Impact Wrestling's first show: Where Are They Now?
September 12, 2022
By Ryan Porzl
In 2001, the wrestling landscape in America changed forever when WWF purchased rival WCW while number three ECW went bankrupt. In the aftermath, many promotions would attempt the fill the void. While many wouldn't last, one has lasted longer than anyone thought it would and that was Impact Wrestling. Originally known as NWA-TNA, Impact launched on June 19, 2002 and attempted to fill the void by giving fans a different option. Over the past 20 years, the promotion has gone through it's ups and downs with the downs being considered embarrassing and what made it a punching bag to the wrestling critics and journalist while it's ups saw it provide a nice option to fans not into the WWE while also launching or reviving many careers and providing new matches, innovative ideas, and great shows. In this article, we'll take a look at the participants of the first Impact show and see where are they now.
I don't own any pictures as I found them on Google Credit to TNA/Impact or whomever owns them.
The Flying Elvises (Jorge Estrada, Sonny Siaki, and Jimmy Yang) defeated AJ Styles, Low-Ki, and Jerry Lynn
Teo defeated Hollywood
The Johnsons (w/Mortimer Plumtree) defeated James Storm and Psicosis
The Dupps (Bo Dupp and Stan Dupp) (w/Fluff Dupp) defeated Christian York and Joey Matthews
NWA World Heavyweight Championship/Gauntlet for the Gold: Ken Shamrock defeated Malice (w/"Father" James Mitchell), Jeff Jarrett, Scott Hall, Rick Steiner, Devon Storm, Lash LeRoux, Brian Christopher, The Vampire Warrior, Del Rios, Justice, Chris Harris, Norman Smiley, Bruce (w/Joel Gertner and Lenny), Buff Bagwell, Gran Apolo, K-Krush, Steve Corino, Konnan, and Slash (w/"Father" James Mitchell)
Jeff Jarrett
Background: Third generation wrestler, Jarrett is the son of wrestler turned legendary promoter Jerry Jarrett and grandson of wrestler turned figurehead Eddie Marlin. Upon turning pro in 1986, Jarrett spent the first seven years working for his father's various promotions including Continental Wrestling Association and United States Wrestling Association in Memphis and World Class Championship Wrestling in Texas. By the early 90s, Jarrett racked up many championships and was one of USWA's top attractions alongside longtime Memphis Wrestling star Jerry "The King" Lawler and Lawler's son Brian Christopher. From 1993-2001, Jarrett then achieved national fame going back and forth between the WWF and WCW during which time he engaged in many memorable rivalries and matches, was a member of stables such as the Four Horsemen and the nWo, and winning many titles including the WCW World Championship four times, the WCW United States Championship three times, the WWF Intercontinental Championship six times (a then record), the WWF European Championship once, and the WWF World Tag Team Championship once with Owen Hart. Due to holding the WWF up for money before leaving in 1999, Jarrett was not welcomed back by the WWF after it purchased WCW in March 2001, leaving him persona non grata. With that as well as a void left by the end of WCW and ECW, Jarrett co-founded Impact (then NWA-TNA) in June 2002.
Where Is He Now?: After the first show, Jarrett would eventually become the face of Impact and it's top star from 2002-2006 which obviously led to controversy. During this time, Jarrett and his father sold Impact to Panda Energy thus making Dixie Carter president while Jarrett continued as an executive and minority shareholder. During his peak, Jarrett captured the NWA World Heavyweight Championship six times and main event Impact's yearly biggest show of the year Bound for Glory in 2005 and 2006 all the while engaging in memorable feuds with AJ Styles, Raven, Ron "The Truth" Killings (formerly K-Krush), and Sting. By 2007, Jarrett began to step back from the ring due to the declining health and eventual death of his first wife and having to care for their children though he still continued to work behind the scenes. Jarrett eventually returned in 2008 and continued working till 2011 in the ring during which time he feuded with Kurt Angle and was a member of Hulk Hogan's Immortal stable. By 2012, Jarrett phased himself out again and focused on other projects such as the Indian based Ring Ka King promotion and outside of Impact, worked for AAA in Mexico and WWA in Australia winning the top championships in both. By 2013, Jarrett left Impact and from 2014-2016 ran and founded the failed Global Force Wrestling promotion though he would return to Impact in 2015 to do an invasion angle and captured the King of the Mountain Championship. In 2017, Jarrett returned to Impact to help run it after Carter sold the promotion to Anthem Sports and Entertainment but his return was short lived and a critical failure with Jarrett being fired by the fall of 2017 due to this as well as personal problems. In 2018, Jarrett would shock many when he returned to WWE and by 2019 began working behind the scenes for them while making occasional on screen appearances. As of 2022, Jarrett recently parted ways with WWE but hosts his own podcast "My World". Jarrett has since been inducted into the Impact Hall of Fame in 2015 and the WWE Hall of Fame in 2018.
Jerry Jarrett
Background: Legendary wrestler and promoter, Jarrett got his start in the 1960s as a referee and office assistant for legendary promoter Nick Gulas before becoming a wrestler for Gulas' NWA Mid-America where he enjoyed success as a single and tag team wrestler mostly teaming with his mentor Tojo Yamamoto. By the mid 1970s, Jarrett began promoting Memphis for Gulas before having a falling out and forming Continental Wrestling Association. After slowing down as a wrestler, Jarrett would promote wrestling in Memphis from 1977-1996 with the CWA and USWA as well as in Texas for World Class from 1988-1990 largely enjoying big success and helped launch many careers while many legends ran through Memphis at one point and served as a consultant for both the WWF and WCW in the 90s. After selling the USWA in 1996, Jarrett would largely leave the business before attempting to buy WCW in 2000/2001 before the promotion was purchased by the WWF in March 2001. With the lack of options in the American wrestling scene, Jarrett co-founded Impact (then NWA-TNA) in June 2002.
Where Is He Now?: After the first show, Jarrett continued running Impact till selling 72% of Impact stock to Panda Energy with Dixie Carter being named president. Jarrett would continue to work for Impact until leaving in late 2005 due to a dispute on how to run the company, which also resulted in a falling out with Jeff until the two reconciled in 2015. After leaving Impact, Jarrett would work outside of wrestling by operating a construction company and an international TV distribution company. Jarrett was inducted into the Memphis Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1994 and has since been inducted into the NWA Hall of Fame in 2009 and the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame in 2018.
Mike Tenay
Background: Longtime and legendary announcer, Tenay first got his start in wrestling in 1991 when he began hosting a wrestling radio show where he interviewed various wrestlers and wrestling personalities. Towards the end of the show, Tenay joined WCW in 1994 working on their 900 hotline and calling English commentary for the Mexican based AAA's PPV When Worlds Collide. Remaining with WCW until the WWF bought it in March 2001, Tenay eventually rose through the ranks serving as a B announcer and announcer for cruiserweight matches to eventually becoming one of the top announcers calling TV shows like Nitro and Thunder as well as the WCW PPVs. After WCW ended, Tenay would not join the WWF and was eventually recruited to serve as the announcer for Impact in June 2002. Tenay is known for his knowledge of wrestling be it history or the moves to the point where he's earned the nickname "The Professor". He served as the lead announcer for the debut show.
Where Is He Now?: After the first show, Tenay continued on as Impact's lead announcer for the promotion's first thirteen years first announcing with Don West from 2002-2009 and then with Taz from 2009-2015. By 2015, Tenay would slow down and was eventually replaced as lead announcer by Josh Matthews while he would do other things like serving as an interviewer or replacement announcer or host before quietly leaving Impact in 2016 and retiring from wrestling. As of 2022, Tenay has since worked in podcasting as a presenter. He's still retired from wrestling and reportedly has turned down requests to return to the business.
Don West
Background: A longtime pitchman and television personality, West actually had little to no history in wrestling before coming to Impact. His original claim to fame was being a pitchman for the Shop at Home Network where he became known for his antics and loud sales pitches on late night TV which even got parodied on Saturday Night Live. In 2000, West reportedly was offered a chance by booker Vince Russo to join WCW but turned it down. For the debut show, West would serve as a color commentator.
Where Is He Now?: After the first show, West continued serving as Impact's color commentator from 2002-2009 earning both fans and critics for his announcing style as he made up his lack of knowledge with excitement and enthusiasm. Along with serving as an announcer, West also worked in the merchandise department including selling merchandise at shows. In 2009, he was replaced by Taz as the new color commentator but continued to work in merchandise while briefly serving as a manager for Amazing Red. In 2012, West left Impact to take a job with Wenatchee Wild ice hockey team, becoming their director of sales. In 2017, West returned to Impact for one night to call Slammiversary XV. Since 2021, West has battled brain lymphoma.
Ed Ferrara
Background: Controversial wrestling personality, Ferrara originally started in wrestling around 1994 where he wrestled for the independent promotion Slammers Wrestling Federation as "Bruce Beaudine" while also writing for television for shows like Honey, I Shrunk The Kids: The TV Show and Weird Science with the latter airing on USA Network. Upon hearing he was an independent wrestler, USA set up a meeting with Vince McMahon as WWF programming airs on USA Network and he was hired as a writer in 1998, working alongside fellow controversial wrestling personality Vince Russo. In late 1999, Ferrara and Russo both jumped to WCW to write there to largely disastrous results while Ferrara would appear on screen as the character "Oklahoma", a parody of legendary announcer Jim Ross. The character would garner controversy due to Ross' being beloved by the fans as well as Ferrara initially mocking Ross' bells palsy. Ferrara would work for WCW until it was bought out by WWF in March 2001. In 2002, Ferrara joined Impact, working as a color commentator alongside Mike Tenay and Don West.
