Awesome Kong asked for her release following her one-sided fight with shock jock and TNA backstage personality Bubba The Love Sponge. She has been telling friends that the company refused to grant her release. She countered by telling TNA managment that she would not appear on the UK tour as advertised. She also had to be talked into working the taping the night after her fight with Bubba. The issue between her and Bubba appears to have been resolved following a meeting between her, Hulk Hogan, and Eric Bischoff, but it wouldn't be too surprising to see management turn it into a storyline if and when Kong returns.

The bulk of the lingering heat between Kong and the company is said to be over financial matters. Kong is said to be especially touchy when she notices the company spending frivolously on newcomers while also claiming that they can't afford to give raises to her and other women. The assumption within the company is that Tara and perhaps Christy Hemme are paid well because of their pasts with WWE, but there is a lot of frustration over the pay that the other females receive.

Powell's POV: I haven't heard the dollar figure that Kong makes per year, but TNA has a lousy reputation when it comes to paying the Knockouts even though they typically draw the highest rated segments on Impact. What's worse is that Dixie Carter has stated many times that she doesn't want anyone working for the company who doesn't want to be there.

Obviously, Kong fits that description, but the company has not honored her request for a release. It's possible that TNA officials are trying to come to some type of resolution. So far, though, this appears to be another embarrassing chapter for the company when it comes to the treatment of their female talent, which is especially puzzling when you consider that the company is owned by a woman.

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