Tag: Impact

Konnan Says Impact Wrestling’s New TV Home Will Be “Substantially Better” Than Pursuit

It’s no secret that things haven’t gone well between Impact and Pursuit which was highlighted by the network airing a re-run of Impact instead of a new episode recently. That has sparked more conversation about Impact needing to find a new home and Konnan addressed why Pursuit isn’t the best option when he spoke to Wrestling Inc. on the recent edition of their WINCLY podcast.

“First of all no one can get the channel and second of all it’s a hunting channel,” said Konnan. “It doesn’t matter how good you are if no one is watching you. And that’s a problem because we’re real good right now. …No one can really see it unless you get it on Twitch and a lot of people don’t wanna go on Twitch.

“So, I think them looking for a better platform, which I think they will find, will help image-wise, morale-wise and people will be watching a really good product.”

Konnan was asked which specific channel would be better, but he wouldn’t say it because he doesn’t want to give it away before Impact announces it.

“Just about anything…you could be on MTV3 and that would be better than being there,” Konnan said of Pursuit. “The place they are going is substantially better.”

While Impact doesn’t appear to be a fan of Pursuit, they do seem to be fans of The Rascalz. Konnan talked about Impact embracing stoner humor with the group.

“I think wrestling, sports and politicians have been behind the curve,” Konnan stated. “Let’s get real: [marijuana] is classified as a Schedule 1 narcotic like heroin. Really? Like cocaine, really?”

Konnan then gave the history of marijuana in the United States and how it was made illegal for racial reasons, particularly to keep down Mexicans and other minorities. He then mentioned the medical uses for marijuana and brought up that many NFL players prefer cannabis over opioids.

“I’m a cannabis smoker myself. Not only that, I was a big fan of Cheech and Chong’s Up In Smoke and Half Baked. Those movies were great and they’re stoner-centric,” Konnan said of his love for that culture.

Konnan is 55 now and has gone through numerous health issues, but he seems to be holding up and enjoys working as much as he’s able to.

“[Working] is better than the other option: being unemployed. I just enjoy everything, especially at my age. I’m not an active wrestler but I’m still able to work in what I love to do,” said Konnan.

Konnan can be seen every Friday night, 10 pm EST, on Impact Wrestling via Pursuit and Twitch.

Wrestling Inc’s full interview with Konnan was included in yesterday’s episode of their WINCLY podcast. It can be listened to HERE at this link. During the interview Konnan discusses what’s next for LAX, LAX’s “beautiful” feud with the Lucha Bros, why he told Michael Elgin not to work for Triple A, Impact looking for a new TV home, The Rascalz pushing stoner humor and more.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Scarlett Bordeaux Granted Release From Impact Wrestling

Impact Wrestling has granted Scarlett Bordeaux’s request to be released from her contract.

The company tweeted saying: “Impact Wrestling confirms that it has released Scarlett Bordeaux from her commitments to Impact. We wish her every success in her future endeavors.”

https://twitter.com/IMPACTWRESTLING/status/1140983100140335106

After a brief run with Impact from 2014-2015, Bordeaux returned to Impact in July of 2018, sporting a “Smokeshow” gimmick that gained a lot of attention. She quickly became one of the company’s more popular acts after being featured regularly on their TV show. One of Impact’s most viral videos was her giving Scott Steiner a lap dance. Over time, however, she started to wrestle more frequently on the program, including against men. She beat Glenn Gilbertti (Disco Inferno) in her debut match.

Bordeaux recently requested her release from the company. Although the contract was due later this summer, Bordeaux’s deal was set to reportedly pay her per appearance and wasn’t a guaranteed contract. She was among a few members of the Impact roster to request their release, including boyfriend Killer Kross.

As we previously reported, Scarlett’s boyfriend Killer Kross has also been wanting out of his contract over financial related reasons.

So far, the company has not been willing to grant his request.

During a recent interview, Kross talked about how Scarlett’s situation with Impact was worse than his and that she was still living at home because of how little she was making with the company.

Sources: Pro Wrestling Sheet and Wrestling Inc.

Impact Wrestling Preview 6/14/19

Scheduled for tonight’s Impact, airing on Pursuit and Twitch 10 ET/9 C.

* Michael Elgin vs. Willie Mack

* Havok is Back: She returned with a bang in a cloud of smoke with Father James Mitchell by her side and Havok is back as a Knockout on IMPACT Wrestling. Every single Knockout on the roster needs to take notice of what is happening now that Havoc has returned.

* Jordynne Grace vs. Madison Rayne

* RVD & Sabu vs. The North

Impact Wrestling Preview 6/7/19

Scheduled for tonight’s Impact, airing on Pursuit and Twitch 10 ET/9 C.

* Taya Valkyerie vs. Rosemary w/Su Yung

* Impact Tag Team Championship: (C) LAX vs. The Rascalz

* Fallah Bahh & Scarlett Bordeaux vs. oVe (Jake Crist & Dave Crist

* Sami Callihan & Mad Man Fulton in action

* Kiera Hogan vs. Jordynne Grace

Eli Drake Announces Departure From Impact Wrestling, Backstage Notes

Former Impact Wrestling World Heavyweight Champion Eli Drake announced on Twitter yesterday that he is a free agent, taking bookings via Bookelidrake@gmail.com.

