While the date for the show hasn’t been revealed yet, this year’s Fyter Fest already has its main event.
AEW president and CEO Tony Khan announced in a post-Double or Nothing media scrum that Brian Cage will challenge Jon Moxley for the AEW World Championship at Fyter Fest. Cage made his AEW debut at Double or Nothing and won the Casino Ladder Match.
Moxley retained his AEW World Championship against Brodie Lee at Double or Nothing. The finish of the match was Lee passing out in a choke after kicking out of two Paradigm Shift DDTs.
Cage, who was accompanied by Taz, was the mystery entrant in the Casino Ladder Match at Double or Nothing. The match also featured Scorpio Sky, Frankie Kazarian, Kip Sabian, Darby Allin, Orange Cassidy, Colt Cabana, Joey Janela, and Luchasaurus.
Further details about Fyter Fest will be announced on Dynamite this week.
Khan said that Fyter Fest was originally supposed to take place in London, but that can’t happen due to the coronavirus pandemic.
AEW’s first Fyter Fest event took place in June 2019 and was headlined by Moxley defeating Joey Janela in an unsanctioned match. AEW and CEO Gaming partnered together for the event.
Brian Cage has arrived in AEW and is in line for a future shot at the promotion’s World Championship.
Cage was accompanied by Taz and made his AEW debut as the ninth entrant in tonight’s Casino Ladder Match at Double or Nothing. The finish of the match was Cage retrieving the poker chip that was hanging above the ring after a spot where he picked up a ladder with Darby Allin laying across it and threw it out of the ring.
As the winner of the Casino Ladder match, Cage will get a future shot at the AEW World Championship. Jon Moxley is defending the title against Brodie Lee at Double or Nothing later tonight.
A storyline leading into Double or Nothing was that Taz had been offering to help Allin, but Allin didn’t want his advice. Taz cut a brief promo after Cage’s win and said Cage will continue dropping bodies.
Scorpio Sky, Frankie Kazarian, Kip Sabian, Allin, Orange Cassidy, Colt Cabana, Joey Janela, Luchasaurus, and Cage were the entrants in the Casino Ladder Match. It started with two wrestlers in the ring, then a new participant was added every two minutes until all nine were in.
Fenix was originally set for the Casino Ladder Match but was replaced by Janela due to injury.
It was reported by SoCalUncensored.com in January that Cage had agreed to a multi-year deal with AEW. But Cage posted an update on his injury and contract status later that month. Cage confirmed that he was no longer under contract with Impact Wrestling but said he would need to undergo surgery to repair a torn right biceps. Cage said that he wasn’t technically with any promotion then.
Opening recap focused on the ongoing feud between Ken Shamrock and Sami Callihan, building towards tonight’s contract signing. In addition, we got a recap of last week’s main event, when Josh Alexander of The North pinned the World Champion Tessa Blanchard when Tessa wouldn’t tag Eddie, and thus ended up getting taken out by Elgin moments later.
Johnny Swinger came down to the ring, and as he had promised, tonight he would wrestle a Young Buck M. Jackson. He introduced Mike Jackson.
Johnny Swinger defeated Mike Jackson
Mike Jackson was a 70-year-old buck with a hell of a promo.
Mike Jackson got a lot of offense early on, hitting ranas and suicide dives on Swinger. Jackson hit an arm breaker, then grabbed Swinger’s arm and rope walked all around the ring!
Swinger came back with an atomic drop, a neckbreaker, a deadlift suplex for a two count. He worked over Jackson’s head for a bit, until he went for the double ax handle from the second rope, but Jackson came back with clotheslines, a neckbreaker, the ten corner punches. As he went for more, Swinger rolled him over, got his feet on the ropes, and stole the pin. This was incredible!
Backstage, Ace Austin cut a promo on Willie Mack. Ace said that Mack had no good odds against him. He said that Mack shouldn’t be focusing on him, but on helping his best friend.
Trey Miguel approached him and told him that Ace was the biggest scumbag in the locker room. They got into each other’s faces until Ace asked about Trey’s mom. They ended up brawling.
We saw Ken Shamrock arriving at the venue. Scott D’Amore told him that there was to be no physical contact tonight, or the match was off. Shamrock that was ok, but he told D’Amore to control ‘his boy’.
TJP & Fallah Bahh defeated The Rascalz (Dezmond Xavier & Zachary Wentz), Reno Scum (Luster The Legend & Adam Thornstowe), and XXXL (Larry D & Acey Romero)
Romero and Thornstowe started the match, Acey used his size to easily control Adam with a shoulder tackle and clothesline him around. Larry D tagged in, and along with Romero, they squashed Adam in the corner with several splashes. Thornstowe hit a desperation jawbreaker to send Larry D into Wentz’s tag. Luster tagged in and double teamed Wentz along with Thornstowe.
Back from commercial, Reno Scum is still under control of the match, working over Wentz, who is desperately trying to make the tag to Xavier. Thornstowe got a two count with a standing moonsault. Luster with a scoop slam and the scum armpit. Luster locks in a sleeper and tags in Thornstowe, but Wentz finally manages to dodge Adam and tags in Dezmond.
Xavier ran wild over Reno Scum, taking them out with superkicks. Double team by The Rascalz for a two count, but TJP sneaks in a tag and gets in.
Everyone started taking turns hitting their signature moves until Luster was left alone with XXXL who hit a sandwich on him, followed by synched dives to the outside.
Back in the ring, TJP is fighting Reno Scum, who went for the Doomsday Device, but TJP escaped and hit a frog splash on Thornstowe, who was set up by Bahh’s Samoan Drop. Good short match.
After the match, The North came down and got face to face with TJP and Bahh.
Impact Plus Flashback Moment of the Week was Gail Kim vs. Tessa Blanchard from 2019’s Rebellion pay-per-view.
Rohit Raju told Gama Singh that he didn’t want to fight Hernandez because he needed to be ready for Rebellion. Gama slapped him and told him to respect his decision and think of the team. One day, Rohit will turn on the Desi Hit Squad and it will be great.
We got a video package for the feud of The Deaners and #CancelCulture, which was mostly a recap of the Cody Deaner and Joey Ryan match. Joey Ryan interrupted the production truck telling them to stop that video package and to play the video he had.
The video was a promo by Rob Van Dam and Katie Forbes from their jacuzzi. Rob said that he wanted to be there with Joey Ryan, but that they had to stay home to be safe from all the toxic masculinity of the Deaners.
Hernandez defeated Rohit Raju (with Gama Singh)
Rohit used his speed advantage to start the match, getting some offense, at least until Hernandez got his hands on him. Hernadez whipped him around, caught him mid air from a dive, blocked a sunset flip attempt and finally hit a pounce when Rohit tried to run at him. Hernandez then hit the Border Toss for the win. Total squash match.
We got a new talk show called “Locker Room Talk”, hosted by Madison Rayne and Johnny Swinger. Rayne asked him if he really needed to cheat to defeat Jackson, to which Swinger said it didn’t matter, he won anyway. Rayne’s guest tonight was Kylie Rae. She said that everyone had been really nice to her, that it was wonderful being part of the roster. She said she was excited to make her Rebellion debut versus Kiera Hogan.
Madison Rayne tried to get dirt on Rae’s thoughts of Hogan. She pushed Rae to say that Hogan was kinda mean, but Rae kept saying that she was nice.
Rayne then introduced Kiera Hogan as the second guest. Hogan told Rae that she’ll never be able to beat her, that she’ll humiliate her in the ring, and that she’ll show Rae that there are no friends in the Impact roster.
Rae snapped and told Kiera that she’s not very nice. This was weird, but it worked.
We got footage of a match between Michael Elgin and Eddie Edwards from Qatar Pro Wrestling’s Super Slam II show back in February. They didn’t show the whole match, they jumped around to some of the bigger spots only.
The crowd was surprisingly behind Michael Elgin more than Eddie, and so they switched alignments and Eddie worked heel, shielding himself behind the referee, going for the title as a weapon, which was even weirder when Brian Cage came to save Michael Elgin from getting hit by the belt. Michael Elgin won the QPW Middle Eastern Championship at the end.
X-Division Champion Ace Austin defeated Trey Miguel in a non-title match.
Match started with a great, fast paced sequence of counters and reversals. Trey was the first to gain control when he flapjacked Ace, dropkicked him to the floor, then followed with a rana.
Down on the floor, Ace gained control, dropping Trey face first on the apron when he countered a rana.
Back in the ring, Ace worked over Trey’s neck with kicks and by stepping on top of it. He landed a snap suplex then went into a submission hold, but Trey finally fought back and hit a desperation neckbreaker.
Trey dodged Ace’s rush, swept the leg then hit a missile dropkick to send Ace to the apron. Ace went for a disaster kick, but Ace dodged, hit a springboard spinning kick and went for The Fold, but Trey avoided.
Trey went for the cheeky nandos kick, the Trey19, and finally for a meteora, but Ace moved away. Trey went for a foot stomp, but Ace rolled him over, pulled the tights, and stole the pin. Great fast-paced action.
Willie Mack cut a promo on Ace Austin. He told him to not play mind games. He knows that Ace couldn’t get to him and so he went after his friend Rich Swann. Mack said that this wasn’t about the title anymore, but about showing Ace some respect, and to do so, he would beat him up and take that title from him. Bad promo.
Tenille Dashwood defeated Taya Valkyrie (with John E. Bravo)
Tenille came right in for offense, rushing Taya with strikes. She dropped Taya with a Headscissors and draping neckbreaker. Taya went to the floor, only to be followed by Tenille jumping from the apron. Tenille went to follow with another, but Bravo pulled Tenille’s leg to cut him off.
Taya, now in control, hit a superplex for a two count. Taya started working over Tenille, choking her all around the ring, even enlisting the help of Bravo. Taya hit the running hip attack and the running double knee for a near fall. She then locked up a single crab, but Tenille managed to roll over for a two count, only to get taken out again by Taya’s clothesline.
Continuing her offense, Taya kept landing knees and even choked Tenille, but she kept distracting herself with the crowd until she allowed Tenille to recover. Tenille then dodged her, blocked her attacks, and hit a kneelift and a running splash for a two count.
Tenille followed that with a double underhook suplex for a two count. Taya reversed a German and hit a Spear for another near fall.
Back from commercial, Taya had regained control of the match, trying to lock up Tenille in the Scorpion Deathlock, but when Tenille escaped Taya hit a Road To Valhalla out of nowhere for a two count.
Taya went for a chair, but the referee took it away. This distraction allowed Tenille to get one on Taya, reversing Taya’s fireman’s carry attempt into a roll up pin.
After the match, Taya attacked Tenille with a chair and a garbage can. Taya buried Tenille under chairs. Commentary kept asking if Tenille had no friends, or where security was. Neither came out. Taya just kept destroying Tenille until Bravo himself tried to stop her.
Taya pushed down Bravo and went for a top rope senton when finally, Jordynne Grace came out for the save with a kendo stick. Grace took out both Taya and Bravo with the kendo stick.
Jordynne and the referee helped Tenille to the back.
Tommy Dreamer and Rhino cut a promo on oVe, announcing that next week, Dreamer and Rhino are going to find a partner and finish things once and for all. Awesome promo by both.
We got a rundown of the Rebellion cards. Next week, Callihan vs Shamrock will be the main event.
We got a video package recapping Callihan’s I.C.U. hackings of the last months, all leading up to his return during Shamrock’s Hall Of Fame announcement.
Ken Shamrock came down to the ring first for the contract signing. Sami Callihan came out next and immediately told Matthews to leave the ring.
Callihan cut a promo, making fun that Shamrock couldn’t touch him because he would lose the right to get him in the ring, which shouldn’t really matter if all he wants is to hurt Callihan. He did bring up all of Shamrock’s accolades. Callihan then said that fighting him would bring the biggest buzz to Shamrock’s career.
