Tag: Brian Cage

Impact Wrestling results: oVe vs. Tessa Blanchard & Daga

Posted on by Antonio Garza

Impact Wrestling returns from the Sam’s Town Hall and Casino from Las Vegas, Nevada, for tonight’s episode, on the road to Bound For Glory. Opening video took focus on the ongoing story with Eddie Edwards and Ace Austin, The North’s beatdown of Konnan, and the events that led to Brian Cage getting arrested last week. 

Twitch stream was hosted by Melissa Santos as usual, she ran down the show and hyped up Bound For Glory, as well as talking about the press conference yesterday. 

Ace Austin defeated Eddie Edwards to qualify to the Bound For Glory X-Division title ladder match

Ace Austin made out with some groupies during his entrance. Ace got some more kisses while he had the upper hand during the outside brawls. 

Match started with both men going for a strike exchange, which quickly led to Eddie tossing Ace to the outside, hitting a dive, and following him around the ring delivering chops. Eddie crotched Ace on the post, but when he tried to get the match back in the ring, Ace caught him with a kick to get some space. 

Eddie went back to the offense and continued to chop Ace in and outside the ring, where Ace managed to snatch a cup with ice and smash it in Eddie’s face, slowing him down. 

Back in the ring, it was now Ace that had control, delivering constant kicks to Eddie. Ace’s momentum didn’t last long when Eddie came back with Kobashi-like chops on the corner. Ace caught Eddie with a kick and uppercut in the corner, but Eddie slipped out and dropped him on the turnbuckle. Eddie followed with a super backplex. 

Suddenly, out came Reno Scum to the ring, which distracted Eddie enough for Ace to sneak up a two count. Eddie hit a blue thunder bomb for a two count. Ace caught Eddie with a spinning kick for a two count. Eddie finally hit the Boston Knee Party, but Reno Scum pulled the referee to break the count. 

Eddie dove on Reno Scum to take them out, but given the chaos, Eddie now went for his kendo stick. Eddie took out both Reno Scum, but lost the stick in the action. Ace hit The Fold, but Eddie kicked out. Thornstowe gave Eddie a piece of metal, which he placed in his armband, hit a hidden blade style strike to Eddie, and pinned him for the win. Good opener, but I’m surprised the finish is not leading to a one-on-one match between these two at Bound For Glory.

After the match, Reno Scum hit a Super Curb Stomp on Eddie, while Ace mocked him. I really wouldn’t mind if these three become a proper stable going forward. 

Backstage, Taya is preparing for her match with Havok, when Rosemary walks up to her. Taya pretends she wasn’t looking for her, and tells her that ‘they’ have a problem because she has to fight Havok tonight. Rosemary tells her that life is not fair and she gets to watch. I love their relationship. 

The Desi Hit Squad (Mahabali Shera, Rohit Raju & Raj Singh) w/ Gama Singh defeated The Rascalz (Dezmond Xavier, Zachary Wentz & Trey Miguel) 

Desi Hit Squad jumped The Rascalz to start the match, eliminated Dezmond and Wentz in order to cut off Trey and focus on him. Miguel tried to fight them off and make a comeback against Rohit, but after dodgin a couple of moves, Raju swept the leg and tagged in Raj. 

Raj continued the work over Trey, hitting a deadlift suplex for a two count. Raj and Rohit continued with quick tags and quick pin attempts, a couple of tag moves here and there. 

Eventually, Trey managed to take down both Rohit and Raj and tag in Wentz for the hot tag. Wentz and Dezmond both came in and took out Raj with a kick combo, made sure that Shera wouldn’t come in, but when they both went for a dive on all Desi Hit Squad, Shera caught them both with Chokeslams. Trey followed and took out Shera. 

Back in the ring, Trey took out Raj. All three Rascalz superkicked Shera, but he wouldn’t go do. Shera took Trey and Xavier down, hit a powerslam on Zachary, and dragged Raj on top of Wentz for the pin. Pretty good match, they’re going strong with Shera again. 

It was officially announced that Dr. Wagner’s partners versus The Rascalz are going to be Aerostar and Taurus.

Backstage, Jordynne Grace is working out when Katie Forbes arrives and tells her to park her car. Grace tells her she is going to kick her ass tonight, which Forbes tells Grace that she’s going to need a bigger boot and then started twerking. This is gonna be bad.

Havok (w/ Father James Mitchell) defeated Impact Knockout’s Champion Taya Valkyrie (w/ John E. Bravo) by DQ

As the match was about to start, Tenille Dashwood walked out and joined commentary. Taya berated Havok to start the match, but Havok just went after her and started tossing her around the ring by the hair. Dropped her in the corner with a running splash, followed by running boots, and got a quick two count. Havok hit a Backbreaker, but Bravo distracted Havok, giving Taya the opening to hit a big knee to the face and turn the match around. 

Taya hit a couple of running knees for a two count, tried to follow by choking Havok and hitting a couple of elbows, that they did nothing to Havok, who easily came back in control with a kick and another Backbreaker. 

Havok now in control again, went for a Superplex, but Taya escaped by climbing the ring post from the floor side, kicked out Havok’s leg, and hit the Footstomp on the Tree of Woe for a two count.
Taya went for Road To Valhalla, but couldn’t keep Havok still, who took her out with a lariat and a Chokeslam, but Bravo pulled the ref and attacked him, causing Kid Ref to DQ Taya. 

James Mitchell cornered Bravo, allowing Havok to pull him in the ring and take him out with a Chokeslam. Taya attacked Havok with the title. Tenille went after Taya and they had a terrible brawl that ended with Tenille running off Taya. 

oVe cut a video promo saying that what Cage did last week is unacceptable. Fans shouldn’t be getting attacked by animals like Cage. Callihan said that tonight, while Cage is in jail, they take out Tessa and Daga once and for all. 

Gabbi Loren interviewed The North backstage, asking if they should be focusing on their BFG match and not Konnan. Page acted like he didn’t know about Konnan. Rich Swann and Mack walked up and said that they’ll take the win at the PPV. Josh Alexander tried to add some fuel to the fire and say that Rhino and RVD are skipping the line while Mack and Swann had to fight to get their shot. Rhino and RVD walked up and said that they’ve been in line for decades. 

Stephen Bonnar defeated Moose (w/ Frank Trigg) by DQ

Trigg joined the commentary table, he was really really good. 

Moose easily took down Bonnar, messed around with him getting his back, but went to play to the crowd instead of focusing on Bonnar, so the MMA vet came back with a couple of kicks and slammed Moose to the outside. Moose raked Bonnar’s eyes to regain control. Followed with a couple of hooks to the ribs. 

Back in the ring, Moose worked over Bonnar, striking him, but he kept mocking him and thus getting distracted, so once again, allowing Bonnar to comeback with a spinning kick. 

Moose had to rely again to raking the eyes, but Bonnar kept coming back, now with a Spinerbuster. Bonnar went for a diving rlbow, so Moose desperately tossed the ref to the ropes, tripping Bonnar down, and getting DQ’d in the process. Bonnar was busted open bad over the right eyebrow. 

After the match, Moose went to hit Bonnar with a chair, but Ken Shamrock ran down for the save. Shamrock dodged Moose’s chair shot and hit a belly-to-belly. Shamrock locked in the Ankle Lock, tapping out Moose. Bonnar made sure Trigg couldn’t make the save. It may be the shorts, but it looks like Shamrock has been skipping leg day. 

Jordynne Grace defeated Katie Forbes

Katie Forbes came out with a pair of those new Kazuchika Okada ‘Rainmaker’ money guns and twerked her way to the ring. 

Collar and elbow lock up to start the match, Forbes showed that she had some wrestling skill, but she was no match for Grace. Forbes has added some twerking into her lock reversals. 

Jordynne took down Forbes with a shoulder tackle, then with a second rope dropkick, provoking Forbes to leave the ring. Grace went for a dive, but Forbes caught her with a strike as she was crossing the ropes, managing to turn the match. 

Forbes went for some chokes and shoulder tackles in the corner, she hit a Handspring Elbow, but then started twerking again, giving Grace the time to recover, wedgie Forbes, and toss her shoulder first into the ringpost, which she followed with a running knee and elbow combo, ending with a Vader Bomb for a two count. 

Forbes hit a Tornado DDT for a two count. She mocked Grace, but when she went for a fireman’s carry, Grace escaped, hit Grace Driver, and took the win. This was a lot better than I expected, but then again, I expected something terrible. 

Backstage, Johnny Swinger tried hitting on Katie Forbes. She told him she dates RVD, to which he asked if they swing. Jordynne Grace followed and just pushed him down. 

Impact Plus Flashback Moment of the Week was Christopher Daniels, Alex Shelley, Chris Sabin, Homicide, Suicide, and Amazing Red in an Ultimate X Match.

