TNA Charging "booking fees" for outside bookings

[Guest MikeSC]

And now this from Mike Johnson:

 

"Yesterday, Buck Woodward reported that NWA TNA is going to implement a policy where they take a 15% booking fee for any date that their wrestlers take from third party promotions. We have more information on what TNA is planning to do.

 

*As Buck reported yesterday, TNA will charge the "promoter" a 15% booking fee, which is internally being called a "management" fee. Obviously, if a third party promoter won't pay the extra fee, it will be the talent who does so.

 

*TNA will assign certain people in the company to handle the different wrestlers third party dates. There will not be just one person handling all of the talents. For example, Bob Ryder will handle Chris Harris and James Storm. Bill Behrens will handle AJ Styles and Christopher Daniels, etc. The talent/promoter must ask, in writing, for the dates that they want. The person in charge of the talent must then approve any and all third party bookings, in writing. Until the TNA rep returns the date in writing, the company will not consider it booked (so a promoter better not advertise the talent until they have the date in writing).

 

*The wrestler must tell TNA, again in writing, how much they will be paid for the date. TNA will then charge their 15% "management" fee and also get 50% of the booking fee immediately. While TNA will get the 50% in advance, the talent will not be paid that money by TNA until after the date is worked. The talent is also expected to get the other 50% of the money prior to working the show.

 

*Since the events are now booked through TNA, the clauses in their TNA contracts carry over to the third party shows. They are expected to act at these events in the same manner that they would at a TNA show. Also, if the talent is involved in any angles at the third party show or has a match finish that goes against something TNA is doing on their shows, the worker has to get approval from TNA on it.

 

*As you would expect, TNA will have the right of first refusal over any and all dates for the talent.

 

Also, for those who wondered, TNA can put this program in place because of the writing in the contracts that the talents signed with TNA. We were told at the time that the contracts were very much in the favor of TNA. As we have seen over the last month or so, that certainly appears to be the case.

 

We have also learned that TNA had planned to explain the new procedures to the talent at their meeting today before their weekly PPV. Since word of this story broke yesterday, writers at PWInsider.com have spoken to a number of the affected talents and to say they are not happy about these changes would be an understatement. Today's talent meeting should be very interesting"

 

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I'd have to say the thing that bothers me is these guys would sign contracts that would allow this. I know TNA is being totally bush league by doing this, but what the hell is wrong with these wrestlers?

What TNA has done here is, basically, allow the WWE to launch a talent raid if they choose to do so.

 

There could be some serious litigation over these contracts and the changing rules of employment that could nearly bankrupt the company --- if the WWE ever decided to really screw with TNA.

-=Mike

[Guest TDinDC1112]

The guys on pwinsider have basically reported on their site and message board that the contracts were written in a way that covers this. They are just now enforcing it. What would the litigation be based on? TNA is doing nothing wrong.

[Guest MikeSC]

The guys on pwinsider have basically reported on their site and message board that the contracts were written in a way that covers this. They are just now enforcing it. What would the litigation be based on? TNA is doing nothing wrong.

TD, do you doubt, for one moment, that a lawyer couldn't easily find major problems with the contract? You'd be shocked at how badly written some contracts are.

 

Heck, my insurance policy was written so poorly that I actually forced them to forfeit their right to subrogation and got the payoff from my uninsured motorist policy (when we were told the other driver had no insurance) AND from his company (when we learned that he did have insurance)

-=Mike

[thecitythesky 0]

*

 

with everything i've read over, especially over the last month and a half or so, it seems as though the contracts are written in the following fashion:

 

 

: there HAS to be a provision in the contract stating that NWA-TNA has reserved the right to approve or deny any of their contracted talents' indy dates. this was essentially made fact during the RoH debacle.

 

so... TNA can quite easily do what their doing now. which is admittedly a shakedown of sorts. and certainly isn't really a "plays well w/ others" type of thing to do. but anyone that was deluded enough to think that the wrestling business is among the sleaziest in the world should probably wake the fuck up. but the right of review/refusal granted by the contracts with respect to other dates certainly allows for this sort of action.

 

.. really, in both situations (this and the RoH one) the blame really lies squarely on the shoulders of the talent. it was their decision to become contracted talent to TNA. it very well may have been a case of them not believing that such provisions would actively be enforced. either way, it's a document they chose to sign, and it's their own fault that they have to deal with the consequences. i'm not going to say it's not shitty, from a fan standpoint, but i'm not going to call foul on TNA for doing what their contracts allow.