Shamrock, completely stoic, didn’t say anything and signed the contract with his eyes fixed on Callihan. Callihan threatened Shamrock to not do anything because at the push of a button, he could hack his family. Shamrock finally snapped, but the lights went off and Sami disappeared. The lights kept going on and off with more and more of Callihan’s followers appearing around the ring, and then they all disappeared.
Shamrock chased him backstage and to the parking lot. Shamrock got a call from Callihan, revealing that Shamrock’s driver was working for Sami, and suddenly, his whole car was ganged up by Sami’s followers before the show went off the air. Great angle up until the weird follower stuff.
Final Thoughts —
Good show, particularly inside the ring. If we see this as the go-home show for Rebellion, it was somewhat weak, but given that Rebellion is broken up into two nights now, this was good enough build for the first night.
In a video that he posted today, Brian Cage gave an update on both his injury and contract status.
Cage confirmed that his contract with Impact Wrestling has come to an end. He said Impact made him an incredible offer, as did multiple other companies. Cage said that, while he was mulling all of that over, he suffered a torn right biceps. He’s scheduled to undergo surgery on Monday.
“I am not technically with any group right now at all,” Cage said. “I did have a bunch of amazing offers from all over the place, and I’m just hoping they’re still there as soon as I heal up.”
Cage mentioned that some people are saying it could take up to six months to recover, but he’s hopeful that he’ll be able to heal faster than that.
Cage said that — no matter how many times he’s been hurt in his career — he’s never had to undergo surgery until now. He apologized to everyone for the upcoming independent shows that he’ll have to miss.
Cage faced Rob Van Dam at Impact’s Hard to Kill pay-per-view on January 12. They went to a no contest, with Cage being attacked before the match and then being given a Van Terminator by RVD. RVD then had another match where he defeated Daga.
On the same night as Hard to Kill, Steve Bryant of SoCalUncensored.com reported that Cage has agreed to a multi-year deal with AEW. Dave Meltzer wrote that “Nobody in AEW has either confirmed or denied the story to us, but Bryant’s track record on stories like this is excellent, especially when it relates to California talent.”
Brian Cage appears to be the latest addition to the All Elite Wrestling roster.
SoCalUncensored.com reported tonight that Cage has signed a multi-year deal with AEW. Their report started that no start date was given to them, but they were advised it would be “soon.”
Melissa Santos, Cage’s wife, denied SoCalUncensored’s report, writing on Twitter “Really?? How can you confirm something that isn’t true???? I’m his wife and I can CONFIRM, he hasn’t signed on any dotted line. @socaluncensored”
Cage faced Rob Van Dam at Impact’s Hard to Kill pay-per-view tonight, but the match ended in a no contest after an angle where Cage couldn’t continue after RVD kicked a steel chair into his face with the Van Terminator. RVD then had a match where he defeated Daga.
Cage was an entrant in the Over Budget Battle Royale at All In. He was also contacted about being in the Casino Battle Royale at Double or Nothing, but the appearance didn’t end up happening. Dave Meltzer reported in June:
The situation with Brian Cage at the Double or Nothing show is that they contacted him to be in the Casino Battle Royale. The idea was they would given him some spots to look good before eliminating him. Cage hadn’t cleared it with Impact, who he has an exclusive contract with and is their world champion. They called Don Callis shortly before the match and his take was that he didn’t think his world champion should be in a pre-show Battle Royal, just based on the idea of an old school positioning of your world champion. Based on the mentality of protecting your world champion and having him positioned as a star, he wasn’t wrong. So Cage was pulled from the match. Impact wasn’t against him appearing per se, in the sense that if they made the deal ahead of time they probably could have worked creative out and worked out something that made sense to both sides like AAA did by giving the Young Bucks their tag titles.
During his time with Impact, Cage held their World Championship and X-Division Championship one time each.
Impact returns from Queens, NY after taking a week off with the build towards Hard To Kill.
Opening video was a full recap of the 6-person elimination gauntlet that lasted over an hour that crowned a new number one contender in Tessa Blanchard. Big emphasis was also put on Swann’s huge performance in the match, overcoming Moose and Elgin, only to fall to Brian Cage.
Show opened with Gabbi Loren interviewing Michael Elgin about the loss. Elgin said that tonight, he’s going to beat someone.
Eddie Edwards vs. Brian Cage ended in a no contest
Wrist control chain wrestling to start the match, transitioned into Cage running through Edwards chops into a shoulder tackle. Eddie used his speed advantage to side step him to the outside and go for a jumping rana, that Cage almost blocked by catching Eddie in the air.
Eddie and Cage exchanged some chops and kicks until Cage brought in Eddie with a deadlift auplex for a two count. Cage gained control chopped and tossed Eddie around the ring. Cage hit a couple of backbreakers for another two count. backplex for a third two count.
Eddie made a comeback blocking Cage’s suplex attempt and after some dodging landed a suplex of his own. Eddie hit Kobashi chops and a second rope hurricanrana. blue thunder bomb for a two count by Eddie.
Eddie went for a tiger driver, but Cage blocked it and hit a side suplex for a two count. Cage went for the F-5, but Eddie escaped. Cage hit a knee to the face while Eddie hit an enziguri. Cage came back with a big lariat and both men went down.
Both started trading strikes when Michael Elgin came out and attacked both men. Fans booed. Elgin attacked Eddie mostly until the referees pulled him away.
Commentary told us that this match is being restarted now as a three way.
Michael Elgin defeated Brian Cage & Eddie Edwards in a three way match
Obviously, Eddie and Cage now teamed up against Elgin for a bit, but Elgin being fresher, was able to dodge them and get a quick roll up on Eddie for a two count. Eddie sent both men outside and hit a dive on Elgin as Cage dodged and set himself up, following with a tope con giro on both men.
Back in the ring, all three men traded clotheslines, with Eddie getting a two count with a twisting Suplex on Cage, until Elgin broke it up. Elgin and Eddie exchanged chops and clotheslines, and now all three men exchanged superkicks.
Enziguri by Eddie on Elgin, followed by a top rope Hurricanerana, tossing Elgin into Cage. Elgin hit a German on both Eddie and Cage, missile dropkick on Eddie, and one final clothesline on Cage, sending both to the outside. Elgin followed with a big top rope senton to the outside.
Back from commercial, Elgin is still in control, working over Cage with clotheslines and going for a superplex, but Eddie recovers and blocks him. Eddie hits a blue thunder bomb on Elgin and the backpack stunner on Cage for a two count, but floats it over into a half crab until Elgin breaks the submission via multiple forearms to the face. Eddie goes for the Crab on Elgin, but Elgin kicks him off. Cage now recovered, takes down Eddie with clotheslines and that pumphandle into an x-factor.
Elgin hits a dragon suplex on Cage and clotheslines both men, diamondgiri on Eddie, followed by a pop-up slam. Elgin hits a suplex and falcon arrow on Cage for a two count. Elgin finally goes for the Elgin Bomb, but Cage blocks him and turns it into an Alabama slam, but out of nowhere, Eddie hits the Boston Knee Party on Cage and a tiger bomb for a two count.
Eddie goes for another BKP, but Elgin blocks him and exchanges forearms with Cage. He hits a Tornado DDT on Cage. Eddie took out Elgin, but Cage was there to take out Eddie with a lariat. All men down and the fans chant “Impact Wrestling”.
Cage went for a top rope rana on Elgin, but was dropped on the ropes. Eddie took out Elgin and hit the BKP on Cage for a two count. Elgin went for a German on Eddie, but Eddie countered, they traded strikes, Eddie hit the German, but Elgin no sold and came back with a Lariat. Elgin finally won with an Elgin Bomb.
Wow, hell of a 30 minute opener.
Commentary ran down the card for No Surrender this Saturday. Taya vs Havok for the Knockout’s title, Callihan vs Swann for the World title, and Ace Austin defends the title against Eddie Edwards in a table match.
The Rascalz were in the Treehouse talking about Ace Austin’s comments on Trey Miguel’s mom. Wentz and Xavier agreed with Ace a bit. In came Trey Miguel’s mom into the Treehouse, with Trey asking her to not be at ringside tonight during their match. Trey’s mom said that other wrestlers bring their moms to the show and asked Trey if he was embarrassed by her, guilting Trey into letting her be there. Trey’s mom is making meatloaf after the match for the Rascalz.
Out in the streets of NYC, Moose walked down saying that while he lost to Swann, he is still great as he compares himself to Ali and McGregor on their respective loses. Moose walked up to a basketball court where he bullied two fans who have seen that Moose has been attacking people at the golf course. Moose landed a 3-pointer and then attacked the fans.
Josh Matthews brought out ODB, who was here to talk about her unfortunate situation where she lost her food truck in a fire. Matthews announced that all proceeds of the show were going to help her fix her food truck.
ODB said she was happy to be home, she explained that she has been working with the food truck for the last 3 years and explained what happened. She said that unfortunately, insurance wouldn’t cover it and thanked the wrestling community for helping her out. She said that Impact always allowed her to be herself and that Impact reached out to her.
Suddenly, Taya Valkyrie interrupted the speech. Taya had some backhanded comments for ODB and then bragged about being the longest reigning Knockout’s champion in Impact history. Taya talked trash and told ODB that she would donate to the fund so she could now afford a fire extinguisher, and told ODB to get out of her ring.
After taking so much, ODB finally knocked down Taya, sending her running away. Taya was amazing here, she can trash talk like no other.
After commercials, commentary informed us that ODB will take on Taya.
We got footage for a press conference with Matthews and D’Amore talking about Tessa Blanchard vs Sami Callihan at Hard To Kill. Tessa said that she would be professional in her quest and put over Callihan’s work in the last few years. Callihan said that Tessa was a spoiled brat and that she was what was wrong with the new generation of wrestlers because she got everything handed to her. Callihan said he should be glorified for being the only one who actually treated Tessa as an equal, and that on January 12, he’s going to “crack her f***ing skull”. Tessa and Callihan got into a pull apart.
This looked great, but you could tell there was no press there and the pull-apart could have used more people to make it seem more chaotic.
Ace Austin & Reno Scum (Luster The Legend & Adam Thornstowe) defeated The Rascalz
Trey started the match against Thownstowe, with the former getting the better of the latter with his speed. Ace tagged in and blindsided Trey, getting the upper hand with some quick kicks. Ace went for the paper cut, but Trey escaped.
Wentz tagged in and overtook Ace Austin with kicks. Dezmond blind tagged and hit a double team combo, forcing Reno Scum to jump the rope and take out Dezmond with a German and footstomp combo.
Luster The Legend, now legal, worked over Dezmond, mostly with strikes and suplexes. Ace and Scum proceeded to cut the ring in half on Dezmond, mostly quick tags between Luster and Thornstowe, with the latter getting a two count with a standing moonsault. Ace taunted Trey while he stomped Xavier. After cutting Dezmond with the card, Xavier finally managed to hit a desperation kick on Austin and got to tag Trey Miguel.
Trey came in and took out both Scum members, Thornstowe with a neckbreaker, and Luster with a superkick. When he went for the dive, Ace caught him with a kick on the ropes. Dezmond and Wetnz came in for the aid and hit a combo on Ace to take him out. Wentz and Thornstowe followed with dives, and finally, it was Trey Miguel going for the meteora on Thornstowe for the finish but soon realizes that Ace Austin is out there flirting with his mom. Miguel went to attack him. Thanks to the distraction, Thornstowe recovered and rolled up Wentz to steal the win.
Pretty good match, it’s nice to see The Rascalz get into a serious feud for once.
Backstage, Jordynne Grace told ODB that she had her back. ODB told her that she’ll only leave some pieces of Taya for her at the PPV.