Backstage, Daga thanked Tessa for the help, but he can fight his own battles. Tessa told him that tonight they’re teaming, but at Bound For Glory, to each their own.

Backstage, Fallah Bahh was training while TJP is eating doughnuts. Next week, Bahh is wrestling Michael Elgin. Also next week, Rich Swann vs Josh Alexander vs Rhino, Rohit vs Sabu for another X-Division qualifier. Plus a battle royal for the #20 spot for the Call Your Shot Gauntlet at Bound For Glory, which was also announced that the shot won is open to any division, and across them.

Tessa Blanchard & Daga defeated oVe (Jake Crist & Madman Fulton) w/ Dave Crist

Daga and Jake started the match, pushing and slapping each other before Jake asked for Tessa, which was an obvious swerve to tag in Fulton. Tessa and Fulton got face to face. 

Tessa went for to hold Fulton, but he just swung her around. Tessa took out Jake with a big tope suicida, but distracted herself from Fulton. 

Daga did a blind tag on Tessa and joined her to drop Fulton, but the big man quickly recovered and took out Daga, ramming him to the ring post back first. Fulton hit a huge chokeslam on Daga, who tried to make a comeback, but Fulton kept control and Dave Crist made sure Tessa wasn’t there for the tag. 

Daga went for a top rope hurricanrana, but Fulton blocked it and was going for a Powerbomb, but Daga escaped and hit a desperation Cutter. Tessa and Jake both tagged in and Tessa just went crazy on both Crist brothers, getting a two count on Jake after a DDT. Daga and Tessa teamed against Fulton and took him out with an assisted rana, tossing him to the outside, which Daga followed with a corkscrew press. In the ring, Tessa dropped Jake Crist with Magnum for the win. This was an awesome sprint, great stuff, but they had so little time. 

After the match, Fulton returned and attacked both Tessa and Daga, hitting a chokeslam on Daga and the End of Days on Tessa. 

We got video that Brian Cage had arrived at the arena and he was on his way to the find Callihan and his crew. Cage got to the ring and took out Jake, hit the F-5 on Fulton, and interrogated Dave about Sami, who came out with a chair, but the chair didn’t do anything to Cage, who choked Callihan. 

All of oVe ganged up on Cage, allowing Callihan to low blow him a couple of times. oVe handcuffed Cage to the ropes, while Callihan fetched his trusty baseball bat. Melissa Santos came out trying to protect Cage from being hit, and as much as Callihan told her to leave, she didn’t, and ended up taking the Cactus Special in the middle in the ring, as they made Cage watch. Cage screamed for the referees to take her away as oVe posed over her body. 

Final Thoughts — 

This was a really fun show for Impact, it had some down moments with some of the Knockout matches, but the rest was really packed. Opener and main event matches were fantastic. Everything is heated up for the PPV, as we head to the go-home show next week.

Impact Wrestling results: Michael Elgin vs. TJP

Posted on by Antonio Garza

Impact Wrestling returns to the Sam’s Town Casino from Las Vegas, Nevada for tonight’s episode on the Road To Bound For Glory. Opening video focused on last week’s wedding of Brian Cage and Melissa Santos, that ended with Callihan breaking a champagne bottle on Santos. 

Show opened with oVe arriving to the arena. They’re surrounded by security because of fear of Brian Cage. They’ll address the situation later tonight in the ring. 

Twitch stream was hosted by Melissa Santos, who ran down the show and hyped up the card for Bound For Glory.

Tenille Dashwood defeated Madison Rayne & Kiera Hogan in a 3-way match

Hogan and Rayne have a past of working together, so they naturally teamed up against Tenille for the length of the match. As they tried to team up early on, Tenille first got rid of Rayne to work on Hogan, getting an early pin attempt with a butterfly suplex. Rayne came back only to take a bulldog and clothesline combination. The numbers game eventually was too much and Hogan superkicked Tenille to take her down. 

Hogan and Rayne worked over Tenille with chokes and kicks, constantly mocking Tenille and playing to the crowd. Tenille once again managed to get rid of Hogan, now focusing on Rayne with a double arm extension submission until Hogan broke it up. Hogan and Rayne went back to work on Tenille until a bit of miscommunication led to Hogan hitting a tope suicida on Rayne, taking her out. 

Back in the ring, Tenille hit a neckbreaker on Hogan for a two count when Rayne broke it up. Rayne and Hogan tried to set up a Double Superplex on Tenille, but they argued enough to allow Tenille to recover, take down Hogan, and then sunset powerbomb Rayne on top of Hogan for a two count. 

Tenille locked in a Tarantula on Hogan and set up both women on the corner for the running splash for a two count. As expected, it was a matter of time before Hogan and Rayne had problems deciding who would pin Tenille, which let Tenille time to take out Hogan, hit her finisher on Rayne, and pin her. Not a good match, Tenille has terrible facial expressions. 

Backstage, Eddie Edwards is seen talking with someone about their history, and it turns out he’s talking to Dreamer. Eddie tells Dreamer he was drugged last week and he knows because he actually watched last week’s episode! Dreamer said that tonight he has Eddie’s back, but then for the swerve, Eddie had been talking to his kendo stick. 

Johnny Swinger defeated Owen Trevor

This is Swinger’s debut versus local talent Owen Trevor. Collar and elbow lock up to start, Trevor had the upper hand, so Swinger distracted the ref and got the upper hand. Swinger stomped on Trevor, hit a couple of clotheslines, and some diving headbutts to the groin. Swinger raked the eyes, raked the back, raked the chest. He’s an encyclopedia of dirty heel tactics.

Trevor tried to make a comeback with some strikes, but failed to seal the deal with a running dropkick, giving Swinger to the opening for a Swinging Neckbreaker for the win. Total squash, but I have to imagine Swinger is here to get destroyed sooner or later. 

Backstage, Gabby Loren interviewed The North about defending the championships against Swann and Willie Mack at Bound For Glory. They said that they’ll prevail, but then Gabby drop the news that Rhino and RVD have been added to the match.

Gabby Loren interviewed Tessa Blanchard about Callihan’s actions last week. Tessa said that no one should be surprised about how dangerous Callihan. Tessa said that she is on a mission since Slammiversary and that everyone in oVe has a target on their backs. 

Impact Plus Moment of the Week was Kurt Angle vs Bobby Roode from Bound For Glory 2013.

Backstage, Ace Austin looked for Alisha. He wanted to talk about what happened at the wedding and said he was concerned about Eddie’s personal problems, pretending Eddie has substance problems. It was the usual sleazy Ace Austin skit.

Eddie Edwards and Kenny defeated Reno Scum (Adam Thornstowe & Luster the Legend)

Kenny is indeed the kendo stick and that’s how Eddie was introduced to the match. Luster got ripped since the last time we saw him on Impact.

Eddie and Thornstowe started the match. Eddie hit some early chops, but then followed with a short sequence of reversals with Eddie gaining the upper hand. Lester tagged in next, who mocked Eddie asking him to tag in the stick, but it was just a distraction to attack Edwards from behind. 

Luster worked over Eddie with some help of Thornstowe here and there. Reno Scum started with the quick tags and quick work over Eddie. After being cut off for some minutes, Eddie hit a blue thunder bomb on Thornstowe to get an opening, but Luster once again cut him off from tagging his stick. Eddie hit a desperation Release Suplex to finally tag in the stick, which really just consisted to Eddie hitting both Scum members with the stick, which I guess makes the use of the kendo stick legal?

Eddie hit a Suicide Dive on to Luster, but as Eddie tried to return to the ring, Thornstowe blocked him, allowing Luster to take the stick away. Eddie was slammed onto the stick, Thornstowe went for the top rope plancha, Eddie blocked it, took out Lester, and hit the Boston Knee Party on Thornstowe for the win. Aside from the stick stupidity, this was a good handicap match. 

Backstage, The North go to Konnan’s locker room. Konnan knows exactly why they’re there, takes a sip of tequila as Page closes the door behind them. The implications and Konnan’s face reaction made him look like a tough SOB.

Back from commercial, Jimmy Jacobs, Swann, and Mack are all looking over Konnan, who is knocked out. 

oVe came down to the ring, security is surrounding the ring. Callihan took the mic and explained that what happened to Melissa was an accident and a tragedy. Impact management demanded he came out to apologize and he did. He read his passive-aggressive written apology, but before he could end, Cage interrupted.

Cage destroyed some security, hit an apron bomb on Jake Crist, an F-5 on Dave Crist, and a huge powerbomb on Fulton. Callihan tried to run through the fans when a ‘fan’ tapped Cage on the back, and blinded by his rage, Cage slammed the fan. Management came down and Las Vegas police arrested Cage for attacking a civilian. Crowd popped for Cage’s rampage, but were not happy with the arrest angle. 

