SEScoops

Tag: Dixie Carter

  • Details On TNA’s Talent Conference Call: Destination America, ROH

    TNA held their talent conference call on Wednesday afternoon to address a wide variety of topics, ranging from the Destination America ‘cancellation’ rumors to the blockbuster news of Ring of Honor TV being the new lead-in show to TNA starting next week. Here are some highlights:

    – The call lasted approximately 90 minutes, with Dixie Carter addressing the various issues before handing it over to the talent for a 30-minute Q&A session.

    – Dixie Carter addressed the ‘cancelation’ rumors, sort of. She acknowledged that Destination America does have an out clause in their contract, which she reassured them is normal for TV deals. While she wouldn’t directly address Dave Meltzer’s report about Destination America planning to drop Impact in September, she said they are on good terms with the network and are under the assumption that they’ll be on Destination America in 2016.

    – Regarding Ring of Honor, Dixie Carter spun it as a positive, noting that ROH as a lead-in will likely bring new viewers to TNA.

    – During the Q&A session, MVP was one of the more vocal wrestlers holding Dixie Carter to task, asking about late pay. Dixie reportedly downplayed checks not being sent out and there was understandably some hostility and frustration during this portion of the call.

    Overall, the tone of the call was mostly positive, with Dixie Carter putting a positive spin on the ROH news and reassuring talent that they are moving forward under the assumption TNA will remain on Destination America through 2016.

  • TNA To Address Talents Today, MVP Makes Interesting Comment

    TNA has reportedly contacted their talents to request that they take part in a conference call scheduled for 3pm EST. today.

    While this is just speculation, the belief is that the call will be where TNA President Dixie Carter finally addresses the Destination America rumors, including today’s news that Ring Of Honor is coming to the network.

    While the word going around is that all of TNA talents were contacted, MVP initially denied the claim, but followed up minutes later with an interesting comment. Below are MVP’s tweets on the subject.

  • TNA To Address Destination America Rumors?, Christy Hemme Leaving TNA

    – TNA reportedly has a meeting planned for today where they may discuss the Destination America rumors, however as of this morning, TNA President Dixie Carter had yet to address them.

    As you can imagine, many people within TNA that are unhappy that the company has not directly addressed reports that Destination America won’t be carrying TNA past September, aside from their vague statement from last week.

    – Christy Hemme has reportedly given her notice to TNA and will soon be parting ways with the company. Hemme reportedly has a great non-wrestling job she will be transitioning to. There was some speculation that Hemme could continue working a limited television role, however that’s not confirmed and many believe she’s leaving the company altogether.

    (Credit: PWInsider.com)

  • Report: Destination America Dropping TNA This Year

    Destination America is not planning to air TNA Impact Wrestling past the third quarter of this year, according to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. 

    Two main reasons were given for the cancellation of TNA shows. While Destination America officials considered the ratings for Impact Wrestling to be good, the numbers were not good enough to justify the cost of the programming. The other problem was that a number of the cable network’s advertisers specifically did not want to advertise during Impact Wrestling.

    A public acknowledgment is expected to be made when the station reveals its 2015-16 television season prime-time lineup.

    Following the March 13, 2015 episode of Impact Wrestling, which saw viewership sink to a new low, Destination America officials made the decision to cancel Saturday morning programming under the belief that eliminating the replay would help the Friday numbers—the only numbers they care about. Although there was a slight increase, all first-run programming with the exception of Impact Wrestling airing multiple times on Friday nights was axed due to the cable network’s difficulty in selling advertisement time.

    For the May 8, 2015 “live” episode of Impact Wrestling, Destination America purchased an advertisement in the USA Today newspaper to promote the show, believing that additional advertising and it being almost live would lead to an increased rating. Instead, Impact Wrestling did its second lowest number on Destination America, and the replay, which is primarily watched by viewers in the West Coast, drew a record low.

    According to Meltzer’s report, Dixie Carter was made aware of Destination America’s decision early last week although it doesn’t appear that most of the talent knew anything since word of this had not gotten around. Her knowledge of the cancellation may have played a part in Impact Wrestling moving to Wednesday nights, but that is uncertain. Carter didn’t respond to any questions on the subject from Meltzer.

