New Details Regarding Ring Of Honor’s Television Debut on Destination America Revealed

Earlier Wednesday, it was noted Destination America announced via Twitter Ring Of Honor would be coming to the network starting Wednesday, June 3. The move came out of left field, and tied into the chaos regarding the channel and TNA Wrestling, as rumors have persisted the channel will be pulling out of its deal to air “IMPACT WRESTLING.”

However, new details have emerged regarding the Ring Of Honor deal with Destination America, some of which indicate the channel may be in the wrestling game for the long-run.

According to PWInsider, the deal between the two entities has been brewing for some time. It is said Destination America intends to become “the” place to watch professional wrestling, which is why it is opting to air Ring Of Honor right into “IMPACT.” The shows airing on Destination America will be the same program simulcast by Sinclair Broadcasting, airing in the other markets prior to being shown on the national level.

It is said the contract with Ring Of Honor is completely separate from the ordeal going on between channel officials and TNA, with Ring Of Honor having no bearing on the status of “IMPACT” going forward. Ring Of Honor is expected to remain at the 8 p.m. ET time slot through the rest of the year.

Below is a press release put out by Destination America confirming the move:

DESTINATION AMERICA BRINGS MORE ACTION TO THE RING ACQUIRING THE RIGHTS TO RING OF HONOR’S WEEKLY TELEVISION PROGRAMMING

(Silver Spring, Md.) –Destination America announced today that it has signed a national broadcast deal with professional wrestling league RING OF HONOR, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc., bringing one of the most respected wrestling organizations to the only network dedicated to all-American entertainment. Destination America is now the one-two-punch to professional wrestling, adding RING OF HONOR (ROH) to its line-up after launching IMPACT WRESTLING in early 2015. RING OF HONOR has been delivering top wrestling matches for ten years with captivating hard-hitting stars such as Jay & Mark Briscoe, AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, The Young Bucks, Maria Kanellis, Adam Cole and Jay Lethal. Destination America will pack on the action beginning Wednesday June 3 with the series premiere of RING OF HONOR at 8/7c leading into brand new premieres of IMPACT WRESTLING at 9/8c.

“With the electric and intense matches that RING OF HONOR provides, Destination America is the network for fans to get an entire evening of jaw-dropping entertainment on Wednesday nights,” said Marc Etkind, general manager of Destination America. “RING OF HONOR showcases tenacity, athleticism and passion and it serves as the place where America’s favorite wrestling stars are born.”

“We are very excited to be partnering with Destination America for the broader distribution of the ROH programming,” commented Joe Koff, Chief Operating Officer – Ring of Honor Wrestling. “ROH will now reach an additional 57 million households including those in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia and other large cities where Ring of Honor is not currently airing. ROH has a loyal fan base and is one of the fastest growing major wrestling franchises in the country. With this great partnership with Destination America, we can continue to expand our footprint and reach while producing entertaining, original content and continuing to provide wrestling fans some of the best wrestling content available.”

RING OF HONOR will premiere on Wednesday, June 3 leading into IMPACT WRESTLING, making Destination America the home for wrestling every Wednesday evening. The first match will feature the Briscoe Brothers, Mark and Jay, as they face off with the House of Truth in the main event. Also catch athletes of New Japan Pro Wrestling battle it out with the RING OF HONOR stars and follow former NFL lineman Moose compete against BJ Whitmer.

Since launching in 2012, Destination America has become one of cable’s top fastest-growing networks, and continues to earn telecast ratings records among key series. In 2015 to date, Destination America has acquired over 50 million unique viewers. With top series that explore unique American cultures and ways of life – including Paranormal Survivor, Hillbilly Blood, Buying the Bayou, and BBQ Pitmasters – Destination America’s programming spans the nation from Alaska, Hawaii and Colorado to Louisiana, West Virginia and communities in between. To find Destination America, go to destinationamerica.com/watchda.

There has been no official statement from Ring Of Honor or TNA at this time.

Editor’s Note

The saga continues. Wow. This is about to get even crazier.

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