Much has been speculated and stated about TNA Wrestling and its future in the past few months. The company has seen a string of unfortunate press following the announcement that Spike TV was uninterested in agreeing to a new deal with TNA. Since the initial news, however, a temporary agreement was reached that will see TNAs flagship program, Impact, remain on the network through the end of the year. This past weekend, TNA held its final series of Impact tapings in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. In just three weeks, the promotion will head overseas to Tokyo, Japan for their annual Bound for Glory pay-per-view event. With Impact taped for the rest of the year and TNAs last PPV of 2014 quickly approaching, many of the companys superstars took to Twitter to share their love and support for their colleagues. Both Madison Rayne and Tommy Dreamer used the social media platform to thank the various members of TNA -- including the competitors, writers, backstage staff, and production crew. Rayne stated that she couldnt be more proud to be a part of the Impact Wrestling family. Meanwhile, Tommy Dreamer said, The work ethic of every Impact Wrestling employee is amazing Honor to share a locker room. Among the outpouring of support, one particular tweet caught many fans eyes. Austin Aries joined in on the show of camaraderie. However, many are interpreting Aries comments as a farewell, of sorts. Aries is not currently listed -- and was not originally announced -- to take part in TNAs tour of the United Kingdom in January. Many people took his lack of inclusion on the tour to be a sign that Aries current deal with TNA will be expiring come the end of the year. However, the exact date of when his contract will expire is currently unknown. The self-professed Greatest Man That Ever Lived has competed for TNA Wrestling since 2011, as well as from July of 2005 to April of 2007. He is a TNA Triple Crown Champion, having held the Tag Team and World titles on one occasion each and is a 5-time X-Division Champion. Its unknown, at this time, what was exactly meant by Aries comments. It could be entirely possible that his time with TNA is wrapping up. However, his comments may also be a simple sign of respect and admiration in the midst of trying and uncertain times for TNA Wrestling -- similar to the made by Madison Rayne and Tommy Dreamer. The question remains: Will TNA survive the winter? And if they do, will Austin Aries return or is he done with TNA for good? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Douglas Scarpa is a freelance writer, independent filmmaker, art school graduate, and pro wrestling aficionado -- all of which mean he is in financial ruin. He has no backup plan to speak of, yet maintains his abnormally high spirits. If he had only listened to the scorn of his childhood teachers, he wouldn't be in this situation.
