Allie (The Bunny) has made her return to the ring.
After going two years without wrestling a match, she returned at Mystery Wrestling’s event on Sunday at The Rec Room in Toronto, located near Scotiabank Arena, host of Saturday’s AEW All Out pay-per-view.
Allie teamed with Penelope Ford on the show in a match against The Hex’s Marti Belle and Allison Kay. Ford and Allie were teammates together in AEW in late 2021 and early 2022, wrestling several matches against the team of TayJay, Tay Melo and Anna Jay.
Allie hadn’t wrestled since September 2023. She was removed from the AEW roster page in November 2023, with PWInsider later reporting that she and the company had mutually agreed on her departure.
Earlier this month, Allie revealed on social media that she had resumed in-ring training, saying:
“I haven’t had an actual wrestling match in, s–t, I think it might be two years. Many things have changed in my life and something in me just felt like I want to get back in the ring and see how it feels.”
Social media posts about Allie’s return to the ring at Mystery Wrestling in Toronto are below.
The Bunny (Allie) has just returned to wrestling after 2+ years as the tag team partner of Penelope Ford at Mystery Wrestling 18! pic.twitter.com/HFR3h3TR6x
The Bunny last wrestled for AEW on the September 8 Rampage episode, losing in a trios match. She has wrestled just three times for the company in 2023, spending some time on the shelf due to an orbital bone injury suffered in a February match against Jamie Hayter.
Formerly Allie in Impact Wrestling and Cherry Bomb on the indie scene, The Bunny had been with the company since 2019, as her signing was announced in March of that year. Her AEW debut came at Fyter Fest in June 2019 where she defeated Leva Bates on the Buy-In pre-show.
Perhaps The Bunny’s biggest claim to fame with AEW came on Friday, October 15, 2021 when a Ruby Soho vs. The Bunny match on Rampage tied a Roman Reigns & Brock Lesnar segment on a special airing of SmackDown on FS1 in the 18-49 demo quarter hour ratings.
The Bunny holds a record of two wins and two losses in singles matches in AEW this year. She was defeated by Jade Cargill in a TBS Championship match on the February 23 edition of AEW Dynamite. The Bunny was also defeated by Toni Storm in a qualifying match for the Owen Hart Foundation tournament on the March 30 edition of Dynamite. Her victories this year have come over Kaitland Alexis and Erica Leigh. The Bunny’s career record in AEW is 33 wins and 27 losses.
A look at the WWE draft is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer.
We look at the different moves made, why they were made, look at the depth charts with both brands to see what is and isn’t lacking, talk the return of talent, talent being kept apart, the whys behind some moves, and the rosters of both brands.
The new issue also covers:
The G1 Climax tournament, with match-by-match coverage of every show this past week, with star ratings and poll results. We look at the quality of shows, matches being built up, who have been the stars and best matches of the tournament.
The Cena wedding, how much Linda McMahon has donated to Trump’s campaign, lots of WWE injury updates, Lawsuit updates, Total Bellas notes, U.K TV ratings, new WWE documentary, how wrestling stacks up to other sports on TV, WWE filming an indie star for documentary, upcoming TV bouts, WWE market value, a new WWE book, and the most-watched shows on the WWE Network this past week.
Saturday’s UFC show from Abu Dhabi and the ramifications of the top matches.
A feature on Len Rossi, one of the biggest stars in Tennessee and Alabama from 1958 to 1972, his career in the ring, his life after wrestling, his tag team partners and most well-known angles. It’s a look back at a unique era of pro wrestling and how Rossi was a key to change in a unique time.
The indictment of the former Alberto Del Rio on a sexual assault and kidnapping case.
Results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week.
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WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE
WWE
Former Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang on Talk is Jericho said that if Joe Biden wins in November, he would be in a position to inform the new Secretary of Labor regarding WWE’s business practices. “If we win, I’m going to be in a position where I can call up the Secretary of Labor or in this case, it’s the National Labor Relations Board and then, bring suit against WWE and say, “Hey, I think you’re misclassifying your employees here and the damages would be really significant,”, Yang told Jericho (h/t Post Wrestling). “So, that is more or less the plan. We may need to have some brave performer or ex-performer come forward and say “Look, here are the practices”, and I have been contacted by folks who are like “Look, I believe in this and I’m at a point in my career where they can’t really do anything to me anyway, so let’s have at this” because customarily for a National Labor Relations Board action it typically has to be an employee that initiates, so that is one of the trickier elements of this. But I’m very confident we can get there because there are a lot of people that recognize this is wrong and it’s been going on for far too long.”
Seth Rollins, Diamond Dallas Page, Lilian Garcia, and Damian Priest were all on today’s episode of The Bump.
