Vince Russo is “officially done” with TNA Wrestling. He tweeted on Wednesday afternoon:

“Officially DONE w/TNA. Today they “suggested” a break, I declined. Finality was better for me.Details coming”

.. or is this part of another huge SWERVE to fake out wrestling fans?

According to reports, Russo was contacted earlier today by John Gaburick and was told that his consulting services were no longer needed.

The news that Russo was secretly working for TNA was not well received by Spike TV and very well could have been the nail in the coffin for TNA’s TV deal.

TNA star James Storm was recently interviewed by Sportsvibe.co.uk.

He spoke about a number of topics, including why he prefers playing a heel, what he thinks of the return of the six-sided ring and why Kurt Angle is one of the toughest opponents he has ever faced.

As for why he prefers being a heel, he said, “It’s always easier to piss somebody off than to make them happy.”

He said the 6-sided ring is a lot harder than the 4-sided ring and wrestlers need to be conscious of how many bumps they are taking and the effect it has on their bodies.

The major story this week (until WWE releases the latest WWE Network subscriber count on Thursday) is TMZ.com’s report that Spike TV is currently not planning to renew TNA Impact Wrestling.

With TNA’s future in jeopardy if they are unable to reach an agreement with Spike and Viacom, speculation has begun as to whether WWE would be interested in acquiring TNA’s tape library.

On the latest episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, it was said that WWE would likely make an offer to TNA, if the company were to shut down. The going rate for tape libraries is approximately $500 per hour of footage. TNA has approximately 1,000 hours of Impact Wrestling footage, so an offer of $500,000 is what they would likely receive.

In response to the TMZ report, TNA President Dixie Carter tweeted that she is currently still in negotiations with Spike TV and the new of Impact’s cancellation was premature. When contacted for a statement, Spike TV said they do not comment on matters related to “ongoing negotiations.”

As for why TMZ.com ran the story, it’s possible that TNA tried playing hardball in hopes of landing a good TV deal and somebody at Viacom leaked the news to “call their bluff” and essentially put TNA in checkmate. Without a national television clearance, TNA would likely go out of business. The company would then attempt to shop Impact Wrestling around to other cable networks, but they are not in a powerful negotiating position.

Especially without major names like Hulk Hogan and Sting, TNA has very little leverage to land another lucrative TV deal, despite their consistent viewership above 1 million viewers per week.

• Video: STING Makes His First WWE Appearance At COMIC CON

As previously reported, TNA President Dixie Carter sent out a tweet on Monday afternoon claiming that negotiations between TNA and Spike TV are still ongoing, despite reports to the contrary.

Additionally, TNA executive Bob Ryder flat out claimed that the reports about TNA’s status with Spike TV are “untrue.” Ryder tweeted the following today:

Reports are not true. Negotiations with @SpikeTV are ongoing.

— Bob Ryder (@brydertna) July 28, 2014

TNA President Dixie Carter has made her first public comments since news broke that Spike TV has cancelled Impact Wrestling.

She tweeted on Monday afternoon:

Negotiations with @SpikeTV are ongoing. Stay tuned and be sure to tune in this Thursday night for Ultimate X on #ImpactOnSpike!!

— Dixie Carter (@TNADixie) July 28, 2014

We reached out to Spike TV for some clarification on the situation and they replied:

“Per Viacom company policy – we don’t comment on ongoing negotiations.”

Make sure to check out our complete coverage of Spike TV canceling Impact Wrestling:

• Backstage News On Spike TV Canceling TNA Impact Wrestling
• How Would TNA’s Death Impact the WWE?
• Jim Ross Blogs About Spike TV Canceling Impact Wrestling
• More Reactions To Spike TV Canceling TNA Impact Wrestling

News broke today that Spike TV would not be renewing their television deal with TNA. The company – which is owned by Dixie Carter and currently employs Vince Russo – has had financial difficulties in the past.

In fact, it has almost become a joke to post pictures of TNA crowds on social media websites in recent weeks, as they more closely resemble the crowds one would find at a small county fair, not a touring professional wrestling promotion.

This recent TNA crowd perfectly illustrates why the company is having a hard time securing a television deal.

