SEScoops

Tag: Gail Kim

  • Gail Kim Reacts to Bayley’s Interest in TNA, Calls Her \’Timeless\’

    7-time TNA Knockouts World Champion Gail Kim believes former WWE Women\’s Champion Bayley would have been a perfect fit for the original TNA Knockouts division.

    Bayley previously expressed interest in potentially appearing in AAA and TNA Wrestling. This fueled speculation among fans about a potential run in either promotion.

    Appearing on Busted Open Radio, Bayley had said:

    “You don’t want to just be one thing. Like, there are so many promotions. When you have guys like AJ Styles, Sami Zayn, or Finn Balor, they’ve all been to these places. So I feel like it’s important to mention the past and mention these things. I would love to dip my toes in TNA and AAA. If we have the doors to do that, I would love to go.”

    Gail Kim Reacts

    Gail Kim, a TNA/Impact Wrestling legend, praised Bayley\’s talent and potential crossover appeal. Kim took to X to respond to the praise and labeled Bayley a “timeless” performer. Kim wrote:

    “Bayley is a timeless wrestler. She would fit into any division in any generation, especially our OG KO division! Oh and what an awesome human too.”

    Bayley recently competed in a Women\’s Elimination Chamber qualifying match against Nattie and Asuka. However, she failed to qualify. She is preparing for a Gauntlet Match on the March 9th episode of Raw in Seattle.

    The winner of that match will earn a championship shot against AJ Lee for the Women’s Intercontinental Title at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas.

  • Gail Kim Claims AEW Alum Agree With Her Riho Comments

    Names formerly associated with AEW agree with Gail Kim\’s recent comments about Riho, according to Kim herself. The TNA Hall of Famer recently made headlines when she shared that she felt uncomfortable watching Riho, saying that camera shots of the Japanese star often seem improper.

    Kim later stated that she is into believable wrestling and that it was hard to believe that the diminutive Riho could hold her own against other female wrestlers. This earned Kim a backlash among some fans who felt her comments were unfair to AEW\’s first Women\’s World Champion.

    Appearing on the Huge POP podcast, Kim once again discussed the Riho situation. Kim claimed that names who had been with AEW agree with her stance.

    “I actually had former AEW people who worked there, say to me, ‘I agree with you. I would be backstage and I felt the same way.’”

    Kim once again shared that she felt uncomfortable when watching a match of Riho\’s, recalling that the \”cameraman shot up her skirt,\” and said that Riho \”dressed in that match as a little girl.\” For Kim, that moment colored her view of the rest of the match.

    “When I said she wasn’t very believable in that match, that’s because I wasn’t comfortable from the start.\”

    Kim concluded by saying that Riho is a believable wrestler in the current day, but admitted to not seeing enough of the Japanese star\’s in-ring work. While some, including AEW\’s Kenny Omega, have spoken against her, Kim isn\’t backing down from what she believes.

    Gail Kim Reveals She Pitched TNA Match Against Mercedes Mone

  • Gail Kim Reveals She Pitched TNA Match Against Mercedes Mone

    TNA Hall of Famer Gail Kim has revealed that she once pitched a major dream match against current AEW TBS Champion Mercedes Mone. The revelation came during a recent exchange on social media, where the former Knockouts Champion was discussing the current state of women\’s wrestling.

    The idea of a first-time-ever encounter between two of the most influential female wrestlers has fans dreaming of what-if. The conversation began after Kim posted a tweet offering a critique of AEW wrestler Riho\’s ring attire and her believability in matches against larger opponents.

    In response to her tweet, a fan suggested that Kim should face Riho\’s most recent opponent, Mercedes Mone. Kim then replied to the fan, confirming that this was a match she had actively tried to make happen when Scott D\’Amore was still the president of TNA Wrestling.

    The potential match is now a fantasy booking scenario, as Gail Kim is no longer with TNA Wrestling, having departed from her long-time role as a backstage producer earlier this year. Scott D\’Amore was also let go from his position as president.

  • Jordynne Grace Shares How Cody Rhodes & Gail Kim Made Her

    Jordynne Grace has become a bonafide star in pro wrestling, and she isn\’t going to forget those who helped her along the way. Speaking to the Unlikely podcast, Grace shared how Cody Rhodes played a huge role in her wrestling success.

    \”[Cody] got me on the first All In [2018] pay-per-view… that got me signed to TNA and that\’s basically what got me here. It’s just crazy how everything works out.”