 

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also, i don't thnk that the provisions apply to work outside the US. otherwise, i don't know why they'd be so non-chalant about letting a talent they're apparently so high on (Daniels) miss so many shows for Japan dates.

 

and i'd imagine that AJ isn't too upset about Behrens handling his bookings, as i remember watching an Ian Rotten interview where he talked about having to contact him about booking AJ, and this was almost 2 years ago.

 

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*

[Guest Dynamite Kido]

there HAS to be a provision in the contract stating that NWA-TNA has reserved the right to approve or deny any of their contracted talents' indy dates. this was essentially made fact during the RoH debacle.

 

This sounds about right to me as there is no other way(at least that I know of) that would allow them do what they are doing. Also, I totally understand why a company would want to do something like this. Doing things this way would then give TNA(the company providing the talent with consistant work) the final say on what their talent can and cannot do.

 

so... TNA can quite easily do what their doing now. which is admittedly a shakedown of sorts. and certainly isn't really a "plays well w/ others" type of thing to do. but anyone that was deluded enough to think that the wrestling business is among the sleaziest in the world should probably wake the fuck up. but the right of review/refusal granted by the contracts with respect to other dates certainly allows for this sort of action.

 

I don't think it's fair to say that TNA has done anything here that can be misconstrued as being "sleazy". They have provided talent a place to work, that just so happens to have a PPV slot and a television show that the talent can appear on and giving the roster steady work. I am not a big fan of this policy as I love Indy wrestling, but the talent did sign the contracts so they really don't have a leg to stand on.

 

 

.. really, in both situations (this and the RoH one) the blame really lies squarely on the shoulders of the talent. it was their decision to become contracted talent to TNA. it very well may have been a case of them not believing that such provisions would actively be enforced. either way, it's a document they chose to sign, and it's their own fault that they have to deal with the consequences. i'm not going to say it's not shitty, from a fan standpoint, but i'm not going to call foul on TNA for doing what their contracts allow.

 

Honestly, the only problem TNA could have because of all this is that the workers won't resign their contracts when they are up. This could cause TNA to change the way that their contracts are done all together, we can only wait and find out how it turns out though.

 

 

also, i don't thnk that the provisions apply to work outside the US. otherwise, i don't know why they'd be so non-chalant about letting a talent they're apparently so high on (Daniels) miss so many shows for Japan dates.

 

I don't think they do either, but if I said they do or don't then I am just fabricating. I do imagine that they don't effect Japan bookings because I really doubt someone like Daneils would sign something(as Japan seems to be his bread and butter), especially because he gets paid VERY WELL for working in Japan.

 

 

and i'd imagine that AJ isn't too upset about Behrens handling his bookings, as i remember watching an Ian Rotten interview where he talked about having to contact him about booking AJ, and this was almost 2 years ago.

 

All of this talk about AJ and how he feels about this is kinda funny to me. AJ has stated many times that he loves working ROH and that's fine. Also, AJ probably wouldn't complain that much in the first place as he's been booked as World Champion twice, and is almost always in a promanent position on the card.

[Guest TDinDC1112]

-While I believe TNA has every right to do this contractually, it is sleazy because: in the beginning, they sold themselves to the wrestlers as "come work us on Wednesday nights and then you have your weekends free to pick up indy bookings."

 

-I'm sure a lawyer could TRY to pick apart any contract if they wanted to do. It's a worthless point though because these guys don't have the money to pursue it.

[Guest OSIcon]

Also, I totally understand why a company would want to do something like this. Doing things this way would then give TNA(the company providing the talent with consistant work) the final say on what their talent can and cannot do.

 

Final say is one thing. Where does the 15% of their pay and the 50% deposit fit into that though? TNA isn't just asking to approve all bookings. They are asking for a gratuity (even though they really do nothing that would warrant that) and a 50% deposit which doesn't fit into that at all. All this does is mean that less wrestlers will be booked on outside shows and is a way for TNA to gain more money for doing nothing.

 

I don't think it's fair to say that TNA has done anything here that can be misconstrued as being "sleazy". They have provided talent a place to work, that just so happens to have a PPV slot and a television show that the talent can appear on and giving the roster steady work. I am not a big fan of this policy as I love Indy wrestling, but the talent did sign the contracts so they really don't have a leg to stand on.

