In the wake of ongoing sexual assault allegations against him, a new report from Pwinsider.com reports that sources close to the matter believe that Impact’s Joey Ryan will not be returning to the company.
As noted, several allegations against Ryan continue to surface online via social media since the #SpeakingOut movement first began. One incident involves a wrestler named Corinne Mink, who said she was once picked up by Joey Ryan from the airport for a show and he groped her.
Ryan did provide a statement online regarding the allegations that first began to surface. In it, Ryan revealed that he entered counseling in October 2018 and still attends it every week. He also admitted that he didn’t always treat people with respect and acknowledges he could have possibly made others feel uncomfortable in the process.
Both Ryan and Bar Wrestling deleted their Twitter accounts this past weekend. Bar Wrestling, located in Los Angeles, California, was founded by Ryan in 2017.
Impact Wrestling released a new Slammiversary PPV video Tuesday night which starts out with someone in a hood pouring a drink into a glass and watching a “You’re Fired breaking news report” about over 20 plus superstars released from contracts amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
The video shows brief clips of Eric Young, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, Rockstar Spud (Drake Maverick), Curt Hawkins, Mike Bennett, Maria Kanellis and EC3. There was also an apparent reference to Rusev as the Bulgarian flag was shown.
These wrestlers’ that appeared in the video are all under a 90-day non-compete clause with WWE so none of them can legally negotiate with another promotion until early July.
It should be noted, however, that each wrestlers’ non-compete clauses expire just a few days before the Slammiversary pay-per-view.
This year’s IMPACT Slammiversary takes place, live Sunday, July 18. A location for the event has yet to be announced.
Deonna Purrazzo didn’t waste time landing in a new promotion following her WWE release, as the former NXT wrestler was shown in a vignette this week on Impact.
The video begins with Purrazzo introducing herself as “The Virtuosa,” followed by her explaining what that means. No word at this time on if Deonna has signed a full-time deal with Impact.
As you’ll recall, the 25-year-old was released in April amidst cost cutting measures in WWE. She, as well as others in NXT like Taynari Conti and Cezar Boni, were quietly let go.
IMPACT Wrestling and AXS TV have announced plans to further their relationship with a three-hour block of wrestling on Tuesday nights.
The companies announced a new series called “Impact in 60” will premiere next month chronicling the eighteen-year history of IMPACT and TNA: Total Nonstop Action featuring unique collections of full matches with different wrestlers, championships, factions and match types.
The first episode, “Best of the Asylum Years,” will highlight footage from the early TNA days and matches involving AJ Styles, Raven and more. Future episodes will feature the X Division, the greatest IMPACT World Heavyweight Title matches, the Aces & Eights stable and Mick Foley’s best moments.
“Impact In 60” premieres June 2nd at 10 pm ET immediately following “IMPACT!” on AXS TV.