Posted in: TNA Backstage Reaction To Taryn Terrell's TNA Wrestling Debut Last Week
By Daniel Pena
Aug 23, 2012 - 12:36:06 PM
Taryn Terrell, who appeared as Tiffany in WWE, made her TNA Wrestling debut last Thursday on Impact Wrestling being introduced by the Vice President of the Knockouts Division, Brooke Hogan, as the special guest referee for the Women’s Knockout Championship match between Madison Rayne and Miss Tessmacher. It will be Terrell’s role going forward as her ImpactWrestling.com bio states that she will be the referee for Knockouts Division matches.
Terrell, a former Playboy model, broke into the professional wrestling industry in 2007 through the Diva Search and rose her way through the WWE ranks over the ensuing years, culminating with the role of General Manager of ECW. She was married to WWE Superstar Drew McIntyre, but the couple divorced in May 2011. A fight between the couple following a party at the Playboy Mansion in August 2010 reportedly led to her contract release three months later and their tempestuous relationship is believed to be the prime reason McIntyre went from being tapped as a future WWE cornerstone to a non-entity relegated to WWE Superstars. Her reputation precedes her in some TNA circles. One male wrestler after another initially had no idea who she was Thursday, and when informed, immediately asked, "Wasn't she the crazy one?," followed by, "She's still hot."
Some members of TNA brass were reportedly "shocked" with the apathetic crowd reaction to her introduction since most former WWE Superstars receive a rousing ovation from the Impact Wrestling Zone audience when they appear for the first time.
Many backstage feel that since Terrell's refereeing experience is limited—she refereed a few matches in WWE and Florida Championship Wrestling—she did well being hastily thrust into the role. Senior official Earl Hebner gave her a crash course in reffing earlier in the day.
