Numerous well-known figures have either left or been forced to renegotiate their contracts at far reduced compensation as a result of TNA’s recent cost-cutting efforts, which have sent shockwaves through the locker room.
In sharp contrast to the agreements previously negotiated under former president Scott D’Amore, The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that stars such as Rhino, PCO, Trent Seven, Kushida, and Jade Chung all had their guaranteed contracts expire at the end of 2024, and TNA offered them renewals at discounted rates. Even D’Amore’s close friends Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley ended up in a similar situation.
According to TNA, individuals who departed and were offered lower-paying positions or were transferred to per-event contracts instead of guaranteed ones were “overpaid” in the contracts that Scott D’Amore had signed. Contract renewals at reduced rates were offered for those agreements with Rhino, PCO, Trent Seven, Kushida, and Jade Chung that ended at the end of the year. This also applied to D’Amore’s close friends Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley. Additionally, D’Amore allegedly made promises to talent that the new management didn’t follow through on after he left.
PCO, who helped sell out TNA’s Montreal event and was allegedly promised a run for the world title, seems to be one of the main targets of the fallout. He ended up on the chopping block instead. After being requested to accept a pay cut, PCO first consented to a lesser wage. However, TNA’s new management decided to terminate his employment and make him drop his Digital Media Championship. As a result, PCO had his now-famous outburst at the People vs. GCW event, destroying the belt in front of the camera.
TNA has been active in other areas, signing new contracts with Ash by Elegance, Mustafa Ali, Masha Slamovich, Frankie Kazarian, Nic Nemeth, and AJ Francis.
The storyline of the Digital Media Championship also took an unexpected turn when Steph De Lander made a comeback to TNA television despite not having received a medical clearance. She asserted that she was the true Digital Media Champion and that the belt he broke was a fake, claiming the title in a “divorce” from PCO.
In addition, TNA has signed new deals with Mustafa Ali, Masha Slamovich, Frankie Kazarian, Nic Nemeth, Ash by Elegance, and AJ Francis.
Additionally, the Digital Media Championship’s plot took a surprising turn when Steph De Lander returned to TNA television without a medical clearance. She claimed the title in a “divorce” from PCO, claiming she was the real Digital Media Champion and the belt he destroyed was a fake.
What are your thoughts? Is TNA destroying bridges they can’t repair, or did they make the right decision? Leave your comments below!
