TNAs latest cost-cutting measures have sent shockwaves through the locker room, with several high-profile names either walking away or being forced to renegotiate their contracts at significantly lower pay.
According to The Wrestling Observer Newsletter, stars like Rhino, PCO, Trent Seven, Kushida, and Jade Chung all saw their guaranteed contracts expire at the end of 2024, with TNA offering them renewals at reduced ratesa stark contrast to the deals previously negotiated under former president Scott DAmore. Even Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin, who were close to DAmore, found themselves in a similar position.
One of the biggest flashpoints in the fallout appears to be PCO, who was reportedly led to believe he would be rewarded with a world title run after helping sell out TNAs Montreal event. Instead, he found himself on the chopping block. Initially, PCO agreed to a lower salary after being asked to take a pay cut, only for TNAs new management to pull the plug entirely, opting to have him drop his Digital Media Championship and exit the company. That led to PCOs now-infamous meltdown at The People vs. GCW event, where he destroyed the belt on camera.
Meanwhile, TNA has been making moves in other areas, locking in Nic Nemeth, AJ Francis, Frankie Kazarian, Mustafa Ali, Masha Slamovich, John Skyler, and Ash by Elegance to new contracts.
Additionally, Steph De Lander returned to TNA television despite not yet being medically cleared, bringing an unexpected twist to the Digital Media Championship storyline. Claiming the title in a divorce from PCO, she insisted that the belt he destroyed was a fake, and that she holds the real Digital Media Championship.
TNAs latest moves are shaking up the roster in a big way, but not everyone is happy about it. With stars like PCO feeling led on and cast aside, while others like Nic Nemeth and AJ Francis are getting new deals, its clear the company is heading in a different direction. Whether these cost-cutting measures will help or hurt TNA in the long run remains to be seenbut one things for sure, the drama isnt slowing down anytime soon.
What do you think? Did TNA make the right call, or are they burning bridges they cant rebuild? Drop your thoughts below!
