Breaking News: MMA Star Rampage Jackson Signs With TNA

[punk13]

TNA issued the following announcement on Tuesday afternoon, revealing that UFC legend Quinton "Rampage" Jackson has signed a groundbreaking deal with TNA, Bellator MMA and Spike TV:

QUINTON “RAMPAGE†JACKSON JOINS FORCES WITH BELLATOR MMA, TNA WRESTLING AND SPIKE TV FOR LANDMARK PARTNERSHIP

Quinton “Rampage†Jackson, the mixed martial arts icon and action-movie star has agreed to a monumental, multi-year partnership with Spike TV, Bellator MMA, and TNA Wrestling, it was jointly announced today by Kevin Kay, Spike TV President, Bjorn Rebney, Bellator CEO, and Dixie Carter, TNA Wrestling President.

The landmark partnership includes Jackson competing in Bellator MMA, along with joining the superstars of TNA’s “Impact Wrestling,†which includes fellow Bellator fighter “King Mo†Lawal.

Spike TV will also create a special reality series featuring Rampage that will lead into his debut with Bellator, along with other entertainment initiatives.

“Rampage is a true superstar both inside and outside the MMA cage†Bellator CEO & Chairman Bjorn Rebney said. “The partnership that we’ve created with Quinton is unlike anything that’s ever been done in the sports & entertainment arena and Rampage is the perfect athlete/entertainer to carry it off.â€

"Rampage is one of the best known MMA fighters competing today," said Carter. "He is a true cross-over star and his talent, big personality and popularity among a wide range of fans make him an extraordinary fit for our company,â€

“We are thrilled to create this opportunity for one of the greatest athletes and personalities in MMA,†said Kevin Kay, Spike TV President. “Rampage is a proven ratings driver who brings incredible star power to both Bellator and TNA.â€

Jackson (32-11) joins Bellator as a former Pride and UFC champion, having last fought on Spike TV in September 2007, in a fight vs. Dan Henderson that drew nearly 6 million viewers, making it one of the most watched fights in the sport’s history. In 2009, Jackson served as a coach on Spike’s “The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights,†the highest-rated season by far in franchise history, delivering over 3 million viewers per week. Rampage joins a Bellator Light Heavyweight division that features “King Mo,†Renato “Babalu†Sobral, Emanuel Newton, Attila Vegh and Vladimir Matyushenko.

The charismatic fighter from Memphis, TN began his professional MMA career in 1999 and established his legacy across the globe through epic battles with MMA titans including Wanderlei Silva, Chuck Liddell, Jon Jones and Dan Henderson among others.

Jackson starred in the 2010 blockbuster film, “The A-Team,†as “B.A. Baracus,†the character made famous by Mr. T in the television series. Jackson’s other film credits include “Confessions of a Pit Fighter,†“Fire With Fire,†“Never Surrender,†and “Miss March.â€

Wow... This is actually a big deal. I'm shocked. This will get TNA some good exposure, for sure.

 

[Kiffy Lube]

I've never heard of this clown. What kind of wrestling background does he have?

 

[Ben]

Like the King No thing I don't like this cause he's doing both Bellator and TNA and I highly doubt he'll ever actually have a match in TNA as long as he's doing bellator also.

 

[Rated R Superstar]

Seems pretty pointless, only benefits TNA as he is a big name and will draw attention to their name. But I don't think it will be very good.

 

[AZUCAR!]

I agree with Ben. It's just a name for TNA to say they have under contract, he can make the occasional appearance also, but in the end he'll end up like King Mo and not make his debut for TNA.

 

[Dale]

Fuck sake TNA, WHY? As great as a character Rampage is, this just isn't necessary. Hopefully by the time they're ready to debut him, he'll have become bored of the idea of TNA.

 

[The Cork]

Dixie actually delivers for once.

I expected some boring jap or ROH vanilla midget as their big signing, this is wayyyyyy better. Page is a natural fit for wrestling, probably the biggest crossover star since Lesnar. Lashley certainly didn't have the name or charisma Rampage has.

 

[Killz]

If it was a WWE signing people would cream about potential Lesnar match ups and him powerbombing the fuck out of Cena but as it is it'll be panned as "sucky TNA". Seriously from an objective standpoint if you want a crossover star this guy is ready made. Talks smack and will look brutal if he gets in the ring. TNA's answer to Brock if he actually has a few matches.

 

[Keith]

This could be a big deal, but with this being TNA lets just wait and see.

 

[John McHenry]

Meh 4/10 I don't expect much to come from it. I see him basically being a face that won't do much.

 

[Tapout]

This reeks of the "Pacman" Jones thing they did back in 2007. The most Rampage will get is maybe a tag title run IF he ever actually steps into the ring.

Pretty pointless signing. John Morrison would have been a much better signing. Doubt they even get a ratings raise because of this. Very disappointed

 

[Ben]

Like I said I doubt he ever wrestles for them. If he was coming in to just do TNA and wrestle this would be a pretty cool deal. But there's no way bellator a legit Emma company is going to let one of there guys have fake wrestling matches as it doesn't look good for them and would inevatbly cause a headache for them...King Mo is the same situation and has only done the guest referee thing expect the same from Rampage.

 

[Dale]

Like I said I doubt he ever wrestles for them. If he was coming in to just do TNA and wrestle this would be a pretty cool deal. But there's no way bellator a legit Emma company is going to let one of there guys have fake wrestling matches as it doesn't look good for them and would inevatbly cause a headache for them...King Mo is the same situation and has only done the guest referee thing expect the same from Rampage.

Mo has been training in OVW for a supposed run in TNA though but I just can't see Rampage doing the same thing.

 

[Chris]

Well it's interesting to say the least. I'm not a fan of it, but it's a bold move. A stupid bold move, but a bold move nonetheless.

 

[The Cork]

Just use him as an enforcer type if he's not wrestling, he'd be most legit bodyguard ever.