Major Shakeups in TNA: Gail Kim and Top Executives Depart, Talent Expresses Frustration

TNA Wrestling is undergoing yet another major transformation, with multiple high-profile executives—including TNA Hall of Famer Gail Kim—officially exiting the company. This wave of departures follows the 2024 exit of former company president Scott D’Amore and comes at a time when TNA is actively working with WWE in a cross-promotional partnership.

Gail Kim, Creative Leaders, and Executives Exit TNA

According to Fightful Select and PWInsider, Kim, who played a crucial role in TNA’s talent relations and worked as a producer, is stepping away from the company. Her departure leaves veteran wrestler and Busted Open Radio host Tommy Dreamer in charge of TNA’s talent relations department.

In addition to Kim, longtime Executive Producer Ariel Shnerer—who was instrumental in TNA’s creative direction—is also leaving. Taking over TNA’s creative responsibilities will be Hunter “Delirious” Johnson, a familiar name in wrestling who previously served as the head booker for Ring of Honor before ROH was sold to Tony Khan in 2022.

The departures don’t stop there. Chief Revenue Officer Rob Klingman, along with Michael Shewchenko, Karen Clevett, Romy Glazer, Sebastian Dastrani, and live event coordinator Rafael Morfi, have all left TNA as well.

TNA Talent Reacts to the Shake-Up

News of these exits didn’t just stun fans—it also sparked outrage among TNA’s own roster. Several stars took to social media to voice their frustration, particularly regarding Gail Kim’s departure.

  • Steph De Lander posted an exasperated message on X (formerly Twitter), asking, “[What the f**] is TNA doing?”* Her post quickly gained traction, racking up over 115,000 views and 2,100 likes.
  • Kimber Lee (Kimberely Ford) joined the conversation, calling Kim’s exit “beyond absurd” and referring to the TNA legend as a “trailblazer” for women’s wrestling.
  • Ford made a post of her own, irate at Kim’s termination from TNA’s board. In her post, Ford hailed Kim as a “trailblazer” for women’s wrestling, and called her exit from TNA “beyond absurd.” 
  • Rosemary kept her response short but impactful, replying with an angry emoji—a sentiment many fans echoed.
  • Tasha Steelz also expressed her frustration, with her post amassing over 27,000 views. One fan even suggested that WWE’s NXT talent appearing on TNA programming was a sign that “WWE stars are replacing TNA’s Knockouts.”

TNA’s WWE Partnership: A Factor in the Changes?

This executive shake-up comes just two months after TNA and WWE announced a multi-year working relationship. Over the past year, the two promotions have exchanged talent, with TNA stars like Joe Hendry making appearances in WWE—including a surprise entry in the 2025 Royal Rumble—while NXT talent such as Charlie Dempsey and Wes Lee have wrestled on TNA programming.

One of the most notable crossovers in recent weeks saw NXT’s Cora Jade challenge Masha Slamovich for the Knockouts Championship at TNA: Sacrifice, though Slamovich successfully retained her title. Additionally, TNA legend Abyss, now working as a producer in WWE, will be included as a playable character in WWE 2K25 as part of an upcoming DLC pack.

With TNA continuing to evolve and its partnership with WWE becoming more prominent, fans are left wondering: is this restructuring necessary for growth, or is it a sign of trouble behind the scenes?

Backstage Update To TNA Firing Gail Kim

There are some within TNA that are now worried about the stability of their jobs. At least some are under the impression that the decision was made by TNA President Carlos Silva.

If it wasn’t already evident enough, there is belief within TNA that the company wants a “major regime shift,” with the latest wave of firings following up on Scott D’Amore getting fired last year. The reaction to Kim’s departure is said to be even more negative than it was for D’Amore’s, which was already overwhelmingly unpopular in the locker room.

Kim reportedly has no intention of leaving the world of wrestling behind, and there are already people within both WWE and AEW pushing for her to be brought in. In addition to her in-ring history with the company, Kim had long-standing backstage roles in TNA as a producer and in talent relations, and there is no non-compete clause in place to prevent her from showing up elsewhere.

The report stated that Kim was known for pushing back on higher-ups in TNA parent company Anthem, which likely contributed to the company’s decision to let her go. However, talent within the company viewed this trait as a positive, as they believed Kim was fighting to improve the promotion.

Saraya Announces Departure From AEW

Former AEW star and ex-WWE Women’s Champion Saraya has officially announced her departure from All Elite Wrestling. The news was revealed exclusively through Entertainment Weekly and comes on the heels of her latest career move—launching a brand-new podcast, Rulebreakers With Saraya.

