Tag: Gail Kim

Gail Kim departing TNA Wrestling in behind-the-scenes shakeup

Posted on by Joseph Currier

TNA Wrestling is making significant changes to its behind-the-scenes staff.

First reported by Fightful, TNA sent out an internal email on Tuesday announcing that Gail Kim, Ariel Shnerner, Rob Kligman, and Michael Shewchenko are departing the company’s senior leadership team. Of those four, Kim — a TNA Hall of Famer and one of the top wrestlers in company history — is the best known to fans. She had been working in talent relations for TNA.

Kim has not yet publicly commented on being let go. She is retired from the ring but did return for a match in 2023 on the 1000th episode of Impact.

Shnerner was Senior Vice President of Content, Distribution & Marketing for TNA’s parent company Anthem Sports & Entertainment and had been overseeing TNA’s creative following the firing of Scott D’Amore in early 2024. PWInsider reports that former ROH booker Hunter Johnston (wrestler Delirious) will now be the head of creative. Tommy Dreamer will head talent relations and remain on the creative team, with both Johnston and Dreamer reporting directly to TNA President Carlos Silva.

A former WWE executive, Kligman was named Chief Revenue Officer of Anthem Sports Group in June 2024.

Shewchenko was Anthem’s Vice President of Digital Operations. He will remain with Anthem until April 30.

The internal email also listed Rafael Morffi, an entertainment industry veteran who has worked for both WWE and AEW, as departing TNA. He had been consulting with TNA on its business strategy for live events and touring.

“In addition to these leadership departures, we also say thank you and goodbye to Karen Clevett, Sebastian Dastranj, Romy Glazer and Rafael Morffi,” the email said. “Our company is built on the strength and dedication of our team and these changes do not diminish the value or the contributions of those affected.”

TNA’s next events are a set of television tapings in St. Joseph, Missouri this Friday and Saturday.

Gail Kim praises new TNA management: ‘They’ve given me that ball to run with’

Posted on by Ian Carey

Gail Kim praised the new TNA management team during a recent appearance on Gabby AF.

TNA made a major change to its management team earlier this year when former president Scott D’Amore was let go. D’Amore recently announced the revival of Maple Leaf Wrestling with shows taking place in Windsor this October.

Kim says that the new TNA management team has “walked the walk” and given her the ball to run with.

“I’m not going to lie, this new management has empowered me so much like I’ve never been empowered before,” Kim said on the show. “I thought that I was making strides in the wrestling world, I’ve never felt as uplifted as I have this year. Not only has this management talked the talk, they’ve walked the walk.”

“Not only do they say they want me to grow within this company, they’ve given me that ball to run with it. And I’ve felt it, and I’m doing it, and I’ve just never felt so much growth within the wrestling business so quickly as I have this year, it’s been incredible. I feel very respected and valued for the first time in a long time.”

Kim also revealed that she has been backstage at recent NXT tapings at the WWE Performance Center and spoke about working with NXT Women’s Champion, Roxanne Perez.

“I actually saw (Perez) last night because I go to NXT because we have talent there and I have to drive up every week to just be there as a TNA representative. And I saw her last night and I never really got to talk to her since I saw her match at Great American Bash two weeks ago, and they were the main event and they just killed it. I just told her, that match, chef’s kiss, you know?”

Kim also briefly mentioned a “weird special side project” she recently worked on that she’ll be able to talk more about in a month. She referred to the project as a “life-changing experience.”

The full interview is available below:

Gail Kim looking to add talent to TNA Knockouts division

Posted on by Ian Carey

TNA Wrestling wants to grow its Knockouts division.

Gail Kim told Jim Varsallone recently that while TNA has a central core group in the division with Jordynne Grace, Masha Slamovich, Ash By Elegance, Gisele Shaw, and others, they are looking to add fresh talent as well.

“We have a great roster of girls right now at the central core. I’m looking to add to that right now. We’ve got some surprises coming up that will be great,” Kim said.

She also addressed wanting to add to the Knockouts Tag Team division.

“Looking to rebuild this tag team division because we’ve been lacking a little bit in that department because we’ve only had two tag teams, really, and we want to grow that.”

