Report: TNA Potentially Pulling Talent From Indie Matches Against AEW Stars

A new report suggests TNA Wrestling could be tightening restrictions on its roster, particularly when it comes to facing AEW talent on the independent scene.

According to Fightful Select, Moose was recently pulled from Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling’s “Multiverse” event scheduled for WrestleMania weekend. While initial explanations pointed to a scheduling conflict, there’s more to the story. Moose had reportedly already received approval from TNA to appear, raising eyebrows about why the decision was reversed so close to the event.

That move may signal a broader shift in TNA’s approach. There’s growing speculation that the company is actively working to prevent its wrestlers from competing against AEW talent altogether, even outside of official company shows. Internally, concerns have been raised about upcoming indie matches involving TNA names like Leon Slater and Nic Nemeth, who are slated to face AEW’s Ricochet and MJF, respectively.

For clarity, those bouts aren’t tied to the Multiverse show. Slater vs. Ricochet is currently booked for WrestleCon’s Mark Hitchcock Memorial Supershow during WrestleMania week, while Nemeth vs. MJF is scheduled for Create-A-Pro Wrestling’s “Monumental Moment” event on May 1.

As for what’s driving this apparent shift, there are a couple of theories making the rounds. One points to recent scheduling friction, specifically AEW Collision airing head-to-head with TNA iMPACT. Some within TNA reportedly believe President Carlos Silva was unhappy with that situation, even though the decision likely came from Warner Bros. Discovery rather than AEW itself.

Another explanation, per PWInsider, is more strategic. TNA may simply want to avoid scenarios where its talent could be perceived as weakened, particularly if they lose to wrestlers from another promotion in high-profile indie matches. Protecting the brand—and its stars—appears to be a growing priority.

At this point, it’s unclear whether external partners like WWE or AMC have influenced the decision, or if this is purely an internal call. Either way, if TNA does follow through with limiting these crossover appearances, it could mark the end of a quiet but notable trend of AEW vs. TNA clashes happening beyond the confines of their respective promotions.