Backstage, Johnny Swinger approached Joey Ryan to complain about ‘these kids today’ that are killing the business for them. Swinger tells Ryan that they should form a Kliq together. Swinger said that he has a match with Petey Williams tonight and when he gives his signal, Ryan should come out and take him out. Joey Ryan agrees and goes back to his phone.
Rob Van Dam and Katie Forbes came out. Forbes did the introductions. Rob cut a promo saying that he would explain his past actions, but that no one would understand him because no one is as great as RVD and no one would ever want to copy any of them. RVD said that he has been raising the bar for many years already.
Tommy Dreamer came out and challenged RVD to fight Rhino next week, and that he could be the special guest referee. Rob told him that Tommy was living in the past and they’d done this many times already. RVD said that fans always get excited for ECW reunions, but he wants to move on from that because they all keep clinging onto him. Rob passed on the match, but appreciate the offer.
Rhino now came out and brawled with RVD into a short pull apart. Forbes tried to kick Rhino among the chaos.
Backstage, Acey Romero and Chris Sabin congratulated Swann. Swann said that it wasn’t his night, but now that it’s behind them, they should focus on next week’s Tag Team Open Challenge for the No. 1 Contendership.
The North walked up and had some comments for Swann going for the title this Saturday. Swann called out Page on his fake comment (which didn’t sound so fake), and told him that next week, they become the No. 1 Contenders for their titles.
Gabbi Loren interviewed Fallah Bahh about being attacked by the Desi Hit Squad. Bahh talked and said he is still here and she’s damn right he’s gonna fight back.
Impact Plus Flashback Moment of the Week was ODB defeating Mickie James to win the Knockout’s Championship.
Somewhere in the Undead Realm, James Mitchell introduced Suzie to Havok. Mitchell told Suzie that if she respects Havok’s space, the three of them will be the best of friends.
Petey Williams defeated Johnny Swinger
Swinger offered a handshake, which obviously was a trick, but Petey was ready and got a quick two count with a school boy. Petey hit a rana and drop toe hold on Swinger, following with a running dropkick to the back.
Swinger hit a fist drop on Petey, followed by a headbutt, a double axe handle and a couple of elbow drops that Petey dodged. Petey hit a springboard codebreaker, a side Russian leg Sweep, and prepped for the Canadian Destroyer, but Swinger escaped and called out for Joey Ryan.
Petey locked in the Sharpshooter and tapped out Swinger. Joey Ryan never came out.
Commentary ran down next week’s card: Tessa vs Madman Fulton, Sami Callihan vs Ken Shamrock, Rhino vs. RVD and the Tag Team open challenge.
ODB defeated Knockout’s Champion Taya Valkyrie (w/John E. Bravo) in a non-title match
Taya quickly knocked down ODB with a forearm and started stomping her, but ODB managed to dodge her and hit a couple of shoulder tackles and clotheslines. ODB chopped Taya from corner to corner and landed a fallaway slam, sending Taya to the outside.
On the other side of the ring, Bravo stole ODB’s flask, distracting her. ODB forced Bravo to take a sip, which he liked. ODB motorboated Bravo and got a one count after a flapjack on Taya.
ODB went for the second rope, but Taya pulled her feet off and regained control. Taya choked out ODB and hit a running knee for a one count.
ODB tried to make a comeback with strikes to the midsection and the running Splash, but Taya dodged this last move and hit a running hit attack instead for a two count. Taya hit a double leg drop to ODB’s crotch and locked in an STF for the submission tease until ODB made the ropes.
Taya hit a Super Dragon style curb stomp and started slamming ODB’s head to the ring and turnbuckles. Taya started getting cocky and playing to the crowd, giving ODB time to recover, which she did in the form of a second rope Thesz Press. ODB hit the running splash and the Bronco Buster and took a sip of the flask but got distracted by Bravo again, allowing Taya to attack her from behind.
Bravo, now drunk, said he was the champion now, which was an opening for Jordynne Grace to come out and distract Taya. That led to ODB rolling up Taya with a schoolgirl pin for the win. Match was nothing special other than Taya’s fantastic heel shtick. This felt like some sort of Impact retirement match for ODB, giving her a last big win.
ODB and Jordynne celebrated together in the ring to close out the show.
Final Thoughts —
Ok show, it started really strong, but it closed out with what felt like a nostalgia send off match for ODB. The stories heading into Hard To Kill are now better cemented, and so I’d say that it was a stronger show for stories than anything else. Opener is definitely worth checking out.
Impact Wrestling returns from St. Claire College Sportsplex in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Tonight was the big 6-way elimination match to find Callihan’s contender for Hard To Kill. Opening video build such main event, but also recapped Swinger taking a dump in Shamrock’s bag, Jordynne challenging Taya and Bravo, the return of Suzie, and footage of the awesome North title defense from last week.
The Rascalz (Dezmond Xavier & Zachary Wentz) defeated Desi Hit Squad (Rohit Raju & Raj Singh), The Deaners (Cody Deaner & Cousin Jake), and Reno Scum (Luster The Legend & Adam Thornstowe)
Wentz and Thornstowe started the match with the former hitting a couple of arm drags before tagging in Dezmond for a couple of double team kick combos for a two count. Luster tagged in and now it was Reno Scum getting a two count after a double team move.
Cody Deaner tagged in and along with Cousin Jake, got a two count on Thornstowe. Now it was Rohit and Raj that tagged in and together hit a Backbreaker and running knee combo on Deaner for a two count. Cousin Jake tagged in and run wild over both Rohit and Raj with corner spears, but when he went for the Blackhole Slam, Rohit countered and hit a jumping footstomp. Jake came back with a powerbomb for a two count.
The match broke down with everyone getting in the ring, brawling to the outside, only for Deaner to follow with a dive. Jake suplexed Thornstowe over the ropes into the pile, and followed with a dive of his own. Rohit teased a dive, but showed off enough to eat a superkick by Wentz who dove next. Dezmond followed with Space Flying Tiger Drop.
Back in the ring, Desi Hit Squad double teamed Dezmond Xavier, but Jake came in and got rid of Raj, having now the chance to take out Rohit. Reno Scum came in and double teamed Jake, but before they could finish him, Razcals came back, hit Hot Fire Flame on Cousin Jake and took the win. Good action packed opener.
After the match, Reno Scum jumped The Razcals until Trey Miguel came out for the save and took them out with a Double Missile Dropkick. Ace Austin came out and laid out Trey with a belt shot. Ace took out Trey with the loaded backfist. Trey Miguel’s ‘mom’ is in the crowd and she is a terrible actress.
Jordynne Grace defeated Knockout’s Champion Taya Valkyrie & John E. Bravo in a non-title handicap match
Taya started the match for her team, but quickly tagged in Bravo when Grace pushed into her. Bravo came in and tried to bully Grace, only for Grace to dodge him and take out Taya, sending them both to the floor. That was followed by a suicide dive that Bravo barely caught.
Back in the ring, Jordynne tortured Bravo with strikes. Taya tried to help him by distracting Grace, and with the numbers advantage, got some chops in, some running elbows to the corner, but Grace came back, got rid of Taya and once again started torturing Bravo with kicks and a Senton. Jordynne tired of playing with Bravo, toss him to the corner to tag in Taya, but Taya walked out on him.
In the ring, Jordynne kicked Bravo’s toy dog, hit a running double knee to Bravo’s back, sliding elbow, Vader Bomb, and pinned Bravo. Jordynne was dominant, even if it was against a comedy valet.
Backstage, Gama Singh berated Raj and Rohit for losing. Gama told them that they better start producing or they’re being sent back to India. They took it out on Fallah Bahh backstage by jumping him and beating him up in a hallway.
Rob Van Dam cut another promo from his pool. He said that he won’t actually make it to Impact because he had a really late party last night and his flight was too early today. Ok.
Backstage, Suzie was walking around until James Mitchell finds her. They introduce each other and Mitchell asks her what is she doing in a place like this. Mitchell tells Suzie to not trust anyone and instead, let him take care of her and manage her. Suzie agrees and leaves.
Rosemary appears and tells James Mitchell to their master wouldn’t like that Mitchell is trying to get to Suzie’s head, and Rosemary won’t allow it.
Impact Plus Flashback Moment of the Week was Cody Rhodes vs Eddie Edwards for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.
We got The Razcals in the Treehouse talking about why everyone is trying to kick their butts. Trey Miguel’s mom showed up and told Trey that she’s too worried about him. This was funny.
Johnny Swinger defeated Buck Gunderson
Total squash. Swinger hit a couple of clotheslines, raked Buck’s eyes, choked him with his own singlet, hit a headbutt to the groin, raked the back, and after Buck had a hope spot with a couple of Dropkicks, Swinger got the win with the Swinger Neckbreaker.
After the match, Ken Shamrock came out and went after Swinger with some strikes, takedown, and the Ankle Lock. This was what it had to be.
Next week, Impact is taking the week off to show a retro show Throwdown Throwback from IPWF.
Tessa Blanchard won the six-person elimination match to become the number one contender for the Impact title
This match is gauntlet rules with two wrestlers starting, the winner taking on the third seat, and so on.
Moose defeated Daga
Moose early on used his power advantage to overcome Daga and chop him around, but Daga had the speed advantage and dodged around Moose, took out his leg and hit a Flatliner and springboard corkscrew press to the outside. Daga hit a moonsault from the apron, once again taking Moose down.
Back in the ring, Moose pulled Daga into the turnbuckle to turn the match around. Moose chopped Daga and whipped him around the ring. Moose hit a HUGE Dominator. Moose went for the Spear, but Daga dodged, hit a couple of running Superman elbows and kicks, Moose went for the Go To Hell, but Daga countered with a rana and a running delayed dropkick for a two count.
Moose caught Daga and tossed him on the ropes, hit the No Jackhammer Needed and picked up the win.
Rich Swann defeated Moose
Swann took forever to get in the ring, which is just time for Moose to rest and recover. Once in the ring, Moose went for the same approach, using the strength advantage, but Swann was faster than Daga and did better escaping Moose’s moves. Swann got two ranas early on and roll up into the foot stomp. Swann hit a dropkick, only for Moose to come back with a far more impressive one.
Moose now started to work on Swann around and inside the ring with chops. Moose played with the crowd, which allowed Swann to recover and go for a Senton from the apron that Moose caught, but Swann reversed into a rana instead.
Back in the ring, Moose hit a turnbuckle Okada-style dropkick, tossing Swann to the floor. Swann came back with a Tilt-a-whirl DDT counter on Moose, a couple of chops and strikes, but when he went for a second DDT, Moose blocked him, lawndarted him into the turnbuckle and got a two count. Moose pounded on Swann with closed fists and went for the Razor’s Edge, but Swann broke out, slapped Moose about six times, they traded kicks, but Moose decided to go for a top rope move that Swann caught with a cutter, followed by the Lethal Injection for a two count. This is Awesome chants.
Swann went for the 450, but Moose got the knees up. Go To Hell on Swann for a two count. Moose went for the No Jackhammer Needed, but Swann caught him with a superkick. Moose went for the same combo as with Daga, but Swann countered the spear into a crucifix roll up for the win.
Rich Swann defeated Michael Elgin by disqualification
Elgin came out with a big smile. Elgin went for an early Burning Hammer, but Swann escaped and superkicked Elgin a couple of times. Elgin hit something like a pop-up thunder bomb. Elgin hit a big clothesline after another until Swann was down.
Elgin went for a Superplex, but Swann dodged out and kicked Elgin in the back. Swann hit a School Boy into a Bomb to finally rock Elgin. They traded strikes until Elgin blocked a rana and hit a Buckle Bomb. Swann tried to comeback with a Rana, but Elgin transitioned into a Crossface for the submission tease.
