TNA Bosses Consider AEW To Be “The Enemy”

TNA has further distanced itself from AEW.

Throughout 2025, WWE’s relationship and influence over TNA Wrestling have continued to grow. This has seen an increased talent exchange, and for a brief period, both the TNA World Championship and the Knockouts Championship were held by WWE contracted talents.

Interestingly, a new report has claimed that WWE’s influence now extends to who TNA talents work with on the independent scene.

As noted by Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, TNA talent aren’t allowed to work for Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling. The promotion is run by former TNA boss Scott D’Amore, who left the company in controversial circumstances in early 2024 despite being beloved by talent.

TNA’s new management reportedly sees AEW as the “enemy,” and as D’Amore books All Elite talent, they keep their own stars clear of the promotion.

“TNA talent is not allowed to work on Scott D’Amore’s Maple Leaf Wrestling shows even though most of them like D’Amore. The reason is that TNA management considers AEW as the enemy and D’Amore is allowed to book AEW talent.”

WWE Could Use TNA To Counter AEW

Back in August, it was reported that TNA Impact could move from Thursday to Wednesday nights on a “WWE-associated network.” In addition, WWE is said to have a “degree of influence” over the ongoing media negotiations involving TNA.

There have been suggestions that WWE is looking to position TNA as the number 2 promotion in North America in place of AEW.

A potential move for Impact would see it go head-to-head with AEW Dynamite.

If that wasn’t enough, an additional report claimed that WWE “has an option” to purchase TNA at any point during an undisclosed period. It’s believed that the sports entertainment giant also has first refusal on any other offer to acquire TNA.