Michael Elgin made his debut with Impact Wrestling this past Sunday, facing off with new Impact World Champion Brian Cage at Rebellion. Elgin recently quit NJPW and while there were reports that he had talks with WWE, he ultimately signed with Impact. NJPW hadn’t been using Elgin that much, particularly in the US. One of the reasons for that may have been due to the backlash an AAW show received after he was accused of covering up a sexual assault, although the lawsuit for that was dismissed due to lack of evidence. Either way, there was seemingly no backlash from the crowd in Toronto.

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that Impact Wrestling had likely been wanting to use Elgin since Don Callis came into power, as Callis knew Elgin from NJPW. He also knew that there was a chance of outrage on social media if they used him. Callis reportedly wanted to use Elgin, Davey Boy Smith Jr., and others from NJPW, but NJPW said they didn’t want any contracted talent working for promotions that could be competition to ROH, who they have a working relationship with. Elgin was going to be brought into Impact for a top spot, so he quit NJPW. New Japan told Elgin that if his deal with Impact falls apart, he’s welcome to return.