“I want to make sure that we have a strong tag division, a strong Knockouts division and even a secondary storyline that’s very strong. Even to have the girls mixed in, we have Alisha Edwards that’s in with The System and she’s working managing and wrestling, and a tag team champion. I just want those girls to be able to get experience in every facet of the business and see what they enjoy and what their strengths are because I think everyone has different strengths.”

The Knockouts division will be featured on Thursday’s episode of TNA Impact. Champion Jordynne Grace is scheduled to hold an open challenge on the show.

TNA ran a set of television tapings at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa over the weekend. Spoilers from Friday’s show are available here, and spoilers from Saturday are available here.

Gail Kim suffered concussion at Impact 1000

Posted on by Ian Carey

Gail Kim suffered a concussion at Impact 1000. 

Kim returned to the ring for the first time since 2019 at the tapings on September 9. She teamed with Trinity, Jordynne Grace, Mickie James, and her longtime rival Awesome Kong in a win over Angelina Love, Gisele Shaw, Deonna Purrazzo, Tasha Steelz, and Savannah Evans on the show. 

During the match, Kim was pulled off the ring apron by Velvet Sky and hit her head on the floor. She finished the match and posted an update on her condition two days later. 

“I’m ok just so everyone knows and is updated. I woke up to a lot of people concerned. So yes, I got rattled but I’m ok,” she wrote.  

On Friday, Kim revealed that she was diagnosed with a concussion.  

“Professional Wrestling is a career we all enter knowing the risks we take when we perform for the fans. Shit happens. It’s not my first concussion and perhaps not my last,” she wrote on Instagram. 

Kim also noted that she will not condone any attacks or bullying against anyone involved in the match. 

“I didn’t want to initially show the clip but I thought in the end, it’s important to show everything. I want to stress here though: I WILL NOT CONDONE ANY ATTACKING BEHAVIOR OR BULLYING TOWARDS VELVET OR ANYONE ELSE FOR THIS CLIP,” Kim continued. 

Kim has been undergoing oxygen treatments in a chamber since suffering the injury. Her Instagram post included video of her undergoing a session at Physical Chiropractic in Tampa. 

Numerous wrestlers responded to Kim’s video.

“Ok amazing I need to try this,” wrote Chelsea Green. 

“Thank you for sharing this,” wrote Nikki Cross. 

“Um, yes! I need this,” wrote Chavo Guerrero. 

10-Knockouts tag, Ultimate X match set for Impact Wrestling 1000 night two

Posted on by Ethan Renner

A 10-Knockouts tag bout, plus the return of the Ultimate X, are among the matches and segments announced for next Thursday’s Impact Wrestling 1000 night two on AXS TV.

Mickie James will return to the ring in the aforementioned tag team match in her first appearance for the company in six months. James will team with Knockouts World Champion Trinity, Jordynne Grace, and Impact Hall of Famers Awesome Kong & Gail Kim against Deonna Purrazzo, Tasha Steelz, Gisele Shaw, Savannah Evans and Angelina Love. 

An Ultimate X match will decide the number one contender to new X-Division Champion Chris Sabin’s title. Alan Angels, Ace Austin, Mike Bailey, Rich Swann, Samuray Del Sol, and Zachary Wentz will be the match participants. Sabin defeated Lio Rush on Impact 1000 night 1 to win the title.

The contents of the Feast or Fired briefcase winners from night one of Impact 1000 will also be revealed on next week’s episode. Chris Bey, Crazzy Steve, Yuya Uemura, and Moose each secured a briefcase with three of the cases holding contracts for future title matches with one containing termination papers. 

Josh Alexander will be in action, facing former X-Division Champion and current Tag Team Champion Trey Miguel. 

Eric Young vs. Kenny King and Jake Something vs. Dirty Dango were also announced for next week’s show. 

