The Associated Press‘ “Big Story” profiled TNA’s move to POP TV, featuring a summary of their rough experience with Destination America and comments from Dixie Carter, Ethan Carter III and POP TV’s Brad Schwartz.
In regards to TNA using homegrown talent, and past criticism over using past WWE talent on the roster, Dixie Carter said:
“We’ve always been criticized about taking WWE talent and I think it’s pretty interesting how the roles have been reversed. Our competitors, our competition have been after our talent.”
When talking about James Storm returning to the company, she added:
“A lot of times they come back. The grass isn’t always greener and what we have here is very special.”
New TNA World Heavyweight Champion Ethan Carter III also commented on their roster, saying:
“As far as competing head on with WWE, they’re top dog in the game. We need to provide an alternative and focus on ourselves. I don’t think signing big names in wrestling is what fans are interested in as much as seeing new characters develop into something out of nothing.”
Pop’s Schwartz commented on wrestling’s place on their network, and when fans need to tune in, saying:
“We celebrate pop culture and we love wrestling as opposed to snarkily pointing at it.”
“This is an event that just 12 months ago was doing 1.3 million viewers every week on Spike. It’s something you have to watch every week. It’s appointment TV. It’s not something you can watch on Netflix three years from now.”