A special episode of The Bump will air on Sunday prior to Hell in a Cell featuring Bayley, Murphy, Jey Uso, and Mick Foley.
WWE has added a “The Best of Hell in a Cell” compilation on the WWE Network.
The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Quibi, a mobile streaming service that aired the WWE show ‘Fight Like a Girl’, will be shutting down after launching in April.
The company announced today that they have declared their quarterly dividend to be $0.12 per share for all Class A and B shares of common stock.
The WWE Performance Center’s YouTube channel has released a video featuring Jake Atlas explaining where his love of pro wrestling comes from.
Bobby Fish talked to Wrestling Inc. on NXT being on USA Network for one year and bringing respect back to the NXT Tag Team titles.
Other Wrestling
Today marks the 48th anniversary of All Japan Pro Wrestling’s debut show, which was held on October 21, 1972.
Johnny Meadows, who worked for WCW and Smoky Mountain Wrestling as an enhancement talent and later worked as a musician, passed away on October 20 after battling COVID-19 for two months.
The BBC has an article on Nadia Sapphire, a wrestler in the United Kingdom who talked about being harassed and groomed while being a part of the UK independent wrestling scene..
John E. Bravo and Rosemary will get married on next week’s episode of Impact.
OVW and Al Snow Wrestling Academy have announced that they are partnering with Qatar Pro Wrestling.
The latest edition of Hiroshi Tanahashi’s Aces High looks at the year 2002 in New Japan Pro Wrestling, including the various departures and his experience working his first G1 Climax tournament.
Terry Funk released a short video regarding people trying to impersonate him on Twitter.
Two new segments have been announced for Wednesday’s AEW Fight for the Fallen.
AEW announced on social media Tuesday that Chris Jericho will have “something to say” on the show. He defeated Orange Cassidy at last week’s Fyter Fest event.
The Nightmare Sisters (Brandi Rhodes & Allie) will also be in action. The two have been teaming together in a storyline that involves QT Marshall being infatuated with Allie even though Brandi doesn’t necessarily trust her motives.
Other matches announced include The Elite (Kenny Omega & The Young Bucks) vs. Jurassic Express (Jungle Boy, Luchasaurus, and Marko Stunt); FTR vs. Lucha Bros; Cody vs. Sonny Kiss for the TNT title, and Jon Moxley vs. Brian Cage for the AEW World title. The AEW title match was delayed one week after Moxley’s wife, WWE announcer Renee Young, tested positive for COVID-19.
This year’s Fight for the Fallen event will raise money for COVID-19 relief efforts.
– Today’s AEW Road to Double or Nothing episode included the first match announcement for Fight for the Fallen.
Brandi Rhodes vs. Allie was announced for Fight for the Fallen, which is taking place at Daily’s Place Amphitheater at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida on Saturday, July 13. Proceeds from the gate will benefit Jacksonville’s Victim Assistance Advisory Council.
The match was set up by Rhodes calling Allie and saying she wants to wrestle her. Allie asked if it had to do with past issues between them, but Rhodes said they’re fine with each other. When the call was over, there was an angle where Rhodes called someone who wasn’t identified and asked if they could be in Jacksonville on the day of Fight for the Fallen. Rhodes said it was for “that personal thing I was telling you about.”
Rhodes is also the chief brand officer of AEW.
The ticket pre-sale for Fight for the Fallen begins on Ticketmaster tomorrow (April 18), with it running from 9 a.m. Eastern time to 9 p.m. Eastern. “AEWFIGHT” is the pre-sale code. Tickets will then go on sale to the general public at 9 a.m. Eastern this Friday.
Fight for the Fallen will be the third show in AEW’s history. Double or Nothing is being held in Las Vegas on May 25, while Fyter Fest is taking place in Daytona Beach, Florida on June 29. Fyter Fest is in partnership with CEO Fighting Game Championships.
– MJF and independent wrestler Sunny Daze (Dylan Frymyer) were confirmed for the Over Budget Battle Royale at Double or Nothing on today’s video. MJF has been feuding with Joey Janela leading into the show. Janela was part of the Road to Double or Nothing episode, vowing that he’s 100 percent and will top his performance from All In.
Sonny Kiss, Kip Sabian, Brandon Cutler, Ace Romero, Glacier, and Brian Pillman Jr. are also set for the Over Budget Battle Royale.
Sunny Daze is the main editor of the Road to Double or Nothing. His personal story was featured on today’s episode:
A combination of timing, fan support, and strong performances have come together to make Kofi Kingston the unlikely star of WrestleMania season.
