Want more wrestling news, rumors, and results? Be sure to visit PWInsider.com and PWInsiderXtra.com.
Multiple sources within Global Force Wrestling have confirmed to PWInsider.com that as of this morning, GFW champion Alberto el Patron remains suspended from the company due to the 7/9 Orlando incident. That places the company in an interesting situation as they are advertising Patron for the main event of a live episode of Impact Wrestling for this Thursday 8/17, defending the championship against Low Ki in the headline bout of "Destination X."
Patron has not appeared (and according to some sources, been paid) by the promotion since the decision was made to suspend him, pending an internal investigation into the airport incident, which saw Patron investigated for potential domestic battery abuse charges. As it turned out over the course of the investigation, instead it was Patron's girlfriend WWE star Paige who authorities determined could instead face those charges - a matter that has not yet been decided.
PWInsider.com is told that the decision to keep Patron suspended rests firmly on the shoulders of Anthem VP Ed Nordholm, who is in charge of GFW.
On 8/3, Patron told the Busted Open Radio show that things were "all clear" for his return to GFW, but the next day, the promotion issued a statement to PWInsider noting, "Alberto El Patron remains under suspension while GFW continues its internal look at the situation."
Should the company not utilize Patron at their TV tapings this week, the company's top paid star would not appear in any of their storylines leading into the 11/5 Bound for Glory PPV, traditionally their biggest event of the year.
It would also likely mean that the company would have to craft a storyline to remove the belt from Patron and crown a new champion after declaring him the unified champion by virtue of Patron, the GFW champion, defeating Impact champion Bobby Lashley at the Slammiversary PPV earlier this summer. GFW is set to introduce new championship belts, including a new GFW World championship belt, at this week's TV tapings, which are set for 8/17-8/22 at Universal Studios Florida.
PWInsider.com will continue to update the situation as we are told the two sides have been in regular contact over the last few weeks, but despite not being charged with anything, the suspension still has yet to be lifted.
If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here!
Bang On Casino
