TNA on WGN? Panda want to put TNA on the map and more

**GODSON** · 04-18-2005, 11:37 AM

TNA NOTES & NEWS
by Mike Johnson @ 10:12:00 AM on 4/18/2005

According to a number of sources, don't be surprised if Dusty Rhodes is out as booker sooner or later. At this point, it appears both sides will be happy when that comes to pass. There are some who say Rhodes is unhappy that his legs are being cut out from under him (one source noted that Chris Candido, who Rhodes pushed hard for, has yet to be signed to a deal) and there is also a feeling that Rhodes is taking the heat for ideas that aren't his (such as the all Cage PPV, which he distanced himself from on radio appearances last week) when others were responsible for the ideas. One of the main complaints of those working in the company about Rhodes was that he would tune out suggestions and ideas from others and simply do what he wanted. There was a feeling that Rhodes told the X-Division he would focus on them (which gave morale a huge boost) and then did the exact opposite (which sent it plummeting), although he did give Christopher Daniels his biggest singles push to date. A lot of Rhodes' ideas were taken out of the equation at the last Impact! taping.

Another major change over the last week was a new Vice President for the company, Frank Dickerson, who is said to have been a major higher-up executive for Panda Energy with a legal background. A number of people have commented to me over the last several days that his appointment to the position is a sign that Panda is serious about finally making major moves to put the company on the map.

The internal word is that the company is hoping to get on Spike TV, with WGN as a backup plan. There were some in the company who were positive about their presentation to Spike several weeks ago, although others are taking a "wait and see" attitude. The feeling is that something needs to be signed soon if they are going to take advantage of the fall season.

As of right now, there are no dates announced beyond this June's Third Anniversary PPV at Universal Studios, but there is said to be an announcement on a July PPV event coming shortly.

Expect a huge push for AJ Styles over the next several months.

Sonjay Dutt has been added back on the TNA Superstars page on their website. His deal had expired sometime back, but with the new emphasis on the X-Division, it appears he'll be returning soon enough.

Some notes from Bill Banks' new column: Lockdown is planned as an annual event. If that is the case, they should never (and I mean NEVER) break out the cage except for that show....Weapons are legal in the Team Jarrett vs. Team Nash six man tag....Dustin Rhodes vs. Bobby Rude will be a "Prince of Darkness" match (blindfold match)....Apolo vs Lance Hoyt has been added to the show....Footage from the IWA Puerto Rico events over the weekend will air on this Friday's Impact!....The Best of Raven DVD will be released this week.

Pwinsider.com

TNA out of business? You still believe that bull if you want.

Dusty is about to be fired, YEA!!!

Styles is about to take over the wrestling world. He deserve it, when you see him wrestle you can tell he bring something different among the big two.

**Kane Knight** · 04-18-2005, 11:47 AM

This article are sayz that the will is on Spike too. Spike am blow likely.

You report mean nothing in term of actual save TNA.

**Loose Cannon** · 04-18-2005, 11:47 AM

I'll believe it when I see it.

**Dave Youell** · 04-18-2005, 11:49 AM

Well Spike annoucned yesterday that they wont pick them up so WGN would be good. Being english i of course have no idea who WGN are but still, good for them

**Kane Knight** · 04-18-2005, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Youell

Well Spike annoucned yesterday that they wont pick them up so WGN would be good. Being english i of course have no idea who WGN are but still, good for them

Being American, I've never heard of them either.

**Kane Knight** · 04-18-2005, 11:49 AM

Also, you are report old new.

**Loose Cannon** · 04-18-2005, 11:50 AM

WGN is the shittiest cable channel on.

**Kane Knight** · 04-18-2005, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loose Cannon

WGN is the shittiest cable channel on.

And TNA is the shittiest wrestling on.

Does WGN have a wide market?

**Dave Youell** · 04-18-2005, 11:51 AM

So in other words GODSON...You suck. Sorry

**Dave Youell** · 04-18-2005, 11:52 AM

if WGN is rubbish why would they want to go there instead of FOX Sports Net which i asume has a bigger audience?