    Meltzer noted in his report that Destination America’s decision has not been finalized. Employees at the station, however, not been told anything new since a memo was issued to them informing them of the cancellation.

  • Dixie Carter & Jim Ross On Austin’s Podcast, Backstage RAW Note, Jimmy Wang Yang/NXT

    – Part two of WWE Hall Of Famer “Stone Cold” Steve Austin’s interview with TNA President Dixie Carter is available on the latest edition of his “Steve Austin Show” podcast. Check out the interview to hear Dixie talk about her newest employee – Smashing Pumpkins front man and new TNA creative team member Billy Corgan, as well as her past of being put through a table by Bully Ray. Also new on the latest Austin podcast is a state of the pro wrestling union from “Stone Cold” and Jim Ross. You can download the show right now at PodcastOne.com.

    – Although he didn’t work an actual match or appear on the show, former WWE Superstar Jimmy Wang Yang was indeed backstage at Monday’s WWE Payback “go-home” edition of RAW. Yang brought some of his V.I.P. contest winners to the show on his Redneck Party Bus and let them meet some of the WWE Superstars and WWE Divas backstage. Yang noted that while his return to RAW didn’t result in a match, maybe he’ll get a shot to show off his in-ring skills at a future NXT show. Yang tweeted the following:

  • Dixie Carter On Real Housewives Of Nashville?, Dixie’s New Reality Show, AAA-TNA

    – AAA star Argos worked the May 22nd Impact Wrestling taping this weekend, which is likely a sign that the AAA-TNA working relationship is moving forward. Argos’ brother, Argenis, may also be coming in, however he wasn’t there this weekend.

    – As noted, TNA President Dixie Carter had a film crew following her around at the TNA tapings on Friday, likely for a reality television show that she has been trying to get off the ground for a while. The material that was filmed on Friday was shot so that they can insert “current” footage into the existing pitch reel that was created a while ago.

    – Back in January of 2014 it was reported that TNA’s production team began working on a demo reel for a potential Dixie Carter reality show, with the idea that it would be shopped around to networks. This reel is what the new footage will be added to and it was done by a Dallas company that Carter has ties to. She previously tried to get on The Real Housewives of Nashville show, but that never worked out.

  • TNA Stars Not Allowed To Work For GFW, Bully Ray/Velvet Sky Update, More

    – TNA President Dixie Carter had a camera crew following her around at Friday’s set of Impact Wrestling television tapings in Orlando, Florida. It has been said in the past that Dixie has been trying to get her own reality television show off of the ground.

    – While this should come as no surprise, Dixie Carter has reportedly made it clear to TNA talents that she does not want her contracted performers working for Jeff Jarrett’s Global Force Wrestling (GFW) promotion, even on their “TNA off-days.”

    – Regarding the returns of Bully Ray and Velvet Sky in TNA, it’s said that Sky is back for a regular run, while Bully Ray’s appearance was a one-time only deal for now.

    (Credit: PWInsider.com)

  • Billy Corgan Says He’s Taking TNA Job Serious, Dixie Carter Comments

    The newest member of the TNA creative team, Smashing Pumpkins front man Billy Corgan, recently spoke with Associated Press writer Dan Gelston about his new role with the pro wrestling company.

    “I’m not here as celebrity,” Corgan said. “I’m here as a skilled person that brings a lot of experience to the table… I don’t need fame. I have plenty of fame. It’s really about the talent.”

    TNA President Dixie Carter is in full support of Corgan, as she too believes he’s not taking the job as a publicity stunt, but rather as something he’s passionate about and looks forward to taking part in.

    “This won’t be a side job [for Corgan],” Carter said. “I talk to him more and we correspond more than most of my employees here.”

    Check out the complete AP article online at AP.org.

  • Billy Corgan Attending This Week’s Impact Tapings, Main Event For Friday’s Live Show & More

    – Billy Corgan is scheduled to be at all of this weekend’s TNA Impact Wrestling tapings in Orlando. Corgan will be doing a media conference call later this week to discuss his involvement with TNA’s creative process.

    – TNA President Dixie Carter announced on Twitter that Friday live Impact will be headlined by TNA World Heavyweight Champion Kurt Angle vs. Eric Young.