Saraya Says Goodbye to AEW

Speaking on the debut episode of her podcast, Saraya shared that her time with AEW had come to an end but emphasized that there were no hard feelings.

“I’m here to tell you that me and AEW’s relationship has come to an end,” she said. “I had an amazing time there. There’s no bad blood between us. I had such a magical time.”

Saraya’s last AEW match was back in October 2024, where she competed in a Fatal Four-Way No. 1 Contender’s Match against Willow Nightingale, Nyla Rose, and Jamie Hayter. She wrestled fewer than a dozen matches on AEW television in 2023, appearing across Dynamite, Rampage, and Collision.

Despite parting ways, Saraya expressed nothing but gratitude toward AEW and company president Tony Khan.

“Thank you, AEW. Thank you to the AEW fans—I loved my f***ing time there,”* she said. “Tony’s f***ing awesome. And anyone that goes to work there will just enjoy their time. It’s just great.”*

What’s Next for Saraya?

The timing of Saraya’s announcement has certainly raised eyebrows. Earlier this year, she told TMZ that her AEW contract was set to expire in September, making the circumstances of her departure somewhat unclear. However, with WrestleMania season in full swing, the move comes at an intriguing time.

Could WWE be in her future? The wrestling world has seen its fair share of surprise returns, particularly during major events like the Royal Rumble, WrestleMania, and SummerSlam. CM Punk’s shocking WWE comeback at Survivor Series 2023 proved that anything is possible. Similarly, Becky Lynch’s return at SummerSlam 2021 after more than a year away set a precedent for big-name stars making grand reappearances.

For now, Saraya seems focused on her podcasting venture, but wrestling fans will be watching closely to see where she lands next. Whether it’s a WWE homecoming or a fresh path in another promotion, her next chapter promises to be just as captivating as her career so far.

Would you want to see Saraya back in WWE?

WWE NXT Preview 3/25/2025

WWE NXT tonight on The CW.

  • NXT Women’s Championship: Stephanie Vaquer (c) vs. Jaida Parker
  • NXT Women’s North American Championship: Stephanie Vaquer (c) vs. Fallon Henley
  • NXT Heritage Cup: Lexis King (c) vs. Je’Von Evans

Saraya Opens Up About Online Harassment and Toxic Fandom Ahead of Memoir Release

AEW star Saraya has never been one to shy away from speaking her mind, and ahead of the release of her memoir, Hell in Boots: Clawing My Way Through Nine Lives, she’s shedding light on the dark side of wrestling fandom. In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, the former WWE Divas Champion spoke candidly about years of online abuse, disturbing fan encounters, and how she protects herself in the digital age.

Telling Her Side of the Story

Saraya hopes her new book will give fans a better understanding of her journey—not just the parts they think they know. “I want people to be inspired by me,” she explained. “Everyone has their version of my life, you know? And I know I’m quite a controversial figure… I wanted to really tell my side of the story with everything, but also help people.”

Her career has certainly been a rollercoaster, from being a teenage wrestling prodigy in England to becoming WWE’s youngest-ever Divas Champion, dealing with career-threatening injuries, and eventually making a dramatic return to the ring in AEW. Through it all, she’s been subjected to intense public scrutiny—something she says has only been amplified by social media.

The Dark Side of Online Fame

Social media has made wrestlers more accessible to fans than ever, but for Saraya, that accessibility has come with serious downsides. She described her direct messages as “the dark web” and admitted she avoids checking them altogether. “I know there will be unsolicited dck pics… Men do not give a s**,” she said bluntly. “Social media is like a mask to them, so they can do and say whatever they want and get away with it.”

The abuse isn’t just limited to crude messages. Saraya revealed she’s been on the receiving end of terrifying threats, including threats of sexual violence and murder. “I’ve had so many fans come to my house,” she shared. “I had a guy that had no shoes on and a ripped shirt that was trying to get in my house. I’ve had people send stuff to me. People have camped outside my house before.”

Because of these experiences, she’s taken extreme precautions to protect her privacy, even keeping her home under a different name to prevent unwanted visitors.

When Fandom Crosses the Line

Despite the negative experiences, Saraya made it clear she appreciates the majority of her fans who support her respectfully. However, she also acknowledged the dangerous extremes of parasocial relationships—where certain fans feel an unhealthy level of familiarity with public figures.

“You do get the odd weirdo that thinks that they know you so well that they can come into your house or be outside your hotel room or like hunt me down in a hotel room,” she said. “It is crazy how far some of these fans will go.”

As Saraya continues to reclaim her narrative through her memoir, she’s also shining a light on the darker realities of fame in professional wrestling. Hell in Boots hits shelves tomorrow, and if her interview is any indication, it promises to be an unfiltered, no-holds-barred look at the highs and lows of her journey.

