Austin Aries Addresses ‘Difficult To Work With’ Label While Revisiting Past TNA Dispute

Austin Aries is taking aim at the reputation that followed him for years, saying the “difficult to work with” label tied to his name started after a booking dispute with TNA early in his career.

Following recent reports about MJF’s canceled match with Nic Nemeth due to talent restrictions, Aries used the moment to revisit his own past situation with TNA and explain how that experience shaped how he’s been viewed in the wrestling industry.

Aries said the issue began when TNA tried to pull him from a previously scheduled Ring of Honor appearance on the same day so he could travel early for a pay-per-view. He claimed the company even contacted ROH to say he wouldn’t be appearing before speaking directly to him. At the time, Aries said he was working on a per-appearance deal and believed he had the right to honor the commitment he already made.

He explained that he refused the request and followed through on his scheduled appearance, dealing with difficult travel conditions before still making it to Florida ahead of the pay-per-view. Despite that effort, Aries said he was suspended the next day, which he believes led to the beginning of his reputation issues.

“Not for ‘being late’ like they said. But for not doing what I was told.”

Aries said the situation took another turn when the story was reported publicly without what he felt was proper context or his side of events being included. According to him, that moment created the narrative that followed him throughout his career.

“This was my intro to how the wrestling business and media operate. That’s where the ‘difficult to work with’ label started… or as Jim Cornette would say, ‘malcontent.’”

He made it clear that he doesn’t shy away from that reputation, but insisted his frustrations were never about creative decisions or match outcomes. Instead, he said his issues stemmed from what he described as a lack of professionalism and honesty toward talent.

“I was extremely dissatisfied with the state of affairs… not about creative or wins and losses, but about the overall lack of integrity and honesty talent is routinely treated with.”

Looking back decades later, Aries suggested that the same types of conflicts still exist in wrestling, saying talent can still find themselves caught in political situations that shape public perception.

He also mentioned that now, as an independent performer, maintaining control over his own bookings is something he values deeply after those earlier experiences shaped his career path.

Do you think Austin Aries was unfairly labeled as difficult to work with, or do situations like this come with the territory in pro wrestling? Drop your thoughts and feedback below.