 

Taking money out of wrestler's pockets isn't sleazy? They provide three dates a month while keeping wrestlers from earning more pay elsewhere. In July, ROH is running three shows in right days. Styles made more per apperance in ROH than he did in TNA. Styles will now be missing out on that ROH money in July which would be MORE than he earns monthly in TNA. When this policy kicks in and promoters don't book TNA talent because of financial constraints, even more wrestlers will be losing a lot of money. How is that not sleazy?

 

I do agree though that the wrestlers should have been hesitant to sign the contracts even if TNA told them: "Don't worry, we don't plan on enforcing these policies unless something unexpectaed arises."

 

Honestly, the only problem TNA could have because of all this is that the workers won't resign their contracts when they are up. This could cause TNA to change the way that their contracts are done all together, we can only wait and find out how it turns out though.

 

Unhappy workers = Bad promotiomn. The wrestlers can do a lot short of breaching their contracts in order to get the point across to TNA that they don't like what is happening. Whether they will or not is a different story.

 

I don't think they do either, but if I said they do or don't then I am just fabricating. I do imagine that they don't effect Japan bookings because I really doubt someone like Daneils would sign something(as Japan seems to be his bread and butter), especially because he gets paid VERY WELL for working in Japan.

 

If they don't include Japan, then that is a problem in itself. As others have pointed out, that creates a double standard. If I am a wrestler (like Styles or Raven) who only works in the US (buts get a lot of work), I am going to be PISSED that Daniels gets to keep all of his money while I don't just because he has work in Japan. Again, this will just give the wrestlers another reason to be unhappy.

 

All of this talk about AJ and how he feels about this is kinda funny to me. AJ has stated many times that he loves working ROH and that's fine. Also, AJ probably wouldn't complain that much in the first place as he's been booked as World Champion twice, and is almost always in a promanent position on the card.

 

Having a prominent position on the card and being the world champion twice won't support his family. If Styles (or any TNA wrestler for that matter) suffers financial loss as a result of this, they most likely will complain. That's the bottom line. This situation has the ability to cost some wrestlers bookings and money. They are not goping to be pleased with that just because they are gettting pushed by TNA.

[Guest Dynamite Kido]

Final say is one thing. Where does the 15% of their pay and the 50% deposit fit into that though? TNA isn't just asking to approve all bookings. They are asking for a gratuity (even though they really do nothing that would warrant that) and a 50% deposit which doesn't fit into that at all. All this does is mean that less wrestlers will be booked on outside shows and is a way for TNA to gain more money for doing nothing.

 

I agree with this as they pulled those numbers totally out of their asses. But to say that they are asking gratuity for nothing, that's wrong. Granted they aren't actually physically doing anything, but they "own" the talent(not literally, but they have them contracted) and it's like renting them out to Indy's that want to use them. Money for nothing.....exactly. But since they have those contracts they have the right to do this. Right or Wrong.

 

 

Taking money out of wrestler's pockets isn't sleazy? They provide three dates a month while keeping wrestlers from earning more pay elsewhere. In July, ROH is running three shows in right days. Styles made more per apperance in ROH than he did in TNA. Styles will now be missing out on that ROH money in July which would be MORE than he earns monthly in TNA. When this policy kicks in and promoters don't book TNA talent because of financial constraints, even more wrestlers will be losing a lot of money. How is that not sleazy?

 

It's not sleazy because all of this stuff was stated in the contracts. If talent doesn't read or understand something in a contract, they shouldn't have signed it. I admit it's not the most admirable thing they ever did, but they DO have the right to do it.

 

 

I do agree though that the wrestlers should have been hesitant to sign the contracts even if TNA told them: "Don't worry, we don't plan on enforcing these policies unless something unexpectaed arises."

 

Really, this is the point that people(not you Osicon) are missing. I am not condoning any of this. But since the guys signed their name on the dotted line, then so be it.

 

 

Unhappy workers = Bad promotiomn. The wrestlers can do a lot short of breaching their contracts in order to get the point across to TNA that they don't like what is happening. Whether they will or not is a different story.

 

Exactly, there hasn't been any sort of a backlash against TNA by the workers.....at least not yet.

