Kushida & Trent Seven Amongst TNA Departures
Several talents are on their way out of TNA Wrestling.
Hot on the heels of Rhino announcing that he would be finishing up with TNA at the company's TV tapings this past weekend, there are now three further departures for the Anthem promotion.
As per PWInsider, Kushida, Trent Seven, and Jade Chung are all exiting TNA.
Kushida
In the case of Kushida, he likewise finished out his TNA commitments with this most recent set of TV tapings. One half of the current IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions - with Kevin Knight - Kushida is quite the unique case, signing a dual contract with TNA and NJPW in December 2023. At that time, the Kushida deal was supposed to be the first of several similar contracts that would allow talents to work for those two promotions and, in theory, lessen the risk of someone signing elsewhere. That concept was said to have been moved away from following Scott D'Amore leaving TNA at the start of the year. In terms of what's next for Kushida, Fightful notes that he'll be focussing on New Japan, although it was added how the former NXT Cruiserweight Champion is on good terms with TNA and the door remains open for further TNA appearances down the line.
Trent Seven
Trent Seven is another who wrapped up with TNA over the weekend, with the British Strong Style favourite having formally been with the company since last December. Seven arrived in TNA as 'Speedball' Mike Bailey's mystery partner at Final Resolution 2023, though it wouldn't take long for the English veteran to turn on Bailey and bring an end to the Speedball Mountain tandem.
Jade Chung
Ring announcer Jade Chung is also calling time on her TNA tenure, with Chung giving notice to TNA that she won't be looking to renew her contract when it expires at the end of the year.
Jade's husband, former two-time TNA World Champion Josh Alexander, has taken to X to pay tribute to his wife.
I’m a very lucky man to have someone who shares & understands this passion for pro wrestling.
My @JadeChung11 busted her ass these past couple years taking on a new role as the TNA ring announcer. She embodied everything I think of when we talk about why the locker room is such… pic.twitter.com/Z6Fpg1eVMs
Advertisement— Josh Alexander (@Walking_Weapon) December 16, 2024
It's worth noting, Josh Alexander himself sees his existing TNA contract expire in February, and it's expected that the Walking Weapon will be another departing the company.
Alexander's deal was previously due to expire in February 2024, with the talent keen to explore the free agency market before TNA exercised a one-year extension option. As such, the belief is that the hugely talented Canadian will again be exploring the free agent market, although he's not entirely ruled out remaining with TNA.
A.J. Francis Next?
While it's now known that Rhino, Kushida, Trent Severn, and Jade Chung will be leaving TNA - plus the likely upcoming exits of Josh Alexander and Jordynne Grace - could A.J. Francis be next?
Per Fightful Select, Francis is another talent whose existing TNA contract is up at the end of 2024. The one-time Top Dolla has worked his last contracted date for the promotion, and it remains to be seen whether a new deal will be agreed on. This Fightful report states how A.J. and TNA have enjoyed working together, that the 34-year-old received particular praise for his performance this past weekend, and that a contract extension is possible, but as of now no new deal has come together.