Where Is He Now?: After the first show, Ferrara continued working for Impact until leaving in August due to financial issues. He eventually returned as a writer in September 2009, reuniting with Russo but lasted less than a year before leaving again in June 2010. Outside of Impact, Ferrara appeared for the independent promotion NWA Wildside and wrote a book of short horror stories called "Dark Consequences". He eventually became a teacher, first for Columbia College in Chicago, Illinois and currently teaches "Creative Writing for Entertainment" at Full Sail University in Florida (ironically, the former home of WWE's developmental NXT).
Jimmy Yang
Background: Professional wrestler who first trained in WCW's wrestling school the Power Plant and turned pro in 1999 for WCW. After paying his dues, he got his first break in the Jung Dragons stable as Yun Yung where he teamed with Kaz Hayashi and Jamie Noble (under the masked gimmick Jamie-San) where they frequently feuded with and had ladder matches against the boy band stable 3 Count. After WWF bought WCW in March 2001, Yang was picked up and sent to developmental Heartland Wrestling Association for seasoning before being released in 2002. Yang then worked for All Japan Pro Wrestling from 2002-2003 where he won some tournaments and reunited with Hayashi. In June 2002, Yang joined Impact where he was part of the Flying Elvises, a three man stable of Elvis impersonators.
Where Is He Now?: After the first show, Yang continued working with Impact and as part of the Elvises until the stable broke up and he went on his own until leaving in early 2003. He went on to have two more runs with the WWE, first from 2003-2005 as Akio where he mostly spent time as a member of Tajiri's Kyo Dai stable and then from 2006-2010 as Jimmy Wang Yang, an Asian redneck character but never went far in either run. From 2005-2006, Yang competed for Ring of Honor where he even wrestled old stablemate Jamie Noble in Noble's second to last ROH match. In 2010, Yang then returned to All Japan and later won the 2010 Junior League which saw him challenge Hayashi for the World Junior Heavyweight Championship but came up short. In 2011, Yang made a one night only return to Impact, reprising his Flying Elvis look as he took part in a tournament with the winner earning a contract but lost to Low-Ki in a three way also involving Matt Bentley (Austin Aries ended up winning the tournament). Since 2011, Yang has occasional worked the independent circuit while having businesses outside of wrestling. In 2021, he was hired as a backstage producer for WWE but was eventually released after a few months.
Jorge Estrada
Background: Professional wrestler trained by "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes and turned pro in 1999. Originally, he did some shots for ECW, Rhodes' Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling, and NWA Wildside. When Impact formed in 2002, Estrada joined becoming a member of the Flying Elvises.
Where Is He Now?: After the first show, Estrada continued as part of the Flying Elvises until the stable broke up in October though he kept the Elvis gimmick and took on a valet named Priscilla. He continued working for Impact until leaving in March 2003. Outside Impact, Estrada worked other NWA promotions and won the NWA North American Heavyweight Championship in October 2002 before losing the title to future Impact legend Hotstuff Hernandez in May 2003. He continued wrestling for TCW and NWA Wildside as well as AAW until retiring in August 2003.
Sonny Siaki
Background: Professional wrestler who originally turned pro in 1998 after training at the WCW Power Plant and did some time in WCW before leaving in 1999 due to unhappiness in his role. After working the indies including TCW where he received further training from Dusty Rhodes, he joined Impact in June 2002 where he became 1/3rd of the Flying Elvises.
Where Is He Now?: After the first show, Siaki continued with the Elvises until they broke up in October 2002 and he joined Vince Russo's Sports Entertainment Xtreme stable where he received the biggest push of his career. Nicknamed "The Ace in the Hole", Siaki would win the X Division Championship in December 2002 from Jerry Lynn before losing the championship in February 2003 to Kid Kash. After the title loss and the breakup of S.E.X., Siaki settled into the midcard with little direction. He feuded with D'Lo Brown and formed a short alliance with Ekmo (the future Umaga) before forming a team with Simon Diamond in a feud with Glen Gilberti and Johnny Swinger. Siaki continued working for Impact until leaving in December 2005. After leaving Impact, Siaki went on to sign a developmental deal with the WWE competing for Deep South Wrestling and Florida Championship Wrestling, winning the tag team championship in DSW until being released in 2007. After his WWE release, Siaki would eventually announce his retirement in 2008 after donating one of his kidneys to his brother. Since his retirement, he went to work for UPS.
AJ Styles
Background: Impact and overall wrestling legend who turned pro in 1998 and worked the indies in his early years paying his dues. His first break would appear during the final months of WCW in early 2001 as Air Styles while teaming with wrestler Air Paris in the tag team Air Raid which was intended to be a team for WCW's cruiserweight tag team division but WCW closed shortly after. After some appearances for the WWF and ROH, Styles joined Impact in June 2002.
Where Is He Now?: After the first show, Styles would not only continue working for Impact for eleven and a half years basically becoming "Mr. TNA" but during that time also became one the faces of the promotion and the biggest home grown talent in company history. He would also be considered one of the best wrestlers of his generation. During his tenure, Styles would have one of greatest runs in Impact history as he won over nineteen championships (a record) including five world titles between NWA and Impact, was the inaugural X Division Champion, one half of the first NWA World Tag Team Champions after Impact gained control of the belts, was the first triple crown winner, was the first grand slam winner, and main evented Impact's biggest show of the year Bound For Glory two times. He engaged in many famous matches and feuds with the likes of Jeff Jarrett, Jerry Lynn, Christopher Daniels, Samoa Joe, and Kurt Angle to name some. Outside of Impact, Styles also worked for ROH from 2002-2005 where he became the inaugural ROH Pure Champion and the ROH World Tag Team Champion with Amazing Red as well as Pro Wrestling Guerilla where he captured their world championship. After eleven and a half years, Styles left Impact in early 2014 citing failed contract negotiations and the promotion asking him to take a pay cut. From 2014-2016, Styles then worked for New Japan Pro Wrestling where he continued to achieve huge success becoming leader of Bullet Club and the promotion's top foreigner or gaijin all the while winning the IWGP Heavyweight Championship two times. While with New Japan, Styles made a return to ROH and competed for the British based Revolution Pro Wrestling capturing their British Heavyweight Championship. Since 2016, Styles has worked for WWE where he's had several big rivalries and matches against the likes of Chris Jericho and John Cena to name some while winning multiple championships including the WWE Championship two times. In 2017, Styles was inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame.
Low-Ki
Background: Professional wrestler who turned pro in 1998 and spent his early years in the Northeast specifically for Jersey All Pro Wrestling and then became a regular for Ring of Honor upon it's formation in February 2002 where he main evented their first show as well as becoming the promotion's inaugural world champion that July.
Where Is He Now?: After the first show, Ki would have several runs in Impact for the next fifteen years between 2002-2017 where he became a pioneer in their X Division while winning the X Division Championship five times as well as also forming the legendary tag team Triple X with "Primetime" Elix Skipper and "Fallen Angel" Christopher Daniels where he captured the NWA World Tag Team Championship three times. He also competed in the four way to crown the inaugural X Division Champion along with Styles, Jerry Lynn, and Psicosis. Outside of Impact, Ki would compete in ROH till 2006 where he became a member of Homicide's Rottweilers stable. Ki would also work in Pro Wrestling Guerilla capturing their world championship and had a lot of success in Japan for Pro Wrestling ZERO1 and New Japan Pro Wrestling winning Lightweight/Junior Heavyweight Championships along the way. From 2008 to 2010, Ki worked for WWE as Kaval competing there as well as developmental Florida Championship Wrestling where he won the FCW Tag Team Championship and the second season of NXT (when NXT was a reality series) before requesting his release. From 2017-2021, Ki would compete for the revived MLW where he won their world heavyweight championship. As of 2022, Ki mostly works the independent circuit, mostly for House of Glory in New York.
Jerry Lynn
Background: Legendary journeyman wrestler, Lynn turned pro in 1988 and spent his early career in his native Minnesota before achieving his first break for the Texas based Global Wrestling Federation in 1991 where he won the light heavyweight championship while having a classic feud with Sean Waltman. From 1992-1997, Lynn then became a journeyman as he made appearances for Michinoku Pro and New Japan in Japan, CMLL in Mexico, and WCW in America where he wrestled in the latter as "Mr. JL" but only achieved minimal success. In 1997, Lynn finally got his big break when he joined ECW where he became one of the promotion's final world champions in 2000 and engaged in a popular feud with Justin Credible and a legendary one with Rob Van Dam with the latter resulting in some of the most critically acclaimed matches in ECW history. After ECW shut down in 2001, Lynn joined the WWF for a brief period where he captured the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship before being released. He then did some time in the short lived World Wrestling All-Stars promotion. He joined Impact in June 2002.
