The professional wrestling world is seeing shifts as Mance Warner and Steph De Lander have reportedly left Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), according to reports surfacing on March 4, 2026. The departures stem from a dispute over medical clearance for De Lander, who has been sidelined since August 2024 due to a neck injury. This news impacts the landscape of TNA and raises questions about athlete safety and contract negotiations within the sport.
The core of the issue revolves around De Lander’s ability to return to the ring. She underwent fusion surgery on her C5 and C6 vertebrae in October 2024, and publicly announced in January of this year that her neck was fully healed and she was ready to wrestle again. However, TNA reportedly informed the couple that she would not be cleared to wrestle for the promotion. This decision prompted Warner and De Lander to seek a second opinion, which, according to reports, cleared De Lander for competition. Despite this second clearance, TNA maintained its stance.
Medical Clearance and the Decision to Depart
Steph De Lander, whose real name is Stephanie Josephine De Landre, has built a notable career in professional wrestling, competing under various ring names including Persia Pirotta during her time in WWE NXT 2.0. Her Wikipedia page details a career spanning multiple promotions, including AEW and ROH, in addition to her time with TNA, and WWE. She is a former TNA Digital Media Champion. The Australian-born wrestler, married to Mance Warner in 2025, faced a challenging situation as she sought to resume her career following a significant injury.
The decision by TNA to not clear De Lander, despite a second medical opinion, appears to be the catalyst for the couple’s departure. Cageside Seats reported that the couple “decided to walk” after receiving this news. The situation highlights the complexities of medical clearance in professional wrestling, where the physical demands are exceptionally high and the potential for injury is significant.
Potential for a Final Appearance and Future Plans
Whereas the initial reports indicate a departure, there’s a possibility Warner and De Lander may still appear at upcoming TNA tapings scheduled for March 6 and 7. Sources within TNA, as reported by Fightful, suggest the couple could finish up with the promotion before officially exiting. This could involve completing planned storylines or providing closure to their characters.
Mance Warner has remained active in TNA, recently involved in a feud with AJ Francis. His wife, De Lander, has been by his side during these appearances, even while unable to compete. If the couple does appear at the upcoming tapings, it could signal a more amicable parting than initially suggested, allowing them to conclude their run with the promotion on their own terms.
The Broader Implications for Wrestler Safety
This situation raises broader questions about the responsibility of wrestling promotions to protect their athletes while also allowing them to pursue their careers. The discrepancy between medical opinions in De Lander’s case underscores the challenges of navigating injury recovery and return-to-competition protocols. Wrestlers often face pressure to return to the ring quickly, but prioritizing long-term health is crucial.
The details of why TNA opted to err on the side of caution, despite the second medical clearance, remain unclear. This lack of transparency has fueled speculation and concern within the wrestling community. The incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks involved in professional wrestling and the importance of independent medical evaluations.
As of now, neither TNA nor Warner and De Lander have publicly commented on the situation. The next set of television tapings on March 6 and 7 will be a key moment, potentially revealing whether the couple will make a final appearance or officially conclude their time with the promotion. Fans and industry observers will be watching closely for further developments in this evolving story.
What does this mean for the future of both wrestlers? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the wrestling world will be watching to see where Mance Warner and Steph De Lander land next.
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