They fought on the apron with Swann trying to hit a roisonrana, but Elgin blocked it and hit a Tiger Suplex on the apron, tossed Swann back to the ring, went for a Phoenix Splash, but Swann moved and went for a Frog Splash, but Elgin also managed to move away. Elgin hit an Enziguri, they traded kicks, Swann escaped another tiger suplex, they kicked each other again until Elgin got the tiger suplex in and a Lariat for a two count.
Elgin hit a superplex, rolled over for another, but Swann escaped, hit two poinsonranas and got a two count out of it.
Elgin hit a Deadlift Falcon Arrow for a two count. Elgin went for the burning hammer, but Swann grabbed the rope and accidentally tossed Elgin into the ref. Swann hit a Superkick, but caught a Lariat on the comeback. Elgin started punching out Swann, and when the ref told him to stop, Elgin kept doing it and tossed the ref off, getting DQ’d. Elgin, out of anger, hit a powerbomb on Swann, who is spitting blood. The rest of the referees came out to stop Elgin, who should have powerbombed the ref if you ask me. Great match, but the finished sucked, or at least Elgin’s reaction. It also makes it awkward for either of the two babyfaces left to come in and destroy Swann.
Brian Cage defeated Rich Swann
Brian Cage wasn’t happy to have to take on this Swann, he didn’t rush or anything, but offered Swann to give up. Swann decided to strike Cage, forcing Cage to attack with a Lariat, but out of instinct, Swann hit a Codebreaker to Cage’s arm, a couple of kicks, and a 450 only for Cage to kick out at one.
Swann went for the other corner, but Cage caught him, tossed around Swann, rushed him to the corner, but ate a couple of kicks, countered a Pumphandle Slam to another pair of kicks. Swann went for the 450 again, getting a two count this time.
Swann went for the Lethal Injection, but Cage caught him, tossed him, went for the F-5, only for Swann to counter to a cutter and successfully land the Lethal Injection for a two count. Swann went for the Phoenix Splash, but Cage dodged, hit Weapon X, and finally eliminated Swann. At this point, the fans were behind Swann and were not happy about Cage winning, but commentary sold that performance alone, Swann should get a title shot after Hard To Kill.
Tessa Blanchard defeated Brian Cage
Big pop for Tessa now. Tessa was all business and Cage had a cocky confident face. The match started similar with Cage being forced to bring out the moves, except that this time around, Cage was blocking all of Tessa’s moves with sheer power. Tessa could only rely on strikes, managing to get Cage to the floor where Tessa hit two dives and a third one that Cage caught and turned into an F-5 into the apron.
Back from commercial, Cage has brought Tessa to the ring where he has been tossing her around, trying to get quick pins. Tessa tried for a crossbody, but Cage caught her again. Tessa finally manages to drop Cage with a tornado DDT for a two count. Tessa cut Cage with the corner Magnum and went for a top rope crossbody for a two count.
Cage came back with a powerbomb for a two count. Cage hit a deadlift suplex for a two count. Cage’s lip has been busted open.
Tessa dodged a discus lariat, hit a superkick, a cutter, and the buzzsaw DDT for a two count. Cage hit a big Alabama Slam for a two count. Cage went for the top rope Razor’s Edge, but Tessa turned it into a hurricanrana, followed with the Magnum, and pinned Cage, only to get a 2.99 kickout!
Tessa went for a second Magnum, but Cage blocked it, hit a buckle bomb and wanted to follow with the Weapon X, but Tessa rolled over with a Yoshi Tonic and pinned Cage to become the number 1 contender for Sami Callihan’s title.
Wow, that last hour was PACKED! This was a great gauntlet match, every single pairing was a main event worthy match and I wouldn’t really say that anyone looked weak in defeat. My only gripe was Elgin’s DQ.
Final Thoughts —
Tonight’s show was all action. The hour long gauntlet was all great wrestling, not just quick pins to get things over. Storyline wise, the show really kept things on the low, mostly building towards the final match.
On Friday, Impact Wrestling presented Turning Point from Hazelton, PA, an Impact Plus special that used to be a traditional pay-per-view.
While this show is not going along with current storylines, it did follow up to Bound For Glory with two championship rematch clauses being cashed in. This show was promoted in conjunction with Pennsylvania Premiere Wrestling.
Tessa Blanchard & Jordynne Grace defeated Havok & Madison Rayne
Originally, Kiera Hogan was going to team up with Rayne, but due to an injury, Havok replaced Hogan. Grace was the babyface in peril until Blanchard came in for the hot tag. Blanchard held her own until Rayne distracted her and fed her to Havok. Rayne tagged herself in when Havok was under control, only for Tessa to make a comeback and win with the Buzzsaw DDT in an ok opener.
— Rhino cut a promo backstage, telling Rob Van Dam that his vacation was over and tonight, RV was being sent to the hospital.
PPW Heavyweight Champion Clutch Adams defeated Facade, Evander James, Desean Pratt, KC Navarro, and Charles Mason to retain
The commentary team sold Navarro strong as a potential X-Division wrestler, but Josh Mathews still managed to mention that his KT Tape was all wrongly placed.
The match was mostly one pair of wrestlers competing and then onto another, giving everyone a chance to show their stuff. Navarro, James, and Facade all hit dives with Navarro featuring the most impressive one with the height he got. After another quick run of everyone getting near falls and finishers in, Facade hit a coast-to-coast on Pratt, only for Adams to run in with a flying elbow to steal the pin from Facade. This was an ok match. as no one was particularly impressive. However, Desean Pratt is someone worth developing and keeping an eye on.
— Backstage, Jimmy Jacobs interviewed Moose about his opponent tonight, Fallah Bahh. Moose put over Bahh as a great contender now, but that Bahh wasn’t at Moose’s level yet. Moose is fantastic.
Michael Elgin defeated Mike Orlando
Orlando is a big dude, so Elgin gave him some offense at first. In the end, it was Elgin wrestling circles around him. Elgin mostly chopped and tossed Orlando around the ring. Orlando had a short hope spot landing a suplex, a DDT and a TKO but that only led to a two count. Elgin got some near falls before he hit a powerbomb, backfist, and Elgin Bomb combo for the win. This was not a good match and went way too long.
— Jacobs interviewed Taya Valkyrie about Tenille Dashwood getting a rematch tonight. Taya just said that she probably had to get a favor from management to get this match, but just like at BFG, she’ll take care of Dashwood tonight.
Moose defeated Fallah Bahh
Bahh started the match with momentum, forcing Moose to rely on dirty heel tactics to turn the match around. Moose went to work over Bahh’s leg for a long while, really slowing down the match, but eventually, Bahh started his comeback. The match really picked up from here on as they started trading big moves and near falls. At one point towards the end, Moose superplexed Bahh, but Bahh fired up and came back with a huge lariat for a two count. Moose came back with two running dropkicks and the No Jackhammer Needed for the win.
Bahh has to be top five most improved wrestlers of the year as his moving toward strong style has really helped his matches a lot. This was the best match of the night thus far.
— Jacobs interviewed Rich Swann and Mack about their title shot with The North. They said there is no Rhino or RVD getting involved with their match like how the BFG match should have been. The North interrupted and said that tonight they’ll beat them again, and Swann and Mack won’t have excuses anymore.
Impact Knockouts Champion Taya Valkyrie (w/John E. Bravo) defeated Tenille Dashwood in a non-title match
Taya was the only champion to get away with not defending her title tonight. Of all the matches so far, this was the one that went straight to the mat for chain wrestling. Similar to Bahh and Moose, this had Tenille have the upper hand over Taya until Bravo interfered to gave Taya the opening to turn the match around. Taya worked over Tenile’s midsection intertwined with occassional interventions of Bravo and Taya’s fake dog, taking shots at Tenille.
Eventually, Tenille managed to dodge Taya’s running knees and start a comeback. Tenille got a two count with a top rope crossbody. They went back and forth trading near falls. Tenille hit her running low crossbody to the corner, but Taya kicked out. Tenille went for the Spotlight, but Bravo grabbed Tenille’s leg, distracting her enough for Taya to sneak up behind and roll her up to retain her title in an ok match.
After the match, Taya and Bravo beat up on Tenille until Jordynne Grace came for the save. Jordynne attacked Taya and ran her off.
Impact Tag Team Champions The North (Ethan Page & Josh Alexander) defeated Rich Swann and Willie Mack to retain
This was a really good match. It started with Swann and Mack in control. Swann was hitting Page and Alexander from all angles, but as soon as The North had an opening to double team Swann, they cut him off from Wilie and proceeded to work him over.
After several minutes of Swann being worked on and several tag teases, Mack finally got the hot tag and ran wild. The match broke down into many double team moves as both teams started chasing their finishers. The North initially got theirs countered and Swann and Mack hit theirs, but the pin was broken up.
Finally, Swann set up the Standing Rana into the Frog Splash, but Page blocked the rana, and Border Tossed Swann to take him out. Both North members brought down Mack from the top rope the hard way with thier double facebuster finisher to retain their titles.
— Sami Callihan cut a promo putting himself over while telling Jake Crist that he can’t be the Golden Draw anymore until he regains the X-Division championship. Callihan then told Cage that tonight, he’ll defeat him again and stay the World champion
Eddie Edwards defeated Mahabali Shera to retain the Call Your Shot Gauntlet title shot
Shera used his size and power advantage to run over Edwards early on, but Edwards came back using his experience advantage and used Shera’s power against him. The match then went on to wash, rinse, and repeat that sequence a couple of times as they closed to the finish with Shera getting ahold of Edwards, cutting him off with power and working over him until Edwards would find a way out.
Edwards eventually and unceremoniously hit the Boston Knee Party for the win. This started good, but ended really weak.
— We got a commercial for the Impact Plus December 7th special from Dayton, OH, No Surrender. Swann is challenging Callihan, provided he wins tonight. X-Division Champion Ace Austin faces Eddie Edwards in a tables match, while Valkyrie defends her title against Havok.
X-Division Champion Ace Austin defeated Jake Crist to retain
This was a heel vs heel match, but Austin was given the more devious role as he was the one pulling out all the dirty tricks behind the ref’s back. He also got to work over Crist for most of the first half of the match.
Crist had a great comeback, hitting a kick combo and later catching Austin’s diving move into a cutter for a two count. Jake went for a Super Cutter, but Austin grabbed the ropes to counter the move and came back with The Fold from the top rope to retain his championship. This was a good match, but somewhat short.
Rob Van Dam (w/Katie Forbes) defeated Rhino by DQ
The brawl started outside the ring as Rhino was making his entrance. After some minutes around the ring, they finally made it into the ring and we got a good look at the new heel RVD, which pretty much consisted of a lot of taunts and a lot of making out with Forbes. RVD even stopped just short of his own signature moves, yet still managed to beat up Rhino.
Eventually, all the taunting and not actually hitting moves allowed Rhino to recover and make a comeback. Rhino superplexed RVD for a two count. Rhino hit the Gore, but Forbes put Van Dam’s foot on the ropes to break the pin. Rhino went for a chair, but the ref took it away. In the distraction, Forbes low blowed Rhino. RVD brought out a table and tried to Gore Rhino, but Rhino blocked him, picked him up, and drove him through the table for the disqualification. This was a fun match, but the fans hated the finish.
After the match, Rhino chased the referee away instead of attacking RVD who simply made out with Forbes in the ring.
Impact World Champion Sami Callihan defeated Brian Cage to retain
The story of the match was that Cage was strong and healed up for this match, and thus none of Callihan’s offense was hurting him. Cage took Callihan on the Tour de Hurt around the ring, slamming him against the guardrail and apron. The champion was desperate and was looking for a countout victory.
