TNA Wrestling veteran Nic Nemeth has shared his thoughts on the most recent departures of Tommy Dreamer, Sami Callihan. Tessa Blanchard, admitting that the atmosphere behind the curtain has felt “a little weird” in recent months.
Speaking on Busted Open Radio, Nemeth discussed the changes within the company and reflected on how morale has evolved since TNA secured its recent television deal.
“Morale has, when we got building together to get that TV deal, couldn’t be any higher. Building on that, it’s gotta drop down just a little bit, and then as we move on. And then it’s like, oh, the situation was like, man, some people are leaving. What's more, i don’t know exactly what’s going on.” What are we doing?
Nemeth emphasized that he prefers to learn facts directly rather than relying on rumors or second-hand information.
I don’t wanna hear something second and third hand and then apply it to someone. Apply it to the office to where I’m hating two different people without even knowing a story, “And when you hear something at work. So I’m gonna get the scoop on what’s happening now.”
While acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding the new changes, Nemeth articulated the strength of TNA’s locker room culture was one of the primary reasons he agreed to terms with the company in the initial place.
“Though most importantly, I really think the locker room is such a significant aspect. It’s what got me to sign on to TNA, and I thought we were in a really praiseworthy place, but I think the concluding couple months it’s been a little weird backstage.”
“It’s been different, and I don’t exactly know why, and I can’t put my finger on it.”
Both creatively and behind the scenes, nemeth in addition took time to praise Tommy Dreamer’s influence on TNA. Dreamer within the past few days made known that he and TNA had mutually agreed to part ways, ending his run as one of the company’s key creative voices.
“So the influence that Tommy’s had on our show, on creative, on years of TNA—like, I’ve only been there 2 and a half years. He’s been there a decade back and forth doing so many different roles.”
Nemeth noted that while many wrestlers take pride in their ability to perform in any spot on a card, Dreamer’s value extended far beyond what faithful see on television.
“And so many of us pride ourselves on, ‘I could be the opening match and steal the show. I could go out there in the main pay-per-view. On another front, i could be the one that sends everyone to intermission happy.’ We all pride ourselves on that.”
“I don’t think I could do any of those other roles that you don’t see behind the scenes where everybody in the entire company and any independent grappler is probably texting and calling you every single day because that’s what you think you’re supposed to do to get ahead.”
Using himself as an example, Nemeth described how accessible Dreamer has always been to talent seeking advice and feedback.
“I have Tommy Dreamer’s email. You better believe he’s getting my match from this weekend. Can you come get me?’” He’s getting a text from me to see, ‘Hey, I know you’re coming to New Mexico in the current week.
Nemeth admitted that dealing with those constant requests would be overwhelming for most people, be that as it may declared Dreamer embraced the responsibility owing to his passion for helping wrestlers succeed.
“Imagine that every single day. I would just throw my phone in a river. And it’s just such a valuable aspect to any company.”, tommy lives off of that because he actually knows everybody and he knows what they’re capable of.
With Dreamer and Callihan both gone, and several other notable departures occurring in recent weeks — questions remain about TNA’s direction moving forward. Yet, Nemeth’s comments make it clear that Dreamer’s influence behind the scenes will be difficult to replace.