Are you a fan of professional wrestling and wondering who’s behind the scenes at Impact Wrestling? As one of the most recognizable names in the industry, Impact Wrestling has a rich history that spans decades. But have you ever stopped to think about who actually owns this beloved brand?
With a market value estimated to be over $100 million, Impact Wrestling is no small potatoes. So, what’s behind its success, and who’s driving the wheel? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at three essential facts that will give you a better understanding of who owns Impact Wrestling.
- We’ll explore the ownership structure behind the company, including key stakeholders and investors.
- We’ll examine how the company has evolved over time, from its humble beginnings to its current status as a major player in the world of professional wrestling.
- We’ll also take a look at some of the challenges facing Impact Wrestling, and what this means for fans and investors alike.
The Parent Company Behind TNA’s Brand Identity
Anthem Sports & Entertainment (ASE) has been the parent company behind Impact Wrestling since 2017. Prior to ASE, TNA was owned by Dixie Carter and her family through their company, TNA Entertainment.
A Brief Overview of Anthem Sports & Entertainment
Anthem Sports & Entertainment is a Canadian-based sports media company founded in 2000 as FieldLevel Media. The company’s primary focus has been on providing ticketing services for various events, such as the National Lacrosse League (NLL) and Major Series Lacrosse (MSL). Over time, ASE expanded its portfolio to include professional wrestling promotions.
Other Properties and Interests
ASE owns several other properties beyond Impact Wrestling. Some notable ones include:
- AXS TV: A digital cable channel that showcases various events such as mixed martial arts, boxing, and professional wrestling.
- Fight Network: A Canadian sports television channel dedicated primarily to combat sports like MMA, boxing, and kickboxing.
- Game tv: a Canadian gaming network featuring esports, video games, and other related content.
ASE’s acquisition of TNA marked the beginning of its foray into professional wrestling. Since then, ASE has worked diligently to rebrand and revitalize Impact Wrestling as a major player in the industry. This effort includes the implementation of new storylines, promotions of new talent, and a renewed focus on building partnerships within the combat sports sector.
The Parent Company Behind TNA’s Brand Identity As we delve deeper into Anthem Sports & Entertainment’s involvement with professional wrestling, it becomes clear that their experience working with combat sports such as MMA has influenced their approach to managing Impact Wrestling.
Impact Wrestling’s History with Major Companies
The Early Days: TNA (2002-2010)
Impact Wrestling has had a complex history with major companies in the wrestling industry. In its early days as Total Nonstop Action (TNA), the company was founded by Jeff Jarrett and his father, Jerry Jarrett. Dixie Carter, who would later become a key figure in the company’s struggles, also played a significant role in shaping TNA during this period.
Under the leadership of Jeff Jarrett and the creative vision of Dutch Mantell (also known as Brian Knobbs), TNA started to gain momentum with the signing of high-profile talent such as Sting, AJ Styles, and Christopher Daniels. The company’s flagship show, Impact!, was broadcast on Spike TV and quickly gained a loyal fan base.
Dixie Carter Takes the Reins: A Period of Turmoil (2010-2016)
In 2010, Jeff Jarrett stepped down as president of TNA, and Dixie Carter took over. Her tenure would prove to be tumultuous, marked by creative missteps, backstage power struggles, and financial woes. The company’s relationship with its talent was strained, and many wrestlers eventually left or were let go due to a combination of these factors.
During this period, the company underwent significant changes in ownership and management. The Jarretts sold TNA to Anthem Sports & Entertainment (formerly known as TNA Entertainment) in 2017, marking a new chapter for Impact Wrestling.
New Era: Anthem Sports & Entertainment (2017-Present)
Under the guidance of Anthem Sports & Entertainment, Impact Wrestling has experienced a resurgence of sorts. The company has adopted a more open approach to creative storytelling and has begun to rebuild its roster with fresh talent. The rise of stars like Johnny Impact, Taya Valkyrie, and Rich Swann has revitalized fan interest in the brand.
Despite these positive developments, challenges persist for Impact Wrestling. The company continues to face stiff competition from established players in the wrestling industry, such as WWE and All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Nevertheless, with its unique history, creative freedom, and loyal fan base, Impact Wrestling remains a force to be reckoned with in the world of professional wrestling.
Key Takeaways
- Impact Wrestling has had a complex history with major companies in the wrestling industry.
- The company’s early days as TNA were marked by growth and momentum under Jeff Jarrett’s leadership.
- Dixie Carter’s tenure as president was tumultuous, marked by creative missteps, backstage power struggles, and financial woes.
- Under Anthem Sports & Entertainment, Impact Wrestling has experienced a resurgence, adopting a more open approach to creative storytelling and rebuilding its roster with fresh talent.
