Tommy Dreamer is no longer with TNA, and Tony Schiavone had a pretty human reaction to the whole thing.
During What Happened When, Conrad Thompson brought up the recent TNA shakeup while talking with Schiavone about the current wrestling landscape. Conrad noted that Dreamer had separated from TNA after being part of the company’s leadership group and helping oversee the wrestling vision. He also mentioned Road Dogg being around TNA this weekend, though it was not clear whether he would be involved creatively or simply on site.
That led Schiavone to speak about Dreamer, and he made it clear there was no cheap shot coming. Tony said Don Callis was the person who told him Dreamer was no longer with TNA, and he sounded genuinely sorry to hear it.
“Well, I have a lot of love for Tommy Dreamer. I know Tommy very well, although he and I have not talked a couple of times and, you know, Don Callis knows Tommy very well and Don was the one that told me that Tommy’s no longer with TNA. So, I’m sorry to hear that.”
Schiavone then explained why Dreamer’s exit hit him the way it did. To him, this was not just another wrestling name moving from one company to another. Dreamer has spent decades giving his body, time, and career to the wrestling business, and Tony said he never likes seeing someone like that have to move on or search for the next gig.
“I’m always sorry to hear somebody who’s been in the business for quite a while and who’s been a part of the business and basically given his life for the business, so to speak, move on or have to look for another job.”
Schiavone also gave Road Dogg his flowers during the same conversation, calling him one of his favorite guys and praising the way he handled a production meeting for Ric Flair’s Last Match. Tony said he did not even realize Road Dogg was the one running the meeting at first, but he immediately thought the person in charge knew exactly what he was doing.
Still, when it came back to Dreamer, Schiavone kept it simple. He was sad to hear the news and hoped Tommy would be able to continue in wrestling.
“As far as Road Dogg being concerned, one of my favorite guys. I mean, Brian was tremendous, obviously, back during the Attitude Era. And even prior to that when he worked for WCW as one of the Armstrongs. So, glad to see that he’s moving on because I know that he is very good at what he does.”
“So, he obviously has a good handle on what it takes to run things. So, good for him. And I’m sad for Tommy. Hopefully, he’ll be able to move on in wrestling.”
Dreamer’s TNA exit comes at a time when the company has been going through plenty of movement behind the scenes and on the roster side. Schiavone did not pile on, and he did not turn it into a hit piece. Instead, he gave Dreamer respect as someone who spent a huge part of his life in the business.
What do you think about Tommy Dreamer leaving TNA and Tony Schiavone’s reaction? Please share your thoughts and leave your feedback in the comments.