Update on Why Samoa Joe Left TNA

Tuesday afternoon, longtime TNA star Samoa Joe announced he was leaving the company. This was followed by several TNA talent taking to social media to show their respect for the former World Heavyweight Champion, wishing him the best going forward.

PWInsider has now provided insight as to why Joe and the company have gone their separate ways.

According to the outlet, the situation is very similar to that of AJ Styles at the end of 2013. It was clear at the time TNA was undergoing financial issues and could not afford to offer Styles a contract at a competitive salary to what he was making beforehand. Because of such, he decided to leave after dropping the main title to Magnus, and went off into the independent scene.

Unlike Styles, this situation did not play out on television. It is said Joe was looking for a higher salary, and the company simply could not match. PWInsider says there was not heat on either side of the discussions, and they very much consider the doors to be open should something work out creatively.

Additionally, it is said TNA is looking to push younger talent and put more of an emphasis on them. While Kurt Angle, in his 40s, may be the current champion, creative is allegedly starting to push in another direction. At age 35, Joe was not in the long-term plans for the main event, and given his misuse creatively in the past, would likely have not faired well.

Joe is expected to head to the independent scene much like Styles.

Editor’s Note

This is about what I expected. Happened with Styles, Bully Ray and now Joe. He’ll tear up the indies.

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