Ray's UK Rating's Report: Week Ending September 4th 2011

Courtesy of the Broadcaster's Audience Research Board (BARB) here are the UK TV ratings for wrestling programming that ranked in the top 10's for their respective channels on the week ending September 4th 2011:

1	TNA PRESENTS IMPACT WRESTLING (Sun, Challenge , 2102)	180,000
2	WWE LATE NIGHT RAW – LIVE (Mon, Sky Sports 3, 2600)	153,000
3	WWE LATE NIGHT SMACKDOWN (Fri, Sky Sports 4, 2200)	72,000
4	TNA XPLOSION (Wed, Challenge, 2200)	Under 119,000
5	WWE LATE NIGHT SUPERSTARS (Sat, Sky Sports 4, 2301)	38,000
6	WWE LATE NIGHT BOTTOM LINE (Mon, Sky Sports 3, 2202)	35,000

Despite a drop from last week, it's another impressive showing from IMPACT Wrestling on Challenge as it remains the most watched wrestling show in the UK and Ireland. The show garnered 180,000 viewers (down 14,000 viewers from last week) for the Sunday September 4th episode (Originally aired Thursday Sep 1st on Spike in the USA) which saw IMPACT Wrestling on the road in Huntsville, AL and a show headlined by a huge Sting vs. Kurt Angle World Heavyweight Title match.

WWE RAW rebounded from last weeks big viewership drop, drawing 153,000 viewers (up 52,000 viewers from last week) for it's Monday August 29th "RAW Supershow" episode which featured John Cena & Sheamus vs. Christian and Mark Henry as well as the revelation that Triple H would face CM Punk at the Night of Champions PPV.

WWE's other flagship show, Smackdown, garnered 72,000 viewers (down 25,000 viewers from last week) for the Friday September 2nd edition which was headlined by a Randy Orton vs. Christian Steel Cage match for the World Heavyweight Title.

Here's how the total's look for the year to date since IMPACT's return to UK Television on Challenge:

Weekly Ratings Wins so far (2011)*:
IMPACT Wrestling – 26
WWE RAW – 2
WWE Smackdown – 2

*Based on first showing viewing figures, not inclusive of +1 or replay figures.

Ray's UK Rating's Report: Week Ending August 28th 2011

Courtesy of the Broadcaster's Audience Research Board (BARB) here are the UK TV ratings for wrestling programming that ranked in the top 10's for their respective channels on the week ending August 28th 2011:

1	TNA PRESENTS IMPACT WRESTLING (Tue, Challenge , 2200)	209,000
2	TNA PRESENTS IMPACT WRESTLING (Sun, Challenge , 2100)	194,000
3	WWE LATE NIGHT RAW – LIVE (Mon, Sky Sports 3, 2600)	101,000
4	WWE LATE NIGHT SMACKDOWN (Fri, Sky Sports 2, 2100)	97,000
5	TNA XPLOSION (Wed, Challenge, 2200)	Under 160,000
6	WWE AFTERBURN (Wed, Sky Sports 4, 1800)	19,000

Despite a drop from last week, it's another impressive showing from IMPACT Wrestling on Challenge as it not only remains the most watched wrestling show in the UK and Ireland but garners more viewers this week than WWE RAW and Smackdown combined! The show garnered 209,000 viewers (down 9,000 viewers from last week) for the Tuesday August 23rd episode (Originally aired Thursday Aug 18th on Spike in the USA) headlined by Mexican America's World Tag-Team title victory over Beer Money.

IMPACT Wrestling also debuted in it's new Sunday night at 9pm slot with the Sunday August 28th episode (Originally aired Thursday Aug 25th on Spike in the USA) headlined by a hotly anticipated Crimson vs. Kurt Angle main event. The show garnered 197,000 viewers on the night, which despite being down is a very impressive showing given the move to a new timeslot which naturally usually sees a slight drop in viewership initially.

WWE RAW drew 101,000 viewers (down a whopping 35,000 viewers from last week) for it's Monday August 22nd episode which featured John Cena defeating CM Punk to become Number 1 contender in the main event.

WWE's other flagship show, Smackdown, garnered 97,000 viewers (down 23,000 viewers from last week) for the Friday August 26th edition which saw Bret Hart as GM for the night and Sheamus defeat Mark Henry in the main event.