 

If they don't include Japan, then that is a problem in itself. As others have pointed out, that creates a double standard. If I am a wrestler (like Styles or Raven) who only works in the US (buts get a lot of work), I am going to be PISSED that Daniels gets to keep all of his money while I don't just because he has work in Japan. Again, this will just give the wrestlers another reason to be unhappy.

 

I agree with this is just another thing to make the wrestlers unhappy. But the fact is that maybe TNA doesn't see any Japanese promotions as their direct competition. But that is the only way that it could be justified, otherwise I agree with you on this one.

 

 

Having a prominent position on the card and being the world champion twice won't support his family. If Styles (or any TNA wrestler for that matter) suffers financial loss as a result of this, they most likely will complain. That's the bottom line. This situation has the ability to cost some wrestlers bookings and money. They are not goping to be pleased with that just because they are gettting pushed by TNA.

 

First and foremost, I was talking about AJ and AJ only on this one. I have enough faith in AJ to know that he is doing the right thing for him and his family. AJ turned down a WWE contract because he could make more on the Indy circuit. Also, I feel as being the NWA champion could actually help you make more money as that is something that could be advertised on Indy cards, and AJ could very well make some more money because of his status in TNA. But then again I really doubt AJ is losing out on that much money, because I am sure that the Indy's he works would just pay the extra money to TNA.

 

 

good post though, you did bring up good points......

[eirejmcmahon 0]

TNA gets paid up front but the wrestler doesn't see any money till after the date!!

 

This shit can't be right.

 

Didn't the muppets READ their contracts before signing them ?

[Placebo Effect 0]

TNA gets paid up front but the wrestler doesn't see any money till after the date!!

 

This shit can't be right.

 

Didn't the muppets READ their contracts before signing them ?

TNA holds onto the money to ensure the wrestler works the date. TNA isn't going to want a wrestler who get caught in traffic throw a hissy fit over giving the $____ back.

 

Also, when they're getting money months in advance, no one knows what the status of that wrestler is going to be three months down the line. Injured, dead, quit the sport, etc.

 

For an indy promoter, getting that 50% back from TNA will be a lot easier than getting it from Joe Schmo.

 

In addition, TNA asking for the 50% up front can also be perceived as a way for TNA to get their guys money if the show gets canceled all of a sudden. While I'm sure Raven has the luxury of being able to ask for money up front if something like this happens, I don't think Sonjay would have the same luck.

 

I'm not a big fan of TNA doing this, but to attack them on that basis is wrong.

[eirejmcmahon 0]

Dude, your post seems to be based on the idea that any kind of payment in advance is standard practive for indy promotions in the US - it isn't!

 

There's no way in hell that any advance payment would be made without the understanding that it's an advance refundable in the event of a show not going ahead.

[Guest The Winter Of My Discontent]

Are we still hoping that the TNA will overrun the WWE? I think Jarrett is even more delusional and diabolical than Vince.

[Guest Donners]

Have not seen this posted yet.

 

NWA:TNA OFFICIAL EXPLAINS TNA'S REASONING BEHIND RECENT CHANGES TO WRESTLERS' INDEPENDENT DATES

by Mike Johnson @ 12:35:00 PM on 5/5/2004

 

Just as PWInsider.com posted more details on NWA:TNA's latest contractual demands on their wrestlers, NWA:TNA official Scott D'Amore (who himself uses a lot of TNA talent in his promotion Border City Wrestling, and thus would be greatly affected by the new situation) contacted PWInsider.com in response to Buck Woodward's original article.

 

According to D'Amore, the 15% management fees due to NWA:TNA would cover the administrative costs in TNA's office. I should point out that 15% is a normal fee due to management firms that handle clients in the entertainment business.

 

The 15% would also go towards situations TNA would need to become involved in, such as helping to defray the costs of any travel issues that could arise at the last minute. So, in the theoretical case of a performer flying out of Orlando from a TNA booking as opposed to his home in say, Atlanta as was originally planned and booked, TNA would become involved and usurp some of the costs of the changes in airline flights.

 

I do know that the wording of the actual contract reads, "All transportation costs will be paid by the third party promoter" so one would assume that the aforementioned mentioned by D'Amore would be an exception to that situation, although there is not currently anything in the verbiage of the contract to support it.

