TNA president: No blood ban, talent encouraged to use extreme violence more sparingly

Image: TNA

Fans that enjoy blood and extreme acts of violence in their TNA Wrestling matches may have to wait a while to see a crimson mask again, but that wait time won’t be forever.

Sports Illustrated’s Jon Alba reported on Wednesday that according to TNA president Carlos Silva, blood in matches hasn’t been banned as previously reported, but that wrestlers are being encouraged to use blood and violence “more sparingly.”

PWInsider first reported two weeks ago that during a talent meeting, it was stated that excessive blood, extreme violence and purposeful blading were not to be allowed going forward. Our Bryan Alvarez also reported TNA was “taking a break from the blade.” That news came in the wake of both the recent Eric Young vs. Steve Maclin dog collar match and the Sami Callihan vs. Mance Warner barbed wire brawl.

However, Silva told Alba that the edict was “misrepresented” and that blood was, in fact, not banned. He did confirm that “the company is being cognizant of potential advertisers and partners” as they look for a new media rights contract.

From the report:

“However, Silva said when addressing talent in the meeting, it was instead done to encourage the locker room to utilize brutality and intentional bleeding more sparingly, coming off of two extreme instances in a short period of time.”

Silva said TNA is open to having blood or extreme violence used if talent/creative feels that it’s “earned for their story or the stakes of the match,” also noting the logistical issues that can come with blood-stained mats for TV taping nights.

There was some concern about Maclin especially after his excessive bleeding in the aforementioned Young bout, but Silva was in contact with him throughout that night to ensure he was ok.

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