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GFW/Impact Wrestling continues to create different and interesting matches, and are just as committed to creating new stars as they are to bringing in former WWE talent in different roles with the company. While former WWE stars such as Alberto El Patron, Matt Sydal, and Lashley are currently in prominent positions on the GFW roster, they aren’t the only former WWE employees with notable roles in the promotion. These are people that hold a role in the company that fans are likely to see each and every week.
Whether they are commentators, referees, judges, or part of the management team, they all contribute to helping make GFW a success. They are integral to the growth of the company in their different positions. Who are these former WWE employees that are just as much, or more, a part of GFW today as they were during their time in WWE? Here are five WWE superstars who are now with GFW but aren’t among their superstars.
#5. Earl Hebner
Someone who is often forgotten is referee Earl Hebner. Hebner became notable during his time in WWE for a number of different reasons. During his early years, he was a part of the infamous twin referee storyline that involved Andre the Giant and Hulk Hogan, along with his brother Dave. However, this isn't the only instance where Hebner was part of a storyline, and he was, in fact, part of one of the most controversial moments in WWE history, the Montreal Screwjob. On that evening, Shawn Michaels defeated Bret Hart for the WWE championship, after Hebner called for the bell, despite Hart not surrendering to the sharpshooter that was being applied by Michaels.
After Hebner's departure from WWE, he joined GFW/Impact wrestling and has in fact gone into the promotion's Hall of Fame. He has been with the company for many years, and in fact was part of a storyline that featured a screwjob finish to a match, though this time it was a planned storyline element. Despite some controversial moments in a long career, Hebner is still recognized both for his time in WWE and now in GFW/Impact.
#4. Dutch Mantel
During his time in WWE, Mantel went under the moniker of Zeb Colter. His role was that of an on-screen manager that was aligned initially with Jack Swagger, and shortly thereafter with Swagger's tag team partner Cesaro, a team known as The All-Americans. Colter role was that of a spokesman for those who didn't have strong promo skills. Eventually, he managed Alberto Del Rio after Del Rio's return to the company.
In GFW/Impact, Mantel has been used on-screen primarily as a judge for Grand Championship matches. His face is recognized, so having him on screen without any specific allegiances is a benefit. Mantel was with the company years ago in a writing capacity and has returned to that role once again behind the scenes. He can also be seen on screen with Scott D'Amore as part of a management team.
#3. Josh Matthews
When Matthews was a part of ‘Tough Enough,' he was an aspiring wrestler who unfortunately didn't get brought into WWE in that capacity. He later transitioned into a backstage interviewer followed by becoming a colour commentator for various WWE programs including SmackDown. Since departing from the company, Matthews has been with GFW as one of their lead commentators.
He has been an impartial commentator, and more recently a heel commentator who feuded with the long-time voice of GFW Impact, Jeremy Borash. Matthews often boasts about his social media outreach, and how what he says is worth its weight in gold. By creating such a brash and arrogant heel commentator, Matthews is just as significant on-screen now as he ever has been. His time with WWE is a distant memory, as he plays a crucial part in GFW's present and future.
#2. Bruce Pritchard
Pritchard rose to prominence in the late 1980s as the character of Brother Love in WWE, a televangelist that was anything, but honourable. He would often get under the skin of his guests, in particular, the babyfaces. After his farewell to the company for a short period, he returned in 1992 and remained for sixteen years, working backstage as both a producer and a writer. In total, Pritchard spent twenty-two years with the company in a behind the scenes capacity.
He has recently started a podcast that offers new and different insight into wrestling, as he speaks about his experiences working backstage and in front of the camera. Called ‘Something to Talk About,' the podcast has earned great praise from listeners. This past year, Pritchard joined GFW/Impact wrestling in an on-screen role, and in a backstage one as well. As a producer and creative consultant, Pritchard has been used in different roles, even engaging in an on-screen rivalry with Karen Jarrett.
#1. Ron and Don Harris
With them being twins and nearly seven feet in height, the intimidation factor was evident. In their second go-round, their look changed, as they aligned with Crush as a part of the Disciples of Apocalypse. During that time they had shaved heads and were dressed as members of a motorcycle gang. After retiring from the ring in 2003, Don Harris began working backstage for Impact/GFW as a production manager, and in 2016 his brother Ron adopted the same route.
