As previously discussed with EC3 Dave Meltzer of F4WOnline had reported that the high priced contracts of Ethan Carter the III and Bobby Lashley would not be renewed.  With Impact trying to save money, this had been expected for months.  Lashley was to be facing "Johnny Impact" at WrestlePro on Feb. 3rd has now pulled off that show.  It is rumored that Lashley is currently in negotiations with both WWE and NJPW.  Some are even predicting a Wrestlemania match between he and Lesnar. 

Before arriving in IMPACT, Lashley was a former [WW]ECW World Champion, a United States Champion, and was involved with the angle that saw Donald Trump shave the head of WWE CEO Vince McMahon.  

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We wish him well in all of his future endeavors... ​​​

"They didn't even use the 'future endeavors' line."  It isn't every day the WWE releases an active competitor, let alone one of their champions.  But amidst allegations of sexual misconduct and a flat out rape, the WWE has parted ways with Enzo Amore.  It was said that Amore knew of the allegations, but didn't give the WWE any heads up.
The two time Cruiserweight Champion was a WWE Product, produced in the WWE Farm System.  If the allegations are true, Amore's career isn't the only thing that's over.   

In 2016 AJ Styles pulled off an incredible feat.  Being able to wrestle for New Japan's biggest card of the year Wrestle Kingdom and work the WWE's biggest card of the year Wrestlemania.  Many assumed Omega would pull it off in 2017 after he wrestled for the IWGP World Title in the Main Event of Wrestle Kingdom 11.  However, Kenny Omega would re-sign with NJPW and win the inaugural IWGP US Heavyweight Championship.  At this years Wrestle Kingdom 12, after defeating Jericho, some started to speculate that Omega would again take this opportunity of using his limelight to build to a run with the WWE.  But this isn't the case.  
According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Omega has signed a new contract with NJPW that will run through Jan. 31, 2019.  Omega has stated time and time again that he wants to be part of the global expansion of NJPW.  NJPW will invade Australia next month with shows in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and return to Long Beach California March 25th.  Omega will play a big role in all of these shows.  

It was announced in August that Haina the Howling Huntress has signed on with Impact wrestling bolstering the Knockout Division.  The Huntress made her television debut last night on IMPACT attacking Rosemary, who had just defeated KC Spinelli.  This was a perfect way to launch the Haina, however word is that creative had soured on her.  She had refused to put over Su Yung in a 90 second squash.  At the very least creative wasted whatever build the Huntress has from the last set of taping.  After refusing the job, the Huntress was fired.  

We wish her well in all of her future endeavors... ​​​

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Haina Signs with Impact

Dave Meltzer of F4WOnline reported that both EC3 and Bobby Lashley's contracts were tied to big money and the company couldn’t afford to renew those deals. Meltzer, also confirmed that EC3 is heading to WWE. PWInsider notes that EC3 was spotted at the Performance Center this past Tuesday. 

January 28th 2018, EC3 was set to compete at Renegade Wrestling Revolution's "Over the Top" in Houston Texas, but called off due to a family matter.  However that is also the same date as the WWE's Royal Rumble.  Could EC3 be a surprise entrant into the Rumble?  It should be noted that Ethan Carter actually filed paperwork to own the rights to EC3.  Also recent WWE Signee, Rockstar Spud posted a photo of himself and former partner in crime EC3 with the quote "There is an entire universe to conquer."

Hanson and Raymond Rowe signed with the WWE this past week with Candace and Ricochet.  The duo known as War Machine literally traveled the planet as one of the most devastating tag teams in wrestling.   The team started off as a tag team for Ring of Honor.  But it wasn't long after that they took the World by storm, working for Pro Wrestling Noah, What Culture Pro Wrestling, Progress, Crash, and where they gained most of their notoriety with New Japan Pro Wrestling.  The duo are a two time IWGP Tag Team Champions.  They held the WCPW Tag Titles and ROH Tag Titles.  No word on if they will have an extended stay in NXT or are headed directly to the main roster, but one could only imagine the brawls they could have with the likes of The Bludgeon Brothers, and ​The Ascension.

SoCalUNCENSORED reported that at PWG's Mystery Vortex that after losing the PWG World Title, "Ricochet gave an emotional speech thanking the fans and saying how he considered PWG to be his home."  Contracts with Lucha Underground finished, commitments to New Japan done, and dropping his PWG World Title, was all the indication in the world needed that Ricochet had signed.  He was said to be one of the top wants for the inaugural WWE Cruiserweight Classic, one could only imagine that the celebrated Cruiserweight who's held championships in major promotions across the world will finally get his opportunity to join the WWE Roster.  No word if he'll have an extended stay on the NXT Roster or if he will be signed to compete for 205 Live.  But one thing is for certain, WWE's Cruiserweight Division has been put on Notice.  

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Ricochet to the WWE?

Chris Mordetzky has finished his time with Impact Wrestling.  While a member of the Impact Roster, Chris Adonis was part of Eli Drake's Entourage.  Rumor has it, that Brian Cage (once a tag team partner with Drake in CWFH) will be filling this role, which seems even more likely with Drake winning the Feast or Fired Briefcase for the Tag Team Title Shot.  Masters has already lined up matches on the Independent Circuit with for NPWLeague.com, which is the same promotion that is the exclusive home of Taeler Hendrix.

Tyrus amicably split from Impact Wrestling in July of of 2017.  His last match was against Mahabali Shera that was taped for Xplosion.  Tyrus was very open about his departure indicating that his unwillingness to work with Global Force Wrestling in its infancy,lead to his departure from Impact.  While the failed brand change with Impact becoming Global and Jarrett regaining power within Impact, Tyrus felt his opportunities were up.  But things would change with new creative to the helm at the most recent Television Taping.  Tyrus defeated long time associate Ethan Carter the III in his final match.

In a stunning turn of events Austin Aries has returned to Impact Wrestling.  Although the matches have yet to air, Austin Aries has returne to the Impact Zone at the Universal Studios in Orlando Florida to not only capture the Impact Global Title from Eli Drake, but to successfully defend against Drake, Johnny Impact, and even defeating Matt Sydal to also win the Impact Grand Championship.

In 2017, Aries won 5 World Championships in the UK, Australia, and now in North America.  I was certain that Aries would out perform his 2017, but I did think it would take longer than 10 days to do so.  It should be noted that Aries recently said on twitter "No contracts. No restrictions. Free to live my life. Free to be myself."

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Austin Aries Returns to World Series Wrestling
Austin Aries Released from WWE
2018 Will Be Austin Aries' Year