Although Spike TV decided not to renew TNA’s contract, the current deal still runs through October, providing the company with a few months to find a new home for Impact Wrestling. Initial reports indicate that there is little chance of that happening, however, as few cable providers will be willing to pay the company what Spike TV was paying to air TNA programming.

With their television revenue gone at the end of October and poor ticket sales not bringing in enough to keep the company afloat, Monday’s announcement was likely the death of TNA. With that said, it will be interesting to see if TNA’s departure from the world of televised wrestling will affect the WWE.

After acquiring WCW in March of 2001, the WWE held a virtual monopoly on the world of televised wrestling in the United States. That monopoly was eventually broken after Jeff Jarrett founded TNA in May of 2002. Although TNA has never provided the same level of competition that WCW brought to the table during the 1990s, it at least prevented the WWE from acting as a monopoly.

Other promotions have gained a sizable following in the United States (ROH, CZW, etc.), but TNA has been the only company the WWE had had to worry about finding on television.

Late Sunday night, news broke that Spike TV has canceled TNA Impact Wrestling and will not be renewing their TV deal, which expires in October.

As noted earlier, TNA President Dixie Carter held a major company meeting on Friday and dropped the bombshell news on her staff. According to sources close to the situation, she attempted to spin the situation in her favor, saying that TNA decided to leave Spike TV because they failed to promote the company effectively. While she might have a point there, all indications are that Viacom and Spike TV made the decision to end their relationship with TNA for a variety of factors.

Spike’s decision to not renew TNA’s TV deal was made immediately after news of Vince Russo working for TNA became public. It was rumored for months that Russo was working as a consultant for the company, which he and TNA vehemently denied. Earlier this month, Vince Russo inadvertently CC’d Mike Johnson on an internal email intended for Taz and Mike Tenay, essentially confirming that he was in fact working for TNA.

Jim Ross Blogs About Spike TV Canceling Impact Wrestling

There were many reasons that TNA did not want that knowledge made public. First, Russo’s reputation speaks for itself and the majority of wrestling fans would not have a lot of faith in TNA’s decision to rehire one of the most infamous and controversial writers in the industry. There was also an issue of  TNA’s relationship with The Great Muta and his Japanese Wrestle-1 promotion, which currently has a partnership with TNA. Muta has very negative feelings about Vince Russo due to his portrayal of Japanese wrestlers over the years. It’s believed that he was assured Vince Russo was not working for TNA when he agreed to partner with TNA and host Bound For Glory in Japan later this year.

However, the main reason TNA did not want Russo’s involvement made public was because Spike TV executives despise him. There are a number of reasons Spike did not want anything to do with Russo, many of them related to the type of programming Russo presented during his previous run with the company.

TNA is obviously in a very bad spot right now. With just two months before Impact Wrestling is dropped from Spike TV, there is not a lot of time for them to find another cable network willing to pick them up. Additionally, it’s highly unlikely they will be able to negotiate a new contract that will earn them anything close to what they were getting from Spike. TNA’s current International TV deals are not lucrative enough to keep the company going and the company will have a very hard time doing live shows in the Untied States without a national TV clearance.

Although TNA’s weekly Impact Wrestling show was not renewed by Spike TV, the show was not cancelled, meaning they still have the rest of the existing contract with the remaining dates still on the calendar.

At this point, TNA is still scheduled to run another set of Impact Wrestling tapings in New York City from August 5th – August 7th.

The company announced recently that former ECW Original Tajiri will be part of their NYC tapings in August. TNA wrote the following on their official website.

“ImpactWrestling.com has just learned that the Japanese Buzzsaw, Tajiri, is coming to New York City for the upcoming IMPACT tapings at the Manhattan Center from August 5-7. The thrilling Japanese star made a name for himself wrestling in ECW and currently works for Wrestle-1 in Japan.

Just weeks ago, Rockstar Spud and EC3 travelled to Japan and faced off with Tajiri, falling victim to his signature green mist. At this time, we are searching for details on Tajiri’s involvement at the upcoming #TNANYC shows, but if we had to guess, we’re predicting that someone will be eating a Buzzsaw Kick!”

– TNA and Dixie Carter have yet to officially comment on the news that Impact Wrestling is not being renewed by Spike TV, however Sunday afternoon, when Dixie likely knew about the news, she did post this Impact-related tweet. When she or the company comment on the subject, we will post an update.

