TNA Talent Asked To Take Pay Cuts, Top Stars Expected To Depart
Mike Bailey, Josh Alexander, Jordynne Grace and more have been linked with TNA exits.
TNA wrestlers have reportedly been asked to take pay cuts as rumours of multiple high-level personnel departures from the promotion swirl.
Dave Meltzer reported on Wrestling Observer Radio that "a lot of talent" had been approached regarding pay cuts, though there's no exact word on how many. Per Meltzer, this was among Rhino's reasons for departing TNA, which the former ECW star confirmed himself over the weekend.
News broke this week that Kushida, Trent Seven, and ring announcer Jade Chung were exiting TNA. Fightful Select also reported that recent TNA World Title challenger AJ Francis' deal expired towards the end of 2024, though the two sides enjoyed working together and may reach an extension agreement.
In November, Fightful reported that another TNA standout, 'Speedball' Mike Bailey, was still contracted to the Anthem-helmed promotion but was expected to be AEW-bound. TNA Knockouts division vanguard Jordynne Grace is, according to the Wrestling Observer, heading for WWE after wrapping a January feud with Tessa Blanchard, while Josh Alexander has claimed he will become a free agent on 15 February, alluding to a willingness to test the market.
Beyond Rhino, there has been no indication that TNA/Anthem offered any of the above pay cuts. Nonetheless, the story may trouble fans of the oft-beleaguered promotion, which has staved off numerous existential crises throughout its lifespan, but has enjoyed a period of relative prosperity as of late. Crowd numbers and public interest levels have increased significantly for TNA over the last few months. While the promotion isn't directly challenging WWE or AEW, it has closed the gap somewhat.