The following was issued by TNA on Thursday.
TNA ENHANCES EUROPEAN SUCCESS BY SIGNING MULTI-YEAR FRENCH TV DEAL WITH MCS
TNA IMPACT WRESTLING today announces a new multi-year tie-up with leading French TV channel Ma Chaine Sport (MCS).
MCS has been the home of TNA in France since September 2010 and will continue to broadcast TNA IMPACT WRESTLING every Friday night at 9pm, with repeat showings each Sunday and Wednesday afternoon.
The channel will also air TNA’s monthly One Night Only and PPV events, including Lockdown, Slammiversary and Bound For Glory.
TNA and MCS made history earlier this year at Slammiversary XI when French commentators Célian Varini and Grégory Deas became the first ever announce team from the country to call the action live at an American wrestling event.
Célian, who has been the voice of TNA in France for the last 10 years, said: “A lot of people are saying that wrestling’s popularity follows a cycle… but that couldn’t be further from the truth in France with TNA.
“The MCS/TNA relationship has proved a great success over the last three years and we’re glad to confirm that it’s going to continue for the long haul.
“We made history in 2013 and can’t wait to make even more in 2014 and beyond – and prove that France has the most committed wrestling fans in the entire world.”
MCS is now in 25 per cent more homes than when TNA first started on the channel and also broadcasts a string of other popular sporting events from France, Europe and America.
This new deal further enhances the success of TNA all around Europe.
TNA IMPACT WRESTLING is currently the No1 rated weekly wrestling programme in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The show also airs in more than 120 other countries, including Portugal where TNA recently announced a tie-up with the country’s leading sports broadcaster, SPORT TV.
TNA Executive Vice President Andy Barton said: “This last year has been a very strong one for TNA IMPACT WRESTLING in Europe.
“France is a key growth market for TNA and we’re delighted to be renewing our relationship with MCS, so that all our French fans can continue to watch the very best in professional wrestling each and every week.”