Where Is He Now?: After the first show, Lynn would become an important talent in the early years of the promotion's X Division and even took part in the match to crown the first champion a week later against AJ Styles, Low-Ki, and Psicosis. During his Impact run, he engaged in several feuds with the likes of Styles, Chris Sabin, and recreated his ECW feud with Justin Credible all the while winning the X Division Championship two times and the NWA World Tag Team Championship two times with Styles and Amazing Red with the Styles reign being the first under Impact's control of the titles. In 2004, Lynn also served as Team Captain for Team TNA in the 2004 World X Cup tournament which also consisted of Chris Sabin, Christopher Daniels, and Elix Skipper and led the team to victory. From 2004-2007, Lynn, due to injury and age, would go back and forth between wrestling for Impact and working as a road agent/producer backstage before leaving in 2007. Outside of Impact, Lynn continued working for WWA until it shutdown in 2003 but not before winning their International Cruiserweight Championship. He also worked the indies for All American Wrestling and East Coast Wrestling Association where he won the AAW Heavyweight Championship and the ECWA's Super 8 Tournament. From 2008-2009, Lynn then competed in Ring of Honor where he captured the ROH World Championship from Nigel McGuinness in April 2009. Lynn returned to Impact from 2010-2011, appearing at the ECW reunion show Hardcore Justice and later reignited his feud with Van Dam. From 2012-2013, Lynn then embarked on a farewell tour leading up to his retirement where he had a final match in ROH in 2012 (a loss to Mike Bennett) and one for Impact in 2013 (another loss to RVD) before finally retiring on March 23, 2013, exactly 25 years to the day he debuted. After retiring, Lynn went to work for ROH as a road agent/producer from 2014-2019. Since 2019, Lynn has worked in the same capacity for All Elite Wrestling. In 2010, Lynn was inducted into the Hardcore Hall of Fame.
Teo
Background: Mini wrestler who turned pro in 1998 and mostly worked for IWA: Mid-South in America and World Wrestling All-Stars in Australia.
Where Is He Now?: After the first show, Teo worked one more shot for Impact in August when he defeated Bo Dupp before leaving. He then went back to work for WWA where he mostly wrestled against fellow mini Puppet until the promotion shut down in May 2003. Afterwards, Teo began wrestling less but did make one more return to Impact for a match in October 2004 on an Impact special called "The Best Damn Wrestling Event Period" which was an association with the FOX Sports show The Best Damn Sports Show Period. Teo would retire in 2007 following a match in IWA: Mid-South.
Hollywood
Background: There's nothing I could find on Hollywood other than he was a mini wrestler.
Where Is He Now?: After the first show, I couldn't find any information on Hollywood as he has no profile on sites like Cagematch so I assumed he retired shortly after.
The Johnsons
Background: Twin wrestlers Mike and Todd Shane who turned pro in 1998 and spent most of their career working the indie circuit. They're biggest successes came in Jersey All Pro Wrestling and the National Wrestling Alliance where they captured the JAPW Tag Team Championship and NWA World Tag Team Championship. The Shanes joined Impact in June 2002 where they were given one of the most infamous gimmicks in wrestling history: The Johnsons with the gimmick being they dressed up as penises named Richard and Rod (no, I'm not making that up).
Where Are They Now?: After the first show, the Johnsons made one more appearance that July where they took part in a tournament for the NWA World Tag Team Championship but lost to future legends America's Most Wanted. After leaving, they largely returned to the Florida independents and also toured for World Japan in Japan. In 2005, they signed with the WWE and worked for a time in the promotion's developmental territory Deep South Wrestling as "The Regulators" where they captured the tag team championship. From 2006-2007, they then worked on the main roster as "Gymini", a tag team managed by Simon Dean (the former Nova) but were eventually released in 2007. Afterwards, the twins returned to the indies and also toured for World Wrestling Council in Puerto Rico before retiring in 2009 though they did come out for a few one time only matches in 2012 and 2018.
Mortimer Plumtree
Background: Independent wrestler turned manager, Plumtree turned pro in 1994 and largely worked the indie circuit for the first eight years of his career. He would get some national exposure in the short lived American Wrestling Federation where he appeared as Aloysius Hayes, the fictional nephew of wrestling legend "Lord" Alfred Hayes. Plumtree joined Impact in 2002 where he used the gimmick of Mortimer Plumtree, a preppy nerd like character.
Where Is He Now?: After the first show, Plumtree continued working for Impact during their first year managing the Johnsons and Ace Steel before hitting his peak as the manager of AJ Styles before being taken off camera in January 2003 by booker Vince Russo reportedly due to office politics. Despite this, he remained an employee behind the scenes until leaving in June 2003 and returning to Minnesota where he eventually retired.
James Storm
Background: Impact legend, Storm first turned pro in 1997 and spent the first five years of his career on the indie circuit including occasional preliminary work for WCW. In 2002, Storm would be hired by Impact after a match he had with future partner Chris Harris impressed Impact management.
Where Is He Now?: After the first show, Storm would go on to become one of Impact's all time great talents and unquestionably the most successful tag team wrestler in Impact history. From 2002-2006, Storm first gained fame as part of America's Most Wanted with Harris with the two spending most of their time as a team as Impact's top tag team. They would win the NWA World Tag Team Championships six times (he also won a seventh with Christopher Daniels) while engaging in big rivalries with the Disciples of the New Church, Triple X, The Naturals, Simon Diamond and Johnny Swinger, 3 Live Kru, and Team Canada. After the team broke up and Storm had a short singles run, he then formed another highly successful team in Beer Money Inc. with Bobby Roode with the two winning the Impact World Tag Team Championships five times and were also members of Ric Flair's Fortune stable. After Beer Money, Storm continued enjoying tag team success winning Impact tag gold with Gunner and Abyss while also forming several stables in The Revolution and Death Crew Council and had the occasional reunion with Roode. Storm currently has won more tag titles than anyone in Impact history (14). Despite his tag team success, Storm enjoyed singles success as he won the Impact World Championship from Kurt Angle in 2011 and the King of the Mountain Championship in 2016. With the exception of a brief departure in late 2015, Storm worked for Impact during their first sixteen years before finally leaving in late 2018. Outside of Impact, Storm made appearances for New Japan Pro Wrestling as part of Beer Money Inc. challenging for the IWGP Tag Team Championships a few times and had a cup of coffee run with WWE developmental NXT in late 2015. From 2018-2019, Storm would do work in the independent circuit and then worked for the NWA from 2019-2021 where he held the NWA National Championship and the NWA World Tag Team Championship with Eli Drake. Since 2020, Storm has made the occasional returns to Impact, including having an AMW reunion with Harris in 2022.
Psicosis
Background: Lucha Libre legend, Psicosis turned pro in 1989 and spent several years in his native Mexico usually for promotions such as Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre, AAA, and World Wrestling Association where he captured many championships between the three promotions and also engaged in rivalries with Rey Mysterio, Juventud Guerrera, El Hijo del Santo, La Parka, and Fuerza Guerrera. In 1995, he then had a cup of coffee run in ECW giving him some of his first exposure in America before signing with WCW in 1996 as part of their cruiserweight division. Though he didn't achieve huge success, Psicosis (often called Psychosis) would achieve success capturing the WCW Cruiserweight Championship twice. After being released in 2000, Psicosis became a journeyman, returning to ECW as well as appearing for XPW, All Japan, and WWA where he won the International Cruiserweight Championship.
Where Is He Now?: After the first show, Psicosis returned for the second where he wrestled Styles, Lynn, and Low-Ki to determine the first X Division Champion but came up short. He left afterwards but returned for a couple of appearances in 2004. After leaving, Psicosis became a journeyman, working mostly in Mexico while also occasionally appearing in the United States, during which time, he also adapted the name "Nicho el Millionario". From 2005-2006, he briefly competed for WWE under the Psicosis name and was a member of the Mexicools stable alongside Juventud Guerrera and Super Crazy before being released due to an arrest. Since then, he resumed becoming a journeyman, appearing for the likes of AAA and CMLL in Mexico as well as independent shows in Mexico and the United States including Major League Wrestling and Game Changer Wrestling while still winning championships. As of 2022, Psicosis still wrestles on the indie circuit.
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| Bo Dupp (left), Stan Dupp (middle), and Fluff Dupp (right) |
The Dupps
Background: A tag team consisting of Bo Dupp and Stan Dupp who are managed by Fluff Dupp with the storyline being the three are cousins with a stereotypical hillbilly gimmick who may have been in an incestuous relationship. The Dupps consisted of other members as well with the team having runs in ECW and WWF. Along with being in the Dupps, Bo turned pro in 1997 and mostly competed in the Carolinas including the Hardy Boyz promotion OMEGA. Stan turned pro in 1999 after training in Harley Race's academy and competed for Race's WLW promotion as Trevor Rhodes where he held the heavyweight championship. Not much is known about Fluff Dupp though she wrestled a handful of matches.
Where Are They Now?: After the first show, the Dupps continued in Impact for several more months, including winning the Dupp cup, until leaving in July 2002.
After leaving, Bo would eventually change his name to Otto Schwanz and became a regular in the North Carolina independent circuit for years to come mostly working for OMEGA and CWF Mid-Atlantic while making occasional appearances for WWE as a prelim talent. Outside of wrestling, he's also become a teacher. As of 2022, Bo still occasionally pops up on the indie circuit.
