Former TNA President’s First Move Was To Bring Back Mike Tenay After 2017 Takeover

vishalbhawaniThu, July 16, 2026 at 1:16 AM UTC

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Photo Credit: IMPACT Wrestling

Former TNA President Scott D’Amore has revealed that one of his first priorities after taking over IMPACT Wrestling’s executive leadership in late 2017 wasn’t signing a wrestler — it was trying to bring back one of the promotion’s most recognizable voices.

While the effort ultimately fell short, D’Amore recently explained why the call mattered so much.

Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, D’Amore reflected on the early days of his leadership alongside Don Callis following Anthem Sports & Entertainment’s acquisition of the company.

Scott D’Amore explains why Mike Tenay was his first call

D’Amore revealed that Mike Tenay was the very first person he contacted as he and Callis prepared to lead IMPACT into 2018. His goal was to repair what he believed had been an unfair ending to Tenay’s run with the promotion.

“When Don Callis and I took over IMPACT Wrestling… first call I made was Mike Tenay. ‘Can you come back? Let’s right a wrong. What they did to you was inexcusable. Let’s fix that,'” D’Amore recalled.

Although Tenay seriously considered the offer, a full-time return never materialized. According to D’Amore, the legendary commentator had reached a point in life where regular travel no longer appealed to him.

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“I think ultimately, Mike’s at a great point in his life,” D’Amore said. “I think the idea of getting on a plane on any type of regular basis is something that I think Mike’s kind of left in the rearview mirror.”

Even so, D’Amore hasn’t completely given up hope. He joked that if Tenay was watching, perhaps a special one-off appearance at Maple Leaf Gardens could still happen. Sometimes, wrestling fans never stop hoping for “one more match” — and apparently, the same applies to one more commentary call.

While Tenay declined a regular return, his legacy remained firmly intact. Under D’Amore’s leadership, Tenay and his longtime broadcast partner, the late Don West, were inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame in 2023.

For now, Tenay appears content away from weekly commentary, but D’Amore’s latest comments make it clear there was never any shortage of respect. Even years later, he still views bringing Tenay back as unfinished business that was worth trying to complete.

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The post Former TNA President’s First Move Was To Bring Back Mike Tenay After 2017 Takeover appeared first on Wrestlezone.

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Source: “AOL Sports”