Several TNA Stars Were Deemed To Be Overpaid
TNA Wrestling continues to be a promotion in flux.
In early January, the partnership between TNA Wrestling and WWE was made official, confirming the two companies will work together for several years to come. Meanwhile, TNA crowned Joe Hendry World Champion and re-signed several big names along with controversial star Tessa Blanchard.
However, this came after a period of cost-cutting as many company regulars became free agents. PCO also lashed out at the promotion by smashing the Digital Media Championship to pieces at a GCW event. It was reported the company had been playing games regarding his contract and rescinded an original verbal agreement in favour of a deal made up of the same amount of money per date but fewer dates.
Interestingly, it seems that the strategy from TNA wasn’t just confined to PCO.
TNA Taking Apart Scott D’Amore Deals
Writing in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that the cost-cutting stems from deals handed down by former TNA boss Scott D’Amore, who was fired in February 2024.
According to Meltzer, it was felt that several wrestlers were overpaid, and as a result, when they were offered new deals that were for less money. This ultimately led to PCO, Trent Seven, Rhino, and more leaving the company.
From the TNA side regarding the cost-cutting, those who left and were offered new deals with less pay or to be switched to per-event from guaranteed deals were from their standpoint people “overpaid” in deals that Scott D’Amore had signed.
Those deals with Rhino, PCO, Trent Seven, Kushida and Jade Chung who departed had their contracts expire at the end of the year and were offered renewals at less money.
Meltzer went on to add that a similar situation led to the Motor City Machine Guns heading to WWE and that PCO was actually promised a World Title run, although it’s unclear whether this was specifically related to D’Amore.
This was a similar situation with Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin, who were close to D’Amore. D’Amore had also supposedly promised certain things to talent that once he was gone, the new management didn’t go for. It was said that PCO was promised the world title at one point, whether this was from D’Amore or after isn’t known…
Although not mentioned in the report, Jordynne Grace recently claimed she cut short her TNA stay because Scott D’Amore was fired. This saw the company cut the final nine months from her contract, allowing her to become a free agent and sign with WWE in January.
Despite the departures, TNA Wrestling announced the signing of Mustafa Ali on January 30th. The former WWE star featured for the company between January and August 2024, but he’s now signed an official contract.