TNA Wrestling’s roster continues to resemble a revolving door with a caffeine addiction, as yet another high-profile talent has left the building. This time, it’s none other than former X-Division trapeze artist and tag team dynamo, Ace Austin, who has officially hit the free agent market—presumably with playing cards dramatically falling behind him like some kind of Vegas magician getting evicted.
According to PWInsider, Austin’s contract quietly expired recently. TNA tried to keep him, probably offered a few extra digits and a box of autographed Jeff Jarrett guitars, but negotiations apparently fizzled out faster than a “Fire Russo” chant in 2024. Scott D’Amore, the once-and-future king of TNA press statements, confirmed Austin’s exit with the corporate equivalent of a thumbs-up and a hug. According to him, the split was amicable—no steel chair shots involved—and he believes Austin’s ready for “the next level.” Presumably that’s a metaphor, unless Ace is leveling up like it’s a Pokémon evolution.
Austin’s official farewell came in his recent match against Mustafa Ali, where he reportedly left it all in the ring—along with his knee pads, dreams, and probably some lingering resentment over Bey’s injury-induced absence. This marked the end of a six-year run that included:
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Three X-Division Championships
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Three tag title reigns with partner Chris Bey
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At least seventeen magical hat tricks
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One unfulfilled prophecy involving the International title
His trajectory has been a roller coaster, from tag team excellence to solo stardom attempts that came this close to sticking, but mostly ended in valiant defeat and dramatic lighting.
Austin’s exit also extends a pattern of TNA attrition that would make even Impact Zone regulars raise an eyebrow. First Jordynne Grace, then Josh Alexander, and even Rich Swann—all out the door like it’s a wrestling-themed version of Survivor and everyone’s torch is getting snuffed before the merge.
Where will Ace go next? AEW? WWE? Backstage magician at The Luxor? Who knows. But if his time in TNA proved anything, it’s that Ace Austin doesn’t fold under pressure—he flips, spins, and dives off the top rope into it.