Stan returned to WLW for the next few years while touring for Pro Wrestling NOAH in Japan. From 2005-2008, he then worked for the WWE as Trevor Murdoch where he achieved his biggest success in a tag team with Lance Cade with the two winning the World Tag Team Championship three times. After being released, Stan returned to Impact for a brief period in 2009 under the name Jethro Holliday. After leaving again, he returned to NOAH and WLW while working the indies in the middle of America before retiring in 2018. However, as is usually the case, Stan's retirement didn't last and he joined the NWA in 2019 as Trevor Murdoch where he's held the NWA National Championship once and the NWA World Heavyweight Championship two times. As of 2022, Stan still wrestles for the NWA.
Not much is known of Fluff Dupp, though, she did wrestle one more match in 2004. She's likely retired.
Christian York
Background: Virgina native wrestler who turned pro in 1998 and spent his early years in the independent circuit mostly for the Hardy Boyz' OMEGA promotion. During this time, he formed a team with Joey Matthews in the Badstreet Boys which was also an occasional stable with Shane Helms and Shannon Moore. After briefly being under contract to WCW in 2000, York would work for ECW during their final months from fall 2000 to the final shows in January 2001 where he made history wrestling the final match on ECW's Hardcore TV show. After ECW shutdown, York continued teaming with Matthews and won the NWA World Tag Team Championship before signing developmental deals with the WWF where they competed for the minor league Memphis Championship Wrestling before being released.
Where Is He Now?: After the first show, York continued teaming with Matthews in Impact before they were released later in the year. York continued working with Matthews until 2004 when Matthews signed with WWE. During this time, York competed for indie promotions like Mid-Eastern Wrestling Federation and Maryland Championship Wrestling winning tag gold in both with Matthews while also winning several singles titles as well as becoming a record three time winner of MCW's Shane Shamrock Memorial Cup. He also briefly competed for Pro-Pain Pro Wrestling (3PW) where he made it to the finals of the tournament to crown the first 3PW Champion before losing to "Pitbull #1" Gary Wolfe. From 2006-2007, York would get several WWE tryouts but was ultimately not hired. In November 2012, York was rehired by Impact after participating in their Gut Check program and was a regular in the X Division before being released in July 2013. Since 2013, York has returned to the indies, mostly for MCW, with his last match to date being in 2018. As of 2022, York hasn't officially retired but hasn't wrestled in four years.
Joey Matthews
Background: Another Virginia native wrestler who turned pro in 1996, Matthews' early story is similar to York as the two formed the Badstreet Boys tag team in the 90s while occasionally hooking up with Shane Helms and Shannon Moore. Matthews would briefly work for WCW in early 2000 until being released before teaming with York in ECW during ECW's final months. After ECW closed in early 2001, Matthews won the NWA World Tag Team Championships with York and they were under a WWF developmental deal during 2001 where they competed for Memphis Championship Wrestling but were ultimately released.
Where Is He Now?: After the first show, Matthews continued with Impact until he and York were released though he made occasional returns afterwards. For the next two years, Matthews continued teaming with York with the two achieving success in MEWF and MCW both as a team and as singles. During this time, Matthews also competed for ROH where he was a member of the Special K stable. In 2004, Matthews rejoined WWE and did time in developmental Ohio Valley Wrestling where he formed the team MNM with Johnny Nitro and Melina with he and Nitro winning the OVW Southern Tag Team Championship once. From 2005-2007, Matthews (renamed Joey Mercury) competed for WWE as part of MNM with he and Nitro winning the Smackdown Tag Team Championships on three occasions and had rivalries with the Hardy Boyz and the 2005 Legion of Doom (Road Warrior Animal and Heidenreich). After suffering a facial injury in late 2006, Matthews struggled with a painkiller addiction (having already battled drug addiction in the past) and was released in June 2007. After his release, he returned to the indie circuit as well as ROH where he became a member of Jimmy Jacobs' Age of the Fall stable before announcing his retirement in 2008 due to injury. Again, as is the case in wrestling, Matthews wouldn't stay retired for long as he resigned with the WWE in 2010 and joined CM Punk's Straight Edge Society before eventually suffering an injury and transitioned to a trainer for developmental Florida Championship Wrestling and then a road agent/producer for WWE. Matthews would work behind the scenes for WWE until 2017 during which time, he also made TV appearances as part of J&J Security with Jamie Noble with the two serving as stooges to Seth Rollins in The Authority stable. After being released from WWE, Matthews again returned to the indie circuit, mostly for Tommy Dreamer's House of Hardcore promotion with his last match to date being in 2018 for Lucha Underground. From 2018-2019, Matthews then worked for ROH behind the scenes as a road agent/producer and part of the creative team. Like York, Matthews isn't officially retired but hasn't wrestled in four years.
Buff Bagwell
Background: Longtime WCW regular, Bagwell turned pro in 1990 and did work on the indie circuit as well as for the Global Wrestling Federation where he competed as the Handsome Stranger. He mostly became known for his ten year stint in WCW from 1991-2001, first competing under his real name Marcus Alexander Bagwell where he excelled as a tag team wrestler winning the WCW World Tag Team Championships four times between 1993-1995 first with 2 Cold Scorpio then with The Patriot (two times as Stars n' Stripes) and with Scotty Riggs (as the American Males). In 1996, Bagwell joined the nWo and became Buff Bagwell where he was a member of the nWo until he was eventually kicked out in 1999 while also touring for New Japan occasionally as a member of nWo Japan. He would also be part of Vince Russo and Eric Bischoff's New Blood stable in 2000 where he captured a fifth tag title with Shane Douglas. During his WCW run, Bagwell would also engage in rivalries with names like Lex Luger, Scott Steiner, Roddy Piper, and Goldberg. After WCW was bought by the WWF in 2001, Bagwell was hired and expected to play a big part in a WCW brand but a critically panned match against Booker T and attitude issues (which also plagued him in WCW) saw him fired in July 2001 after only two matches. He later wrestled for the short lived World Wrestling All-Stars from 2001-2002.
Where Is He Now?: After the first show, Bagwell made a few more appearances until leaving in September 2002 and then did a one night only return in May 2003. After that, there's not much to say as he made a brief return in late 2006 but wasn't rehired and that would be the end of Bagwell on the national level as he's spent the next two decades on the independent circuit, winning regional titles but nothing more. During this time, he also battled personal problems, had a few car accidents, and had a few run ins with the law. Outside of wrestling, Bagwell has also worked as a male escort. As of 2022, Bagwell still wrestles occasionally on the independent circuit.
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| Christopher (right) with David Flair (left) |
Brian Christopher
Background: Tennessee wrestler, Brian Christopher was the son of wrestling legend Jerry "The King" Lawler and debuted in 1988 for Lawler and Jerry Jarrett's Continental Wrestling Association under the name Brian Christopher. Christopher would spend the first decade of his career in Memphis for CWA and later for USWA where he was a top star alongside his father and Jeff Jarrett winning many titles. Towards the end of the USWA, Christopher jumped to the WWF in 1997 where he was a top contender for the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship before forming the tag team Too Much with Scott Taylor in 1998 with the two doing a gay type tag team. After an injury took them off TV, they were repackaged as Too Cool (a hip-hop type tag team) in mid 1999 with Christopher becoming Grandmaster Sexay while Taylor became Scotty 2 Hotty. The team then aligned with Rikishi and became one of the WWF's most popular acts throughout most of 2000 with Christopher and Taylor winning the WWF World Tag Team Championship. However, the group's stock plummeted by late 2000/early 2001 when Rikishi made an ill timed heel turn and Taylor suffered an injury. After briefly teaming with Steve Blackman, Christopher was released in May 2001 after getting caught with drugs at the Canadian border. Christopher then worked for WWA from 2001-2002 where he challenged Jeff Jarrett for the WWA World Championship.
Where Is He Now?: After the first show, Christopher continued working for Impact until May 2003 where he competed under his real name Brian Lawler and spent much of his time in a stable called Next Generation alongside fellow second generation wrestlers David Flair and Erik Watts with the stable having a rivalry with Dusty Rhodes. In 2004, Christopher was rehired by the WWE but was released only a month later. He then returned to Memphis where he spent the remainder of his career though he did a Hulk Hogan tour of Australia in 2009 where he reunited with Rikishi. In 2011, he returned to WWE as part of Jerry Lawler's feud with Michael Cole with Christopher siding with Cole. He made his final WWE appearances in 2014, first as part of an "Old School" RAW where he reunited with Scotty and Rikishi while the second would be at the NXT Arrival show where he and Scotty challenged the Ascension for the NXT Tag Team Championship. Afterwards, Christopher continued wrestling, mostly in Tennessee, with his last match being in 2017. After his WWE run ended in 2001, Christopher battled personal problems and had several run-ins with the law. In July 2018, Christopher was arrested for a DUI and evading police. Weeks later on July 29th, Christopher hung himself in his cell. He was rushed to the hospital where he was declared brain dead and taken off life support after his father was able to visit where he passed away shortly after at the age of 46 with his death ruled a suicide.
Bruce
Background: Pro wrestler who trained in the WCW Power Plant and turned pro in 1998. After paying his dues and working the C level shows, he was eventually repackaged as an eccentric wrestler named Kwee-Wee and was a regular for WCW from 2000 till WCW was bought out in 2001. After WWF bought WCW in 2001, Bruce was picked up and sent to developmental Heartland Wrestling Association where he worked for most of 2001 until being released in December. In early 2002, he then worked for WWA as Allen Funk and The Funkster with the latter being a parody of Hulk Hogan. He joined Impact in June 2002 as Bruce.