Jake Crist joined commentary for the following match.

Daga defeated Chris Bey to qualify to the Bound For Glory X-Division Ladder Match

Match started with a fast paced sequence of counters and ranas until Daga landed an Enzuigiri and followed with a Tope Suicida to finally cut off Bey. 

Daga hit a Snap Suplex for a two count. Daga with a running forearm and single leg dropkick for another two count. Bey blocked a suplex and hit a couple of kicks to get some momentum going, ending with a great Tope con Giro. 

Back in the ring, hit a springboard DDT on Daga for a two count. Bey went for a running attack, but Daga tossed him to the ropes, kicked the knees out, and hit a backstabber for a two count. Bey hit a back kick, but Daga responded with a Mule Kick. Bey went for the 10 Punches on the corner and hit a crucifix pin for a near fall.

Bey went to the top rope, but Daga caught him with a Spanish Fly for yet another two count. Daga hit a double underhook driver for the win. Great short match, I really hope they bring Chris Bey back.

After the match, Jake Crist got in the ring and got face to face with Daga. Dave Crist came down and attacked Daga along with his brother, but Tessa Blanchard came down for the save and ran off both Crist brothers. 

Backstage, TJP and Fallah Bahh were talking shop and preparing for tonight’s main event where TJP faces off with Elgin. Gabby Loren approached them asking TJP how he was feeling about tonight’s match. TJP said this isn’t his first time against a heavyweight. 

We got a package of Josh Matthews and the Las Vegas NFL Alumni members talking about the Shamrock vs Moose match. We got a Stephen Bonnar cameo. Moose wearing a fantastic suit announced that he is training with Frank Trigg. Ken Shamrock walked up and got face to face with Moose.

They talked trash and when they were supposed to answer questions from the media, Moose cancelled and was walking out before Moose cheap shot Shamrock, there was a big pull apart. This was a good MMA media day style skit, which would have been awesome if we couldn’t see that they were in a mall.

Somewhere in the Undead Realm, James Mitchell is berating Havok for pissing off Su Yung. Mitchell told Havok that the Master is mad his favorite bride got hurt. Taya walked up to them and asked Havok to take out Tenille Dashwood, and if she did, Havok could take Tenille’s spot at Bound For Glory. James Mitchell said that they don’t need to go through Dashwood when they can just take the title right there and now. Taya ran away. 

Michael Elgin defeated TJP (w/Fallah Bahh)

This was the big man vs small man match up. It started with TJP running circles around Elgin, but as soon as Elgin would get his hands on TJP, he’d hurt him. TJP went for an early kneebar, but Elgin escaped easily. After a couple more reversals, TJP hurt Elgin’s arm with Pentagon’s armbreaker sending Elgin running to the outside. TJP hit an over the top rope dropkick, gaining control of the ring. 

Back from commercial, Elgin and TJP are back at it in the ring, TJP keeps dodging Elgin’s attacks, but as he goes for a senton to the outside, Elgin caught him in the middle of the air and hit an apron bomb to finally stop TJP’s momentum. 

Back in the ring, TJP went for a reverse rana, but Elgin blocks it and delivers a German bridge for a two count. Elgin went for a deadlift superplex, but TJP blocked it and hit a Rana from the top rope. TJP came back with a couple of strikes and a Springboard forearm, set up Elgin for a Springboard Dropkick, hit a plancha for a two count, but transitioned into an armbar. Elgin reached the ropes. 

TJP went for the Fireman’s Carry, but Elgin blocked it. TJP went for an armbar again, but Elgin blocked it and powerbombed TJP. Elgin hit a Discus Lariat for a two count. Elgin went for the Buckle Bomb, but TJP reversed with a rana, sending Elgin to the outside. TJP went for a suicide dive, but Elgin caught him midair and hit a Powerslam on to the ramp. 

Back in the ring, Elgin hit the Deadlift Super Falcon Arrow for a 2.99 near fall. Elgin went for a lariat, but TJP countered into an armbreaker, but once again, Elgin picked him up, hit the Buckle Bomb, a Backfist, and the Elgin Bomb for the pin. 

This was a great match, I was really surprised by how much offense TJP had in this match. I would love to see this match on a bigger stage.

Show ending saw Melissa Santos talking on the phone as she was on her way to bail out Cage. Callihan interrupted her and told her that everything was an accident, but teased Melissa that it felt good to hit her with the bottle. 

Final Thoughts — 

Good show for Impact, the action inside the ring for the most part delivered. Storyline wise, the show focused on heating up the feuds, but not big developments. 

Impact Wrestling results: Brian Cage & Melissa Santos get married

Posted on by Antonio Garza

Impact Wrestling returns to the Sam’s Town Hall & Casino in Las Vegas, NV for the first episode of the new set of tapings as we continue on the Road to Bound For Glory.  Opening video was a wedding package for Brian Cage and Melissa Santos, who are tying the knot in tonight’s show. It had all the cheesiness you could ask for. 

Josh Matthews and Don Callis opened the show, wearing tuxedos, hyping tonight’s wedding, the return of Ken Shamrock. Gabby Loren is the wedding correspondent at the wedding venue, she interviewed Gail Kim who seems to be here really early. 

The North came down to the ring dressed as LAX, mocking them, imitating their entrances. Ethan Page cut a promo making fun at the crowd for expecting LAX. Alexander kept on mocking Konnan and LAX, disrespecting the t-shirt. Alexander said that unlike LAX who had 4 title reigns, they’ll only have one, because they’ll never lose the titles. 

After much trash talk, Konnan finally came down to the ring to confront The North. Konnan cut a promo making fun of them and then said that he has a lot of friends that want to come and beat them up. Page held his own with Konnan on the mic. Konnan brought out Rob Van Dam and Rhino. They brawled and thus we got

Rhino & Rob Van Dam defeated Impact World Tag Team Champions The North (Ethan Page & Josh Alexander) in a non-title match.

Once the brawl came under control, The North had control over RVD for a bit, but RVD quickly turned it around with a Rolling Thunder for a two count. Rhino came in and kept that control over Page. After some more tags, Alexander distracted RVD to give Page the opening to cut him off and finally get him away from Rhino. 

The North worked over RVD with several illegal chokes as they kept distracting the ref. After a couple of more tags, RVD hit a jawbreaker and got the tag on Rhino. 

Rhino got the hot tag over Alexander, who got tossed around the ring. Rhino got a two count after a Belly-to-belly. Rhino set up the Gore, but got superkicked by Page for a two count. RVD came back and traded strikes with Page until they both landed on the floor after a clothesline. RVD seemed hurt, distracting the ref, giving Alexander the opening to go for a belt shot, but Konnan took the title away, allowing Rhino to hit a Gore, followed by RVD’s Frog Splash for the win over the champions. Not the best match, not at the level the tag division has delivered for a while.

Backstage, Gama Singh berated Raj and Rohit over losing to The Deaners. He said that he was forced to go back to India and recruit Shera. Gama told them that they need to start producing. Shera takes on Cousin Jake tonight.

We got the first AXS commercial of the night. 

Back at the wedding venue, Eddie Edwards arrived, who was interrupted by Reno Scum, who distracted Eddie while they spiked his drink. Johnny Swinger showed up too. 

Mahabali Shera (w/Gama Singh & Desi Hit Squad) defeated Cousin Jake (w/Cody Deaner)

Match started and Shera easily overpowered Jake, carrying him to the corner. Jake came back with a clothesline and some strikes, rocking Shera a bit, but after a small distraction, Shera easily regained control with a lariat. 

Shera was under control for a while more, while Jake kept on trying to make a comeback, only to be cut off over and over. Eventually, Jake did manage to gain some momentum and hit the corner spear, but Shera came back with a huge Sky High and a powerslam for the win. Technically a squash match. 

After the match, Cody Deaner faced off with Shera to protect Jake, but the numbers game was too much and ended up taking a powerslam by Shera. The Desi Hit Squad posed over the fallen Deaners. 

Back at the wedding, TJP and Fallah Bahh are arguing with each other about what they’re wearing. Eddie Edwards is already drunk.

Tenille Dashwood defeated Madison Rayne

Collar and elbow lock up to start the match, leading to a sequence of reversals, fighting for wrist control. Tenille ended up getting the better of Madison, running her to the ropes. Madison kept talking trash and Tenille kept playing around with Madison, tripping her and making fun of her. 

The match spilled onto the floor when Rayne tried to leave, but Tenille brought her back the hard way. Tenille hit a slingshot neckbreaker for a two count. 

Madison got some offense hitting a backstabber on the ropes, earning a two count. Madison locked in a Cravate and connected a couple of knees for another two count. A third one after a Sliding Lariat. Rayne hit a ripcord cutter for yet another near fall. 