**Loose Cannon** · 04-18-2005, 11:53 AM

I think WGN has the bigger audience, but it's lineup is just pure shit.

**Loose Cannon** · 04-18-2005, 12:02 PM

I never heard og WGN until I moved to NC, so I don't think it plays in the North East. Basically, it's Chicago based station that plays WB and UPN shows. It doesn't reach a lot, but it reaches more then Fox Sports I would imagine

**Kane Knight** · 04-18-2005, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loose Cannon

I never heard og WGN until I moved to NC, so I don't think it plays in the North East. Basically, it's Chicago based station that plays WB and UPN shows. It doesn't reach a lot, but it reaches more then Fox Sports I would imagine

WGN is apparently national on comcast. I'm considering switching anyway, since Adelphia's being a bitch.

**Loose Cannon** · 04-18-2005, 12:07 PM

Actually, it's not as bad a station as I made it out to be. I guess

**jerichoholic169** · 04-18-2005, 01:09 PM

did i just see dustin rhodes vs bobby rude will be a blindfold match?!?! this PPV is gonna be stupid.

**Kane Knight** · 04-18-2005, 01:23 PM

Come on, blindfold matchs kick ass!

**Kane Knight** · 04-18-2005, 01:23 PM

**PullMyFinger** · 04-18-2005, 01:38 PM

WGN is shitty indeed, but TNN was just as shitty too at first. The Nashville Network

**PullMyFinger** · 04-18-2005, 01:39 PM

Why don't they just go on TBS or TNT and give half the company to Turner? LOL

**DaveWadding** · 04-18-2005, 01:41 PM

WGN is basically the Chicago version of TBS.

**The Mackem** · 04-18-2005, 02:34 PM

You know, the American television/cable network is really confusing to an outsider

**Kane Knight** · 04-18-2005, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Mackem

You know, the American television/cable network is really confusing to an outsider

Or anyone.

**PureHatred** · 04-18-2005, 02:40 PM

What DW said. Because of their ironclad deal to to broadcast the Cubs and ChiSox they actually do appear in quite a few homes. But they show some incredibly bland shows (Dr Quinn, Medicine Woman for example) and I think its a huge if that they would pick up pro-wrestling in any form. It just doesn't mix with their "family first" approach.

**Kane Knight** · 04-18-2005, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PureHatred

What DW said. Because of their ironclad deal to to broadcast the Cubs and ChiSox they actually do appear in quite a few homes. But they show some incredibly bland shows (Dr Quinn, Medicine Woman for example) and I think its a huge if that they would pick up pro-wrestling in any form. It just doesn't mix with their "family first" approach.

Come on, the family that oils up and grapples one another homoerotically, stays together. Look what it did for the McMahons.

Buuuut seriously.

Family values are subjective. ABC family just aired "Blazing Saddles." Because nothing says family programming like "up yours, nigger!"

**PureHatred** · 04-18-2005, 02:58 PM

True....but this is a network that seems to air an episode of 7th heaven whenever they have a hole in thier schedule. I'm just wondering how quickly they'd sign up after they see an episode of Impact.

If the booking doesn't turn them off, the caged go-go dancers might.

But, honestly, for the sake of competition, I'm wrong. I hope TNA ends up on WGN and in an incredible bit of cross-promotion Joss Whedon becomes the head booker.

Jeff Jarrett would still be the 'Chosen One' but he'd spend hours bitching about how he just wants a normal life and can't concentrate on his next match because his parents are getting divorced.

**James Steele** · 04-18-2005, 03:23 PM

WGN is some fucking channel out of Chicago (it even airs the local Chicago news here) and I LIVE IN FUCKING TEXAS. Why would I give a fuck about Chicago. Seriously. Also, they have the shittiest line up ever. It is like TV Land's dorky less cool cousin.

**DaveBrawl** · 04-18-2005, 03:38 PM

Last time I watched WGN all they were airing was Fresh Prince of Bell Air and Cubs games, and like JamesSteele said the Chicago news, which really appealed to me in Virginia.