Where Is He Now?: After the first show, Bruce continued appearing for Impact until November 2002, first as part of the gay tag team the Rainbow Express with Lenny Lane and managed by Joel Gertner before going on his own and feuding with several female wrestlers over the title of "Miss TNA". After leaving Impact, Bruce then toured for All Japan Pro Wrestling from 2003-2004 as Funkster. After 2005, Bruce began wrestling less though he returned to the indie circuit in 2009 and then from 2010-2011, worked for Lucha Libre USA as Chi Chi before retiring in 2011.
Lenny
Background: Minnesota wrestler, Lenny turned pro in 1995 after being trained by legendary trainer Eddie Sharkey. After spending time in the indie circuit and getting tryout matches with WWF and ECW, Lane signed with WCW in 1997. After two years of little direction, he achieved his career peak in 1999 as part of the tag team The West Hollywood Blondes with Lodi with the two supposedly being brothers but clearly playing an over the top gay gimmick. As part of the blondes, Lenny defeated Rey Mysterio for the WCW Cruiserweight Championship in August 1999 but was eventually stripped of the title and taken off TV that October due to pressure from LGBT groups like GLAAD as well as the management of WCW. Eventually, Lenny and Lodi were brought back under different gimmicks in 2000 but failed to catch on and were released. After doing time on the indie circuit and WWA, Lenny joined Impact in 2002. For the first show, he was seconding Bruce who was competing in the Gauntlet for the Gold.
Where Is He Now?: After the first show, Lenny continued teaming with Bruce in the Rainbow Express until the team broke in November when Bruce turned on Lenny and he left afterwards. In 2004 and 2008, Lenny made one time appearances for WWE but wasn't hired. Along with doing shots for the Insane Clown Posse's Juggalo Championship Wrestling promotion, Lenny mostly wrestled in the Minnesota area for the remainder of his career before retiring in 2013 though he did come out of retirement at WrestleCade 2019 to take part in a battle royal. Lenny has owned his own wrestling promotion called Prime Time Wrestling in Minnesota.
Joel Gertner
Background: Longtime ECW personality, Gertner originally got his start in the independent circuit in 1992 as a heel announcer. He's best known for his 1995-2001 run in ECW where he first came in as a ring announcer before turning heel after aligning with Shane Douglas. He eventually became best known as a manager of the Dudley Boyz from 1997-1999. After the Dudleyz left in August 1999, Gertner became a color commentator for ECW's show on TNN and feuded with Cyrus (Don Callis) where he remained until ECW shutdown in 2001. During his ECW run, he became famous for both his introduction of the Dudleyz and especially his use of sexual limericks and rhymes to introduce himself. Gertner joined Impact in 2002 as a manager of the Rainbow Express team.
Where Is He Now?: After the first show, Gertner continued as a manager for the Rainbow Express before leaving after a few appearances. Eventually, Gertner briefly left wrestling and went back to school. During the 2000s, he made returns for ECW reunion shows such as 2005's Hardcore Homecoming and the WWE produced ECW One Night Stand. In 2010, he returned to Impact to take part of their ECW reunion show Hardcore Justice 2010 where he reunited with the Dudleyz (then Team 3D). Since then, Gertner has done announcing for Shane Douglas' ECW like promotion Extreme Rising, promoted his own promotion called MXW in Connecticut, and did announcing for the WildKat Sports and Entertainment promotion.
Vampire Warrior
Background: Longtime Florida wrestler, Warrior turned pro in 1988 after being trained by legendary wrestler and trainer "Professor" Boris Malenko. After doing time in the Florida independent circuit, he formed a tag team called The Blackhearts where he enjoyed championship success in Calgary's Stampede Wrestling and for Tri-State Wrestling Alliance (the predecessor to ECW) while also working for Herb Abrams' version of the Universal Wrestling Federation and in Japan for All Japan. After the team split around 1993, he developed the Vampire Warrior gimmick based off the movie The Lost Boys. During this time, he competed for USWA and won their Southern Championship. From 1993-1998, Warrior then made appearances for WWF, ECW, and WCW, either in tryout matches or doing preliminary work. He became best known for his 1998-2001 run in the WWF where he continued his vampire gimmick under the name Gangrel where he was a solid midcard hand and mostly became known for leading the Brood stable, first with Edge and Christian Cage and then with The Hardy Boyz as the New Brood. He also would form an alliance with then wife Luna Vachon before being released. After his WWF release, Warrior, like many, went to the independents while also working for WWA. He also did some work for IWA: Puerto Rico as well.
Where Is He Now?: After the first show, Warrior left Impact right after and wouldn't return until the spring and summer of 2003 for two more appearances including participating in their Hard Ten tournament. After leaving Impact, Warrior has made special appearances, usually one off stuff, for promotions like ROH and OVW. From 2004-2007, he made returns to the WWE and was even signed several times but would quickly be released when plans never materialized. In recent years, he's mostly worked the independent promotions while making one off stuff with MLW, AEW, and NWA where he even challenged for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. As of 2022, Warrior still works, mostly for Coastal Championship Wrestling, while also serving as a trainer.
Chris Harris
Background: Impact legend who originally turned pro in 1994 and spent his early years in the independent circuit. From 1999-2001, he worked for WCW but only worked their c level shows while serving as an extra for the bigger shows like playing a security guard. After WCW shutdown, Harris went back to the indies until he signed with Impact after impressing management with a match against James Storm.
Where Is He Now?: After the first show, Harris would be paired with James Storm in the tag team America's Most Wanted which would serve as Impact's top tag team from 2002-2006. During this time, Harris and Storm were credited with putting the tag team division on the map by winning the NWA World Tag Team Championship six times (Harris won a seventh with Elix Skipper) while having many classic rivalries and matches against the Disciples of the New Church, Triple X, The Naturals, Team Canada, Simon Diamond and Johnny Swinger, and 3 Live Kru. After the team broke up in late 2006, Harris would briefly feud with Storm before embarking on a singles run where he even main evented Slammiversary 2007 as he competed in the King of the Mountain match to determine the Impact World Champion. Following this though, his stock began to drop after a lackluster feud with Dustin Rhodes (Black Reign) and once it became clear he didn't have the mic skills or charisma to go to the next level despite originally being pegged by some as the AMW member who would be the breakout star. After falling down the ladder throughout late 2007, he would eventually be released in early 2008. After his Impact release, Harris joined the WWE where he had a short but infamous run where he was renamed as Braden Walker. Debuting for WWE's ECW brand in July 2008, his run was an immediate disaster as he clearly gained weight, was out of shape, and his introduction promo saw him make "knock knock" jokes. Ultimately, with these issues and mediocre performances, Harris was released only a month later. After his WWE release, Harris returned to the independent circuit where he largely remained ever since. In 2011, he returned to Impact and wrestled a few matches with the rumor being that he was coming back for an AMW reunion but this never happened and he wouldn't be signed. After that, Harris returned to the indies where he competed here and there before retiring in 2018. In March 2021, Harris returned to Impact to celebrate James Storm's 1000th Impact match. A year later, Harris returned again for an AMW return with Storm at Slammiversary 2022 and also returned to the ring that July for Impact's Against All Odds show.
Del Rios
Background: Professional wrestler who is best known for his long run in the Memphis area. Del Rios originally turned pro in 1993 and spent his time with the USWA till 1997 where he wrestled mostly as Spellbinder and briefly as Elijah where he was a member of the USWA version of the Nation of Domination while also becoming a two time USWA Heavyweight Champion. From 1993-1997, he also got the occasional tryout matches in WWF but was never hired. However, he did make a memorable appearance in 1995 with a magician gimmick named Phantasio. After USWA shut down, he eventually worked for Power Pro Wrestling, also in Memphis, from 1999-2001 where he captured their heavyweight championship. He then began working the independent circuit in 2001 after PPW shut down. For the first show, Del Rios worked as a Scott Steiner look-a-like named Del Rios as he participated in the Gauntlet for the Gold.
Where Is He Now?: After the first show, Del Rios would not be used afterwards and he returned to Memphis where he competed for Memphis Wrestling under the name Shock from 2003 till retiring in 2005 though he did come out of retirement for one match in 2012 under the Phantasio gimmick.
Justice
Background: Impact legend, Justice turned pro in 1995 and spent his early years working the independent circuit as well as promotions like Power Pro Wrestling and NWA Wildside, including winning the NWA Wildside Tag Team Championships with future partner and rival AJ Styles. In 2002, he got his big break working for IWA Puerto Rico and World Wrestling Council (also in Puerto Rico) where he was given his signature gimmick of Abyss and enjoyed runs as IWA's hardcore, intercontinental, and tag team champion. He worked in Puerto Rico from 2002-2004. For the first show, Justice worked under his Justice name and competed in the Gauntlet for the Gold.
