Jeff Jarrett Discusses Why TNA Never Approached Steve Austin, The Rock, or Shawn Michaels

On the latest episode of My World With Jeff Jarrett, the WWE Hall of Famer delved into the reasons why TNA (Total Nonstop Action Wrestling) never engaged in discussions with major stars like The Rock, Steve Austin, or Shawn Michaels. Jeff Jarrett reflected on the complexities of the wrestling industry during that time, highlighting how business dynamics and personal relationships played a significant role in the absence of these high-profile conversations.

He noted that while TNA aimed to elevate its status and attract top talent, logistical challenges and contractual obligations often made it difficult to secure big names. Jarrett emphasized that both The Rock and Austin were deeply entrenched in their careers in WWE during that period, making their participation in TNA highly unlikely. Additionally, he discussed the unique circumstances surrounding Shawn Michaels, noting how his priorities and focus at the time did not align with TNA’s vision.

Throughout the conversation, Jarrett provided insights into the wrestling landscape of the early 2000s, illustrating how TNA sought to carve out its own identity while navigating the competitive environment dominated by WWE. You can find highlights from this intriguing discussion below (special thanks to 411mania.com for the transcription):

Jeff Jarrett on whether there was any talk of extending his feud with Elias in WWE:

I think I saw this on X, but — because I was going to say, ‘Were any more matches in WWE discussed for you after Elias?’ Between who, because me and Elias had many discussions. And there was definitely discussions — Michael Hayes at one time said, ‘Hey, let’s take that out on live events.’ And yeah, the creative team talked about it a couple of different ways, extending it. Yes, there was definitely discussion, but it got no further than just discussing.”

Jeff Jarrett on TNA never talking with Steve Austin, The Rock, or Shawn Michaels:

Knowing the realities of our budget, none of those guys seriously were under consideration. You know, the relationships they had was specifically Vince at the time, you kind of knew that. You know, even when Dixie had a lunch with Goldberg, I knew that was — it was just not a reality. And you know, when you kind of look at different talent and signings and stuff like that, I’ll give you a little conversation. Because I had, whether it was — I’ve been out to a couple of dove hunts at Bob Carter’s house on the ranch in the early days. And then kind of as time evolved, and different conversations with folks in Dallas, I would try to do my best to say, ‘Look, just because they’re a massive star in WWE, if they don’t really get in line with the brand I’m not sure their star power is going to translate.”

“I think that’s sometimes a big thing. You hear — you know, and maybe that’s fresh on my brain. I just heard that the other day, Yankees [and] Dodgers, when they kind of talked about putting these clubs together that both managers have done a good job of really putting people in positions to succeed. The Jim Collins book. Get the right people in the right seats, on the right bus, and you’ll go somewhere successful. But at the same time, you got to get the wrong people off the bus, or you’re going to have a chemistry that don’t doesn’t work. So I think that’s very important when you put together a roster or an organization as well.”