 

D'Amore explained that the 50% deposit that is required immediately upon booking a TNA talent would act as a guarantee for independent promoters and TNA wrestlers both. The promoters would now have a guarantee that "NWA: TNA PPV talent" would appear. In the event of a no-show, the complete deposit would be returned to the promoter. The TNA management viewpoint is that this provides a blanket of security for an independent promotion, as opposed to a promoter chancing that he or she could lose their deposit, should a performer no show without warning. Should a NWA:TNA wrestler not show up for a scheduled booking, they would also be subject to reprimand by TNA management, which also provides additional security according to D'Amore.

 

The deposit would also, in theory, allow the promoter to have a choice of "suitable substitutions of equal or greater stature of TNA talent," should a wrestler become injured during a TNA event before his third party booking. So, in theory, should AJ Styles become injured while working for TNA and have to miss a third party booking due to that injury, TNA could offer (for example) Christopher Daniels or Raven to the promoter to make up for his absence, at the same price Styles would have received.

 

According to D'Amore, TNA sees the costs as a way to help, not hinder independent promoters as well as a way to help create security for all involved parties.

[Guest Donners]

Are we still hoping that the TNA will overrun the WWE?

 

After watching Smackdown over the past few weeks, more than ever.

 

 

I think Jarrett is even more delusional and diabolical than Vince.

 

What an evil man he must be to utilise terms in contracts willingly signed by wrestlers in an attempt to help out his company. THE MONSTER.

[Guest The Winter Of My Discontent]

Are we still hoping that the TNA will overrun the WWE?

 

After watching Smackdown over the past few weeks, more than ever.

 

 

I think Jarrett is even more delusional and diabolical than Vince.

 

What an evil man he must be to utilise terms in contracts willingly signed by wrestlers in an attempt to help out his company. THE MONSTER.

Get a clue. Jarrett needs to make his workers happy. No one is going to re-sign with the company if they are taking part of their income that they are working hard for. I don't know why anyone would've signed a contract with such a bush league organization. They're essentially stuck with a company that expects to bleed them dry. All of this on top of being consistantly overshadowed by Jeff Jarrett and Vince Russo. Its not fair to these guys whatsoever.

[Guest Man Of 1,004 Modes]

I know I'm usually pro-TNA but....

 

 

WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH THEM~!?!

[Guest MikeSC]

-I'm sure a lawyer could TRY to pick apart any contract if they wanted to do. It's a worthless point though because these guys don't have the money to pursue it.

Agreed. but if the WWE decides to sign a guy to a deal and the guy claims that TNA's contracts were unfair (no matter if somebody signs a deal --- if the deal is unfair, courts WILL strike them down) or that they have altered the deal considerably after the fact --- well, they'd be stuck in litigation --- which isn't cheap.

I agree with this as they pulled those numbers totally out of their asses. But to say that they are asking gratuity for nothing, that's wrong. Granted they aren't actually physically doing anything, but they "own" the talent(not literally, but they have them contracted) and it's like renting them out to Indy's that want to use them. Money for nothing.....exactly. But since they have those contracts they have the right to do this. Right or Wrong.

They're DEMANDING money to do a job that the workers have never ASKED them to do. They have taken it upon themselves to do it.

 

And the demand for a deposit is simply assuring the talent that they won't GET any indy bookings, as few indy promoters can pay the talent months before a show.

 

And if it doesn't impact non-American promotions using TNA talent --- well, another possible legal situation has arisen. If it does, then the Japanese promotions will simply stop using the TNA talent, which will only SOUR the workers on being in TNA anymore.

It's not sleazy because all of this stuff was stated in the contracts. If talent doesn't read or understand something in a contract, they shouldn't have signed it. I admit it's not the most admirable thing they ever did, but they DO have the right to do it.

The fact that they had to inform the talent of this indicates that there is a good chance it WASN'T in the contracts. The boys, according to Meltz, were less than happy about this.

Really, this is the point that people(not you Osicon) are missing. I am not condoning any of this. But since the guys signed their name on the dotted line, then so be it.

And, as has been shown in, say, pro sports when it comes to free agency --- if a deal is fundamentally unfair, it doesn't matter if the person signed it. An unfair deal is an unfair deal, regardless. Courts have little tolerance for unfair contracts.

I agree with this is just another thing to make the wrestlers unhappy. But the fact is that maybe TNA doesn't see any Japanese promotions as their direct competition. But that is the only way that it could be justified, otherwise I agree with you on this one.

It could be viewed as being discriminatory against certain talent. If something is required for American indies, but not Japanese promotions --- well, good luck in defending THAT in a court.