    Cody isn\’t the only name Grace appreciates. During her time with TNA Wrestling, the Juggernaut continued to develop under the watchful eye of Gail Kim. Though Grace\’s time with TNA ended in early 2025, she and Kim, a TNA Hall of Famer, remain in contact.

    “I text [Gail Kim] about working with WWE at least once a week… I just want to be around her—her mind, I’m very comfortable with her. She\’s an incredible producer and wrestling mind in general.”

    Now, Grace continues to have people she can turn to, from her fellow wrestlers in WWE NXT to the brand\’s head Shawn Michaels. Already, Grace has challenge for the NXT Women\’s Title multiple times, though she is yet to win the gold.

    Grace\’s story shows the interconnected nature of wrestling and how one talent can develop from many. Whether it\’s leaning on WWE\’s biggest star or being aided by a woman who won gold in her first WWE match, Jordynne Grace is grateful for all their help.

    Jordynne Grace Predicted Naomi’s Pregnancy, Calls Baby A Champion


  • Gail Kim Responds As TNA President Explains Cutting Hall of Famer

    Gail Kim was cut from TNA Wrestling in March 2025, which came as a huge shock to fans and those within the promotion. Guest appearing on The Ariel Helwani Show, TNA President Carlos Silva recently explained his mentality behind cutting the TNA Wrestling Hall of Famer.

    \”I had to make a couple of hard decisions, not just with Gail, but with a few other staff, to try and maybe reinvigorate what I think was already going well.

    \”We kind of got a little more aggressive in making changes we thought we needed to make to reinvigorate the locker room, maybe reinvigorate the Knockouts division, which I think we’ve done.\”

    Kim\’s release was met with shock, disbelief, and anger within TNA Wrestling, Fightful Select reported at the time. On X, Kim shared her two cents on being cut from TNA as part of Silva\’s \’reinvigoration\’ tactics.

    Kim\’s exit from TNA has sparked speculation about her future, including a potential return to WWE or a move to All Elite Wrestling. Whatever\’s next, Gail Kim will have to witness the Knockouts division she shaped from the very start be \’reinvigorated\’ as an outsider.

    Update on Gail Kim’s Status for WWE Evolution 2

  • Update on Gail Kim’s Status for WWE Evolution 2

    WWE is gearing up for WWE Evolution 2, a premium all-women\’s event, amid rumors of Gail Kim\’s surprise return.

    Gail Kim has been spotted backstage at WWE NXT shows recently, according to Fightful, hinting at improved relations with WWE executives.

    The event is scheduled for July 13, 2025, at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, where Kim may make an unexpected appearance.

    WWE has maintained secrecy about Kim\’s possible involvement in the event, but an on-screen homecoming would be exactly the type of buzz worthy surprise fans are hoping for this weekend.

    Since being fired from TNA Wrestling on March 25, 2025, ending her 14-year tenure with the company, Gail Kim has become one of the most sought-after free agents in professional wrestling.

    Following her departure, Kim issued a statement on Instagram expressing gratitude for the support she received and promising that “this is not the end of Gail Kim in the wrestling world,” emphasizing her continued passion for the industry after 17 years with one company.

    Kim made her first post-TNA wrestling appearance at the National Wrestling Alliance’s 2025 Crockett Cup event on May 17 in Philadelphia, where she participated in an exclusive autograph signing.

    While she has stated she is taking time for self-care and preparation for what lies ahead, both WWE and AEW are expected to pursue her for leadership positions given her extensive experience as a producer and her respected insights into women’s wrestling.????????????????

  • Dixie Carter & More Reflect As TNA Wrestling Turns 23

    On June 19, 2002, pro wrestling would change in a major way as TNA Wrestling, at the time associated with the NWA would hosts its debut event. For 23 years, TNA has continued to \’Cross the line\’ and despite plenty of critics, the company remains a force in wrestling to this day.

    On social media, several names associated with TNA paid tribute. You can check out some of the reactions below.

    Through good times and struggles, TNA has soldiered on, providing fans with decades of exciting in-ring action. With their ongoing partnership with WWE, fans remain excited to see what\’s next for TNA Wrestling.

  • Unexpected Wrestling Veteran Was Backstage At This Week\’s NXT

    An unexpected wrestling veteran was backstage at NXT this week.

