Cowboy James Storm announced at the last Impact tapings in Ottawa that he is departing Impact Wrestling and that was his final time in a TNA ring.

Talking to the fans in the ring who chanted “Thank you Storm,” the Cowboy thanked his fans, family and three individuals who were instrumental in his career. “I wanna say to Jeff Jarrett, to Dixie Carter, and to Bob Ryder…thank you,” he said.

Storm had a 15-year career with Impact Wrestling apart from the few weeks he wrestled in NXT two years ago. He’s one of the TNA Originals, joining the company in June 2002 and wrestling as part of a tag team – America’s Most Wanted – along with Chris Harris. After a stint as a solo wrestler, Storm joined the former NXT champion Bobby Roode to form Beer Money, Inc.

His long career in TNA/Impact came with a lot of titles, winning the NWA Tag Team titles seven times, the TNA Tag Team titles seven times, the TNA World title once, and the TNA King of the Mountain title once.

In 2005, Storm made a surprise appearance during the NXT television tapings in October. He participated in two tapings but then opted not to sign with NXT and returned to TNA. Storm said at the time that his WWE door remained open if he ever wanted to go back.

Ryan Satin of ProWrestlingSheet.com reports that Storm is free to negotiate with any company immediately.