Jake Crist Discusses Why He Left Impact, If Don Callis In AEW Helps Him

Jake Crist Interview

Conducted by Wrestling Inc. Managing Editor Nick Hausman

Audio Link: https://audioboom.com/posts/7753567-good-brothers-tease-aew-appearance-kyle-o-reilly-wins-nxt-title-shot-feat-jake-crist
Post Link: https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2020/12/jake-crist-discusses-why-he-left-impact-678112/

On becoming a free agent:

Yeah, I’m pretty happy. I’m just motivated more than ever right now to be completely honest. I found inner peace within myself, and I think that’s key in life, not having heat with anybody or anything like that. I have no negativity in my life at the moment, and that’s why I have this pep in my step. That’s why I’m happy. That’s why you see this big smile on my face. I’m a free agent baby! I’m a free agent baby!

On when he officially became a free agent:

My contract was up January 1 anyways. I didn’t think there was going to be any type of renewal or anything like that. I finally got a hold of the office, and I told them I had a couple opportunities coming up that I wouldn’t mind if I could jump on those. And they granted that to me. So here I am. Now, I’m a free agent, can’t be more happy. I was still under contract for six months not being used and sitting at home.

On if a breakdown in communication with the Impact office is what led to him leaving:

Pretty much, yes. I wasn’t hearing anything back. I thought with the things that I’ve done for the company, the way they treated it, I thought it could have been handled… but I also understand too them wanting to distance and do everything. Like I said, there’s no hard feelings, and I wish them nothing but the best. And I have a lot of friends that still work for the company, and like I said, nothing but the best for them.

On his future:

I will say this, I’ve reached out to a few different promotions. We’ll see what comes up with that. As far as I’m concerned, I’m just trying to focus on me and my character, ‘The Modern Man in Black’. This is the first time that I’m not in a tag team, not in a faction. I need to prove myself not only to the fans [but] to me. I feel like I need to prove myself as a singles performer. So that’s what I’m going to do, and I’m taking that opportunity. And that’s what I’m striving to do on any type of level. If I end up on TV somewhere, I hope I do, but if I don’t, I’m happy being an independent professional wrestler.

On if Don Callis working with Kenny Omega in AEW is good for him:

I loved Don. I think that’d be great. As far as I’m concerned, I think Don and I were very very cool. He always put me over. So who knows? Hopefully, that could help chances, maybe it hurts. I don’t know. I mean, there had to be a reason why I didn’t get an answer for six months.