In a move that can only be described as “budget cuts, but make it corporate,” TNA Wrestling has reportedly parted ways with several key executives, including President Anthony Cicione. That’s right—while WWE and AEW were busy cutting wrestlers, TNA looked around and said, “You know what we have too much of? Management.”
According to reports from Fightful Select and PWInsider, the company underwent a behind-the-scenes purge, leaving some execs wondering if they should’ve laced up their boots instead of sitting in boardrooms. The biggest name to go? Anthony Cicione, who barely had time to get his nameplate on the desk before getting the ol’ “future endeavors” treatment.
TNA: Now With 100% Less President!
Cicione, who took over after Scott D’Amore was shown the door last year, will not be completely disappearing. He still holds the title of President of Anthem Sports & Entertainment, which is basically the corporate equivalent of getting kicked out of your house but still owning the deed. No word yet on who will replace him, but with TNA’s history, expect an ex-wrestler, a guy with a LinkedIn profile longer than a Royal Rumble, or a literal mannequin with a headset.
Josh Matthews & Christy Hemme Also Sent Packing
Longtime TNA employee Josh Matthews, best known for going from WWE commentator to TNA announcer to backstage producer, is also out. Matthews had been with the company since 2014, proving that in wrestling, you either leave early or stick around long enough to get thrown over the top rope by budget cuts.
Also gone? Christy Hemme, the former WWE Diva Search winner who has done everything in TNA except, apparently, dodge layoffs. Hemme rejoined the company last fall as Head of Marketing, but apparently, marketing herself as “not fireable” didn’t make the cut.
Blame It On The New Guy
This mass exodus appears to be the work of George Veras, TNA’s new Executive Producer, who came in and immediately started handing out pink slips like they were Superkick Party invitations. Veras, whose résumé includes working with ABC, NBC, CBS, and the Cleveland Browns (yikes), seems to be putting together his own team. So far, this includes Mark Brown, former Ring of Honor director, and Andrea Pagnanelli as SVP of Marketing—because what’s a good shake-up without hiring people with impressive last names?
What’s Next?
TNA fans are left wondering if this executive shuffle will change anything in the actual product. Will the company suddenly start running smoother? Will the lights stay on during broadcasts? Will talent finally get raises, or at least some catering that isn’t just store-brand granola bars?
One thing’s for sure: TNA is proving once again that the only thing more unpredictable than pro wrestling is pro wrestling management. Stay tuned—because if history tells us anything, there’s always another restructure just around the corner.