Ed Nordholm, the Executive Vice President of Anthem Sports and Entertainment, appeared on Wrestling Observer Live on Friday to discuss GFW’s new Global Wrestling Network, an ‘over the top’ streaming service similar to the WWE Network.

Acknowledging that Global Force Wrestling’s troubled financial situation, Nordholm said “We’re invested in this company. We’re growing it. We know it’s not going to turn around tomorrow.”

In addition to GFW and TNA content, the plan is to feature content from GFW’s affiliate promotions, like AAA and NOAH. He even said they’d like to get New Japan content on the Global Wrestling Network, if they can persuade them.  “We’ll have a plan, an efficient place for an aggregation of wrestling content that isn’t related to WWE.”

As for how the pricing structure would work, the are planning to have some content available for free, but “most of the product will be in the pay tier. It’s hard to make the business work in the digital world off an ad-based product. There will be stuff available on the free tier, but you’ll have to go to the pay tier for the archives.”

Regarding the possibility of selling the GFW/TNA tape library to WWE, Nordholm says he knows the value of the content they currently own and he’d rather monetize it himself than sell to Vince McMahon.

“I know full well how the WWE Network would monetize the content and what they could pay for the library. It makes no sense for me to sell it for that kind of price. I’d rather keep it, put it up on the app, and monetize it myself.”

Check out the complete Ed Nordholm interview at F4WOnline.com.

Earlier this week, Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated’s Extra Mustard blog published a report about Global Force Wrestling being in major trouble.

“GFW is hemorrhaging funds, and sources close to the situation have confirmed that Anthem is ready to withdraw itself from the wrestling industry and sell GFW. Anthem even needed to gut the Fight Network in order to finance GFW.”

In the following days, GFW announced the upcoming launch of their Global Wrestling Network streaming service and several new content distribution deals.

GFW Vice President of Production Kevin Sullivan has since responded to Barrasso’s report, calling it “bs” and questioning Barrasso’s integrity as a journalist

@SInow when did it become ok to print bs? As a journalism major, I find your fact checking to be less than diligent.

— Kevin Sullivan (@KevinSullyTV) September 7, 2017

@SInow will you be following up with another story with the facts? @GFWWrestling is: Launching the Global Wrestling Network.

— Kevin Sullivan (@KevinSullyTV) September 7, 2017

Is launching on Pluto TV. Is launching in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, via ran FIGHTING. And extended their deal on @PopTV

— Kevin Sullivan (@KevinSullyTV) September 7, 2017

@SInow Uncertain future?

— Kevin Sullivan (@KevinSullyTV) September 7, 2017

GFW sent in the following press release on Wednesday afternoon:

Global Force Wrestling Announces Global Broadcast and Digital Expansion Initiatives

NASHVILLE | TORONTO – Global Force Wrestling, a subsidiary of Anthem Sports & Entertainment Corp., announced today numerous global and digital expansion initiatives, including:

Plans to launch the Global Wrestling Network, a multi-platform digital service designed to give fans around the world instant 24-hour access to the extensive GFW and IMPACT libraries.

Plans to launch the IMPACT Wrestling Channel on Pluto TV, a 24-hour live feed of content on the leading free over-the-top (OTT) television service in the U.S.
Extension with Pop TV in the U.S. to continue airing its flagship weekly show IMPACT on Thursday nights at 8:00 p.m. ET.

Distribution deal with 7Sports, the sport business unit of the ProSiebenSat.1 Group, to bring IMPACT back to screens in Germany, Austria and Switzerland via ran FIGHTING.

IMPACT showcases top professional wrestling stars such as GFW Champion Eli Drake, Bobby Lashley, the high-flying X-Division, the lovely and lethal Knockouts, including Sienna, Rosemary and Gail Kim, plus talent from international partner promotions such as Johnny Impact, Naomichi Marufuji and El Hijo del Fantasma. The 3,000+ hour library features household industry names such as Hulk Hogan, Ric Flair, Sting, Kurt Angle, Kevin Nash, Jeff Jarrett, AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, Bobby Roode and many more.

“These digital initiatives and broadcast agreements are a significant step forward for the Global Force Wrestling organization as we continue to expand the brand globally, making it available on more platforms and in more countries,” said Ed Nordholm, president of Global Force Wrestling. “Anthem is committed to broadening Global Force Wrestling’s footprint, as we work alongside international broadcast partners, digital platforms and professional wrestling promotions to bring our passionate fans a high-quality product that not only stands out in today’s media landscape, but continues to thrive into the future.”

Additional details about the launch of the Global Wrestling Network and IMPACT Wrestling Channel on Pluto TV will be revealed in the near future. For more information on Pluto TV, visit www.Pluto.tv.

“We are excited to extend our partnership with Anthem and remain the exclusive linear television home of IMPACT in the U.S.,” said David Mandell, COO of Pop. “IMPACT delivers over 100 hours of original programming per year on Pop with some of the best and most passionate fans in television. With our broad distribution across all major cable and satellite providers, as well as almost every new over-the-top bundle, including DirecTV Now, Sony Vue, Fubo TV, Hulu TV and YouTube TV, IMPACT fans have more options than ever to catch their favorite show every week.”

IMPACT will be available as part of the ran FIGHTING BLACK PASS for €3.99 per month at ranFIGHTING.de across Germany, Austria and Switzerland starting on Sept. 8, which includes a simulcast of IMPACT on ran FIGHTING’s 24/7 web channel, plus VOD access to IMPACT episodes and One Night Only specials. The service also gives customers the opportunity to purchase GFW’s premium annual pay-per-view events, including Bound for Glory and Slammiversary.

