Source: Phil Allely of The Sun
TNA have conceded defeat in their Monday Night War with WWE — and moved back to broadcasting on Thursdays in the United States.
Despite big name signings such as Hulk Hogan, Jeff Hardy and Rob Van Dam joining the likes of Jeff Jarrett and Sting, their Impact show struggled in the ratings against WWE Raw.
Part of that was undoubtedly down to trying to compete against programmes that included the build-up to WrestleMania, Shawn Michaels’ retirement and the annual draft.
Impact has been getting record viewing figures in the UK but last Monday in the States received its lowest ever rating on Spike TV.
Repeats in the show’s old Thursday slot were still doing well, indicating to bosses that fans would prefer to watch Impact unopposed rather than having to choose between it and Raw.
Reports state that extensive research also proved that people wanted the company’s flagship show back where it belongs on a Thursday night.
TNA President Dixie Carter said: “Our fans made it clear that they preferred the Thursday night time period.
“This is a win-win opportunity for both TNA and the fans. We are looking forward to delivering what the fans are asking for!”
Spike TV’s Brian Diamond added: “The fans have spoken and with their input we have determined the best timeslot to maximise the TNA audience is on Thursday nights where we are confident it will be among the most-watched shows with young men.”
Impact moves back on May 13 and will be joined by new show ReAction from June 24, in what Spike are calling ‘TNA Thursdays’.
It will continue being broadcast every Saturday in the UK on Bravo from 9pm and Bravo+1 an hour later.
WWE’s last Monday Night War with WCW lasted for five and a half years, only ending when WCW went out of business in 2001.
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