PCO Explains Why He Smashed TNA Digital Media Title

PCO had been with TNA Wrestling for a while, but his actions at The People vs. GCW event effectively confirmed the end of his time with the company. He smashed the TNA Digital Media Championship and went on a rant about TNA and now, he has explained why he destroyed the title.

While speaking to Fightful, PCO was asked why he smashed the TNA Digital Media Championship in the first place. PCO admitted he was upset with TNA’s new management but took responsibility for not recognizing the red flags earlier. He felt comfortable in TNA because of the great locker room atmosphere, with no backstabbing or pranks.

PCO praised the production team for doing a lot with limited resources and said he got along well with creative. He also pointed out that in 2024, he had the most pay-per-view wins alongside Jordynne Grace and Moose, which made it even more surprising that he is now without a contract.

“Of course, I’m very upset at TNA’s new management, but I have to take full responsibility because I should have seen the red flags before, and I should have asked to get off my contract and ask for my release. I felt like I was in my comfort zone a little bit because this TNA roster is the best dressing room I was part of. No backstabbing, no crazy pranks. Such a nice locker room. The production team, their production is skating on thin ice. They do miracles with little. I like them a lot. Creative-wise, the creative team, I got along good with everybody. In 2024, I had the most wins on pay-per-view with Jordynne Grace and Moose with nine wins. That sounds crazy thinking that now I am talking to you without a contract with TNA. That’s out of the ordinary.”

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PCO confirmed that while GCW knew he planned to do something at the show, they didn’t know exactly what. He admitted that smashing the title with a sledgehammer was a last-minute decision.

PCO explained that he was frustrated because TNA had promised to recognize the International Title, which had a long history dating back to 1932, but after six months, nothing had been done. Meanwhile, he pointed out that TNA was able to create another title in just a few days for someone else.

“Yes, it is. I don’t think they expected me to say something. Maybe in their mind, they expected, but there was still no communication from them, so they probably knew I was going to say something. When you talk to friends, it’s a small world, and maybe they have words, ‘He’s going to do something.’ This thing just came out of the blue and was a last-minute thing, deciding to put the sledgehammer to the belt. When we were discussing Montreal, the International Title, to me, was the main title I was fighting for because there is so much lineage since 1932 with Lou Thesz, Billy Robinson, Dino Bravo, Rick Martel, Mad Dog Vachon, Abdullah The Butcher, Huka, Samu, and on and on until PCO. They were supposed to make the International Title a TNA title and keep the lineage, and I was proud of that. Here we are six months later, and they still haven’t done it.

I asked them and they said, ‘It takes time to do those things, Carl.’ Okay, six months, it takes time. They did another belt in less than four days for Steph to have won in the divorce. If that’s all my divorce is going to cost me, the title, that’s alright. It’s not a very expensive divorce for someone in the business. They spin their wheels fast enough to get another belt in four or five days. ‘It takes time to do those things, Carl.’ I thought the title looked good on the 23rd.”

PCO said he didn’t think TNA was smart enough to turn the incident into a storyline. He felt discouraged but wished TNA the best. He added that he isn’t the type to dwell on setbacks—he believes in pushing forward, staying focused, and never giving up.

“That’s the greatest thing. I don’t think they’re smart enough to realize how good it is. If they were smart, that could have been an angle they could have done for real. I was discouraged and I am still. They put everything on red at the casino, and it’s all on WWE now. I wish them all the best and I wish it works well for them. You can’t be a victim. People don’t care for victims. People like warriors and fighters, people that never give up, and they keep going. That’s the way I am and the way I operate. Refocus, recalibrate, and charge.”

PCO said he did what he felt was right and had no regrets. He felt good about his decision and thanked the fans for their support. While some were upset about his absence in St. Louis, he urged people not to judge without knowing the full story. He emphasized that he’s in great shape, healthy, and ready for whatever comes next.

“I want them to know that I did what I had to do. I have no regret about it. I feel very good about this. People bought tickets to St. Louis to come see me. It’s not my fault if I’m not there. I had a lot of people swearing at me, ‘I bought tickets for you and you’re not going to be there. You smashed that belt.’ Don’t judge anything before you know the facts. I feel I’m in great shape, super health, and feel good to go for a great run. We’ll stop when we get there, not before. Tremendous support by a lot of fans. I’m touched.”

It was reported that PCO took matters into his own hands by grabbing the mic and cutting a promo at The People vs. GCW event. GCW officials were unaware this was happening and initially thought it was part of a TNA storyline. However, they quickly realized it wasn’t. On the TNA side, officials were very upset because PCO was supposed to finish up at the upcoming TNA tapings in San Antonio after dropping the title, but obviously, that wasn’t what happened.

It was reported that PCO’s outburst was genuine, as his contract with TNA Wrestling had ended. He wanted to voice his frustrations before leaving the company for good and unsurprisingly, he was recently removed from the TNA roster page after his actions. We’ll have to wait and see what’s next for PCO. With his experience, he could be a great addition to any company that signs him.

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