Rudy Charles issues new statement

I had been a part of the TNA family since the company began in 2002. On camera, I served as a referee since the first show and was promoted to senior referee a few months later. Behind the scenes, I was as a receptionist/assistant/merchandise guy/you name it for the first year and a half and have served as the Creative Assistant for the last 3? years. During that time, it has been a privilege to serve my co-workers and you, the fans, every time I stepped into the TNA offices, the creative meetings or the six-sided ring. However, that chapter of my life has come to an end and I would like to wish TNA the best in their future endeavors.

While I am still considering all the possibilities that my future holds and exploring options outside of the wrestling business, I am by no means stepping away from the ring. I have talked to several promoters about refereeing for their organizations and am excited about some of the possibilities and challenges that working with an up-and-coming promotion can provide.

As an avid fan and listener of Dave Ramsey, I have followed the financial principles that he teaches and have been debt free since 2005. Through this and through my faith in God, I know that I am going to be okay. While some may blame ?these tough economic times? for their woes, I will not. The words ?when one door closes, another will open? ring true.

Thank you to my colleagues and friends who have called and e-mailed. I want to give a big THANK YOU to my family, who has been extremely encouraging and supportive. Last but not least, a big BIG THANK YOU to my fans who have written me who have shared their stories and shown their support.

For information on booking me or if you just want to say hi, feel free to contact me through MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/rudytheref) or Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/rudytheref).