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Hello and welcome to the first-ever edition of the weekly news roundup from the IMPACT Wrestling universe. We are looking to bring you the five biggest news stories of the past week.
A former IMPACT Wrestling World Champion teased his return to the company where he became a household name. Tommy Dreamer has announced a huge four-way tag match for IMPACT Wrestling's biggest event, Slammiversary.
A major star reportedly turned down WWE's interest to re-sign with IMPACT Wrestling until 2023. Big Damo, aka Killian Dain, spoke about working with former SAnitY member Eric Young in an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda Wrestling.
Lastly, a NJPW legend departed IMPACT Wrestling to return to his home country after a brief run with the company.
#5 Three-time IMPACT Wrestling World Champion Austin Aries hints at return
One of the biggest names to come out of IMPACT Wrestling, three-time World Champion Austin Aries has hinted at heading back to the promotion.
A fan posted a throwback picture of Aries on Twitter, looking back at his fifth X-Division title win back in 2014.
Aries responded to the tweet, stating he always liked the number six.
You know I’ve always liked the number 6.....@IMPACTWRESTLING
It is worth noting that Austin Aries left IMPACT Wrestling in a somewhat acrimonious manner. He dropped the belt to Johnny IMPACT at Bound For Glory 2018 and no-sold the finish.
Their feud seemed to be more than just a storyline feud as they traded personal shots that were uncalled for. The pair even got involved in a brawl the night before their match during the Abyss's Hall of Fame induction.
With Slammiversary just a few days away, IMPACT Wrestling reintroducing Aries won't be out of the question. Of course, there was controversy involved in how he exited the company, but professional wrestling has a history of burying hatchets between wrestlers and promotions. Whether this turns out to be the same remains to be seen.
#4 IMPACT Wrestling's Moose reveals he turned down WWE offer
One of IMPACT Wrestling's top stars, Moose extended his stay with the company by two years signing until 2023.
Moose was subject to interest from WWE, who reportedly wanted to fast-track him to the main roster instead of NXT.
However, the self-proclaimed wrestling god appeared on Mina's House Podcast to reveal he turned down Vince McMahon's company to stay put at IMPACT Wrestling.
"Never say never, right?" Moose said when asked about possibly going to WWE. "I've had chances to go there and had an opportunity to go there not too long ago, but turned it down to stay with IMPACT. I am staying (with IMPACT). I signed a new deal and I'm staying. I had an opportunity to leave to go to WWE, but I just felt like, right now, IMPACT was better for me with what they offered and the schedule and how I'm being used. We'll see what happens with WWE in the next couple of years." (H/T: Fightful)
Moose confirmed the length of his contract to be two years. He cited creative freedom at IMPACT Wrestling as one of the major factors behind his decision. The former NFL star is set to take on Chris Sabin at Slammiversary on July 17 in a grudge match.
Retaining Moose is huge for IMPACT Wrestling as he's one of their biggest stars and a genuine main event level talent.
#3 Tommy Dreamer announces Title Match for IMPACT Wrestling's Slammiversary
On last week's episode of IMPACT Wrestling, Rich Swann and Willie Mack called out Violent By Design for attacking them and demanded a title opportunity.
TJP and Fallah came out first, making their case for being the No.1 contenders for the IMPACT Wrestling Tag Team Championships. VBD soon made their way to the ring, followed by the Good Brothers. Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows felt they were the true contenders for the tag team titles.
To settle the matter, Tommy Dreamer walked out and announced a four-way title match between the teams at Slammiversary.
Not only that, but he booked a four-way singles contest between the members of the teams contesting at Slammiversary for the night's main event. Karl Anderson picked up a big win to get momentum for his team heading into the pay-per-view.
#2 Killian Dain talks about a reunion with Eric Young at IMPACT Wrestling
Big Damo or Killian Dain was one of the victims of the recent WWE budget cuts. The former SAnitY member was a major part of NXT programming from 2016-2018 as the faction dominated the black and gold brand.
Big Damo's SAnitY partner, Eric Young, is currently a part of IMPACT Wrestling. Speaking to Sportskeeda Wrestling, he praised Eric Young quite generously, not just as a wrestler but as a person as well. He claimed he loved and adored Young and alluded to their in-ring chemistry which saw them produce a great match for IMPACT Wrestling in 2015.
"I mean Eric Young, I don't think I have enough time to tell how much I love Eric Young as a person, as a wrestler, as a performer. When I watched him I used to think he was incredible. He's so varied he can do any role you put him in. Then I got to wrestle him in IMPACT Wrestling in 2015 or 2016, and we packed as much as we could in such a short time. I just jammed with the guy right there and then. And then, a year later, I was in SAnitY with him," said Big Damo. (H/T: Sportskeeda)
Big Damo went on to mention his desire to work with Rich Swann and shared a few stories about Eric Young. He does sound eager to reunite with Young and a stint at IMPACT Wrestling could be in line for the talented big man. You can check out the whole interview below.
#1 Satoshi Kojima bids farewell to IMPACT Wrestling
IMPACT Wrestling's partnership with New Japan Pro Wrestling saw a number of stars wrestle for both companies, including David Finlay, Juice Robinson, and Josh Alexander. As part of their working relationship, Japanese veteran Satoshi Kojima had a brief run with IMPACT Wrestling.
The two-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion was advertised for IMPACT Wrestling on Twitter by the official handle on May 21.
He wasted no time in the ring as he immediately feuded with the IMPACT Wrestling Tag Team champions, Violent By Design. Teaming up with Eddie Edwards, he took on VBD albeit in a losing effort.
Nevertheless, he showcased his hard-hitting style to the IMPACT Wrestling audience throughout his stay. He concluded his run in winning fashion, teaming up with Jake Something to defeat Sam Beale and Brian Myers in his last appearance for the company.
In a message on Twitter, the NJPW legend thanked IMPACT Wrestling for the opportunity and said he gained a lot of experience from his tenure.
"Thank you, to Impact Wrestling. I have gained a lot of experience. It was a fun and precious time. I will live well in Japan. @IMPACTWRESTLING," said Kojima.
