Frankie Kazarian Reveals the Real Story Behind His TNA Return in 2023

Frankie Kazarian didn’t just walk back into TNA Wrestling—he orchestrated one of the most under-the-radar, yet impactful returns in recent memory. After leaving AEW in late 2022, Kazarian revealed how his TNA comeback came together with less than 48 hours’ notice, a secret flight, and a silent debut at Center Stage in Atlanta.

In an interview with Chris Van Vliet, Kazarian detailed the behind-the-scenes moves that led to his return. Despite signing a new three-year contract with AEW the year prior, he made the decision to walk away after realizing he wasn’t being fully utilized.

“Honestly, I would like if I could just get my release,” he told AEW management, mentioning that his time was too valuable to spend on the sidelines. “With the time I have left in pro wrestling, I needed to give that time to somebody that valued it.”

That someone turned out to be Scott D’Amore. Then things moved fast. Very fast.

“Scott was the boss at the time,” Kazarian said. “I had some conversations with WWE—very good ones—but I told Scott, ‘I would love to be a part of what you’re building here.’”

“They just happened to have a pay-per-view coming up in like two days,” Kazarian revealed. “I said, ‘I could start at the pay-per-view.’ And he said, ‘Great! We’ll just fly you in, you won’t tell anybody, and you can just tell me.’”

From there, the return was locked. “He talked some numbers, sent a contract over, got it signed, and the next day I flew to Atlanta—Center Stage—and made my redebut January of 2023.”

What made this comeback even more surreal is that Kazarian did it all quietly, with no teaser trailers, no dirt sheet leaks, and no backstage whispers. Just a silent plane ticket, a handshake, and a return to the company that helped make his name.

“I hadn’t talked to anybody—WWE, TNA, nobody—until I had that release in my hand,” Kazarian added, making it clear this was a leap of faith, not a business strategy.

Now holding the TNA World Championship and standing tall as one of the veterans of the locker room, Kazarian’s spontaneous return has become a major turning point in his near 30-year career. It wasn’t about hype—it was about conviction.

If anyone needed proof that loyalty, experience, and perfect timing still matter in pro wrestling, Kazarian’s return is all the evidence you need.

What do you think of Frankie Kazarian’s return strategy? Should more wrestlers take the risk of walking away to find better opportunities? Drop your thoughts below and let us know how you would’ve handled it.

Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.