It was only a few weeks ago where this seemed completely implausible. Kingston wasn’t even originally supposed to be in the WWE Championship match at Elimination Chamber. He was on the outside looking in, with Daniel Bryan, AJ Styles, Randy Orton, Samoa Joe, Mustafa Ali, and Jeff Hardy set to take part in the match.
A look at the details and ramifications of the new UFC PPV deal with ESPN+ is the lead story in the new double issue of the Observer. Look at the winners and loses of the deal, the economics of the deal, how it affects fans, what fans are going to be left behind, the role of Dana White, and the negotiations that led to UFC looking outside of TV for PPV.
This issue has a complete rundown of the WrestleMania card as it stands, as well as notes on matches not yet announced. Also look at the secondary market for the big shows over Mania weekend, as well as All In.
Also look at the details of WWE’s planned move, update on Gallows & Anderson, Dana Warrior, a planned WWE match that fell through, why WWE stock is up, Sue Aitchison in the Hall of Fame, update on WWE Hall of Fame ceremony, Matt Hardy future, and several new WWE signings.
Read a major feature on the career of The Destroyer. Look at Dick Beyer’s transition from Syracuse line coach to The Destroyer, who came up with the gimmick, how it transpired, and the role of Fred Blassie and Jules Strongbow in the story.
Read full coverage of ROH’s 17th anniversary show, the ROH/NJPW Madison Square Garden show, and match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.
Also look at the suspension of T.J. Dillashaw and his vacating the UFC welterweight title, update the New Japan Cup, cover AAA Rey de Reyes and CMLL El Homenaje a Dos Leyendas.
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Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.
In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.
For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell,CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.
THURSDAY NEWS UPDATE
The final four in the New Japan Cup on Saturday has Kazuchika Okada vs. Tomohiro Ishii and Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Seiya Sanada. Because of the time difference, both the semifinals and finals will take place the same day on the West Coast in an early morning and late night show, plus there is UFC and the NCAA wrestling tournament all on that night.
Allie is no longer working for Impact. She had finished up at the last set of tapings and then negotiated with AEW. Her contract had expired with Impact and wasn’t being renewed.
Starrcast has announced on its Twitter a full series of events at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas on 5/23 to 5/26. There will be the premiere of a documentary on Joey Ryan at 6:30 p.m. on 5/23. There will be an evening with Cody & Young Bucks at 8:30 p.m. On 5/24, there is a Jim Ross/Jerry Lawler show at 10 a.m., a Sting show at 10 a.m., an Eric Bischoff show at 12:30 p.m., a press conference and weigh-ins at 4 p.m., Wrestling Observer Radio at 5 p.m. and a Colt Cabana show at 7 p.m. Saturday at Noon will be a Tully Blanchard/Magnum T.A. show. Sunday at 10 a.m. will be a show about Brian Pillman as well as a Chris Jericho show, a Lita show at 12:30 p.m., Bruce Prichard at Noon, Rob Van Dam & Jerry Lynn at 2 p.m. and there are many other things yet to be announced.
Caristico and Soberano Jr. will be working the ROH shows on 4/13 in Pittsburgh and 4/14 in Columbus, OH. Flip Gordon will be returning on the 3/31 show in Baltimore.
Paul Levesque and Stephanie McMahon have donated $1 million to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s Children’s Hospital to help establish a family centered therapy suite.
WWE
The New Day, Rusev and Lana were all on TNT’s Drop the Mic last night.
Betonline sports book has these WrestleMania odds:
Lesnar +170
Rollins +250
Rousey +250
Lynch -500
Flair +800
Styles +125
Orton -155
Miz -400
Shane McMahon +250
HHH -200
Batista +150
Kambi has updated its over/under odds on star ratings for WrestleMania
Styles vs. Orton ****
Rousey vs. Lynch vs. Flair ****1/4
Miz vs. McMahon ***1/4
HHH vs. Batista ***3/4
Lesnar vs. Rollins ****1/4
Angle vs. Corbin **
Joe vs. Mysterio ***1/2
Murphy vs. Nese ***1/2
WWE has a promotion with the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park in Boston on 9/3 for a Red Sox game with the Minnesota Twins. All ticket holders will get a special Red Sox WWE themed item.
Lots of people have brought up yesterday’s All Japan show headlined by Naoya Nomura vs. Kento Miyahara as one of the best shows so far this year.
Impact has sold out both its Friday and Saturday night TV tapings in Windsor, ONT at the St. Clair College Gym.
Regarding Puma King being off the MLW shows, there was clearly a misunderstanding since MLW said it was because he double-booked himself but he already had the prior bookings for Mania week before MLW ever offered those dates, and things had been worked out between MLW and High Spots regarding him working both shows. However, he was told today that MLW had taken him off those shows citing his asking price.
