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Anthem Sports Officially Acquire a Majority Interest in TNA Wrestling

Impact Wrestling (4fwonline.com)

Impact Wrestling (4fwonline.com)

After months of speculation, TNA Wrestling’s future might be safe after all. In a press release, Anthem Sports & Entertainment announced they have acquired a majority interest in the company. Anthem Sports also owns The Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 multi-platform channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports. It also happens to be TNA’s executive broadcast partner in Canada.

The Wrestling Observer was one of the first to report the news.

The new majority owner announced soon after that they have formed Anthem Wrestling Exhibitions, LLC. Executive VP of Anthem Sports Ed Nordholm will become president of A.W.E., LLC. As for TNA President Dixie Carter, she will step down as her role of chairman to join the advisory board of Fight Media Group.

In the press release, Dixie stated that she was happy that they found the right company who can “use its strategic influence” and who will have a “long-term commitment to the brand.” While this will be a different role for her, it will be one that she will take great pride in.

This move could be a huge step in the right direction for Impact Wrestling. Having partners/owners with experience in the entertainment and sports industry will be a breath of fresh air. No one was let go so nobody truly lost in this situation. A rebranding of the company might be one of the first moves Anthem makes, something fans have been wanting for quite some time.

Impact Wrestling starts taping episodes for their shows tomorrow. It will be interesting to hear how morale is with the talent after the news. Another thing that will be interesting will be if any major changes will be made in just a short period of time. It looks like we will just have to wait and find out.

The full press release is below:

Anthem Sports & Entertainment Forms Anthem Wrestling Exhibitions, LLC., Acquires Control of IMPACT Wrestling

Toronto, Canada (January 4, 2017) – Anthem Sports & Entertainment Corp. today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a majority interest in TNA IMPACT Wrestling, and has formed Anthem Wrestling Exhibitions, LLC. Anthem also owns Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 multi-platform channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, which is IMPACT Wrestling’s exclusive broadcast partner in Canada and worldwide digital partner.

“We are thrilled to have acquired TNA IMPACT Wrestling,” said Ed Nordholm, Executive Vice President of Anthem Sports & Entertainment Corp., the parent of Fight Network. “As we grow Anthem’s linear, digital and mobile platforms globally, top tier content with global appeal is key to that success and this acquisition is a perfect strategic addition to our portfolio. IMPACT has been a dominant wrestling brand around the world for more than a decade and we are confident that Anthem can leverage its assets and strategic partnerships to take IMPACT Wrestling to even greater heights.”

Mr. Nordholm, who has been the managing director of the IMPACT Ventures Board of Managers since October 2016, will assume the position of President of Anthem Wrestling Exhibitions, LLC. Dixie Carter will resign from her position as Chairman of Impact Ventures and join the Advisory Board of Fight Media Group, which holds all of the combat sports-related assets of Anthem, where her focus will be on the global growth of the combat sports-related brands owned by Anthem.

“Anthem has been a great partner for many years,” added Dixie Carter. “We have worked hard to find the right company who would acquire TNA, use its strategic influence and have a long-term commitment to the brand. TNA’s incredible fans, talent and staff deserved to see the brand continue to thrive after 15+ years of incredible growth. I’m excited to move to a new position and work with Anthem on their global strategic plan, and I am confident TNA IMPACT Wrestling is going to be a huge part of their success.”

Ms. Carter will remain a minority equity stakeholder.

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Baseball Editor, Misc. Sports Editor. Covers all things combat sports (MMA, Pro Wrestling and Boxing). When he's not writing, Daniel hosts a podcast, The Main Event.
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