    Also confirmed for the show are The Dollhouse vs. Gail Kim and Awesome Kong plus Mr. Anderson vs. Ethan Carter III in a stipulation match voted on by the fans.

    – TNA Slammiversary will be available to stream online in addition to airing on traditional PPV. The show will be available for purchase on the Flipps app, the same service that WrestleKingdom 9 used back in January.

    – Josh Mathews previews Friday’s live Impact:

    https://youtu.be/AAZvXD9C1CA

  • Dixie Carter On Steve Austin’s Podcast, 3 Matches For NXT Takeover (5/20)

    Following this week’s NXT broadcast, there are now 3 matches confirmed for the next NXT Takeover live special on May 20th. (more…)

  • Smashing Pumpkins Front Man Billy Corgan Joins TNA Creative Team

    Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan has officially joined the TNA Wrestling as the new senior producer of creative and talent development. This is a developing story and we’ll have more information posted on the main page shortly.

    Here is TNA’s official press release, featuring quotes from Corgan and Dixie Carter:

    TNA Entertainment today announced Billy Corgan, founder of the Smashing Pumpkins and creative icon, is joining TNA Wrestling as Senior Producer, Creative and Talent Development, effective immediately. In this position, Corgan will develop characters and create story lines for TNA’s flagship program IMPACT WRESTLING, broadcast Friday nights at 9/8c on Destination America, as well as other TNA programming.

    “I’ve known Billy for years and have always been blown away by his musical artistry, as well as his knowledge and understanding of professional wrestling,” said TNA President Dixie Carter. “He has always impressed me with his creativity and passion for our business. Billy is truly gifted and understands the emotion tied to the psychology of connecting with an audience. The more we talked, the more I realized his perspective has the potential to make a huge impact on our brand.”

    “Saying I’m humbled and honored by this opportunity to be part of TNA, a world-class wrestling organization, is an understatement and a dream come true,” said Corgan. “What’s great is the entire TNA organization stands in full support of my music life with the Smashing Pumpkins. In return, I’m fully committed to using my 30 years of entertainment experience, along with my deep-rooted passion for pro wrestling, to take on the thrilling challenge of creatively contributing to IMPACT WRESTLING, finding and developing new talent, and working eye-to-eye with the best-of-the-best. For as cultures currently evolve at great speed, so must pro wrestling meet and supersede such expectations to thrive.”

    Corgan joins a gifted group of creative writers led by TNA Executive Vice President of Television and Talent John Gaburick. In addition to partnering with his creative colleagues in writing compelling and emotionally engaging story lines for TNA programming, Corgan will attend TNA television tapings where he will serve as a senior producer, working with TNA’s roster of world-class athletes including veterans such as TNA World Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle, Jeff Hardy and Gail Kim, as well as a fresh crop of Superstars led by Ethan Carter III, Bram, Rockstar Spud and more.

    “As an iconic songwriter and performance artist, Billy stands as a true powerhouse,” said Gaburick. “I also find him to be an ardent historian of professional wrestling and a true visionary. We knew Billy would bring a great viewpoint when we offered, and he graciously accepted, to attend a recent creative summit. During those meetings, Billy’s pioneering perspectives and collaborative approach made it quickly evident we needed to bring him on as a permanent member of our team.”

    TNA programming, which features unparalleled professional wrestling entertainment through its innovative high-flying X-Division, the best women’s division on the planet in the TNA Knockouts, and incomparable Tag Team action, is seen by millions of viewers each week in more than 120 countries around the world.

    # # #

    About Billy Corgan

    Grammy award-winning and multi-platinum artist Billy Corgan is a celebrated creator, illustrious lyricist, distinguished musician and founder of the revered Smashing Pumpkins, who has written and released more than 300 songs, sold more than 31 million albums and later this year will co-headline ‘The End Times’ tour alongside Marilyn Manson, as recently announced on The Howard Stern Show. ‘Monument to An Elegy,’ the Smashing Pumpkins current studio album features ‘Drum + Fife,’ a stirring single calling attention to the issues of war trauma facing America’s servicemen and women, performances of which were featured on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and ABC’s Good Morning America. Corgan has also been featured on VH1’s Rock Icon, a music biography series profiling the most legendary artists in the history of rock music. A wrestling aficionado, in April 2015, Corgan announced a partnership with TNA Wrestling where he serves as a Senior Producer for creative and talent development. For more information, follow Billy on twitter @Billy and visit www.smashingpumpkinsnexus.com

  • Update On TNA Replacing Taz, EC3 In For A Big Push, Davey Richards’ New Goal, More

    – Tonight’s edition of TNA Impact Wrestling will be called by Josh Mathews by himself. TNA is still in the process of finding a replacement for Taz.

