AEW Champion Blasts TNA Wrestling President on Radio Show

Maxwell Jacob Friedman calls out TNA's treatment of young talent amid failed match with Nic Nemeth.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 11:55am

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A dynamic, cubist-inspired painting depicting the intense action and competitive tension of a wrestling match, with the figures and arena broken down into fragmented geometric shapes and planes of vibrant color.The ongoing rivalry between AEW and TNA spills over into the independent wrestling scene, as contractual disputes limit opportunities for top stars to face off.Youngstown Today

AEW world champion Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF) appeared on Busted Open Radio and criticized TNA Wrestling President Carlos Silva, accusing him of pulling young talent from other promotions just because an AEW star is also booked there. MJF had been trying to book a match with Nic Nemeth, but it fell through due to 'certain deep contractual obligations' between the companies.

Why it matters

The feud between MJF and Nemeth, two of the top stars in wrestling today, has captivated fans, and the failed match has left many disappointed. This incident also highlights the ongoing tensions and competitiveness between the major wrestling promotions, AEW and TNA, as they vie for talent and audience attention.

The details

During the radio interview, a frustrated MJF claimed that Silva and TNA were not helping young talent grow by removing them from other promotions just because an AEW star was also booked there. MJF had been trying to book a match with Nemeth, who is signed to TNA, but the match fell through due to 'certain deep contractual obligations' between the companies, as Nemeth explained in a separate interview.

  • MJF appeared on Busted Open Radio on Thursday, April 11, 2026.
  • MJF had been trying to book the match with Nemeth since the start of 2026.

The players

Maxwell Jacob Friedman

The reigning AEW world champion, known for his brash and controversial persona.

Carlos Silva

The president of TNA Wrestling, the rival promotion to AEW.

Nic Nemeth

A wrestler signed to TNA Wrestling who was supposed to face MJF in a match that fell through.

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What they’re saying

“'Let's talk about TNA and the fact that they are pulling young talent off of shows when they're barely paying them any money whatso-f*cking-ever and telling them, 'Hey, you can't wrestle because there is a guy from another promotion that's wrestling on this show.' Does that help young talent grow?'”

— Maxwell Jacob Friedman, AEW World Champion

“'We had a phone call, he said because of certain deep into contractual obligations, certain companies might have crossover with certain other companies that we are with their rival, or a streaming service, or a cable company.'”

— Nic Nemeth

What’s next

Fans will have to wait to see if MJF and Nemeth can eventually book a match, as the two companies navigate their contractual obligations and rivalry.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and competitiveness between the major wrestling promotions, AEW and TNA, as they vie for talent and audience attention. It also raises questions about how these promotional rivalries impact the growth and opportunities for young wrestlers.