It wasn’t until Callihan raked Cage’s eyes and hit a piledriver on the apron that he managed to cut Cage off and gain control. It didn’t last long because Cage recovered quickly, but he was rocked enough so that Callihan could keep up with him. They traded strikes and Cage hit an ugly looking Electric Chair Drop for a two count. Callihan came back with a DVD for another two count and then hit a draping piledriver for another two count.
Out of desperation, Callihan went for the title belt, but the referee took it away. Amidst the chaos, Cage accidentally clotheslined the referee and hit an F-5 for a visual pin, but the ref was down.
Jake Crist came down and Cage took both Callihan and Crist out. Cage went for the Drill Claw, but Fulton came down. Cage endured a Callihan low blow, a Fulton chokeslam, a Callihan belt shot, and a Cactus Special, getting pinned by Callihan in finish a good main event.
Callihan won the Impact World Championship from Cage in a steel cage match at last Friday’s Impact television tapings in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. The match aired as the main event of Impact’s official weekly debut on AXS TV last night.
After the steel cage match, Tessa Blanchard came to the ring and confronted Callihan.
Prior to the title change, Cage retained the Impact World Championship against Callihan in a no disqualification match at Bound for Glory. The steel cage rematch was set up by an angle where Callihan threatened Cage’s family until Cage agreed to give him another title shot.
Turning Point is taking place at the Holy Family Academy in Hazleton, Pennsylvania. Ace Austin vs. Jake Crist for the X-Division title and RVD vs. Rhino are also set for the show.
A new era of Impact Wrestling begins tonight with their debut on AXS with the fallout of Bound For Glory. They had a new intro theme and look. Show opened with a video talking about Impact’s journey to AXS, their redemption story.
Twitch stream was hosted by Melissa Santos, who ran down the show. She promoted the Turning Point Impact Plus special show on November 9th.
Josh Matthews and Don Callis opened the show in the ring, introducing the card for tonight and giving their picks on who leaves with the World Title tonight. Melissa’s reactions to the main event result were great.
Naomichi Marufuji defeated Josh Alexander (w/Ethan Page)
They fixed Marufuji’s title bar for his entrance.
Collar and elbow to start the match, Alexander tried to start slow, but Marufuji went quick for the kicks and provoked Alexander. They did a quick paced sequence of reversals, Alexander looking good.
Alexander went for a side headlock, but Marufuji kept reversing him into pins. They did some chain wrestling until Josh came in with a chop and challenged Marufuji to strikes, which has to be the dumbest idea ever. Alexander caught him with a low kick and turned the match around, working on his head for a big until Marufuji countered a whip with a cart-wheel and came back with a kick and a huge chop.
Marufuji now in control, hit a running Meteora and superkick for a two count. Alexander tried to come back with a Green Bay Plunge and knee drop to the back of the head, but Marufuji kicked out at two.
Alexander went for a powerbomb, but Marufuji escaped. Alexander countered the Shiranui into a backbreaker. Alexander followed by stomping each of Marufuji’s limbs and went again for the powerbomb, which once again Marufuji countered with kicks. Alexander hit a discus forearm and Marufuji a big bicycle kick before both men collapsed for the double ten count tease.
They traded chops in the middle of the ring. Marufuji hit the back kick, but Alexander came back with a Torture Rack Spinning Bomb for a 2.99 kick out, commentary ever wondered if that was it.
Alexander went for Tiger Driver 89, but Marufuji countered with a kick combo, hit Shiranui, and pinned Alexander for the win. Great match, I really hope we get The North in Japan one day.
Marufuji offered a handshake after the match, Alexander went for it, but Page stopped him. The crowd cheered for the hand shake, but Alexander denied at the end. Marufuji wasn’t pleased and gave me the impression that we’ll have another Marufuji match versus The North.
oVe arrived at the arena when security told Fulton and the Crist brothers that they are banned from the arena for tonight’s main event.
We got the Rascalz at the Treehouse. Dezmond Xavier and Zachary Wentz talk about Trey Miguel’s mom? Fallah Bahh joined them and said he was bummed because Elgin beat him up. They smoke out and suddenly Bahh is a scholar and starts quoting Shakespeare. The Rascalz hyped up Bahh to go and challenge Elgin.
Rosemary, Jordynne Grace, & Alexia Nicole defeated Knockout’s Champion Taya Valkyrie (w/John E. Bravo), Kiera Hogan, & Madison Rayne in a non-title match
Nicole went for Hogan early on, Hogan tried to run away, but Nicole caught her with a Baseball Slide. Nicole went for a dive, but Rayne cut her off. Everyone got in the ring and Grace and Rosemary beat down Taya and Rayne with tandem attacks. The babyfaces controlled the ring.
Back from commercial, Nicole and Hogan are wrestling in the ring, but quickly tag out. Rosemary brings in Rayne the hard way and starts tossing her around, going after her with strikes. Nicole once again came in with a big Missile Dropkick on Rayne, but Taya interfered and took down Nicole for Rayne to cut off.
The heel team worked over Nicole with some quick tags until Hogan came and took a bad bump on a Frankensteiner. We got the X thrown out. Hogan kinda pretend it was faked, but quickly tagged in Taya and Hogan left the ring and stayed out.
Jordynne tagged in and ran wild over Taya. Grace hit a Vader Bomb for a two count, but Rayne broke it up. Taya looked for the tag, but Hogan was down and Rayne nowhere to be found, so Grace rolled her up and pinned her. Jordynne Grace, who has never challenged for the title, has finally pinned the champion. I really don’t know if Hogan’s injury was legit since it played in to the finish.
UPDATE: Melissa Santos did confirm Kiera Hogan’s injury on the Twitch Stream.
Rob Van Dam, along with his girlfriend Katie Forbes, cut a promo from his pool. He said the same stuff he’s been saying for months, that everyone’s movesets are all based on his moves that he came up with. If it wasn’t for him, there be no Kenny Omega or Young Bucks. He said that he opened the doors to all the new smaller guys. He said he carried ECW and he is tired of carrying promotions on his back. He said that if Rhino wants an apology, to come and find him. “Too good for ECW” RVD is back!
We got a Michael Elgin video package, telling his story from his debut versus Cage and his recent match with Marufuji. Video wondered what was next for Elgin.
Desi Hit Squad jumped Swann and Mack to start the match, but they quickly beat them out, got rid of Rohit and hit a couple of double team moves on Raj Singh.
The match now under control, saw Swann take on Raj until Rohit interfered and distracted Swann, allowing Raj to cut Swann off. DHS worked over Swann with quick tags. Rohit got a two count with a big flatliner.
Swann caught both men with kicks and a big clothesline on Rohit, and managed to tag in Mack, who came in and hit a running cannonball on Raj, the samoan drop and moonsault combo on Rohit for the two count.
Swann tagged in, but took a wheelbarrow DDT by Rohit for a two count when Mack broke it up. Mack hit a stunner on Raj, but Rohit took him out from behind. Swann hit the Lethal Injection, but instead of pinning him, tagged in Mack and hit a big double team for the pin. Short match, but good action.
Backstage, we saw Rhino arrive and bully people into finding out where RVD was. Jacobs told him that he was on vacation. Rhino told RVD that he is coming for him and that he’s going to Gore him.
Moose cut a promo from a golf course. He said that he has defeated all the best in MMA and so now he wanted to show that he was also the greatest golfer of all time. He was going to hit a Hole in One, but hit a green that still had people on it. He bullied the people there and placed the ball in the hole, calling it a hole in one. He said that he’ll be on Impact next week.
Ken Shamrock came out to the ring to addressed his future. Shamrock said that Moosed fired him up, but he was disappointed he had lost. He said that after thinking about it, he concluded that… Out came Joey Ryan to interrupt.
Joey Ryan got some chants. Ryan ran down Shamrock’s career, but told him to not retire until he touched his penis. Ryan said he is the guy that makes wrestling fun again. Shamrock recognized him as ‘that penis guy’, but said that he was a real fighter and Joey was just a gimmick.
Joey then challenged him to touch It then if he was a gimmick and said that maybe Shamrock was afraid of tapping out quicker to his penis than to a Gracie choke. Shamrock said that Joey had jumped the gun, because he wasn’t announcing his retirement, but rather telling the Impact roster that he was back and taking on challenges.
Joey Ryan challenged Shamrock to a match for next week.
We got a Tessa Blanchard video package. Mostly a quick showcase of her matches.
Impact X-Division Champion Ace Austin defeated Eddie Edwards in a non-title Street Fight
Eddie started the match dodging a strike by Ace and hitting a Suicide Dive. Eddie and Ace started brawling up the ramp, where Eddie dropped Ace with a suplex. Eddie brought out some trash cans from the back, but Ace was ready to take him out with his Gambit stick.
Ace now in control, hit Eddie with the trash can, but played around too long, allowing Eddie to comeback and use the trash can too. Eddie got a couple of lid strikes, but Ace came back and hid his apron handstand trick and took down Eddie with a kick to the face. Ace mocked Eddie with his new “Ace Austin 3:16” t-shirt before bringing out a table to the ring.
Back in the ring, Eddie caught Ace with another lid shot. Ace got him with one too. Ace took some time to set up the table on the corner, giving Eddie time to recover and get him with a superkick. Eddie went for a powerbomb, but Reno Scum came out to aid Ace.
Eddie hit a belly-to-belly on Thornstowe into the table, but the distraction was enough for Ace to catch Eddie with a top rope leg drop onto a trash can for a two count.
Back from commercial, Ace had been working on Eddie for a while now. Ace went for a chair shot on Eddie, but Eddie kicked it out, so Ace instead hit an enzuigiri and set up a superplex onto a chair. Eddie slipped out and got Ace with a chair on the back. Eddie hit a super backplex, but couldn’t follow up with a pin.
Eddie brought out his kendo stick friend, went for Ace, but Ace was ready and blocked the shot with the title belt, hit Eddie with it, and got a two count. Ace took the kendo stick and smashed Eddie before breaking the stick. Ace went for The Fold, but Eddie caught him with a trash can, where Ace flew INTO! Go look up this gif now!
Eddie hit Ace with a chair and setup another table. Eddie went for a Superplex again, but Ace raked his eyes and loaded his wristband with a steel plate. Ace Austin took out Eddie with a backfist and hit The Fold from the top rope into the chair to win the match.
Impact Plus Flashback Moment of the Week was Su Yung vs Havok’s Street Fight from a couple of months ago. This is the match that led to the angle where Su Yung was hung to her death from the staircase, later revealing that she had come back to life.
Back at the Impact venue, we saw Suzie, who everyone recognized as Su Yung, but alive. She didn’t remember who she was before. Interesting development, Impact’s storytelling is top level.
Backstage, Johnny Swinger is hitting on Alisha Edwards until Ace Austin comes to the save. Ace tells Alisha that she wasn’t there for his coronation party, so now he invited her to dinner next week.
Talking about next week, Bahh vs Elgin, Moose vs Willie Mack, and Joey Ryan vs Ken Shamrock.
We got a video package of the Cage vs Callihan story, recapping the Bound for Glory match, and Callihan’s interruption to last week’s control center interview for the This is Impact episode.
Sami Callihan defeated Impact World Champion Brian Cage in a Steel Cage Match to become the NEW Impact World Champion
Cage came out on fire after Callihan, but got caught with the cage door. It wasn’t enough as he just took Callihan and powerbombed him into the cage, tossed him around ringside, lawndarted him to the cage wall. Callihan escaped and ran to the cage, locked himself in, forcing Cage to jump in, looking like a beast!
Once in the ring, the match started, with Cage tossing around Callihan from wall to wall. Cage went for a powerbomb, but Callihan escaped. They exchanged some strikes before Callihan used Cage’s momentum to toss him to the wall, and finally with the opening, used his bat to take out Cage.
