According to a report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter last week, TNA is not allowing its talent to work with Scott D'Amore's Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling promotion. Dave Meltzer noted that the reason behind this decision is that TNA does not want to be perceived as collaborating with AEW, as Maple Leaf has hosted AEW talent in the past. Meltzer also pointed out that this situation illustrates the extent of WWE's influence over TNA. He referenced comments by Moose in an interview with Signed By Superstars, where Moose expressed his desire to work for Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling. He mentioned that while he talks to Scott D'Amore regularly, D'Amore's relationship with AEW prevents Moose from participating, as TNA and AEW are in competition.
Both TNA President Carlos Silva and Scott D'Amore have denied this report. However, Meltzer revealed in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter that he has received off-the-record comments confirming the accuracy of the original story. He noted that former TNA stars Mike Bailey and Josh Alexander had previously appeared on Maple Leaf Pro shows, but no TNA wrestlers have participated since then. The only individual TNA has allowed to appear on a Scott D'Amore show is Santino Marella, who is not an active wrestler for TNA. George Iceman, who is a close friend of D'Amore, has worked on shows for him as well, but Iceman is also not signed to TNA.
Meltzer added that one person who publicly stated the report was false later told him privately that it was indeed true. He concluded that since public denials were issued, there is a possibility that TNA might allow some talent to work on D'Amore's shows in order to support their denial about restricting talent from those events.
