The Early TNA Lockdown PPV Buyrate + SpikeTV’s New Strategy

— This month’s TNA LockDown pay-per-view drew approximately 17,000 pay-per-view buys. This is around the same as last year’s show – which isn’t a great sign, considering TNA’s new quarterly PPV format and the show featuring the big payoff of Bully Ray joining Aces & Eights.

— TNA’s broadcasting partner Spike TV is reportedly planning a shift in programming strategy. According to the report, the Viacom-owned network is attempting to bounce back from lower ratings last year via transitioning toward a “general entertainment” programming focus instead of targeting exclusively toward males. The network is also considering changing its name.

Spike’s Jeff Lucas said of the potential name change, “As we transition from mostly reality to the scripted side, we’re looking at that. It takes a lot to change the name of a network. If we don’t have to change it, we won’t. But if we do, we will. We’re going to make it successful one way or the other.”

iMPACT! was not mentioned in the article but is likely to remain relatively safe, as Spike will continue to air male-oriented programming; Bellator MMA was specifically named in that respect.

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