Anthem Executive Shoots Down Report TNA Banned Talent From Maple Leaf Wrestling Shows Because of AEW

TNA Wrestling just got dragged into another drama—this time involving claims of behind-the-scenes tension with AEW and Scott D’Amore’s Maple Leaf Wrestling. But a top Anthem executive isn’t letting the story go unchecked.

In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that TNA talent had been banned from working Maple Leaf Wrestling shows due to AEW involvement. Meltzer claimed the issue stemmed from TNA management viewing AEW as a rival promotion and not wanting their contracted stars working on events with AEW talent—regardless of their history with D’Amore.

“TNA talent is not allowed to work on Scott D’Amore’s Maple Leaf Wrestling shows even though most of them like D’Amore. The reason is that TNA management considers AEW as the enemy and D’Amore is allowed to book AEW talent. This is no way that decision would be made by anyone in TNA who cared about t’he talent and basically shows at the top level, TNA is controlled by WWE,” Meltzer claimed.

The report quickly made waves online, especially with the bold claim that WWE now holds power over TNA—suggesting a strategic shift that would directly affect how talent is managed and booked outside the company.

But David B. Clevinger, the Senior Vice President of Digital at Anthem Sports (which owns TNA), was quick to fire back. Taking to Twitter, Clevinger dismissed Meltzer’s claims in one blunt post: “None of this is true, BTW.”

With just one sentence, Anthem brushed off the report entirely—and not for the first time when it comes to Meltzer’s claims. At this point, fans are used to separating fact from fiction when it comes to these stories, especially when there’s no actual proof to back them up.

Do you think Meltzer was just stirring the pot again, or is there still reason to question what’s going on behind the scenes? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know where you stand on the TNA-AEW situation.