Tommy Dreamer is opening up more about his TNA exit, and he made it pretty clear this was not just another backstage shuffle.
Dreamer recently revealed on Busted Open that he and TNA had mutually parted ways, ending a long run with the company. He was not just popping in for nostalgia spots, either. Dreamer had been working behind the scenes in creative and talent relations, helping shape the product and deal with the locker room. Now, Dreamer is saying more about what his time there actually meant.
During Busted Open, Dreamer said he tried to build a culture in TNA, but that is no longer his responsibility. He also made it clear that people are going to notice how much things change now that he is gone.
“It’s my job to get you where you wanna go and if another company doesn’t want you, then it’s my job to keep this place going — it’s not my job anymore — I tried building a culture and I can’t worry about that anymore, because it is all gonna change, and I hope everyone realizes how much it’s gonna change.”
That is the real story here. Dreamer was not just another name on the payroll. He had a seat at the table, worked on creative, helped with talent relations, and was one of the people involved in keeping the backstage side of TNA moving.
His exit also comes at a rough time for the company. TNA has seen several notable departures lately, including Tessa Blanchard, Steve Maclin, Myla Grace, and others. Maclin already confirmed he requested his release before TNA announced that he and Grace were gone, effective immediately.
Dreamer’s departure has also opened the door for a much messier conversation. After news of his exit spread, multiple wrestlers began speaking out about past experiences involving Dreamer. Kennedi Copeland claimed she once asked to take a cane shot in a match with him, but said Dreamer told her he did not do that with women, so they ended up doing a spanking spot instead.
“Hol’ up are we sharing our Tommy Dreamer stories bc one time I told him I really wanted to take a cane shot in a match and he told me he doesn’t do that with women so instead we did a spanking spot bc women amirite.”
Copeland later explained why she did not simply refuse at the time, saying she was young, new to wrestling, and did not feel like she had the power to say no to a veteran.
“Because I was young and dumb and impressionable and a people pleaser and still very new in wrestling and didn’t know I could say no especially to a vet because I was always told, ‘If you really want it, you’d do anything for it.’”
Dani Jordyn also came forward with her own claim, saying Dreamer once insisted on doing a crotch grab spot to her during a tag match where he was only filling in. Jordyn said the spot had nothing to do with the storyline and that she made it clear she was uncomfortable.
“I’ve been waiting for this – One time Tommy dreamer insisted on doing a crotch grab spot, to me, in a tag match he was a fill in for. This had NO place in our story line. But he didn’t care to ask. I did not want to do this, said how uncomfortable I was, but I’m just woman, right.”
Referee Perch also claimed Dreamer once told him backstage at a TNA show that he would make sure he never got a job in wrestling. Carlie Bravo alleged Dreamer once said he was talented but did not know how to market him as a “cocky black guy.”
Michael Elgin defended Dreamer, saying he personally saw Dreamer be helpful to talent, though he made it clear he could not speak on what others are now claiming.
“I can’t speak on what some are claiming Dreamer said to them. All I can say is I have never personally seen Dreamer be anything but helpful to talent. He was also very supportive of me when the issues with TNA arose, but he wasn’t in a top role then.”
Dreamer has not publicly responded to all of the claims being made about him as of this writing. Still, his TNA exit is no longer just about who takes over backstage. It has turned into a bigger conversation about power, locker room culture, and how much TNA changes without him there.
What do you think about Tommy Dreamer saying TNA will change after his exit while wrestlers continue speaking out about their past experiences with him? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comments below.
