Impact Wrestling Aim To Film In Other Locations In 2018, According To Callis And D'Amore
The promotion's new executive vice presidents commented on new goals and directions this year.
Jan 11, 2018
New Impact Wrestling management Don Callis and Scott D'Amore spoke today about the direction of the promotion in 2018 - part of a conference call with the new executive vice presidents.
D'Amore mentioned that Impact would be aiming to shoot tapings in locations outside of the Impact Zone this year (which is currently based in Orlando, Florida). Callis also mentioned that 'The days of thinking from an insular perspective are over', lending the conference call a generally progressive, optimistic theme.
Callis also entertained the idea of working with 'any promotion', responding to a question about the possibility of working in conjunction with New Japan Pro Wrestling. He was keen to emphasise that the old, territorial way of thinking is long gone, and that wrestling is a far more inter-connected, global industry these days.
Questions were also fielded regarding the decision to revert to a traditional four-sided ring. Impact have switched between four and six-sided rings several times over the course of their history. The executive vice presidents explained that their decision was based around the idea that the six-sided ring's only strength was its uniqueness. Callis suggested that a traditional ring was much better for bumping and executing spots.
A question was also fielded regarding the future of stars such as Bobby Lashley and Ethan Carter III, whose contracts with Impact Wrestling will reportedly expire soon. Rumours have circulated online for a couple of weeks now, with the expectation that WWE will sign both men once they are free agents.
No direct response was given, but both Impact representatives were keen to emphasise the need for balance in the locker room - maintaining a blend of older, more established stars and fresh, younger talent.
Callis is perhaps best known for his onscreen managing stint in WWE as The Jackal, and is also a colour commentator for NJPW's English language broadcasts. Scott D'Amore also has history as a manger, leading the Team Canada stable in Impact's earlier years.