Weigh-ins for tomorrow night’s Bellator show from Thackerville, OK on Paramount and DAZN at 9 p.m. Eastern
Norbert Novenyl Jr. (185.1) vs. Will Lavine (185.5)
Anatoly Tokov (185.9) vs. Gerald Harris (185.5)
Valentin Moldavsky (233.7) vs. Linton Vassell (246.7)
Emmanuel Sanchez (145.1) vs. Georgi Karakhanyan (146)
AXS tomorrow night has Tetsuya Naito vs. Kota Ibushi and Evil vs. Zack Sabre Jr. from the New Japan Cup at 8 p.m.
KSW runs Saturday from Lodz, Poland with heavyweight champion Phil DeFries (16-6) vs. light heavyweight champion Tomasz Narkun (16-2), plus the big one has former multi-time world’s strongest man winner Mariusz Pudzianowski (12-6) facing Olympic weightlifting gold medalist Szymon Kolecki (6-1). Olympic medalists Satoshi Ishii (judo) and Damian Janikowski (wrestling) are also on the show. This show starts at 2 p.m. Eastern and airs live on DAZN.
If you’re into the great KSW videos, herearea few for Saturday’s show:
Aaron Solow will be defending his Dojo Pro title against Liam Fury on the Fale Dojo show on 3/30 in Auckland, New Zealand.
Lego actually sent a cease and desist order to Inter Species Wrestling for promoting an event for a match where Legos would be used as weapons.
CWE on 3/29 in Dauphin, Manitoba at the Watson Art Centre with Psicosis vs. Michael Allen Richard Clark. They also run 3/31 in Yorkton, Saskatchewan at the Yorkdale Central School and 4/2 in Prince Albert, SK at Parkland Hall.
The WSU promotion has changed its name from Women’s Superstars Uncensored to Women’s Superstars United.
Drago vs. Aerostar has been announced for the 4/27 Battle Championship Wrestling show in Adelaide, Australia in a AAA Latin American title match. (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
Neo Fight Pro is looking at sending Tae Honma and maybe one or two other women wrestlers to the U.S. in July. The company will pay for transportation, the local promoter will pay for the nightly fight fee and they are looking for DVD rights to the footage for the Japanese market for matches with their women that they could sell with Japanese subtitles. For promoters interested you can write to [email protected].
Gouge March Madness on Saturday night in Fuquay-Varina, NC at the Fainting Goat Brewery for a 2 p.m. show
Defy Wrestling on 4/13 in Portland, OR at the Hawthorne Theater features Jimmy Havoc.
First Wrestling has an iPPV tonight on FITE TV from Minneapolis at the James Bellentine Uptown VFW at 9 p.m. The show is sold out. Kyle Rae of AEW faces Priscilla Kelly, Mercedes Martinez vs. Jordynne Grace plus Penelope Ford, Jessicka Havok, Shotzi Blackheart, Solo Darling, Kimber Lee and others are wrestling on the show.
There is a new comic book called Luchaverse: Konnan & The Ambassadrs up.
LFA announced they would have four cards in May airing at 9 p.m. every Friday night on AXS TV. The shows are 5/3 from Vail, CO at the Dobson Arena, the first nationally televised MMA event from the ski resort; 5/10 in Salt Lake City at the Maverik Center; 5/24 in Branson, MO at the Convention Center and 5/31 in Prior Lake, MN at the Mystic Lake Casino Hotel.
AXS Fights with the LFA returns to a 9 p.m. start time after New Japan with a show tomorrow night from Dallas at the Bomb Factory with Vince Cachero (6-0) vs. Casey Kenney (10-1-1) for the interim bantamweight title.
W-1 Wrestle Wars from today in Tokyo at the Ota Ward Gym: Kuma Arashi won Rumble, Reika Saiki & Yumiko Hotta b Hana Kimura & Asuka (not the WWE Asuka), Andy Wu won three-way over Dick Togo and Ryuji Hijikata, Jun Kasai & Daiki Inaba b Shinjiro Otani& Manabu Soya, Yusuke Kodama b El Hijo del Pantera to keep the cruiserweight title, Jun Tondokoro & Shuji Kondo & Seigo Tacibana b Cima & Takehiro Yamamura & Lindaman, Daisuke Sekimoto b Shotaro Ashino, Masayuki Kono & Alejandro b Kaz Hayashi & Pegasi Iluminar to win the tag titles, T-Hawk b Jiro Kuroshio to keep the W-1 title. (thanks to Shannon Walsh and WrestlingwithDemons.net)
Kimura announced she was leaving W-1 at the end of the month.
