Sony Six acquires broadcasting rights to TNA Wrestling

The MSM channel will exclusively air more than 500 hours of wrestling content across key Asian markets.

In another attempt to expand its bouquet of international sporting events, Sony Six, the sports entertainment channel from Multi Screen Media's bouquet, has acquired the rights to televise Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling across the Indian sub-continent.

With this deal, Sony Six will air all of the best TNA Wrestling programming every week including Impact Wrestling, Xplosion, Greatest Matches and Unfinished Business, along with four episodic Pay Per View programmes and eight One Night Only specials throughout the year.

The channel has recently signed a three-year broadcast partnership deal with Scottish Professional Football League.

Man Jit Singh, CEO, MSM, says, "Wrestling is considered one of the ancient sports in the world and India with Kushti has a storied tradition in wrestling. India's recent success in International Wrestling has attracted the youth in India and also captured the imagination and interest of audiences across the country. Given this national interest in the sport, we are proud to have acquired TNA Wrestling as one of our premium international sporting events."

According to NP Singh, COO of MSM, Sony Six will now offer fans more than 500 hours of exciting original wrestling content every year. "TNA Wrestling is a global phenomenon, producing exclusive entertainment for more than 5 million viewers in 14 languages each week and seen in more than 120 countries across the world. We at Sony Six look forward to building on this fascinating sport in the years to come."

TNA Wrestling is the home of 'The Immortal' Hulk Hogan, 'The Icon' Sting, 'The Charismatic Enigma' Jeff Hardy, Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle, Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson, Bully Ray, Magnus, AJ Styles, Gail Kim, TNA Knockouts Champion Mickie James and TNA World Heavyweight Champion Chris Sabin, the channel mentions in an official statement.

Dixie Carter, president, TNA Wrestling, says, "Everyone at TNA is thrilled at this exciting venture with Sony Six that will open up new horizons across all of India. The Indian sub-continent is home to some of the most passionate and dedicated wrestling fans on the planet. Sony Six is the perfect partner for us, thanks to their impressive and diverse range of sporting events."

For record, TNA Wrestling is a privately held sports entertainment company based in Nashville, Tennessee that specialises in events, products, numerous TV properties, merchandise and music, as well as management and promotion of professional wrestlers. TNA produces numerous weekly TV programmes, monthly PPV events and more than 100 live shows a year.