So, you’re curious about Impact Wrestling, huh? You’ve heard the name, maybe caught a glimpse of a match, and now you’re wondering: is Impact Wrestling good? Well, you’ve come to the right place. As a long-time wrestling enthusiast, I’ve followed Impact (formerly TNA) through its ups and downs, its reinventions, and its moments of pure brilliance. It’s a promotion with a rich history, a loyal fanbase, and a unique approach to professional wrestling.
Impact Wrestling has often been overshadowed by the behemoths of the industry, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth your time. In fact, it often means it’s more worth your time. They’re not afraid to take risks, try new things, and put on matches that you won’t see anywhere else. This article will break down everything you need to know, from the in-ring action to the behind-the-scenes aspects, helping you decide if Impact Wrestling is the right wrestling promotion for you.
Get ready to explore the world of Impact Wrestling. We’ll examine its strengths, its weaknesses, and what makes it a compelling alternative in the ever-evolving landscape of professional wrestling. Let’s get started!
The History of Impact Wrestling
To understand where Impact Wrestling is today, you have to understand where it came from. The promotion was founded in 2002 by Jeff Jarrett and his father, Jerry Jarrett, under the name Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). The original concept was to provide an alternative to WWE, with a focus on a six-sided ring, a more athletic style of wrestling, and a roster of talent that wasn’t necessarily tied to the established wrestling giants.
Early Years and the Six-Sided Ring
TNA quickly established itself with the six-sided ring, a unique feature that set it apart from other promotions. This change encouraged a more fast-paced style, with wrestlers utilizing the unique angles and positioning to their advantage. The early years saw the rise of stars like AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, and Christopher Daniels, who became synonymous with the TNA brand. They delivered incredible matches that garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated following.
The promotion’s early pay-per-views, held weekly, were a breeding ground for innovative matches and storylines. TNA also established a relationship with the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), using their World Heavyweight Championship and World Tag Team Championship in the early days. This helped give the promotion credibility and exposure.
The Spike TV Era
In 2005, TNA secured a television deal with Spike TV, which marked a significant turning point. This deal provided the promotion with a broader audience and a more stable financial footing. The move allowed TNA to invest in production values, talent acquisition, and marketing. The show, Impact Wrestling, became a staple on Tuesday nights, bringing the company into many homes.
This was arguably the most successful period for TNA. They were able to compete with WWE’s Raw and SmackDown in the ratings, and they developed a strong roster of talent. The company signed former WWE stars like Kurt Angle, Sting, and Booker T, adding star power and drawing in viewers who might not have otherwise watched the show. Simultaneously, TNA continued to develop its own homegrown talent, which ensured the company’s future.
The Decline and Rebranding
Unfortunately, TNA’s success was not sustainable. Over time, the promotion faced financial difficulties, management changes, and a series of questionable decisions. The quality of the product began to decline, and viewership dropped. The move to different TV networks, including Destination America and Pop TV, further hampered the company’s growth.
In 2017, the promotion underwent a significant rebranding, changing its name to Impact Wrestling. This marked a fresh start, with new ownership and a renewed focus on building a sustainable business model. The company made efforts to reduce costs, focus on its core product, and rebuild its relationship with fans.
The Current State of Impact Wrestling
Today, Impact Wrestling is a revitalized promotion that has learned from its past mistakes. Under the leadership of Scott D’Amore, the company has focused on producing high-quality wrestling and building strong relationships with its talent and fanbase. The current product is a far cry from the often-chaotic product of the past, and the company has been praised for its consistent quality.
The Roster
Impact Wrestling has a diverse and talented roster, featuring a mix of established veterans and up-and-coming stars. They are known for providing opportunities to wrestlers who may not have found success elsewhere. This includes talents from the independent scene and those released by other promotions. Some of the notable names on the roster include:
- Moose: A dominant force and former World Champion.
- Josh Alexander: A highly skilled wrestler and former World Champion.
- The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley): A legendary tag team known for their technical prowess.
- Jordynne Grace: A powerhouse wrestler and former Knockouts Champion.
- Deonna Purrazzo: A technically gifted wrestler and former Knockouts Champion.
- The Good Brothers (Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows): A veteran tag team with extensive experience.