**James Steele** · 04-18-2005, 03:45 PM

The fact I hate baseball doesn't help their case either for me.

**Boondock Saint** · 04-18-2005, 04:50 PM

LOL Joss Whedon

**SuperSlim** · 04-18-2005, 05:04 PM

yeah WGN is a piece of crap channel

but what the blue hell? blindfolded in a cage match? There is retarded but this is beyond retarded.

**tucsonspeed6** · 04-18-2005, 06:31 PM

OK, ok....so let me get this straight:

WGN plays Cubs games and possibly TNA wrestling, blindfold matches, although they only have one possible finish where the ref gets distracted and the heel peeks to do his finisher, are awesome (might have been some sarcasm there...), and GODSON owns a nail sallon.

Or is it a dry cleaner?

**Kane Knight** · 04-18-2005, 07:53 PM

Vaccuum cleaner. He sucks.

04-18-2005, 10:12 PM

There are technically 2 WGN's.

WGN-TV/9 Chicago
WGN Superstation which is what we recieve on cable/satellite.

WGN 9 is the WB affiliate for Chicago. WGN Superstation runs a movie in place of primetime programming from The WB. Or any programming from The WB. Since most of the programming is the same, that's why WGN News appears on both feeds. TNA would likely do the same thing.

**DaveWadding** · 04-18-2005, 10:29 PM

I like WGN though, maybe because I'm a diehard Cubs fan

**PullMyFinger** · 04-18-2005, 10:50 PM

Those lovable losers hahahaha

**BloodRiotZero** · 04-19-2005, 04:23 PM

What the fuck is WGN!?!? Is that the same channel that TNA was going to pay a shitload of money to be on Sunday mornings before their FSN deal?

I guess Time Warner/Cablevision subscribers don't get that channel. TNA should get on WLNY-TV, NY 55!

**Amaroqwolf** · 04-20-2005, 05:59 AM

I can't watch WGN and I live in the Chicago Area, (shakes head) Well I can watch it if I can kick my mom off the TV with Cable. (Shrugs) Oh well

**Loose Cannon** · 05-17-2005, 07:45 PM

Don't know if you guys saw this news anywhere, but I Chris Murray over at Between the Ropes posted this. It's Interesting

-------------------------------------

For possible clarification, Meltzer reported in this week's Observer that UFC will be moving to Saturday nights on Spike after Raw jumps to USA. So beginning on 9/24 or 10/1 (whichever week Raw makes the move), The Ultimate Fighter will air Saturday night at 9:00pm ET. Prior to the reality show will be a one-hour taped show of old UFC bouts at 8:00pm ET. Meltzer said they also plan to show another one-hour show of past fights at 10:00pm ET, thus making Saturday night into UFC night on the network. That contradicts Keller's report of a two-hour 10:00pm - midnight ET slot for TNA, but it's not a big deal because Spike could have since decided to skip a third straight hour of UFC in favor of two hours of TNA. Meltzer reported in the same issue that Spike is definitely not out of the equation for TNA and most of what we've heard this week has Spike as the leading destination for TNA, although that seems to change every hour.

On a related note, should TNA and Spike make a deal imminently, there's a good chance the company could go dark for several months while waiting to start up on Spike. They couldn't start on Spike until Raw leaves in October. Their FSN deal expires in a couple of weeks and FSN wants a six-month minimum commitment, which would run into November or December and overlap with an October start date on Spike. So there's a very good chance if the Spike deal gets done, TNA could go hiatus for several months before a fall relaunch on a top ten cable network. I'm sure Fritz and Dickerman will discuss this a great deal tonight and also with Mike Tenay.

----------------------------------

Now I'm hearing that WGN is possibly offering TNA a primetime Monday Night slot from 8-10.

Spike is possibly offering them a Sat night timeslot as seen in the post.

Now, if you were TNA, which one would you go with? Spike has the bigger viewership/market and the UFC to help promote TNA, but WGN gives them that slot on Monday Night that wrestling fans have been dying for since death of WCW.