North Carolina Senate Proposes “RIC FLAIR” Act to Explore Wrestling Hall of Fame

North Carolina is looking to cement its place in pro wrestling history with a proposed Hall of Fame, and they’re doing it in true legendary fashion—by naming the bill after “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair.

The bipartisan Senate Bill 404, also known as the “RIC FLAIR” Act, aims to allocate $500,000 to study the feasibility of creating a professional wrestling Hall of Fame in the state. The bill is sponsored by Senators Jay Chaudhuri, Danny Britt, and Ralph Hise, and if passed, would require the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources to conduct the study and present a report by the summer of 2026.

Senator Chaudhuri emphasized the deep connection between professional wrestling and North Carolina, stating, “Our shared cultural heritage in this state is college basketball, NASCAR, and professional wrestling. Professional wrestling still hasn’t gotten the recognition it deserves.”

North Carolina has long been a major hub for wrestling, with the legendary Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling promotion calling the state home before evolving into Jim Crockett Promotions, a key player in the rise of the NWA and WCW. Ric Flair himself became a household name while wrestling in the region, making the bill’s namesake a fitting tribute.

If the study leads to the creation of a Hall of Fame, North Carolina could establish itself as a premier destination for wrestling history alongside WWE’s Hall of Fame, which currently exists as a virtual entity without a dedicated physical location.

Could we see a brick-and-mortar wrestling shrine in North Carolina in the future? Only time will tell, but if there’s one thing Ric Flair knows how to do, it’s make history. Woooo!

WWE Officially Announces The Natural Disasters for WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2025

Earlier this month, Typhoon confirmed that he and Earthquake, known as The Natural Disasters, will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.

WWE has now officially announced this news.

The Natural Disasters will join Triple H, Michelle McCool, and Lex Luger in the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2025.

You can check out the official announcement below:

“One of the most physically imposing duos in professional wrestling history, Earthquake (John Tenta), and Typhoon (Fred Ottman), known together as The Natural Disasters, will enter the WWE Hall of Fame as members of the Class of 2025.

Typhoon joined forces with Earthquake in late 1990 and the pair ran roughshod over the WWE due in part to their combined weight of nearly 900lbs. The tandem would go on to claim the WWE Tag Team Titles and engage in epic in-ring showdowns with Money Inc., The Legion of Doom and The Nasty Boys during their run as champions.

A talented group with the in-ring acumen to complement their enormous size, The Natural Disasters were a vital piece in the growth of WWE to where it is today. The pair reigned supreme in an era full of incredible tag teams and even teamed with inaugural WWE Hall of Fame inductee Andre the Giant at one point.

Considered a gentle giant by his peers outside of the ring, Earthquake was a former two-sport athlete as a wrestler and football player at Lousiana State University. He broke into the wrestling business in Japan where he was a decorated Sumo champion to go along with a successful career in All Japan Pro Wrestling. Earthquake awed fans across the world with his incredible size and memorable rivalry with Hulk Hogan during a golden age of wrestling before sadly passing away in 2006.

Typhoon, meanwhile, came up in Championship Wrestling from Florida alongside fellow Hall of Famers Diamond Dallas Page and Dusty Rhodes where he became the promotion’s Heavyweight Champion. He later married The American Dream’s sister and is the uncle of Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes.

A larger-than-life pairing that changed the game regarding tag team wrestling, The Natural Disasters will be remembered forever for their collective destruction and indomitable fighting spirit as they take their place in the WWE Hall of Fame as members of the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2025.”

WWE Raw Preview 3/24/2025

WWE Raw airs live today globally on Netflix from the OVO Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland, with a special start time of 4:00 pm ET/1:00 pm PT.

  • Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Lyra Valkyria (c) vs. Raquel Rodriguez
  • Intercontinental Championship: Bron Breakker (c) vs. Penta
  • Jey Uso and a mystery partner vs. A-Town Down Under (Grayson Waller and Austin Theory)
  • Dragon Lee vs. Chad Gable
  • Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes to appear
  • John Cena to appear
  • CM Punk to appear

Legendary WCCW Announcer Bill Mercer Passes Away at 99

The wrestling world has lost a true broadcasting icon, as Bill Mercer, best known as the voice of World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW), passed away on Sunday at the age of 99.

A Storied Career in Wrestling and Beyond

Mercer’s journey in wrestling began in the 1950s in Oklahoma before he made his mark in Texas. By 1976, he was a familiar voice in the industry, but it was his time calling WCCW from 1982 to 1987 that cemented his place in wrestling history. His commentary became synonymous with the golden era of WCCW, where he narrated the rise of legends like The Von Erichs, The Fabulous Freebirds, and Gino Hernandez.

