Taeler Hendrix Claims Dixie Carter Told Her She Was Too “Heavy” For TNA Television

Taeler Hendrix alleged in an interview over the weekend that TNA Wrestling President Dixie Carter felt she was too “heavy” to be on television.

Carter’s reaction was in response to Hendrix’s match against Mickie James on the June 6 episode of Impact Wrestling—her final bout for the organization.

“I do have my qualms. Don’t tell me on my birthday that I’m “heavy” to be on TV,” Hendrix said about Carter on The Greg DeMarco Show. “I’m a size three, that’s not fat at all! I’m a role model for young girls, there’s nothing plastic about me.”

Compared to her figure the year prior, Hendrix felt she was “too skinny,” noting that she “got really skinny just to get on television.” She continued, “Someone said I looked like a skeleton, and then I started looking at my pictures and I was like “Oh my God, I really do!” I’m taller than [most female wrestlers] but I’m not bigger than them.”

Hendrix also revealed that she put on weight following a recent cancer scare.

“On top of that, my cancer stuff came back. I had no choice to gain weight, and I’m really happy that I did,” said Hendrix. “What I’m battling right now is cervical cancer—and when I say battling I mean I’m trying to not get it. I wasn”t setting a good example. I felt like I was a hypocrite. I would rather be healthy and stay cancer free.”

Hendrix also addressed her departure from TNA Wrestling, the mood in Ohio Valley Wrestling, Velvet Sky and other topics. Additional highlights from the interview are as follows:

Her departure from TNA Wrestling: “It was kind of a whirlwind … a long time in the making … I was super-duper unhappy … the All-American Dream … BAM! Hit in the face! It’s not happening girl, wake up! I got papers in the mail to re-sign for another year in developmental at OVW for TNA … Before I could tell them that I wouldn’t re-sign, I got the call the day before my contract expired to tell me I was released. … Maybe they can use that spot for someone they actually know what they want to do with. … I’m not offended—I’m a lot happier.”

Whether the mood in Ohio Valley Wrestling has changed since the recent TNA releases: “Yes, actually. Now that I’m not signed anymore, I think I’m enjoying it more—from an OVW standpoint. … It’s home… There’s wrestling every single week, you can’t get more work than that. … I am loving my character right now, she’s awesome. … She’s like that girl we all hated in high school. … A lot of people who were released, they’re gone.”

Velvet Sky: “She has found a way to stick it out … and she was released at one point. … Velvet Sky is money. … And if I have someone who makes me money, I’m going to keep them around. … She’s not the best wrestler in the world, but neither am I. … She makes money. … Velvet Sky has some of the most loyal fans in the world. … She has a great personality, in ring and out. … And you know what? She’s gotten much better. … I’m a fan—she can keep letting the pigeons loose. … That girl’s a hot commodity.”

Hendrix also discusses the online reaction to her release, her upcoming appearances for Shine Wrestling, how she keeps finding family in wrestling, her goals outside of the professional wrestling industry and more. To listen to the interview, click here.

Watch Taeler Hendrix’s “heavy” match against Mickie James