    The development brand continued showcasing its impressive women\’s roster with 4 different women\’s matches and a contract signing segment for the company\’s newest arrival Blake Monroe, at this week\’s episode of the show.

    Now Fightful Select is reporting that there was another big female name present at the arena, though she did not make an on-screen appearance.

    According to the site, wrestling legend Gail Kim was backstage at this week\’s NXT, and it wasn\’t the first time she was attending the show in recent times.

    The report notes that WWE officials have been interested in bringing Gail Kim on board since she became available. The company, however, has also kept her recent visits secret and as of this week, she isn\’t officially signed to the promotion.

    After retiring from in-ring action in 2019, Kim started working as a producer for TNA. Her role quickly expanded, and by 2024, she was working as a key member of the creative team.

    The TNA Hall of Famer was abruptly fired from the company in March this year, as part of a major management overhaul. She has made a number of indie appearances since then, but has not committed to any long-term role.

  • Gail Kim Pushed for TNA’s Knockouts Division Against the Odds, Says Jeff Jarrett

    Gail Kim’s departure from TNA has stirred emotions across the wrestling world, but her legacy as the cornerstone of the Knockouts Division remains firmly intact. TNA co-founder Jeff Jarrett recently shed new light on just how instrumental Kim was in creating a platform for women in the company — even when leadership wasn’t ready to commit.

    Kim Pushed for a Women’s Division When No One Else Would

    Speaking on a recent episode of his My World podcast, Jarrett revealed that Kim wasn’t just a top-tier performer, but the driving force behind the birth of TNA’s women’s division.

    “She really, really pushed for a women’s division at that time,” Jarrett said. “And I gave the pushback multiple times, because I said, ‘Hey, if we’re going to do it, we got to make sure we give the proper amount of time to it.’”

    Jarrett emphasized the logistical challenges of launching a women’s division in the early TNA days, noting that the roster wasn’t deep enough. But Kim insisted.

    “We had a little bit — but with me and America’s Most Wanted, she was the first one,” he explained. “She pushed and pushed, and she was right. We needed it.

    A Star Performer Who Redefined the Role

    Kim didn’t just advocate for change — she embodied it. Jarrett praised her athleticism and storytelling ability.

    “She’d jump off the top and do a hurricanrana… her athleticism in the early days jumped off the page.”

    More importantly, she mastered the art of being a believable babyface, something Jarrett says is rare for women in wrestling.

    “Sometimes it is harder for a female to be that — you know, as we call the business, white meat babyface. Because you still got to have an edge… She was very, very, very skilled, and I’ll say this: a professional wrestler.”

    A Legacy That Won’t Be Forgotten

    Kim’s efforts helped establish one of the most respected women’s divisions in wrestling history. As her chapter with TNA closes, Jarrett’s reflections offer a powerful reminder of her enduring impact — not just as a performer, but as a pioneer who wouldn’t take no for an answer.

  • Gail Kim\’s Next Role Confirmed After Surprise TNA Exit

    Gail Kim\’s next move in the world of pro wrestling has been confirmed after her surprising exit from TNA Wrestling. On April 11, the NWA made the announcement that the first-ever TNA Knockouts Champion is heading to the Crockett Cup.

    This marks Kim’s first confirmed wrestling-related appearance since parting ways with TNA, a move that came as a shock to fans. Kim was among a wave of backstage changes to the promotion which also saw company staples including Josh Matthews and Christy Hemme be cut. In addition to appearing on-screen, Kim had worked backstage as a producer and was seen as the biggest loss to the company under these recent cuts.

    Kim does not have a non-compete clause with TNA, Fightful Select’s Sean Ross Sapp reports, giving her the freedom to work with the NWA so suddenly after her TNA exit. Without a non-compete, speculation has grown about Kim joining AEW, New Japan, or even returning to WWE. Taking to Instagram after her TNA exit, Kim confirmed that she isn\’t through in the business.

    “This will not end my passion or my love for wrestling and this is not the end of Gail Kim in the wrestling world.”

    The NWA Crockett Cup will be a celebration of wrestling and will even see WWE\’s Natalya in action at the event. As for Kim, the veteran will be a sure-fire hit at the show as questions continue to loom about her future in pro wrestling.

    Gail Kim: Jim Ross Advises Tony Khan to ‘Go For It’ and Sign Her to AEW

  • Matt Hardy Shocked By Recent TNA Changes

    Matt Hardy was as surprised by the recent TNA changes as the fans.

