Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson Officially Signs with TNA Wrestling and Bellator MMA

TNA added significant star power from the world of MMA by signing former UFC light heavyweight champion, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson to a multi-year deal.

The pro wrestling company previously acquired the services of Muhammad Laval, better known as King Mo, but getting Jackson to sign on is a more high-profile and attention-grabbing move. In the duel between TNA and sports entertainment giant WWE, TNA and Spike TV just scored a major blow.

F4WOnline.com reports that “Spike TV annnounced today it had signed a multi-year contract with Quinton "Rampage" Jackson for both MMA and pro wrestling.”

TNA head, Dixie Carter, tweeted a welcome note.

Like the deal with King Mo, Jackson will compete for both Bellator MMA and TNA Wrestling. A press conference is scheduled for Wednesday which will provide more details.

TNA will likely only have Jackson on a part-time basis, but he will bring additional eyes to the product the way Brock Lesnar has for WWE.

Long criticized for relying on WWE's leftovers and wrestlers past their prime, TNA is being creative in their quest for increased viewership. Jackson is one of the most well known stars in MMA. His aggression and attitude are perfect fits for the showmanship-heavy world of pro wrestling.

The fact that he wore a thick, metal chain to the ring much like Hercules years ago, is a sign of how natural of a fit this move should prove to be.

This highlight video shows off his punching power and the fearsome aura he exudes. TNA should have no trouble selling him as a heel or using him as a destructive force for the company.

Jackson brings legitimacy and mainstream appeal to a company that is a distant second behind WWE. Even if his best MMA days are behind him, he's a blue-chipper for TNA, a raging mess of intensity, power and athleticism.

WWE once plucked stars from the MMA world when it signed Ken Shamrock and Dan Severn in the '90s. Now it is TNA who is blending worlds at a time when MMA is at a extremely high level of popularity.

TNA fans have to be salivating at the thought of Jackson in a TNA ring going up against men like Samoa Joe, Kurt Angle or Hernandez. TNA made a fantastic move here, one that should have the wrestling world buzzing as soon as Jackson begins the TNA portion of his rampage.