Backstage Update & Reaction on Gail Kim’s Firing from TNA

As noted before, Anthem made another shakeup to the management teams for their company and TNA Wrestling. Eight executives were fired as part of a round of firings affecting both companies. Among those notable who departed TNA included TNA Talent Relations and Producing Gail Kim.

Fightful Select’s Sean Ross Sapp reported that the reactions from several TNA talents spoken to were “shock”, “disbelief”, and “anger” over the news of Kim’s firing. Sapp reported that this decision was “unanimously unpopular” with talent spoken to and one talent stating that they plan to lave TNA when their contract was up because of it. Other talents spoken to reportedly stated that they were afraid for the future of their jobs in TNA as a result.

Sapp reported that the general reaction to Kim leaving was more negative than former TNA President Scott D’Amore’s firing last year. Sapp also reported that as negative as it has been publicly, it has been worse in private within TNA.

One source spoken to stated that they were not surprised by the move due to Kim was not shy about making her opinions known creatively and occasionally had disagreements with those running the company. Another source spoken to reportedly stated “That’s what you want out of a person in her position. Someone who will advocate for a better show.” In regards to the disagreements Kim had, Sapp reported that Kim was stated to be upfront about things she thought could be handled differently or “more professionally.” Kim reportedly was not involved in TNA’s creative but had been pushing for more for the Knockouts division after D’Amore left.

Those spoken to within AEW and WWE reportedly currently expect that there will be a lot of interest in Kim now that she is a free agent and a several of those stated that they were going to push to hire her for their company.

In regards to Kim’s career future, Sapp reported that Kim currently plans to stay in the wrestling business post-TNA departure.

In regards to the reaction outside of TNA over Kim’s firing. Sapp reported that this was one of a general shock from people in the business and several wanting to know why it happened. Kim reportedly does not have a non-compete clause in her contract and can appear or work for whoever she wants.

One source spoken to stated that they believe Anthem is likely trying to change the regime in TNA after the exists of D’Amore, Kim, and Josh Matthews. Sapp reported that that the decision to fire Kim came from TNA President Carlos Silva who told her what happened but did not say why other than “changes” for the reason. Silva reportedly currently has heat within the company for what he did.

Sapp also confirmed that Tommy Dreamer was moved to Talent Relations to fill Kim’s role but will also still be working as a member of TNA’s creative team.