    The Anthem management recently shook things up behind the scenes in the wrestling promotion. There were a number of key executives fired by the company, such as Chief Revenue Officer Rob Kligman and Digital Department head Michael Shewchenko. For the fans, the most shocking departure was that of longtime performer and producer Gail Kim.

    The Broken One talked about the recent changes in the latest episode of his podcast. Talking about Kim, Hardy noted that her departure came as a huge shock to him too:

    “The Gail Kim departure was definitely shocking, very unexpected. I don’t think you could have asked anyone if that was on their list of somebody that would be released — I don’t think anybody thought that would have been a possibility. So yeah, huge huge shock and even reading that news, it was hard to believe that it actually went down.\”

    Matt Hardy mentioned that Gail Kim was universally loved in the promotion, and the female performers felt blessed to have her on the roster. According to Hardy, Kim always fought hard for the women\’s division. Though, he noted that he is unaware of the reason behind this move as it\’s above his pay grade.

    She Is Very Giving: Matt Hardy

    When asked what made the former Knockouts Champion so special, the current TNA tag team champion noted how Gail Kim was one of the leaders of the women\’s revolution. She was leading the Knockouts division in showing that women can have serious matches similar to men, at a time when WWE was still stuck in the divas era:

    \”I think she was a real standout and a real trailblazer, groundbreaker when it came to the style that women started working. Now that she has moved past that and she\’s hurt and she\’s beat up. She obviously put her body through a lot of wear and tear. I think she\’s got a real good mindset and knowing also how to optimize your match. Make a match great but optimize it.

    I think the girls feel very comfortable with her. They\’re very trusting of her just because she has been around for so long and she has such a great track record not only of in-ring performances and breaking barriers in the women\’s division, Knockouts division whatever division you call it but she is someone that they feel like has their best interest in mind. She\’s very giving.

    She\’s very selfless in many ways, especially if she\’s putting stuff together, she doesn\’t really play favorites. She wants everyone to go out there and steal the show. She wants all of the women to stand out and look great. I think she\’s truly there for the greater good of wherever she\’s working.\”

  • Gail Kim Breaks Silence on Her TNA Release

    Gail Kim has expressed heartfelt appreciation for the outpouring of support following her recent departure from TNA Wrestling.

    In a statement shared on Instagram, Kim conveyed gratitude towards fans, friends, and industry peers, acknowledging the overwhelming love she has received during this transition.

    Reflecting on her tenure, Kim highlighted her pride in contributing to the development of the Knockouts division, emphasizing its significance to her and honoring the women involved. She also commended the dedication of TNA’s talent and crew, underscoring the collaborative effort that fueled the company’s success.

    Kim made it clear that her passion for wrestling remains steadfast, stating that her 17-year commitment to TNA does not conclude her journey in the wrestling world. She intends to take time for personal reflection and preparation for future opportunities, expressing optimism about what lies ahead.

    Her departure from TNA comes amid a series of internal changes within the organization and its parent company, Anthem Sports & Entertainment, resulting in the exit of multiple executives.

    Jim Ross has voiced support for Kim, suggesting that All Elite Wrestling (AEW) should consider bringing her on board. Ross praised Kim’s abilities and expressed confidence in her potential contributions to any wrestling organization.

    A respected figure throughout the industry, Kim is a TNA Hall of Famer and has held championships in both TNA and WWE.

    Gail Kim: Jim Ross Advises Tony Khan to ‘Go For It’ and Sign Her to AEW

  • Gail Kim: Jim Ross Advises Tony Khan to \’Go For It\’ and Sign Her to AEW

    Legendary wrestling commentator Jim Ross has voiced strong support for Gail Kim following her unexpected departure from TNA Wrestling this week. On the March 27 episode of Grilling JR, Ross reacted to reports that the longtime Knockouts agent and former in-ring star was released as part of widespread TNA cost-cutting.

    “She should not be unemployed long in my world,” Ross declared. “I would endorse that. If Tony Khan asked me my thoughts on the matter, I would suggest—go for it.”

    Gail Kim has been widely praised across the wrestling industry not only for her trailblazing in-ring career, but also for her behind-the-scenes work mentoring female talent.

    “I have great respect for Gail Kim,” JR added. “Her reputation speaks for itself. She gets results. She’s very good at working with talent.”