Where Is He Now?: After the first show, Justice left Impact and went back to Puerto Rico. In May 2003, he made his return to Impact under the Abyss gimmick and went on to be one of Impact's biggest and longtime names working for the promotion for the next sixteen years. As Abyss, Justice had memorable matches and feuds against the likes of AJ Styles, Sting, Sabu, Judas Mesias, Mick Foley, The Broken Hardyz, and the X Division. During his Impact run, he captured seven championships including the NWA World Heavyweight Championship and became the second ever grand slam champion. Along with portraying the Abyss character, Justice also occasionally appeared as Joseph Park, the supposed brother, but really alter-ego, of Abyss. Though a wrestler, Justice also spent time working backstage for Impact over the years mostly as a road agent/producer. Outside of Impact, Justice achieved success elsewhere including AAA in Mexico where he held the tag team championship, Ohio Valley Wrestling where he was a two time heavyweight champion, and in Ring of Honor where he won the 2006 Trios Tournament as a member of Prince Nana's Embassy stable. In 2019, after sixteen years with Impact, he left and took a job as a producer for WWE while also making occasional appearances under the Joseph Park character. As of 2022, Justice still works for WWE and retired from the ring. In 2018, he was inducted into the Impact Hall of Fame.
Devon Storm
Background: Longtime journeyman wrestler, Storm was trained by "Iron" Mike Sharpe and turned pro in 1992. After starting in the independent circuit, he began making appearances for ECW, WCW, and WWF from 1996-1999, including participating in the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship tournament in 1997. He achieved his biggest fame during his run in WCW from 1999-2001 where he competed as Crowbar and was aligned with David Flair and Daffney while also enjoying runs with the WCW Hardcore, World Tag Team, and Cruiserweight Championships. He would be released from WCW in March 2001, right before the WWF bought the company and he returned to physical therapy while working dates for WWA and the indie circuit.
Where Is He Now?: After the first show, Storm returned to Impact for another shot in July under the name Tempest where he was a member of "Father" James Mitchell's Disciples of the New Church while competing in a tournament for the NWA World Tag Team Championship before leaving and returning to the indie circuit. He returned to Impact sporadically afterwards, including two appearances in 2003 (once again as Devon Storm) where he competed in the Hard Ten tournament and then in 2013 for Impact's One Night Only special Hardcore Justice 2. Outside of Impact, Storm has frequently worked in the indies for promotions such as Juggalo Championship Wrestling, House of Hardcore, Game Changer Wrestling, and Extreme Rising while also doing shots for ROH in 2011, 2012, 2019, and 2020. As of 2022, Storm continues to wrestle for the independent circuit.
Gran Apolo
Background: Puerto Rican wrestler, Apolo turned pro in 1999 and made a name for himself in the IWA: Puerto Rico promotion where he became a top star as he competed there till 2006 where he was an eight time world champion, a four time world tag team champion, and a two time hardcore champion.
Where Is He Now?: After the first show, Apolo continued working for Impact till August when he left and returned to Puerto Rico. He returned in 2004, where he challenged Jeff Jarrett for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship and teamed with D-Lo Brown to win the NWA World Tag Team Championship. After leaving again, he returned from 2005-2006 where he mostly teamed with Sonny Siaki until Siaki left. Afterwards, he joined up with Konnan and Homicide to form the Latin American Xchange (L.A.X.) but was quickly fired in February 2006 after no-showing the January 2006 Final Resolution PPV. He eventually made one last appearance in 2007 at a house show in Puerto Rico and hasn't worked for Impact since. In between his Impact runs, he continued working for IWA: Puerto Rico until leaving in 2006. The following year, he joined the World Wrestling Council where he enjoyed four runs as WWC Universal Champion and one as WWC Puerto Rico Champion. From December 2007 to March 2008, he briefly signed with WWE and worked in their Florida Championship Wrestling developmental before being released. Since 2008, Apolo has been a journeyman, competing for IWA: Puerto Rico, WWC, and various NWA territories where he won the NWA North American Championship. In recent years, he's continued to work in Puerto Rico as well as in Mexico. As of 2022, Apolo still wrestles.
Slash
Background: Longtime Tennessee mainstay, Slash turned pro in 1991 and became mostly known for his run as "Wolfie D" in the rap tag team PG-13 with Jamie "J.C. Ice" Dundee from 1993-2000. The team became most known for their 1993-1997 run in USWA as the promotion's top tag team where they won the titles fifteen times among other honors. They also became known for their 1996-1997 run in the WWF as the rappers of the Nation of Domination who rapped the group to the ring. They also made appearances for ECW in 1997 where they challenged for the World Tag Team Championship but also had a short run in WCW in 2000 before the team broke up. Afterwards, Slash revamped his look and gimmick to a goth character named "Slash". Originally, he competed in Ohio Valley Wrestling as part of the Disciples of Synn where he won the OVW Southern Tag Team Championships but left in 2001 after being passed over for the main roster. He debuted for Impact in June 2002 as a member of Father James Mitchell's Disciples of the New Church.
Where Is He Now?: After the first show, Slash continued to work for Impact for their first two years where he continued as a member of Mitchell's New Church. During this time, he achieved success in a tag team with fellow longtime Tennessee mainstay Brian Lee with the two enjoying a two month run as NWA World Tag Team Champions while feuding with America's Most Wanted from late 2002 to early 2003. After that, he and the Church eventually aligned with Shane Douglas and had a memorable feud with Raven and his Gathering which included future legends like Mickie James (then Alexis Laree) and CM Punk during which time Lee left the promotion and Slash began teaming with new member Sinn. Slash would eventually leave Impact in March 2004 after competing in a tournament for the NWA World Tag Team Championships. Since leaving Impact, Slash has worked the indie circuit, mostly in Tennessee under his Slash gimmick and occasionally reuniting with J.C. Ice in PG-13 as Wolfie D. In 2012, Slash opened a wrestling school and the following year, returned to Impact for their One Night Only special Hardcore Justice 2. Slash continued working the independent circuit until retiring in 2016. In 2022, Slash made his in-ring return at Impact's Countdown to Slammiversary show where he participated in the reverse battle royal. He recently also competed at Ric Flair's retirement show.
James Mitchell
Background: Longtime Impact personality and manager, Mitchell started in 1989 on the indie circuit as a wrestler in Virginia and the Carolinas before transitioning to managing. His first break occurred during his 1993-1994 run in Jim Cornette's Smoky Mountain Wrestling as a manager named Daryl Van Horne where he became known for managing Prince Kharis, a 4,000 year old mummy and a masked character named Kendo the Samurai. After SMW, Mitchell worked in WCW from 1997-1999 as James Vandenberg where he managed Mortis (Chris Kanyon) and Wrath (Bryan Clarke) against Glacier and Ernest "The Cat" Miller in the infamous "Blood Runs Cold" angle before going on to have a brief segment on WCW Saturday Night in 1998. After his contract ended, Mitchell then worked for ECW during it's final year of 2000-2001 as the Sinister Minister and was the manager of Mikey Whipwreck and Yoshihiro Tajiri all the while leading them to the ECW World Tag Team Titles. He debuted in Impact on the first show as "Father" James Mitchell.
Where Is He Now?: After the first show, Mitchell would be a longtime personality for Impact and arguably their greatest manager. From 2002-2004, Mitchell led the Disciples of the New Church which included such names as Slash, Brian Lee, Malice, and Mike Awesome during which time, he led Slash and Lee to the NWA World Tag Team Championship while having a memorable feud with Raven. After the church broke up, Mitchell then managed Abyss for several years and led him to the NWA World Heavyweight Championship in 2006 while the two feuded with Sting. After separating from Abyss, he briefly feuded with him by bringing in Judas Mesias (Lucha Underground's Mil Muertes and MLW's King Muertes) before being released in 2008. During and after his Impact run, Mitchell attempted to get employed by WWE as he managed Tajiri for his match at the 2005 ECW One Night Stand show and was reportedly set to work for the new ECW brand but nothing came of it. He later tried to get hired in 2009 but nothing came of that either. Outside of Impact, Mitchell worked as a singer at Florida resorts, usually singing songs from Frank Sinatra to Tony Bennett. Beginning in 2013 and since 2017, Mitchell has since resumed making appearances for Impact be it one night only shots to programs spanning several months. During this time, he either would reunite with Abyss or Judas Mesias or do angles with Knockouts with supernatural characters like Rosemary, Su Yung, and Havok. In 2021, Mitchell made a one night appearance for AEW as he officiated the wedding between Kip Sabian and Penelope Ford while he's also begun making appearances for NWA as a manager. As of 2022, Mitchell still pops up in Impact including at Slammiversary 2022 and continues to work for the NWA.
K-Krush
Background: Longtime wrestler who turned pro in 1997 first as a manager and then a wrestler under the name K-Krush where he worked the indie circuit as well as NWA Wildside. From 1999-2000, he signed a developmental deal with the WWF and worked for Memphis Championship Wrestling where he won their Southern Heavyweight Championship two times. From 2000-2002, he worked for the WWF as K-Kwik where he first formed a tag team with Road Dogg until Road Dogg's firing due to personal problems and then worked in the undercard where he won the WWF Hardcore Championship two times before he was released in 2002. He joined Impact in 2002 under his K-Krush name.