Here's how the total's look for the year to date since IMPACT's return to UK Television on Challenge:

Weekly Ratings Wins so far (2011)*:
IMPACT Wrestling – 25
WWE RAW – 2
WWE Smackdown – 2

*Based on first showing viewing figures, not inclusive of +1 or replay figures.

Ray's 'Rasslin' Rankings: As of September 6th 2011

This article was originally published at 1Wrestling.com, you can view the original piece by clicking here.

Each week 1Wrestling.com’s resident rankings expert, Ray Mullan, will be scouting the major North American wrestling promotions in order to bring you an in-depth rankings report for the top championships in Pro Wrestling. Following a Super edition of Smackdown, a thrilling IMPACT Wrestling on the Road and a very exciting RAW, find out where all your favourite wrestlers rank this week...

Thoughts on IMPACT Wrestling: Aired Sep 1st (USA) / Sep 4th (UK) 2011

Photo Courtesy ImpactWrestling.com

What a difference a live crowd makes huh? Credit to the Huntsville crowd who were loud all night. The show, the very impressive set and the crowd moise made TNA look big time. It was also interesting to gauge the crowd reactions for many of the roster in comparison with the IMPACT Zone. By and large the crowd reactions were as desired by creative, with Hogan and Angle getting roundly booed as opposed to the mixture of boo's and cheer's in the IMPACT Zone where some fans let their respect for Kurt Angle's abilities get in the way of booing him, which as a Heel at the moment is what I'm assuming he'd like to be hearing.

Ray's UK Rating's Report: Week Ending August 21st 2011

Courtesy of the Broadcaster's Audience Research Board (BARB) here are the UK TV ratings for wrestling programming that ranked in the top 10's for their respective channels on the week ending August 21st 2011:

1	TNA PRESENTS IMPACT WRESTLING (Tue, Challenge , 2201)	218,000
2	WWE LATE NIGHT RAW – LIVE (Mon, Sky Sport 3, 2600)	136,000
3	WWE LATE NIGHT SMACKDOWN (Fri, Sky Sports 2, 2200)	120,000
4	TNA XPLOSION (Wed, Challenge, 2200)	Under 136,000
5	WWE AFTERBURN (Sun, Sky Sport 3, 1900)	54,000
6	WWE VINTAGE COLLECTION (Sun, Sky Sport 3, 1800)	31,000

Despite a drop from last week, it's another impressive showing from IMPACT Wrestling on Challenge as it remains the most watched wrestling show in the UK and Ireland, a position it has held now for 20 consecutive weeks. The show garnered 218,000 viewers (down 23,000 viewers [9.5%] from last week) for the Tuesday August 16th episode (Originally aired Aug 11th on Spike in the USA) headlined by a four way bout pitting Crimson against Scott Steiner, Gunner and Bully Ray of Immortal and the subsequent post-match attack on Crimson from Kurt Angle.

WWE RAW drew 136,000 viewers (up 7,000 viewers [5.4%] from last week) for it's Monday August 15th episode which featured an Alberto Del Rio vs. Rey Mysterio main event.

WWE's other flagship show, Smackdown, garnered 120,000 viewers (up 19,000 viewers [18.8%] from last week, ending a two week ratings slide.) for the Friday August 12th edition which saw Mark Henry win a 20-Man Battle Royal to become Number 1 contender to the World Title.

Here's how the total's look for the year to date since IMPACT's return to UK Television on Challenge:

Weekly Ratings Wins so far (2011)*:
IMPACT Wrestling – 24
WWE RAW – 2
WWE Smackdown – 2

*Based on first showing viewing figures, not inclusive of +1 or replay figures.

Ray's 'Rasslin' Rankings: As of August 30th 2011

This article was originally published at 1Wrestling.com, you can view the original piece by clicking here.

Each week 1Wrestling.com’s resident rankings expert, Ray Mullan, will be scouting the major North American wrestling promotions in order to bring you an in-depth rankings report for the top championships in Pro Wrestling. Following thrilling episodes of IMPACT Wrestling, Smackdown and RAW, find out where all your favourite wrestlers rank this week...

WWE & TNA News: Original Sin Cara fired?, Foley-WWE, Chavo-TNA, Mysterio Injury Update and More

Photo Courtesy WWE.com

– Mistico (the original Sin Cara) has not been released by WWE. While WWE Developmental Talent Hunicio worked under the hood for TV this week, Mistico worked the gimmick at the house shows. Word is that creative is in a state of confusion, but as of right now, Hunico is Sin Cara going forward.

