Former TNA World Heavyweight Champion and X Division standout Chris Sabin spoke about leaving TNA Impact Wrestling for the first time since his contract expired. Originally, rumors circulated that Sabin was cut from TNA in the same fashion as Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian, but Sabin actually was offered a new contract for less money that he turned down to become a free agent.

In an interview with MLive.com, Sabin had the following to say about leaving TNA and returning to the independent circuit, as well as what it was like to recover from two brutal knee injuries a couple of years ago.

Chris Sabin on Leaving TNA and Returning to the Indies:

"I'm looking forward to this next chapter in my life. It's getting back to my roots since I started out in the independents. Professional wrestling is my passion. I'm excited to be on the card Saturday with guys like Abyss, Petey Williams and Alex Shelley. I'm trying to stay as busy as possible. I believe I can have a good match with anyone. It doesn't matter if they were on television the last 20 years or just an independent wrestler coming up through the ranks."

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Chris Sabin on Recovering from Two Knee Injuries to Continue Wrestling Today:

"It was probably mentally and physically the toughest thing I've ever had to go through in my entire life. I was wrestling for almost 11 years straight up until that first injury then all of a sudden I was sitting at home not doing anything, not even being able to walk. "I was pretty apprehensive for months about what I could do in the ring. I even did an interview not too long ago where I felt I couldn't do all the high-flying stuff I could do before my injuries. I was almost embarrassed when I saw myself saying that, it shows a lack of believe in myself."

(Credit: TNAInsider.com)

CB's Analysis: In July 2013, Chris Sabin defeated Bully Ray at the height of Aces and Eights' popularity to become the TNA World Heavyweight Champion. It's crazy to think that it has been merely ten months since that huge victory, especially when considering that TNA pulled the rug out from under Sabin before his World Title run could even get started.

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And while Sabin was offered a new contract - albeit for less money -it's a real shame to see that he is no longer with TNA mainly due to cost-cutting measures. Like the departures of Christopher Daniels and Kazarian, losing Sabin is just another slap in the face to loyal TNA fans who appreciated Sabin's work for years only to see him become just another TNA contract casualty.