As previously reported, TNA has pulled several of its stars from upcoming independent shows, including events scheduled during WrestleMania week. Moose was set to face an undisclosed opponent at MLP’s Multiverse show next week, while Leon Slater was scheduled to battle Ricochet at the Marl Hitchcock Memorial Show. Both of these matches were canceled after TNA decided to withdraw its talent.
Additionally, a match between Nic Nemeth and MJF at Create A Pro’s May 1st show was also canceled. MJF is now scheduled to compete in an open challenge at the same event, while Nemeth will face Bear Bronson. MJF has publicly criticized TNA and Carlos Silva multiple times regarding these changes.
According to Dave Meltzer in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, many involved with the situation believe that Silva's decision to rescind approval for the matches originated from WWE. Meltzer noted that while there is no direct evidence to confirm this, one individual in WWE mentioned the day before the cancellations that all the matches would be pulled, suggesting WWE might have influenced this decision. He emphasized that this belief is the prevailing sentiment within the wrestling community, though not definitive confirmation.
Furthermore, Meltzer reported that as of April 6th, all the matches were in jeopardy despite being advertised and tickets already sold. The matches were officially canceled on April 8th. It was also noted that many of TNA's talent were unhappy with how the situation was handled, although no one has spoken publicly about it. Meltzer concluded that while it may pose a short-term public relations challenge, it is unlikely to impact TNA’s business in the long run.
