Turns out the reason The Cowboy returned on Impact Wrestling last night after only a couple appearances in WWE NXT is the same reason a lot of people switch jobs.
TNA offered him way more money.
Ryan Satin of Pro Wrestling Sheet reports that Dixie Carter offered James Storm two-and-a-half times what a deal with Triple H and company would have netted him. A NXT run would have brought in less than six figures, while TNA will pay him closer to a quarter of a million dollars.
The contract for Impact is also guaranteed - meaning he gets paid even if TNA goes under - and gives him a percentage on merchandise sales over the course of the two year arrangement.
Carter was always reported to be very interested in signing Storm, and the former TNA World titleist has been treated fairly well creatively (he featured prominently in their World Title Series even after debuting on WWE Network). Conversely, over the course of a few tapings with NXT, no clear direction for his character had been presented.
Put this in the file with some of the Young Bucks claims that a "Developmental" contract with the 'E requires some sacrifices for guys who have other options.
And since Satin also reports that the door is open for the Beer half of Beer Money to return to WWE in the future...
Don't feel too bad about James Storm's damn luck.