Where Is He Now?: After the first show, Krush continued with Impact and received a strong push quickly as he changed his name to Ron "the Truth" Killings and defeated Ken Shamrock to win the NWA World Heavyweight Championship in August 2002. With the win, Krush became the first black NWA World Heavyweight Champion in the belt's then 54 year history. After losing the championship, Krush would regain it in 2004 while also forming the three man team 3 Live Kru with Road Dogg (then BG James) and Konnan where they won the NWA World Tag Team Championships two times. After the stable broke up in late 2005, Krush went to the midcard before forming a short lived team with controversial football player Adam "Pacman" Jones with the two winning the Impact World Tag Team Championships in September 2007 before dropping them a month later. After receiving his release in December 2007, Krush returned to the WWE in 2008 as R-Truth. During his first few years, he received a good push enjoying two runs as United States Champion and one as World Tag Team Champion with Kofi Kingston while feuding with John Cena for the WWE Championship. By the mid 2010s, he settled into a role of a comic relief and by 2019, became a staple in the promotion's 24/7th division as he's won the championship a record 53 times. Outside of wrestling, Krush has also enjoyed a music career and has released two albums along with various singles over the decades. As of 2022, Krush still works for WWE.
Konnan
Background: Lucha Libre legend, Konnan first turned pro in 1987 and spent the first nine years of his career in Mexico for promotions like UWA, CMLL, and AAA where he became a superstar and even transitioned to music and television. During his Mexican run, he also had cups of coffee with NWA/WCW and the WWF in the early 90s but the NWA/WCW didn't leave to a full time gig while the WWF one saw him have a falling out with Vince McMahon. From 1995-1996, he then appeared for ECW where he briefly feuded with the Sandman before jumping to WCW in 1996. In WCW, Konnan would achieve success as a member of nWo and nWo Wolfpac as well as the leader of the Filthy Animals while enjoying runs as United States, Television, and World Tag Team Champions. After WCW was bought out by WWF, Konnan was not brought in and became a journeyman as he competed for Xtreme Pro Wrestling, WWC, and WWA.
Where Is He Now?: After the first show, Konnan left Impact and went on to tour the world for various promotions. He returned in early 2003 and after a few appearances, would go on to form 3 Live Kru with Ron Killings (K-Krush) and BG James with the three winning the NWA World Tag Team Championship two times. After the Kru broke up in late 2005, Konnan then formed the Latin American Xchange with Homicide and Apolo (who would then be replaced by Machete and finally Hernandez). Though still a wrestler, Konnan would also manage LAX to the NWA World Tag Team Championships two times between 2006-2007 while also doing Spanish commentary on the side. In 2008, he left Impact after a fallen out and sued the promotion. He then returned to AAA in Mexico and once again worked the independents. By the 2010s, he began booking for AAA as well and largely started slowing down as a wrestler by 2013 due to health issues and years of wear and tear though he had occasionally returned to the ring as recent as 2022. From 2014-2015, he appeared in the first season of Lucha Underground as the manager of Prince Puma (Ricochet). In 2017, he returned to Impact and reunited with Homicide to manage a new LAX with Ortiz, Santana, and Diamante while also working backstage on the creative team. He would lead Ortiz and Santana to four Impact World Tag Team Championships before the team left for AEW in 2019 and he quietly left during the pandemic. In 2018, he then began making appearances for MLW where he managed several AAA talent like Pentagon Jr. and Fenix as well as the tag team 5150, who he led to the tag team championships. He's also made the occasional appearances for AEW, usually reuniting with Ortiz and Santana. As of 2022, Konnan still appears for AAA in Mexico and MLW in the states while hosting his own podcast Keepin' It 100.
Lash LeRoux
Background: Pro wrestler who was best known for his time during the last years of WCW. LeRoux trained at the WCW Power Plant in 1998 and spent his first two years paying his dues before he began moving up the ranks in 2000 where he became a contender for the WCW Cruiserweight Championship. His biggest success came in 2000-2001 as part of the Misfits in Action stable as Corporal Cajun where he briefly held the WCW World Tag Team Championship with Chavo Guerrero. After WCW was bought out in WWF in 2001, LeRoux would be picked up and sent to developmental Heartland Wrestling Association before being released in December 2001.
Where Is He Now?: After the first show, LeRoux left Impact and began competing less in wrestling though he made a return for a few shots in 2004 on Impact's b show Xplosion but wasn't hired. LeRoux continued working sporadically on the independent circuit before retiring in 2006. He's since become a cartoonist.
Background: British-American wrestler, Smiley was trained by wrestling legend "Professor" Boris Malenko and turned pro in 1985. Smiley spent the first six years of his career in the independent circuit before achieving his first break when he joined the Mexican based CMLL in 1991. Wrestling under the name "Black Magic", Smiley competed in CMLL until 1995 during which time he held the CMLL World Championship. After making appearances in ECW between 1995-1996, Smiley then achieved his biggest fame in America when he signed with WCW in 1997. He spent his first two years with little direction but by 1999, eventually made a name for himself in the promotion's hardcore division as he became a two time WCW Hardcore Champion while also becoming the inaugural champion. Smiley remained with WCW until it was bought out by WWF in March 2001 but he was not picked up. After WCW, Smiley briefly returned to CMLL while also appearing for World Wrestling All-Stars and X Wrestling Federation as well as the indies.
Where Is He Now?: After the first show, Smiley made several more appearances for Impact in 2002 and 2003 but didn't do much of note. He largely spent the remainder of his career on the indie circuit with occasional appearances in bigger promotions. During this time, he also made appearances for WWE on their c level shows and for MLW but wasn't hired by either one. From 2006-2007, he made here and there returns to Impact, occasionally teaming with Shark Boy. By 2007, Smiley would be hired by the WWE as a trainer for their developmental promotions, first for Florida Championship Wrestling and later NXT which resulted in him retiring in 2008. As of 2022, Smiley still works for WWE as a trainer for NXT.
Rick Steiner
Background: Legendary professional wrestler, Steiner originally trained under Eddie Sharkey and Brad Rheingans while turning pro in 1983. After doing time for the American Wrestling Association and Montreal's International Wrestling, Steiner got his first break in 1985 when he joined Bill Watts' Mid-South Wrestling (later Universal Wrestling Federation) where he was a member of Hot Stuff and Hyatt International and held the UWF Tag Team Championships with Sting. After the UWF was bought by Jim Crockett, Steiner transferred to Jim Crockett Promotions/NWA where he achieved singles success by himself and as part of the Varsity Club stable. From 1989-1998, Steiner achieved legendary status when he formed the Steiner Brothers tag team with brother Scott. The Steiners would go on to be one of wrestling's greatest tag teams enjoying success in NWA/WCW, New Japan Pro Wrestling, WWF, and ECW where they won tag team belts in all but ECW all the while engaging in memorable feuds and matches with Doom, the Miracle Violence Connection, the Outsiders, Money Inc., the Quebecers, and Hiroshi Hase and Kensuke Sasaki. After the team broke up and Scott began a solo run, Steiner enjoyed success for the remainder of his WCW run holding the United States, Television, and World Tag Team Championships. After WCW was bought out, Steiner was not picked up by WWF and eventually returned to New Japan where he even participated in a tournament for the vacant IWGP Heavyweight Championship.
Where Is He Now?: After the first show, Steiner left Impact and returned to New Japan where he remained until September 2003 though he did make appearances for WWA and made the occasional return to Impact in 2003. After leaving New Japan, Steiner worked the indies while touring for Pro Wrestling NOAH from 2004-2005. In 2007, Steiner returned to Impact to reunite with Scott with the two engaging in a dream feud with Team 3D (the former Dudley Boyz) and made one more appearance for New Japan in January 2008 where he challenged for the IWGP Tag Team Championship. For the remainder of his career, Steiner largely worked the independent circuit where he competed less as the years went on before retiring in 2019. Outside of wrestling, Steiner has worked in real estate and local politics. As of 2022, Steiner is largely retired from wrestling while his son Bronson has since followed him in the wrestling business as he now competes in NXT as Bron Breakker. In 2022, the Steiner Brothers were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame while both were inducted individually in the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2012.
Scott Hall
Background: Wrestling legend, Hall was trained by wrestling legend Hiro Matsuda and turned pro in 1984. Hall would spend the first eight years of his career as a journeyman appearing for promotions like the AWA, New Japan, WWC, and NWA/WCW having varying degrees of success. In 1992, Hall achieved his big break when he joined the WWF and competed as "the Bad Guy" Razor Ramon where he worked till 1996 all the while capturing the Intercontinental Championship a then record four times. In 1996, Hall returned to WCW where he played a huge role in the promotion's success forming the tag team the Outsiders with Kevin Nash while they, along with Hulk Hogan, co-founded the nWo where he enjoyed multiple runs as World Tag Team Champion while also holding the Television and United States Championship and the 1997 World War 3 Battle Royal. Unfortunately, during his WCW run, Hall began to struggle with personal problems with drugs and alcohol which derailed his run and career as he took hiatuses while going in and out of rehab until being released in 2000. After his release, Hall had a cup of coffee run in ECW before spending most of 2001 in New Japan where he seemed to rebuild his reputation. In February 2002, he returned to the WWF to reunite the nWo with Hogan and Nash but due to a variety of reasons, with Hall's demons being one, the reunion didn't work out and Hall would be released only three months later.
