Add as a preferred source on Google AJ Francis has come to TNA’s defense amid the strong reaction to the company’s recent departures.
In recent days, TNA confirmed a “workforce reduction” intended to streamline operations and sharpen its focus on strategy and profitability. Tommy Dreamer left his creative and talent relations roles, while Tessa Blanchard was also released. Sami Callihan left the company shortly afterward.
Speaking on No-Contest Wrestling, Francis said some fans are lumping different situations together as if they are all part of the same crisis.
“And to be honest with you, like this is the funniest thing to me. TNA is the only wrestling company that when people ask for their release, they are immediately granted their release.”
The former WWE star also compared TNA’s approach to other companies, noting that wrestlers historically have not always been allowed to leave when they asked.
“No other company. No other company does that. There have been so many stories from every other wrestling company that somebody wanted to go and they wouldn’t let them go.”
For Francis, however, fans are making a mistake by treating cases involving Steph De Lander, Mance Warner, Steve Maclin, Tommy Dreamer, and Tessa Blanchard as if they all have the same explanation.
“Each one of those situations are completely different and completely nuanced.”
Francis also pointed to TNA’s move to AMC as proof that the company is not on the decline.