    – According to one source, TNA is planning on giving Ethan Carter III a big push in the near future.

    – TNA President Dixie Carter noted on Twitter recently that while Eddie Edwards is out with an injury, his tag-team partner Davey Richards will be looking to pursue the TNA X-Division Championship.

    – AAA has confirmed that there will in fact be a “Team TNA” in their Lucha Libre World Cup, which takes place on May 24th in Mexico. As of right now, Matt Hardy is the only confirmed member of the team.

  • Dixie Carter On Special Impact, TNA Hiring, TNA Star Parts Ways With The Company?

    – TNA has removed The Great Sanada from their main roster and moved him to their Alumni page, likely indicating his departure from the company. James Storm noted during a recent edition of Impact Wrestling that we would never see Sanada again. He is expected to return to Wrestle-1 in Japan in the near future.

    – The official TNA Twitter page recently posted the following, noting that they are looking to hire an employee to be part of their digital team. They tweeted the following:

    – TNA President Dixie Carter tweeted the following to promote next week’s special “TKO: A Night of Knockouts” themed edition of Impact Wrestling.

  • Dixie Carter Comments On Taz’s TNA Departure, TNA Star Addresses Status With The Company

    – As noted on Wednesday, longtime TNA color-commentator Taz has officially parted ways with the promotion. On Wednesday evening, shortly after the news became official, TNA President Dixie Carter addressed Taz’s departure from the company. Dixie tweeted the following:

    – Speaking of confusion over the status of current TNA talents, TNA performer Havok tweeted the following earlier this week regarding her status with the company.

    – In the following video, James Storm discusses “Tag-Team Gold” and opponents for the upcoming edition of TNA Impact Wrestling.

    https://youtu.be/rtImfveItA4

  • TNA Reality Show Documentary To Air Later This Month, Dixie Carter Comments

    TNA announced that their “British Bootcamp 2: On Tour” documentary is scheduled to air on March 25th on Challenge TV in the United Kingdom.

    The documentary features behind-the-scenes footage of the British Bootcamp 2 cast members while they were on tour with TNA during their shows in Glasgow, Scotland, Manchester, England and London, England.

    Below is the official press release issued by TNA today:

    Challenge and TNA Wrestling go behind the scenes to follow the British Boot Camp finalists on Tour

    TNA Wrestling: British Boot Camp 2 on Tour show features exclusive backstage footage and interviews

    Airs: Wednesday March 25 at 10pm

    Challenge today announces an exclusive new special – TNA Wrestling: British Boot Camp 2 on Tour – packed full of behind-the-scenes footage of all six finalists from the hit reality TV series.

    The hour-long show follows the action as TNA Wrestling: British Boot Camp 2 winner Mark Andrews, plus finalists Grado, Kay Lee Ray, Noam Dar, Dave Mastiff and Rampage Brown, join TNA’s roster of international Superstars in some of Britain’s biggest arenas on the MAXIMUM IMPACT 7 Tour.

    Filmed in late January in Glasgow, Manchester and London – the programme will give fans a truly exclusive look at the goings-on backstage on a TNA UK Tour. For the first time ever, TNA cameras capture exactly what happens when young British wrestlers mix it up with some of the world’s top talent – meaning a show chocked full of brand new interviews and footage, including TNA Superstars giving their frank opinions on the Boot Camp six.

    TNA Wrestling: British Boot Camp 2 on Tour will be broadcast at 10pm on Wednesday March 25 on Challenge, and repeated at midnight on Sunday March 29. The show follows six weeks of TNA programming on Challenge, all recorded in the UK, as part of the channel’s annual #TNAINTHEUK season.

