The fallout from Steph De Lander’s departure from TNA Wrestling continues to generate controversy. Following her exit after management refused to clear her for competition, De Lander appeared on TMZ’s Inside The Ring podcast to detail the alarming lack of medical support she received from the promotion during her recovery from two neck surgeries.
“Maybe You Should DM Stone Cold Steve Austin”
De Lander, who last wrestled in August 2024, explained the massive difference between recovering for everyday life and rehabilitating for a full-contact sport. She recounted a deeply frustrating exchange where she asked TNA officials for recommendations on specialized sports rehabilitation facilities to aid her recovery.
“I was asking them, ‘Hey, is there anywhere, any other places that you know that you guys could send me to do my rehab?’” De Lander shared. “The response to that from someone very high in the company was, ‘Well, maybe you should DM Stone Cold Steve Austin or Kurt Angle and ask them for advice.’”
The lack of professional medical guidance contributed to her growing dissatisfaction with the company. The situation ultimately culminated in TNA President Carlos Silva informing her she would not be cleared, prompting both De Lander and her husband, Mance Warner, to leave the promotion entirely. While TNA reportedly wanted to retain Warner’s services, he chose to depart in solidarity with his wife over the handling of her medical situation.