First and foremost, I was talking about AJ and AJ only on this one. I have enough faith in AJ to know that he is doing the right thing for him and his family. AJ turned down a WWE contract because he could make more on the Indy circuit. Also, I feel as being the NWA champion could actually help you make more money as that is something that could be advertised on Indy cards, and AJ could very well make some more money because of his status in TNA. But then again I really doubt AJ is losing out on that much money, because I am sure that the Indy's he works would just pay the extra money to TNA.

But --- what if the WWE wants AJ and offers him a good deal. He can argue, and possibly win, on a case of the contract being unfair and having the conditions altered after the fact.

 

TNA couldn't afford to FIGHT in court.

TNA holds onto the money to ensure the wrestler works the date. TNA isn't going to want a wrestler who get caught in traffic throw a hissy fit over giving the $____ back.

 

Also, when they're getting money months in advance, no one knows what the status of that wrestler is going to be three months down the line. Injured, dead, quit the sport, etc.

 

For an indy promoter, getting that 50% back from TNA will be a lot easier than getting it from Joe Schmo.

 

In addition, TNA asking for the 50% up front can also be perceived as a way for TNA to get their guys money if the show gets canceled all of a sudden. While I'm sure Raven has the luxury of being able to ask for money up front if something like this happens, I don't think Sonjay would have the same luck.

 

I'm not a big fan of TNA doing this, but to attack them on that basis is wrong.

All this does is insure that guys like Sonjay DON'T GET any indy bookings.

 

Promoters can find other guys to replace them.

-=Mike

[eirejmcmahon 0]

"D'Amore explained that the 50% deposit that is required immediately upon booking a TNA talent would act as a guarantee for independent promoters and TNA wrestlers both. The promoters would now have a guarantee that "NWA: TNA PPV talent" would appear. In the event of a no-show, the complete deposit would be returned to the promoter."

 

Um.

 

That makes no sense.

 

How does this deposit act as a guarantee for any promoter that a particular talent will show up ?

 

I'm also suspect of that talk about TNA getting involved in the wrestler's travelling plans given Ryders involvement in that very industry.

 

The more I read on this, the more it looks like a cheap money grab by a company drowning in debt and about to incure an extra 30k a week expense.

[2GOLD 0]

Quite simply, if the wrestler doesn't show up then the promoter now knows he will get his money back instead of the old days where someone like say Sabu could get their money in advance and then blow off the date without ever paying the money back.

 

Lot of indys died off because of some wrestlers pulling that stunt.

 

While this seems really shitty, it actually makes sense. These guys are under contract and if TNA wanted to be complete dicks, they could make it so these guys work zero indy promotions and work just for them. It just sounds like this is only through bookings made by TNA, not ones made by the come and go wrestlers.

 

I'm not seeing what TNA has done wrong here.

[Guest MikeSC]

Quite simply, if the wrestler doesn't show up then the promoter now knows he will get his money back instead of the old days where someone like say Sabu could get their money in advance and then blow off the date without ever paying the money back.

 

Lot of indys died off because of some wrestlers pulling that stunt.

 

While this seems really shitty, it actually makes sense. These guys are under contract and if TNA wanted to be complete dicks, they could make it so these guys work zero indy promotions and work just for them. It just sounds like this is only through bookings made by TNA, not ones made by the come and go wrestlers.

 

I'm not seeing what TNA has done wrong here.

Well, I know at least one indy promotion has already stated that they will not use TNA talent any longer on their shows --- in addition to ROH --- and I have little to doubt that more will follow.

 

TNA invented rules to make sure their talent is unable to work for others --- but won't pay them enough to make up for the difference.

 

What a bunch of asses.

-=Mike

[Michrome 0]

Thank god for TNA, this policy is really helping the Indies...oh wait, TNA workers lose another place to work.

 

Frank Goodman's USA Pro Wrestling, which regularly promotes New York City, announced today on the message board of the promotion's website that they were no longer going to be using any NWA:TNA performers who needed to be booked via the TNA offices. Goodman made the announcement after failing to come to an agreement with TNA official Bill Behrens about the new booking arrangement. Jac Sabboth's Impact Championship Wrestling, which works closely with Goodman, will also be pulling TNA talent from their upcoming events.