    Ross\’s comments come amid industry speculation that TNA’s recent cuts—including the loss of high-profile executives and backstage names—could signal a coming sale or major restructuring. Kim, a former WWE and TNA Women’s Champion, had previously been outspoken about never wanting to return to WWE under Vince McMahon’s regime, but that landscape has changed under Paul “Triple H” Levesque’s leadership.

    “If she ends up in AEW, it would be a home run,” Ross said.

  • Natalya Picks TNA Legend As Her Dream Opponent

    WWE Superstar Natalya has expressed her desire to battle one of the legendary women\’s wrestlers, Gail Kim. 

    Natalya is a pro wrestling veteran and has been one of the mainstays in WWE for more than a decade. While he has several accomplishments and fought legendary superstars over the years, she never got an opportunity to face Gail Kim. Well, now she has revealed that she would have loved to face Kim and that she\’s her dream opponent.

    Natalya took to her Instagram story to repost Gail Kim’s recent picture with Nattie’s real-life husband, TJ Wilson (also known as Tyson Kidd).

    “Always love you both. My Faves And you’re a DREAM MATCH OF MINE.”

    Natalya says Gail Kim is \’so talented\’

    The former Women\’s Champion also recently took to Twitter and responded to a post from a fan. The veteran star responded by saying that she would love to wrestle Gail Kim, and she believes that the former WWE superstar is very talented.

    \”Would so love to wrestle Gail. I think she’s so talented,\” she wrote.

    Gail Kim reacts

    Gail Kim reacted to Natalya\’s response and said that she could not believe they never crossed paths in a singles match. She added a crying emoji..

    \”Can’t believe we’ve never had a singles match to be honest… ,\” she wrote.

    Gail Kim\’s legacy

    Gail Kim\’s legacy in wrestling is defined by her trailblazing achievements. In WWE, Gail Kim made an immediate impact by winning the WWE Women\’s Championship in her debut match in 2003. However, she left the company in 2004. She returned to the company in 2008 and that run lasted until 2011.

    It was in TNA where Gail Kim truly cemented her legacy. She is considered as a trailblazer, who helped to elevate the TNA Knockouts Division to new heights. With her in-ring prowess, she set a new standard for women\’s wrestling.

    She\’s a 7-time TNA Knockouts Champion and apart from in-ring performances, she also played a pivotal role behind the scenes. In 2016, she was inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame and it was certainly a fitting tribute to her contributions.

  • Gail Kim Wants Knockouts-Stardom All-Women\’s PPV

    Gail Kim likens herself to a proud parent when she watches Impact Wrestling talent do their thing from behind the curtain. The trailblazing former multi-time Knockouts champion retired from the ring in 2019 but still contributes in a big way as a producer for the company.

    The veteran was beaming with pride when we caught up with her days after the Hard to Kill pay-per-view where Mickie James defeated Jordynne Grace for the gold in the main event, effectively keeping the run of “Hardcore Country” alive. 

    “Making that decision to walk away is difficult for any athlete I think,” Kim said. “ It took me a good two years plus to decide to retire. I like the way Mickie did it. It was a very interesting way to test herself to see if she still got it. She absolutely proved she did because Jordynne Grace is one of the best female wrestlers out there today. Talk about any company, all across the board. She was on top of her game.” 

    Much like the fans, Kim was emotionally invested in James’ “Last Rodeo.” For her, it’s the story-telling and quality of PPVs especially that really makes Impact stand out. Not to mention the positive work environment that has made Impact in recent years a land of opportunity. A prime reason Frankie Kazarian re-signed with the company. 

    “You can talk to anybody who works for our company or has worked for our company in the last couple of years. The joy, self-satisfaction, and fulfillment of why you love this business is in Impact Wrestling. I think it’s a very well-known fact in the industry that we are a great place to work because we’re like a family.”

    More \’New\’ Faces Coming to Impact

    Kim teases Kazarian and Santino Marella aren’t the only new or returning faces we’ll see on Impact TV in the coming weeks. And if she had her way, some of those names would come from the acclaimed all-women’s Japanese promotion Stardom. 

    “I have pitched I wanted a Stardom-Knockuots pay-per-view,” she said. “That was my thing I sort of threw in the bucket. It’s something I have to push a little bit harder because we do get busy, and we’re always constantly planning the next show and the next show. 

    “But I know the fans want to see another all-women’s pay-per-view. The last Knockouts Knockdown was great. EmPowerrr was great that Mickie ran, and now Mickie is part of our company. I would love to see collaborations with companies and Stardom was at the top of my list. I think that would create great interest and maybe a collaboration with other companies with women.” 

