Carlos Silva Admits TNA Locker Room Was Skeptical When He Took Over Leadership Role

Carlos Silva didn’t walk into TNA Wrestling with instant trust — and he’s openly admitting that the reaction behind the scenes wasn’t exactly welcoming at first.

While speaking on the SeventySix Capital Sports Leadership Show, the Anthem Sports & Entertainment President opened up about what it was really like stepping into leadership at TNA, a company with more than two decades of history and several leadership changes before his arrival.

Silva explained that taking control of an established wrestling promotion came with its own challenges, especially since he wasn’t someone who had spent his entire career inside the wrestling industry. With multiple leadership transitions already in TNA’s past, he said hesitation from staff wasn’t surprising.

“Yeah. I mean, it's hard. It's hard because TNA had been around for a long time. There definitely been a bunch of regime changes over the years like there is in any professional sports, entertainment, or even just a business that's been around for 23 years. There's usually some regime changes. So, there have been a few in the past.”

He then acknowledged that people inside the company were naturally cautious about yet another new executive stepping in, especially one coming from outside the traditional wrestling system.

“So, I think probably — and probably fairly — there was probably a little bit of skepticism. Oh, this is another new guy. You know, what does he know? Hasn't been in wrestling his whole career.”

Rather than forcing immediate changes, Silva said his approach focused on building relationships and understanding what the company already had in place before making adjustments. He explained that earning trust required patience and listening before acting.

“So, I think we just sort of took it slow. We tried to spend time with everyone. You try to get to know everyone and then you try to assess each of the nuggets, the sort of gold nuggets that you have and how you have to either repurpose them or keep them.”

TNA has since entered a new phase of growth, including television expansion and increased visibility through partnerships and larger live crowds. Silva’s comments offer a rare look into the early days of his leadership, when acceptance wasn’t guaranteed and trust had to be built step by step.

Leadership transitions in wrestling promotions rarely happen without resistance, especially in companies with long histories and loyal teams. Silva’s admission shows that even at the executive level, earning respect inside the locker room and production staff takes time — not just titles.

How do you think leadership changes impact wrestling companies behind the scenes — do new executives help push growth, or can too much change create instability? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation.