Exclusive Details: Big TNA Updates: Jarrett’s Role, Creative Team, Contract Updates.
TNA had a set of tapings earlier this month that ushered in some major changes for the company — ones that are still settling.
According to PWInsider, Jeff Jarrett is back as Executive Producer of Impact Wrestling, replacing John “Big” Gaburick. Jarrett is still operating his Global Force Wrestling promotion under the hope it will end up on The Fight Network.
Gaburick restructured his deal to stay with Impact, and is now on the creative team with Matt Conway, Madison Rayne and the recently added Dutch Mantel. Jarrett is attempting to bring back several members of his old team, since Dixie Carter and her husband are completely out of the picture.
When Fightful.com reached out to TNA employees, one told us that they were initially concerned that ownership change would create turnover and the loss of jobs for some, but it seems Anthem is more interested in expanding than reducing. Even though no move to Toronto is on the horizon, employees had discussed it, causing concern among some. As Insider reported, several staff members were in Toronto this week.
We're also told that Jarrett is hopeful to make working relationships work with GFW and international companies. He'll also likely use some GFW talents on the TNA roster. Anthem has spent a more money than they planned to taking on TNA already, having to settle lawsuits, which could lead to decreased pay for talent.
PWInsider also revealed that Drew Galloway and The Hardys haven't signed new deals, which expire this month. Fightful was told that TNA made offers to Matt Hardy as early as last year around the time his new characters started.
Don West being brought back was a call from Jeff Jarrett to help empty TNA merchandise from the warehouse. Those we spoke to had a unanimously positive reaction to him being back, for any reason, much less to sell items.
