Major Updates – TNA’s Deal With Anthem, Corgan’s Departure, Dixie’s Role

UPDATE: Following the announcement of TNA entering into a credit agreement with Anthem, Dixie Carter sent out a letter to the staff and wrestlers informing them that TNA has “concluded agreements” with Anthem for a “funding plan that will stabilize the company.” Here are the highlights and some other related details …

* Carter stated in the letter that, “This is excellent news for all out shareholders in that it means, we, as a company, will continue to provide our fans with the best wrestling content on the planet.”

* Carter informed the staff and talent that Billy Corgan was no longer with the company, but gave no explanation to his exit.

* Chancery Court in Nashville confirmed that Corgan’s previous lawsuit against the company remains open and has not been dismissed.

* Carter admitted that changes will happen within the company, and praised Anthem Executive Vice President Ed Nordholm for finalizing the deal.

* Anthem representatives have been in Nashville since Tuesday working on the deal.

* Nordholm will represent the Board on all major “operating and restructuring agreements”, basically he will be the force driving the company going forward. Dixie Carter appears to be remaining as a figurehead. Serg Salinas and Dean Broadhead will also remain on the Board of Managers.

* Carter also stated in the letter that Anthem’s other “sports property” ownings will benefit TNA and that Anthem’s sales team will support the company in both the TV and digital ad markets.

* Carter confirmed plans to tape TV in early January. Aroluxe Media was described as “also an equity stakeholder,” and they will continue on as the production team to oversee TNA’s shows in 2017.

* Carter claimed that they are continuing to “develop a longer-term business plan” for the company. Carter stated she is personally excited to have Anthem, due to the experience they bring to the table.

* She also claimed that the Fight Network’s strategy is to continue “expanding its distribution while developing strong relations with content creators” adding, “It is natural that they are keen to work more closely with us and support the company’s growth alongside their own, on all platforms, and in all media.”

* Carter said that she and Nordholm would be available to them today if they had any questions.

* She thanks the wrestlers and staff for their patience and support, saying that, “Over the years, we have built TNA and Impact Wrestling to be a very successful, global brand. You should all be excited for its future and be more determined than ever to work diligently to take the company to the next level.”

* TNA talent received their paychecks that were due last week, this week.

ORIGINAL: Anthem Sports & Entertainment Corp. and Impact Ventures (the parent company of TNA iMPACT! Wrestling) announced today that Anthem has provided a credit facility to TNA to fund operations. Anthem Sports & Entertainment Corp. operates Fight Network, iMPACT! Wrestling’s exclusive broadcaster in Canada, as well as the exclusive worldwide digital streaming partner for all TNA programming. They are also an equity stakeholder in iMPACT! Ventures.

Anthem Executive Vice President Ed Nordholm has been appointed to the Impact Ventures Board of Managers ; the company will be managed by the Board with Mr. Nordholm representing the Board on all major operating and restructuring decisions. Dixie Carter will continue as Chair of the Company, as well as her position on the Board of Managers. Billy Corgan is no longer with the company. Here are comments from Dixie Carter and Leonard Asper, CEO of Anthem…

Dixie Carter: “We have had a successful, long-term partnership with Fight Network as our Canadian broadcaster, and more recently as our global digital partner. Anthem’s team has extensive media experience, and I am excited to have that available to us as we plan for the future.”

Leonard Asper, CEO of Anthem: “We have consistently maintained that investing in content as we grow our distribution is important as a strategic necessity, and working more closely with a strong brand like TNA is in line with that. This financing is an extension of the support we have been providing since the beginning of the year. There are tremendous opportunities to support the company’s growth on all platforms and in all media along side Dixie and the incredible talent and staff at TNA.”

BREAKING NEWS: POP TV Cancels TNA iMPACT! Wrestling – UPDATED THURSDAY NIGHT at 9:15EST!! (>>) …….