Angelina Love released, due to visa issues.

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source: PWInsider.com

In a move that will surprise a lot of fans, former Women's Knockout Champion Angelina Love (real name Lauren "Angel" Williams) of "The Beautiful People" was released from her contract late yesterday by TNA.

According to several company sources, there was an apparent issue with her work visa not being renewed given she was a Canadian citizen.

Williams had been working on a work visa originally granted to her during her time under contract contract to World Wrestling Entertainment as a developmental talent several years ago. Her existing visa has either expired or will expire shortly.

Company officials were reportedly negotiating a new contract with Williams when they discovered the problem with her visa. One internal source referred to the issue as the company's "hands being tied" since they can't legally use her if she doesn't have her paperwork in order.

Internally, there was a lot of unhappiness regarding the entire situation, although it seemed to be more disappointment as opposed to heat on Williams.

Williams, alongside Velvet Sky, had been scheduled to compete in the finals of the TNA Knockouts Tag Team Championship tournament later this month at the No Surrender pay-per-view. No word yet as to how the situation will be handled considering TNA taped all TVs leading up to the pay-per-view this past week in Orlando.

WOW, Love is gone. Shame. She wasn't that bad, But at least The Beautiful people will be split up.

Damn illegal Canadians

Why doesn't she just...you know...get it renewed?

This is why.

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Important Angelina Love Update - Facing Serious Legal Trouble?
Posted by: Wrestling-Radio.com

In a correction from yesterday's report concerning Lauren Williams' (professionally known as "Angelina Love") sudden departure from Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, it was noted that she had been working under a visa she obtained during her time under contract to World Wrestling Entertainment as a developmental talent a few years ago. This is incorrect as her visa would have been deemed invalid as soon as she was let go — her release occurred in May 2007. According to a person in the know, she has actually been working without a visa for the past two years, which is illegal.

Basically, if you are not a legal citizen of the United States, you must apply for a new working visa each and every time you start with a new employer. Seeing how Williams is a Canadian citizen working in the United States, she falls under this category. The person applying must initiate the matter themselves by either having: enough money in the bank to support themselves; a U.S. sponsor; or a company confirming they will employ them in the U.S.

In September 2007, Williams was contacted by TNA officials to appear at their annual October pay-per-view, Bound for Glory. For all of the debuting Knockouts — including Williams — the 10-Knockout Gauntlet to crown the first TNA Women's Champion was in actuality a tryout match. Williams passed with flying colors as she was signed to a contract a few days following the match and instantly became a regular television character. However, this is where the problem occurred.

From a legal standpoint, her work visa issues were supposed to be taken care of before she could sign her contract with TNA, but apparently weren't. Likewise, company officials carelessly ignored the issue as well. For instance, this explains why it took so long for Gail Kim — who like Williams is a citizen of Canada — to debut in WWE this past year as her work visa issues had to be taken care off before she could legally start with the company. In Williams' case, she made a glaring mistake by starting with her new employer before first getting her visa situation taken care of. Considering Williams has been working without a visa for the past two years, both she and TNA could face serious legal ramifications should federal agents become informed of this alarming matter.

As far as possible punishment is concerned, Williams could be subject to deportation and banned from entering the United States for ten years. She may also be forced to pay back any money she garnered by working as an illegal immigrant in the U.S.

According to the source, when TNA president Dixie Carter was informed by her legal team about the amount of trouble her company could face as a result of employing an illegal immigrant, she hastily made the decision to terminate Williams' contract.

Lauren Williams Formally Known as Angelina Love comments on her MySpace.com account:

As many of you have heard, I have unfortunatley been released from TNA. Working with TNA was an amazing experience. While on my journey I got to work with amazing people. I am going to miss each of them. It was a pleasure working in the best women's wrestling division today. But, most importantly I want to thank you, the fans for supporting me. You all are awesome! I want to tell you that this isn't goodbye, you all will see me again in a wrestling ring, hopefully very soon! Thank you all

credit: wrestlingattitude.com

Wow its pretty sad to see her just go away from TNA like this. But i have to say that it really is her fault and she deserved it. And as for the Beautiful People on TNA i heard that TNA is planning to make Trina Micheals the replacement and trust me that is a bad move for TNA if you don't know who she is give it a quick search on google.

This would definetly take away some of the cred that they have built with the Knockout Division, so that means that it will happen. First Cody Deaner pins the Knockouts Champion and the a porn actress comes to TNA....pun intended

They are so desperate to be like WWE that they now hire the same type of female workers.

Unbelievable.