Why did TNA fire wrestling veteran Gail Kim?

Gail Kim was one of several people who were laid off from the company on Tuesday

TNA Wrestling sent shockwaves through the pro wrestling community as they announced a number of departures among its leadership team on Tuesday afternoon. One of the most notable lay off was the 7-time Knockouts Champion and long-time producer Gail Kim.

Anthem Sports, the parent company of TNA Wrestling, sent out a company-wide email announcing changes in TNA Wrestling’s leadership. Along with Kim, Senior Vice President of Content, Distribution, and Marketing, Ariel Shnerer was released, as well as Chief Revenue Officer Rob Kligman and Michael Shewchenko from the digital team.

According to Sean Ross Sap of Fightful Select, the promotion sent out a mail announcing the layoffs, “TNA has sent out email saying that Gail Kim, Ariel Shnerner, Rob Kligman, and Michael Shewchenko are leaving the company.”

After several releases, the Nashville-based promotion issued a statement to PWInsider on Tuesday from Anthem Sports Group President Carlos Silva.

“Today, we announced a restructuring, resulting in staffing changes at TNA Wrestling. These decisions are always difficult, but it became apparent that we needed to make adjustments to our business strategies. We are grateful for those who worked here and thank them for their years of dedication to the company. Finally, we want our fans to know that we are committed to producing the absolute best product and highest-quality content that we can, and we appreciate their continued support.”

🚨TNA has fired Gail Kim🚨#gailkim #tna pic.twitter.com/Xfytu78gPT

— KN Wrestling (@knwrestling) March 26, 2025

Wrestling fans react to TNA firing Gail Kim

Pro wrestling has reacted sharply to TNA Wrestling firing a legend like Gail Kim, the criticism of the decision was not just limited to fans, even Sean Ross of Fightful reacted to the decision calling it “one of the most baffling decisions I’ve seen a wrestling company make from a personnel standpoint”

Firing Gail Kim is one of the most baffling decisions I've seen a wrestling company make from a personnel standpoint. She's one of the most respected people in wrestling, and an instant "in" to have a conversation with almost any talent you want because of the respect she… pic.twitter.com/jS6VMqzZdr

— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) March 25, 2025

Below are some reactions from fans, fellow wrestlers, and journalists regarding Anthem Sports laying off Kim. The general sentiment across the tweets highlighted Kim’s legendary status, her significant contributions, and the immense respect she commands in the wrestling world.

There are SO MANY of us who can point directly to Gail as an inspiration, advocate, and friend. The best. An invaluable person to have in any locker room. Whatever she does next will be better for her involvement. Everyone loves Gail Kim!

— Veda Scott (@itsvedatime) March 25, 2025

Gail Kim is not only a Legend – she’s a Once In A Lifetime talent. TNA choosing to fire her and keep the racist Chin Lady is definitely a very bad decision. Any promoter should be BEGGING to have her under contract. #ThankYouGail #GailKimDeservesBetter pic.twitter.com/au3v3kUOfZ

— Queens of Wrestling ⚠️ (@TheQOWrestling) March 25, 2025

Gail Kim is THE reason women's wrestling turned a corner in the late 2000s. Firing one of the best minds in wrestling is actually insane. https://t.co/5x1ymUax7L

— Shirleigh (@ShirleighShirlz) March 25, 2025

TNA needs direction and better management at the moment because getting rid of Gail Kim is not a great decision She’s a TNA legend that has helped a lot in the company and inspired women. pic.twitter.com/ByLc6FMq9i

— Ace Humphreys 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🦢 (@Ace109610) March 25, 2025

Any female talent I’ve talked to who has walked through the doors of #TNA for decades…one constant has been their respect and admiration for Gail Kim. A selfless supporter, shoulder to lean on, cry on, valuable resource. Her exit will have a bigger impact than they know. pic.twitter.com/fXC1z3LZII

— Scott Fishman (@smFISHMAN) March 25, 2025

Fans also urged WWE to hire Kim and some even suggested drastic measures such as buying the entire company.

.@WWE BRING GAIL KIM BACK!pic.twitter.com/b2EC92ILVf https://t.co/8ejz5aNQTz

— Foxxy (@karmensgrace) March 25, 2025

HEAR ME OUT!Gail Kim goes back to WWE now that Vince is gone and becomes an executive that oversees the women’s division and helps get it back on track! 🫰🏽✨ pic.twitter.com/T3BmBgSNln

— ⭐️ WÏŁŚ☀️Ñ ⭐️ (@WondahWilson) March 25, 2025

There better be a good ass reason why TNA just fired Gail Kim. One of the greatest in-ring performers of our generation and a pioneer for female wrestling. If there isn't, then WWE needs to hurry up and purchase this damn company. Because fuck that. pic.twitter.com/k0PLS5sxi7

— Just Alyx (@JustAlyxCentral) March 25, 2025

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