Ray's 'Rasslin' Rankings: As of August 23rd 2011

This article was originally published at 1Wrestling.com, you can view the original piece by clicking here.

Each week 1Wrestling.com’s resident rankings expert, Ray Mullan, will be scouting the major North American wrestling promotions in order to bring you an in-depth rankings report for the top championships in Pro Wrestling. Following thrilling episodes of IMPACT Wrestling, Smackdown and RAW, find out where all your favourite wrestlers rank this week...

[Spoiler] Jeff Hardy's Return Revealed!

Photo Courtesy IMPACT Wrestling/Lee South Photography

A word of warning, the following article contains spoilers for upcoming episodes of TNA Programming and Pay-Per Views, should you not wish to spoil any surprises I suggest you give this article a miss. Otherwise, read on.

Ray's UK Rating's Report: Week Ending August 14th 2011

Courtesy of the Broadcaster's Audience Research Board (BARB) here are the UK TV ratings for wrestling programming that ranked in the top 10's for their respective channels on the week ending August 14th 2011:

1	TNA PRESENTS IMPACT WRESTLING (Tue, Challenge , 2200)	241,000
2	TNA HARDCORE JUSTICE PPV (Wed, Challenge, 2201)	214,000
3	WWE LATE NIGHT RAW – LIVE (Mon, Sky Sport 3, 2600)	129,000
4	WWE LATE NIGHT SMACKDOWN (Fri, Sky Sports 4, 2233)	101,000
5	TNA XPLOSION (Wed, Challenge, 2200)	Under 177,000
6	WWE EXPERIENCE (Sun, Sky Sports 4, 1730)	25,000

Despite a drop from last week's all time high viewership record, it's another impressive showing from IMPACT Wrestling on Challenge as it not only remains the most watched wrestling show in the UK and Ireland, but once again outdraws the competition with more viewers than WWE Raw and Smackdown COMBINED. The show garnered 241,000 viewers (down 56,000 viewers [18.9%] from last week) for the Tuesday August 9th episode headlined by an RVD/Crimson vs. Scott Steiner/Gunner main event and the contract signing for Kurt Angle vs. Sting at Hardcore Justice.

Speaking of the Pay-Per View, TNA Hardcore Justice, which featured a highly anticipated World Title bout between Sting and Kurt Angle, garnered 214,000 viewers for it's airing on Wednesday the 10th. This was a rise of 34,000 viewers [18.9%] from last months pay-per view, TNA Destination X and up 10,000 viewers from the previous most watched pay-per view - Sacrifice. This means Hardcore Justice becomes the most watched TNA pay-per view event ever broadcast on UK television.

WWE RAW drew 129,000 viewers, equalling last weeks numbers, for it's Monday August 8th episode which featured the CM Punk/John Cena contract signing for their Summerslam bout as well as an R-Truth vs. John Morrison main event.

WWE's other flagship show, Smackdown, garnered 101,000 viewers (down 25,000 viewers [19.8%] from last week and the second consecutive ratings drop for the show.) for the Friday August 12th edition which was headlined by a Randy Orton vs. Great Khali Main Event.

Here's how the total's look for the year to date since IMPACT's return to UK Television on Challenge:

Weekly Ratings Wins so far (2011)*:
IMPACT Wrestling – 23
WWE RAW – 2
WWE Smackdown – 2

*Based on first showing viewing figures, not inclusive of +1 or replay figures.

IMPACT Wrestling celebrates record ratings with move to Sunday nights on Challenge!

In a press release issued today, it has been confirmed that IMPACT Wrestling will now be broadcast on Sunday nights in the UK and Ireland after winning record ratings on Challenge TV.

The show – which features Hulk Hogan, Sting, Kurt Angle, Ric Flair, Rob Van Dam, AJ Styles, Mr. Anderson, the TNA Knockouts and many other huge wrestling stars – will now air every Sunday night at the earlier time of 9:00pm starting this Sunday, August 28.

