The following is from TNAWrestling.com:
IMPACT TO AIR IN INDIA AND ASIA
Nashville, TN, May 9, 2005 – TNA Entertainment, LLC announced today that it has entered into a three year deal with ESPN STAR Sports to broadcast all TNA Wrestling programs on its channels in India and the rest of Asia. Under the deal, ESPN STAR Sports will showcase the TNA programs – ‘TNA Impact’, ‘TNA Xplosion’ and a special weekly program from the archives of TNA Wrestling. In addition, STAR Sports will also feature a ‘Monthly Special.’ The ‘Monthly Specials’ kick off with ‘Lockdown’ and will be followed with one special every month.
“Asia has always been a hotbed for professional wrestling,” said Dixie Carter, President TNA Entertainment “We are thrilled to have ESPN STAR Sports on board to showcase our brand of professional wrestling.”
This deal with ESPN STAR Sports joins the growing international interest in TNA Wrestling.
Speaking on the development, R. C. Venkateish, MD, ESPN Software India Pvt. Ltd., said, “Viewer interest in professional wrestling has been on the rise in India. Some of the big names from the world of professional wrestling have ardent fan following in the country. Our understanding of the viewers in India has lead us to believe that the viewers have a hunger for more and more of professional wrestling. TNA Wrestling is a leading wrestling property and is popular the world over. With big names and a very innovative format, it is bound to catch the viewers’ imagination. We plan to market and build the popularity of TNA wrestling across the country.”
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling “iMPACT!” airs Fridays at 4PM on FSN (check local listings) with a Saturday midnight(local) replay and a Thursday night 2AM replay. TNA “Xplosion” is a syndicated program (check local listings).
