Carlos Silva has addressed TNA Wrestling’s decision to remove talent from previously approved independent bookings that involved matches with AEW stars.

Speaking on Busted Open Radio, Silva explained that the calls were made to protect the company’s interests. The situation led to several advertised matches being canceled after earlier approval, including Nic Nemeth vs. MJF at a Create-A-Pro event and Leon Slater vs. Ricochet at the Mark Hitchcock Memorial Show.

“We’re gonna make decisions that are good for TNA. And we gotta protect TNA. And we’ve had some other folks come at us, and they’ve moved into our nights. They’ve made some decisions. They’ve tried to block us in arenas and venues. And that stuff’s real, and it’s out there. And it’s okay, because everyone’s got to make the decisions for their business. But we’re also just not gonna lie down and not make decisions that are good for our business. And unfortunately, sometimes, those decisions are tough. And we’re very thoughtful about them. And we try to do the best to make good when we have to make those decisions. And in the case of Nic and Leon and a few of the matches that had to get shut down, we tried to make good and make calls and take care of the business as best we could,” Silva said.

Silva did not name specific companies, but he indicated that outside competition played a role in the decision. He referenced scheduling conflicts, venue competition, and broader business pressures as factors behind pulling talent from those appearances.

Following the cancellations, WrestleCon confirmed that TNA covered travel and hotel costs for Slater after his match was removed. The situation also drew reactions from talent involved. MJF publicly criticized the move, while Nemeth expressed disappointment over the canceled bout.

The decision highlights ongoing tensions between promotions and the challenges of managing talent appearances across different companies and events.

Carlos Silva Explains TNA Pulling Talent From AEW-Linked Matches

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