Cage, now busted open, got worked over his head. Callihan bit Cage’s forehead, punched him, raked him against the cage wall. Callihan got a couple of more bat strikes to the torso, but Cage was starting to Cage-Up and ask for more. Callihan went for a running attack, but Cage managed to dodge and Sami went face first into the cage.
Back from commercial, both men are still down, slowly starting to make it to their feet. Callihan strikes first, but Cage comes back with a kick and so on, they trade strikes until Callihan end it with a huge lariat for a two count.
Callihan lands a second lariat for another two count. Callihan hits the Cactus special, but playing into the BFG match, Cage kicks out at one again. Cage hits a pop-up powerbomb, a buckle bomb, and goes for the Drill Claw, but Callihan rolls him for a two count. Callihan lands a kicka and knee combo, ending with another Cactus special, follows with a third one, and a fourth one, but Cage still kicked out to the weak pin. Callihan goes for another one, but Cage counters into an Alabama Slam and a discus clothesline for a two count.
Cage went to escape the cage, but Callihan cut him off. They traded headbutts in the top rope, ending with Callihan dropping and hitting an enzuigiri. Callihan hit a top rope Cactus special and finally pinned Brian Cage to become the new Impact World Champion. Awesome match. Sami Callihan has finally coronated himself, after being the pillar of Impact’s redemption, The Draw is now on top.
Tessa Blanchard came down to the ring, got in the cage, got face to face with Callihan, and like a New Japan challenge, made her intentions clear, she’s coming for Callihan’s title.
Final Thoughts —
This was a top notch episode for Impact Wrestling, a great debut for AXS. Three great matches, storyline developments all around, just a good overall package. Impact has turned their whole product around and I hope AXS tv gets more eyes on them.
Sami Callihan is the new Impact World champion following tonight’s tapings.
Callihan faced Brian Cage in a steel cage match during the tapings in Windsor, Ontario Canada. The ending had Callihan cut off Cage and deliver a piledriver off the middle rope, pinning him to win the title. This follows their match from Bound For Glory this past Sunday where Cage successfully retained the title against Callihan.
After the match, Tessa Blanchard came out and stared down Callihan, making it clear she wanted a title shot in the future. The two faced each other in the main event of Slammiversary back in July, with Callihan scoring the win.
Brian Cage held the Impact title for 180 days, defeating Johnny Impact back on April 28 at Impact’s Rebellion PPV.
Impact officially starts this Tuesday on AXS TV. A special aired last Tuesday that went over current storylines, while also airing a few exclusive matches.
Impact Wrestling co-executive vice president Scott D’Amore, Impact World Champion Brian Cage, and Knockouts Champion Taya Valkyrie were part of an hour-long conference call Thursday, hitting up a variety of topics on the company’s past and future ahead of their official weekly AXS TV debut this Tuesday.
The whole call can be heard below, but a few highlights:
D’Amore addressed the rumor of the TNA brand returning for one night in April during WrestleMania weekend in Orlando. He said it’s early in the process, but that “we don’t run from our history, we embrace it.”
On Kylie Rae returning to the company, “the door is certainly open if she is interested.”
D’Amore and Valkyrie were asked a lot about intergender matches which D’Amore said they are proud to be at the forefront of. Valkyrie jokingly challenged Cage to a title match and Cage retorted with that it didn’t go well for Valkyrie when they wrestled in another organization.
D’Amore said their rebuilding process is over and that they have spent two years putting out a great product. He talked about restoring trust in the Impact name. He said they had to rebuild that when he and Callis took over two years ago. After a lot of negativity in ’18, he feels they have reclaimed a lot of that trust in ’19, but need to keep at it.”
D’Amore said that other wrestling organizations are competition, but in a good way. “While other companies are competition, they aren’t enemies. For us to success, they don’t have to fail. Competition breeds innovation. We need to answer the challenge,” he said.
Other topics include Joey Ryan’s signing, co-promoting with New Japan Pro Wrestling and WOW, Killer Kross’ status, returning to the UK, some prank calls, and running on Tuesday nights.
A World Championship rematch is set for the first official episode of Impact on AXS TV.
Impact Wrestling has announced that Brian Cage will defend his World title against Sami Callihan in a steel cage match on next Tuesday’s Impact. It’s a rematch from the main event of Bound for Glory. The pay-per-view match had a no disqualification stipulation but wasn’t in a steel cage.
Cage retained his title against Callihan at Sunday’s PPV, with the rematch being set up by an angle on last night’s This is Impact special. Callihan threatened Cage’s family until Cage agreed to give him another title shot next week.
Naomichi Marufuji vs. Josh Alexander, a grudge match between Ace Austin and Eddie Edwards, and a segment where Ken Shamrock will address his future after losing to Moose at Bound for Glory have also been announced for next week’s Impact.
Starting next week, Impact will air on AXS TV and Twitch from 8-10 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesdays.
Impact Wrestling presented a special episode entitled This Is Impact, a showcase of what Impact will bring to the table on AXS TV, an introduction to the major players of Impact, a rundown of what happened at Bound For Glory, bringing everyone up to speed with the current storylines. Also tonight, we get a couple of taped matches from Bound For Glory.
Twitch stream was hosted by Melissa Santos. She read comments from the chat, did some small commentary of what we were seeing on the show, and hyped up what we have in store for next week.
Show opened with a nostalgic look at TNA/Impact’s history. The obvious references of Sting, Styles, Angle, Gail Kim, Hogan, and a quick look at all the world champions Impact has crowned. It was nice.
Josh Matthews and Scott D’Amore ran the show from an event center. Melissa Santos will be doing interviews throughout the show from Los Angeles. Don Callis was in the set of Ace Austin’s new film, where he is looking to interview him.
Matthews and D’Amore talked about some of the returns and debuts we’ve seen lately, like Rhino, RVD, Madman Fulton, Jordynne Grace, TJP, Willie Mack, Tenille Dashwood, and Ken Shamrock. A good, quick rundown introducing some of the players. They made a special showcase for Michael Elgin.
We got a Michael Elgin video package, focusing on his debut, his run against Brian Cage, and his build towards the Marufuji match. They talked about him as a future World Champion.
Madison Rayne (w/Kiera Hogan) defeated Shotzi Blackheart
Hogan, wearing the most amazing attire, joined commentary. I totally thought Shotzi had already signed with NXT, I take it she will be finishing her booking, let’s hope WWE doesn’t botch her.
Rayne tried to bully Shotzi at the start, telling her she is the Locker Room Leader. Shotzi attacked her and got the better of her sending her for a breather outside the ring. Shotzi went for the chase, got distracted by Hogan, and Madison attacked her from behind.
Back from commercial, Shotzi is working on Madison, ramming her to the turnbuckles, but Madison counters and hits a Northen Lights for a two count. Madison locked in a cravate and came close to choking Shotzi, who is only released after a series of knees to the gut by Rayne.
Shotzi came back with a desperation Enzuigiri to make some space. Shotzi hit a running knee and a Swinging Bulldog, follows with a kick and earns a two count. Shotzi hit a 619, went for a second, but Rayne caught her, and hit a Slingshot onto the ropes. Rayne hit the Rayne Check and pinned Shotzi for the win. Good match, Rayne looked great, Hogan was great on commentary.
Matthews and D’Amore talked about the women’s wrestling revolution, talking about the history of the knockouts and what they’ve been doing for years now. This was a short showcase about some of the female talent from the past.
We got a highlight showcase of Slammiversary XVII’s 4-way Monster’s ball for the Knockout’s Championship. This led to a video package about Taya’s rivalries with Rosemary, Su Yung, and Havok. We got promos by James Mitchell and Taya, the latter just showing how natural she is with her promos. Matthews and D’Amore then talked about Taya’s record breaking title reign.
Don Callis interviewed Ace Austin on the set of Austin’s first feature film. Ace talked about being the man of the hour after winning the X-Division title. A lady came in and talked about looking forward to working with Ace tonight, this gave the vibes that Ace is working a porn movie.
Matthews and D’Amore now talked about the tag team division. D’Amore hyped the team of Swann and Mack and the Desi Hit Squad as to teams that are likely to have good looking futures coming up. The North was put over for being strong champions, but also for being responsible to retiring LAX out of Impact. We got a quick highlight of that match.
We got an interview by The North from the Impact offices. They said that next week, all eyes are going to be on them, and so they plan to be the first out of the curtain to show what Impact is about. Josh Alexander made an open challenge for next week.
At this point, we got highlights of RVD turning heel during Bound For Glory. RVD will talk about this next week. Furthermore, we got highlights from the Shamrock vs Moose match too. We got a backstage promo from Shamrock saying that he is not sure what is next for him in wrestling.
We got an ‘live’ interview with Moose. He is still celebrating his win. Moose said he had zero pity for Ken Shamrock, he got what he had coming for him. He said that he is the best multi-sport athlete in the world, and that he’ll show why he is a legend next week. He has started calling himself The Alpha Male on twitter, so maybe that’s a hint.
Melissa Santos interviewed Taya Valkyrie, the longest reigning Knockout’s Champion of all time. Taya and Melissa ran down all the accolades Taya has achieved this year. They showed clips of Taya defeating Tenille Dashwood at Bound For Glory. Taya said he felt amazing coming out of her win last Sunday, she brought up that Tenille was her first match, and that even if Tenille had been in the biggest stages and fought the biggest starts, she wasn’t prepared for Taya.
We got some footage of John E. Bravo being sent to interview random people about how Taya’s reign has improved people’s lives in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Some people had no comments, Bravo hit on all the girls he interviewed, and after the video, Taya was irate that Bravo screwed the interviews up.
Matthews and D’Amore announced that someone has accepted Josh Alexander’s open challenge — Naomichi Marufuji!.
We got a video package of Callihan and Cage’s feud.
The World Champion Brian Cage joined Matthews and D’Amore at the Event Center. Cage said he felt really good from defeating Callihan. Cage talked about being disappointed about being injured throughout most of his reign and that he was ready and looking forward to make up for lost time.
Cage was talking about what was next when Sami Callihan interrupted the interview. Callihan demanded a rematch. Callihan talked trash and said that he sent oVe to his house in Los Angeles, while Cage was stuck at New York. We got footage of oVe in Los Angeles waiting for Sami’s green light. Cage gave Callihan his rematch and told him he’ll tear him apart. Without any crazy gimmicky things, Sami Callihan is turning into a Joker level villain. Good angle.
This was a weird thing for Melissa to recap on the Twitch stream with all the chat telling Melissa to hide from oVe who are supposed to be outside.
Back from commercial, Matthews and D’Amore talked about what had just happened with Cage and Callihan. They announced that Cage vs Callihan will take place inside a steel cage.
D’lo Brown joined the Event Center table to analyse the ongoing rivalry between Cage and Callihan. Brown said that if Callihan can stay inside Cage’s head like he just showed, he speculated that it’s only a matter of time before Callihan is the World Champion.
We got a video package for Tessa Blanchard. It was a highlight reel of the huge rise Tessa has achieved this year, from her feud with Gail Kim to her battles with oVe. They talked that after Bound For Glory, Tessa must be boiling over oVe getting in her business and somewhat costing her the X-Division Championship.
Impact Plus Moment of the Week was Tessa Blanchard vs Sami Callihan from this year’s Slammiversary XVII pay-per-view.
We got another video from Ace Austin’s movie being filmed. It’s definitely a porno.
We got a video package telling the crazy story that Eddie Edwards has gone through the last year, from his feud with Callihan, the eye injury, going crazy, feud with Kross, and his marital problems. At this point, Sami Callihan has been part of most of Impact’s biggest stories in the last two years, talk about being a pillar of the company.
They showed highlights of Eddie Edwards winning the Call Your Shot Gauntlet from Bound For Glory. They speculated that Eddie should go for the World Title, but given his feud with Ace Austin and that they have a grudge match coming, there are hints that Eddie could always go for that. Talking about Ace Austin again, we got highlights from Homecoming’s Ultimate X match for the X-Division Championship.