“After 4 years with Impact Wrestling, some ups, some downs, I would like to thank them for the overall great experience. Through those years, I had the fortune of carrying 3 different title belts, having my own talk show (Fact of Life), and was always given the trust to craft my own promos, virtually from day 1. I appreciate the chance that was taken on me and the trust I was given, as well as the friends and experiences I gained along the way. I wish Impact Wrestling nothing but continued success and growth going forward. Today, I am OFFICIALLY a FREE AGENT,” the statement read.

Drake and Impact recently agreed on a settlement regarding his termination and his non-compete clause, which paved the way for Tuesday’s announcement on being a free agent, according to PWInsider. Drake is now free to sign a deal with any wrestling promotion.

Despite issues between the two sides back in April, it sounds like the split was on somewhat good terms. PWInsider noted that one Impact executive told them, “We are happy to have the issue resolved and we wish Eli Drake well going forward.”

It was reported in early April that Drake had been released from his Impact contract on April 7, weeks before it was to expire on May 31, and that Impact officials were looking to stop him from signing with any other promotions by pursuing a breach of contract claim. It was also reported that Drake had heat from the company for speaking out against intergender wrestling.

Drake’s first post-Impact booking has been announced for the Championship Wrestling From Hollywood promotion on Father’s Day – Sunday, June 16 from The Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, California. Drake will do battle with UWN TV Champion Scorpio Sky and Eric Watts in a Triple Threat.

Drake had a Twitter exchange today with former Impact executive John Gaburick, who returned to work for WWE after leaving Impact in late 2017.

Gaburick responded to Drake’s Twitter statement and wrote, “Nice job kid. Class.”

Drake responded, ” Thank you, sir. I appreciate you. Thank you for the opportunity.”

There were rumors on Drake talking with WWE earlier this year, but that was never confirmed. We will keep you updated on any potential interest from WWE or AEW.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Impact Wrestling Preview 5/31/19

Scheduled for tonight’s Impact, airing on Pursuit and Twitch 10 ET/9 C.

* Johnny Impact & Michael Elgin vs. Rich Swann & Willie Mack

* Street Fight: Eddie Edwards vs. Killer Kross

* Glen Gilbertti vs. Tessa Blanchard

* Tommy Dreamer, RVD & Sabu vs. Moose & The North (Ethan Page & Josh Alexander)

* Desi Hit Squad vs. The Deaners

* Health update on Impact World Champion Brian Cage

Impact Wrestling Preview 5/24/19

Scheduled for tonight’s Impact, airing on Pursuit and Twitch 10 ET/9 C.

* RVD vs. Tommy Dreamer

* Sami Calliahn vs. Fallah Bahh

* Impact Knockouts Championship: (C) Taya Valkyrie vs. Madison Rayne

* Impact World Tag Team Championship: (C) LAX vs. The North

* Glenn Gilbertti in action

* Ace Austin vs. Dez vs. Rohit Raju vs. Petey Williams

 

Impact Wrestling Preview 5/17/19

Scheduled for tonight’s Impact airing on Pursuit and Twitch.

* RVD Returns To The 2300 Arena In South Philly

* Knockouts Battle Royal

* Glen Gilbertti Returns

* Killer Kross vs. Eddie Edwards

* X-Division Champion Rich Swann vs. Michael Elgin

* First-Ever Demon Collar Match: Rosemary vs. Su Yung

Killer Kross Reportedly Requests His Release From Impact Wrestling

Killer Kross reportedly requested his release from Impact Wrestling, according to Mike Johnson of PWInsider.

According to the report, Kross had signed a multi-year deal with the company last year that pays him per date. Kross was reportedly unhappy with the financial aspects of the deal, and tried to renegotiate a guaranteed contract worth six-figures per year based on what he feels his value is outside of the company. Kross apparently also has some issues with creative, but the main concern was financial.

Impact reportedly felt that Kross was offered the deal when he wasn’t very well known and he became a star on their platform. They apparently countered with a new restructured three-year deal, however it was “well below” the six-figures that Kross was requesting. Kross turned down the deal and requested his release last week. It was noted that the release was not granted, and Impact has no plans to let him go. Johnson added that the relationship between Kross and Impact remains professional.

During an interview with Interactive Wrestling Radio earlier this year, Kross discussed signing with Impact over WWE.

“Everything happens for a reason,” Kross said. “I don’t say this in a negative way but I don’t think people in WWE internally or the fan base would have had any idea how to receive this character if I had went there first with it. That has a lot to do with their general platform and their presentation. I don’t think they would have known how to implement this character.

“…Maybe one day there will be a time and a place for this guy on that stage. But, [Impact] is the perfect place to be doing this.”

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Impact Wrestling Preview 5/10/19

Scheduled for tonight’s Impact airing on Pursuit, Twitch and FightNet.

* oVe Street Fight: oVe (Sami Callihan, Mad Man Fulton, Jake Crist & Dave Crist) vs. Rich Swann, Tommy Dreamer, Willie Mack & Fallah Bahh w/Scarlett Bordeaux

* Ace Austin vs. Petey Williams

* Impact Knockouts Champion Taya Valkyrie vs. Madison Rayne – non-title match

* RVD vs. Ethan Page

* Rosemary vs. Kiera Hogan