According to multiple sources, Alberto El Patron was not the first choice to challenge Lashley on Thursday’s tapings of Impact. In fact, he wasn’t even the second choice.

Drew Galloway was supposed to be the star of the refreshed Impact Wrestling brand and the spot was his. However, the former TNA champion refused the new deal after it was offered to him very late before his current deal expired.

PWInsider.com adds that the second choice was Bubba Ray Dudley, who was set to reprise his role of Bully Ray. Apparently, Dudley pretty much agreed to sign a new deal but then negotiations fell through very late in the stage. Bubba’s former tag team partner Devon is currently working as a producer/agent with WWE.

Alberto El Patron was brought in to fill the spot and the former WWE champion signed a new TNA deal just 24 hours before he appeared in front of the crowd at Universal Studios.