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Impact Wrestling Faces Contract Renewal Storm as Key Talent's Deals Near Expiration

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Sunday, December 7th 2025 at 14:31 GMT by Wrestling News

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Impact Wrestling’s Contract Renewal Storm: Who’s on the Move and What It Means for the Future

Impact Wrestling – formerly known as TNA (Total Nonstop Action) – has been a mainstay of the American independent wrestling scene for over two decades. With a roster that’s a mix of seasoned veterans and breakout talent, the promotion has managed to keep its identity distinct from the WWE juggernaut by prioritizing hard‑hitting action, intricate storylines, and an emphasis on talent development. The latest buzz in the locker‑room, however, is a wave of contract expirations that could shake up the brand’s landscape. An article from EWrestlingnews.com titled “Several TNA Contracts Expiring This Month, Negotiations Underway” breaks down who’s due for a renewal, what the current negotiations look like, and why these deals are a big deal for both the wrestlers and Impact’s business model.

1. The Expiring Contracts: Who’s Leaving or Staying?

The article notes that Eric Young is one of the most vocal in the locker‑room. He has been with Impact since 2014, won the X‑Division title on a few occasions, and recently took over the role of General Manager. Young’s contract is set to expire on September 30, and Impact’s leadership is reportedly offering a new one‑year extension with a performance‑based bonus structure. The wrestler’s long tenure and deep knowledge of Impact’s backstage politics make him a valuable anchor as the company looks to maintain continuity while still refreshing its roster.

Austin Aries – a man who has spent his career shuttling between Impact and WWE, and now owns a 20 % stake in the company – is also on the hook. Aries has served as a champion on a number of occasions and has co‑produced “Aces & Eights” and the “Hardcore Justice” specials. His contract expires on October 31, and Impact is trying to strike a deal that would keep him on the show while also respecting his business interests. Rumors suggest that Aries is open to a buy‑out if the company cannot match the level of creative control he wants.

Brian Cage, a former X‑Division titleholder and a perennial “money‑in‑the‑bank” threat, is set to become a free agent on October 31 as well. Cage has a reputation for being a high‑profile name that can be marketed to younger demographics, and his contract negotiations are reportedly at the “multi‑year” stage. The wrestler has hinted that he is looking for a more stable role, including a creative partnership with Impact.

Meanwhile, Melina Perez—a former WWE star who transitioned into a backstage creative consultant role—has her contract ending on September 30. She is a key part of the company’s storytelling engine, especially for the tag‑team division. Impact reportedly wants to bring her on for a longer stretch, especially as the promotion tries to bolster its women’s division.

2. Why These Contracts Matter

Impact Wrestling operates on a budget that is significantly lower than WWE’s. As a result, it’s essential that the promotion’s talent not only be marketable but also able to contribute to the brand’s creative direction. Several of the wrestlers mentioned above serve in dual roles: as performers and as creative consultants. This hybrid structure allows Impact to maintain a tight budget while leveraging talent’s unique insights.

Additionally, the contract expirations come at a pivotal time. Impact is in the middle of a “new year, new look” storyline overhaul, with a major push on the “Hardcore” brand and a partnership with the streaming platform FITE TV. The company’s leadership is looking for stability in its top talent to keep storylines coherent while still attracting new viewers.

3. Potential New Signings

While the article focuses on the expirations, it also hints at potential new signings. According to sources cited by EWrestlingnews.com, Impact is in talks with:

• Tessa Blanchard – The former WWE Superstar is reportedly open to a full‑time role in Impact if the creative vision aligns with her future goals. Her return would bring significant cross‑promotional buzz, especially with the upcoming “Blanchard vs. Taya” feud.
• Robbie E – A former NXT Star who has been training on the independent circuit. Impact could sign him for a one‑year deal to test out the “Rivalries” format on the weekly program.
• Lashley (Former WWE Star) – Rumors about Lashley’s potential return to Impact have been circulating, mainly due to his strong ties with the “Championships & Cup” storyline.

These potential signings could be a decisive factor in how Impact negotiates with the existing contract holders. If Impact can secure a major name, they could use that as leverage to convince older talent to stay.

4. Negotiation Tactics and Key Deal Components

Impact’s current approach to contract negotiations reflects a shift from the old-school “pay‑to‑play” model. The promotion is now offering:

• Creative Control – Several wrestlers are asking for a say in their storylines, which is rare for a mid‑tier promotion. Impact’s leadership acknowledges that to keep talent happy, it will need to give a little more voice.
• Performance Bonuses – In lieu of high base salaries, Impact is leaning heavily on performance‑based bonuses for championship reigns and crowd‑pleasing moments.
• Cross‑Promotion Revenue Sharing – In a world where talent can appear on multiple brands (including independent circuits, AAA, and MLW), Impact is open to revenue sharing agreements for wrestlers who keep appearing elsewhere.
• Injury Protection – A clause that covers medical expenses in the event of a serious injury, a move that has become more popular in recent years given the high physical demands of modern wrestling.

These components aim to make Impact an attractive option for talent who might otherwise consider a move to the WWE or AEW.

5. The Bigger Picture: Impact’s Position in the Wrestling Ecosystem

With the expiration of key contracts, Impact Wrestling faces a classic “choose your future” scenario. On one side, they can retain familiar faces and give them a chance to elevate new talent. On the other, they could seize the opportunity to reshape the roster by bringing in fresh faces who might offer different dynamics and fanbases. The negotiations will be watched closely by independent promoters, WWE talent scouts, and even the wrestlers themselves, who will consider whether Impact’s creative control aligns with their personal brand.

Moreover, Impact’s recent partnership with FITE TV has been a double‑edged sword. While the streaming service provides a new revenue stream and a global audience, it also imposes a schedule that demands more frequent appearances from talent. This increased demand may push wrestlers to negotiate for better compensation or for more creative input.

6. Bottom Line

In summary, the EWrestlingnews.com article on “Several TNA Contracts Expiring This Month, Negotiations Underway” paints a picture of a promotion at a crossroads. With major talents such as Eric Young, Austin Aries, Brian Cage, and Melina Perez up for renewal, Impact Wrestling is forced to make a strategic decision: keep the brand’s core stable or take the risk of a roster shake‑up. While the article does not confirm any final deals, the negotiations seem to be moving forward on a collaborative basis, with an emphasis on creative control, performance bonuses, and cross‑promotion opportunities. The outcome of these negotiations will not only affect the wrestlers’ careers but could reshape the trajectory of Impact Wrestling in the evolving wrestling landscape.