Sports

WWE News: TNA In Hot Pursuit Of Former WWE Superstar?

Published on: September 13, 2016 at 3:41 PM ET
Andy Slawecki
Written By Andy Slawecki
News Writer

There has been somewhat of an unspoken talent exchange between WWE and TNA over the last few years as mid-carders from the WWE looking for more of an opportunity migrate to TNA, while the big-fish-in-a-little-pond stars of TNA pursue the main stage and bright lights of WWE.

Excluding the likes of Kurt Angle and The Hardy Boyz, we’ve witnessed transitions by the likes of Drew Galloway (formerly Drew McIntyre in WWE), Bobby Lashley, and Aron Rex (formerly Damien Sandow) into the TNA landscape. Meanwhile, former TNA headliners like AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, Bobby Roode, Austin Aries, and Eric Young have made the trek to the land of WWE.

Back in May, after Ryback walked out of contract negotiations with Vince McMahon and the WWE, the Big Guy teased a jump to TNA in an attempt to potentially steal some of that Sunday spotlight that the WWE craved for their Extreme Rules pay-per-view. Ironically, it was the same day that Cody Rhodes issued his first public comments about departing from the WWE as well. While Ryback has yet to sign with a specific promotion, Cody came to terms on a deal that will allow him to wrestle for both TNA and Ring of Honor.

There have been unsubstantiated rumors suggesting ROH is also recruiting Wade Barrett to join their company, so we’ll have to wait and see how that plays out. But meanwhile, TNA appears in heavy pursuit of WWE’s most recent free agent. According to the Daily Wrestling News , TNA is courting Alberto Del Rio to finish out his wrestling career under the leadership of Billy Corgan, who has recently assumed a much greater role.

Del Rio has been a hot topic lately after it was revealed that he violated the WWE Wellness Policy for testosterone replacement therapy, though it’s since also been revealed that he tested positive for an unknown PED as well. It’s believed that TNA does not suspend its wrestlers for failed drug tests, let alone fine them. Del Rio is a huge name who would bring notoriety to TNA, but you’d have to wonder what kind of message it might send to sign someone who just failed a drug test.

TNA is well known for its much lighter schedule, giving their wrestlers more time to recover from the grind of the competition. However, it’s uncertain if they would acquiesce to Del Rio’s preference to only work 60 dates a year as he closes out his wrestling career. The former three-time WWE Champion has other outside business ventures, and his transition out of sports entertainment appears to have a shelf life of only two more years.

Del Rio’s relationship with Paige has been well-documented over the last several months, as it also appears the former Divas Champion is on her way out of WWE as well. Paige recently got a tattoo of the name “Alberto” underneath her chest. We’ve noted in the past that WWE officials (namely Triple H) purposefully split the two up during the brand extension draft, with Paige going to RAW and Del Rio to SmackDown . Both superstars recently served suspensions for violating the Wellness Policy.

Del Rio, who has been critical of TNA in the past, has booked a gig in the interim. He will face another former WWE superstar in Rey Mysterio at the debut Lucha Ilimitado card on October 12 in Yakima, Washington’s SunDome. Del Rio will be using the name he used while working for Lucha Underground, Alberto El Patron.

Del Rio’s return to the WWE late last year was met with much fanfare, but promises of a significant run went unfulfilled, and he departed the company with a whimper for the second time. Would a TNA run reignite his career one last time before he hangs up his boots?

[Image via WWE]

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