Impact has also been involved in partnerships with other wrestling promotions, such as New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) and All Elite Wrestling (AEW). These partnerships allow for cross-promotional matches and storylines. This provides fans with unique and exciting matchups that they wouldn’t normally see.
In-Ring Action
Impact Wrestling is known for its strong in-ring product. They focus on a blend of styles, including technical wrestling, high-flying maneuvers, and hard-hitting action. The matches are often fast-paced and exciting, with a focus on storytelling and character development. You can expect to see a wide variety of matches, from singles bouts to tag team contests to multi-person matches.
Impact Wrestling has a reputation for showcasing the athleticism of its wrestlers. They tend to give their performers more freedom to express themselves in the ring, resulting in creative and memorable matches. The company also pays attention to the details of the matches. They want their matches to be exciting and well-executed, with a focus on safety and storytelling.
Storylines and Character Development
Impact Wrestling places a strong emphasis on storytelling and character development. They often create long-term storylines that span months, even years. This allows fans to become invested in the characters and their journeys. The company also takes the time to build up its characters and give them depth. This is done through promos, backstage segments, and in-ring performances. (See Also: How Is Wrestling Staged )
The company often features complex characters with compelling motivations. This helps to create a deeper connection between the wrestlers and the audience. They are not afraid to take risks and try new things with their storylines. This helps to keep the product fresh and exciting.
Production Values and Presentation
Impact Wrestling has improved its production values over the years. They have invested in better lighting, sound, and camera work. This helps to create a more professional and polished presentation. The company also pays attention to the details of its presentation. This includes the entrance music, the graphics, and the commentary.
Impact Wrestling has been praised for its commitment to high-quality production values. They strive to provide a visually appealing product that enhances the viewing experience. They understand that the presentation of the show is just as important as the in-ring action.
Television and Streaming
Impact Wrestling’s flagship show, Impact!, airs on AXS TV in the United States. The show also streams on Impact’s streaming service, Impact Plus. Impact Plus offers a vast library of content, including past episodes of Impact!, pay-per-views, and exclusive content. The show is also available internationally on various platforms.
Impact Wrestling’s accessibility is a major plus. With multiple ways to watch the show, it’s easy for fans to stay up-to-date with the latest happenings. The streaming service offers a cost-effective way to watch a vast amount of content, including classic matches and behind-the-scenes footage.
Key Strengths of Impact Wrestling
Impact Wrestling has several strengths that make it a compelling promotion to watch. These strengths set it apart from other companies and contribute to its appeal.
Emphasis on Wrestling Quality
Impact Wrestling prioritizes in-ring quality. They consistently deliver exciting and well-worked matches. This focus on wrestling excellence is a major draw for fans who appreciate technical skill and athleticism.
The company cultivates a roster of talented wrestlers who are given the opportunity to showcase their abilities. They focus on delivering a variety of wrestling styles to cater to different tastes. Impact Wrestling’s commitment to quality matches helps to build a loyal fanbase.
Strong Character Work and Storytelling
Impact Wrestling excels at character development and storytelling. They create compelling characters with engaging storylines that keep fans invested. This focus on narrative depth helps to make the matches and feuds more meaningful.
The company takes the time to build up its characters and their motivations. This is achieved through a combination of promos, backstage segments, and in-ring performances. They are not afraid to take risks and try new things with their storylines, which keeps the product fresh and exciting.
Commitment to Women’s Wrestling
Impact Wrestling has a strong commitment to women’s wrestling. The Knockouts division has consistently featured some of the best female wrestlers in the world. They are given ample opportunities to shine and showcase their talent.
The Knockouts division has a rich history of great matches and memorable characters. Impact Wrestling has given women’s wrestling a prominent place on its cards. This has helped to elevate the profile of women’s wrestling and inspire aspiring female wrestlers.
Good Value for Money
Impact Wrestling offers good value for money. The promotion’s pay-per-views and streaming service are reasonably priced. This makes it accessible to a wide range of fans.
The streaming service provides access to a vast library of content, including past episodes of Impact! and pay-per-views. This makes it a great option for fans who want to catch up on the promotion’s history or watch exclusive content.
