getting TNA is akin to ABC losing the NFL and getting high-school football as a replacement. On another night. In a terrible timeslot.
Actually, it's more akin to NBC losing the NFL and getting Arena Football. It looks kind of the same but there's something a little off about it .
The kid is all confused and thinks to himself "I'm not calling anyone mommy because the last time I did that, it led to this." -My Wife on adoption
Originally posted by The Vile1They aren't losing "wrestling" though. They are losing WWE. There's a difference.
To the mainstream media, WWE (or for people who still haven't been paying attention, WWF) is wrestling. And frankly, that's how it should be right now. TNA is nothing. It's a niche of a niche right now.
In the real world, WWE believes that no matter what our race, religious creed or ethnic background in America, we all share the common bond of being Americans. American-Arabs are a part of the fabric of America, and they should be embraced by all of us.
I have to agree with Hogan's My Dad here -- It's up to the folks at Spike to say "Wait a sec. We haven't lost WRESTLING. We have another show on Saturdays (and then mention the promotion's name) which we feel will" blah blah blah. It's a no-brainer, really...
What is the date of the article? There were a lot of press releases after the announcement of RAW not returning where Spike stated they were no longer interested in wrestling.
During Homecoming last night, Spike aired a commercial on USA regarding the UFC show. Basically telling people to turn off the "Soap Opera" and watch a "real" sport. It kind of conflicts the promotional spots they do have for TNA.
In what way? The promotional spots on Spike TV I've seen for TNA emphasize the X division and in-ring action. They use the slogan, "More action. Less talk."
Originally posted by The Vile1In what way? The promotional spots on Spike TV I've seen for TNA emphasize the X division and in-ring action. They use the slogan, "More action. Less talk."
That's just what I mean. They are promoting TNA in a very positive light on their channel, yet they were borderline insulting Professional Wrestling during Raw.
Originally posted by The Vile1In what way? The promotional spots on Spike TV I've seen for TNA emphasize the X division and in-ring action. They use the slogan, "More action. Less talk."
That's just what I mean. They are promoting TNA in a very positive light on their channel, yet they were borderline insulting Professional Wrestling during Raw.
No, they're insulting "sports entertainment". TNA doesn't really use that phrase, do they?
You wanted the best, you got... Out of Context Quote of the Week.
"...but that doesn't mean he can't relate an amusing anecdote about the Haiti Kid and one of the Frenchman's testicles." (Hogan's My Dad)
Originally posted by LionJeetSinghWhat is the date of the article? There were a lot of press releases after the announcement of RAW not returning where Spike stated they were no longer interested in wrestling.
Originally posted by drjayphdNo, they're insulting "sports entertainment". TNA doesn't really use that phrase, do they?
They did when describing 3 Live Kru - "They're the perfect blend of sports...AND entertainment."
(edited by Battlezone on 5.10.05 1017) "It's the four pillars of the male heterosexual psyche. We like naked women, stockings, lesbians, and Sean Connery best as James Bond because that is what being a [man] is." -Jack Davenport, Coupling
Originally posted by drjayphdNo, they're insulting "sports entertainment". TNA doesn't really use that phrase, do they?
They did when describing 3 Live Kru - "They're the perfect blend of sports...AND entertainment."
(edited by Battlezone on 5.10.05 1017)
But that's a different context. He wasn't saying that as a substitute for "wrestler" (although it could've been worse, he didn't call them "superstars"). If he'd described, say, Lex Lovett that way, then Spike's statement would've been more insulting.
You wanted the best, you got... Out of Context Quote of the Week.
"...but that doesn't mean he can't relate an amusing anecdote about the Haiti Kid and one of the Frenchman's testicles." (Hogan's My Dad)
Originally posted by Dexley's Midnight Jogger That's just what I mean. They are promoting TNA in a very positive light on their channel, yet they were borderline insulting Professional Wrestling during Raw.
I'd say what they were insulting was WWE, not professional wrestling and TNA.
The ROH announcers make similar comments during their shows.
I can't really explain what I just saw on NWA TNA involving screech last night. Speechless. No words can describe how sad it was. I certain times I thought I was looking into the gates of hell.