Finally, Rayne went to the top rope, going for a bulldog, but Tenille side stepped and landed corner Sliding Lariat to get a chance to recover. Tenille landed a bit boot and clothesline for a two count. Rayne hit an enzuigiri and a northern lights bridge for a two count. Madison went for a German, but Tenille blocked her and hit a Neckbreaker and The Spotlight to pick up the win. 

Not particularly a good match, it was too one-sided considering they’re building Tenille for the title.

Back at the wedding, RVD arrived with Katie Forbes, who were met by Rich Swann and Willie Mack. Swann said that since they’re the No. 1 Contenders, they can get their first shot. Mack is wearing a onesie with a T-Rex print.

Tenille Dashwood vs Taya Valkyrie was made official for Bound For Glory.

Ken Shamrock made his return to Impact Wrestling. His arms are out of this world, he looks fantastic for his age. Shamrock cut a promo talking about his memories about being the Impact champion, I think he meant NWA Champion. He talked the fans for the support. 

Shamrock addressed Moose getting in his business and all the trash talk Moose has delivered in the last months. He said that he got an invitation from D’Amore to come to the tapings and confront Moose. He said that he is here to beat up Moose and called him out. 

Moose showed up on the tron in video form. Moose is at Shamrock’s School. He is walking around cutting a promo saying he’s not afraid of Shamrock. At the end, Moose beats up some of Shamrock’s students and mocks Shamrock. Moose was great. The video itself had great camerawork. 

We got an AXS commercial with Eddie Edwards saying that this is their time.

Somewhere in the Undead Realm, Taya finds Rosemary. Taya asks Rosemary that if she takes out Tenille Dashwood, she’ll give her a title shot. Rosemary tells Taya that she’ll need to deal with her problems herself because she doesn’t respect the new Taya. Before leaving, Taya gave Rosemary a matching attire for the wedding. 

Impact Plus Moment of the Week was the wedding of Eric Young and ODB. This was long and terrible. 

Back at the wedding, oVe arrived, only to drop off a wedding gift because they were not invited and Dave Crist had a match tonight. They took the gift back.

At another part of the venue, Dreamer and Swann are giving Cage a pep talk. Ryan Cage, Brian’s brother showed up. I don’t know if this was his shoot brother. 

Madison Rayne tried to explain the Bridesmaids how to walk, but Taya used the opportunity to ask them for a favor about Tenille Dashwood. 

Tessa Blanchard defeated Dave Crist (w/oVe) to qualify to the Bound For Glory X-Division Ladder Match

Dave Crist tried to attack Tessa before the bell, but Tessa caught him and brought the fight. Tessa landed some strikes until Dave pushed her off. Dave cut her off with some strikes, but when he went for a running attack, Tessa deliver a backdrop over the ropes on to the rest of the oVe teammates. Tessa took them out with a Baseball Dive. 

Fulton went to attack Tessa, but Jake pulled him off so Dave wouldn’t get DQ’d. The referee ejected Fulton from ringside. 

Back in the ring, Tessa worked over Dave’s injured hand, but Jake Crist was there to distract Tessa and allow Dave to cut her off once again and regain control. Dave mostly went for kicks and eye rakes on Tessa, a couple of strikes in between. 

Tessa made a comeback after Dave spat on her and woke her up. Tessa unloaded a series of elbows and landed a running kick and superkick. She went for a top rope sunset flip, completely missing Dave, but Dave followed the motion to save the spot. 

Dave blocked the corner Magnum, but failed to land the foot stomp, giving Tessa the opening to hit the Buzzsaw DDT for the win. This was one of the worst matches Tessa has been in for a while. 

After the match, Jake Crist attacked Tessa, but she cut him off. Fulton came back, but Tessa low blowed him, only slowing him down. Fulton hit two HUGE chokeslams on Tessa.

The rest of the show was the wedding. First we saw the bridesmaids and groomsmen prepping up. Madison Rayne talked trash to Alisha for not taking care of Eddie who got drunk. Ace Austin was luckily there to take his spot for the wedding entrance. 

We got a quick rundown of some of the Impact roster at the wedding, mostly funny skits. Finally, Dreamer walked down Melissa Santos. They’re starting the wedding when Taya interrupts it to get herself over saying that she hosted a great bachelorette party, but the wedding looked terrible. She just wanted to make sure no one thought she organized this. 

Ethan Page also interrupted saying that him and Alexander are being disrespected by Impact management. He announced that he is going to start the first wrestler’s union. 

Eddie Edwards returned, completely drunk. He puked all over Ryan Cage. Ace Austin confronted him, but took out Ryan instead. Dreamer asked for another priest, and would answer but The Sinister Minister — James Mitchell. 

Mitchell finished the wedding in the most awkward way he could. He managed to sneak in his hotel card to Melissa. Let it be on record that Cage and Santos were married under the Dark Lord’s church.

Reception was back in the ring. Cage and Melissa were introduced as newlyweds. Once in the ring, they had their first dance, when suddenly, to the surprise of no one, Sami Callihan crashed the party.

Callihan said he wasn’t there to fight, he was happy for Cage and Santos, but said he was hurt because he got kicked out of the wedding. He said he drank all of the ‘gift’. He told Cage that at Bound For Glory, he wants the Brian Cage of old, he wants to beat The Machine and not an injured has been. Callihan toasted for Cage and then, as Cage went to attack him, Callihan accidentally broke the Champagne bottle on Melissa’s head. Callihan actually looked sorry for the accident. Good angle to finish this thing off. 

Final Thoughts — 

For a one gimmick show, all built around the wedding, this was a pretty good show. The wedding itself was one of the better executed ones I’ve seen when it comes to wrestling.

Callihan challenging for Impact World title at Bound for Glory

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Impact Wrestling has confirmed their World Championship match for Bound for Glory 2019.

Brian Cage is officially set to defend his Impact World title against Sami Callihan at the pay-per-view. Callihan became the number one contender to the title by defeating Tessa Blanchard at August’s Impact Plus Unbreakable special.

On last week’s Impact, Callihan issued an ultimatum for Impact to give him his title shot or have Cage relinquish the title due to his back issues. The main event angle on last night’s episode featured Cage saying he won’t allow the title to be stripped from him. Cage said he’s going to be ready for Bound for Glory and will defend his title against Callihan.

Bound for Glory is taking place at the Odeum Expo Center in Villa Park, Illinois on Sunday, October 20. Impact has announced Pro Wrestling NOAH’s Naomichi Marufuji for the event. At last month’s Impact tapings in Mexico City, Michael Elgin issued a challenge for Marufuji to face him at the PPV.

A feud between Moose and Ken Shamrock has also been building ahead of Bound for Glory.

Impact Wrestling results: LAX put their Impact careers on the line

Posted on by Antonio Garza

Impact Wrestling returns from Fronton Mexico in Mexico City as the Road to Bound for Glory continues. Tonight’s opening video made a big deal about Ken Shamrock’s return and the title vs career main event between LAX and The North.

Twitch stream was hosted by Melissa Santos from Las Vegas, where they’re taping the new set of episodes. There were cameos by some of the roster. In addition, Impact started showing ‘Hidden Gems’ during commercials, one of which was Homicide and Hernandez squashing the former Tyler Black in under a minute. 

Havok vs. Su Yung ended in a no contest

Yung tried to start strong rushing Havok, but she was easily stopped by Havok’s size advantage. Havok hit a pair of running boots to a cornered Yung and went to toss her around by the hair. Havok went for a leg drop, but Yung dodged and came back with some kicks and a Shining Wizard for a two count. Yung went for the Mandible Claw, but Havok blocked it and hit a double arm chokeslam that transitioned into a Boston Crab. Yung made the ropes. 

Yung caught Havok with a Palm Strike and the Arachnarana. Yung walked the ropes into a rana and locked in the Mandible Claw, but Havok reached the ropes. Yung hit a running senton to Havok on the floor. She went for a kick, but Havok blocked and dropped her face first into the apron. Havok went to attack Yung again outside the ring, but she distracted herself with the referee that kept trying to get the match under control. This gave Su Yung the time to hit the Red Mist, provoking the ref to toss the match out. 

After the bell, Yung rammed Havok into the ring post and walked away before Havok could recover. 

The North cut a promo backstage saying farewell to LAX. Page thanked them for giving them the titles. Alexander said that putting their titles on the line is like putting their careers on the line because they are as important as everything they have. They are so good, completely underrated promos.

oVe cut a video promo. Callihan celebrated that tonight, he gets his deserved title shot decision, which he expects will be to get handed the championship since Cage can’t compete. He said that tonight, Fulton destroys Rob Van Dam. 

Don Callis and Josh Mathews addressed the news that Naomichi Marufuji is coming to Bound for Glory. 

