The changes keep coming at TNA, Global Force Wrestling … no … wait — we think it’s called Impact Wrestling. In what should probably be considered the most tumultuous year in the 15-year history of the company, they made an announcement on Monday informing the wrestling world of two new Executive Vice Presidents.
Anthem Sports and Entertainment announced on Tuesday that Don Callis and Scott D’Amore have joined the company as Executive Vice Presidents. The two men will report to Anthem President Ed Nordholm to form a three-member Executive Committee. ImpactWrestling.com states they will have the “overall responsibility for developing the creative direction for the Company and managing the execution of the Company’s business plan.” In other words, they are the three men in charge in terms of booking the shows, and figuring out the finances as well.
Here’s a statement from Nordholm with more information:
“I am excited that Don and Scott have made this commitment to the Company. The 50 years of experience and success in the wrestling industry brought by Don and Scott, combined with the global media, marketing, sales and financial expertise of Anthem, provide the management depth and expertise that will propel IMPACT Wrestling to greater success as we continue to expand our footprint, embrace digital opportunities and grow the brand.”
Callis is best known in the wrestling business from his run as The Jackal in WWE in the late 1990s, then as Cyrus in ECW. He’s currently a commentator for New Japan. The press release from Impact noted Callis will continue to work for New Japan as an announcer. Since Impact only tapes their shows every six weeks or so, it’s not a demanding schedule at all.
It was noted by Pro Wrestling Sheet that Callis said on his “Killing The Town” podcast that he will take part in more than just the creative direction of the company. Callis will be running the company along with Nordholm and D’Amore.
As for D’Amore, you might know him best as the mouthpiece and leader of TNA’s Team Canada, but he’s done it all in wrestling. He started out as a wrestler, he’s trained wrestlers, he runs his own promotion, Border City Wrestling, in the Detroit/Windsor area, and he’s been part of Impact’s creative team in the past — including their best years in the mid-2000s. He’s an experienced guy that has the respect of the talent, so hopefully he can work well with Callis to help Impact move in the right direction again.
Impact recently closed their Nashville offices and are now based out of Toronto, Ontario. Callis and D’Amore are both Canadians, in case you’re wondering.