Personally, I hope they get that Monday Night slot.

**Nervous Ferret** · 05-17-2005, 07:47 PM

never heard of WGN. New Jersey represent

**The One** · 05-17-2005, 08:05 PM

UFC to help...

More potential viewers...

No WWE competition (well besides Velocity, but who watches that anyway?)...

I would go with Spike...though on a personal note I am not 100% sure I get WGN, or if I do I certainly have never watched it before...what type of programs do they run currently?

04-18-2005, 11:37 AM	#1
GODSON Posts: 268	TNA on WGN? Panda want to put TNA on the map and more TNA NOTES & NEWS by Mike Johnson @ 10:12:00 AM on 4/18/2005 According to a number of sources, don't be surprised if Dusty Rhodes is out as booker sooner or later. At this point, it appears both sides will be happy when that comes to pass. There are some who say Rhodes is unhappy that his legs are being cut out from under him (one source noted that Chris Candido, who Rhodes pushed hard for, has yet to be signed to a deal) and there is also a feeling that Rhodes is taking the heat for ideas that aren't his (such as the all Cage PPV, which he distanced himself from on radio appearances last week) when others were responsible for the ideas. One of the main complaints of those working in the company about Rhodes was that he would tune out suggestions and ideas from others and simply do what he wanted. There was a feeling that Rhodes told the X-Division he would focus on them (which gave morale a huge boost) and then did the exact opposite (which sent it plummeting), although he did give Christopher Daniels his biggest singles push to date. A lot of Rhodes' ideas were taken out of the equation at the last Impact! taping. Another major change over the last week was a new Vice President for the company, Frank Dickerson, who is said to have been a major higher-up executive for Panda Energy with a legal background. A number of people have commented to me over the last several days that his appointment to the position is a sign that Panda is serious about finally making major moves to put the company on the map. The internal word is that the company is hoping to get on Spike TV, with WGN as a backup plan. There were some in the company who were positive about their presentation to Spike several weeks ago, although others are taking a "wait and see" attitude. The feeling is that something needs to be signed soon if they are going to take advantage of the fall season. As of right now, there are no dates announced beyond this June's Third Anniversary PPV at Universal Studios, but there is said to be an announcement on a July PPV event coming shortly. Expect a huge push for AJ Styles over the next several months. Sonjay Dutt has been added back on the TNA Superstars page on their website. His deal had expired sometime back, but with the new emphasis on the X-Division, it appears he'll be returning soon enough. Some notes from Bill Banks' new column: Lockdown is planned as an annual event. If that is the case, they should never (and I mean NEVER) break out the cage except for that show....Weapons are legal in the Team Jarrett vs. Team Nash six man tag....Dustin Rhodes vs. Bobby Rude will be a "Prince of Darkness" match (blindfold match)....Apolo vs Lance Hoyt has been added to the show....Footage from the IWA Puerto Rico events over the weekend will air on this Friday's Impact!....The Best of Raven DVD will be released this week. Pwinsider.com TNA out of business? You still believe that bull if you want. Dusty is about to be fired, YEA!!! Styles is about to take over the wrestling world. He deserve it, when you see him wrestle you can tell he bring something different among the big two.

04-18-2005, 11:47 AM	#2
Kane Knight Ron Paul 4 EVA Posts: 152,467	This article are sayz that the will is on Spike too. Spike am blow likely. You report mean nothing in term of actual save TNA.

04-18-2005, 11:47 AM	#3
Loose Cannon I'm all there is Posts: 31,811	I'll believe it when I see it.

04-18-2005, 11:49 AM	#4
Dave Youell 1/2 Optimist 1/2 Amazing Posts: 12,427	Well Spike annoucned yesterday that they wont pick them up so WGN would be good. Being english i of course have no idea who WGN are but still, good for them

04-18-2005, 11:50 AM	#7
Loose Cannon I'm all there is Posts: 31,811	WGN is the shittiest cable channel on.