Moose defeated Fallah Bahh

Bahh rushed the ring and went after Moose with a splash and strikes. Moose tried to counter, but Bahh was one step ahead and tossed around Moose. Bahh hit a belly-to-belly suplex and a backdrop. Moose finally got an opening after raking Bahh’s eyes. 

Moose hit a big plancha, but Bahh no sold it and hit a huge lariat. Bahh got a two count with a crossbody. Bahh connect the Banzai Drop from the second rope, but Moose managed to kick out at 2. Bahh went for another splash, but Moose hit the No Jackhammer Needed out of nowhere and pinned Bahh for the win. This was short and one sided, but this was far better than it had any right to be. 

After the match, Moose locked in an ankle lock on Bahh and talked trash to Ken Shamrock. 

Backstage, Tessa looked for Dreamer. She told him that she was sick with everything with Callihan. Dreamer told her to get back into her goals and not let the hate eat her up, but she wouldn’t take it and asked if Tommy still had her back. He said yes.

Alisha and Eddie talked about their relationship. Eddie apologized and said he take it easier on Ace. Suddenly, a woman walked up to Eddie saying he was ‘great last night’. Obviously sent by Ace, who walked up as Alisha slapped Eddie and ran away. 

TJP defeated Golden Magic

This match is the result of Golden Magic stealing the pin away from TJP in last week’s 4-way match. This was great for the most part, but there was a part in the middle were both guys felt a bit lost. Crowd was mostly behind Golden Magic.

Match started with a good sequence of counters and reversals, fighting for wrist control, submissions, and quick pins. Magic delivered a set of great armdrags and an Asai moonsault to gain control.

Back from commercial, Magic maintains control, but TJP caught him going for a top rope move, blocked him, and took him down with a kick. TJP hit a beautiful Senton Atomico for a two count. TJP went for a Butterfly submission, but Magic broke it off. They traded a couple of pin reversals until Magic got a two count with a Disaster Kick. Magic went for a Lionsault, but TJP caught him with a dropkick in the middle of the air and followed up with a suplex and backplex combo.

TJP went for a senton, but Magic dodged and hit a cutter. Magic followed with a twisting Asai that TJP completely failed to catch him. Magic hit the floor bad, but was up after a minute. 

Back in the ring, they traded a couple more pin attempts. Magic hit another Twisting and a Stormbreaker-like move for a two count. TJP hit a brainbuster for a two count. Magic delivered a top rope Hurricanrana for a two count. 

Finish finally saw Magic got for a 450, but TJP moved away. Magic hit Bandido’s Moonsault Fallaway Slam. Magic went for another 450, failing again, but this time, TJP capitalized with the Damnation Kick and the TJP Clutch for the win.

Backstage, Ace was paying off that lady that was messing with Eddie when Alisha walked up and faked rejecting her. Alisha and Ace walked together to prepare for Alisha’s match.

Impact Plus Moment of the Week was Sting vs AJ Styles from Bound for Glory 2009.

Taya argued with John E. Bravo about her problems with Tenille. She just argued, nothing much here.

We got a training vignette for Johnny Swinger. He’s the stereotype 90’s wrestler, fanny pack and all.

Jimmy Jacobs interviewed Tenile Dashwood. She said that her plans are clear, she is here for the Knockout’s championship. Kiera Hogan and Madison Rayne interrupted and told her to go to the back of the line. Tenille said she doesn’t make lines and challenged them, which Madison accepted in behalf of Hogan. 

Rob Van Dam defeated Madman Fulton (w/ Dave Crist) by DQ

Fulton started with the power advantage pushing RVD into the corner and forcing him to find some space. Fulton went for an early chokeslam, but RVD kicked his way away. RVD went for a headlock, but Fulton easily picked him up and rammed him to the corner. RVD took out one of Fulton’s legs and followed with kicks to finally take him down and send him to the floor. RVD followed with a senton from the apron. 

RVD went for another dive, but this time Fulton caught him and hit a Slingshot neckbreaker against the ropes. Fulton hit a chokeslam, but didn’t follow up. RVD tried to recover, but Fulton hit a clothesline to keep him down. Fulton went for a Swinging Side Slam, but RVD countered into a crucifix pin. 

RVD started to kick Fulton from all corners to bring him down again. RVD hit Rolling Thunder and went for the Five Star Frog Splash, but Dave Crist attacked him and tossed him off the top rope for the DQ. 

After the bell, Crist and Fulton ganged up on RVD, but Van Dam managed to dodge the attack, take down Crist, get rid of Fulton, and deliver the Frog Splash on Crist for good measure. 

Jimmy Jacobs tried to interview Brian Cage. Melissa Santos answered the locker room door, but she could only say that we’ll get our answer later tonight. 

The Rascalz were in the Treehouse. They argued because Trey couldn’t hook up ‘the stuff’. Rich Swann and Willie Mack walked in, who fortunately, had some of the stuff. After a session, they talked about who would win tonight’s main event, then they danced. This was all over the place. Treehouse cameos are getting really popular with the Twitch crowd. 

We got another segment with the Desi Hit Squad working the Deaner Farm. They were fishing, which obviously ended with Rohit falling in the water. 

Somewhere in the Undead Realm, Jordynne Grace looked for Rosemary. Jordynne told Rosemary to stay out of her business just like Jordynne had done when Rosemary said the same. Rosemary ignored her request and said that she simply follows orders from the shadows. They got in each other’s face in a challenging manner. 

Next week, Tenille Dashwood makes her in-ring debut against Kiera Hogan. Eddie Edwards vs Ace Austin, and Tessa and Dreamer vs oVe also take place. 

LAX hyped each other backstage. Konnan told them that they’re not losing tonight because they’re representing all the Latino nation. 

Impact Tag Team Champions The North (Ethan Page & Josh Alexander) defeated LAX (Santana & Ortiz) w/ Konnan to retain their titles and end the Impact Wrestling career of LAX

Santana and Alexander started the match with some good chain wrestling, where Santana got a good chance to show what he can do. Ortiz tagged in and hit a couple of double team moves. 

LAX kept that control over Alexander throughout the commercial break, but soon after, Page managed to get rid of Ortiz and distract Santana enough for Alexander to caught him up and work over Santana’s injured knee from Slammiversary. 

It was now The North that cut the ring in half on Santana, targeting the knee. Page would use stomps and kicks, while Alexander would use kneebars. North went for a double team move, but Santana finally managed to escape them, kicking Page away, and rolling Alexander, and jumping off to tag Ortiz. 

Ortiz came in strong, got a two count on Alexander after an assist kick of Santana. The North regained control with an assisted suplex. Alexander got a near fall after a double facebuster. Page got cocky and wanted to finish them with the Street Sweeper, but Santana returned for the save. Santana hit a huge Cannonball on Josh for a two count. 

LAX now went for the Street Sweeper, but Page blocked off Santana, allowing Alexander to escape. The North double teamed Santana with their new finisher for the win, ending the Impact career of Santana and Ortiz. This was a great match, but didn’t get the time it deserved. 

After the match, all LAX members were heartbroken and mad. Fans chanted for LAX, but the crowd reaction didn’t seem like one of a crowd that knew this was LAX’s final match.

Brian Cage came out to the ring to address his health status and Sami Callihan’s title shot. Melissa Santos came out with Cage. He talked about how he had worked so hard to finally earn himself a world title, but he surely didn’t expect it to happen like this. He only had one defense under reign.

Cage said that his doctors have given him a return date for Bound For Glory and so he told Impact Management that he won’t vacate it and will be there to defend it against Callihan. Cage then turned things around and used the opportunity to propose to Melissa Santos who said yes. Happy ending! No sight of Callihan, who will surely have some hell to raise on next week’s episode.

Final thoughts — 

Good show for Impact. Really strong inside the ring, but I still expected more for LAX’s final match with Impact and finally having a Callihan vs Cage face off. 

Impact Wrestling results: Cage vs. Elgin street fight

Posted on by Antonio Garza

Impact Wrestling continues with the fallout of Slammiversary and the Mash-Up tournament. This week’s episode kicks off the St. Clair College set of tapings from Windsor, Ontario, Canada.  Twitch stream was hosted by Melissa Santos.

Opening video had a different feel from the usual opening video, this one had classical music, with quick cuts to an orchestra. It built three of tonight’s matches and the fallout of Tessa and Callihan heading into a number one contendership match at Unbreakable a week from tonight. 

Jordynne Grace defeated Kiera Hogan

Before the match can start, Madison Rayne came down and joined the commentary table. 

