wrestling / News
Masha Slamovich Pulled From Squared Circle Expo Following Initial Announcement Promoting Her as a Guest
Image Credit: TNA
The Squared Circle Expo recently announced that former TNA World Knockouts Champion Masha Slamovich would be appearing at the 2026 convention next month. However, it looks like the promoters have decided to reverse their decision, opting to no longer have Slamovich as a guest, per the latest posting by the expo on Facebook.
In the initial statement announcing Slamovich as part of the superstar roster for Squared Circle Expo VI, which has since been removed, Squared Circle Expo issued the following disclaimer:
“Yes we are fully aware of Masha’s scenario and past. That being said, she has sincerely apologized, and she was even punished by her employer for her actions, she is also doing things to right her wrongs. We are all human, and we all make mistakes, and not only that, we do believe in second chances, and one scenario does not tell the story of a whole life. If you have a negative thought or urge to comment negatively, we do remind you that there are nearly 100 other superstars at this event, and that while you may harbor certain feelings, there are others that do not, and want to meet Masha. Please proceed respectfully, or just scroll on past till the next announcement. -Ed”
Today, Squared Circle Expo released a new update, announcing that they have reversed their decision and pulled Slamovich from the show. It was that vendor who was bringing Slamovich in was “also in agreement” and “fully supports” the expo’s decision as well. It reads as follows:
“I know we say all the time that we’re just a couple of dudes that love professional wrestling and want to share it with as many people as possible! That said, this situation has taught us that we’re also just a couple of dudes who are capable of getting it wrong…and boy did we ever.
After speaking to friends in the industry who know a bit more about the details of Masha’s situation, as well as carefully considering the feedback from fans and others in our business whose opinion we value, we have decided to pull Masha Slamovich’s appearance from the SCX VI. The vendor who was bringing her in for the appearance is also in agreement and fully supports the move as well.While we still absolutely believe that many people will often deserve a second chance and the opportunity for redemption, the timing for this was ill thought out and regrettable. We truly hope and wish for Masha to continue to better herself and hope that learning from past mistakes will allow for growth and a better future.
We greatly apologize to our supporters for making the wrong call with this one but greatly appreciate your feedback in steering us in a better direction.
Thank you all for taking the time to voice your concerns – we want you to understand that we hear you. Without you there is no us, and we are all insanely thankful for that! We are also insanely thankful for the opportunity to learn through your feedback so that we can make better decisions moving forward.”
The statement stems from Slamovich being investigated by TNA Wrestling for allegations of domestic abuse. A friend of Slamovich’s former partner, AKIRA, posted various screenshots of text messages, where Slamovich appeared to admit physically abusing AKIRA, making money demands, and committing acts of emotional abuse.
Slamovich was later removed from her scheduled match at TNA Victory Road last year, and her contract wasn’t renewed. The wrestler and former champion later issued a statement, describing her relationship with AKIRA as “toxic and mutually destructive,” stating, “We hurt each other deeply, and in private moments, failed to treat each other with the consideration and respect we both deserve.” She also apologized and said she “sought to help reflect on this time and deal with conflict in more mature, healthier, and sustainable ways.”
Masha Slamovich has since returned to the ring last month, wrestling at the Circle 6 show in Los Angeles.