Bobby Lashley’s time with Impact Wrestling appears to have drawn to a close.
The former Impact World Champion and WWE alumni seemed to bid farewell to the promotion at the latest round of television tapings for the resurgent company.
Lashley put over recent signing Brian Cage and as he walked back to the locker room, turned, waved and bowed to the crowd in what is believed to be his final hurrah for the company.
Lashley is still under contract with Impact, but it will expire before the next lot of television recording in April and many believe he has no desire to re-sign.
The loss of Lashley will be a big blow to Impact, who are in need of a bankable and recognisable star to steady their brand after months of tumult. Putting faith in people like Alberto El Patron did more harm than good, and Lashley represented their best chance of using their talent’s drawing power to bring in fans.
Lashley arrived in Impact in 2014 after a prominent push in WWE that saw him crowned United States and ECW Champion. He also took on Umaga in the ‘Battle Of The Billionaires’ at WrestleMania XXIII.
After arriving at what was then called TNA, Lashley became the first African-American World Champion in the company’s history.
Inevitably, rumours began to fly immediately about a potential return to WWE, particularly with WrestleMania 34 on the way. But with no details on any ‘No Compete’ clauses, it’s hard to determine if or when Lashley could return.
Impact has recently weathered a number of high-profile exits, despite bringing in a raft of new faces from the independent scene.
Ethan Carter III (aka EC3) packed his bags before Lashley, while former TNA mainstay James Storm is done for good. Although he does have previous when it comes to returning to the promotion time and again.
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