Carlos Silva has finally addressed reports of him blocking TNA stars from wrestling AEW talent.
A couple of weeks ago, several indie wrestling promotions had advertised matches featuring TNA and AEW talent. Former TNA World Champion Moose, for instance, was booked for a Maple Leaf Wrestling show during WrestleMania week, where he was reportedly set to face an AEW talent.
Ricochet vs. Leon Slater and MJF vs. Nic Nemeth were among other advertised cross-promotional matches. Nemeth, in particular, was reportedly excited about facing MJF in what was seen as a dream match scenario.
However, fans were left disappointed after learning that these matches would no longer take place. Initial reports suggested that TNA made the decision to block the bouts, with Carlos Silva later identified as the person behind it.
The move received heavy criticism from both fans and wrestlers. MJF blasted TNA and Silva over the decision, while Create-A-Pro owner Pat Buck called TNA’s move “unnecessary and cringe.” Silva was also booed during his appearance at TNA Rebellion by the live crowd.
Carlos Silva addresses pulling TNA talent from AEW matches
Appearing on SiriusXM’s Busted Open, Silva addressed the controversy and acknowledged the backlash over the decision. He said the decision was extremely difficult, adding that business calls like this are never easy and often come with criticism.
“It was super tough. And look, all these business decisions are tough, and I don’t like being called a ‘little b*tch’ on social media any more than anyone does,” Carlos Silva said.
“But it’s okay. You know, you take the good with the bad, and you’ve got to make some hard decisions. My job sometimes is to make hard decisions. And for the fans, and for all of you, and for Mike and our locker room, we’re going to make decisions that are good for TNA.”
Carlos Silva says TNA must priotize its own brand
He also referenced the idea of “protecting the house,” saying TNA must prioritize its own brand amid competition and external business pressures. Silva admitted that while conversations were held internally, some of the match cancellations ultimately required firm decisions at the top level.
“And unfortunately, sometimes those decisions are tough. We’re very thoughtful about them, and we try to do our best to make things right when we have to make those calls. In the case of Nic and Leon and a few of the matches that had to get shut down, we tried to make calls and take care of the business as best we could.
“It was my decision. I take full ownership. I’ve got a great team, and we talk about these things together, but sometimes I’m the one who has to make that call. And then you move on, go to work the next day, and keep working hard to get things done.”
READ MORE: Nic Nemeth Admits He Stayed in WWE ‘Five Years Too Long’
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