By Jason Powell

TNA is scheduled to run three shows at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City this summer. A source with knowledge of the situation tells Prowrestling.net that TNA is paying $300,000 total to the Hammerstein for building rental and production work. The TNA shows are slated to take place in June, July, and August. A message left with a member of the Hammerstein Ballroom management team was not returned before this story was published.

Powell's POV: One source theorized that this is a desperation move to impress Spike TV, which is located in New York, as the two sides have yet to reach a new television agreement. However, it is unclear whether Spike TV is paying a portion of the bill or if this is being funded entirely by TNA, yet it is believed that TNA management negotiated the deal with the Hammerstein Ballroom.

I can only imagine that this will be a controversial move in the TNA locker room. I'm sure it will be positioned as the company spending money to make money in a big market, but that might be a tough sell to the wrestlers who have taken pay cuts in recent months. If nothing else, this may help explain why New York native Bully Ray is now cast as a top babyface.

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