Who Currently Owns Impact Wrestling and What It Means for Fans
The Acquisition of Impact Wrestling by Anthem Sports & Entertainment
Impact Wrestling, formerly known as Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), has undergone significant changes in ownership over the years. In 2017, Anthem Sports & Entertainment acquired a majority stake in the company, marking a new era for the professional wrestling promotion.
As part of this acquisition, Anthem Sports & Entertainment took control of Impact Wrestling’s creative direction, operations, and overall strategy. This shift in ownership has had a profound impact on the company, leading to changes in its programming, talent roster, and business model.
The Impact of Anthem Sports & Entertainment’s Ownership on Creative Direction
Under Anthem Sports & Entertainment’s ownership, Impact Wrestling has seen a significant change in its creative direction. The company has moved away from its former edgy and irreverent tone, embracing a more family-friendly approach to storytelling and character development.
This shift has been driven by a desire to appeal to a broader audience, including children and families, and to position the brand as a major player in the professional wrestling landscape. As a result, Impact Wrestling’s programming has become more polished and refined, with a greater emphasis on in-ring action and dramatic storytelling.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Anthem Sports & Entertainment’s Ownership
The ownership structure of Anthem Sports & Entertainment has brought both benefits and drawbacks to Impact Wrestling. On the one hand, the company has gained access to significant financial resources, which have enabled it to invest in new talent, programming, and infrastructure.
On the other hand, the increased emphasis on a family-friendly approach has led some fans to feel that the product has become too sanitized and commercialized. Additionally, the shift towards a more polished and refined style of wrestling has alienated some long-time fans who prefer a grittier and more hardcore brand of professional wrestling.
The Future of Impact Wrestling Under Anthem Sports & Entertainment’s Ownership
As Impact Wrestling continues under the ownership of Anthem Sports & Entertainment, it is likely that the company will continue to evolve and adapt to changing market conditions. With its newfound financial resources and commitment to growth, Impact Wrestling is poised to become a major player in the professional wrestling landscape.
However, the path forward will not be without challenges. The company must balance the need to appeal to a broader audience with the desire to maintain its core fan base. As such, it remains to be seen how Impact Wrestling will navigate this delicate balancing act and what implications this will have for fans of the brand.
Who Owns Impact Wrestling?
Impact Wrestling, formerly known as Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), has a rich history in the world of professional wrestling. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a leading promotion, Impact Wrestling has undergone significant changes over the years.
A Brief History of Ownership
- Percy Hynes III and Jeff Jarrett : In 2002, Percy Hynes III and Jeff Jarrett founded TNA, which later became Impact Wrestling. The duo’s vision was to create a professional wrestling promotion that showcased the best talent in the industry.
- Cox Media Group (CMG) : In 2010, Cox Media Group acquired a majority stake in TNA, marking a significant change in ownership. This new partnership brought additional resources and financial backing to the company.
- ** Anthem Sports & Entertainment**: In 2017, Impact Wrestling was sold to Anthem Sports & Entertainment, a Canadian-based company. Anthem’s acquisition marked a new era for the promotion, with a renewed focus on digital media and global expansion.
The Current State of Ownership
Impact Wrestling is currently owned by Anthem Sports & Entertainment. Under this ownership, the promotion has experienced significant growth, including: * Expansion into new markets : Impact Wrestling has increased its presence in international markets, broadcasting shows in over 150 countries worldwide. * Digital media push : Anthem’s acquisition has led to a renewed focus on digital media, with Impact Wrestling investing heavily in online platforms and social media engagement. * Talent signings and creative direction : The company has signed notable talents such as Rich Swann, Eddie Edwards, and Taya Valkyrie, while also revamping its creative direction to appeal to a broader audience.
What This Means for Fans
Impact Wrestling’s ownership changes have had a significant impact on the promotion’s trajectory. For fans, this means: * Increased global reach : With Anthem’s support, Impact Wrestling has expanded its international presence, making it easier for fans worldwide to access and engage with the promotion. * More diverse content : The company’s renewed focus on digital media has led to a wider range of content, including exclusive online shows, podcasts, and social media series.
Future Directions
As Impact Wrestling continues to evolve under Anthem’s ownership, we can expect: * Further expansion into new markets : Building on its current global reach, Impact Wrestling is likely to continue exploring new markets and broadcasting opportunities. * Investment in digital media and technology : The company will likely invest further in digital media and technology, enhancing the fan experience and staying ahead of the curve in an ever-changing industry.
Conclusion
Impact Wrestling’s ownership has undergone significant changes over the years, from its humble beginnings to its current status as a leading professional wrestling promotion. With Anthem Sports & Entertainment at the helm, Impact Wrestling is poised for further growth and expansion into new markets. Fans can expect increased global reach, more diverse content, and a renewed focus on digital media and technology. As the company continues to evolve, one thing is certain: Impact Wrestling remains committed to delivering the best possible experience for its fans worldwide.