Backstage Notes on Talent Reactions to TNA iMPACT! on AMC Debut

TNA Wrestling recently held its debut episode of iMPACT! on AMC, and reactions were very mixed to negative for the promotion’s inaugural event on its new broadcast home. During the latest Fightful Select Answers Q&A, Sean Ross Sapp provided more insight into the backstage reaction.

According to Sean Ross Sapp, talents were reportedly “very pessimistic and realistic” about how the event came off. The event received criticism for its production values, lack of actual in-ring wrestling, and having only three matches over the course of two hours. Fans were also critical of the appearances of former TNA President Dixie Carter and gossip reporter Perez Hilton.

Sapp also noted that some talents didn’t think the general audience understood the hurdles TNA faced with last week’s show, and that some staff had “some understandable excuses.” As previously reported, work visa issues prevented multiple talents from appearing on the show, including X-Division Champion Leon Slater, who instead appeared on WWE SmackDown in the UK last week.

Sapp does explain that “by and large,” most talents believe the AMC debut “wasn’t a good show,” but some others will make the public claim that the debut was the type of show that TNA “needed” to do.

It was later reported by PWInsider that AMC executives who were present at the event “were very happy with the show.” TNA iMPACT! currently airs on Thursday nights at 9:00 pm ET on AMC.