Thanks to everyone for all the amazing feedback on #ImpactOnSpike. I'm trying to respond directly, if I miss you… THX DARLIN!

— Dixie Carter (@TNADixie) July 27, 2014

– Jim Cornette posted the following tweet, pointing the cryptic finger at Vince Russo while addressing the TNA/Spike TV news that broke late Sunday night:

The best comedy writes itself, but the worst writers repeat the same outcomes– #OopsHeDidItAgain #SayGoodnightDixie

— Jim Cornette (@TheJimCornette) July 28, 2014

Spike TV is dropping Impact Wrestling, according to a report at TMZ.com.

Network executives informed Dixie Carter over the weekend that they will NOT be renewing TNA’s contract, which is currently scheduled to run until October.

According to TMZ, multiple sources with direct knowledge of the deal say Dixie Carter was informed about the decision late last week and she told her staff about the news the following day.

Impact Wrestling premiered on Spike TV back in October 2005.

TNA did not provide a statement when contacted.

Story developing.

TNA sent us following press release for tonight’s episode of Impact Wrestling:

IMPACT Preview: Team 3D Reunites, Jeff Invites Matt Hardy, 6-Man NYC Streetfight, Roode vs MVP, Gail vs Taryn, The Great Muta and MUCH MORE!

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 23, 2014) The main event of this week’s IMPACT WRESTLING broadcast will be a 6-Man New York City Street Fight, featuring Bully Ray, Devon and Tommy Dreamer teaming up to take on EC3, Rhino and Rockstar Spud. After Devon’s shocking return last week, this will mark the first time in years that Team 3D has been reunited. No doubt, they’ll have tables in tow!

Another major return is set for IMPACT this Thursday as Jeff Hardy has invited his brother Matt to NYC.

As announced by Kurt Angle at the end of last week’s broadcast, the excuses are over for MVP. Bobby Roode will finally get his 1-on-1 shot against the man responsible for his 7-week suspension in a Falls Count Anywhere Match with MVP.

The X-Division Champion Austin Aries has a big decision to make this Thursday on IMPACT. He has the option to continue as X-Division Champion, or he can use Option C and hand the title over in order to challenge Lashley for the TNA World Title at Destination X (7/31).

The legendary Japanese star The Great Muta will make a rare U.S. appearance and for the first time compete in New York City.

Plus, Gail Kim defends the TNA Knockouts Championship against Taryn Terrell. These two have been part of some of the most memorable Knockouts matches in TNA history, including the buzzed about ladder match.

All this and so much more happens this Thursday when IMPACT airs on SPIKE TV at 9/8c.

For more information on this Thursday’s IMPACT WRESTLING, visit impactwrestling.com.

* UFC 178 Main Eventer Injured – JON JONES Has A New Opponent & They’re Both Talking A Ton Of Trash

The following is a preview for tonight’s Impact Wrestling on Spike TV, taped last month from the Manhattan Center in New York City:

– Matt Hardy returns to TNA and reunites with his brother Jeff

– Tommy Dreamer & Team 3D vs. Rhino & Spud & EC3 in a New York City Streetfight

– The Great Muta vs. Robbie E

– TNA Knockouts champion Gail Kim vs. Taryn Terrell.

– Bobby Roode vs. MVP in a Falls Count Anywhere match

– Low Ki vs. DJ Zema Ion

– Gunner & Mr. Anderson vs. Magnus & Bram

* WWE Tag Team Splitting Up Soon?

Former TNA star AJ Styles appeared on Wrestling Observer Radio this week and revealed that he’s already made more money this year working the indy scene than he would have for the entire year of 2014, based on the final contract renewal offer he received.

He added that by the end of the year, he could make the same amount of money that he made in TNA in 2013, a deal that was more lucrative than TNA’s final offer to him this year. Styles made around $350,000 on his last TNA deal. The deal that he turned down would have paid him just over $200,000 and would have paid him based on how often he wrestled.

Another perk of being self employed and taking his own bookings is that independent promotions pay for his hotel rooms, travel expenses. He also receives most of the money generated from the sales of his merchandise.

TNA doesn’t cover road expenses and wrestlers only get a small percentage of merchandise money.

