An interesting tidbit in the latest issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (subscription required) reveals that two of the industry’s biggest free agents were close to signing with IMPACT Wrestling. Before All Elite Wrestling became a reality, both Kenny Omega and Chris Jericho were in deep talks with Don Callis, who is close friends with both, about joining the company. The idea was for both of them to continue working with New Japan Pro-Wrestling while under contract.
Omega was reportedly set to split his time by working 30 dates per year for IMPACT, while leaving the rest of his schedule open for New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Jericho would also continue to work for the Japanese promotion and would have complete creative control. However, neither deal became a reality since the wrestling landscape has dramatically changed in the meantime.
Jericho is now signed with All Elite Wrestling, and Omega is expected to announce a new deal once his current contract is up at the end of the month.
