TNA Wrestling Duo Mance Warner and Steph De Lander Depart Promotion
TNA Wrestling has experienced a roster shift with the departure of Mance Warner and his wife, Steph De Lander, following a disagreement regarding medical clearance for De Lander’s return to in-ring competition. The news was first reported by Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp on March 4, 2026.
Neck Injury and Recovery
Steph De Lander has been sidelined since August 2024 due to a neck injury requiring fusion surgery on her C5 and C6 vertebrae. Wrestlezone reports that De Lander underwent the surgery in October 2024.
Despite being cleared by her surgeon and receiving a second opinion from a WWE-affiliated spinal surgery specialist, Cageside Seats indicates that TNA management informed De Lander she would not be cleared to wrestle for the promotion again.
Frustration and Departure
De Lander publicly expressed her frustration on social media, seeking medical guidance to validate her fitness to compete. She posted, “My neck is 100% healed and I have been cleared by my surgeon to return to the ring. I need guidance from a medical professional to ensure safety so I can get back to doing what I love. I have asked so many times. Can anyone help me @ThisIsTNA @WWE @AEW ???”.
The couple, who married in late 2025, have both left TNA as a result of the situation. AOL confirms their departure.
On-Screen Roles and Future Plans
Prior to her injury, De Lander served as a manager for Warner. Warner continued to wrestle for TNA, even winning the Digital Media Championship. TV Insider previously highlighted their on-screen dynamic and chaotic presence in TNA.
Although their departure is largely complete, sources suggest Warner and De Lander may fulfill remaining contractual obligations, potentially appearing at upcoming tapings in Atlanta on March 6 and 7, and the Sacrifice live special on March 27 in New Orleans. De Lander has already begun accepting independent wrestling bookings as of February 2026, signaling the couple’s readiness to pursue opportunities outside of TNA.