IMPACT Wrestling News – The ratings for IMPACT Wrestling rose to 365,000 viewers this week, a high since July of last year. IMPACT’s ratings continue to climb under the new regime. Alberto El Patron’s deal with IMPACT is up after April, and are working on a new deal. Eli Drake is also up soon, at the end of May. Drake has been with the company since February of 2015. Drake enjoys the freedom and character work, and may be primed to re-sign with the company, following two lackluster stints in the WWE’s developmental from 06-08 and ’13-’14. Part of that had to do with his issues with then NXT head coach, Bill DeMott. The two did not get along and Drake has no love for the former WWE trainer. In other news, Eddie Edwards has signed a new deal with IMPACT. Despite having his face broken by Sami Callihan, Edwards is said to be very happy in the company.
Speaking of the baseball incident, Callihan is said to have been very emotional after the incident, as it was inadvertent and not intentional. There is said to be no real issues between the two men.
This is exclusive behind the scenes footage of @TheEddieEdwards moments after @TheSamiCallihan brutally struck him in the face with a baseball bat. It includes alternate angles of the incident that weren't seen last night and is tough to watch. pic.twitter.com/RdxAWM6DMG
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) March 2, 2018
WWE Offers Deals to Major Indy Stars – According to the Observer, the WWE has apparently offered deals to Keith Lee and WALTER. Both men are 30 and over, near super-heavyweights and are known to be the best working big men on the indy scene these days. Lee left Ring of Honor, according to rumors, in order to run as a singles star to showcase what he could do. Lee is expected to accept the deal. WALTER though is said to be happy with his situation. WALTER wrestles out of Germany for the the wXw promotion; arguably the biggest non-UK based promotion in all of Europe (at least optics wise). WALTER is a full time employee for wXw, and runs their promotion and isn’t interested in relocating to the U.S. full time. Walter has denied a deal was ever offered, something indy talent are told to do on the regular.
Nobody offered anything, not true! https://t.co/kchPGVxncI
— WALTER (@WalterAUT) March 1, 2018
Quick Hits – Dave Meltzer claims the WWE tried to suppress the news of Apollo losing his last name was never supposed to get out. Mauro Ranallo has indicated on Twitter that he has no desire to call the action for RAW or SmackDown, and wants to remain on NXT. Tammy Lynn Sytch is being held in the Monmouth County Correctional Facility in New Jersey following two DUI arrests and a failure to appear. NJPW has announced that the 25th Best of hte Super Juniors Tournament will have from May 18th to June 4th. WWE has officially banned all inflatables from WrestleMania. So no beachballs.