As noted, PWInsider.com was reporting the decision for TNA releasing Gunner and Samuel Shaw came from company officials deciding their was nothing for them creatively in the company.
It was said the two didn’t necessarily do anything wrong, but without any room on television they were released from their deals, which The Wrestling Observer Newsletter is saying is actually a cost cutting measure for TNA.
Gunner hadn’t been used since last fall and has been out filming a movie, but Shaw reportedly signed a new multi-year deal last year. He was in the middle of a new program with Brittany (Santana Garrett) at his side, but once she left the company it was said to be over for Shaw and Gunner, who were feuding at the time. Garrett left to concentrate on modeling and defending her NWA Women’s Championship after aligning with Shaw, a gimmick TNA’s John Gaburick was strongly behind.
The Observer also noted Shaw and Gunner may not be the last ones released, as several contracts are coming due in the next two weeks and the company is cutting back on offers for renewals. One of the bigger contracts that will be up is Austin Aries.
Gunner commented further on his release and retweeted fan well-wishes, and said he’s changing his handle to reflect his employment change:
Changing the Twitter name today folks. I’ll be dropping TNA from it and keeping Gunner. Please rt and spread the word.
— Gunner (@TNA_GUNNER) June 25, 2015