TNA executive John Gaburick announced via his official Twitter account the re-signing of three TNA talents. Gaburick tweeted the following on Wednesday afternoon:

Happy to announce @RealBrookeAdams @TheSamuelShaw & @seiyasanada are signed to new deals with #TNA @IMPACTWRESTLING. pic.twitter.com/pvnhNAxpNU

— John Gaburick (@JohnGaburick) July 23, 2014

The official TNA website followed up on Gaburick’s tweet with the following:

“In a tweet from Executive Vice President John Gaburick, it was announced that TNA has resigned 3 top wrestlers with new contracts. Multi-year deals were signed with both Brooke and Samuel Shaw and a 1-year deal was inked with Sanada.

TNA Wrestling is proud of these three incredible performers, as well as our fantastic roster featuring the best wrestlers from around the globe. Stay tuned for more announcements as we have them!”

For more information, visit ImpactWrestling.com.

The following are highlights of a new Under The Mat Radio interview with TNA star Davey Richards:

On the return of the six-sided ring: “Well it gives TNA their own personality and it’s unique to them. It takes a little bit to get used to…having two more sides and it can make things more confusing at the end of the day you still got to get the job done so I’m fine with it.”

On what his goal is right now in TNA: “Just me and Eddie (Edwards) making a mark as one of the greatest tag teams in TNA history. There’s the Hardy Boys who’s back together and Team 3D is back together…there’s always Beer Money who could get back together. We want to test ourselves with those guys and leave our mark in TNA.”

On his thoughts on his WWE tryout with Eddie Edwards: “We did a one week tryout for them and that was about it. It’s not somewhere where I longed to work for their travel schedule doesn’t work for me. I’m not moving down there and getting trained how to wrestle again I’ve already been trained and if I don’t’ have it now then I won’t have it.”

Check out the complete interview at BlogTalkRadio.com.

TNA issued the following::

TNA BRITISH BOOTCAMP 2 UK FINALS EVENT ANNOUNCED

TNA Wrestling: British Boot Camp 2 is proud to announce a very special FREE televised event coming to the UK.

On Saturday August 16, the judges and stars of British Boot Camp will be competing in London in the ‘final’ of the UK portion of the Challenge TV show.

TNA stars, and show judges, Samoa Joe, Al Snow and Gail Kim will all be there – and the event will be MC’d by British Boot Camp executive producer Jeremy Borash.

Tickets are FREE on a strictly first come, first served basis – with those who hold tickets for the TNA MAXIMUM IMPACT January 2015 Tour given priority in the application process.

Venue and ticketing details will be announced at 7pm (UK time) on Thursday.

For more info: https://impactwrestling.com/news/item/5963

The following is from ImpactWrestling.com:

THE HARDYS To Reunite this Thursday on IMPACT: Jeff Invites His Brother To NYC!

Big news is afoot in IMPACT! A few weeks ago, we announced the return of Matt Hardy to TNA. Now, word has come in from our sources that Jeff Hardy has invited his brother to appear on this upcoming week’s edition of IMPACT on Spike TV at 9/8c.

Together, the two are a team that ranks amongst the greatest of all time. Could we be on our way to seeing The Hardys reform and tear through the tag team division once again!? It certainly seems that way, but we will have to wait and see what happens at IMPACT.

This news, coupled with Devon’s return last night (thus reforming Team 3D), make us think that the tag team division in TNA is on the rise once again. What could the Wolves be thinking right now? They have proven themselves to be the very best young tag team on the planet at the moment, but with two iconic teams appearing to reform, one has to wonder about the challenges that lie ahead for TNA’s World Tag Team Champions.

What we do know is this: if you love tag team wrestling, you HAVE to be excited about these developments! Don’t miss this week’s IMPACT to see what happens when Matt Hardy and his brother are reunited at last!

Thursday at 9/8c on Spike TV!

TNA drew another meager crowd over the weekend for their latest baseball stadium show from Lexington, Kentucky:

The following is from ImpactWrestling.com:

BREAKING NEWS: Hardcore Justice Announced To Take Place August 5th In NYC!

After rave reviews of last night’s edition of IMPACT from New York City’s Manhattan Center, we are elated that TNA is set to return to the Manhattan Center from August 5th – 7th. We are now able to announce that the first night, August 5th, will be a fan-favorite special event: HARDCORE JUSTICE!