04-18-2005, 11:51 AM	#9
Dave Youell 1/2 Optimist 1/2 Amazing Posts: 12,427	So in other words GODSON...You suck. Sorry

04-18-2005, 11:52 AM	#10
Dave Youell 1/2 Optimist 1/2 Amazing Posts: 12,427	if WGN is rubbish why would they want to go there instead of FOX Sports Net which i asume has a bigger audience?

04-18-2005, 11:53 AM	#11
Loose Cannon I'm all there is Posts: 31,811	I think WGN has the bigger audience, but it's lineup is just pure shit.

04-18-2005, 12:02 PM	#12
Loose Cannon I'm all there is Posts: 31,811	I never heard og WGN until I moved to NC, so I don't think it plays in the North East. Basically, it's Chicago based station that plays WB and UPN shows. It doesn't reach a lot, but it reaches more then Fox Sports I would imagine

04-18-2005, 12:07 PM	#14
Loose Cannon I'm all there is Posts: 31,811	Actually, it's not as bad a station as I made it out to be. I guess

04-18-2005, 01:09 PM	#15
jerichoholic169 Posts: 585	did i just see dustin rhodes vs bobby rude will be a blindfold match?!?! this PPV is gonna be stupid.

04-18-2005, 01:23 PM	#16
Kane Knight Ron Paul 4 EVA Posts: 152,467	Come on, blindfold matchs kick ass!

04-18-2005, 01:38 PM	#18
PullMyFinger Posts: 3,319	WGN is shitty indeed, but TNN was just as shitty too at first. The Nashville Network

04-18-2005, 01:39 PM	#19
PullMyFinger Posts: 3,319	Why don't they just go on TBS or TNT and give half the company to Turner? LOL

04-18-2005, 01:41 PM	#20
DaveWadding LIMITLESS Posts: 32,276	WGN is basically the Chicago version of TBS.

04-18-2005, 02:34 PM	#21
The Mackem VG + Q&A FORUM REPRESENT Posts: 38,940	You know, the American television/cable network is really confusing to an outsider

04-18-2005, 02:40 PM	#23
PureHatred Instant Credibility Posts: 2,979	What DW said. Because of their ironclad deal to to broadcast the Cubs and ChiSox they actually do appear in quite a few homes. But they show some incredibly bland shows (Dr Quinn, Medicine Woman for example) and I think its a huge if that they would pick up pro-wrestling in any form. It just doesn't mix with their "family first" approach.

04-18-2005, 02:58 PM	#25
PureHatred Instant Credibility Posts: 2,979	True....but this is a network that seems to air an episode of 7th heaven whenever they have a hole in thier schedule. I'm just wondering how quickly they'd sign up after they see an episode of Impact. If the booking doesn't turn them off, the caged go-go dancers might. But, honestly, for the sake of competition, I'm wrong. I hope TNA ends up on WGN and in an incredible bit of cross-promotion Joss Whedon becomes the head booker. Jeff Jarrett would still be the 'Chosen One' but he'd spend hours bitching about how he just wants a normal life and can't concentrate on his next match because his parents are getting divorced.

04-18-2005, 03:23 PM	#26
James Steele TPWW's HHH Mark Since '04 Posts: 29,886	WGN is some fucking channel out of Chicago (it even airs the local Chicago news here) and I LIVE IN FUCKING TEXAS. Why would I give a fuck about Chicago. Seriously. Also, they have the shittiest line up ever. It is like TV Land's dorky less cool cousin.

04-18-2005, 03:38 PM	#27
DaveBrawl Inconceivable Posts: 9,887	Last time I watched WGN all they were airing was Fresh Prince of Bell Air and Cubs games, and like JamesSteele said the Chicago news, which really appealed to me in Virginia.

04-18-2005, 03:45 PM	#28
James Steele TPWW's HHH Mark Since '04 Posts: 29,886	The fact I hate baseball doesn't help their case either for me.

04-18-2005, 04:50 PM	#29
Boondock Saint Posts: 8,795	LOL Joss Whedon

04-18-2005, 05:04 PM	#30
SuperSlim Oh Sht* Posts: 19,302	yeah WGN is a piece of crap channel but what the blue hell? blindfolded in a cage match? There is retarded but this is beyond retarded.

