Eric Young Returning To WWE Following TNA Release

Eric Young is the latest former world champion to exit TNA Wrestling as the 46-year-old asked for and was granted his release by the promotion. It was confirmed by TNA that EY was no longer a part of the company on Wednesday, July 1.

Eric Young issued the following statement about his TNA release:

"The internet is FN WILD! 3 things to know about the news today!!!!

"1. I asked for my release! They granted it! "2. I was never on a handshake deal. I have had a binding contract the entire time! "3. I will work where I want how I want and for whom I want! My track record, resume, accolades and reputation are proof of that! See you soon!!!!"

Following his TNA release, Eric Young will be returning to WWE. Bryan Alvarez of the Wrestling Observer has reported that Young is expected to be a player-coach on WWE NXT.

This comes after Fightful Select noted that sources within WWE expected Eric Young to rejoin the company. The former TNA World Champion has maintained a good relationship with WWE and WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H, and the door had long been open for Young to return.

Eric Young's departure follows the likes of Steve Maclin, Myla Grace, Tessa Blanchard, and Dani Luna being granted their releases from TNA Wrestling in recent months. The promotion also carried out cuts in June which saw Sami Callihan be fired, while TNA and Tommy Dreamer parted ways.

With his release, Eric Young's third run with TNA has come to an end. EY first joined TNA in 2004 and he was a part of the company until 2016, when he left to sign with WWE. Following his WWE release in 2020, Young returned to TNA later that year but left again in 2022 to go back to WWE. Young never resurfaced on WWE TV, however, and he was granted his release in 2023 as he did not wish to work for Vince McMahon, who was back involved with the company at the top level following his very brief retirement.

Young returned to TNA for a second time at Slammiversary 2023 and he remained featured across TNA programming until his latest final TNA match at Slammiversary 2026, where he lost to Ricky Sosa.

Across his three TNA runs, Eric Young is a two-time TNA World Champion, one-time X-Division Champion, a seven-time tag team champion, and one-time TNA Knockouts World Tag Team Champion.

During his first WWE run, Eric Young became a one-time NXT Tag Team Champion as part of SAnitY with Big Damo, Axel Tischer, and Nikki Cross.