Hardcore Justice is an annual event full of hardcore, hard-hitting wrestling. Extreme matches full of weapons, violence and carnage is to be expected. ImpactWrestling.com can confirm the return of the dangerous Six Sides of Steel on August 5th. More matches and participants will be announced soon for our August return to the Manhattan Center Grand Ballroom.

If you cannot be in New York City to join us, Hardcore Justice will be broadcast FREE on Spike TV in the weeks to follow.

Who do you want to see at the big show? Tell us NOW on Twitter by using the hashtag #HardcoreJustice!

Sports Vibe TV recently published a new video interview with TNA Knockout Brooke Tessmacher. The official description for the video, which you can view above, reads as follows:

“TNA Knockout Brooke talks about her career move to wrestling from modelling, what is coming in the near future and who her toughest opponent has been.”

Check out the Tessmacher interview above. The same YouTube channel will have new interviews with Robbie E. and James Storm in the coming days

The following is TNA’s official preview for tonight’s episode of Impact Wrestling, which was taped last month from the Manhattan Center in New York City.

IMPACT Wrestling’s summer really heats up this Thursday with our first show from the Manhattan Center in the heart of New York City! New Executive Director Kurt Angle has put together a PACKED lineup – and will be on-hand to present the much-anticipated return of the SIX-SIDED RING!

In our main event, LASHLEY battles JEFF HARDY with the World Heavyweight Championship on the line! Can Hardy find a way to stop the juggernaut and regain the gold – or will the World Champion continue to annihilate all challengers?

Bully Ray’s war for revenge continues in front of his hometown crowd in NYC as he and Tommy Dreamer join forces to battle EC3 and “The War Machine” Rhino!

With Destination X just weeks away on July 30, can Austin Aries retain his newly won X-Division Championship to gain another shot at the World Title? Kurt Angle has one last major test for Aries this Thursday – he’ll defend the gold in an Eight-Man X-Division Gauntlet Match featuring Sanada, Tigre Uno, the Wolves, DJ Z and Crazzy Steve!

Also on the broadcast, Bobby Roode will team with Eric Young to take on MVP and Kenny King, plus the Knockouts will be in action as Madison Rayne gets her chance for revenge against Brittany in a No Disqualification match!

All this and so much more on Thursday’s must-see IMPACT broadcast on Spike TV at 9/8c, from New York City!

Spoilers For Tonight’s Episode of Impact Wrestling From NYC

TNA and Challenge TV issued the following:

Challenge and TNA Wrestling search for a new superstar in ‘British Boot Camp 2’

New series of TNA Wrestling: British Boot Camp exclusively on Challenge

Challenge today announces the return of TNA Wrestling: British Boot Camp, a new series searching for the UK’s next wrestling superstar. Commissioned with TNA Entertainment, this thrilling eight-part series will air exclusively on Challenge this Autumn and follow the search for aspiring professional wrestlers, who are trying to make it big in the ultra-competitive world of America’s TNA IMPACT WRESTLING.

Ambitious wrestlers from across the UK and Ireland will be invited by TNA to attend open wrestling try-outs filmed in the three announced locations of the 2015 TNA MAXIMUM IMPACT Tour; Glasgow, Manchester and London. The budding pros will have to demonstrate their prowess and wrestling skill levels to a panel of judges made up of three of TNA’s top personalities, who will be announced shortly.

Wrestlers auditioning for TNA British Boot Camp will have to prove themselves before the judges to progress in the competition, with the stakes getting higher with each progressing round. Wrestlers making it past the audition round will return to face off against one another in a ‘Best of Britain’ showcase, where the top competitors from the event will win the opportunity to travel to the US to continue in the series, meeting the stars of TNA and experiencing first-hand what it takes to be a member of the TNA IMPACT WRESTLING fraternity. The top finalists will go on to compete in New York City, in front of the toughest fans in the world.

The winner will receive a contract from TNA President Dixie Carter to become a full-time member of the TNA IMPACT WRESTLING roster. Three runners-up will also win a spot on TNA’s annual MAXIMUM IMPACT UK Tour, which will take place in January 2015 and be taped for global television.

The winner of the first series of British Boot Camp, the former Birmingham bank clerk turned wrestler, Rockstar Spud, is now a successful member of the TNA IMPACT WRESTLING roster, representing the company at events all over the world. Spud will be on hand to counsel and encourage this year’s contestants throughout the series.

