TNA Wrestling is about to put a giant DUDE Wipes mascot directly into one of its television storylines. The company announced a new sponsorship deal that will see Deuce appear backstage, walk wrestlers to the ring and get involved at ringside during an upcoming episode of Thursday Night iMPACT!
The partnership will begin at TNA Lockdown in Chicago on August 23, where Deuce will appear and film exclusive content. The complete storyline integration will then take place at TNA’s September 25 live event in San Antonio, with the episode airing at a later date.
This will not be a mascot standing quietly in the background holding a product. TNA says Deuce will appear in backstage segments, participate in match entrances and become part of a custom storyline built around the DUDE Wipes brand.
Fans attending the events will also receive product samples and have access to contests, photo opportunities and exclusive giveaways. TNA President Carlos Silva said the company wants sponsorships that become part of the show instead of simply appearing as traditional advertisements.
“The TNA Wrestling-DUDE Wipes partnership reflects TNA’s continued commitment to developing creative sponsorship opportunities that go beyond traditional advertising, connecting brands with one of the most passionate fan bases in sports entertainment through immersive storytelling and memorable live experiences.”
The two companies will also produce a recurring series of short videos featuring TNA wrestlers. The content will give fans a behind-the-scenes look at the roster while promoting DUDE Wipes across TNA’s social media accounts.
DUDE Wipes co-founder and chief marketing officer Ryan Meegan said the company quickly agreed when TNA offered to throw Deuce into the middle of the action.
“When TNA said they wanted to put our mascot Deuce in the middle of the action, we didn’t need much convincing. Wrestling doesn’t take itself too seriously, and neither do we.”
Meegan believes the partnership gives DUDE Wipes an opportunity to create entertaining moments inside the arena and online while introducing the company to wrestling fans.
“This partnership gives us the chance to create genuinely entertaining moments for fans, both in the arena and online, while introducing DUDE Wipes to a new audience.”
Silva called the campaign the beginning of what could become a longer relationship between TNA and DUDE Wipes.
“We’re excited about this partnership and looking forward to bringing these ideas to life. This is the start of something fun, and we’re excited about the opportunity to continue building for the future.”
Celebrity appearances and sponsored matches are nothing new in professional wrestling, but TNA is taking this deal one step further by putting a toilet wipe mascot into an actual storyline. Now fans will have to wait and see whether Deuce simply walks someone to the ring or somehow ends up taking a bump.
What do you think about TNA putting the DUDE Wipes mascot into a television storyline? Let us know your thoughts and leave your feedback in the comments.
