TNA ‘Impact Wrestling’ cancelled by Spike TV — Is Vince Russo to blame?

TNA Wrestling

This news does not bode well for the number two professional wrestling company.

Spike TV has announced the network will not be renewing its deal with TNA wrestling when it expires in October 2014. TNA Impact Wrestling has been a part of Spike TV programming since October 2005.

According to TMZ, there’s no bad blood between Spike TV and TNA Wrestling. Spike TV execs called TNA President Dixie Carter personally last week to tell her of their decision. FWOnline is reporting that sources inside the company are saying that when Dixie Carter broke the news to TNA employees last week, she gave the impression to that TNA leaving Spike TV was their own decision and due to a lack of promotion of the product.

The most interesting rumor coming from this messy break-up is that the news that Vince Russo is once again booking TNA had some effect on Spike TV’s decision to not renew. In the latest issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that Spike TV made it clear they didn’t want Russo connected in any way to the TV product. Once word spread that Russo was once again on payroll, the network decided to cut ties.

Impact Wrestling could reach another deal with a cable network before their contract expires in October.

[via TMZ Sports ]