Stardom from today in Osaka for the evening show: AZM won three-way over Natsuko Tora and Saya Iida, Xia Brookside & Rebel Kel b Starlight Kid & Saki Kashima, Bea Priestley & Konami b Jungle Kyona & Leo Onozaki, Kagetsu & Hazuki d Mayu Iwatani & Arisa Hoshiki, Viper DCOR Goya Kong, Momo Watanabe & Utamii Hayashishita b Natsu Sumire & Andas Miyagi
Stardom from today in Osaka for the afternoon show: Konami won three-way over Natsuko Tora ad Leo Onozaki, Starlight Kid & Xia Brookside b Jungle Kyona & Saya Iiida, Natsu Sumire & Hazuki b Viper & AZM, Goya Kong & Rebel Kel b Kagetsu & Andras Miyagi, Momo Watanabe & Utami Hayashishita & Bea Priestley b Mayu Iwatani & Saki Kashima & Arisa Hoshiki
Bar Wrestling on 4/10 in Los Angeles at the Bootleg Theater has Tessa Blanchard vs. Jake Atlas, Delilah Doom & Eli Everfly vs. Heather Monroe & Tyler Bateman, Joey Ryan & Peter Avalon & Ray Rosas vs Watts & Yuma & NKH, Taya Valkyrie vs. Kylie Rae, Brian Cage & Ryan Taylor vs. Luchasaurus & Brandon Cutler and PJ Black vs Andy Brown. (thanks to Shannon Walsh and WrestlingwithDemons.net)
The ROH/NJPW Festival of Honor on 4/5 at the Hulu Theater in Madison Square Garden starts at 10 a.m. with a Meet and Greet with The Kingdom, 12:30-1:45 with a Meet and Greet with PCO & Body King, 2-3:30 with Jay Lethal.
Rey Hours vs. Ace Austin has been added t the 4/4 MLW show in Queens, NY.
A recorded video aired during Michael Nakazawa’s farewell show today where KennyOmega addressed the DDT fans. He said that Nakazawa is free to continue working DDT dates and hinted that he would also show up in the future as well. The full video was shared on Sanshiro Takagi’s Twitter.
Ed in San Antonio presents the WRESTLEMANIAWeekend Events:
Saturday, April 6th, at 12:00 pm: Lunch (all you can eat) at Churrascaria Plataforma ($90 per person), located at 316 W. 49th street in Manhattan. Purchase tickets here~!
All Elite Wrestling has announced a new member of its roster.
On this week’s Road to Double or Nothing episode, it was revealed that Allie has signed with AEW. She was announced as Allie but has also wrestled as Cherry Bomb during her career.
Former WWE seamstress Sandra Gray made an appearance in the Road to Double or Nothing video and worked with Allie on her gear.
Allie has held Impact Wrestling’s Knockouts Championship twice. She’s recently played “Dark Allie” in Impact, with her being possessed by Su Yung in storyline and Rosemary and Kiera Hogan fighting to get her back.
Dave Meltzer reported yesterday that Sadie Gibbs has also signed with AEW. Allie and Gibbs join Britt Baker, Penelope Ford, Kylie Rae, Nyla Rose, and Bea Priestley in the women’s division. Aja Kong and Yuka Sakazaki have been announced as wrestling at Double or Nothing.
This week’s Road to Double or Nothing video is available to watch below:
All three title challengers have now been revealed for the first NWA show of 2019.
The NWA is partnering with Tried-N-True Pro Wrestling for a “pop-up event” in Clarksville, Tennessee on Saturday, January 5, 2019. Last week, it was announced that James Storm would be challenging for Nick Aldis’ NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship at the show. The two other title challengers were confirmed today, with Matt Cross set to challenge for Willie Mack’s NWA National title and Allie challenging for Jazz’s NWA Women’s Championship.
Willie Mack won a tournament to become National Champion at the NWA’s 70th Anniversary Show this October. Jazz retained her title against Penelope Ford at the 70th Anniversary Show, which was where Aldis defeated Cody Rhodes to regain the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship.
January’s pop-up event is taking place at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center in Clarksville and is being called “New Years Clash.” It will also feature the first qualifying match for 2019’s Crockett Cup Tournament.
Open challenges, tag team partners and a visit to the Undead Realm were set for Bound for Glory on tonight’s episode of Impact.
It was announced that Allie will meet Su Yung inside the Undead Realm during the show. Allie met with Father James Mitchell and pleaded with him to take her to the Undead Realm so that she could save Kiera Hogan, who was sent there through a coffin by Su Yung. Mitchell agreed to take her there on Sunday.
Eil Drake announced during the show that he will be issuing a special New York open challenge. He made sure to note that the open challenge would only be open to those who were from New York and nowhere else. Drake has been issuing open challenges as of late, most recently losing to La Parka last week on Impact via count out.