However, Mercer’s talents extended well beyond the squared circle. His broadcasting career spanned 60 years, covering baseball, football, basketball, and even historic news events. He was on the ground as a news reporter covering the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963 in Dallas, a moment that forever shaped American history.

A Legacy in Education and Broadcasting

Beyond his work in media, Mercer was also a dedicated educator. From 1966 to 2006, he taught at the University of North Texas, shaping the careers of over 700 students in radio and television broadcasting. His contributions to the industry were recognized with inductions into both the Texas Radio Hall of Fame (2002) and the Texas Sports Hall of Fame (2020).

Before his passing, Mercer held the distinction of being the oldest living past president of the Dallas-Fort Worth SAG-AFTRA, an organization he served during the 1960s.

Remembering a Voice That Defined an Era

Bill Mercer’s influence on wrestling, sports, and journalism is undeniable. His voice provided the soundtrack to some of wrestling’s most unforgettable moments, and his impact will live on through the many students and broadcasters he mentored over the decades.

Rest in peace, Bill Mercer—your voice and legacy will never be forgotten.

Chris Bey Walks to the Ring and Shares Emotional Message at Benefit Show Following Injury Recovery

TNA Wrestling star Chris Bey took center stage at FSW Mecca X in Las Vegas this past Sunday, delivering an emotional speech to the fans who supported him through his difficult recovery. The event, which aired on TrillerTV, served as a benefit show for Bey, who has been sidelined since October due to a serious neck injury.

A Night of Love and Gratitude

Accompanied by his girlfriend, Brittnie Brooks, Bey walked to the ring to a warm reception. Once inside, he embraced Karrion Kross and Hammerstone, who had just competed in the main event. He then called for his long-time tag team partner, Ace Austin, to join him in the ring before addressing the crowd.

In an emotional speech, Bey expressed his deep appreciation for the wrestling community, emphasizing the support he has received from fans, fellow wrestlers, and everyone behind the scenes.

“I’d be lying if I said I did it by myself because I truly and honestly believe that because of each and every one of you, and everybody in the back, that’s the reason why I’m standing here right now.”

Bey spoke about his lifelong love for wrestling, his gratitude for the opportunity to live his dream, and how much the overwhelming support has meant to him during this time.

“Love is a real thing, and all my life, all I’ve ever truly, truly, truly loved—until I met her [Brittnie]—was professional wrestling.”

The TNA star encouraged everyone in attendance to cherish the moment, embrace their emotions, and appreciate the significance of the night.

The Injury That Changed Everything

Bey’s injury occurred last October during a TNA Tag Team Title match against Matt and Jeff Hardy at an IMPACT taping in Detroit following Bound for Glory. A botched move resulted in a broken neck, forcing him to undergo surgery and take an indefinite hiatus from the ring.

While his in-ring return remains uncertain, Bey’s heartfelt words at FSW Mecca X made it clear that he hasn’t lost his passion for wrestling—or the fans who have stood by him. His speech was a powerful reminder of the bond between wrestlers and their supporters, proving that even in the toughest moments, the love for the business remains unshaken.

With an unforgettable night in the books, the question now remains: When will Chris Bey make his return to the ring?

Date And Location Set For ROH Supercard Of Honor

Ring of Honor is gearing up for Supercard of Honor, but this year’s event is breaking from tradition. The annual pay-per-view, which has historically taken place during WrestleMania weekend, is now set to happen independently on May 2 at the Adrian Phillips Theater at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ.

A Historic Venue for a Historic Show

The choice of Boardwalk Hall adds an interesting layer of wrestling history to Supercard of Honor. The venue was home to WrestleMania IV and WrestleMania V, making it the only location to host back-to-back WrestleMania events. While AEW, ROH’s parent company, last ran shows in Atlantic City in 2022, this marks the first time Supercard of Honor will take place in May since 2011.

ROH’s Journey Under Tony Khan

Ring of Honor has seen major changes since Tony Khan purchased the company in 2022. After financial struggles forced ROH into a temporary shutdown in 2021, Khan revived the promotion under the AEW umbrella. Despite AEW’s recent media rights renewal with Warner Bros. Discovery, ROH remains a streaming-exclusive product, airing weekly on HonorClub—just as it did before Khan’s ownership.

With Supercard of Honor moving to its own standalone date, this could signal a shift in ROH’s strategy, allowing the brand to establish itself further outside of AEW’s orbit. More details, including the start time and full match card, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Will this move help Supercard of Honor stand out more, or will it struggle without the buzz of WrestleMania weekend?