    Gisele Shaw

    At the same time, Kim takes pride in the pride and evolution of its current talent. Among them is Gisele Shaw, who she believes turned a corner in 2022. 

    “When she first started with the company. Even before she started with the company, I would watch her and feel like she was holding back. I could feel it. I didn’t know what it was,” Kim explained. 

    “She just recently came out [as transgender]. She is now living openly and freely. It just changed the game with her feeling like herself. She is performing at the highest level right now. Everything she is doing is incredible. I feel like it’s only an upward trajectory from here. That is where she is now. I’m stoked to see where she goes next.” 

    One More Match?

    Kim candidly revealed there have been numerous times watching from the sidelines that she felt the fire to compete again. The 45-year-old doesn’t rule out one more match under the right circumstances.  

    “It has been happening in my head a lot. It’s hard,” she said. “When you love it so much. Then when you see the talent out there. ‘What kind of match can I have with them?’ Mickie and I have joked. While she has been on this ‘Last Rodeo’ asking, ‘Why don’t you wrestle me again?’ 

    “I said, ‘Mickie if you want me to, I respect you so much that I would if that\’s what you truly wanted.’ But we have wrestled each other a bunch. For me, if I would come out of retirement for that one match, I would love it to be a three or four-way. So I can get as many talents as I could. And I love multi-women matches to be honest. It would be a dream match of all dream matches. It’s just about getting in cardio shape and preparing my back to get ready to go.”

    Impact Wrestling airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on AXS TV. Catch Impact Wrestling live on January 20 and 21 for “New Year\’s Revolution.” in Kissimmee. For tickets, visit here.

  • Gail Kim Would Welcome Paige to IMPACT Wrestling (Exclusive)

    Gail Kim is aware that Paige plans to return to the ring at some point.

    Late last week, Paige announced that her final day with WWE will be on July 7. She said the company choose not to offer her a contract extension.

    Paige has vowed to make her in-ring return and it\’s left many wondering where she\’ll end up if she can get medical clearance.

    Paige to IMPACT Wrestling?

    \"Paige\"

    Speaking to Steve Fall for SEScoops, IMPACT Wrestling producer Gail Kim said she\’d be more than happy to welcome Paige to the Knockouts division.

    \”Never say never. I love Paige, I admire everything that she\’s done for women\’s wrestling. She also came up kind of in that period where maybe it was so powerful — what it is now.

    \”Women\’s wrestling is probably at its best right now with main eventing. Pay-per-views, shows, it\’s not an irregular thing for that to happen. So you know, Paige was part of that process.

    \”I have nothing but respect for her in and outside of the ring. And hey, if she wants to come over to IMPACT Wrestling I feel like the door is open. So, come on over, Paige!\”

    – Gail Kim on Paige joining Impact Wrestling

    Watch Steve Fall\’s discussion with Gail Kim:

    Paige\’s Next Move

    Paige hasn\’t wrestled since a house show event back in late 2017. She injured her neck during a tag team match and was never cleared to wrestle again by WWE\’s medical team.

    After retiring in 2018, WWE used Paige as a manager and later an analyst before having her sit at home until her contract expires.

    Paige admitted she was frustrated with the lack of communication from WWE. At one point, she even pitched an idea to serve as Ronda Rousey\’s manager but the company never took her up on it.

    Nonetheless, she did express gratitude to WWE for keeping her as long as they did knowing she wouldn\’t be cleared to wrestle.

    Quote: Paige Is Going To Be Back Inside The Squared Circle Very, Very Soon

  • Gail Kim: \”Ultimate Athlete\” Tessa Blanchard Should Be Accomplishing Big Things

    Gail Kim feels that Tessa Blanchard is a rare talent who should be accomplishing big things in the wrestling business.

    Kim and Blanchard worked together from late 2018 through early 2019 during their time at Impact Wrestling. In the culmination of their heated rivalry, Blanchard ultimately Gail Kim at Rebellion 2019 in what would be Kim\’s retirement match.

    \”Tessa Was Like This Ultimate Athlete\”

    Gail Kim appeared on Busted Open Radio on Tuesday morning and spoke very highly of the second generation performer.

