ROH / HDNet Split

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Montana

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Ring of Honor's series with HDNet will end with the promotion's January tapings in Philadelphia,PA at the ECW Arena, PWInsider.com has confirmed. Those tapings will carry episodes on the network through April 2011.

ROH sources categorized the split as simply the promotion's two year contract with the network ending and in an exclusive statement to website i will not name here. ROH commented, "Ring of Honor Wrestling
would like to thank HDNet for the last two years, especially those behind the scenes that made it possible every single TV taping.

While everyone had high hopes for the series, the reality seemed to be that HDNet, as a network, didn't have the brand awareness or clearances needed to really make a difference for ROH as a promotional partner. While the series produced the most in-ring wrestling per hour of any nationally televised wrestling show, it wasn't an entity that was bringing in huge numbers for either side.

That said, ROH The promotion and HDNet have not ended their business relationship entirely. The two sides are currently in negotiations for the network to carry a potential live ROH special in 2011 as well as other potential projects beyond that.

ROH sources noted that they are already free and clear to pursue a new television deal and are currently looking at least one potential new TV partner. I am told that relations between HDNet and ROH remain "friendly."

Following the final TV tapings in January, the promotion intends to take some time off from the Philadelphia market before returning to running regular events.

ROH on HDNet debuted in March 2009. The final tapings will take place 1/21 and 1/22 in Philadelphia.

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It doesn't appear many ROH fans are freaking out. I think everyone knows where one doors closes, another may open. I think ROH got all they could out of HDNet, and it worked. It made some more fans aware of ROH. I don't think they were getting the #'s they wanted, mostly because of the format, and how they still wanted the DVD's to be the backbone. When ECW lost the TV deal they were screwed. At least it seems like ROH has played it safe.

Looks like rumors with VS. FX. G4, fox sports could be in the future for a new tv deal. Kinda have to wait to see though.
 

1chiban

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To be fair, the TV deal kept ECW afloat. I'm not entirely sure that ROH are in THAT much financial trouble, although they were having some money troubles, right?
 

Montana

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Yeah, they were. In the last year, it seems they've made some good business decisions and aren't too bad off financially. A lot of it has to do with the success of the IPPV's. ROH was having some big paydays with those. The rumor is that HDnet will air some live events, as well as ROH jumping to 6 IPPV's per year now. Also looking at other tv deals.
 

1chiban

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They need a regular TV deal to boost those iPPV numbers, though. They will still do well on DVD sales if they keep their cult image. I just wish we could get ROH on TV over here in the UK :(
 
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Sucks HDNet and ROH aren't working together anymore but I have faith ROH will find another TV outlet. They have a solid product, some network out there I'm sure has an hour of air time to spare.
 

1chiban

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Who said the tv deal kept ecw afloat?? Ask paul heyman what tnn did for them.

Oh yeah, TNN screwed them over with timeslots and lack of support and lots of interference, but I've heard Paul Heyman say that they needed the money from the TV deal desperately and their inability to find another outlet was a part of the downfall.
 
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Went to 18 or 29 Philly TV tapings and enjoyed most of them but I'll be happy once they go back to regular Philly show in June.