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– It looks like TNA are looking to tap the previously untouched Indian market to save their sinking ship. There has been a strong rumour that TNA is set to tape television shows in India. India is a huge market with lots of opportunities and this just might save TNA. Dixie Carter the president of TNA wrestling has been heavily promoting the news that there will be a huge announcement made on Monday.
According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer, Mahabali Shera is almost sure to join Carter for the announcement of the news on Monday. Shera who is the only Indian wrestler on TNA is currently being given a huge push and tv time. This strengthens the rumours that TNA might be planning an India tour for the first time ever. TNA have already announced a long-term deal with the Indian TV channel Sony Six to broadcast TNA wrestling for the next seven years, even though they only have a one year deal back home. Due to the fact that TNA has a solid fan base in India, it would be the perfect market to capitalise on.
TNA who would incur massive costs of taping abroad, may not continue this in the future if the ratings fail to live up to the expectations. It is a big risk which could be taken by TNA Wrestling, which can be a make or break type of deal. A show called ‘Ring ka King’ which was a project started by Jeff Jarrett to find talented Indian wrestlers had to wind up even though having a spot on Indian Prime Time TV. Due to the immense competition from award shows and cricket, the show was a big disappointment and the ratings soon faltered.
Seems like a case of TNA following in the wake of WWE who has seen India as a massive, “long-term opportunity” according to their Strategy and Financial officer George Barrios. WWE who saw their revenues being tripled from 2009 to 2014 were immensely successful in India. If TNA could follow the suit then it might be a huge boost to the company. Due to a large population and a massive fan base, it could work wonders for TNA.
Destination America were not happy with the TNA taping shows in the UK. This might be a bad sign for TNA as their destiny completely rests in the hands of Destination America. It has also been rumoured that TNA’s ties will be over with the station after this year in spite of Dixie Carter suggesting otherwise, that they are in talks with the network for 2016.
