In a twist that no one really saw coming, an AEW star has left the company to sign with IMPACT Wrestling.
The shocking reveal came at IMPACT Hard To Kill 2023, to the delight of those watching in the stands.
AEW Star Goes Home
On the show Frankie Kazarian made a special appearance and was naturally greeted as a returning hero. Kazarian famously enjoyed a lengthy run with the company, however since 2019 he has been contracted to AEW.
Despite this, AEW’s deal with IMAPCT has meant that he has still been seen wresting in his former home, but he has only been a guest. That is until now. It has been announced that Kazarian has signed a new long-term contract with IMAPCT Wrestling, and he’s ready to climb to the top of the mountain one more time.
“I truly hope you guys are as happy to see me, as I am to see all of you. It’s great to be back in centre stage, it’s great to be back in Atlanta, Georgia. It’s fitting because all day I’ve had Georgia on my mind, but I’ve had a few other things on my mind…
I went back where I was and I was surrounded by strangers I thought were my friends and something just didn’t seem right. I learned a long time ago that in this life and in this business that if you don’t stand up for yourself nobody one else will. I learned that I hate complacency.
Very recently I had a decision to make, and that was do I sit idly by, keep my mouth shut and be complacent or do I bet on myself and walk away.
You guys don’t have to wait long for the answer because I’m here to tell you that earlier today I signed a long-term contract with IMAPCT Wrestling!”
Welcome home @FrankieKazarian!#HardToKillpic.twitter.com/3leZlsQHFF
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) January 14, 2023
Frankie Kazarian signed with AEW in 2019 and became one half of the first-ever AEW World Tag Team Champions. However, in recent months the star has found himself limited to appearances on Dark and Dark: Elevation.
It has been reported by PWInsider that Kazarian asked for his AEW release in later 2022 and it was granted.
If you use any of the quotes from this article please give a h/t back to Inside The Ropes.