TNA has announced via email that multiple members of the leadership team have been let go from the promotion, including one of the biggest names behind the scenes.
Update: Following the announcement, a statement was issued to Mike Johnson of PWInsider from Anthem Sports Group President Carlos Silva:
“Today, we announced a restructuring, resulting in staffing changes at TNA Wrestling. These decisions are always difficult, but it became apparent that we needed to make adjustments to our business strategies. We are grateful for those who worked here and thank them for their years of dedication to the company. Finally, we want our fans to know that we are committed to producing the absolute best product and highest-quality content that we can, and we appreciate their continued support.”
In an email obtained via Fightful Select, former Knockouts Champion Gail Kim is among those who have been fired by TNA along with fellow members of the leadership team Ariel Shnerner, Rob Klingman and Michael Shewchenko. The email is as follows:
“Departing our leadership team are Ariel Shnerner, Gail Kim, Rob Klingman and Michael Shewchenko. As a long-term Anthem employee, Ariel has played an important role in growing our anthem properties, from his work with Fightf Network and most recently his focus on TNA. Ariel has been instrumental in building our storylines and growing our audiences.
Gail has had a long and stories career in TNA as both a champion wrestler and a part of the TNA leadership team, Gail has been a powerful presence in our locker room, supporting our talent and their great performances.
On the sales side Rob Kligman departs as Chief Revenue Officer and in Digital, Michael Shewchenko will be departing the organization April 30th.
In addition to these leadership departures, we also say thank you and goodbye to Karen Clevett, Sebastian Dastranj, Romy Glazer and Rafael Morffi.
Our company is built on the strength and dedication of our team and these changes do not diminish the value or the contributions of those affected.”
After first breaking the news on social media, Sean Ross Sapp clarified that the names mentioned were firings and they did not leave by choice.
Along with 7 reigns as the Knockouts Champion while an active performer, Kim was credited as being one of the pioneers in changing the perception of women’s wrestling in North America, especially due to her rivalry with Awesome Kong. Kim was inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame in 2016. After retiring from wrestling, Kim worked as a producer and in Talent Relations and was one of the most respected people in the whole company. Kim’s time with the promotion began in 2007.
Speaking with several talents in the company, Jon Alba of The Takedown on SI added that multiple talents were shocked by the news, especially with Kim and Shnerner’s exits. Shnerner was effectively the head of creative in the company.
What’s Next For TNA?
Providing more information on what is next for the promotion behind the scenes, Mike Johnson of PWInsider reports that Hunter “Delirious” Johnston will now oversee creative with Tommy Dreamer also remaining on the team. Both will report to TNA President Carlos Silva, who replaced Scott D’Amore at the start of 2024.