High-Profile Departures Shake TNA Wrestling Amid Leadership Changes

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — TNA Wrestling announced significant leadership changes on March 25, 2025, with the departure of eight staff members, including high-profile figures such as Executive Producer Ariel Shnerer and Hall of Famer Gail Kim.

In a memo sent to staff, newly appointed President Carlos Silva confirmed the surprising exits, which come on the heels of last year’s firing of then-president Scott D’Amore. Shnerer, who had been a key figure in TNA’s creative direction, was described as ‘effectively head of creative.’ In his absence, former Ring of Honor booker Hunter ‘Delirious’ Johnston will now overlook creative operations.

“Ariel has played an important role in creating compelling storylines and growing our audiences at TNA,” Silva stated in the memo. “His departure, along with others, marks a new era for our organization.”

Kim, a seven-time TNA Knockouts Champion, had served as a producer and co-head of Talent Relations. Regarded as a pioneer in women’s wrestling, she was inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame in 2016. Her contributions over nearly two decades positioned her as a beloved figure within the company.

“Gail has been a powerful presence in our locker room, supporting our talent and their performances,” Silva’s memo read. In her absence, Tommy Dreamer will manage Talent Relations, maintaining his presence on the creative team as well.

Additional departures include Rob Klingman, the Chief Revenue Officer who joined TNA last August, and Michael Shewchenko, Vice President of Digital Operations. Other staff members leaving include Karen Clevett, Romy Glazer, and Sebastian Dastrani.

As the company restructures, Silva announced the arrival of new executives, including David Clevinger as Senior Vice President of Digital and Nicole Rachine as Senior Vice President of Sales.

The swift changes have led to mixed reactions among wrestlers and staff members. Jon Alba reported that many talents expressed shock at the departures of both Kim and Shnerer, emphasizing the impact these figures had on the wrestling culture within TNA.

Wrestling industry insiders suggest that leadership changes are common during transitions in executive roles; however, the termination of such notable names may pose challenges for TNA’s future strategies and programming.

As developments unfold, fans and industry watchers are keenly anticipating how the new leadership will shape the direction of TNA Wrestling and its talent relations.