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TNA News
TNA News: TNA challenging WWE for market share in key region after WWE finishes European tour (w/VIDEO) Nov 18, 2008 - 3:31:12 PM
WWE returned this week from what should be considered a successful European tour once the receipts are counted and income statements are prepared. Specifically related to the U.K., WWE ran ten events, including two TV tapings that drew reported sell-outs and $1.0 million in gross receipts to most of the shows.
With WWE out of the picture for live event touring until next April following WrestleMania 25, TNA is trying to grab a piece of the market in an effort to propel TNA Impact past WWE on TV in the U.K.
TNA's January 2009 tour already has already sold out with the big names such as Kurt Angle, Samoa Joe, and Kevin Nash booked for events in WWE stomping grounds such as Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow.
TNA also announced today they have signed U.K. wrestler Nick Aldis, who was on American Gladiators along with Matt Morgan. Aldis joins fellow U.K. wrestler Doug Williams on the TNA roster to help promote the January tour.
On the Internet, TNA announced they will be launching a U.K.-specific website in the next few weeks and they will have a presence on Virgin's website to promote the TNA brand.
Currently, Impact draws impressive ratings comparable to WWE's programming. Impact on Bravo averages 52,000 viewers, which is comparable to Raw's total combined viewers of 87,000 viewers for the live 2:00 a.m. airing and Friday night replay.
Additional Report: Check out ifight365.com's Phil Lowe for a detailed perspective on TNA trying to grab market share in the U.K. from WWE. Lowe article link.
VIDEO SELECTION: Here is a look at new TNA wrestler Nick Aldis in action. In the video, he's wearing the black pants with red trim.
click here
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