Thoughts on IMPACT Wrestling: August 18th 2011

Photo Courtesy IMPACTWrestling.com

I thought I would give my two cents regarding the events on this weeks episode of IMPACT Wrestling. Going into the show we were promised a main event calibre match-up between A.J. Styles and Rob Van Dam, a response from Crimson regarding his attack at the hands of Kurt Angle last week, an X-Division Gauntlet, a Tag-Team Title bout between Beer Money and Mexican America and a surprise return. All in all the show was one I couldn't wait to see which was exactly why I caught the Spike TV airing rather than wait for the UK broadcast on Challenge this Tuesday. So a word of warning for my readers in the UK and Ireland, this will be full of spoilers so if you haven't seen the show yet, I'd recommend giving this article a miss until Tuesday night after Impact.

TNA Wrestling confirms Matt Hardy's firing

TNA Wrestling announced Saturday on their official website that Matt Hardy has been released from its roster.

Their statement reads: “TNA today released IMPACT WRESTLING star Matt Hardy from its roster. Hardy was already under suspension from the company.”

His bio was also removed from the website’s roster page.

According to a source, company president Dixie Carter made the decision to terminate Hardy’s contract following his arrest earlier in the day in North Carolina for driving while intoxicated.

Personally, I'm a little disappointed as my son and I are both huge fans of the Hardy's and based on my own experience of meeting them last year, both men are top guys. I was particularly looking forward to a potential face return of the Hardy's and feel there is a ton of great potential storylines there. However I guess this puts an end to all that and probably now means Jeff will return to the WWE down the road. There's no excuse for driving whilst intoxicated, Hardy was already under suspension and TNA have already had enough bad press this year, Dixie was left with no choice and I don't think there's another promoter out there that wouldn't have done the same thing. I should have more on this as it breaks.

TNA IMPACT Wrestling at the San Diego Comic Con

Ray's 'Rasslin' Rankings: As of August 16th 2011

This article was originally published at 1Wrestling.com, you can view the original piece by clicking here.

Each week 1Wrestling.com’s resident rankings expert, Ray Mullan, will be scouting the major North American wrestling promotions in order to bring you an in-depth rankings report for the top championships in Pro Wrestling. Following the thrilling conclusion to Summerslam, find out where all your favourite wrestlers rank this week...

Ray's UK Rating's Report: Week Ending August 7th 2011

Courtesy of the Broadcaster's Audience Research Board (BARB) here are the UK TV ratings for wrestling programming that ranked in the top 10's for their respective channels on the week ending August 7th 2011:

1	TNA PRESENTS IMPACT WRESTLING (Tue, Challenge , 2200)	297,000
2	WWE LATE NIGHT RAW – LIVE (Mon, Sky Sport 3, 2600)	129,000
3	WWE LATE NIGHT SMACKDOWN (Fri, Sky Sports 3, 2216)	126,000
4	TNA XPLOSION (Wed, Challenge, 2200)	Under 160,000
5	WWE EXPERIENCE (Sun, Challenge, 1701)	34,000
6	WWE NXT (Thu, Sky Sports 4, 2400)	28,000
7	WWE BOTTOM LINE  (Sat, Sky Sports 4, 1331)	25,000

It's another impressive showing from IMPACT Wrestling on Challenge as it not only remains the most watched wrestling show in the UK and Ireland, but breaks it's all time viewership record with a whopping 297,000 viewers, breaking the previous record of 282,000 set just two weeks ago. The show garnered 297,000 viewers (Up 63,000 viewers [21.2%] from last week) for the Tuesday August 2nd episode headlined by a superb Kurt Angle vs. Mr. Anderson steel cage match.

WWE RAW drew 129,000 viewers (Down 27,000 viewers [17.3%] from last week 156,000) for it's Monday August 1st episode which featured CM Punk's re-signing with WWE, the announcement of the Undisputed WWE Title match for Summerslam and an Alberto Del Rio vs. Evan Bourne main event.

Both IMPACT Wrestling and RAW remain the most watched shows on their respective channels.

WWE's other flagship show, Smackdown, garnered (Down 2,000 viewers [1.56%] from last week 128,000) 126,000 viewers for the Friday August 5th edition which was headlined by a Randy Orton & John Morrison vs. Christian & R-Truth Main Event.

Here's how the total's look for the year to date since IMPACT's return to UK Television on Challenge:

Weekly Ratings Wins so far (2011)*:
IMPACT Wrestling – 22
WWE RAW – 2
WWE Smackdown – 2

*Based on first showing viewing figures, not inclusive of +1 or replay figures.