We’re back at Ace Austin’s movie set. Well, this ain’t PG. Maybe he’s renaming the title to the XXX-Division Championship.
Jimmy Jacobs interviewed Johnny Swinger from LA Live. Jacobs tried to ask what was the difference between wrestling in 1993 and now. Swinger said he is taking one of the young lads and taking him under his wing. Jacobs asked his twitter or social media, Swinger only gave out a P.O. Box. This was funny.
The Rascalz (Dezmond Xavier, Zachary Wentz, & Trey Miguel) defeated Dr. Wagner Jr, Taurus, & Aerostar
The AAA team came out with their official porra ruda, straight out of Arena Naucalpan, with drums and vuvuzelas. Wagner is working with his mask on. This match has Lucha Tag rules.
Match started with the Lucha team jump the Rascalz and single out Dezmond. They hit a couple of tag moves between Taurus and Aerostar. Later on, Trey got in the ring, making him legal, but also fell to the Lucha team when Wagner locked in La Tapatia, while Taurus had a headlock, and Aerostar dropped a footstomp from the top rope.
Back from commercial, the AAA team is still under control of Trey, just for Dezmond to return to the ring and clear it out and going one-on-one with Aerostar. Wentz comes in and hits the Bronco Buster. Taurus tags in, who takes a triple combo by The Rascalz. Wagner comes in and strikes out all men, but ends up taking a superkick and footstomp combo by Wentz for a two count.
Rascalz go for a triple dive, but Xavier and Trey get taken out, leaving Wentz open to take out Wagner. Aerostar hits his dive, followed by Trey’s Asai moonsault. Wagner follows with a tope suicida.
Back in the ring, Wanger vs Xavier takes place. Wagner finally takes off his mask and hits a sit down powerbomb for a two count. Taurus lands a huge German and sets up Aerostar for a plancha only for Trey to break the pin.
Wentz comes in and takes out Taurus, but is taken out by Wagner, who is taken out by Xavier, who is taken out by Aerostar, and so on until Trey hits Cheeky Nandos and the Trey19 on Aerostar, follows with the Meteora and The Hot Fire Flame to take the win. Great match. It was kinda crazy seeing Dr. Wagner wrestle on Impact.
Matthews and D’Amore close the show running down next week’s card. Ace Austin vs Eddie Edwards, Cage vs Callihan in a cage match, Shamrock addressing his future, Josh Alexander vs Naomichi Marufuji, and much more. Packed show next Tuesday!
Final Thoughts —
Perfect show to bring you up to speed to Impact if you’ve missed the Pursuit Era. The show did a great job introducing you to the main players, the main stories, the fallout of Bound For Glory, and two pretty decent matches.
Impact Wrestling’s biggest event of the year takes place tonight as the Odeum Expo Center in Villa Park, Illinois hosts Bound for Glory.
The Impact World Championship will be on the line, with Brian Cage defending his title against Sami Callihan. Callihan defeated Tessa Blanchard in a number one contender’s match this August to get the title shot.
Blanchard, Daga, Ace Austin, and Ace Romero will challenge for Jake Crist’s X-Division title in a ladder match tonight. Crist is a stablemate of Callihan’s in oVe.
Taya Valkyrie defends her Knockouts title against Tenille Dashwood, and Tag Team Champions The North (Josh Alexander & Ethan Page) will defend their titles against Rich Swann & Willie Mack and RVD & Rhino in a triple threat match.
Rounding out the card for tonight’s PPV are: Pro Wrestling NOAH star Naomichi Marufuji vs. Michael Elgin, Ken Shamrock vs. Moose, Dr. Wagner Jr., Aerostar & Taurus vs. The Rascalz (Dezmond Xavier, Zachary Wentz & Trey Miguel), and a Call Your Shot gauntlet match where the winner will get a future shot at the Impact title of their choosing.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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Fantastic opening video that recapped all the main players of tonight’s show. It featured oVe wearing suits walking in a parking lot. Venue looks packed, a lot of young faces in the crowd.
Eddie Edwards won the Call Your Shot Gauntlet Match to earn any title shot of his choice.
Eddie Edwards was participant number 1 after losing the Battle Royal match on Impact. Both Reno Scum members came in after and worked over Eddie. At this point, Fite.tv is already having a lot of signal issues, so the feed is coming in and out.
Number 4 was Cousin Jake who took out Reno Scum single-handedly. Number 5 was Rohit Raju who went after Cousin Jake, he had a good speed showing before he got taken out by Jake. Entry number 6 was Joey Ryan, who got a huge ovation. Joey asked for someone to touch his penis, but no one went for it, but did several penis spots regardless of Reno Scum and got everyone in the match to do a penis chain for Joey to flip around, eliminating Rohit Raju and Cousin Jake in the process. Crowd is going wild for the spot.
Entry # 7 is Havok, first woman in the match. She went straight for Joey Ryan, chokeslamming him, then went to take out Reno Scum. She took down Lester The Legend like nothing. Number 8th was Rosemary who went straight for Havok, she’s sporting a new facepaint and attire. Rosemary and Havok teamed up to eliminate Joey Ryan who was trying to get them to touch his penis. Number 9 is oVe’s big guy — Madman Fulton. Fulton took down every man in the ring, and eliminated both Rosemary and Havok at the same time. Fulton eliminated Thornstowe, and then Joey Ryan.
Cody Deaner was number 10, who went straight for Fulton, and surprisingly, got close to eliminate him, but it was Fulton who prevailed chokeslamming Deaner on the apron. Johnny Swinger, with the best wrestling tights you’ll ever seen, was entry number 11. Swinger stayed outside the ring showing off.
Number 12 was Jordynne Grace who went after everyone in the ring, managed to German Suplex Madman Fulton!
Number 13 is Swoggle making his Impact return, he came out from under the ring, chasing Swinger down. Once in the ring, Swinger slapped Grace’s butt, then ate a German from Swoggle, and got eliminated by Grace. Swoggle then got two superkicks on Grace and Lester the Legend respectively. Yes, you read that right.
Kiera Hogan was next at #14, she went straight for Grace, she got some momentum in, but Kiera then got knocked out on the apron by Jordynne for the elimination. Raj Singh is #15, but most importantly, Eddie Edwards eliminated Lester The Legend in the ring. Number 16 is Tommy Dreamer, who surprisingly, had no weapons with him.
Number 17 was Kylie Rae! She came in all smiles and took out Raj and Dreamer with Superkicks. She went for Fulton, but he was too big for her. At this point, Dreamer eliminated Raj, followed by Fulton eliminating Dreamer. Number 18 was Fallah Bahh, who went for Fulton and had a nice little hoss run, Bahh caught Fulton’s Top Rope Splash and turned it into a Samoan Drop. Sabu was number 19, along with Super Genie, and in traditional Sabu antics, he started throwing chairs around, he started jumping off such chairs.
Number 20, as known from the last Impact episode, is Mahabali Shera. He came in and quickly took down Sabu, Eddie, and Bahh. He went to Chokeslam Rae, but Jordynne saved her, both women tried suplex Shera, but he blocked them and eliminated both of them.
Final four are Bahh, Fulton, Eddie, and Shera. Crowd completely behind Eddie. Bahh was the first eliminated when Shera pretty much hit an Attitude Adjustment on Bahh. Fulton and Shera faced off. Fulton’s first attack consisted of throwing Eddie at Shera, who simply caught him and threw him off. Fulton and Shera started brawling and Fulton had Shera on the ropes, Fulton went for momentum when suddenly, Eddie caught him with a clothesline and eliminated Fulton, who retaliated by pulling Eddie from under the ropes and hitting an Apron Bomb.
Back in the ring, Shera charged at Eddie, but Eddie dodged and nailed a desperation Boston Knee Party and pinned Shera to win the match. Not the best wrestling, but this was fun and we got a couple of good surprises.
Don Callis and Josh Matthews ran down the card and announced that Brian Cage has requested that the main event be a No Disqualification Match.
We got a Taya vs Tenille video package.
Knockout’s Champion Taya Valkyrie (w/John E. Bravo) defeated Tenille Dashwood to retain the title.
Taya jumped Tenille before the bell, but the momentum didn’t last long when Tenille recovered and went after Taya with strikes and a Double Underhook Suplex for an early two count.
Taya came back with a German for a two count. Taya got a few strikes in, but once again, Tenille came back with a Draping Neckbreaker, but when Tenille went for the top rope, Bravo pulled Taya out of danger. The distraction gave Taya the chance to sweep Tenille’s leg, but Tenille came back with La Mistica, only for Taya to escape and ram Tenille into the corner. Tenille landed a desperation Facebuster to finally slow down Taya.
They exchanged strikes in the middle of the ring, that ended with some whips and Tenille locking in the Tarantula for four seconds. Tenille followed with a top rope Crossbody for a two count. Taya School Girled Tenille into the turnbuckles and hit the Running Knees into the corner, she setup Tenille for a Superplex, but Dashwood woke up and turned it into a Sunset Flip Powerbomb for a two count.
They once again exchanged some strikes before Taya caught Tenille with a Blue Thunder Bomb for a two count. They fought into the apron where Taya went for a Package Piledriver, which was botched when Taya couldn’t get a full grip of Tenille nor lift her up. It wasn’t dangerous for Tenille tho.
Back in the ring, Tenille pulled Taya’s legs from the ropes, making her head whiplash on the buckles, Tenille followed with two sliding crossbodies and The Spotlight, but Bravo pulled Taya to the ropes. Referee finally sent Bravo to the back. Taya tried to hit Tenille with a chain, but Tenille dodged. Tenille had the chain in her hands, but instead of using it, she tossed it away, which gave Taya the time to recover, hit the Road To Valhalla, and retain her championship. Ok match, this was Tenille’s best match since joining Impact.
Rhino and RVD cut a promo backstage saying they’re not there to play games, they’re here to win championships.
We got a tag team title video package.
Impact Tag Team Champions The North (Josh Alexander & Ethan Page) defetaed Rich Swann & Willie Mack and Rob Van Dam & Rhino to retain the titles.
Alexander and Mack started the match with the latter doing some lucha spots. Page tagged in, but only to also get taken out by a 619 by Mack and a big standing Splash by Swann. Rhino tagged in who now worked over Page, but with some help of Alexander, Page turned the match around for a bit until both RVD and Alexander tagged in.
Rob Van Dam hit the Rolling Thunder and the Split-legged Moonsault for a two count. RVD hit a Monkey Flip, but Swann blind tagged RVD to get in the match. Swann got a two count on Alexander after a kick combo, but once again, thanks to Page, The North took out Swann with an assisted powerbomb and cut the ring in half on him. Page hit a huge over the head toss where Swann rotated about 450 degrees. Swann tried to make a comeback, only to eat a couple of kicks, but he managed to take out Page and Alexander with a DDT and Poisonrana respectively, and make the tag to Mack.
Mack came in strong, hit running splashes on both North members, followed by a Samoan Drop and Moonsault combo on Page for a two count. RVD and Rhino returned and took out Mack and Swann, with RVD going for the 5-Star Frog Splash, only for Alexander to take a hold of his leg, and consequently allowing Mack to mock him by hitting the 6-star Frog Splash for a two count. RVD was pissed!
Mack hit a Tope con Giro onto Rhino, RVD, and Alexander. Swann went to follow, but got cut off by Page, who instead Military Pressed Swann and tossed him into the ring and followed with a great Swanton Bomb for a two count. The North went for their finisher, but Mack saved Swann, who hit the assisted Neckbreaker on Alexander for a two count when RVD and Rhino broke the pin.