 

Goodman noted that he was unhappy about a number of points about the situation, including the idea of paying another company money for talent he had already been booking. In the case of most of the wrestlers involved, Goodman had been using them before NWA:TNA was formed in 2002. Goodman, who has also booked performers (including Raven) for other independent shows and events, felt that he didn't want to pay TNA for relationships and contacts he had already cultivated himself and for work that he himself could do for free.

 

Goodman was also upset about the idea that TNA could potentially halt any booking plans on the shows that might go against their storylines, feeling that once he booked a performer to work for his shows, he should be able to have the freedom to book storylines around his parameters (within reason), not the parameters of another company that he has no involvement with. In the statement, Goodman noted that he understood TNA's stance on why they wanted to protect talent they push, but said, "I also cannot run a successful indy show knowing that any angle or match I do can be altered by TNA to protect their own talent."

 

Goodman left the door open to go through the TNA office for future talent, noting that, "I would not be shocked if at some point in time USA Pro did work with TNA on obtaining talent that we did not have a relationship with but we cannot let an outside company have any type of creative control over a wrestler winning and losing on our shows. Now I would like to state that I fully understand that TNA would not like to spend the money on say an AJ Styles and invest in him being world champion and then have an indy show ruin him by jobbing him out to Joe Schmo, so I do understand their points. I just don't feel it's the right situation for us."

 

Goodman also announced that he was pulling The Amazing Red vs. Christopher Daniels off of his 5/14 return to Jamaica, Queens at Club Amazora as a result of the TNA situation and that Red, Daniels, and AJ Styles (who Goodman noted he did book through Styles' agent Bill Behrens) would no longer be booked by the promotion. Goodman explained that he had dates and storylines for all three booked through September and did not want to work under the new parameters created by the NWA:TNA edict and did not want to pay TNA's office for wrestlers he could book himself (noting Styles as the exception). Goodman did praise TNA's Behrens for trying to work out a situation with him over the last several days.

 

Goodman also noted that he has no contractual ties with NWA:TNA and will continue to book talent that he wants to work on his shows. Goodman noted that it is up to the talent to inform him they cannot work for him unless he goes through the TNA office or to handle the situation themselves with TNA's management. Goodman said it was up to the talent and the TNA office to sort out the situation themselves and, "please leave me out of it." Talent that TNA uses that also work for Goodman include Shane Douglas (who holds the USA Pro championship), Sonjay Dutt, Raven, and Simon Diamond. All are booked on the promotion's next event on 5/14.

 

Goodman goes in detail about his decision on the promotion's local hotline in New York City, which can be called at (516)-214-8333.

 

As we broke here on PWInsider.com, effective 6/1, all contracted NWA:TNA wrestlers must now be booked through the NWA:TNA office. Independent promoters seeking to use the wrestlers must provide a 50% deposit immediately upon booking the talent and pay a 15% management fee to TNA as well.

 

Goodman's decision is the first known fallout of the TNA decision. Prior to the announcement, TNA officials informed contracted talent that they were no longer allowed to compete for Ring of Honor as well.

 

And the pieces start falling. The real interesting thing is that Raven is still on the show, and apparently told Goodman he would take care of TNA. So now what happens if Raven doesn't have to pay, but Daniels, Styles, and Red do? Whoever made this policy is a fucking moron.

[TheBigSwigg 0]

I was thinking that TNA was allowing their wrestlers to book themselves, and would only take money on the appearances that TNA bookings made but the USA Pro article makes me question that. If the only way to book TNA talent is through TNA, then that is a fairly ridiculous new policy, if it's not then I'm ok with it.

[Guest TDinDC1112]

I was thinking that TNA was allowing their wrestlers to book themselves, and would only take money on the appearances that TNA bookings made but the USA Pro article makes me question that. If the only way to book TNA talent is through TNA, then that is a fairly ridiculous new policy, if it's not then I'm ok with it.

See, that's exactly the problem. TNA is acting as the boys' agent (in that they're getting money for their booking), but they aren't doing ANYTHING to help get them booked. And it's for ALL bookings, not TNA bookings. Wrestlers who depend on TNA to get them bookings - well their careers go down the toilet. Look at AMW. When do they ever work indies? They don't. Know why? It's because their asking price is $1,000 each, which is crazy. Whose going to pay that to AMW? Only Bob Ryder's dinky Nashville promotion. AMW thinks TNA is looking out for them. If they only knew.