UK fans set to lose out on TNA Wrestling

As reported here Thursday TNA’s next pay-per-view Genesis will not be airing in the United Kingdom for Virgin Media and bSkyb customers which has left alot of TNA Wrestling fans disappointed and worried about the future of TNA on UK Television.

It was widely reported in May last year that Virgin Media were looking to sell 7 digital channels to bSkyb (both Bravo 1 & 2 were included in the package) as it would allow bSkyb to save on fees that it pays to Virgin Media. While nothing official was announced it’s expected that this could potentially be a reason for TNA’s monthly pay-per-view and potentially iMPACT losing it’s coverage in the United Kingdom.

TNA’s contract with Bravo was due for renewal early 2010, regardless wherever Virgin Media want TNA on there channels the fact is that if they are still looking to sell the channels having TNA apart of there package might put bSkyb off from buying them due to there long relationship with WWE and if a new contract is agreed, TNA would most certainly have the contract paid off.

TNA have certainly given some strong hints that iMPACT will indeed be taken off air as they have recently started to upload full episodes before they are aired in the UK through there YouTube Channel and after the “3 Hour LIVE iMPACT” saga where Bravo would not give TNA any further time, it seems as though the relationship has broken down and millions will no longer get access to TNA as they currently do.

I can understand fans frustrations but it really does not make sense for TNA to remove there pay-per-views off the channel when they are getting good ratings and getting more exposure. Both Dixie Carter and Jeff Jarrett this week announced that TNA are looking to distribute pay-per-views online to allow fans to watch the shows LIVE, like many do already but through a legal way which would generate money for the company. Regardless wherever they offer LIVE PPV’s they will still get extremely good ratings compared to what Bravo 2 currently air (Which isn’t alot).

Overall it’s a disapointing and concerning start to 2010 for us UK fans but i fully expect TNA to resolve the issues soon regardless wherever it’s through online or through national TV, TNA will provide us with the shows.