As noted, former TNA Champions Bobby Roode and Eric Young finished up with TNA over the weekend, and the following are the very latest details on what lead to their departures, according to PWInsider.com.
With regards to Bobby Roode, he was said to be in a similar situation AJ Styles was in a few years ago, in which he was signed to a TNA deal making him one of the highest paid talents on the roster. When Roode’s contract expired last month, he was not being used by TNA in a way that would justify continuing to pay him as a top talent in the company, so Roode had effectively worked himself into a situation in which he was too expensive for TNA.
A much larger issue in recent months is that Roode has been very frustrated with TNA paying talents late, and he was reportedly very vocal about that frustration with TNA management. TNA eventually caught Roode up with payment, however, and it is believed he is not owed any money.
Roode did agree to a new TNA deal after his last deal expired, but he reportedly had a change of heart, and requested his release over the weekend. It’s unknown exactly what made Roode change his mind, but there were said to be “more frustrations” and TNA negotiated his release over the weekend and as of last night Roode is a free agent and is already accepting bookings.
As for Eric Young, it’s being said he was recently offered a new deal by TNA, but was unhappy with the amount being offered considering he has been with TNA for the past 12 years. Young was also unhappy with talents who have been working for TNA for a much shorter amount of time than Young, or who have taken time away from the company and then returned, being offered the same deals as Young. It should be noted that other talents have been locked in exclusively with TNA, but Young’s deal allowed him to do outside projects, like his reality show, with no involvement from TNA.
Young reportedly made his frustrations known to TNA management, and the company told him he would have to decide whether or not to accept his new deal or request his release and become a free agent. Young, who is 36 years old, decided to request his release from TNA. Young, like Bobby Roode, also became a free and clear agent as of last night.
As noted, TNA will be airing Bobby Roode and Eric Young’s final matches in the coming weeks on Impact Wrestling.
Nick was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and lived there until the age of 18, when he decided to pack his flack jacket and move to New York City.