Rich Swann meanwhile revealed his partner for Bound For Glory. After the returning Ethan Page was revealed as Matt Sydal’s tag team partner last week, Swann announced this week on Impact that Willie Mack will be teaming with him.
Here is the full card for this Sunday’s Bound For Glory event, which will take place at the Melrose Ballroom in Queens, New York:
Austin Aries vs. Johnny Impact for the Impact World title
oVe vs. Brian Cage, Fenix and Pentagon Jr.
LAX vs. The OGz in a Concrete Jungle death match
Eddie Edwards vs. Moose
Tessa Blanchard vs. Taya Valkyrie for the Impact Knockouts title
The show opened with a new video and musical vignette. The special episode was named “Impact ReDefined,” with lots of news and new directions coming out of the show.
X Division Champion Brian Cage defeated Fenix to retain his title
Solid match. Commentator Josh Mathews said of Cage, “He’s never been pinned. He’s never been submitted. He is the machine. He is the X Division Champion. He is Brian Cage.”
At 275 pounds, Cage somehow works like a small guy. He hit a 619 early on Fenix.
Fenix tried everything he could to take out the big champ. He hit several spinning kicks. Despite Fenix’s high-flying moves, this was a showcase match for Cage. He hit a delayed vertical superplex. Cage threw Fenix over the top rope onto the ramp. Fenix hit a rolling cutter on the ramp. The crowd chanted “fight forever.”
Fenix dove through the ropes, but Cage caught him in a suplex position and suplexed him on the floor. Cage hit a flying DDT. He then powerbombed Fenix from the top rope for the win.
After the match, oVe (Sami Callihan and the Crist brothers) attacked Fenix and Pentagon, who were saved by Cage. He cleaned house on oVe.
There was another advertisement for Chris Jericho’s wrestling cruise.
In the GWN Flashback Moment of the Week, Grado pinned Al Snow inside the hexagon after a kick to the head. Following the match, Low Ki, Kenny King, and Samoa Joe attacked Grado and Snow. Drew Galloway ran into the ring to make the save.
They showed several backstage segments, including ones with LAX and Tessa Blanchard.
Wearing street clothes, Eli Drake went to the ring and introduced hometown wrestlers Mr. Atlantis and Brandon Tidwell, who surprisingly defeated Caleb Konley & Trevor Lee a week ago.
Drake challenged one of them to step up and fight Drake. Mr. Atlantis volunteered — so Drake picked Tidwell. He pinned Tidwell in seconds with his sideways slam Gravy Train finisher.
Mathews said “Eli Drake sending a message to everyone.” Drake then hit the Gravy Train on Mr. Atlantis.
Impact’s Alicia Atout interviewed Moose and Eddie Edwards. Edwards said he values Moose more than his kendo stick.
Tessa Blanchard defeated Su Yung and Allie to win the Knockouts Championship
Mathews said Blanchard is “next level good.” Yung has a great entrance, led to the ring by her undead zombie bridesmaids.
Blanchard was very vocal in the ring. Allie was noticeably more aggressive in the match. Blanchard threw Yung from the top rope outside the ring onto her bridesmaids. Yung went for her patented four-fingers-in-the-mouth choke hold on Blanchard, but Allie made the save with a superkick.
Yung then applied the move on Allie, but she broke it with a codebreaker. Blanchard took advantage of the moment and rolled up Yung for the victory. The crowd didn’t really pop for the win, probably because the finish was abrupt and there was no build to it.
Commentator Don Callis said of Blanchard, “she’s the best women’s wrestler in the world and one of the best wrestlers in the world period.” Blanchard gave an interview backstage and said she exposed Allie and took Yung’s title and there was nothing she could do about it.
“I am the measuring stick and if anyone wants to see how tough a diamond is, be my guest,” Blanchard said.
Gama Singh attacked members of his Desi Hit Squad because they lost a week ago.
There was another interview segment with Atout, Killer Kross, and Impact World Champion Austin Aries.
Another LAX backstage segment. They hyped the Impact tapings in Mexico City on September 13 and 14.
The Smokeshow with Grado, Katarina, and Joe Hendry
These “Smokeshow” segments featuring Scarlett Bordeaux are probably the worst thing on Impact. Bordeaux whispered into Grado’s ear and Grado squirted water out of a water bottle. Grado was so nervous he left the set. Hendry tried to promote their match with the Desi Hit Squad next week. Hendry chased Grado. Bordeaux tried to offer Katarina a “secret about men,” but Katarina cut her off and told her to stay away from her “boys.”
Odd segment.
