A new report provides an update on Scott D’Amore’s shocking exit from TNA Wrestling.
On February 7, Anthem announced that Scott D’Amore’s contract had been terminated, and Anthony Cicione was appointed as his replacement. The move shocked the wrestling world, as D’Amore was leading the charge in the company’s new era.
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful (via Fightful Select) reports an update on the situation. Sapp writes that the “wheels were in motion” a month before Anthem announced the news. The report notes that D’Amore did not want to leave, though Anthem had indicated that they wanted to present the exit as a mutual one.
Per Sapp, D’Amore insisted on the contrary, and he did not step down. However, Anthem is based in Ontatio, and with their strict employment laws, and not agreeing that the departure was mutual was in D’Amore’s best interest.
Sapp cites correspondence between D’Amore and TNA to aid in the transition to Cicione. However, D’Amore made it clear that he did not want to leave. Sapp reiterated previous reports that D’Amore tried to buy TNA, but these efforts, which came after his firing was made known, were turned down.
Update On TNA’s Increase In Budget
Sapp also points to the rumors surrounding TNA’s increase in budget and production upgrades. However, he cites Anthem sources who ntoed that many of these were actually linked to software upgrades. Per Sapp, the company wanted to reduce some costs, though the schedule looks to be the same.
Additionally, Sapp writes that TNA talent he heard from were overwhelmed and unhappy about D’Amore’s exit, as many were loyal to him.
WrestleZone will provide more information as it becomes available.
