Pro wrestler Max Caster rejected calls for an apology after Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) terminated his contract over a rap lyric referencing the Houthi attack on a Saudi Arabian airport. In a video posted Tuesday, Caster stated he would not apologize for offending anyone, framing the controversial verse as entertainment rather than an attempt to cause harm.
The incident occurred during TNA's Bound for Glory pay-per-view, where Caster appeared to answer Moose's open challenge. As he made his way to the ring, Caster rapped, "... And it's the firing squad. I drop bombs. You don't even have to fly to Riyadh." The line referenced the attack that left more than a dozen people dead and several others injured. The comment sparked immediate outrage on social media, leading TNA to cut ties with the wrestler on Monday.
TNA president Carlos Silva made the decision to part ways with Caster after just one match. In a statement released Monday, TNA acknowledged that the comments were insensitive and that making light of violent attacks is wrong. The company stated that the responsibility for allowing the segment to air was theirs and apologized to the victims, their families, and everyone affected. TNA confirmed it deleted all content related to Caster from its social media channels and removed the segment from replays. The company declared that Caster would no longer be wrestling in TNA.
Caster said he understood Silva's decision but expressed embarrassment at how quickly he was let go after a single appearance. He told supporters who had vouched for him that he felt he had let them down. However, Caster maintained that his intention was never to upset anyone. He explained that if his performance gets a reaction, he considers it a job well done, noting that the segment was highly talked about. "I can't apologize for anyone being offended but just know that it's not my intention to make people upset," Caster said. He added that he accepts the consequences and is moving forward.
Mustafa Ali, a practicing Muslim who wrestles for TNA, supported the company's response. On X, Ali wrote, "Our sincere apologies about this incident. Thank you to management for addressing this matter."
Caster's departure leaves him without a current promotion. His appearance at Bound for Glory was his first since parting ways with All Elite Wrestling (AEW). During his tenure at AEW, Caster held the tag team championship with Anthony Bowens. The duo, along with Billy Gunn, also held the AEW World Trios Championship. Caster stated in his video that he is unsure of his next steps in professional wrestling.