TNA Slammiversary reportedly needed last-minute funding

The good news is that TNA delivered a competent pay-per-view (PPV) show this Sunday, which included work by their talented roster - and especially Matt Hardy - which has wrestling fans talking about them again.

But according to PWInsider (beware of some borderline “not safe for work” ads at their site if you have AdBlocker installed), just pulling the money together to make Slammiversary and this week’s Impact Wrestling and One Night Only tapings happen might have been the even more impressive feat.

Dean Broadhead, the company’s Chief Financial & Chief Operating Officer, is said to have posted on his personal Facebook page on Saturday that he had to “secure interim financing” for the dates which began with Sunday’s PPV and are set to continue all week at Orlando’s Universal Studios backlot.

He specifically mentioned the money being needed for “production trucks to roll”, which lead Mike Johnson at PWInsider to speculate Broadhead’s financing may have been to reimburse Aroluxe - the company for whom the controversial Harris brothers work which has been handing television production for TNA, and who’s also been mentioned as a major creditor and potential buyer.

The Facebook post allegedly describes 80 calls the CFO made last Thursday and Friday to attorneys, vendors, bankers and employees as part of his efforts to ensure Slammiversary and the tapings would become a reality.

It should be noted there’s nothing in PWInsider’s story pointing to talent not being paid for the dates, or even that there was a question about wrestlers getting checks - although it’s possible they’re not scheduled for payment until after working this week.

Broadhead wrote, “Maybe it's time to retire. But maybe not until everything is in it's right place." Johnson’s sources say the executive’s financial management skills have been integral in keeping TNA running of late, and losing him - to retirement or another opportunity - would be a blow to Dixie Carter’s efforts to continue operating, secure more investment capital and remain in charge.

There have been numerous reports of late pointing to TNA Creative team member Billy Corgan joining the ownership group as a minority investor, but those haven’t been confirmed, nor have there been reports on the amount of the musician’s contribution. As PWInsider points out, it’s possible his money helped make this week’s shows happen, but that’s speculation.

We’ll continue to update you on the business dealings of TNA as we hear new information, Cagesiders. In the meantime, it sounds like their financial picture remains as volatile as the average pro wrestling angle.