Impact Wrestling/GFW has had a long history of bringing in and developing talent. Since its inception in 2002 as NWA-TNA, the brainchild of Jerry and Jeff Jarrett pushed the boundaries in creating a program that would be considered a viable option for wrestling fans.
It certainly has helped that they managed to create and develop stars, stars who today have moved on to other professional aspirations outside Impact Wrestling. Samoa Joe, Bobby Roode, Aries and Eric Young are the names of just a few talented men that once called Impact home.
Impact/GFW has recently undergone a regime change, and that has led to changes in direction for the company. They continue to present exciting and notable talent and try to create meaningful storylines for all involved.
However, one has to wonder how long before WWE explores the option of being a new home for these budding stars. With that being said, here are five Impact/GFW superstars that the WWE should definitely consider signing up.
Also read: 5 Impact/GFW wrestlers who the WWE should definitely sign up part 1
#5 Eli Drake
Drake is no stranger to WWE, has been a part of the promotion in the past. For parts of the past ten years, Drake has competed with WWE in different roles, mainly as an enhancement talent to aid others on the roster. In that role, he once competed alongside Dean Ambrose in a handicap match against the Big Show. That was then, however, and this is now.
Drake has finely tuned his mic skills and in ring ability; currently, he is led to the ring by Tyrus (formerly known as Brodus Clay in WWE). When he first joined Impact Wrestling, he was one-third of the faction known as The Rising alongside Drew Galloway (McIntyre) and Micah (formerly Camacho in the WWE). He has worked with some of the best in the business, and a veteran that is as seasoned as he is should be seen as a welcome addition to any company. In case you didn’t know, he was managed by Paul Bearer himself!
#4 Eddie Edwards
Much like his former tag team partner, Eddie Edwards is another man that can just as easily add to the tag team ranks as he can to the singles division. His qualities as a singles performers are validated by the multiple championships he has won throughout his career. During his time in Impact, Edwards has captured the X-division championship and the World Championship, and in the past, he won the Ring of Honor World and Television Championships.
Edwards did have a tryout with WWE prior to joining Impact Wrestling, as part of a tag team with former partner Davey Richards. His current rivalry with Richards bears several resemblances to the Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn story. If WWE does bring Edwards into the fold, fans can anticipate matches that are hard-hitting and fast-paced.
#3 Braxton Sutter
If you haven't heard the name of Braxton Sutter, then you have missed out on the hardest working wrestler on the independent circuit. A seventeen-year pro, Sutter has competed all over North America, and in doing faced notable talents that have since joined WWE, including Dean Ambrose and Luke Harper. While earning a name for himself, he competed for promotions such as Combat Zone Wrestling and Ring of Honor.
Since joining Impact in 2016, he has engaged in meaningful storylines involving his offscreen wife and on-screen love interest Allie. He is considered one of the better workers out there as each of his moves is performed with precision and each story is told effectively. He is currently embroiled in a feud with Laurel Van Ness, after having turned down her advances and offer of marriage because he loved Allie.
#2 Dezmond Xavier
One of the biggest highlights of Impact Wrestling/GFW's X division has been 5'9, 190 lb Dayton, Ohio native Dezmond Xavier. A veteran of just over six years in the ring, Xavier continues to defy logic with each move he hits. He is armed with a nickname, 'The Kardiak Kid' because his moves with stop your hear. With one high flying move after another, he captures the attention of the fanbase.
He began to earn a name for himself while competing for Jeff Jarrett's Global Force Wrestling promotion in both singles and tag team action. Showcasing an array of corkscrew planchas and moonsaults, he wows crowds with a move set that would fit in well in WWE's Cruiserweight division.
He could have some incredible matches against the likes of Rich Swann and Cedric Alexander. Despite not currently being X Division champion, it is only a matter of time before he is given the opportunity to capture a championship, and hopefully, it is WWE that capitalises on him.
#1 Davey Richards
When life imitates art, the results can be incredible. Anyone that is familiar with Richards' career knows that his addition to WWE would bring in someone that is not just a talented in-ring competitor, but someone with depth and character. A veteran of over thirteen years, Richards has pretty much seen and done it all. He has been a heel and a face, a tag team champion and a world champion.
No matter what role he has been placed in, Richards has unquestionably succeeded. He is currently in the midst of a feud with his former tag team partner Eddie Edwards, and in doing so, he has demonstrated a darker, more unrelenting side to his character. With a look and move set that is reminiscent of the Dynamite Kid and Chris Benoit, Richards would be another key addition to the company's ranks, regardless of whether that is on NXT, Raw or Smackdown Live.
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