Posted September 14, 200520 yr comment_3429488 Pro Wrestling Torch's sources have told the newsletter that TNA has a 13 week "trial period" on Spike TV to gradually increase ratings and deliver an audience to quality programming. Also, Spike is selling ad inventory at less rates than usual in order to attract higher-quality marketers. While TNA is in talks with the Dudleyz, Shannon Moore, Charlie Haas and Kevin Nash to appear/return for the October 1 Spike debut, they are planning on mostly focusing on current TNA talent who has paid dues and worked hard to get the promotion where it is today. TNA and the National Wrestling Alliance have a multi-year deal that allows TNA to use the "NWA" brand name in association with the Heavyweight, X and Tag Titles through 2012. TNA pays royalties to the NWA for this use whenever the champs wear or defend the belts at non-TNA/NWA events. This may lead to TNA not having their X Champ defend the title at such events to avoid royalty payments. Monty Brown is in contract renewal negotiations with TNA, represented by agent Barry Bloom, who also represents Chris Jericho, Mick Foley and Kevin Nash among others. Mick Foley recently signed a new contract with WWE, as previously reported. Interesting. I know the X Divsion belt has "NWA TNA" on it, but on their programming and website they never call it an NWA title, it's always the TNA X Division title. I hope the "trial period" doesn't require TNA to get unattainable ratings like the deal they had with ECW did. Wasn't ECW getting higher ratings than whatever TNN was showing in that timeslot before?
September 14, 200520 yr comment_3429663 I thought the 13-week rumored was quashed some time ago? I remember HTQ saying they had a 52-week deal.
September 14, 200520 yr comment_3429743 Yeah, Meltz said the same thing... there is no trial run. They have a 1 year deal. TNA is NOT paying for time.
September 14, 200520 yr Author comment_3429763 Well whattya know, the Torch was wrong again. Me = not shocked.
September 14, 200520 yr Author comment_3431884 So what was the deal with him no-showing the PPV? Was it a travel fuck-up or did he simply not show?
September 14, 200520 yr comment_3433747 He was at the hotel with his gear, and never showed up supposedly.
