Scott D’Amore Respects Anthem Sports’ Decision For Firing Him From TNA Wrestling

Scott D’Amore’s departure from TNA Wrestling stirred discussions across the wrestling world, with fans and insiders alike speculating about the reasons behind the decision. As the former president of Impact Wrestling, D’Amore played a key role in shaping the company’s direction, especially during pivotal moments of its resurgence. That being said, Anthem Sports still decided to axe him, which is something that caused some controversy at the time.

Scott D’Amore has spoken out about his firing from TNA Wrestling and expressed his respect for Anthem Sports & Entertainment’s decision to let him go. D’Amore, who had been instrumental in rebuilding TNA alongside Don Callis, was removed from his position as President of Impact Wrestling in February 2024.

In an interview with TVInsider, D’Amore opened up about his feelings regarding the move and how it has impacted his future in the wrestling industry. While reflecting on his time with TNA, Scott D’Amore acknowledged that while he didn’t agree with the decision, he respected Anthem’s right to make the call.

“I look overall at my time with Impact TNA, my second run there, as a very rewarding one. I’m very proud of the work we did. I don’t think it’s an overstatement to say the company was in shambles when Don Callis and I first stepped in to take over. The work we did even after Don left was pretty fantastic. I think it might be the only time or the best example of this. I’ll use a quote someone said after my departure. They said they were taken aback because they’d never seen in the history of wrestling a company revived from the dead the way TNA was. It was not what I wanted. I thought there was work to be done and thought we could get there with the path and vision I wanted to take the company in, but it was [owners] Anthem Entertainment’s decision, which is their right. Was I happy with it? No. Was it by choice? No Did I agree with it? No. I respect the fact it was Anthem’s choice. Have I thought about a time of not being in the wrestling business? Absolutely. I left the wrestling business on a high level for many years and focused on every avenue in business. When I came back in 2017, it was supposed to be a two or three-day consulting thing, but I wish we would have gotten a chance to finish what we started. Such is life in business. The whole world moves on and part of that is what’s next for me is Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling.”

Advertising

Advertising

Scott D’Amore went on to say that he believed there was still more to accomplish in the company and was disappointed not to see it through. However, D’Amore has turned his attention to new opportunities, particularly the relaunch of Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling. D’Amore explained that he had acquired the rights to the Maple Leaf Wrestling name years ago and saw potential in bringing it back.

“This is an opportunity to revive an iconic brand that has sat dormant for far too long,” D’Amore said, highlighting Canada’s rich wrestling history. He sees Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling as a chance to honor that legacy while giving Canadian talent a platform to perform at the highest level. D’Amore’s goal is to blend tradition with new opportunities for the future of professional wrestling.

One of the most significant moves for Maple Leaf Pro is the return of Mauro Ranallo as the lead play-by-play commentator. D’Amore shared his admiration for Ranallo, calling him “the best play-by-play man in the history of the business of combat sports.” The two have a long history, dating back to their days in Stampede Wrestling, and Ranallo was one of the first people to reach out to D’Amore after his firing. Their reunion marks a significant addition to Maple Leaf Pro, adding credibility to the new promotion.

Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling is set to officially relaunch with its inaugural event, “Forged in Excellence,” scheduled for October 19 and 20 in Windsor, Ontario. The event will stream live on Triller TV.

While D’Amore’s departure from TNA Wrestling wasn’t on his terms, he is excited for what lies ahead with Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling. By tapping into decades of experience and partnerships, D’Amore is committed to building something special with the revival of an iconic wrestling brand.