Rich Swann defeated Petey Williams
Surprisingly subpar match between the two high-flyers. Williams hit an early codebreaker, which by far is the most overused move on Impact. Swann missed a flip off the apron and landed on his back outside the ring. Williams applied a Sharpshooter on Swann, an homage to Bret “Hitman” Hart, from one Canadian to another.
Swann went for a Phoenix Splash but missed. He recovered, and then Swann hit a standing Shooting Star Press for the win.
Swann gave a backstage interview but was interrupted by Matt Sydal. Sydal said he could help Swann open his third eye. Nearby, a woman was screaming over Moose, who had been laid out minutes before his main event match.
Impact World Champion Austin Aries & Killer Kross defeated Eddie Edwards
Edwards took them on by himself after Moose was injured. Aries oozes arrogance and portrays himself as a big star. Edwards hit several chops. He pushed Aries off the apron into the ringside barrier. He went for a splash through the ropes, but Kross hit him with a knee as he was sliding through the ropes.
Kross hit a fallaway suplex on Edwards outside of the ring. Aries went for a brainbuster, but Edwards countered and hit a double underhook suplex. Moose then ran into the ring to join the match. He went after Aries, but then turned around and speared his partner Edwards.
He then hit him with several right hands. Later, Moose hit Edwards with a steel chair. Edwards’ wife Alisha Edwards ran to the ring and slapped Moose.
“Moose has turned his back on Eddie,” Mathews screamed. The crowd chanted “you sold out,” like it was the 1990s.
“I am shocked at the behavior of Moose,” said Callis. “This is a tandem that scares the hell out of me and should scare the hell out of everyone at Impact Wrestling.”
Fenix defeated Sami Callihan (w/ Jake and Dave Crist)
They saved the best for first on this week’s show. Fenix lived up to his namesake in this match, hitting a series of high-flying aerial moves that had the crowd on their feet. Both guys worked hard.
The crowd at times chanted “Ohio sucks” at Callihan and the Crist brothers and “This is awesome” after Fenix’s aerial moves.
Fenix hit several impressive aerial moves, including a springboard cutter from on the outside, laying out Callihan on the ramp. He landed a hurricanrana. Callihan also worked his part of the match strong. He plays a great heel — and although he overacts at times, shows good ring psychology.
The Crist brothers tried to interfere, but Pentagon Jr. came out to help his brother, allowing Fenix to hit a spinning Muscle Buster suplex on Callihan for the win, in the show’s highlight.
They showed a long series of vignettes featuring the LAX vs. OGz street fight later in the show and then an advertisement for Chris Jericho’s Rock ‘N’ Wrestling Rager at Sea cruise.
The TNA flashback match this week from 2009 was Team 3D vs. Beer Money Inc. vs. The Main Event Mafia vs. The British Invasion.
Then, in an interview segment, Allie said she was going to defeat Su Yung later in the show for Madison Rayne and Rosemary.
“This is for my soul,” Allie said.
Johnny Impact defeated Jimmy Jacobs by DQ
Don Callis reminded everyone that Jacobs used to be a very good wrestler. Kongo Kong attacked Impact from behind before the match started as Impact was walking to the ring. Kong kicked him in the face and threw him into the ring. Jacobs tried to cover him for the pin, but Impact kicked out.
Kong then ran in and hit Impact, forcing a disqualification. Kong tried to powerbomb Impact, but he slipped out, countering with a DDT on the stage. Impact then hit Jacobs with the steel steps, knocking him out on the stage and leaving his head dangling on the bottom rope.
Scarlett Bordeaux’s “Smokeshow” debuted, and it wasn’t pretty.
Apparently, both Fallah Bahh and KM thought they would be guests on her show and they ran into each other in the hall. They were both carrying wine. Bordeaux ended up interviewing both of them, where KM said he was frustrated with Bahh because he couldn’t control him.
Bordeaux told him to consider a different way and pretended like she was going to kiss him, but then pulled back. KM, in a trance, walked off the set and then Bordeaux slapped Bahh.
Weird segment.
Impact World Champion Austin Aries introduced Killer Kross as his new insurance policy.
Eddie Edwards then came out and hit Aries with a kendo stick. Kross held Edwards down and choked him out. Aries put his foot on Edwards and posed with the belt.
Eli Drake (w/ Caleb Konley and Trevor Lee) defeated Joe Hendry (Grado and Katarina)
Katarina and Hendry are clearly attracted to each other and Grado keeps doing dumb things to push his girlfriend towards Hendry, in this neverending storyline.
Grado messed up again this week, jumping on the apron while Hendry had the upper hand, distracting Hendry. Drake then rolled up Hendry for the pin.
After the match, Grado, Hendry, and Katarina all argued in the ring before Hendry walked out and Katarina followed him.
They showed Matt Sydal meditating on the beach, and a graphic revealed his third eye.
