Steph De Lander'S Candid Exit: Told To Dm Wwe Legends For Rehab Tips

Steph De Lander Opens Up About Her TNA Departure

In a revealing conversation on TMZ’s Inside the Ring on March 5, 2026, Steph De Lander shared the unexpected circumstances that led to her exit from TNA. The former wrestling star recounted a pivotal discussion with TNA management that left her questioning her future in the ring. Reports had already circulated about De Lander and her husband, Mance Warner, leaving TNA, but her latest revelations shed new light on the situation.

De Lander explained she had been grappling with a severe neck injury, resulting in not just one but two surgeries. These procedures were performed by WWE’s renowned spinal surgeon, and she was eventually cleared for a return to wrestling.

“So basically, I’ve had a neck injury for a while and I actually had two neck surgeries… my surgeon wanted to put a little more hardware in there,” De Lander disclosed, noting her readiness for an in-ring comeback.

Surprising Advice from TNA Management

As De Lander prepared to step back into the ring, she sought specialized rehabilitation support. However, the response she received from TNA was far from what she expected. When she expressed concerns about her recovery process, she was advised to reach out to none other than WWE Hall of Famers Stone Cold Steve Austin and Kurt Angle for guidance.

“Hey guys… I don’t feel like I’m getting enough specialized care to get to a point where I can start wrestling again,” De Lander remembered saying. The suggestion to DM wrestling legends like Austin or Angle was both unexpected and a little bewildering.

A Decision to Move On

Despite being medically cleared, De Lander was informed by a TNA executive that the company wasn’t comfortable allowing her to return to wrestling. This decision ultimately led to her departure from the promotion, with Warner leaving in solidarity. Although her time at TNA ended unexpectedly, De Lander remains optimistic about her future in wrestling, ready to take on new challenges beyond TNA's ropes.

For now, De Lander stands confident in her health, ready to wrestle again, even if her TNA chapter concluded without the triumphant return she anticipated.