Potential Weaknesses of Impact Wrestling
While Impact Wrestling has many strengths, it also has some weaknesses that potential viewers should be aware of. These weaknesses do not necessarily detract from the overall quality of the product, but they are worth considering. (See Also: Is Carmella Coming Back To Wrestling )
Lower Production Budget
Compared to WWE and AEW, Impact Wrestling has a lower production budget. This can sometimes be noticeable in the quality of the set design, lighting, and camera work. This can impact the visual presentation of the show.
Impact Wrestling has made significant improvements to its production values over the years. However, it still has a ways to go to match the production quality of the larger promotions. They are working with limited resources. This can sometimes affect the overall presentation.
Smaller Audience
Impact Wrestling has a smaller audience than WWE and AEW. This means that the promotion may not have the same level of exposure or financial resources. This can impact the company’s ability to attract top talent and invest in its product.
The smaller audience can be a disadvantage for Impact Wrestling. However, it also allows the promotion to focus on building a loyal fanbase. The company can also provide more opportunities for its wrestlers to shine.
Inconsistency in the Past
Impact Wrestling has had a history of inconsistency. The promotion has gone through periods of both high and low quality. This has made it difficult for some fans to trust the company.
Impact Wrestling has learned from its past mistakes and has made significant improvements in recent years. However, the history of inconsistency can still be a concern for some viewers. The company needs to continue to deliver a consistent product to maintain its fanbase.
Comparing Impact Wrestling to Other Promotions
To fully understand Impact Wrestling, it’s helpful to compare it to other wrestling promotions, such as WWE and All Elite Wrestling (AEW). This comparison will highlight the unique aspects of Impact Wrestling and help you determine if it is the right promotion for you.
Impact Wrestling vs. Wwe
WWE is the undisputed leader in professional wrestling. They have a massive budget, a global reach, and a roster of the biggest stars in the industry. WWE’s shows are known for their high production values, their mainstream appeal, and their long-term storytelling. However, some fans find WWE’s product to be formulaic and predictable.
Impact Wrestling offers a more alternative product. They focus on in-ring quality, character development, and a more diverse range of wrestling styles. Impact Wrestling is a good option for fans who want something different from WWE and appreciate a more independent feel.
| Feature | WWE | Impact Wrestling |
|---|---|---|
| Production Value | High | Moderate |
| Roster Size | Large | Moderate |
| Mainstream Appeal | High | Moderate |
| Storytelling | Long-term, sometimes predictable | Focus on character development, often more creative |
| In-Ring Quality | Varies | Generally high |
Impact Wrestling vs. All Elite Wrestling (aew)
AEW is a newer promotion that has quickly become a major player in the wrestling world. They are known for their strong roster of talent, their focus on in-ring quality, and their willingness to push the boundaries of professional wrestling. AEW’s shows are often praised for their exciting matches and their innovative storytelling.
Impact Wrestling offers a more established product with a long history and a loyal fanbase. They focus on in-ring quality, character development, and a more diverse range of wrestling styles. Impact Wrestling is a good option for fans who want a promotion with a rich history and a unique approach to wrestling.
| Feature | AEW | Impact Wrestling |
|---|---|---|
| Roster Size | Large | Moderate |
| In-Ring Quality | High | High |
| Storytelling | Often innovative, sometimes inconsistent | Focus on character development, consistent quality |
| Production Value | High | Moderate |
| History | Newer promotion | Established promotion |
How to Watch Impact Wrestling
Watching Impact Wrestling is relatively easy. There are several ways to catch the action, depending on your preferences and location.
Television
The primary way to watch Impact Wrestling is on television. In the United States, Impact! airs on AXS TV every Thursday night. Check your local listings for the exact time. For international viewers, the availability of Impact! varies depending on the region. Check your local TV listings or the Impact Wrestling website for details.
Streaming
Impact Wrestling has its own streaming service called Impact Plus. Impact Plus offers a vast library of content, including past episodes of Impact!, pay-per-views, and exclusive content. This is a great option for fans who want to catch up on the promotion’s history or watch exclusive content. You can subscribe to Impact Plus on their website or through various streaming platforms.
Social Media and YouTube
Impact Wrestling is active on social media and YouTube. They regularly post clips, highlights, and behind-the-scenes content on their official channels. This is a good way to stay up-to-date with the latest news and developments in the promotion. You can find Impact Wrestling on platforms such as YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook. (See Also: Are Wrestling Briefs Like Speedos )
Pay-Per-View
Impact Wrestling offers pay-per-view events throughout the year. These events typically feature the biggest matches and storylines in the promotion. You can purchase these events through various providers, including FITE TV and Impact Plus. Pay-per-views are a great way to experience the most exciting matches and storylines that Impact Wrestling has to offer.