Match started with both women rushing at each other, they exchanged some strikes and tackles that ended with Grace in the floor taking a suicide dive from Hogan, but Hogan blocked it and hit a Belly-to-belly on the floor. Grace went for a Apron-slam, but Kiera escaped, kicked her off, and hit a second Suicide dive. This one was a bit ugly when Hogan went head first into the guardrail. 

Back in the ring, Hogan got a two count and started working over Grace with kicks and chokes. Jordynne nailed Hogan with a big right to the jaw, but Hogan came back with a couple herself. Hogan hit her running hip attack combo to the corner. Hogan went for a Monkey Flip, but Jordynne finally blocked her, overpowered her, and dropped her with a powerbomb. 

Jordynne hit the Grace Driver for a two count. Grace kept the offense, but Hogan kept dodging with desperation strikes to get some distance. Hogan finally caught Grace’s arm on the ropes and got the chance to hit three running dropkicks to the corner for a big near fall.Hogan delivered a big kick to the back of the head and went for a neckbreaker, but Jordynne blocked it and hit the Vader Bomb for another big near fall. Jordynne went for the Grace Driver once again, but Hogan escaped and hit a superkick to once again send Grace to the floor. On the floor, Grace delivered an Electric Chair drop, teasing the countout. Grace made the count, but Madison had to help Hogan in the ring. 

Back in the ring, Grace pinned Hogan with the O’Connor Roll into the European Clutch. Really good match by these women, Kiera Hogan has improved so much.

– Brian Cage cut a promo from the locker room. He said that tonight, he’s going to send Elgin to the hospital in the street fight main event.

– Taya and Rosemary talked about their match at Slammiversary. Taya told Rosemary that Havok won’t stop following her and she needs Rosemary’s help. Rosemary said there is no deal because they’re contract ended at the pay-per-view unless Taya were to offer her the championship. Johnny Bravo said he’ll take care of it.

– Sami Callihan came down to the ring and called out Tessa Blanchard. Callihan said that he originally thought that wrestling Tessa was going to be easy, but he was wrong and Tessa showed that she had fire and heart. He said that they earned the right to fight one more time for the No. 1 contendership spot at the Impact World title. He said that he is a hero for giving Tessa equality, not like other people that wouldn’t give Tessa the credit. He said that there is no intergender wrestling, it’s just professional wrestling, and told Tessa that he respects her. 

Sami Callihan offered a handshake, but told her that next week, there is no respect. They shook hands professionally, but Callihan slapped Tessa’s behind and called her ‘toots’. Tessa didn’t let go of the handshake and in return, beat up Callihan, dropping him with the Magnum.

– oVe talked plans backstage. Callihan berated the team for not backing him, but Dave reminded Callihan he told them to stay backstage. Callihan addressed Tessa, telling her that he tried to be a good guy, but Tessa sucker punched him and has now infuriated him. He said Tessa takes on Madman Fulton next week. 

Moose defeated Ray Steel

Moose overpowered Steel from the get go, blocked the Irish whip, picked him up, dropped him on the ropes, and hit No Jackhammer Needed for the win. Total squash. 

After the match, Moose cut a promo saying that he sees things clearer now and he has realized that the only way to get a title shot is not not be loyal to this company. He said that all the former champions are now gone, yet he, who has been there for years, who calls himself Mr. Impact, has nothing. Instead he gets a local jobber. Moose went to Apron-bomb Steel before walking out. 

– Johnny Bravo found Havoc and told her to leave Taya alone, pretty much offering his body instead. Havoc beat him up and so Bravo ran away shouting they’ll do this the hard way then. Bravo is hilarious in his own way.

– We got a video package of The North defending their championship titles at Slammiversary. They made no reference of Santana’s injury, making it seem like a strong win for the team. 

– The Rascalz were at their Treehouse talking about how last week was really weird. They talked that the weird thing was another team being added to their Slammiversary match. Dezmond told them that they have a match against The North next week. Once again, they argued about who would be the team, but this time, Wentz offered his spot because he’s going to a Jonas Brothers concert with Gail Kim, who made a cameo. The North vs Dezmond and Trey Miguel for the titles next week.

– Impact Plus Flashback of the Week was James Storm vs Bobby Roode Street Fight at Bound For Glory 2012. 

– Melissa Santos interviewed Kiera Hogan about losing tonight. Madison Rayne came out talking trash, but they both just ended up dissing Santos instead. 

– Backstage, Ace Austin tried to do magic tricks to Alisha Edwards, trying to invite her out for dinner. He got rejected. Another woman walked up to him, but Austin said that he’s not into single women. 

Rob Van Dam defeated Willie Mack

Given that Willie Mack calls his Frog Splash the 6-star Frog Splash, it took forever to get to this match. Most of RVD’s promos when he returned were about people trying to imitate him and he being here to show how things are done. 

Match started with a collar and elbow tie up that was followed by a shoulder tackle by Mack and a consequent spinning kick by RVD. They exchanged a couple more locks until Mack hit a big Wheel kick, dropping RVD. Mack copied RVD’s taunt. 

They went for more headlocks and a Jr. Heavyweight sequence of reversals and counters that ended in a standoff. They exchanged forearms before the match spilled to the outside. RVD slammed Mack into the ring post and hit a rolling senton from the apron on Mack. 

Back in the ring, Mack hit a running elbow and kick combo, followed with the cannonball to the corner, and ended with the Samoan Drop and Moonsault combo for a two count. Mack rushed the corner, but RVD dodged and kicked Mack down. RVD hit the Split-legged Moonsault, but Mack got his knees up. Mack hit a Backstabber for another two count.

RVD hit a springboard kick and a top rope senton for a two count. RVD followed with some running lariats, superkick, and the Rolling Thunder, but Mack countered the pin for a near fall. Mack hit a desperation cutter to get some space. The exchanged strikes once again, but Mack hit an Exploder. Mack went for the 6-Star Frog Splash, but RVD moved out of the way and scissored Mack for a two count. RVD kicked Mack and hit the 5-Star Frog Splash for the win. Long match, it felt slow at points, making RVD look old, but overall an ok performance. 

– Ace Austin tried to do the ‘put your hand in the box’ trick, he even took his hands off the box. Stone Rockwell interrupted him. 

– LAX talked backstage. Konnan told Ortiz that he’s been drinking too much. Ortiz told him that he has too much in his mind, he wants revenge on The North. Konnan told him to not let his emotions get in the way. Konnan told Ortiz that Daga is taking Santana’s place for now. Ortiz rejected the idea and walked out. Happy to see Daga back on Impact.

– Santos interviewed Michael Elgin about tonight’s match with Cage. He said that both Cage and Impact management are stupid for allowing him to use weapons when he’s already been dangerous without them. He said that Cage needs to focus on him and not his fiancee. 

Jake Crist defeated Rich Swann to become the NEW X-Division Champion.

This match comes from Jake Crist pinning Rich Swann at last week’s Mash-Up Tournament.

Side headlock takedown from Crist to start the match. Swann and Crist exchange a couple of reversals fighting for control. Crist maintained neck control for a good amount of time, always regaining it after Swann would escape. Swann would get control until he sent Crist outside and followed with a Twisting dive. 

Dave Crist interfered behind the referee’s back, but Swann took him out with a superkick, yet unfortunately, it was enough of a distraction for Jake to hit a Tope Suicida. 

Back from commercial, Jake Crist is working over Swann in the corner, with constant interference of Dave Crist. Jake locked in a modified Koji Clutch for a submission tease, but Swann managed punch himself out. Jake locked in a Camel Clutch, but Swann once again escaped, only to take a superkick, knocking him down to the corner. Jake rushed the corner, but Swann caught him with a kick and hit a big clothesline to finally get some momentum. 

Swann hit a couple of strikes and a kick combo for a two count. 

Both men traded kicks before Jake Crist hit a DVD for a two count. Jake hit a huge powerslam into the buckles for another near fall. They traded forearms in the middle of the ring until Swann got a Spinning kick in and went for the Macho Man Diving Elbow for a two count. Swan went for a Phoenix Splash, but Jake cut him off, hit a Superplex and neckbreaker for a two count. Jake got yet another with a Sunset Flip. 

They traded kicks until Swann finally got the Phoenix Splash, but Dave Crist helped his brother put his leg on the ropes. Swann went after Dave, which ended with Swann hitting a double Os Cutter on the Crists. Fulton came down tossing Swann into Crist’s Cutter. Jake Crist hit another cutter and pinned Rich Swann to win the X-Division Championship! This was a great match. Jake Crist had been an underrated talent for so long.

– Backstage, Jake Crist told Sami that he won, only for Sami to tell him that ‘they’ did it. Sami said he was proud until he accidentally said that he did what Sami wasn’t able to do. Jake Crist said he wants to be called the ‘Golden Draw’. Sami was just incredibly annoyed by Tessa and wasn’t happy for his friend. 

Brian Cage vs Michael Elgin Never Started.

