In what can only be described as the wrestling world’s version of “It’s not you, it’s definitely you,” Rich Swann is no longer under contract with TNA Wrestling. After a rocky final stretch marked by inactivity, backstage sightings, and yet another intoxication incident, Swann has officially flapped his wings toward the indie circuit. TNA, meanwhile, chose the quiet breakup route—no big announcement, no swan song (pun always intended), just a silent contract expiration at the end of 2024.
Per the grapevine known as Fightful Select, TNA could’ve exercised their option to keep Swann for another year. Instead, they looked at the situation and said, “Nah, we’re good.” The timing? Chef’s kiss. Swann was present backstage at TNA tapings in Orlando this February—but like your ex liking your stories without texting you, he was just there. No in-ring action. His last match? Way back in August 2024, where he ate a loss to Mike Bailey for the X-Division title. From champion to catering—wrestling’s circle of life.
Things went from bad to somehow worse when Swann got arrested for public intoxication shortly after that match. This followed a similar incident in 2022, which earned him a brief stint in time-out. After the latest incident, he reportedly entered rehab voluntarily, which is commendable. But TNA still chose to keep him on the shelf—indefinitely. No redemption arc. No surprise returns. Just radio silence.
Swann isn’t done wrestling, though. He’s been popping up across the indie multiverse—GCW, CZW, REVOLVER—basically any acronym that doesn’t do background checks on Thursday. The man’s staying active, even if the bigger leagues aren’t calling just yet.
Swann’s six-year run with TNA wasn’t without highlights. He won the World Title, the X-Division Championship, and even the now-extinct Digital Media Title (RIP to whatever that was supposed to be). He joined after being cut from WWE in 2018, following a domestic violence incident that led to his release. Since then, it’s been a rollercoaster: some highs, many lows, and now a free-agent status with no clear next step.
Worth noting: he’s not alone in the TNA exit line. Josh Alexander and Jordynne Grace also became free agents recently—though unlike Swann, Grace upgraded to WWE and Alexander’s still highly sought after. Meanwhile, Swann’s just hoping not to get replaced by a TikToker with a strong dropkick.