Unlike many others in this thread I DO feel that this IS a loss for TNA. I feel that way because the future of TNA isn't guys like Sting, Rob Van Dam, Bully Ray, etc.. its young talent like the Pope who would be the future stars to carry on when all of the older veterans are gone. This is clearly, in my opinion, a big missed opportunity for TNA. I can't see how anyone can argue that the Pope had all of the tools to be a star, certainly a great talent on the roster.. he has mic skills, he has charisma, he has a good look, and he DOES have good in ring ability. TNA dropped the ball and for whatever reason, obviously behind the scenes issues, they didn't use the Pope to the fullest these past few years.
Pope was being used initially in TNA and was becoming a quality talent for them and reaching his potential as a heel character. But the past few years that just stopped, and it's a shame he's gone now and won't get the chance to regain momentum and become a future star for the company. He certainly had far, far more upside then over half the younger roster TNA has.
I wouldn't mind at all seeing him find his way back to the WWE, if he gets that opportunity. I think there's a lot of potential for Pope's character in any company, both for his own development and to enhance the development of other young talent through a stable.
This could certainly be a swerve by TNA, although its not a very good one if it is. He'd make a better fit in Aces & Eights, and be a more prominent member of them, then the names they have right now in that stable, that's for sure.