10 Free Agents Impact Wrestling Should Really Sign
Fishing for gems in a shrinking global talent pool.
Impact Wrestling is current in the midst of a mini-resurgence.
With Scott D'Amore and Don Callis at the creative helm, the promotion formerly known as TNA is quietly producing some of the best weekly wrestling television around, and July's tremendous Slammiversary pay-per-view surpassed anything WWE have done all year. Revitalising their poisoned brand is a Herculean task, but the new leadership is doing all the right things.
Much of their recent success comes from new personnel. The likes of EC3, Bobby Lashley, James Storm, and countless others are gone, but they've been replaced by Pentagon Jr., Rey Fenix, and Austin Aries, all of whom are killing it. Still, as fresh as it is, the talent pool is far from complete, and Impact could still use some additions.
A few criteria, first. Let's shy away from WWE main roster dropouts entirely, as over-pushing such performers is part of what tanked the company in the first place. No wrestlers under full-time contract with another organisation will be considered either, but those on freelance agreements are eligible.
Some of these names would represent bigger coups than others, but each would help drive the new Impact forward...
10. Bandido
With every known independent wrestler and their mother seemingly signing for WWE over the past few years, there are going to be a few under-the-radar names on our list. Still, while Bandido hasn't yet risen to the same level of prominence as recent Titan signees Matt Riddle, Keith Lee, and Ricochet, the charismatic luchador won't be on the fringes for long.
Best known for his work in Dragon Gate, the Mexican indies, and the North American circuit, the swaggering high-flyer is now a PWG regular, stealing the show on almost every card. He's now set to break out in this year's Battle Of Los Angeles tournament a la Rey Fenix and Pentagon Jr. in 2015. When it concludes, he'll likely be one of the world's most in-demand wrestlers, though his age (23) means he'll be in no rush to sign a full-time deal anywhere.
A perfect fit for Impact's resurgent X Division, Bandido's flashy style and sheer cool factor would help him stand out from day one. He'd be an instant hit, a great opponent for anyone in that title scene, and a potential building block for years to come.