If you've watched TNA Wrestling on Challenge TV, you'll know that the promotion knows how to put on an excellent show. Having moved to a new network in the states, TNA was determined to deliver a quality product and so it has. It has long been the case that we UK fans appear to understand and support TNA wrestling with greater vigour than the American fanbase. It is perhaps therefore no surprise that TNA in turn looks to indulge its UK fans and so in January 2016, the company returns with its Maximum Impact 8 tour and will treat us to shows in Manchester, London and Birmingham with tickets onsale from Friday 29 May and available here. In celebration of TNA's return and in advance of our forthcoming interview with Kurt Angle(!!!) we've put together the 5 reasons we think TNA's tour is going to rock.
1)ITS ALL ABOUT THE FANS
TNA have listened. Perhaps the company has followed Drew Galloway's lead but it is clear they have looked at fan feedback and adjusted the tour accordingly. The event timings have changed, the packages have changed (including a special VIP option) and there are set to be giveaways. Early birds also get 25% discounted merchandise from the TNA eurostore. Those of us that have been to TNA shows before have often wondered whether Jeremy Borash's claims to take the loudest backstage are true but this year, TNA have promised this will be the case. We're already practicing....
2)THERE'S NO SHORTAGE OF TALENT
With Kurt Angle, Bobby Lashley, Matt Hardy, Taryn Terrell and EC3 already announced for the tour, its clear TNA won't be leaving the A-listers at home. Those that attended the last TNA Wembley show saw Angle beat Lashley for the world title in a barnstormer of a match. EC3 meanwhile had the best of Rockstar spud in a hair vs hair match that would be a contender for bout of the decade. The fact these stars are returning is very good news.
3)THE X FACTOR
Hidden in TNA's tour announcement, we spotted news that the X-Division will play a part in the UK shows. Last time round it was an Ultimate X match at Wembley but any iteration of X-Division matches is bound to be exciting. This division put TNA on the map and has helped it to stay there. Be it current champion Kenny King, Low Ki, Eric Young, Austin Aries or someone else, you can be guaranteed high risk offence, fast-paced action and hugely entertaining bouts.
4)SURPRISE SURPRISE
On its most recent tour, TNA brought out Drew Galloway, Mickie James returned and we even had the wonderful So Cal Val on announcer duties. Since then we've had Galloway's 'The Rising' team mates enter the fold, the Dollhouse and more. Who knows what TNA has planned for January but its likely to be exciting.
5)THE BEST OF BRITISH
Already confirmed for the tour are Bram, Mandrews and Rockstar Spud. Hopefully Magnus will join them and complete the set. Seeing home grown talent perform on a huge arena is somewhat akin to watching England at home - we'll be full of pride and cheering our countrymen on. Who knows, perhaps some of the previous British Boot Camp contestants might show up too...
Tickets go on general sale at 10am on Friday May 29 and will cost from just £17.50 (£20 for London), plus fees and you can get them here or here. The shows take place at Manchester Arena (Friday 29 January 2016), London SSE Wembley Arena (Saturday 30 January 2016) and Birmingham Barclaycard Arena (Sunday 31 January 2016). TNA's UK facebook page will have updates throughout the year.. . We'll see you on tour!