As noted, several matches involving AEW and TNA talent on independent shows have recently been canceled, including the advertised bout between MJF and Nic Nemeth, as well as Ricochet vs. Leon Slater. The decision was made by TNA President Carlos Silva, who cited “partner conflicts” as the reason behind the changes.
According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, there is widespread belief within the wrestling industry that WWE’s partnership with TNA may have influenced the cancellations. However, Meltzer stressed that this remains speculation and has not been confirmed.
“It’s really bad business, I mean, obviously, there’s been heavy speculation that it was WWE forcing the hand of TNA. I mean, everyone in wrestling thinks that’s the case. I cannot prove that’s the case. I know people who are involved who think that’s the case, but they also can’t prove it’s the case because the only thing that’s happened is Carlos Silva is the one who said it and it makes him look really bad saying it after proving it,” he explained. “Even if it comes from WWE and they say ‘We don’t want you doing this,’ I think that they should’ve fought back to the point of going like, ‘Okay, but the stuff that’s advertised for this week, I mean, give us a break’ … TNA is the one that looks bad, not WWE.”
The most high-profile of the canceled matches was set for the Create-A-Pro event on May 1, where MJF was originally scheduled to face Nemeth. Following the change, MJF will now issue an open challenge, while Nemeth is set to compete against Bear Bronson.
Despite remaining on the card, MJF did not hold back in expressing his frustration, taking to social media to criticize Silva after the decision became public.
While no official confirmation has been made regarding WWE’s involvement, the situation has sparked ongoing discussion within the industry. The cancellations have also impacted other independent bookings, adding further attention to the evolving relationships between promotions and how partnership agreements may affect cross-promotional appearances moving forward.
WA on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wrestlingattitude/
WA on Facebook (Women's Wrestling) - https://www.facebook.com/WrestlingDivas/
WA on X/Twitter - https://x.com/wa_wrestling
WA on Instagram (Women's Wrestling) - https://www.instagram.com/wa_wrestlingattitude/
WA on Google News - https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMJf3owsw2oG8Aw
WA on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/wrestlingattitude.bsky.social