Thoughts on IMPACT Wrestling: August 11th 2011

Photo Courtesy ImpactWrestling.com

With Hardcore Justice in the books, many questions remained unanswered regarding the motives of new TNA World Heavyweight Champion Kurt Angle. This week on IMPACT Wrestling, we found out exactly why Kurt did it and just what's in store for TNA going forward. For my UK & Ireland based readers, this review covers the episode of IMPACT Wrestling that aired in the United States on Thursday but is not set to air on Challenge TV until Tuesday 16th August, so if you wish to avoid any spoilers look away now, otherwise read on!

Vince Russo and Hulk Hogan involved in heated argument

Photo Courtesy IMPACTWrestling.com

According to ProWrestling.net, TNA Head Writer Vince Russo and Hulk Hogan engaged in a heated argument last Sunday at Hardcore Justice regarding the finish to the World Heavyweight Championship Match between Sting and Kurt Angle. Hogan later grumbled to colleagues that Russo doesn’t know anything because he was never a wrestler.

The two former World Heavyweight Champions made up at the following day’s iMPACT! Wrestling tapings. There was, however, noticeable tension among the organization’s high ranking officials in the days that followed. Several employees feel it did more damage to a locker room already low in morale.

There has also been internal complaints regarding Eric Bischoff as many wrestlers feel he’s arrogant and snobbish. His criticisms over in-ring performances fall on deaf ears because some wrestlers don’t respect his opinion regarding their craft. An Eight-Man X Division Gauntlet Match that was originally taped on Tuesday was re-shot the following day because Bischoff didn’t like it.

Ray's UK Rating's Report: Week Ending July 31st 2011

Courtesy of the Broadcaster's Audience Research Board (BARB) here are the UK TV ratings for wrestling programming that ranked in the top 10's for their respective channels on the week ending July 31st 2011:

1	TNA PRESENTS IMPACT WRESTLING (Tue, Challenge , 2202)	234,000
2	WWE LATE NIGHT RAW – LIVE (Mon, Sky Sport 3, 2600)	156,000
3	WWE LATE NIGHT SMACKDOWN (Fri, Sky Sports 2, 2201)	128,000
4	TNA PRESENTS IMPACT WRESTLING (Sat, Challenge, 2100)	122,000
5	TNA XPLOSION (Wed, Challenge, 2200)	Under 122,000
6	WWE BOTTOM LINE (Sat, Sky Sports 3, 1200)	53,000
7	WWE SUPERSTARS (Sat, Sky Sports 4, 2200)	15,000

Despite being down from it's all time high viewership record last week (282,000 viewers), it's IMPACT Wrestling on Challenge that remains the most watched wrestling show in the UK and Ireland. The show garnered 234,000 viewers for the Tuesday July 26th episode headlined by a Sting & Kurt Angle vs. Mr. Anderson & Bully Ray Tag-Team bout.

WWE RAW drew 156,000 viewers for it's Monday July 25th episode which featured a John Cena vs. Rey Mysterio Main Event and the highly anticipated return of CM Punk. There were no figures released last week for the Sky Sports channels so I am unable to determine whether or not this was a rise in viewership but the number does seem larger than RAW's usual numbers so I would suspect this was a rise in viewers this week, sparked largely by the interest of CM Punk's impending return and Triple H's first complete RAW as COO.

Both IMPACT Wrestling and RAW remain the most watched shows on their respective channels.

WWE's other flagship show, Smackdown, garnered 128,000 viewers for it's Friday July 29th edition which was headlined by a Randy Orton vs. R-Truth Main Event.

Here's how the total's look for the year to date since IMPACT's return to UK Television on Challenge:

Weekly Ratings Wins so far (2011)*:
IMPACT Wrestling – 21
WWE RAW – 2
WWE Smackdown – 2

*Based on first showing viewing figures, not inclusive of +1 or replay figures.

Ray's 'Rasslin' Rankings: As of August 9th 2011

This article was originally published at 1Wrestling.com, you can view the original piece by clicking here.

Each week 1Wrestling.com’s resident rankings expert, Ray Mullan, will be scouting the major North American wrestling promotions in order to bring you an in-depth rankings report for the top championships in Pro Wrestling. After a thrilling conclusion to TNA Hardcore Justice and as we approach WWE Summerslam this Sunday, find out where your favourite wrestlers have ranked this week…