Here’s the full lineup for next Thursday:

  • Mickie James, Trinity, Jordynne Grace, Awesome Kong & Gail Kim vs. Deonna Purrazzo, Tasha Steelz, Gisele Shaw, Savannah Evans & Angelina Love
  • Ultimate X match to determine the X-Division Championship number one contender: Alan Angels vs. Ace Austin vs. Mike Bailey vs. Rich Swann vs. Samuray Del Sol vs. Zachary Wentz
  • Josh Alexander vs. Trey Miguel
  • Eric Young vs. Kenny King
  • Jake Something vs. Dirty Dango
  • Feast or Fired briefcases reveal

Gail Kim doing ok after scary bump at Impact 1000 tapings

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Over the weekend, Gail Kim returned to the ring for her first match since 2019.

Kim took part in a 10-woman tag match at the tapings for Impact Wrestling’s 1000th episode. During the match, there was a spot where Kim’s head bounced off the floor after being yanked down by Velvet Sky.

After video of the spot was posted on social media, Kim gave an update saying that she’s doing ok. Kim got “rattled” when her head hit the floor, but she was able to continue wrestling and do much more in the match.

“I’m ok just so everyone knows and is updated,” Kim wrote. “I woke up to a lot of people concerned. So yes, I got rattled but I’m ok.”

The 10-woman tag match pit Kim, Awesome Kong, Trinity, Jordynne Grace, and a mystery partner against Deonna Purrazzo, Gisele Shaw, Savannah Evans, Angelina Love, and a mystery partner. Sky was at ringside with the heel team.

Kim was inducted into the Impact Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2016. She’s a seven-time Impact Knockouts Champion.

Impact 1000 is airing on AXS TV this Thursday night. Spoilers for the tapings can be found here.

All star 10-woman tag team match announced for Impact 1000

Posted on by Josh Nason

Hall of Famers and both past and current Knockouts Champions will be part of an all star 10-woman tag team match on the 1000th episode of Impact Wrestling.

Current champion Trinity will team with former champion Jordynne Grace, Hall of Famers Gail Kim and Awesome Kong and a mystery partner against former champions Deonna Purrazzo and Angelina Love, Gisele Shaw, Savannah Evans and a mystery partner.

The episode is being filmed at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, New York on Saturday, September 9th, to air the following Thursday.

This will be Kim’s first match since 2019’s Rebellion and Kong’s first since 2020. Love will be making her return to the company for the first time since 2017.

Grace will make her return to the company the night before at Impact’s Victory Road in her first appearance since late-May while Trinity will defend her title against a battle royal winner.

Here’s the current lineup:

Alex Shelley vs. Trey Miguel, Gail Kim & Awesome Kong tag match added to Impact 1000

Posted on by Josh Nason

The Impact World title will be on the line at the company’s 1000th episode of Impact Wrestling on AXS TV in addition to a tag team match featuring two of the company’s Hall of Famers.

Announced Wednesday, current titleholder Alex Shelley will put the title on the line against former X-Division Champion and current Tag Team Champion Trey Miguel who is looking for his first Impact World title. This is his first Impact World title opportunity since July 2020.

The episode is being filmed at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, New York on Saturday, September 9th, to air the following Thursday.

This will be their fourth-ever singles match and the first in Impact since May 2022. Miguel is 2-1 against Shelley with all matches taking place in 2022.

Unless he defends at Victory Road the night before, Shelley will be looking for the fifth defense of the title he won at June’s Against All Odds.

Announced on Busted Open Radio Wednesday, former Knockouts Champion and Impact Hall of Famer Gail Kim will make her return to the ring for the first time since 2019’s Rebellion. 

Later on, it was revealed that Kim, a current Impact executive, will team with former rival and fellow Hall of Famer Awesome Kong, challenging “any Knockout past or present to either stand with them or against them.”

Here’s the current lineup:

Gail Kim on being an Impact executive, Knockouts division, future goals

Posted on by Denise Salcedo

Ahead of next Sunday’s Impact Slammiversary pay-per-view in Nashville, Tennessee, I talked with Impact Hall-of-Famer and inaugural Knockouts Champion Gail Kim who is currently working in their talent relations department alongside D’Lo Brown.

Kim first signed with the company back in 2005 after her release from WWE. She returned to WWE from 2008-2011 before returning to Impact in 2011 where she’s been ever since.

