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CHANGES TAKING SHAPE IN IMPACT WRESTLING

By Kendall Jenkins on 2017-12-12 07:45:00

Latest rumors of who’s leaving Impact Wrestling leave fans amazed:

There is change in the air at Impact Wrestling, with President Ed Nordholm appointing two new generals in Don Callis and Scott D’Amore to form the revised three-man Executive Committee. While the new strategic body doesn’t officially come into being till January 2018, there are already some big personnel changes in the ring that have left wrestling fans lost for words.

Let’s take a look at the changing face of Impact, along with who’s staying and who isn’t.

Name changes and betting odds:

The new Executive Team rounds off a year of change for Impact, which its merger with Global Force Wrestling and sportsbooks even offering betting odds on whether the franchise would adopt the GFW name. Anyone looking to make a quick dollar was probably better off sticking to TheCasinoDB list of online casino bonuses, however, as it seems that the Impact name is here to stay. The bookmakers have also been getting involved in the debate over who will be staying, joining or leaving impact, and one name will have fans completely amazed.

Here’s what we know:

Taya Valkyrie recently signed a new contract that will keep her on screen for the new season. Last year’s feud with Rosemary was a big hit with viewers, so it will be intriguing to see where the story goes next year. Taya’s real-life fiancée Johnny Impact has also been one of the top draws, and is going nowhere without his lady, so he will be around for the foreseeable future, too.

As for the those heading for the out door, Impact fans are still trying to come to terms with the departure of James Storm last month, but the news was less of a surprise for industry insiders, given the owner’s aim to reduce costs and Storm’s significant paychecks. The star from Tennessee turned 40 this year, and has decided to try his luck in the independent circuit. He is unlikely to be the last big-ticket departure.

Here’s what I think:

The closing chapter of Storm’s storyline saw him in a tumultuous relationship with Grand Impact Title holder Ethan Carter III, which concluded in them shaking hands on October 4, and, along with Eddie Edwards, defeating Team AAA in what turned out to be Storm’s swansong. The rumor is that EC3 will himself be following Storm away from Impact, for the same financial reasons, as will MMA hero Bobby Lashley.

With its move to Toronto, Impact is eager to attract more Canadian fighters – as a British Colombia girl, perhaps Taya Valkyrie has some old school buddies she would like to get involved.

Reenter the Dragon?

The rumor that has really set tongues wagging, however is that The American Dragon himself, Daniel Bryan, could make a shock return to the ring. What started as some gentle on-screen teasing between the Smackdown Live frontman and The Miz has turned into an online betting and social media sensation.

Bookmakers have him at 10/1 to make his Impact Wrestling debut in the New Year. However, if he does come out of retirement in 2018, Ring of Honor is seen as the more likely place for him to do so, at odds of 9/4.

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