10 Free Agents Impact Wrestling Should Really Sign

8. Joey Janela

chris jericho
Twitter, @Janelababy

A self-promoter par excellence, nobody gets modern independent wrestling like Joey Janela.

His smarts, charisma, and batsh*t insane matches have created a cult-like following around the zeitgiest-grabbing WWN Champion. Spring Break II, his absurdist banter show, was one of the most talked-about events throughout WrestleMania weekend, and he follows it up with Lost In New York on August 17th, meeting nostalgic ex-WWF/ECW favourite Jinsei 'Hakushi' Shinzaki in a unique main event.

It wasn't so long ago that Janela was best known for a tendency to fling his body from absurdly high places. Now, he's one of the most respected performers on the indies. You won't get five-star matches out of him, but you will get a fully-formed, three-dimensional act, and a clever worker who understands exactly what it takes to get over. Combine this with his undeniable star power, and you have a performer destined to crack wrestling's big stages before long.

Janela's WWN affiliation makes him a tough acquisition, as the group's working relationship with WWE essentially gives Vince McMahon first refusal on talent. Still, pinching 'The Bad Boy' from under the Chairman's nose would represent a significant coup.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.