AJ Francis Reveals How Scott D’Amore Took a Chance on Him in TNA

The wrestling world was shocked by the sudden removal of Scott D’Amore as TNA President, a role where he significantly influenced the company’s direction. In light of his firing, many pro wrestlers have shared stories of how good Scott D’Amore was and this includes Top Dolla.

Anthem Sports & Entertainment Inc. created a buzz in the wrestling community by appointing Anthony Cicione as the new President of TNA Wrestling, leading to the departure of long-time President Scott D’Amore. D’Amore’s exit marked the end of an era in which he played a significant role in navigating TNA through various changes and challenges.

While speaking to Adrian Hernandez, former WWE Superstar AJ Francis shared his thoughts on TNA/Anthem’s decision to fire Scott D’Amore. Francis expressed gratitude towards D’Amore for taking a chance on him and believing in his talent.

“I had met Scott once before we did TNA Hard to Kill. I met him in the nine months between when we got released the first time and when we got brought back. Tommy Dreamer actually was the reason that I got brought in. So Tommy brings me in, I do the Hard to Kill pre-show with Joe Hendry, DJ Whoo Kid, and it blows up.”

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”It’s one of the biggest things that comes out of that show. Off of that one time alone, Scott was like, ‘We’re gonna keep bringing you back.’ I was supposed to do the pre-show thing and then I was supposed to have a match with Joe Hendry the next week in Orlando, so it was to be, like a three-show thing. Now we have already done four shows and we got at least six more already booked. So it’s like, this is a long term thing now.”

Francis highlighted how D’Amore valued his abilities and gave him opportunities, contrasting with his experience in WWE where he felt his talent wasn’t valued. Despite the change in his career, Francis maintains a positive relationship with various individuals in the wrestling industry.

“The thing is, Scott took a chance on me when he didn’t have to. Scott believed in me and let me do commentary after literally only having me on his show for two days. He was like, ‘I heard you talk out there. I know you can do this. Go out there and do commentary.’ I still have a good relationship with Hunter. I was talking to him this week. Like, I still have a good relationship with Paul Heyman. I talk to him all the time. Michael Cole, I talk to him all the time. I still have a good relationship with a lot of people in WWE, but like, my talent wasn’t valued at WWE and that’s not me being sour grapes.”

”I was getting squashed. I was never talking on the mic. There’s always been this common misconception about me and people say these dumbass things about me, and Scott didn’t let any of that noise affect what he saw with his own eyes. That’s why I got nothing but love and appreciation for him there. I just literally talked to him last night and was talking about what’s coming up in the future, and you know, I’m sure we’ll cross paths again.”

Multiple TNA talent also joined together in an open letter to Anthem, expressing their outrage over Scott D’Amore’s firing. Scott D’Amore’s TNA firing was also in the works long before it was officially announced. In the aftermath of his termination, reports emerged detailing the circumstances surrounding D’Amore’s firing, including his unsuccessful attempt to purchase TNA. It remains to be seen what will become of TNA Wrestling in the end.

What do you think of this story regarding Scott D’Amore? Do you feel it was a massive mistake on Anthem’s part to fire him? Let us know in the comments section below!