In a move that could once again shift the landscape of professional wrestling, Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling is reportedly considering a seismic shift in its programming schedule.1 As part of ongoing media rights discussions, TNA is contemplating a move to Wednesday nights, a move that would place it in direct competition with All Elite Wrestling's (AEW) flagship show, "Dynamite."2 This potential move is not just a simple scheduling change; it's a strategic maneuver that carries with it the undertones of a larger power play, with speculation swirling about the involvement of WWE in this decision.
The news, initially reported by Sports Illustrated, suggests that TNA is in deep discussions with several platforms, with The CW and A&E emerging as potential suitors.3 The CW, which currently airs WWE's developmental brand NXT, is of particular interest.4 Sources indicate that The CW has a legitimate interest in TNA, and that some influential figures within WWE are supportive of TNA making the move to their network partner.5 While TNA President Carlos Silva has remained tight-lipped, not denying the rumors, he has stated that any decision made will be in the "best interests" of TNA, rather than a direct act of competition.6
However, this potential move is being viewed by many within the wrestling community as the latest chapter in WWE's ongoing efforts to counter-program and stifle the growth of AEW. This is not the first time WWE has made a strategic move to compete directly with AEW. When AEW launched "Dynamite" on Wednesday nights in 2019, WWE responded by moving its NXT brand from the WWE Network to the USA Network, airing live in the same time slot.7 This period, dubbed the "Wednesday Night War," saw both promotions vie for viewership in a head-to-head battle. Ultimately, NXT moved to Tuesday nights, a move that was seen by many as a concession to AEW's consistent ratings victories in the key demographics.8
Beyond the "Wednesday Night War," WWE has continued to employ counter-programming tactics.9 The company has scheduled its Premium Live Events (PLEs) on the same day as major AEW pay-per-views.10 For instance, NXT's "Great American Bash" was scheduled to run concurrently with AEW's "All In," one of AEW's biggest shows of the year.11 In another instance, a main roster WWE PLE was scheduled for the same day as AEW's "All Out."12 There are also reports of WWE considering a major event, possibly featuring John Cena, to counter-program AEW's "Worlds End" pay-per-view.13
The motivation behind these moves, according to industry observers, is to disrupt AEW's momentum and potentially impact their next television rights deal. By creating a more competitive landscape and presenting an alternative for wrestling fans, the thinking goes, WWE can potentially devalue AEW's product in the eyes of television executives. The potential move of TNA to Wednesday nights, especially with the rumored backing of WWE, is seen as a continuation of this strategy, a proxy war in the ongoing battle for supremacy in the world of professional wrestling. Whether this move will ultimately benefit TNA and what the ramifications will be for the wrestling industry as a whole remains to be seen.