Allie defeated Knockouts Champion Su Yung by DQ in a non-title match
Yung and her undead bridesmaids have a great ring presence. Allie beat up on Yung for most of the match, firing up the crowd, but Tessa Blanchard ran in the ring and hammered on Allie to cause the disqualification. Initially it looked like a double-team, but Yung applied the mandible claw on Blanchard. Allie made the save, hitting a codebreaker on Yung. This seemed to set up a Blanchard vs. Yung match.
They advertised a Sami Callihan vs. Pentagon Jr. Mexican Death Match for next week with the Crist Brothers banned from ringside.
LAX (w/ Konnan) defeated The OGz (w/ King) in a street fight
This was hard to follow, with no commentary for a match that took place in a parking lot. A few weeks ago, The OGz stole LAX’s title belts from ringside without winning them.
LAX took the titles that already belonged to them back after they beat The OGz down in the parking lot. King then went to Konnan and screamed “this isn’t over.” He told Konnan that he was old and needed to be put down, then begged LAX to take Konnan out and side with the new blood. After they refused, King said “I spit on your soul. I spit on your family” to Konnan.
King got on one knee and begged Konnan to hit him, suggesting he was too scared to do it.
Konnan then seemed to hit him in the head, but the show ended, leaving the audience guessing.
Impact Wrestling returned to the Rebel Entertainment Complex in Toronto on Sunday for their first of two nights of television tapings.
Impact tapings —
– X Division Champion Brian Cage defeated Fenix (w/ Pentagon Jr.) to retain his title
oVe and Sami Callihan attacked Fenix and Pentagon after the match until Cage made the save.
– Eddie Edwards came out with a kendo stick. He mentioned being beaten down by Austin Aries and Killer Kross, but he said he’s again looking for a fight and called either of them out or he’s going to come find them. He said a lot of people call him crazy, but he loves what he’s become.
Aries and Kross entered. Edwards punched Aries, Kross took Edwards out, and Aries and Kross beat Edwards down before Moose made the save.
– Kiera Hogan (w/ Allie) defeated Alisha Edwards
Allie said she was proud of Hogan for winning and cut a promo setting up her triple threat Knockouts Championship match against Su Yung and Tessa Blanchard for later.
– Brandon Tidwell & Mr. Atlantis defeated The Cult of Lee (Trevor Lee & Caleb Konley) w/ Eli Drake
Tidwell rolled up Konley for the pin while Lee was distracted outside of the ring.
– Fallah Bahh & KM defeated The Desi Hit Squad
Gama Singh cut a heel promo on Toronto before this started.
– Matt Sydal defeated Zachary Wentz
– Rich Swann defeated Petey Williams
– Eli Drake defeated Brandon Tidwell
Drake got on the mic and mentioned that he never said he was friends with the Cult of Lee. He brought up this being one more test for Tidwell and Mr. Atlantis, then defeated Tidwell quickly after Atlantis was the one to accept his challenge.
– Tessa Blanchard defeated Su Yung (w/ the Undead Bridesmaids) and Allie (w/ Kiera Hogan) in a triple threat match to win the Knockouts Championship
Blanchard rolled up Allie to win the title. Yung will get her rematch against Blanchard at tonight’s tapings.
– A video aired showing that Moose had been attacked by Killer Kross backstage.
– Impact World Champion Austin Aries & Killer Kross vs. Eddie Edwards & Moose
Moose came out with a bandage on his head during the match. He turned heel on Edwards, joining Aries and Kross in beating him down. Alisha Edwards came down and slapped Moose.
– Sami Callihan defeated Pentagon Jr. in a Mexican Death Match
After Pentagon defeated him at Slammiversary XVI, Callihan won their rematch by hitting a top rope piledriver through a table.
In a new edition of Best of Wrestling Observer Live, catch up on some of the interviews you missed last week in the most-widely heard wrestling show of its kind in the entire universe and galaxy.
On this edition of the show:
– We kick off with Wrestling Observer Newsletter editor/writer Dave Meltzer who discussed WWE’s decision to change the name of the Fabulous Moolah’s women’s battle royal at WrestleMania.
– We transition to wrestling legend Chico El Luchador for a discussion about his documentary, his background as a shooter, the power he gains from his mask, and whether he’d go to WWE.
– Finally, we wrap with Impact Wrestling Knockouts Champion Allie. The former Cherry Bomb discusses her title victory, how she got into wrestling, some of her favorite matches, and more.
As a reminder, you can listen to Wrestling Observer Live starring Bryan Alvarez and Mike Sempervive six days a week on this very website, on various terrestrial and extra-terrestrial radio stations, the Armed Forces Network, and more.
