TNA Impact Wrestling: Complete Preview, Rumors, News and More for January 7

It was a wild year for TNA, but the company begins 2015 with a major change, as weekly flagship show Impact Wrestling will now air on Destination America, starting with a live episode on Wednesday, January 7, at 9 p.m. ET.

Following the inaugural episode, Impact Wrestling will transition to its new permanent time slot on Friday nights at 9 p.m. ET, starting January 16. While the change from Spike TV to Destination America may be an inconvenience for some at first, true wrestling fans will find a way to support the product.

Here is all the vital viewing information for TNA’s live return to television.

Where: Manhattan Center Grand Ballroom, New York City

When: Wednesday, January 7

Start Time: 9 p.m. ET

Watch: Destination America

Bobby Roode vs. Lashley III

One of the few matches announced for the return of Impact Wrestling is the TNA World Heavyweight Championship bout between defending titleholder Bobby Roode and No. 1 contender Lashley.

Roode and Lashley have fought twice for the title, and each man has earned a victory. With the main event being dubbed the completion of an epic trilogy, wrestling fans will witness the culmination of a storyline that has lasted months.

Question on Everybody's Mind: Which Star Walks Out as TNA World Champion?

During the summer and fall, TNA hitched its wagon to Lashley and booked the heel champion to look unstoppable, beating every top star in the company en route to one of the most successful reigns in company history.

Impact Wrestling needed an elite face to challenge Lashley and found its man with Roode. Now that Roode has finally captured the title after a long chase, it is important to keep the belt around his waist.

As well as Lashley has been booked and as strong as he has looked since rejoining TNA, Roode is the face of the company and should hold the title as the company makes the transition to Destination America.

Hype Meter: 5 out of 5 Pay-Per-View-Worthy Main Events

Regardless of who wins the matchup, the two men will understand the magnitude of the moment and put on an amazing match. This will be the first main event for TNA on its new channel, and it will go down in the annals of company lore.

Roode and Lashley have great pride in their work, and the result should be one of the best matches in recent TNA history. Add the fact that this bout is for the title and the rubber match in their rivalry, and this could be an early candidate for Match of the Year.

TNA Rumors: Company Officials Trying to Sign Alberto Del Rio, per F4WOnline, via WrestlingInc.com.

Breaking Down the Move to Destination America

The move from Spike TV to Destination America was one of the biggest pieces of news in wrestling from 2014, and all eyes will be on the company to see how it handles the transition. TNA will be under immense pressure to succeed, but the company is already making smart decisions behind the scenes.

The key to a hot start on the new TV station is the live show from New York City. With a crowd full of ravenous wrestling fans looking to help usher in a new chapter in Impact Wrestling’s existence, the rowdy fans could help make this show feel important.

Question on Everybody's Mind: What Surprises Should Fans Expect?

Fans of TNA who have been through thick and thin with the company want much of the same from Impact Wrestling but with some major upgrades. With a long-term deal from Destination America, the hope is some new faces will add even more excitement to the product.

TNA has done a great job re-signing many of its top stars, including Kurt Angle, Austin Aries and others, but one of the main goals with its new television partner should be drawing in new viewers. Adding another mainstream star to the roster would help the company make a big splash on its first night on Destination America.

Hype Meter: 4 out of 5 Legitimate Surprises

As wrestling fans, one of the best parts of watching the sport is the possibility of a blockbuster surprise. TNA must make a bang on the first night on its new channel, and adding a huge name to the roster, such as Alberto Del Rio or another top independent wrestling star, would draw in casual fans on the fence about Impact Wrestling.

With a strong core of athletes who could carry the company through the next five years and the addition of a few more names with mainstream notoriety, there is little doubt TNA will not only survive the move to Destination America but also thrive as the No. 2 wrestling company in the United States.

TNA News: Executive Vice President John Gaburick Announces Re-Signing of The Wolves, via Twitter.

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