Brian Cage didn’t come out during his entrance; he instead dragged himself to the ramp and out behind him was Michael Elgin with a chair. Elgin hit Cage with the chair as they approached the ring. 

Finally in the ring, Elgin choked out Cage and called out for a mic. Elgin talked trash about this match not being non-title, proving that Cage was weak, and so tonight he is going to break the machine again. 

Elgin continued torturing Cage with a one man Con-chair-to. Security came out, but Elgin took them all out. They were actually big dudes. Once he cleared the ring, he set up Cage for a kill shot. Melissa Santos came out trying to stop Elgin but suddenly the masked man from Slammiversary came out. He went for the Gore only to be met by Elgin’s chair. 

A second masked man came out and unmasked, revealing Rhino, who Gored Elgin before heading to the crowd to celebrate. Wait, so who was the other masked man?

Final Thoughts:

Great show by Impact. It was really strong inside the ring, and the storylines building towards Unbreakable were solid.

Next week, Tessa battles Madman Fulton, plus The Rascalz challenge for the tag team championships against The North.

Daily Update: Brian Cage/Melissa Santos, Aspen Ladd, Tyrus

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

DAILY UPDATE

Latest News: 

Latest Audio: 

We’re looking for reports on tonight’s WWE show in Augusta, ME and NXT in Largo, FL to [email protected]

This is a crazy weekend so these are the polls we’ll be doing

  • NJPW G-1 day two on Saturday from Tokyo
  • NJPW G-1 day three from Sunday in Tokyo
  • Evolve from Saturday in Philadelphia
  • AEW from Saturday in Jacksonville
  • WWE Extreme Rules from Philadelphia

You can send a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle on all of these shows to [email protected]” target=”_blank”>[email protected]

BELLATOR AT 9 P.M. TONIGHT FROM THACKERVILLE, OKLAHOMA ON THE PARAMOUNT NETWORK

  • Ed Ruth (170) vs. Kiichi Kunimoto (170.4)
  • Juliana Velasquez (124.9) vs. Kristina Williams (125.8)
  • Rafael Carvalho (189.9) vs. Chidi Njokuani (189.6)
  • Julia Budd (145) vs. Olga Rubin (143.5) for featherweight title

CMLL TONIGHT AT 9:30 P.M. EASTERN FROM ARENA MEXICO ON THE CMLL FACEBOOK PAGE AND CMLL YOUTUBE PAGE (after the show)

  • Halcon Suriano Jr. & Principe Diamante vs. Coyote & Grako
  • Microman & Gallito Tapatio & Atomo vs. Chamuel & Perico Zacarias & Guapito
  • Atlantis & Atlantis Jr. & Stuka Jr. vs El Hijo del Villano III & Mephisto & Ephesto
  • Rush & Dragon Lee & Mistico vs. Gilbert el Boricua & Mr. Niebla & The Chris
  • Ultimo Guerrero vs. Ciber the Main Man

IMPACT AT 10 P.M. EASTERN TONIGHT ON THE PURSUIT CHANNEL

  • Jordynne Grace vs. Keira Hogan vs. Madison Rayne

NEW JAPAN G-1 CLIMAX SATURDAY AT OTA WARD GYM IN TOKYO AT 5:30 A.M. EASTERN ON NEW JAPAN WORLD AND 9 P.M. ON AXS TV

  • Kota Ibushi & Will Ospreay & Yuya Uemura vs. Evil & Sanada & Bushi
  • Bad Luck Fale & Chase Owens vs. Lance Archer & Yoshinobu Kanemaru
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi & Shota Umino & Ren Narita vs. KENTA & Clark Connors & Karl Fredericks
  • Kazuchika Okada & Yoshi-Hashi vs. Zack Sabre Jr. & Minoru Suzuki
  • Shingo Takagi vs. Juice Robinson
  • Jon Moxley vs. Taichi
  • Tetsuya Naito vs. Toru Yano
  • Tomohiro Ishii vs. Jeff Cobb
  • Jay White vs. Hirooki Goto

Saturday has WWE Raw in Springfield, MA and Smackdown in Petersburg, VA, plus NXT in Citrus Springs, FL.  We’re looking on reports from all of these shows to [email protected]

UFC SATURDAY FROM THE GOLDEN WEST CENTER IN SACRAMENTO AT 5 P.M. EASTERN ON ESPN+

  • Benito Lopez (136) vs. Vince Morales (135.5)
  • Livinha Souza (116) vs. Brianna Van Buren (115)
  • Jonathan Martinez (136) vs. Lia Pingyuan (136)
  • Darren Elkins (145.5) vs. Ryan Hall (144.5)
  • Nicco Montano (135.5) vs. Julianna Pena (135.5)
  • Andre Fili (145.5) vs. Sheymon Moraes (146)
  • John Allen (203) vs. Mike Rodriguez (204.5)
  • Cezar Ferreira (185.5) vs,. Marvin Vettori (185.5)
  • Karl Roberson (185.5) vs. Wellington Turman (185)
  • Mirsad Bektic (145) vs. Josh Emmet (146)
  • Urijah Faber (135.5) vs. Ricky Simon (134.5)
  • Germaine de Randamie (136) vs. Aspen Ladd (135)

AEW FIGHT FOR THE FALLEN FROM JACKSONVILLE ON SATURDAY AT 7:30 P.M. EASTERN ON B/R LIVE IN U.S. AND FITE TV OUTSIDE THE U.S.

  • Sonny Kiss vs. Peter Avalon
  • Shawn Spears & MJF & Sammy Guevara vs. Joey Janela & Jimmy Havoc & Darby Allin
  • Dark Order vs. Jack Evans & Angelico vs. Jungle Boy & Luchasaurus
  • Dr. Britt Baker & Riho vs. Bea Priestley & Shoko Nakajima
  • Frankie Kazarian & Scorpio Sky vs. Pentagon Jr. & Fenix
  • Adam Page vs. Kip Sabian
  • Brandi Rhodes vs. Allie
  • Kenny Omega vs. Cima
  • Young Bucks vs. Cody & Dustin Rhodes

EVOLVE 10TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW FROM THE 2300 ARENA IN PHILADELPHIA AT 8 P.M. EASTERN ON THE WWE NETWORK

  • Josh Briggs vs. Anthony Greene
  • Shotzi Blackheart vs. Brandi Lauren
  • Curt Stallion vs. Sean Maluta vs. Stephen Wolf vs. Harlem Bravado
  • Babatunde vs. Colby Corino
  • Arturo Ruas vs. Anthony Henry
  • Matt Riddle vs. Drew Gulak
  • Eddie Kingston & Joe Gacy vs. A.R. Fox & Leon Ruff for tag titles
  • Austin Theory vs. J.D. Drake for Evolve and WWN titles
  • Adam Cole vs. Akira Tozawa for NXT title

MLW ON BEIN SPORTS AT 9 P.M. EASTERN

  • Ace Austin vs. Air Wolf
  • Hart Foundation vs. MJF & Richard Holliday in a ladder match for tag titles

NEW JAPAN G-1 CLIMAX LATE SATURDAY NIGHT AT 2 A.M. EASTERN (11 P.M. PACIFIC) ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

  • Juice Robinson & Toa Henare & Yota Tsuji vs. Hirooki Goto & Tomoaki Honma & Yuya Uemura
  • Jeff Cobb & Ren Narita vs. Jon Moxley & Shota Umino
  • Tomohiro Ishii & Toru Yano & Yoshi-Hashi vs. Jay White &Yujiro Takahashi & Chase Owens
  • Tetsuya Naito & Shingo Takagi & Bushi vs. Minoru Suzuki & Taichi & Yoshinobu Kanemaru
  • Lance Archer vs. Bad Luck Fale
  • Will Ospreay vs. Sanada
  • Kazuchika Okada vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. KENTA

WWE EXTREME RULES ON SUNDAY AT 6:30 P.M. EASTERN ON THE WWE NETWORK

  • Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch vs. Baron Corbin & Lacey Evans for Universal & Raw women’s titles vs. Corbin & Evans not being allowed to challenge for titles again in Extreme rules match
  • Undertaker & Roman Reigns vs. Shane McMahon & Drew McIntyre no rules match
  • Kofi Kingston vs. Samoa Joe for WWE title
  • Ricochet vs. A.J. Styles for U.S. title
  • Bayley vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Nikki Cross for Smackdown women’s title
  • Braun Strowman vs. Bobby Lashley last man standing
  • Daniel Bryan & Rowan vs. Big E & Xavier Woods vs. Heavy Machinery for Smackdown tag titles
  • Revival vs. Usos for Raw tag titles
  • Tony Nese vs. Drew Gulak for cruiserweight title
  • Aleister Black vs. Cesaro