Transitioning into her executive role 

Even though the seven-time Knockouts Champion has been retired from in-ring action for the last several years, she continues to work behind the scenes. It’s almost unheard of to see ex-female wrestlers transition into executive roles, but she has.

“It was a natural progression for me because, I would say in my last couple of years of being a talent, you become this veteran in the locker room. The girls really value your opinion. We always had producers and agents that guided us along the way. In the last couple years, the girls would ask the producer for their feedback and then they would ask me my feedback as well, so it just happened naturally. I love creativity in the ring. That’s where my heart is in terms of matches and putting together these interesting compelling matches, storylines and getting the fans’ emotions.”

As part of talent relations, Kim not only works with the women but also the men.

“And now I am also in Talent Relations with D’Lo Brown. We’re like work husband/work wife (laughs), so we’re there for talent predominantly. It’s great.”

Why she’s so invested in the Knockouts division 

“I am just so invested because I’ve been part of this division from day one. Now I am like a proud mom. These girls are literally my heart, in a sense, because when they accomplish things and they kill it, I am having that high that I got as a talent for weeks on end. It’s a great feeling because it gives me that fulfillment that I don’t get anymore from being in the ring.” 

Kim isn’t the only female Impact has hired behind the scenes as Christy Hemme and Madison Rayne have also been part of the team — an opportunity Kim relishes.

“Scott D’Amore right now is pretty much at the head of running things. Without the men who believe in the women and who give us the opportunities, we wouldn’t be able to grow and progress in that way. He has given that opportunity. Now Christy Hemme is back and Madison Rayne is producing. As more women are coming in, I feel supported.”

The first-ever Queen of the Mountain match

At Slammiversary, the Knockouts will once again be making history as they compete in the first-ever Queen of the Mountain match. Knockouts Champion Tasha Steelz will defend against Deonna Purrazzo, Chelsea Green, Tasha Steelz, Mia Yim and Jordynne Grace with Mickie James as the special guest enforcer. 

“I look at that graphic and I get goosebumps. These girls are all so fierce, so competitive and so talented. I’ve already put pressure on them to steal the show (laughs), but I have no doubt that they can. I am just so looking forward to it.”

Future goals

Even with her level of success, Kim still has plenty of goals for the wrestling business.

“Just keep on climbing that ladder and create more opportunities for more people. Think outside the box more in terms of changing wrestling as a whole along with the team I work with. Create more opportunities for those people that have the same dreams as me. Give the the opportunity to create the success that I’ve been lucky to have. I have zero regrets whether I had ups or down in the business, I am so proud of everything I’ve done and what I continue to do and I just hope it flourishes in the future.” 

Impact Slammiversary is set for Sunday, June 19th on pay-per-view.

Christy Hemme working backstage with Impact Wrestling

Posted on by Ian Carey

Christy Hemme is back with Impact Wrestling.

During an appearance on Busted Open Radio Tuesday, Gail Kim revealed that Hemme is working in a backstage role with the company, detailing some of what her role is.

“She’s backstage now and working on a lot of things, helping with some branding stuff and production stuff. It’s great to have. The more women in the office, the better,” she said.

The 41-year-old spent a decade as a performer for Impact from 2006 to 2016. After announcing her in-ring retirement in 2009, Hemme worked as a backstage interviewer and ring announcer. She was named “Knockout of the Year” in 2006.

Hemme won WWE’s Diva Search in 2004 and won a contract with the company. She released from WWE in late 2005 shortly after being assigned to Ohio Valley Wrestling. 

In March 2020, Kim, Hemme and Lita attempt to launch KAYfABE, a scripted TV show about a female-led pro wrestling startup, through Kickstarter but did not meet their financial goal.

Impact announces Knockouts Knockdown all-women’s event

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Impact has announced Knockouts Knockdown, an all-women event that will tape this coming weekend to air in October.

Gail Kim was joined by former Impact star Christy Hemme live on Impact’s Facebook page this afternoon. The show will air on October 9 on Impact Plus and will tape this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at Skyway Studios in Nashville, Tennessee. Kim announced that Deonna Purrazzo would be on the card, defending the Impact Knockouts title against a mystery opponent. Ticket information for the tapings can be found here.

