Mance Warner and Steph De Lander: A Departure from TNA Wrestling
In a surprising turn of events, Mance Warner and his wife, Steph De Lander, have reportedly left TNA Wrestling. This decision comes after a longstanding disagreement over De Lander’s health and ability to compete, as highlighted by Fightful Select. According to their expertise, TNA’s refusal to clear De Lander for a return from her fusion surgery on the neck, performed in 2024, is the primary reason behind their departure.
TNA’s Stance on Medical Clearances
De Lander underwent fusion surgery on her C5 and C6 vertebrae, a procedure typically associated with long-term recovery. She has been cleared by a WWE-affiliated surgeon, yet TNA has yet to grant her medical clearance to return to the ring. This disagreement clearly affected the couple’s decision to leave TNA. A source from Fightful Select suggests that TNA might still have a chance to retain Warner and De Lander, as their departures are linked to the upcoming television tapings, scheduled for March 6 and 7.
The Departure’s Impact
The departure of Mance Warner and Steph De Lander from TNA Wrestling is significant given their roles within the organization. Since De Lander’s surgery in August 2024, she hasn’t wrestled, though she was active in TNA’s mid-card alongside Warner until January. A potential singles match against AJ Francis on Impact could have indicated a renewal of their wrestling careers, but instead, it marked the end of their time with TNA.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
While TNA has not officially responded, the departure of Warner and De Lander underscores a critical point: the wrestling promotion’s stance on medical clearances directly impacts the careers of its wrestlers. TNA’s cautious approach on De Lander’s medical clearance might be seen as a sign of careful management, but it could as well be interpreted as a deterrent to her return to wrestling. As such, the couple’s exit could potentially open doors for other promotions to offer her a safer return to the ring, demonstrating how medical policy and clearance decisions play a significant role in the wrestling world.