8 Misconceptions About TNA You Probably Believe
2. Everybody Uses TNA As A Stepping Stone
WhatCulture's Michael Sidgwick, writing in the AEW iteration of this concept, addressed TNA's inability to maintain any stars they may create: specifically, Joe Hendry, Jordynne Grace, and Mike Santana, all three of whom became breakthrough talents in TNA, but who are expected to depart for WWE. Grace already has. Hendry won't be far behind her. Santana's contract is up before the year's end.
It is a fair and honest assessment of TNA's most prominently lacking trait - but it isn't all it's made out to be.
TNA will never be capable of creating and maintaining stars in the same manner as WWE and AEW have done, but they are no longer the layover they were throughout the company's infancy. TNA is now a seriously considered landing point for independent talents, evidenced by a large proportion of its currently active roster having maintained their position on the payroll for longer than twelve months. Eddie Edwards joined TNA in 2014. Moose did in 2016, as did Rosemary. Brian Myers and Chris Bey signed on in 2020, Steve Maclin in 2021, and Killer Kelly in 2022.
None are considered for the ballot when end-of-year awards season rolls around, but their commitment to TNA in an age in which they could easily land a more lucrative deal elsewhere is constantly rewarded.