Other names that Kim mentioned during the stream include Lady Frost, Renee Michelle, and Mercedes Martinez, all of whom will be appearing on the show. Additionally, a Monster’s Ball match will take place that will be dedicated to the memory of Daffney, who was the first woman to take part in a Monster’s Ball match against Taylor Wilde back in 2009.

NWA EmPower, which also had an all-women’s card, took place last month. Deonna Purrazzo successfully defended the Impact Knockouts title on the show, defeating Melina.

Awesome Kong appears at NWA Empower, announces she is ‘done’

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Awesome Kong appeared at tonight’s NWA Empower event and announced that she was done with professional wrestling.

Gail Kim made an appearance on tonight’s show and said she was happy to take part. Taryn Terrell, Jennacide, and Paola Blaze came out and confronted Kim. Kong then arrived and took out all three. Grabbing a microphone, she told Kim that she was her greatest foe, and that there was no other way to end her career than being in the ring with Kim. She said that she was done. The two then hugged.

Kong had not been seen in wrestling since her run in AEW, where she was part of the Nightmare Collective. She left television in early 2020 to film for the Netflix series GLOW, but the show was canceled during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was reported earlier this summer that AEW opted not to renew her contract.

Entering pro wrestling in 2002, Kong is best remembered for her run in Japan, and later Impact Wrestling, where she is a two time Knockouts Champion and a one time Knockouts Tag Team Champion. She also briefly appeared in WWE from 2010-12 using the name Kharma.

Lita, Gail Kim & Christy Hemme raising money for ‘Kayfabe’ pilot

Posted on by Josh Nason

Image: Kayfabe

Three former wrestlers launched a Kickstarter Monday in hopes of producing a pilot.

Amy “Lita” Dumas, Gail Kim, and Christy Hemme are the trio pushing Kayfabe, a one hour show they say is half story, half in-ring action.

From the Kickstarter: “It is an edgy, racy, cinematic television series about a female led professional wrestling start-up. This show is a dramatization and collection of female stories inspired by real life events.”

In the nearly five minute video for the pitch, the three introduced the concept and the crew behind it which include former WWE writer Tom Casiello, former WWE/Impact production team member David Sahadi, Jimmy Jacobs, and Chavo Guerrero.

The video also includes what best can be described as trailer-style footage showing a female fan being disenchanted with the wrestling business amid images of #MeToo articles plastered on a wall. The accompanying voiceover is that she doesn’t trust the business or how it’s run so she’s going to take matters in her own hands.

They are looking to raise $400,000 in 36 days with stretch goals of up to $4.6 million to produce a full eight episode season.

Impact Wrestling results: Eli Drake vs. Petey Williams

Posted on by Dave Bath

Previously: Johnny Impact and Alberto El Patron had a wild brawl that went all over the building. Both are banned from the arena for tonight’s show.

Tonight: Global Champion Eli Drake defends against Petey Williams. Plus, Gail Kim officially announces her retirement.

Show Recap —

Sonjay Dutt, Dezmond Xavier & Garza Jr. defeated Taiji Ishimori, Trevor Lee & Caleb Konley

Ishimori and Dutt traded pinfall attempts before Konley tagged himself in, then the heels took over and isolated Dutt in their corner. Garza got the tag and basically fought with one arm due to his shoulder injury. Ishimori appeared to have the match won, but Konley tagged himself in again. Xavier won it for his team after hitting the X19 and Final Flash on Konley.

Impact Grand Champion Ethan Carter III defeated Fallah Bahh to retain his title

Bahh controlled most of the action and won the first round. EC3 took over after Bahh missed a charge in the corner and easily won round two. Bahh scored a near fall after hitting a splash in the corner and a belly-to-belly suplex, but EC3 got the pin with his feet on the ropes with 28 seconds remaining.

LAX (w/ Konnan) defeated OVE

This started with all six guys brawling around ringside and in the ring. Sami Callahan used a low blow on Homicide to give OVE the advantage. The match broke down and all six guys started brawling again. OVE attempted their finisher on Santana, but Ortiz and Homicide made the save. LAX used the Street Sweeper for the win.