Is Impact Wrestling Right for You?
Deciding whether Impact Wrestling is right for you depends on your preferences as a wrestling fan. Consider these factors when making your decision:
- If you value in-ring quality: Impact Wrestling consistently delivers high-quality matches. If you appreciate technical skill, athleticism, and a variety of wrestling styles, Impact Wrestling is a good option.
- If you enjoy character-driven storytelling: Impact Wrestling focuses on building compelling characters and storylines. If you enjoy getting invested in the wrestlers and their journeys, Impact Wrestling is a good option.
- If you want something different from WWE: Impact Wrestling offers a more alternative product. They are not afraid to take risks and try new things. If you are looking for a wrestling promotion that is different from WWE, Impact Wrestling is a good option.
- If you are looking for a good value for money: Impact Wrestling offers its pay-per-views and its streaming service at a reasonable cost. If you are looking for an affordable way to watch professional wrestling, Impact Wrestling is a good option.
- If you want to support a promotion that gives opportunities: Impact Wrestling is known for giving opportunities to wrestlers who may not have found success elsewhere. If you want to support a promotion that provides opportunities for up-and-coming talent, Impact Wrestling is a good option.
Ultimately, the best way to determine if Impact Wrestling is right for you is to watch a few episodes and see if you enjoy it. You can start by watching the free content on YouTube or by subscribing to Impact Plus. Give it a try, and see if it’s the right fit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Impact Wrestling
Here are some of the most common questions about Impact Wrestling.
What Is Impact Wrestling?
Impact Wrestling is a professional wrestling promotion. They produce weekly television shows, pay-per-view events, and other content. Impact Wrestling is known for its in-ring quality, character development, and its commitment to women’s wrestling.
Where Can I Watch Impact Wrestling?
You can watch Impact Wrestling on AXS TV in the United States and on various international platforms. You can also stream Impact Wrestling on their streaming service, Impact Plus. They also have a strong presence on social media.
Who Are Some of the Top Wrestlers in Impact Wrestling?
Some of the top wrestlers in Impact Wrestling include Moose, Josh Alexander, the Motor City Machine Guns, Jordynne Grace, and Deonna Purrazzo.
What Is Impact Plus?
Impact Plus is Impact Wrestling’s streaming service. It offers a vast library of content, including past episodes of Impact!, pay-per-views, and exclusive content.
Is Impact Wrestling Worth Watching?
Whether Impact Wrestling is worth watching depends on your personal preferences. The company offers a high-quality product with strong in-ring action, compelling storylines, and a commitment to women’s wrestling. If you are looking for an alternative to WWE, Impact Wrestling is definitely worth checking out.
The Future of Impact Wrestling
Impact Wrestling has experienced a resurgence in recent years. The company has made significant improvements in its product, its presentation, and its business practices. The future of Impact Wrestling looks bright, and the company has the potential to continue to grow and thrive.
Impact Wrestling is focused on building a sustainable business model and building a strong relationship with its fans. They are also committed to providing opportunities for new and up-and-coming talent. The company is poised to continue to deliver high-quality wrestling and entertaining storylines.
The company is constantly evolving and adapting to the changing landscape of professional wrestling. The future of Impact Wrestling is bright. They are well-positioned to continue to deliver high-quality wrestling and entertaining storylines for years to come.
Verdict
So, is Impact Wrestling good? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It’s more nuanced than that. Impact Wrestling offers a compelling alternative to the more mainstream wrestling promotions. It has a dedicated fanbase, a commitment to in-ring quality, and a focus on character-driven storytelling.
While it may not have the same level of resources or exposure as WWE or AEW, Impact Wrestling has carved out its own niche in the wrestling world. It’s a promotion that’s worth checking out if you’re looking for something different, something fresh, and something that celebrates the art of professional wrestling.
If you’re looking for a wrestling promotion that consistently delivers exciting matches, compelling storylines, and a commitment to showcasing a diverse roster, then Impact Wrestling is definitely worth your time. Give it a try, and see if you agree. You might just find yourself hooked.
