Details, Reactions Behind TNA Firing Gail Kim

In a shocking move, TNA fired Gail Kim, Ariel Shnerner and others.

Over a dozen TNA talent reached out to Fightful regarding the news of Gail Kim's firing, which was met with shock, disbelief, and anger. It was a unanimously unpopular move based on those we spoke to, with at least one talent said that it made the decision for them to not remain in the company when their deal was up. There were others that told Fightful they were scared for their jobs.

At least one person said they actually weren't surprised, because Gail Kim has been very outspoken creatively, and would sometimes butt heads with people in control. Another person indicated that, but said "that's what you want out of a person in her position. Someone who will advocate for a better show." We're told that Kim was very direct about her complaints when she felt like things could have been handled better or more professionally. Gail Kim was not involved in creative, and had been pushing heavily for the Knockouts division to do more after the departure of Scott D'Amore.

In all, the reaction to Gail Kim's firing ended up being more unanimously negative than the Scott D'Amore decision last year, even. As negative as talent were publicly, it was even worse privately.

Sources in AEW and WWE both said they expected Gail Kim to get interest across the wrestling world, and a few said they were going to immediately push for such. We're told that Gail Kim does plan to continue in wrestling. 

One longtime name in TNA said that they believe Anthem is going for a major regime shift with the departures of Scott D'Amore, Gail Kim and Josh Mathews, names that had been around for ages. They pointed to the revolving door of TNA Presidents and the differing visions between them. Those that we spoke to claim the decision was TNA President Carlos Silva's, and he told Gail Kim she was fired, but didn't provide a reason besides "changes." There was immediately heat in his direction for the decisions.

Tommy Dreamer was moved to a talent relations role, to help full the void Gail Kim left behind there. Hunter Johnston, aka Delirious will head creative. Tommy Dreamer will stay on the creative end as well.

Even outside of TNA, the firing of Gail Kim was met with a lot of shock and disbelief, with personalities from the industry trying to learn why it happened. A number of them told us they reached out to her directly and that Kim seemed "determined."

Gail Kim has no non compete and can appear for any wrestling company she wants or work wherever immediately.