GWN Flashback Moment of the Week: Ken Shamrock defeated Malice (w/ Father James Mitchell) to win the NWA World Heavyweight Championship

This match was from the very first NWA: TNA pay-per-view and Ricky Steamboat served as referee for it. The finish came when Malice attempted a chokeslam and Shamrock countered into a belly-to-belly to win the title.

– Dan Lambert came down to the ring to gloat about his team’s victory at Bound for Glory. Lambert buried the Canadian wrestling fans and brought up the Montreal Screwjob. He said Vince McMahon didn’t screw Bret Hart because he could hear Bret quitting from Florida.

He claimed that Impact reneged on their deal and won’t release Bobby Lashley. He had his attorney draft a release for Lashley and demanded an executive sign it.

This brought out Moose. He told Lambert it was a mistake not to bring American Top Team. Moose went after Lambert, but Lashley, King Mo, and ATT ran out and jumped Moose. James Storm ran out for the save and superkicked Lashley.

Storm broke a bottle over one of the ATT guy’s head. Storm gave a passionate speech defending pro wrestling. He discussed his career and time with Impact.

– As ATT left the building, KM approached the group and asked to join. Lashley said he has to prove himself first.

– Knockouts Champion Gail Kim came out to announce her retirement. Allie joined Kim in the ring for her announcement. She thanked all the women she’s worked with, including Trish Stratus, Lita, Molly Holly, Awesome Kong, and Taryn Terrell. 

Kim relinquished the Knockouts title and said she looks forward to seeing the division continue to grow. She thanked Impact and the fans.

– In the back, Grado was at a table with a bunch of guys. Joseph Park arrived and admitted that he is Abyss. Park wanted to make it up to Grado and gave him a visa to stay in the United States. A Mountie approached and deported Grado because his visa is only good for the US.

– Jimmy Jacobs joined in on commentary for the main event.

Impact Global Champion Eli Drake (w/ Chris Adonis) defeated Petey Williams to retain his title

Williams controlled the early part of the match until Drake took over during the commercial break. Williams attempted the Canadian Destroyer later, but Drake rolled through and Williams countered into the Sharpshooter.

Williams took out Adonis with a dive. Drake attempted the Gravy Train, but Williams countered into the Destroyer for a very close near fall. He went for the Destroyer again, but Drake countered into the Gravy Train to retain the championship.

Next Week: It’s a special Thanksgiving edition of Impact.

Impact TV taping notes: Gail Kim announcement, Super X Cup

Posted on by Bryan Rose

The Impact TV tapings following Sunday night’s Slammiversary pay-per-view featured some notable angles, including a retirement announcement and participants being revealed for the returning Super X Cup.

Gail Kim appeared during the tapings and announced that this would be her last year wrestling, stating that she would be returning soon and would end her career on top. Kim has been wrestling since 2000, spending the vast majority of her career wrestling for WWE and Impact, winning the WWE Women’s Championship once and the Impact Knockouts title six times.

It was also announced that the Super X Cup would be making a return after a 12-year absence. The eight-man single elimination tournament will pit wrestlers from various promotions and countries against one another, with the winner most likely becoming the number one contender for the X Division title.

The eight participants in the returning Super X Cup are: Sammy Guevara (WWN, Texas independent scene), Drago (AAA/Lucha Underground), ACH (EVOLVE/indies, formerly of ROH), Andrew Everett (GFW), Taiji Ishimori (NOAH), Davey Richards (GFW), Dezmond Xavier (GFW), and Idris Abraham (GFW).

Matches held on this taping included Xavier defeating Abraham and ACH defeating Everett. The last Super X Cup was held in 2005, with Samoa Joe defeating AJ Styles in the finals.

The Impact tapings ended with a rematch from Slammiversary, pitting unified GFW/Impact Champion Alberto El Patron against Bobby Lashley. LAX came out and attacked Lashley for the DQ, with Konnan announcing that El Patron was the newest member of LAX.

El Patron left with the rest of LAX, seemingly exhausted from the match and not making any comments about his new affiliations.