Source: Jim Varsallone of the Miami Herald

Brian J. Diamond, Spike TV senior vice president, sports and specials, answered some questions concerning TNA Wrestling and its recent moves.

How do you view TNA?

“We’ve been really pleased. If you go way back to the beginning, there’s been a progressive growth that we’ve been really happy with. Certainly, at the beginning of this year, the addition of Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff, coming into the fold, has changed things significantly, and the ratings reflect it, and we’ve been really pleased.”

How did the process start with Hulk Hogan joining the mix?

“[TNA President] Dixie Carter came to us toward the end of last year and said there was an opportunity to bring Hulk into the fold, and we endorsed that a great deal. The end result of that was the announcement at Madison Square Garden with Hulk and Dixie and ourselves. From there, it went to Jan. 4 when Hulk made a big appearance.”

TNA iMPACT went three hours live (8-11 p.m. EST, Spike TV) on Monday, Jan. 4 from Universal Studios Orlando. It marked the first time since the Monday night wars ended that WWE had another program opposite its Monday Night Raw (9-11 p.m. EST, USA Network).

What does it mean to have Hulk Hogan with TNA?

“Over the years, TNA has been very ambitious about not only bringing in stars but also cultivating stars. Samoa Joe, A.J. Styles, Christopher Daniels were guys they were cultivating, and at the same time, they were brining in the Stings, the Kurt Angles, the Mick Foleys of the world.

“Hulk Hogan is a name that transcends wrestling into the pop culture. So adding him to the mix was the icing on the cake. Hulk is an amazing guy. He is revered by wrestling fans and people around the world, and it was an incredible acquisition. We are so proud and excited to have him as part of the team.”

How involved is Spike TV with TNA?

“We work very closely with TNA. Ironically, their base of operation for the television production is in Orlando [Universal Studios], and we happen to have a gentleman who works for us — who actually at one time ran the studios where TNA records. So he’s there all the time when TNA taping is going. We’re very actively involved. It’s a collaborative relationship. We work very closely together on how things are going to play out. Having said that, they’re the experts when it comes to wrestling. They know what works and what doesn’t. In combination with our television expertise, it works really well.”

The difference between live shows and taped?

“The beauty of live is there is an exhilaration factor, and there’s no safety net, and there’s no turning back. I think for anyone either in front of the camera or behind the scenes, that’s a great advantage. The downsides are you have to be on your game, and there is no chance for a second tape.

“When we did Jan. 4, it was amazing to the wrestlers being live. By the same stroke, the taped programming we’ve done with TNA we’ve been very proud and pleased with, but live is something that obviously is a goal that we strive for.”

Preference?

“At the end of the day, it works fine either way. There are a variety of issues that have to be resolved to go live on a regular basis. One of them is cost, and there are some logistics involved, but if we’re getting, using one of our other properties as an example, the Ultimate Fighter is a pre-produced show, and our fight nights are live. At the end of the day, as long as you’re putting out a strong product, it’s fine either way.

Read the rest of this interview (there is a lot more to read) here:

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/other/v-fullstory/story/1477756.html

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