SHELLY 'Salinas' Martinez, whose backstage argument with Batista got her fired from WWE-ECW when she was known as 'Ariel', has quit TNA.

While there are many rumors floating around, SunSport can confirm Shelly and TNA have been discussing her pay situation, which she described to friends as 'very frustrating'.

Her sentiments mirror those of Gail Kim, who also quit the company and appears to be heading back to World Wrestling Entertainment.

TNA wanted Shelly to appear at this past weekend's pay-per-view, but she declined and decided to simply finish up with the organisation after being denied a raise that she requested after passing up a movie opportunity.

On her MySpace blog yesterday, Shelly gave her side of the story. Well, sort of.

She said: "Sometimes in life you find yourself saying 'I have no choice' and you follow your heart even if it seems at the time your heart may be breaking when you do follow your heart and commit to it.

"I made a big decision recently and when it is time to talk about it I promise I will have a follow up blog explaining. I care about all my fans and appreciate your support.

"On a good note, when you find it's time to close a door, another door (whether you're looking or not) opens right up and I've peaked inside and decided to open it and walk right in.

"Starting tomorrow, I will be begin to film an Italian-inspired thriller. I had rehearsal yesterday and my co-star and I have great chemistry together so it will be grand!

"I am working on having my camera guy shoot some behind the scenes footage for my new site.

"Yes, I am disappointed to lose something important to me for this role but at the same time change, scary change, always seems to lead to bigger and better things. I will keep you all posted, until then remember no matter what 5150 LAX por vida!!!!"

SunSport columnist Paul Heyman, who brought Shelly into the WWE version of ECW after working with her extensively in WWE developmental, reckons TNA have boobed in letting Shelly leave.

Heyman: "Letting Shelly leave without even so much as a fight to keep her was a bad move for TNA. Besides only amplifying the negative message the Gail Kim situation sends to the female talent, Shelly is a mesmerising presence on camera.

Plus, she has an enormous amount of charisma and a larger than life personality that someone in the wrestling business should tap into.

Everyone from Mickie James to Victoria to countless others have played the psycho-stalker-psychotic wench, but no one embraces that role with such glee as Shelly. She's a natural at it, and with her delivery, it makes for quite a compelling performance!"