TNA issues the following press release on Wednesday to promote the Impact Wrestling television show's move to airing live at 7:00 p.m. CT on Spike TV.

TNA IMPACT WRESTLING announced today that the highly-rated weekly series will be making changes to its programming to include a hybrid of reality and explosive action each Thursday, live on SPIKE TV at 8:00pm/ ET.  The reality elements and production technique represent the most significant evolution in this genre in more than 15 years. 
 
“We took a step back to look at our product with fresh eyes,” says TNA IMPACT WRESTLING President Dixie Carter. “People watch TV differently today than before, and the wrestling format itself has become stale.  What happens backstage, in the office and on the road is so entertaining that we decided it was time to pull the curtain way back and give viewers a peek at that world as well. Over the next few weeks and months, viewers will continue to see our show evolve as we expose more real aspects of our business that have always been sacred,” she continued.  
 
This announcement is a key component in the continued growth of the TNA IMPACT WRESTLING brand that is bringing game-changing programming to the world of professional wrestling.  Cameras will be everywhere. Meetings will be shot in real time and unscripted as we capture moments; not produced segments. Access to conversations and vantage points that have never been seen before, such as production meetings, talent evaluations and post match critiques, will be revealed. Combined with an emphasis on story structure, long term character and story development, these changes will help IMPACT WRESTLING pioneer the next generation of wrestling entertainment programming. 

Going live allows IMPACT WRESTLING a deeper connection with our audience via social media.  Starting with the May 31st broadcast, IMPACT WRESTLING will be the most socially interactive television program in the history of professional wrestling. Viewers will have a variety of unique opportunities to participate and influence certain elements of the program through various social media platforms. Also, backstage will take center stage, as fans will have access to live interviews being conducted featured on www.impactwrestling.com.

Powell's POV: I don't want to read too much into this simply because TNA created a buzz amongst online fans with its "Wrestling Matters" campaign and nothing really changed. I've enjoyed the current direction of Impact. I've enjoyed the concept of Open Fight Night and I think the Gut Check has potential. I'm curious to see how much actually changes or if this is more about garnering publicity for the live shows and time slot change. We may learn more today, as Dixie Carter is hosting a media conference call at the top of the hour.

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