Bob Ryder on Ring Of Honor’s Move to Destination America, TNA Switching to Wednesday

TNA official Bob Ryder recently hosted a Q&A session via a Disqus forum, where he took questions regarding TNA’s future, Ring Of Honor, and other topics. Below are some of the notable pieces discussed.

Ryder was asked about how TNA and Ring Of Honor compare now that “ROH TV” will be joining “IMPACT WRESTLING” on Destination America:

“We have a pretty wrestling centric product already. I think it’s more likely that ROH will have to improve their production values so they compare more favorably with us. Their lighting an production needs a bit of work.”

Additionally, he noted there would be a chance for collaboration between the two going forward in the future:

“Nothing is off the table as far as we are concerned. Things could get interesting. We look at them as neighbors not enemies.”

The news shocked the wrestling world this past week, when it was revealed Ring Of Honor would serve as the lead-in to “IMPACT” now that it was moving to Wednesday nights. Many saw this as a death sentence for TNA, as Destination America has an out-clause with the company in September and is allegedly moving forward with canceling the product. However, Ryder assured things were in good shape with “IMPACT” moving to mid-week:

“We are embracing the new Wednesday night strategy as a chance to attract a strong wrestling audience. Hopefully with a strong lead in we will expose our show to people who may not have watched otherwise.

Our agreement with Destination America has confidentiality language that prevent me from discussing specifics of our relationship. Their public statements (press release listing us a returning show and the ROH press release that reaffirmed we would air in prime time on Wednesday with the ROH lead in.”

Editor’s Note

I can see a power block being built, and I agree with ROH needing to step up its production values, but there is no way this can be good news for “IMPACT,” in my opinion.

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