    This special will answer many of the questions on fans’ lips ever since the critically-acclaimed series TNA Wrestling: British Boot Camp 2 ended in December. How will the UK crowds take to winner Mark Andrews, as he makes his first appearances in his home country as part of the full TNA roster? Can Scottish sensation Grado get revenge over the judge who dumped him from the show, Al Snow, when they fight in front of his family, friends and countrymen? And can any of the finalists impress enough to join Mandrews as a full-time TNA star?

    The show features insight from top TNA personalities including Magnus, Rockstar Spud, Ethan Carter III, Robbie E, Josh Matthews, Christy Hemme and Brooke, plus the return of a couple of favourite faces from the Boot Camp series… so it’s one not to be missed by any wrestling fan.

    Stephen Ladlow, Director of Challenge, said: “The search for a new star of IMPACT WRESTLING in TNA Wrestling: British Boot Camp 2 really captivated Challenge viewers, so we are delighted to be able to broadcast this special show about the contestants and how they fared on the MAXIMUM IMPACT Tour.

    “You really see their passion and commitment to wrestling shine through, as they interact with the stars of the famous TNA roster and delight fans across the country.”

    TNA President Dixie Carter added: “TNA Wrestling: British Boot Camp 2 on Tour is a fascinating documentary that shows the passion of our roster, including the talented finalists of British Boot Camp 2, as they travel to three arenas in three consecutive days to film six television shows. It will bring a newfound respect for the grit and determination of these remarkable athletes and entertainers.

    “Our company is proud of the success of the British Boot Camp franchise and the Superstars we have found in Rockstar Spud and Mark Andrews. And, we are thrilled to partner once more with Challenge in bringing this exclusive, never-before-seen look at professional wrestling on tour.”

    The original TNA Wrestling: British Boot Camp 2 series was commissioned for Challenge by Chris Brogden, Commissioning Editor, Entertainment, Sky. It aimed to compliment the burgeoning success of the TNA IMPACT WRESTLING series, which is one of the top performing series on the channel.

    Challenge is available on Freeview channel 46, Sky channels 125 and 164 and Virgin Media channel 139.

  • Gail Kim Talks Current State Of Women’s Wrestling, “#GiveDivasAChance” Movement

    TNA Knockout Gail Kim spoke about the state of women’s wrestling and the “#GiveDivasAChance” movement in her latest column, which is featured in the March issue of Total Wrestling magazine. Below are some highlights.

    On the current state of women’s wrestling: “NXT has proven that with opportunity and time, the women can put on a show, with great athletes and characters emerging from there. Total Divas, reality show has given the women a platform to be seen but not necessarily as the strong empowered women they really are. With WWE Raw on for three hours, I feel as though they could be given a much more prominent and positive role.”

    On the “#GiveDivasAChance” movement: “Why not follow the successful formula that NXT has? It was at such a low point recently that the fans spoke out with #GiveDivasAChance trending and the fans voices were heard loud and clear. I hope this path continues for all of us women. With TNA president Dixie Carter and Stephanie McMahon in prominent positions of the top two wrestling promotions in America at the moment, the future can be very bright for women in pro wrestling. Perhaps equality some day?”

    The March issue of Total Wrestling magazine is available right now at Issuu.com.

  • Finn Balor To Work Main Roster Show, Dixie Carter Congratulates Hulk Hogan, NXT Attendance

    – This past Saturday NXT live event in Tampa, Florida drew over 500 fans, setting a new record for the venue.

    – NXT star Finn Balor is advertised to appear at the WWE live event in Warsaw, Poland on Tuesday, April 14th. Matches advertised for the show include Dolph Ziggler vs. Bad News Barrett, Big Show vs. Roman Reigns in a street fight, The Miz & Damien Mizdow vs. Los Matadores vs. The Usos vs. Tyson Kidd & Cesaro.

    – TNA President Dixie Carter posted the following congratulatory message to Hulk Hogan following his “Appreciation Night” at Madison Square Garden this past weekend.

  • Drew Galloway Comments On TNA Debut, Von Erichs Returning To TNA

    – TNA President Dixie Carter announced on social media that Ross and Marshall Von Erich, sons of the legendary WWE Hall Of Famer Kevin Von Erich, will be making their return at next month’s Impact Wrestling television taping at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. Their father, Kevin Von Erich, is also scheduled to appear.