04-18-2005, 06:31 PM	#31
tucsonspeed6 Banned WWE on 1/1/07 Posts: 2,141	OK, ok....so let me get this straight: WGN plays Cubs games and possibly TNA wrestling, blindfold matches, although they only have one possible finish where the ref gets distracted and the heel peeks to do his finisher, are awesome (might have been some sarcasm there...), and GODSON owns a nail sallon. Or is it a dry cleaner?

04-18-2005, 07:53 PM	#32
Kane Knight Ron Paul 4 EVA Posts: 152,467	Vaccuum cleaner. He sucks.

04-18-2005, 10:12 PM	#33
donley100 Guest Posts: n/a	There are technically 2 WGN's. WGN-TV/9 Chicago WGN Superstation which is what we recieve on cable/satellite. WGN 9 is the WB affiliate for Chicago. WGN Superstation runs a movie in place of primetime programming from The WB. Or any programming from The WB. Since most of the programming is the same, that's why WGN News appears on both feeds. TNA would likely do the same thing.

04-18-2005, 10:29 PM	#34
DaveWadding LIMITLESS Posts: 32,276	I like WGN though, maybe because I'm a diehard Cubs fan

04-18-2005, 10:50 PM	#35
PullMyFinger Posts: 3,319	Those lovable losers hahahaha

04-19-2005, 04:23 PM	#36
BloodRiotZero Orochi Maverick Posts: 147	What the fuck is WGN!?!? Is that the same channel that TNA was going to pay a shitload of money to be on Sunday mornings before their FSN deal? I guess Time Warner/Cablevision subscribers don't get that channel. TNA should get on WLNY-TV, NY 55!

04-20-2005, 05:59 AM	#37
Amaroqwolf A rebel without a soul. Posts: 512	I can't watch WGN and I live in the Chicago Area, (shakes head) Well I can watch it if I can kick my mom off the TV with Cable. (Shrugs) Oh well

05-17-2005, 07:45 PM	#38
Loose Cannon I'm all there is Posts: 31,811	Don't know if you guys saw this news anywhere, but I Chris Murray over at Between the Ropes posted this. It's Interesting ------------------------------------- For possible clarification, Meltzer reported in this week's Observer that UFC will be moving to Saturday nights on Spike after Raw jumps to USA. So beginning on 9/24 or 10/1 (whichever week Raw makes the move), The Ultimate Fighter will air Saturday night at 9:00pm ET. Prior to the reality show will be a one-hour taped show of old UFC bouts at 8:00pm ET. Meltzer said they also plan to show another one-hour show of past fights at 10:00pm ET, thus making Saturday night into UFC night on the network. That contradicts Keller's report of a two-hour 10:00pm - midnight ET slot for TNA, but it's not a big deal because Spike could have since decided to skip a third straight hour of UFC in favor of two hours of TNA. Meltzer reported in the same issue that Spike is definitely not out of the equation for TNA and most of what we've heard this week has Spike as the leading destination for TNA, although that seems to change every hour. On a related note, should TNA and Spike make a deal imminently, there's a good chance the company could go dark for several months while waiting to start up on Spike. They couldn't start on Spike until Raw leaves in October. Their FSN deal expires in a couple of weeks and FSN wants a six-month minimum commitment, which would run into November or December and overlap with an October start date on Spike. So there's a very good chance if the Spike deal gets done, TNA could go hiatus for several months before a fall relaunch on a top ten cable network. I'm sure Fritz and Dickerman will discuss this a great deal tonight and also with Mike Tenay. ---------------------------------- Now I'm hearing that WGN is possibly offering TNA a primetime Monday Night slot from 8-10. Spike is possibly offering them a Sat night timeslot as seen in the post. Now, if you were TNA, which one would you go with? Spike has the bigger viewership/market and the UFC to help promote TNA, but WGN gives them that slot on Monday Night that wrestling fans have been dying for since death of WCW. Personally, I hope they get that Monday Night slot.