According to multiple sources, Impact Wrestling attempting to switch channels from Pursuit to AXS TV was not the entire story. Anthem, the parent company of Impact Wrestling, has been attempting to purchase AXS TV to add to their footprint in the United States.
PWInsider reports that Anthem has been negotiating a purchase of AXS TV for the past three months and were hoping to have it finalized by early July. Impact was planning on the Monday after Slammiversary that they were moving, but the timeline didn’t work out. The announcement of an expanded partnership with Twitch was largely viewed as saving face.
It should be noted that if Impact came to AXS TV, it would not have changed WOW and NJPW’s status with the channel.
Talks are still active between Anthem and AXS TV as of this week. If this deal does not work out, Anthem may pursue another channel and that is where Impact would ultimately wind up.