legend D’Lo Brown thinks the company is finally in its best era with a defining role to play in the wrestling landscape.
Before tonight’s huge Rebellion show, the veteran star – who plays a vital role behind the scenes when it comes to talent relations – admitted he’s got his eye on plenty of big names in the likes of , All Elite Wrestling and beyond.
AEW and New Japan have unveiled plans for a joint show called the Forbidden Door, but Brown exclusively told Metro.co.uk that he thinks IMPACT are the ones who have defined this wild time in wrestling.
Speaking before the announcement was made, he said: ‘It’s unprecedented. I cut my teeth in a company [WWE] that didn’t acknowledge the rest of the wrestling world.
‘To be in IMPACT where you can have a show where it’s IMPACT, AEW, New Japan, NWA, AAA, Ring of Honor all on the same show Just, mind blown! I was happy that it was IMPACT that was facilitating that and at the focal point of that.
‘In that, IMPACT wins and the fans win. To me – we didn’t just open up the Forbidden Door, .’
Indeed, tonight’s Rebellion show is proof of that, with Deonna Purrazzo defending her AAA Reina de Reinas Championship against returning IMPACT star Taya Valkyrie, and Jay White battling Chris Sabin and Steve Maclin in a Triple Threat.
There’s also a bout between JONAH and Tomohiro Ishii, while IMPACT’s own talent is centre stage with Tasha Steelz defending her Knockouts Title against Rosemary, and for the IMPACT Wrestling World Championship.
Even with such stacked cards, D’Lo must be constantly making lists of new names to join the roster?
‘I’d rather not speak on them because if I say their name, they might disappear! But yes, there’s talent out there that I keep my own eye on,’ he coyly said, admitting that includes names already with WWE, AEW and beyond.
‘Yes. Everyone sees the same talent out there and it’s about when you pull the trigger. There’s talent out there that I see – they will not be named, but they’re out there.’
Of course, every company with so many top stars faces a challenge of keeping everyone happy and in the spotlight, but that then comes down to the wrestlers themselves making the most of every opportunity.
‘That’s what you do. Wherever you’re put – it doesn’t matter if you’re in the opening match or the main event, you do the best you can do and hope they continue to use you in that spot,’ D’Lo explained, noting it’s something he did throughout his own career.
The current IMPACT regime – helmed by Scott D’Amore – has seen , the IInspiration and Eric Young thrive in a freeing environment, which they didn’t necessarily get the chance to do elsewhere.
‘I think we’re all entertainers and artists and we’re here because of our creativity, so why stifle it? Instead, IMPACT encourages it,’ D’Lo added.
‘That’s when you shine your best, when you’re putting your best foot forward and your creativity is on the forefront as oppose to, “No, do it my way or don’t do it.” ‘
This isn’t just the careful views of a company man – Brown knows exactly what he’s talking about, having seen IMPACT in previous iterations – from 2003 to 04, and again from 2009 to 2013 – with very ‘different’ working environments.
‘The right talent at the right time. You put the right people in the right position to do the right thing,’ he pondered. ‘From just those three different time periods, it’s three different companies.
‘I feel this version of IMPACT is the best so far. It’s all about product and talent, and putting the talent in the best position to succeed, and it’s about everyone lifting everyone up. If those things happen, the company as a whole rises up and we’re seeing that now.’
IMPACT Wrestling: Rebellion airs April 23 at 1am on Fite TV.