    During her years as an active wrestler (2002-2019), Gail Kim has worked with them all, including Trish Stratus, Lita, Molly Holly, Mickie James, Beth Phoenix, Kelly Kelly, Eve Torres and Awesome Kong. According to Gail Kim, Tessa Blanchard was an \”ultimate athlete\” who stands above the rest.

    \”Tessa was like this ultimate athlete that I\’d never been able to face an athlete on that level,\” said Kim. \”Years have passed now, it was 2019 since we had that match, and she should be accomplishing big things in this business, in my opinion. So, I wish I could see that for her, because I know that that talent is rare. So you know, we\’ve talked about this a bunch but those are ultimately my bottom-line feelings.\”

    Tessa Blanchard went on to become the first woman to capture the Impact Wrestling World Championship in January 2020. After going on an extended leave of absence, Blanchard was released by Impact before her contract was set to expire and stripped of the championship in June of that year. She\’s currently involved in the rebooted Women of Wrestling promotion.

    You can listen to Gail Kim\’s comments about Tessa Blanchard below, courtesy of our friends at the Putting You Over podcast:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9tUnjBOEQE

  • Gail Kim Names Released WWE Superstar She Wants to See Join IMPACT Wrestling

    IMPACT Wrestling legend Gail Kim recently discussed some of the names that she would like to see join the company in the near future, especially for the Knockouts division.

    Speaking to Renee Paquette on her Oral Sessions podcast, Kim mentioned some veterans of the IMPACT locker room as well as one recently released WWE Superstar: Ember Moon.

    \”I just want girls who are talented and passionate and all those things, but it\’s important to have a good locker room,\” Gail began. \”It\’s so important for the girls to support each other and work for the business of the match, for the company, and in the end, it benefits everyone.

    \”People like Taya [Valkyrie], Mia Yim, of course, was part of our family too\” Kim continued. \”I would love for her to be able to show who she really is as her authentic self because she\’s really talented.

    Gail Kim on Ember Moon

    \”I\’m curious about Ember Moon\” Gail added as almost a throwaway line, but it\’s clear that IMPACT see her as a potential signing down the line.

    \”Now ROH has so many girls, I mean, I love Maria [Kanellis] just as a leader, as well, in terms of the women\’s wrestling world, and because we have Mickie [James] in our locker room now and I just love that there\’s different types of girls in there that the girls can look up to.

    \”Just be able to lean on or go to for advice because, listen, in all realistic situations, even though I\’m a leader there, some girls might not feel comfortable to come to me for whatever reason it may be.

    \”Whether they see me as \’too office,\’ that\’s why we need the Madison\’s, the Mickie\’s, the Maria\’s, and the people who are in that locker room that they can turn to if they don\’t feel comfortable with other people\” Gail Kim concluded.

  • Gail Kim Did Not Know About Awesome Kong\’s Retirement Before EmPowerrr

    Gail Kim shared a very emotional moment with Awesome Kong at the NWA EmPowerrr PPV when the latter announced her retirement from pro wrestling during a segment. Turns out the moment between the two was as real as it could get and the TNA Hall Of Famer did not know about the announcement of her friend beforehand.

    Kim revealed this information during a recent appearance on the Battleground podcast. She said that she found out about it at the same time as all the fans:

    \”Honestly, I didn\’t know she was gonna stay in the ring that night, I found out at the same time as all the fans watching that she was retiring. Yeah, Mickie and I both.”

    The NWA EmPowerrr saw Gail Kim coming out to cut a promo but she was interrupted by Taryn Terrell and two other female stars. Awesome Kong then made a surprise appearance at the show. She came to the aid of her long-term rival and friend.

    After clearing the house, Kong grabbed the mic and told the former knockouts champion that she was her greatest foe. She then said that there was no other way to end her career then being in the ring with Kim.

  • Mickie James Invites Gail Kim To NWA Empowerrr

    Mickie James invited Impact Knockouts Champion Deonna Purrazzo to the NWA Empowerrr PPV at Slammiversary. On Impact this week, Gail Kim revealed that she is the one who sent James out to offer the invite to the Virtuosa. In a video posted to Impact\’s social media, James has now invited Gail Kim to be a part of NWA Empowerrr as well.

    It\’s not clear what role Gail Kim will play for the show. James only asks her for her help with the show, not necessarily to wrestle. Kim came out of retirement for one match in 2019. She wrestled Tessa Blanchard at the Impact Rebellion PPV from her hometown of Toronto that year.

