TNA and Spike TV to Rebrand TNA iMPACT!

NASHVILLE: Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling and Spike TV are re-branding TNA iMPACT! as IMPACT Wrestling, beginning May 19.

TNA iMPACT! debuted in 2005 and has been averaging 1.8 million views this year, ranking in the top programs on cable among men 18 to 34 and men 18 to 49. Along with the re-brand, TNA is launching the tagline "Wrestling Matters."

Al Ovadia, the chief marketing officer for TNA, said: "While the name change is subtle, it is also very powerful. TNA is proud to be in the wrestling business, and not afraid to say it. And, to emphasize our commitment we have added the word ‘wrestling’ to our already well-known iMPACT! brand."

"We wanted a branding initiative that was scalable and could extend across all platforms," added Ovadia. "We asked our fans what it was about professional wrestling that they found most compelling. We learned it was no single aspect, their passion for wrestling was all-consuming. Whether it’s the in-ring action, backstage brawls, the feuds or classic dramatic conflict of good vs. evil, it’s the entire experience that makes ‘wrestling matter.’"

Brian J. Diamond, the senior VP for sports and specials for Spike TV, commented: "TNA is a proven ratings winner on Thursday nights for Spike, delivering a consistently large audience of hard-to-reach young men. We feel the new IMPACT Wrestling branding message will resonate with our audience who crave the action-packed wrestling that only TNA can provide."