“The deal with ProSieben marks the second major European broadcaster to license IMPACT, including Spike UK earlier this year,” Nordholm added. “Coupled with the Pop renewal, our digital launches and significant increase in YouTube views, this reflects the increasing excitement and demand for GFW’s content.”

For more information, visit www.impactwrestling.com.

Global Force Wrestling has released the following statement regarding the Rosemary/Sexy Star incident that took place during AAA’s TripleMania event:

“It was an honor for GFW to be invited to participate in TripleMania XXV, held this past weekend in Mexico City. The AAA talent that we have worked with have been consummate professionals and the company organized and delivered an extraordinary event, in which both DJZ and Andrew Everett had spectacular showings following their recent surgeries. While the incident with Sexy Star marred an outstanding show, AAA executives have confirmed to us that appropriate measures are being taken in respect of this incident.  Both AAA and Sexy Star have apologized to Rosemary. It is time to focus on the positives of the weekend (TripleMania XXV outrated the other sports entertainment event on Saturday evening in Mexico; Eddie Edwards became the first gaijin to win the GHC Heavyweight title at NOAH) and look forward to building our relationship with AAA and NOAH to bring an ever improving wrestling product to our fans.”

In case you missed the original story; former TNA Knockouts Champion Rosemary was injured during the finish of the Reina de Reinas Championship match at AAA TripleMania XXV. Sexy Star retained her title in the 4-Way match.

At the end of the match, Sexy Star applied an Armbar Submission and popped Rosemary’s arm out of place while applying the hold.

Lady Shani and Star were legitimately shooting on each other during the match. It was reported that Star left the arena after the match, but was brought back by Vampiro to apologize to Rosemary. Star then quickly exited the arena again. Shani was reportedly still upset following the match and was looking for Star backstage.

Global Force Wrestling and Pro Wrestling NOAH announced further talent exchanges between the two companies earlier today.

Moose and Eddie Edwards will be heading to Japan in October for a tour with NOAH, while GHC Jr. Heavyweight champion, Taiji Ishimori, will compete at Destination-X on August 17th.  

GFW and Pro-Wrestling NOAH Press Release

“Nashville – Global Force Wrestling (GFW), a subsidiary of Anthem Sports & Entertainment Corp., announced today that it is expanding its talent exchange with Tokyo-based Pro Wrestling NOAH.

Taiji Ishimori, the three-time and reigning Global Honored Crown (GHC) Junior Heavyweight Champion from Pro Wrestling NOAH, returns to IMPACT Wrestling on Thursday, Aug. 17, to participate in Destination-X, live on Pop TV and broadcast to more than 120 countries worldwide.  Ishimori was a show-stealer in his GFW debut on July 2, at Slammiversary 15, originating from The Impact Zone on the backlot of Universal Studios Florida.

Ishimori was joined at Slammiversary by Naomichi Marufuji.

“All of us at GFW are excited to continue to grow our relationship with Pro Wrestling NOAH,” said GFW Vice President of International Relations Scott D’Amore.  “Having Ishimori back competing in the six-sided GFW ring at Destination-X shows our commitment to showcasing the very best athletes from around the world.”

There is no confirmation yet on additional Pro Wrestling NOAH talent that will be in Orlando for Destination-X and the ensuing TV tapings for IMPACT Wrestling, D’Amore said.

GFW stars also will be heading to Japan later this year to participate in Great Voyage 2017, vol. 2 from Pro Wrestling NOAH on Sunday, Oct. 1.  GFW stars Moose and Eddie Edwards will be competing in Japan.  Edwards was in Japan earlier this year, along with “Cowboy” James Storm.

“GFW is excited and honored to be part of the Great Voyage from Pro Wrestling NOAH,” D’Amore said.  “Moose and Eddie Edwards are two amazing athletes who will be great representatives for GFW and IMPACT Wrestling.

“These talent collaborations are examples of how GFW and its international promotional partners continue to work together on an unprecedented level to provide a truly global audience with the very best action in the wrestling business.”

– John Cena indicated via social media that he will be competing in another “Beat The Clock Challenge” on tonight’s RAW. The WWE United States Champion wrote the following when talking about the Chicago fans, as tonight’s RAW emanates from Chicago this evening.

Few places get as loud as the @AllstateArena. Perfect place for #USOpenChallenge. #NGU #RAW @WWE

— John Cena (@JohnCena) October 12, 2015

– Former WWE performer Rodney Mack celebrates his 45th birthday today. Also celebrating a birthday today is Global Force Wrestling’s Karen Jarrettt, who turns 43.

– As we reported earlier this month, The Rock has signed on as the new spokesman for Ford’s service department. Below is the latest television commercial, which features The Rock and his team.

https://youtu.be/JTxE0TEOgT0

• Ronda Rousey Beefing With Justin Bieber Over Incident Between Bieber & Rousey’s Sister!

The following was posted on the official website of Global Force Wrestling, the official website of Jeff and Karen Jarrett’s new promotion.

The Next Announcement

We just received word that Jeff & Karen Jarrett will make another GFW announcement this coming Monday, April 14.

Don’t forget to #JoinTheForce on social media!

You can check out their official website at GlobalForceWrestling.com.