Chairshot Wrestling News Shuffle: EC3, Luke Harper, IMPACT Wrestling and More! (4/17/19)

News here! EC3, Luke Harper, IMPACT Wrestling and More!

Luke Harper Requests Release

Luke Harper has asked for his release from WWE according to his Twitter account. Harper returned from injury in February, but hasn’t been used much on TV.

pic.twitter.com/J5DvmKaHd7

— Luke Harper of WWE (@LukeHarperWWE) April 16, 2019

Jason’s Take

I had thought that there would have been the possibility that Harper would have been inserted into the Bryan/Rowan storyline. Harper is talented, and shouldn’t have any issues finding work in the future. Let the “Luke Harper to AEW” rumors begin.

EC3 Has Backstage Heat?

Since EC3 was called up to the main roster from NXT, many have questioned the creative direction the company is taking him in, including Bully Ray. Many outlets are reporting that EC3 has heat with the company, but many are uncertain as to why. WrestlingNewsCo has a breakdown on the speculation regarding what heat EC3 may have that you can read here. This may be part of the reason for the Braun Strowman demolishing EC3 segment that occurred on RAW.

IMO…

Whats the point of bringing up EC3 only to destroy him from day 1 on main roster??

Should have been left to thrive in NXT until right time.#RAW@BustedOpenRadio

— Bully Ray (@bullyray5150) April 16, 2019

Jason’s Take

I also question exactly what it is they are doing with EC3. He had a great run in IMPACT, and seemed destined for great things in WWE.

IMPACT Wrestling Teams With Reality Of Wrestling

IMPACT Wrestling and Reality Of Wrestling issue a joint press release today regarding the joint promotion of Deep Impact that will take place on Saturday, July 6th, in Houston, TX. You can read the press release here.

Jason’s Take

This is good for both companies, and have felt that IMPACT could do more joint ventures with independent promotions.

Carlito Returning To WWE?

The superstar shake-up always has fans speculating which wrestlers may move to which brands, or what the potential may be of former stars making their returns. The Twitter account of Epico teased the possibility of a Carlito return to WWE.

Time is right boys!!! Been too long too far apart!!! Let’s bring the brizz es back together!! What do u say ⁦@Bodyguylito⁩ ,⁦@WWE_Primo⁩ ?? pic.twitter.com/R4qLHzhf38

— Epico (@WWEEpico) April 16, 2019

Jason’s Take

Meh. In all honesty, I forgot Epico still worked with WWE.

Mick Foley Defends Viking Experience Name

Since the introduction of the Viking Experience on RAW Monday night, many fans have been bashing the name change for the former War Raiders. One of the people defending the name is Hall of Famer Mick Foley.

So maybe #VikingExperience wouldn’t have been my first choice, BUT, had there been social media in 1996, I’m guessing the name #Mankind would not have been greeted with much happiness either. Enjoy this match with Fergal ….um, Finn Balor.

— Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) April 16, 2019

Names can be tweaked, if the talent is there to back it up – which in this case, it is. Does the name “Kane the Undertaker” ring any bells?

— Mick Foley (@RealMickFoley) April 16, 2019

Jason’s Take

Not my first choice either, but at least they didn’t name them the ding-dongs.