    Dixie wrote the following on Twitter about the return of the Von Erichs:

    – Drew Galloway, the former Drew McIntyre in WWE, wrote the following on his official Twitter account regarding his official TNA debut at the Impact Wrestling television taping in Glasgow, Scotland earlier this week.

    https://twitter.com/TheDrewMcIntyre/status/560966285086187520

  • Dixie Carter On TNA Challenging WWE, If She Regrets Losing AJ Styles & More

    The following are highlights of a new What Culture interview with TNA President Dixie Carter:

    If TNA could ever challenge WWE like WCW did: “Absolutely, I think we can be in that position or we wouldn’t be in business today. We’ve got some exciting things on the horizon and our television partners worldwide are really stepping up and are committed to growing our brand, and that’s a big part of it.

    In the United States, we have one, two hour television show every week and we want to be developing the programming and doing some exciting new strategic things to grow our company in ways that we’ve never even had the opportunity to do in the past. So 2015 and beyond looks very bright for us.”

    If she regrets losing AJ Styles from TNA: “Of course, I regret [it] and I miss a lot of people who are no longer a part of our roster, but I think that’s what so great about our company is that hopefully, at some point, he will be back, and so will others. I look at this past year with Matt Hardy returning and Low Ki returning, and Rhino and so many others.

    I think it makes for great TV and when they came back, all the characters were so fresh, and besides, AJ was so synonymous with TNA, and to me, he’ll always be a part of our family.”

    Her gender being an advantage or disadvantage in the industry: “To me, it’s been an absolute advantage. I think, in the first several years, people didn’t know quite what to make of me. I’m a very positive person and a very different personality to what they had experienced in the industry before. You know, I really care about them and I care deeply for this group of people who work for us and for the fans of the show and I think it’s an absolute advantage in corporate meetings and behind the scenes with the talent.

    There’s just a different perspective, I think sometimes. I mean, I can deal with a man, I have no problem, I’ve done that my entire career. It just gives you a unique perspective, it’s helped me and played to my advantage many times.”

    Her thoughts as she was about to go through a table: “My head was a complete blank, honestly! It was very surreal. I was in Los Angeles last week and I was watching a video highlight reel that Discovery had put together for Destination America. I was watching all the different episodes and the crazy things that I had done last year, and, you know, I was looking at that person going “Who is that?” [laughs], and then I see her about to be powerbombed from the top rope through a table….to me today, it’s so very surreal.

    I just tried not to think about it and tried not to worry about it and just do it. I felt like, every single day, I’d sit behind the cameras and watch…and to our company and our fans and our television show, I just felt like it’s the least I could have done, to show them how much I respect what they do and just a small way of saying thank you. I don’t think I expected to break my back, but at least it makes for a good story now!”

    The one thing she would change from her past in TNA: “Oh wow, I’ve never been asked that question before! I think the thing I would change would be to realise that just because someone’s been in this business a long time, doesn’t mean that they have the magic silver bullet that’s going to change everything. People who’ve been doing this successfully in the past, and their experience, doesn’t necessarily mean that that will work today.

    Times have changed, viewing habits have changed, social media has changed so much about the world we live in today, and how we experience life. I think I would have not put so much stock in that, and would have looked beyond for fresher outside ideas earlier.”

    Check out the complete interview at WhatCulture.com.

  • Dixie Carter On Why TNA Chose Destination America, Talks Changes Coming To TNA, More

    The following are quotes and notes from TNA President Dixie Carter’s interview on this week’s edition of Jim Ross’ “Ross Report” podcast, which is available for download right now at PodcastOne.com. Notes from the interview come from F4WOnline.com.

    On TNA’s move to Destination America

    – She tried to really sell the move to Destination America, as you’d expect. She said they said “they’re the largest paid TV programmer in the world.” Said in all meeting with networks they didn’t just want to be an average show on the network in the eyes of the network, she wanted to go somewhere where they would be a top priority, get maximum support from the network, lots of promotion, more hours etc. Said both she and the network feels it’s a big opportunity for growth for both of them. Said she kept the wrestlers as up-to-date as she could, but it was tough with confidentiality agreements etc. Tried to spin-it as it may look like a step back, but it’s a step forwards in-terms of potential growth, claims she got a lot of support from the talent and they to are optimistic, and that they too felt they should be somewhere where they’re a priority. Said it may be a challenge for people to find the channel, but once they do and they begin to grow and their “global affect and what that plan is begins to take hold” it’s going to be like “something they’ve never had.”