    NWA Empowerrr will take place from the Khorassan Ballroom At The Chase Park Plaza Hotel in St. Louis on August 28th. The NWA will present its 73rd Anniversary show from the same venue the following night.

    “It’s pretty amazing because we’re going to we’re going to kick it off and we’re going to set the bar and hopefully for the rest of the weekend,” James said at a press conference in St. Louis earlier this month.

    “There’s so much stuff, happening from Fan Fest, to the women’s show empowered, to NWA 73, and the two television tapings. It’s going to be an incredible four days.”

  • Gail Kim On If Impact Wrestling Will Be Affected When Kenny Omega Leaves

    Impact Wrestling has been focusing on Kenny Omega and other visiting stars for their top storylines in recent months. Many have wondered how the company will fare once these names leave and Gail Kim recently discussed this.

    The Impact veteran recently appeared on Busted Open Radio where she opened up about the current AEW champion being the focus of their top stories.

    Kim was asked about the company\’s future once stars such as Omega and Jey White stop making appearances for the promotion. Replying to it, the former Knockouts champion showed faith in the Impact management:

    “I think if they do things right, and I do trust the creative and management process right now, I think they’ve done a really good job. Just a couple years ago, people hated us. For years! It was very hard to get that stink off, we’ll call it. And we’re getting viewers back; we’re getting people talking about it.

    I just recently talked to a guy who has a store, a wrestling store. And he was talking about how he could see the difference in sales and people asking for Impact merchandise. We’re making those steps and I think it’s been so positive.\”

    Gail Kim went on to claim that she trusts the creative team. The TNA Hall Of Famer explained that they will be fine even after the big stars leave as long as they intertwine all the stories:

    “I think as long as they intertwine all of these stories, and like I said, I trust the creative team. They’re great. Any person that’s on our roster is used. That’s what I love about this company. If you have a contract with our company, you’re being used.

    So I think, ultimately, I would trust this management team right now, the creative team. And I think we’re making the moves in the right direction.”

    Kenny Omega made his return to Impact Wrestling on December 8 last year. This relationship has since developed into a full-blown partnership between not only Impact and AEW, but companies like NJPW and NWA as well.

  • Gail Kim Comments On The Tessa Blanchard Controversy

    Gail Kim recently spoke to PW Insider regarding the recent controversy surrounding Impact World Champion Tessa Blanchard. The weekend of Impact\’s Hard to Kill PPV, several female wrestlers accused Blanchard of using a racial slur and bullying wrestlers backstage.

    \”It was pretty stressful in the sense I didn\’t like the angst of all these women fighting, or I don\’t know what the term is, but it weighed heavily on my heart in a way. When that happened, we went to a pay-per-view and it wasn\’t even 24 hours,\” Kim said to PW Insider. \”I went to speak to Tessa. Those details are private between her and I and are no one\’s business. I based my decision of support at the pay-per-view and showing that support based on her time in the company. In the three years that she started with Impact wrestling, I\’ve never seen any signs of any of that, of the undertones of bullying or racism. That\’s where I made my decision of what I did and what I showed.\”

    Gail Kim Says Tessa Blanchard Has The Support Of The Impact Lockerroom

    Kim would continue to say that she hasn\’t seen any attitude problems from Blanchard in the entire time she has been with the company. Blanchard signed with Impact in April of 2018 as a 22-year-old and became the promotion\’s youngest ever world champion when she won the title at 24.

    \”Any wrestler would tell you this, if someone was so crappy and such a terrible attitude and terrible person, do you think we would support that person? We would probably let that person bury themselves. She has the support of the locker room for a reason,\” Kim continued.

    \”I didn\’t see any attitude problems, that\’s the thing. I don\’t know what that reasoning is. I\’ve never even heard anybody say in the locker room in the last three years that she had an attitude problem,\” Kim would later add.

    Tommy Dreamer Comments On Tessa Blanchard Controversy

    On Busted Open Radio, Tommy Dreamer also commented on the situation and his relationship with Tessa Blanchard.

    “I would state that I have a great relationship with (Tessa), I also have a great relationship with a lot of the other women that were talking about her. I was not there, I do know that there was a very very physical confrontation between her and this other wrestler and that led to I mean a physical brawl. Sometimes in the heat of battle you say things that you regret. I know that Tessa used to date a famous wrestler who’s in WWE that is African American. I know Tessa is currently engaged to Daga who is Mexican, I do not feel that Tessa Blanchard is racist.”