Jeff Jarrett & Dutch Mantel Return To TNA
New roles for two of TNA's old faces.
One of TNA's old figureheads is officially back in the company. Jeff Jarrett founded Total Nonstop Action with his father Jerry in June 2002 and worked a number of different roles prior to his resignation in January 2014. He, along with former writer Dutch Mantel (WWE's Zeb Colter), returned to work for TNA at last night's Impact Wrestling tapings in Orlando, and Jarrett's wife Karen is expected to join them.
According to PWInsider, Jarrett had been in talks with TNA's new owners, Anthem Sports & Entertainment, for several weeks leading up to the signing. Former President Dixie Carter being reduced to a minor equity shareholder opened the door for his return, with PWI reporting that Dixie would never have allowed Jarrett to return under her leadership.
Jarrett is often criticised for pushing himself heavily in TNA's main event scene during his previous run, but that won't be an issue this time. Another PWI report states that Jarrett will only be working behind the scenes, and that his contract doesn't include an on-camera role.
Finally, this doesn't mean the end for Jarrett's Global Force Wrestling. Jeff is reportedly still looking for a TV deal for GFW, and whatever he ends up doing for TNA, it will not impede his own promotion's progress.