    On demographics

    – When discussing wrestling demographics she said when they first went to Spike they had to fight to get their ratings and demographics information from them. Said they wanted to start attempting to appeal to a broader audience males, females, young, old etc. Pushed the “unlocked” shows they’re going to be a kind of a “director’s cut.” Says wrestling fans are becoming more and more interested in what goes on behind the scenes and they intend to provide some of that with this show. Also said she’s currently in negotiations trying to secure a TV deal in Canada.

    – Said TNA is still their corporate name, the confusion is down to them having one show in the US, of course called Impact Wrestling, where as in other parts of the world that isn’t the case.

    On announcers for TNA shows

    – Talked about the changes to the announce team, she said there is nothing more you can do to change the basic framework of the show than have a new voice, she said Tenay is going to be doing things on Impact that will be very insightful and that’s what he’s absolute best at, said he will play a big part in one of their new shows, also said how they’re going to be using the announcers going forward is going to different, which is intriguing (I feel).

    Other notes from the interviews

    – Put over John Gabruick as a great motivator for the locker room.

    – Said they are planning to do more house shows and more One Night Only shows, but right now Impact is their priority. JR pushed her on the subject and she said they’re going to give the touring a “breather” when the television takes off they plan on doing it again but doing it right.

    – Was asked about deals with Rampage Jackson, Tito Ortiz, King Mo etc. says she wants work with Mo and they have an existing deal, Tito is interested in doing something with them, but they’re not working with Rampage right now. When discussing him by the tone in her voice their seems to be a bit of tension or disappointment there.

    – Asked if Vince Russo is going back said there are no plans and there have been no discussions. But said when focused he can be a tremendous talent.

    – Said in meetings with every network they said “why in the world did they (Spike) let you go.”

    You can listen to Dixie Carter’s interview with Jim Ross as part of the latest “Ross Report” podcast by visiting PodcastOne.com.

    • PHOTOS: CM Punk & AJ Lee At Dinner Together In Las Vegas Just A Few Days Ago, Hanging Out With Celebrities & MORE!

  • Dixie Carter On Bully Ray’s TNA Status, Plans For TNA PPVs, Kurt Angle & More

    The following are highlights of a new Ring Rust Radio interview with TNA President Dixie Carter:

    On the transition to Destination America: “Well I think it is critical for the company. We were in a position where in negotiations I went to every network saying, ‘Look, we are not interested in just licensing our two hour show Impact for your network. I am interested in a partner, someone who will help build our brand, give us more exposure, provide new programming for us’, and that’s exactly what we have gotten and more with the support of Discovery and Destination America. We are very, very excited about all that they are giving us across all ten Discovery networks; support, print advertising, PR, radio, digital. It is everything we had hoped it would be.”

    On re-signing Kurt Angle: “Well, I think Kurt was a game changer for us when we first signed him. I think it is important at such a new beginning for us to still have him as a corner stone for our company. Kurt looks at all the positive changes that are happening. Our signing with Destination America out in Los Angeles, the new network deal, the commitment from them, he sees the big picture and he gets it. He is a joy to work with and a real leader for us. We are thrilled to have him.”

    On the atmosphere in TNA: “Unfortunately, I’m not even going to see what the atmosphere is like Wednesday. I will be in Los Angeles while they are going live in New York. I am representing Discovery and Destination America at the Television and Critics Association. Again, that’s just part of what they are asking us to do. Ken Anderson, Chris Melendez and I will be there. We will be representing our show and network in front of hundreds of media representatives. Just the whole vibe from the locker room, everyone was so supportive. They realize that this is what we have all been wanting and hoping for. This is going to be a great fresh start for us.”

    On rebooting storylines or sticking with past storylines: “I think it’s a little bit of both quite honestly. The momentum we had in New York for those shows this past year we want to continue that on and kick it up a notch. We got some surprises planned and we’ve got some changes planned. You won’t see it as much at the live shows but there’s only so much you can do with a live television production. The shows afterwards you are going to start to see a transformation of some new technologies that we are going to use. From new productions and some new and exciting ways in which we want to showcase the show. Things we have talked about for a long time, but quite honestly, technology wasn’t where we needed it to be to fit in to how we have to shoot a wrestling show. I am really, really excited for things to start taking shape in the coming weeks.”