“The first series of TNA Wrestling: British Boot Camp was so successful that the winner has gone on to be a major star in America’s TNA IMPACT WRESTLING,” says Stephen Ladlow, Director of Challenge. “As Challenge is the UK home for TNA, it’s only fitting that we commission a series that invests in a new UK talent and inspires passionate TNA fans and Challenge viewers alike to the high pressure world of professional wrestling.”

“I am thrilled TNA is once again partnering with Challenge to bring season 2 of British Boot Camp to our incredible fans across the U.K. and Ireland,” says TNA President Dixie Carter. “The first season brought Rockstar Spud – my amazing Chief of Staff – to TNA and I anticipate discovering another incredible athlete and entertainer on this new season.”

British Boot Camp Executive Producer and TV presenter Jeremy Borash adds: “The number one question I always get from fans across the UK is ‘when will we get a second season of British Boot Camp?’ And with the first season’s popularity, combined with the incredible success of Rockstar Spud, we couldn’t be more excited with this news. Everything about season 2 will be bigger, more competitive and more exciting for our fans. If you loved the first season of Boot Camp, then fasten your seatbelt.”

TNA Wrestling: British Boot Camp 2 will search for a UK superstar. Exclusive to Challenge, the series will follow the aspiring home-grown wrestlers as they pursue a professional wrestling contract with TNA Wrestling. TNA will be inviting wrestlers to try out for the show in televised trials, which will take place in Glasgow, Manchester and London in August 2014.

Any professional wrestlers who are over the age of 18, who would like to apply to be invited for trial, should email bootcamp@tnawrestling.com

TNA Wrestling: British Boot Camp 2 was commissioned for Challenge by Chris Brogden, Acting Head of Sky Entertainment. It aims to compliment the burgeoning success of the TNA Impact series which is one of the top performing series on the channel. The series supports Sky’s commitment to increase its investment in home grown content to £600m.

For further information visit: www.challenge.co.uk

The Thursday, July 10th edition of TNA Impact Wrestling on Spike TV scored a final cable rating of 1.02, according to Nielsen Media Research. The 1.02 final number is the same number that the show finished with the previous week.

Impact Wrestling on Thursday averaged 1.284 million viewers, which was down slightly compared to the 1.325 million viewers who tuned in the week before.

TNA president Dixie Carter recently announced the return of British Bootcamp 2, which is scheduled to air on Challenge TV in the UK this fall.

Dixie tweeted the following:

Hey #UK, BIG NEWS: #BritishBootcamp2 is coming this FALL on @ChallengeTV! Picking 12 wrestlers, 1 wins a contract! Who should it be???

— Dixie Carter (@TNADixie) July 11, 2014

The winner of #BritishBootcamp2 wins a contract with TNA and 3 runners up will get to appear at our Maximum Impact UK Tour in January!

— Dixie Carter (@TNADixie) July 11, 2014

Everyone in the #UK has A LOT to live up to! @RockstarSpud has been my right hand man ever since he won BB1! #BritishBootcamp2

— Dixie Carter (@TNADixie) July 11, 2014

Thank you to @ChallengeTV and to our INCREDIBLE #UK fans! We couldn't do these things without you! #BritishBootcamp2

— Dixie Carter (@TNADixie) July 11, 2014

Hey #UK, BIG NEWS: #BritishBootcamp2 is BACK this FALL on @ChallengeTV! 1 wins a contract, 3 get to appear on our UK Tour! Who should it be?

— Dixie Carter (@TNADixie) July 11, 2014

Join us for live coverage tomorrow at 12EST as @JeremyBorash reveals the 3 judges & more exclusive #BritishBootcamp2 news live from London!

— TNA WRESTLING (@IMPACTWRESTLING) July 11, 2014

Both TNA president Dixie Carter and the official Spike TV Twitter account posted tweets on Friday to hype up the return of the six-sided ring to Impact Wrestling.

You asked, we listened! Next Thursday on @SpikeTV, #6SidesIsBack! #TNANYC

— Dixie Carter (@TNADixie) July 11, 2014

Here's something else @IMPACTWRESTLING fans can look forward to next week. pic.twitter.com/dNb0EwAJY5

— SPIKE TV (@SpikeTV) July 11, 2014