Chicago Sun-Times: TNA set to make an 'Impact'

Total Nonstop Action Wrestling announced Wednesday on its weekly pay-per-view that Fox Sports Net will begin televising Total Nonstop Action Wrestling "Impact!" on Fridays at 3 p.m. "Impact" is scheduled to debut June 4 and will be filmed at Universal Studios, the home of many WCW events in the 1990s.

"The national telecast of 'Impact' on Fox Sports Net marks a milestone for TNA Entertainment and the wrestling industry," TNA president Dixie Carter said. "Total Nonstop Action Wrestling has continued to grow and exceed expectations. ... We are excited this opportunity with FSN and Universal Studios Orlando will expose a wider range of viewers to our distinctive brand of professional wrestling."

Eventually, the company will no longer run weekly PPV events, and instead will drive fans to the Fox Sports Net program. It will hold three or four major PPV events each year, but for now will continue the Wednesday show and film the syndicated show on Thursdays.

The new show will be the first nationally televised competition to WWE programming since "Monday Nitro" left the air in March 2001.

HEARD AROUND THE RING: Fan reaction to Eugene has been tremendous, so look for his push to continue. ... Bobby "The Brain" Heenan recently confirmed he will return to the WWE in some capacity, but managing likely is out of the question due to the heavy road schedule. ... GrandMaster Sexay has been fired again by the WWE and will be replaced Monday night by Maven in the 20-man battle royal. ... During a recent interview, Bill Goldberg said he never again will work for the WWE, but Steve Austin said to never say never, and that he could come back. Many feel Austin will return for "WrestleMania 21." ... Konnan could be on his way to the WWE. ... One rumor says the WWE will take back Jeff Hardy on the condition that he enters a rehab program, but word is Hardy feels that is unnecessary.