Various: Savannah Evans Signs Deal with Impact, Johnny Gargano on Career Future, Gabe Sapolsky

Apr 7, 2022

Savannah Evans Signs New Contract with Impact Wrestling

A recent episode of the Women’s Wrestling Talk podcast had Impact Wrestling talent Savannah Evans as the guest. One of the topics discussed included Evans revealing that she recently signed a new multi-year contract with the company.

“I originally got a call from Tommy Dreamer in June or July of last year, he had been speaking with one of my trainers, Kaleb Konley, who was with IMPACT also, about bringing me in, ‘send me videos of her.’ He got all the information he needed and he had an idea for what he wanted to do with me on the show. That was the start of me coming in and doing stuff with IMPACT. About the signing itself, I got that call maybe three weeks ago, worked out all the fine details of the contract and then sent it back last week. My first major, long-term contract with a company, it’s really big for me. The contract is there, it’s signed, I just have to work harder now …
One thing I love about IMPACT is the locker room. Everyone is there, they each have their own role, nobody is stepping on toes. We’re all working to put out this product and have one goal in mind. I love the locker room. The goal and plan for the company is really big for me. For example, the diversity of women they have on the roster is big for me. none of us look the same, we’ll never be confused for the other one. We all bring something unique to the table, something different, and that’s something I value and they value as well.”

Transcript h/t: Fightful.com

Johnny Gargano Comments on Future of His Wrestling Career

A recent episode of the Insight with Chris Van Vliet podcast had Johnny Gargano as the guest. One of the topics discussed included Gargano’s thoughts about the future of his wrestling career.

“I’m always going to love wrestling. I’m always going to want to be part of wrestling in same, way, shape, or form. That’s just who I am. I’m Johnny Wrestling for a reason, I guess. It’s really interesting because I’ve done wrestling stuff for 16 years, who am I outside of wrestling. It’s the time period now where I’m gonna try to answer that existential question in my life. The name Johnny Gargano when I’m wrestling is always going to be beneficial, money-wise. You’re always going to want to see me wrestle, want to learn from me. In reality, I have a job for life. I can go be a producer, be a coach, I can train people.”

Gargano also gave his thoughts about a potential return to WWE being a possibility for his career’s future.

“Yes, I hope so. I assume. I have a great relationship with everyone there and I’m very lucky that I have that. That’s always in the back of my mind of what I’m going to do after wrestling. There is a big part of me that says I only want to wrestle until I’m 40 and that’s only six years away at this point. I feel I only have five years left to really maximize whatever I’m going to do in this …
That’s the thing I struggle with the most. If I want to do Indies again or AEW or IMPACT or ROH or back to WWE. My dream growing up was wrestle in WWE and wrestle at WrestleMania, be WWE Champion. That was always my dream and is still is my dream. There are also things that change those dreams, like having a baby, wanting to be home more. There are a lot of things I’m juggling right now with legacy mixed with being a good dad mixed with how I maximize the time I have left. There are a lot of questions I have to answers and I don’t know what that is yet, I’m just hoping that as this plays out, the right answer and right path will show itself to me.”

Transcript h/t: Fightful.com

Gabe Sapolsky Announces Free Agency Status & Future of His Career

As noted before, former EVOLVE owner Gabe Sapolsky was released by WWE this past January.

Sapolsky recently announced on Instagram that his non-compete clause with WWE expired this past Wednesday and he is currently a free agent.

My no compete clause with WWE ends today. I am now a free agent.
During the last 3 months something I never thought possible happened. I found interests outside of pro wrestling that I am very passionate about. As a result, I am committing myself to these newfound opportunities and not pursuing any jobs in wrestling. The key word is “pursuing.” I will still listen.
I am open to:
– Occasionally holding Twitter Spaces or group Zoom calls with indie wrestlers to give some of my knowledge for free if someone organizes it.
– 1-on-1 consulting wrestlers, promoters, creative people for $100 per hour. I will put my heart and soul in this and give you thorough, honest and constructive feedback/lessons.
– In-person seminar for $1000 or more plus trans/hotel.
– Starting an indie promotion with at least $1 million dollars in the bank at my disposal to back it.
I am not interested in doing any podcasts for free, writing a book or giving up any secrets and dirt. I will continue to post backstage pics from my career on my IG and share some of the lessons I’ve learned. Maybe I’ll tell some stories.
There is no one in this business with my resume. ECW was my college education. I created Ring Of Honor, Dragon Gate USA and EVOLVE. I spent 5 years with NXT. I cherish the fact I had two amazing bosses and mentors in Paul Levesque and Paul Heyman. I had the best business partner and friend I could ask for in Sal Hamaoui. I take pride in helping many talents move forward in the business. My fingerprints are everywhere. The people who take shots at me are just trying to walk in my footsteps.
I want to make a quick mention of the NFT and Web3 community. When I dug a few layers deep, I have found amazing artists, supportive people, enthusiastic educators and long term visionary builders. You all make me feel like I’m 21 again and just entering the wrestling business.
I am so lucky to have had my career for over 28 years. I love every one of you who have supported me, bought tickets/merch or have just given me encouragement. I love about 90% of the talents and crew I have had the privilege to work with. You will always have my deepest appreciation. You all have my heart.

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