Over the past week, plenty of wrestlers have seen their time come to an end with promotions, with WWE letting go several notable names, while AEW released three wrestlers who had been looking to get out of their deals, and one for disciplinary reasons. Today, TNA became the latest promotion to let people go. There was just one big difference; where WWE and AEW parted ways with talent, TNA parted ways with executives.
Fightful Select and PWInsider report that several notable TNA higher ups were let go today as part of behind-the-scenes overhaul within the promotion. The most significant departure is that of President Anthony Cicione, who took the position just one year ago followingthe firing of Scott D'Amore. There's no word yet on who is replacing Cicione, though the executive will remain connected with the promotion, as he continues to hold the position President of Anthem Sports & Entertainment, TNA's parent company.
Among other notable names let go were Josh Matthews and Christy Hemme. A former WWE commentator, Matthews joined TNA in 2014, and served as lead announcer until 2021. He remained with the company behind the scenes, working as a senior producer and Senior Director of Digital Media. As for Hemme, the former WWE Diva Search winner had been with TNA on and off since 2006, working as a wrestler, manager, interviewer, ring announcer, and member of the creative team. She had rejoined TNA last fall as the promotion's Head of Marketing.
The shakeup appears to have been brought on by the hiring of new Executive Producer George Veras. Veras, who's background includes working with ABC, NBC, CBS, the NFL Hall of Fame, and the Cleveland Browns, is said to be putting together his own team, explaining the departure of Matthews and Hemmer. Said team appears to include Director Mark Brown, who had previously held the same position for Ring of Honor when the promotion was owned by Sinclair Broadcasting Group, and AndreaPagnanelli as SVP of Marketing.