Rhino set up the Gore, but suddenly, RVD turned heel on Rhino, Superkicking him. RVD superkicked Mack and Swann and walked out of the match. Fans reacted strongly at the turn.
Meanwhile, The North hit their finisher on Swann to retain the titles. Pretty great match, it started slow, but one it hit second gear, it was awesome. The North are an amazing team.
Backstage, Ace Austin came in to the women’s locker room in a towel only, looking for Alisha Edwards. He said that next time she sees him, he’ll be X-Division Champion.
We got a short Elgin vs Marufuji video package.
Michael Elgin defeated Naomichi Marufuji
This was like a fast-forward version of a Japanese match. They started with some quick chain wrestling that quickly transitioned to shoulder tackles and into the test of strength fake out by Elgin, and into Marufuji’s first chops of the match.
Marufuji went after Elgin’s neck, but Elgin caught a rushing Marufuji, hit a Suplex, followed with a Suicide Dive, and ended with a Missile Dropkick for a two count. Elgin started working over Marufuji’s neck now with some forearms, that led to a chop exchange. Marufuji dropkicked Elgin to the outside and followed with a Tope con Giro.
Back in the ring, Marufuji chopped Elgin, hit a running back elbow, and some kicks for a two count. Elgin went for a Dragon Suplex, but Marufuji blocked it, and rolled through for a two count on Elgin. Marufuji went for a Superkick, but Elgin caught i and hit him with a big Elbow combo. Marufuji caught Elgin with a big Superkick, with Elgin following with a desperation German.
Elgin hit a Falcon Arrow for a two count. Marufuji hit a great kick combo, but Elgin countered with a couple of knees to the face. It was now Marufuji hitting the desperation kick.
They fought on the apron that ended with Elgin countering a powerbomb position with a Banzai Drop, but Marufuji moved away, Superkicked Elgin, and landed a Slice Bread #2 on the floor for the countout tease. Marufuji received Elgin with a Springboard Dropkick for a two count.
Marufuji went for a Double Underhook, but Elgin blocked it and hit a Dragon Suplex instead. Elgin called for the Lariat, but Marufuji blocked him, so instead Elgin delivered a couple of forearms instead. Marufuji tried to keep blocking Elgin, but Big Mike landed a short distance lariat instead, followed by a running Lariat, and a Splash Mountain Bomb for a 2.99 kickout.
Elgin hit the Buckle Bomb, but Marufuji came back with a set of Superkicks and knees to the back of Elgin’s head for another near fall. Marufuji hit Slice Bread #2 again, only earning a two count.
Marufuji once again went for the Double Underhook, but couldn’t, so instead they traded chops once again. After about ten, Marufuji caught Eling with two Spinning Heel Kicks and knees to the head, but Elgin came back with a desperation Bomb. Fans are all on their feet at this point. Elgin hit a huge clothesline, Buckle Bomb, and Elgin Bomb to finally pin …NO! Another 2.99 kick out by Marufuji!
Elgin hit a big backfist, set up the Torture Rack position, and hit a reverse Powerslam for the win. Great match, but it could have used the Japanese pacing at times. Fans wanted Marufuji to win, but they all respected Elgin at the end of the match.
We got the video package of Jake Crist winning the X-Division championship and the ongoing feud with Tessa.
Ace Austin defeated X-Division Champion Jake Crist , Tessa Blanchard, Daga, Acey Romero in a Ladder Match to win the championship
Tessa came out with a lucha style facemask, she went from Slammiversary gold to Bound For Glory platinum. Ace Austin botched his stick trick entrance. Acey Romero signed with Impact last night. For that matter, while Acey was being signed, Daga was winning Latin American titles in Mexico. Jake Crist dressed as Mordecai for some reason.
Match started with Tessa going after Crist, and quickly dropped him with a cutter and a couple of Topes, but as she went for the third, Jake caught her with a cutter.
Back in the ring, Daga and Ace Austin are going at it with a quick counter sequence that ended with Ace hitting a Space Flying Tiger Drop on Jake and Tessa. Now it was Acey’s chance to run wild on Daga, hitting a Dropkick. Daga hit a big Splash on everyone outside the ring.
Outside the ring, Daga and Tessa fought for a ladder, only for Acey to go for the Splash, which he landed straight on the ladder. In the ring, Daga and Tessa teamed up on Jake Crist first, then on Ace Austin with kick combos, but when they distracted themselves with each other, Acey came back and took them out, hitting the Pounce on Daga.
Acey brought in a ladder to the match, Don quickly asked if the ladder can even support Acey. Crist tried to use a chair on Acey, but to no avail, so he had to rely on a kick combo to bring him down. Jake was the first that went for the title, but Ace blocked him with a Back Suplex from the ladder. Daga blocked Ace and hit a kick combo and footstomp. Daga went to powerbomb Ace, but he reversed it to a rana tossing him to the outside. Tessa came back and hit the corner Magnum on Ace and a Dropkick to get rid of him. Tessa now went for the title, but Acey brought her down with a Samoan Drop.
Acey got a ladder through the ropes that Daga dove into to take out Acey. Daga followed by setting up a ladder bridge and a table outside the ring. Back in the ring, Jake, Ace, and Tessa are all building a Tower of Doom spot, later joined by Daga and Acey who powerbombed everyone except Ace Austin, who got caught in the ropes. Ace followed by drop kicking Acey, only to take a powerbomb onto a ladder.
Acey set up two ladders in order to climb for the title. Jake Crist climbed one of the ladders and hit a Super Cutter from the top. Daga and Tessa now climbed on opposite sides, but Ace shoved the ladder down and sent Daga and Tessa crashing. Daga came back with a Snap DVD on Ace and a running Canadian Destroyer on Crist onto the ladder bridge outside. The ladder ended up a mess. All that and only to get caught by a diving Ace Austin from the turnbuckle.
Acey once again went for the title, but Tessa pushed the ladder off. Acey crashed outside on to the table, he even brought down the ladder with him, this was violent!
Tessa now went for the title, but Dave Crist ran down and tried to stop her. Tessa dove on Crist, but now Fulton came down and took Tessa down. Fulton took a table and while he set it up, Tessa climbed the ropes and went for Magnum, but Fulton blocked her. Tessa managed to turn it into a rana and sen him face first to the head. Tessa climbed and tossed Jake Crist into a table, but when Tessa had it, Ace Austin jumped into the ladder, stroke Tessa with his Gambit stick, and stole the championship. Fans were going crazy for Tessa winning and this finish was an eruption of heel heat. Awesome match.
We got the awesome Shamrock vs Moose video package.
Moose (w/Frank Trigg) defeated Ken Shamrock
Moose had his brother Tokyo singing his theme to the ring. Moose is wrestling with full tights. Shamrock came down with trunks and fighter gloves on.
Match started with both men just striking at each other in the middle of the ring. Shamrock tried to do some type of Hurricanrana, but he just transitioned it into a takedown and went for the Ankle Lock but Moose was right there at the ropes.
Shamrock threw Moose outside and went for a over the rope dive, head first, and I swear Moose just saved this man’s life. They brawled outside the ring, Shamrock dropping Moose on the steel ramp with a Backdrop. When we thought we were headed back to the ring, Shamrock came back with another Springboard Plancha, a much safer one.
Trigg grabbed on to Shamrock’s leg, which distracted both Kid ref and Shamrock, allowing Moose to low blow Shamrock by kicking the ropes. Meanwhile, Trigg removed one of the turnbuckles. Shamrock looks gassed.
Shamrock hit a ran dropping himself on his head, but he looked ok, and followed with a Belly-to-belly, transitioned to an Ankle Lock. Moose pulled the ref to break the submission. With the ref down, Moose hit a big low blow on Shamrock. Fans aren’t happy.
Moose got a chair from Trigg, and they went for the Rock/Shamrock chair spot, but Shamrock dodged, flipped Moose into the corner, and once again locked in the Ankle Lock. Moose made it to the ropes, but Shamrock pulled him away.Trigg came in to the ring and ate a punch by Shamrock, but it distracted Shamrock enough for Moose to kick him. Moose went for a Moonsault, but Shamrock moved away, locked in the Ankle Lock for a third time. This time, Moose rolled over, sending Shamrock face first into the exposed turnbuckle, followed by the No Jackhammer Needed for the win.
Bad match, too many shenanigans, too many scary spots with Shamrock.
Josh Matthews and Don Callis announced Hard To Kill, Impact’s next pay-per-view event for January 2020.
Rascalz vs Dr. Wagner Jr, Aerostar, and Taurus was pulled from the show, but it will air on AXS tv.
We got a video package for Brian Cage vs Callihat. It included Callihan’s awesome promo from last Friday.
Impact World Champion Brian Cage defeated Sami Callihan to retain the title.
Cage came out dressed as Weapon X, claws and all and went straight for Callihan, skipping introductions.
Callihan tried to strike Cage down, but Cage just beat him down. Callihan spat on Cage, who retaliated by biting him. This is heated, this is the only acceptable behavior Cage could show after Callihan piledrove Melissa Santos two weeks ago.
Cage hit a huge Discus Lariat and Callihan is already bleeding. Cage grabbed the Wolverine claw and cut up Callihan’s forehead. Callihan came back sending Cage to the outside with a clothesline and a big dive. Cage followed with a Tope con Giro. Then a second Suicide Dive by Callihan, and yes, another Tope con Giro by Cage, they really need to stop getting distracted by playing to the crowd. Cage is bleeding from the mouth.
Cage tried to use a chair on Callihan, but Sami dodges and uses the chair on the back of Cage, but Cage just no sells the second one, powers up, and powerbombs Callihan on to the ringpost.
Callihan jumped on Cage, but as he was setting up some more chairs, Cage just slammed Callihan onto the timekeeper’s table until he broke the wood. Cage finished the job setting up a guardrail bed between the steel steps and a chair. Cage went to powerbomb Sami there, but Callihan used the Groin Claw and hit the Cactus Special on the rail, which legit bent in half. Chants of ‘That was Murder” going on. If not true yet, Callihan slammed a chair into cage multiple occasions.
Finally we’re back in the ring. Callihan hit two running boots, when he went for the third, Cage got up and tossed him around. Cage hit the Deadlift Suplex from outside the ring like it was nothing, not in a no-selling way, just an inhuman amount of strength.
Cage hit a running clothesline, Enzuigiri, and German, but Callihan escaped the F-5. Cage landed a driver instead for a two count. Cage and Callihan exchanged some strikes before Callihan caught Cage with a DVD for a two count.
They fought in the apron, but only led to Callihan hitting a Draping Spike Piledriver for another two count. Cage hit an F-5 for a two count. Cage brought in the bent guardrail and set it up in the corner, went to powerbomb Callihan, but Sami escaped. Cage got him with an Enzuigiri and a Superplex, but Calliahn bit him in the ear, escaped, hit a low blow, a Cheeky Nando, and powerbombed Cage into the guardrail for a 2.99 kick out.
Callihan brought out a bag with tacks and hit the Cactus Special, but Cage powered up and kicked out at 1! Cage powerbombed Callihan and hit the Drill Claw on the tacks and pinned Callihan to retain the title.
Great match, the amount of violence was the proper given the feud these two had in the last months. It’s worth noting that oVe never came out to interfere, this was a straight up battle between two dudes that hate each other.
After the match, Melissa Santos came out to celebrate with Cage. This is the first time that Cage can properly celebrate being champion, since he’s been injured for most of his reign.
Final thoughts —
Good show overall. A lot of people really expected Tessa and Callihan to both win tonight and continue building their rivalry, but both of their matches tonight really delivered. I feels like Impact wants to allow Cage to have time to run as champ now that he’s healthier, and given that we’re going towards the winter break and the debut on AXS, it’s probably for the best to not play around with Callihan or Tessa as champions and risk them getting cold.