Where Is He Now?: After the first show, Hall continued working for Impact until he left in October during which time he was a contender for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. After leaving, Hall made sporadic appearances in Puerto Rico for IWA: Puerto Rico and HUSTLE in Japan over the next few years. From 2004-2010, Hall would have three more runs in Impact with his last run seeing him win the Impact World Tag Team Championship with Nash and Eric Young. However, none of his runs lasted long due to either personal problems, health issues, or legal troubles. In 2007, he also returned to WWC to win their Universal Championship but was eventually stripped of the championship after a no-show. Hall eventually retired after his last Impact run in 2010 and spent years before and after retirement battling his demons and having several near death experiences. In 2013, he eventually moved in with Diamond Dallas Page and with that along with therapy began to rebuild his life. From 2014-2020, Hall would largely enjoy redemption though he did occasionally slip from time to time. During this period, he made indie appearances, autograph signings, and WWE appearances including helping younger wrestlers at the WWE Performance Center all the while enjoying fans and younger wrestlers love for him. Tragically, following the COVID-19 pandemic and quarantines that came with it, Hall would relapse and his demons haunted him again as he again began abusing alcohol for the last two years of his life. In February 2022, Hall would fall in his home and suffer a broken hip. After undergoing surgery, Hall would have a blood clot discharge resulting in three heart attacks that put him on life support. On March 14, 2022, with no hope for recovery, Hall was removed from life support after his family came to visit him where he passed away four to six hours later at the age of 63. Hall is one of the few two time WWE Hall of Fame inductees having been inducted in 2014 by himself under his Razor Ramon persona and then as part of the nWo in 2021 (as part of the class of 2020).
Steve Corino
Background: Longtime veteran, Corino turned pro in 1994 and spent the first four years largely working the indie circuit as well as WWC in Puerto Rico and the Hardy Boyz' OMEGA promotion in North Carolina. From 1998-2001, Corino achieved his first break when he joined ECW first as the cowardly "King of Old School" before becoming one of their top stars having feuds with the likes of Taz and the Sandman while later winning the ECW World Heavyweight Championship. After ECW shutdown, Corino became a journeyman competing for the NWA where he won the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. Beginning in 2002, Corino also started working for Ring of Honor as a commentator.
Where Is He Now?: After the first show, Corino left Impact and only made a few more appearances in early 2003. After Impact, Corino became a regular for Japan's Pro Wrestling ZERO-ONE promotion throughout the 2000s enjoying runs as United States Champion and Intercontinental Tag Team Champion. From 2002-2004, he also worked for Major League Wrestling during their first run where he led the Xtreme Horsemen stable and held the MLW World Heavyweight Championship. He also initially worked for ROH from 2002-2006 first as a commentator and later a wrestler having a feud with Christopher Daniels and his Prophecy stable as well as an on again/off again feud with Homicide. Around 2007, Corino tried out for WWE but was ultimately not hired. From 2009-2016, he returned to ROH where he was a member of the S.C.U.M. stable with Kevin Steen (Kevin Owens) and Jimmy Jacobs and held the ROH World Tag Team Championship with the latter. Towards the end of his run, he became ROH's color commentator while having a feud with BJ Whitmer. In 2017, Corino went into semi-retirement after taking a job as a trainer and road agent/producer role for NXT. In 2021, Corino returned to the ring where he lost to his son Colby. As of 2022, Corino still works for NXT.
Ricky Steamboat
Background: Legendary professional wrestling, Steamboat was trained by fellow legend Verne Gagne and turned pro in 1976. After spending a year working Gagne's AWA and Championship Wrestling from Florida, Steamboat jumped to Jim Crockett Promotions in 1977 and remained till 1985. During his run in Crockett, Steamboat built his legend as one of the top stars in the promotion enjoying huge success as both a singles and tag team wrestler. During this time, he mostly became known for his series of matches with Ric Flair and his tag team with Jay Youngblood. From 1985-1988, Steamboat worked for the WWF where he had memorable rivalries with Don Muraco, Jake Roberts, and "Macho Man" Randy Savage. His biggest highlight was defeating Savage for the WWF Intercontinental Championship at Wrestlemania III in one of the greatest matches of all time. In 1989, he returned to Crockett (now NWA and later WCW) where he captured the NWA World Championship and had his legendary three match series with Flair that are also considered some of wrestling's greatest matches. After a cup of coffee return with the WWF in 1991, Steamboat finished his career in WCW from 1991-1994 where he had another big run feuding with the Dangerous Alliances including it's members Rick Rude and Steve Austin while later resuming his rivalry with Flair before a back injury ended his career in 1994. After retiring, Steamboat left the business for a number of years and started a gym. At Impact's first show, Steamboat was the guest referee for the end of the Gauntlet for the Gold between the last two participants.
Where Is He Now?: After the first show, Steamboat made a few month appearances as a guest referee before leaving the promotion. In 2004, Steamboat then appeared for Ring of Honor having a memorable angle with CM Punk while having debates with Mick Foley over whether pure wrestling or hardcore was more superior though he didn't wrestle. From 2005-2010, Steamboat returned to the WWE as a road agent/producer and in 2009, made a return to the ring for a nostalgia run including competing at Wrestlemania XXV and feuded with Chris Jericho. In 2010, he suffered legit neck and shoulder pain following an injury angle against the Nexus stable which resulted in him retiring for good and he eventually moved to work as a trainer for NXT and as part of talent relations. Following the release of his son in 2013, he left his role and became a WWE ambassador which he still is to this day. As of 2022, Steamboat not only makes the occasional appearance for WWE but has also made appearances for AEW and MLW in guest roles while also appearing at autograph signings and conventions. Steamboat has been inducted into many hall of fames before and after his Impact run including the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame in 1996, the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum in 2002, the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009, the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2009, and the NWA Hall of Fame in 2012.
Malice
Background: Professional wrestler who was trained by legendary trainer Larry Sharpe and turned pro in 1994 where he spent his early years in the indie circuit and was also a protege of Bam Bam Bigelow. After additional training in the WCW Power Plant, he joined WCW in 1999 as The Wall where he first was the bodyguard of Berlyn (Alex Wright) and later was a member of the Misfits in Action as Sgt. A-Wall where he competed for the WCW Hardcore Championship. After WCW was bought in 2001, Malice would be picked up by WWF but quickly requested his release to deal with personal issues and returned to the independent circuit.
Where Is He Now?: After the first show, Malice continued working for Impact during which time he was a member of James Mitchell's Disciples of the New Church stable and was a contender of the NWA World Heavyweight Championship but was never able to win it. After leaving in November 2002, Malice made one more appearance in March 2003 before he began competing for All Japan Pro Wrestling throughout most of 2003 as "Gigantes" and was a member of Taka Michinoku's Roughly, Obsess, & Destroy stable where he was a title and tournament competitor and even had a match with the Great Muta. On December 6, 2003, after completing the final tour of the year, Malice would be found unconscious in his hotel room before being sent to the hospital where he was pronounced dead at the age of 36 due to a heart attack.
Ken Shamrock
Background: Professional wrestler and legendary MMA fighter, Shamrock originally trained by Nelson Royal, Gene Anderson, and Buzz Sawyer and turned pro in 1988. Shamrock got his start in the Carolina independents as well as the South Atlantic Pro Wrestling promotions competing as "Wayne Shamrock" and "Vince Torelli" where he held the SAPW Heavyweight Championship. From 1990-1993, he then began competing in Japan, first for Newborn UWF and then for Pro Wrestling Fujiwara Gumi where he befriended fellow wrestlers and future MMA legends Masakatsu Funaki and Minoru Suzuki. In 1993, Shamrock would turn to Mixed Martial Arts after following Funaki and Suzuki to their promotion Pancrase. From 1993-1996, Shamrock would become one of MMA's first stars and legends achieving success in the early years of the UFC and Pancrase as he became the inaugural UFC Superfight Champion and the King of Pancrase while engaging in legendary rivalries with Royce Gracie and Dan Severn. Shamrock would also establish one of MMA's first elite gyms in the Lion's Den. After MMA went into decline in America in 1997, Shamrock resumed wrestling and joined the WWF where he enjoyed a successful two year run holding the Intercontinental and World Tag Team Championship while also winning the 1998 King of the Ring tournament and engaged in rivalries with the Hart Foundation, Shawn Michaels, the Undertaker, and the Rock. After leaving the WWF in 1999, Shamrock resumed fighting, mostly in Japan for PRIDE Fighting Championships where he fought the likes of Kazuyuki Fujita and Don Frye before joining Impact in 2002.
Where Is He Now?: After the first show, Shamrock would reign as NWA World Heavyweight Champion, fending off challenges against Malice, Takao Omori, and Sabu until losing the championship to Ron "the Truth" Killings (K-Krush) on August 7th. Following this, Shamrock left Impact and only wrestled sporadically in the ensuing years including a brief return in 2004. From 2002-2006, Shamrock returned to the UFC where he mostly engaged in a famous feud with fellow MMA legend Tito Ortiz which proved important in the UFC and MMA in America though Shamrock came up short in all three encounters. After leaving the UFC in 2007, Shamrock would controversially fight for another nine years to terrible results and throughout that time, many fans and people in the MMA community began calling for Shamrock's retirement and that he was far past his prime to keep fighting. Since retiring in 2017, Shamrock has left a mixed legacy in the sport as he's still celebrated for his contributions during the sport's inception but also is considered the poster boy of a fighter who stuck around for way too long. After MMA, Shamrock returning to wrestling by 2018 and officially returned to Impact in 2019 for a third run where he mostly feuded with and then aligned with Sami Callihan until leaving in January 2021. As of 2022, Shamrock has slowed down in wrestling though he did wrestle a match this year but mostly spends his time as a promoter for bare knuckle fights. Shamrock was inducted in the UFC Hall of Fame in 2003 and the Impact Hall of Fame in 2020.
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