Jonathan Coachman Says WWE Doesn’t Need to Buy TNA

Jonathan Coachman believes WWE has little reason to pursue a full acquisition of TNA Wrestling, arguing the company is already benefiting from the current working relationship.

Speaking on 2 Count Tuesday, Coachman addressed the growing speculation about WWE potentially buying TNA. He suggested the focus may be misplaced, pointing instead to the imbalance of power within the partnership. According to Coachman, WWE holds the upper hand and can leverage that position if TNA is not careful.

“No. And I think sometimes you get caught up in saying we’re partnering with the WWE instead of what we’ve talked about here on Coach and Bro, that the WWE, if you’re not paying attention, they will take advantage of the partnership because they are the big, big bad brother, and that’s what they’ve done here.”

WWE Already Getting What It Wants

Coachman explained that WWE does not need to invest significant money into acquiring TNA when it can already access talent and integrate them into key storylines or events when needed.

“You just laid it out perfectly. They don’t need to pay $50 million for anything because whenever they want something or somebody, they say, ‘We want this person up here. We want them a part of the John Cena tournament. Want them this or that.’”

His comments suggest that WWE’s current arrangement allows it to maximize value without taking on the financial and logistical burden of a full purchase.

Concerns Over Talent Relations

Coachman also shifted focus to how the partnership could impact talent. He warned that restrictions on outside earnings, combined with limited pay increases, could create frustration among wrestlers.

Referencing situations like Nick Nemeth and MJF, Coachman pointed out the potential tension when companies attempt to control external opportunities.

“And then the other part is if you’re a talent — and I said this about the whole Nick Nemeth-MJF situation — is when you’re telling your talent, ‘We can’t pay you what you want, but we’re going to allow you to have paydays, but we want to dictate the paydays.’

Well, now all of a sudden, you’re going to have talent that doesn’t want to be there anymore because they’re saying, ‘Wait a second. If I get a chance to make 10 grand in one day, are they going to step in and say, “No, you can’t do that?” And that’s what they’re starting to do. And in my opinion, at the wrong time.”

Bigger Picture of the Partnership

The partnership between WWE and TNA has already sparked discussion, especially amid reports of a potential purchase option and concerns tied to Anthem’s financial situation.

Coachman’s view is straightforward. WWE may have no incentive to buy TNA outright when it can already benefit from the relationship as it stands. However, he cautioned that this dynamic could leave TNA vulnerable, effectively turning the promotion into a pipeline for WWE rather than an equal partner.