Understanding this business is something I do... You "niche" fans have this fantasy that TNA is some how mystically different then WWE. It's pure and shiney and all that crap. It's not. It's like any other business, they are trying to make a buck, using the exact same story formula that's been around for years.
I for one am rooting for TNA to succeed greatly. The worst thing that has ever happened to this business is Vince buying WCW. Would love another Monday Night War.
Oh here is some news on the Kurt Angle Project.
If TNA fans were hoping Kurt Angle's presence would instantly boost the ratings and help iMPACT! move towards contention with ECW on Sci-Fi, this past week's number should certainly come as a disappointment.
The most recent show, which featured a Kurt Angle in-ring appearance, posted a mere 0.8 rating, which is essentially the show's norm.
According to Nielsen Media Research via PWTorch.com, the show opened with a .93 quarter hour, before declining to a 0.66 for the third quarter and then climbing to a .76 for the Angle appearance.
Ratings for the past two weeks do reflect some additional interest in Angle's signing, but it has thus far been far from a blockbuster.