    On TNA pay-per-view plans: “We will still have several live ones a year, but when we have them they will mean something and be worth people’s hard earned money. I think that the creative team really wanted to start the year off with a bang and something special on the network. So we decided to take the Lockdown theme live and free on Destination America. I was supportive of that and we will have a couple of live pay-per-views a year and then we will still do some of the One Night Only specials that have been really successful for us.”

  • Dixie Carter On Ross Report Now Available, Taz’s New Podcast Launches Today

    – TNA commentator Taz launches his new official weekly podcast today. The first guest on Taz’s show is WWE Hall Of Famer Edge. You can listen to the show by going to Radio.com.

    – TNA President Dixie Carter is featured on the latest edition of Jim Ross’ weekly “Ross Report,” which is available now. The official description for the show reads as follows:

    TRR – Ep47 – TNA’s Dixie Carter

    “JR has TNA President Dixie Carter! She’s talking all about their new TV deal with Destination America and the debut of their new TV show tomorrow (Wed) night! They also discuss Bobby Lashley, AJ Styles, Vince Russo, the Impact name and brand, live touring vs TV, and the state of the wrestling biz today. It’s an interesting and insightful conversation!”

    You can download the show right now at PodcastOne.com.

  • Dixie Carter On Impact Wrestling Moving To Friday, Possibility Of Doing More Live Shows

    The following are highlights of a new Sporting News interview with TNA President Dixie Carter:

    On if she likes Impact Wrestling being moved to Friday nights on Destination America: “I think I’ll tell you in a few months if I like being on Friday nights.

    They presented us with a lot of research and felt very strongly about Friday nights being a potential for them. +3’s is how people look at ratings nowadays, it’s not overnight ratings. With your +3 numbers, you have a much bigger chance for your +3 number over a weekend versus only, like if we were staying on Wednesday, that would be Thursday, Friday and you would have part of Saturday. It’s just an overall strategy. They feel really strongly about it. Wrestling has been successful on Friday nights and is no longer there and so we’ll see how we’ll do.”

    On the possibility of TNA airing Impact Wrestling live on a regular basis: “I think that where we want to go from a production and a feel standpoint from the show does not work going live. It does not allow us to do the kind of things that we’re going to want to do because there’s just a lot of post-production time involved in it. So, we’ll have to see. We can always go live and it can be a show like it will be this Wednesday and it’s going to great action and lots of surprises and just be an amazing show that you’re not going to want to miss but I think where we’re going to try to take the show is definitely going to take post-production time and we’re not going to be able to pull off all the bells and whistles we want if we try to go live.”

    Check out the complete interview at SportingNews.com.

  • Dixie Carter Talks About TNA’s Plans To Make Changes To Impact Wrestling

    TNA President Dixie Carter spoke with Associated Press writer Dan Gelston to promote the upcoming launch of Impact Wrestling on Destination America on Wednesday. During the discussion, Carter spoke about changes that TNA intends to make to their weekly television product.

    “We’re going to pull the curtain back and have cameras where they’ve not been before,” Carter said. “You’re going to see some changes that will help the viewer feel a stronger connection to the show and the characters. It will be a new way of watching it compared to what we’ve had in the past.”

    The article also featured comments from the General Manager of Destination America, Marc Etkind, who explained the decision for the cable network to air Impact Wrestling on Friday nights.

    “We felt there was an audience coming to Friday already looking for wrestling and we expect them to find `Impact,’” Etkind said. “What we like about the wrestling audience is, it’s an all-American audience.”

  • Kurt Angle To Make Major Announcement On Impact Wrestling, More Notes

    – TNA President Dixie Carter noted recently that Kurt Angle will be making a major announcement on Wednesday’s live edition of Impact Wrestling on Destination America.

    – Speaking of Dixie, both she and TNA executive John Gaburick noted on Twitter that they spent all day Monday in meetings at TNA Headquarters in Nashville to prepare for the Wednesday premiere of Impact Wrestling on Destination America.