TNA News: Ahead Of ‘Slammiversary,’ Billy Corgan And Others Deny Rumors Of Mass Departures
For years, TNA’s Slammiversary event has served as one of the wrestling promotion’s hallmark events. Even this year’s card, featuring TNA founder Jeff Jarrett’s return to the six-sided ring, is something of a big to-do for the company. But regrettably, both in-ring talent and front office honchos have found themselves dogged by nagging rumors of an imminent mass departure heading into the event. Indeed, it’s been so much of a distraction that a number of individuals took to social media and other channels today in attempts to clear the air.
WrestlingINC noted that TNA executive Bob Ryder took aim at reports by F4WOnline that Taryn Terrell and Awesome Kong will leave the company after tonight’s show.
Neither of their contracts are up for several months. Amazed you would report something so totally wrong. https://t.co/HJSAeo9efV
— Bob Ryder (@brydertna) June 28, 2015
Ryder continued addressing online reports later in the day, specifically calling into question the credibility of veteran wrestling reporter Dave Meltzer and demanding an apology from him.
This shows how little credibility he should have. He has never been more wrong on anything he has ever “reported”. https://t.co/zK5GuGGGU0
— Bob Ryder (@brydertna) June 28, 2015
.@davemeltzerWON The story on your site is totally wrong and an example of irresponsible reporting. An apology and correction should follow.
— Bob Ryder (@brydertna) June 28, 2015
Both Taryn Terrell and Awesome Kong also refuted the online rumors via Twitter.
Stop making up rumors Internet! I just started playing!! I’m not going ANYWHERE!! #thedollhouse
— Taryn Terrell (@TheTarynTerrell) June 28, 2015
Contrary to rumors, @IMPACTWRESTLING and I will ring in the new year together & I’ll ‘deck the halls’ of anyone who says otherwise #staying
— Awesome Kong (@MeanQueenK) June 28, 2015
According to TNA Insider, TNA’s Senior Producer of Creative and Talent Development, Billy Corgan, also commented on the rampant rumors of a large-scale exodus during a live, pre-PPV broadcast on Periscope. Corgan apparently acknowledged that he does not handle talent relations, but added that wrestlers who are rumored to be leaving are not being written out of storylines and will be coming back to work in TNA. Later in the day, he likened the ongoing changes and business decisions in TNA to his work with Smashing Pumpkins.
And just like with SP, not every decision is ideal or can be understood in that moment. But as things play out I see good things ahead 4 TNA
— William Corgan (@Billy) June 28, 2015
Wrestlers Gunner and Sam Shaw were recently released by TNA. As previously reported by Inquisitr, TNA Original “Cowboy” James Storm and Magnus are two of the top stars rumored to be leaving the company after tonight’s Slammiversary show. It is also believed that Austin Aries’ will leave TNA, as his contract has reportedly expired.
[Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images for Live Nation]
