Big Update On AEW's Working Relationship With IMPACT Wrestling

The AEW/IMPACT Wrestling working relationship isn't as dead as you think...

AEW IMPACT Wrestling
AEW/IMPACT Wrestling

Though Ringside News had reported that the working relationship between AEW and IMPACT Wrestling was over after 23 October's Bound For Glory 2021 pay-per-view, a story in this week's Wrestling Observer Newsletter states otherwise.

Dave Meltzer writes that despite the AEW-contracted Christian Cage dropping the IMPACT World Championship to Josh Alexander (who was then promptly defeated by Moose), talk of the partnership ending isn't entirely accurate, with the door open for further collaborations.

An IMPACT source provided the following quote:-

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“It’s getting talked about like that but not quite accurate. Cage dropping the title at BFG was the end of the story that started last December. That was the plan since the spring. Door is open to do more but nothing planned for short-term.”

AEW's relationship with IMPACT opened the Forbidden Door last December, when IMPACT executive Don Callis assisted Kenny Omega's AEW World Title victory over Jon Moxley at Winter Is Coming. Omega appeared on IMPACT television alongside his new manager the following week, continuing as a semi-regular television character for the promotion until dropping the belt to Cage on AEW Rampage's 13 August episode.

The Good Brothers, Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows, were brought into AEW as part of the relationship, forming part of Omega's Super Elite faction with The Young Bucks, Brandon Cutler, Callis, and MT Nakazawa. The duo haven't been brought back for several weeks, however - and AEW founder and president Tony Khan hasn't commented on whether or not they'll return.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. 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.