EVOLVE FROM MELROSE, MA MEMORIAL HALL AT 7 P.M. EASTERN ON WWW.WWNLIVE.COM

  • Matt Riddle vs. Curt Stallion
  • Austin Theory & Arturo Ruas vs. Josh Briggs & Orange Cassidy
  • J.D. Drake vs. A.R. Fox
  • Joe Gacy vs. Babatunde

NEW JAPAN G-1 CLIMAX TOURNAMENT ON MONDAY FROM SAPPORO AT 5 A.M. EASTERN ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

  • Kota Ibushi & Jushin Liger & Shota Umino vs. Will Ospreay & Yota Tsuji & Yuya Uemura
  • Tomoaki Honma & Toa Henare & Ren Narita vs. Evil & Sanada & Bushi
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi & KENTA & Clark Connors & Karl Fredericks vs. Minoru Suzuki & Zack Sabre Jr. & Lance Archer & Yoshinobu Kanemaru
  • Kazuchika Okada & Yoshi-Hashi vs. Bad Luke Fale & Chase Owens
  • Toru Yano vs. Shingo Takagi
  • Juice Robinson vs. Hirooki Goto
  • Jeff Cobb vs. Jon Moxley
  • Tomohiro Ishii vs. Jay White
  • Tetsuya Naito vs. Taichi

Raw is Monday at NYCB Live (the former Nassau Coliseum).

Smackdown and 205 Live are Tuesday in Worcester, MA.

F4W NEWSLETTER: First Raw of the Paul Heyman Era

Before this week’s return to the norm, Joseph Currier looked at Heyman’s promising start in his new role.

Though it was only the beginning of him easing into the role, the first Raw of the Paul Heyman era showed promising signs for his future as executive director.

It was surprising that — during the build to a pay-per-view where the top of the card has already been announced — Heyman’s presence was so obvious. Even if WWE didn’t announce his executive director role, it still would have been easy to tell that something was different about the episode.

It started with a literal bang that doubled as a statement of intent. Braun Strowman and Bobby Lashley’s falls count anywhere match kicked off the show and ended in a no contest. Strowman charged at Lashley, with explosions going off as they crashed through the stage. The angle was treated with complete seriousness. Corey Graves even let out an uncensored “holy sh*t” on commentary.

WON NEWSLETTER: July 15, 2019 Observer Newsletter: Death of Paco Alonso, G1 Opening, more

A look at Paco Alonso and his role in running the most traditional of all pro wrestling promotions, and what happens next with CMLL, is the lead story i the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

We look at Alonso’s death, an update on who will be running the company, how things will stay the same, what could change, the 2008 Hall of Fame election,  and the career of Alonso as a promoter including the wrestlings wars he was in and the boom periods he presided over.  We also look at where things stand and why Alonso is the only promoter with so much tenure in the business who has never lost money promoting wrestling.

We look at the first show of the G-1 Climax tournament, including unique aspects of the crowd, the business notes and what was good and bad about the crowd, this week’s G-1 bouts, Dallas coverage with star ratings and poll results and will AEW and NJPW promote together any time soon.

We also look at a Saturday with five major shows, running down all of them and the story behind the change in WWE policy.

We also look at Dwayne Johnson and Conor McGregor earnings, Reigns winning award, new signings, Reigns talks why AEW isn’t competition, WWE’s latest network strategy, ideas that were nixed of late that were pitched, Eric Bischoff update, Stock price notes, new WWE television show, most-watched shows of the week on WWE Network as well as a rundown of all the arena events of the past week with results, highlights and business notes.

We’ve got full coverage of UFC 239, with all the different stories that came out of the show, the judging of Jones vs Santos, the future of several fighters, all of the business notes regarding the show as well as match-by-match coverage, fighter pay, and poll results.

We also look at the changes in All Japan Pro Wrestling and what it means going forward.

We also have coverage of the Impact PPV show, where Impact stands, how the PPV did, the crossover in buyers of Impact with other companies as well as match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

We also run down the ratings of all the major TV shows, along with detailed demo info for the WWE shows.

We also have the results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week. 

ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].

Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.

In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.

For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.

If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.

FRIDAY NEWS UPDATE

Brian Cage and Melissa Santos of Impact Wrestling were married yesterday.  That’s the reason there were two Bar Wrestling shows this past week, so the guests could work while in town.  A lot of Impact talent was at the wedding.  Among the names there were Joey Ryan, Keira Hogan, Sami Callihan, Jessicka Havok, Nevaeh, Jake Crist, Su Yung and rich Swann.  Many of them, including Cage and Santos, are wrestling tonight in  Baldwin Park, CA at the American Legion with Tessa Blanchard vs. Daga, Joey Ryan vs. Keira Hogan and a dollar dance with Santos.

The Aspen Ladd weigh-in situation earlier today in Sacramento was very scary.  She was shaking and having a hard time walking as she went to the scale.  She made weight, with a pound to spare,which was irresponsible of her team for her to cut that extra pound.  This is a tragedy waiting to happen.  Even though she was in that condition, she was cleared to fight tomorrow night.  Hopefully nothing bad happens.  Because if something bad does, this was far too public of a situation.

Here are the star ratings that you can bet over/under at Kambi for Sunday’s Extreme Rules show:

  • Ricochet vs. A.J. Styles ****1/4
  • Aleister Black vs. Cesaro ***1/2
  • Braun Strowman vs. Bobby Lashley **1/2
  • Drew Gulak vs. Tony Nese ***1/4
  • Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch vs. Baron Corbin & Lacey Evans **1/2
  • The Revival vs. Usos ***1/4
  • Roman Reigns & Undertaker vs. Drew McIntyre & Shane McMahon ***1/2
  • Bryan & Rowan vs. E & Woods vs. Heavy Machinery ***1/2
  • Bayley vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Nikki Cross **
  • Kofi Kingston vs. Samoa Joe ***1/2  (thanks to David Taylor)

If there isn’t enough this weekend, The Fights Only MMA awards from last week will air at 9 p.m. Eastern tonight on CBS Sports Network.  Dolph Lundgren hosts the show.

The Huffington Post has a story about George Murdoch, the former Brodus Clay and Titus, and his text message to former Fox Nation co-host Britt McHenry.  They were on a show together until this story surfaced in April, noting Murdoch had sent inappropriate text messages to McHenry in late 2018 through January of this year.  Murdoch was not suspended and is still with the company, although he’s been moved to a different show.  I really don’t see how they didn’t can him over this.  Really, with the nature of the messages, it looks bad that he’s still there.

WWE

  • WWE is looking for women to be part of their “Fight Like a Girl” reality show that Stephanie McMahon will star in. The show has a woman and a WWE wrestler who helps them through struggles in life.

UFC

  • Lina Lansberg vs. Macy Chiasson and Ion Cutelaba vs,. Khalil Rountree Jr. have been added to the 9/28 show in Copenhagen, Denmark.

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Brian Cage vs. Michael Elgin in a street fight for the Impact title was announced for the 7/19 tapings in Windsor, ONT.
  • Cage has pulled out of 7/26 and 7/27 Defy shows in Seattle due to injury.  Christopher Daniels will take his place in the Super 8XGP and meets Schaff in the first round of the show.
  • Ace Austin vs. Austin Aries has been added to the 7/25 MLW show at the Melrose Ballroom in New York
  • AAW runs tonight in Milwaukee at the Turner Hall Ballroom.  Sami Callihan vs. Jacob Fatu headlines.  They were close to sold out but there are $25 tickets left.
  • C4 Wrestling on 8/14 at St. Anthony’s Hall in Ottawa, ONT.  Cody Rhodes will be at the show.
  • Greektown Wrestling on 8/8 in Toronto at 310 Danforth Ave.
  • CWE tonight in Craven, SK at the County Thunder Craven Festival with a free show with festival admission.
  • USA Championship Wrestling tomorrow night in Jackson, TN at Oman Arena with Doug Gilbert vs. Matt Riviera in a bunkhouse match, plus Tracy Smothers, Road Dogg, Bob Armstrong and Bill Dundee will be in attendance.
  • CWF on 7/27 in Niagara Falls, ONT at the Scotiabank Convention Centre with Tatanka, Cody Deaner,Sinn Bodhi and more.
  • Pro Wresting Ontario on 7/27 in Burlington, ONT .,
  • PWA on 7/26 in Kitchener, ONT at the Alpine Club with the Voros Twins.
  • Smash vs. Progress on 8/7 at 8 p.m. at the Mid Town Event Theatre in Toronto with Chris Brookes, Jordan Devlin and Toni Storm.
  • Neither Dann nor Emily Read, the promoters of Pro Wrestling Eve in the U.K. will be at their show this weekend.  The reason was due to Emily’s mental health situation.  We wish the best for both her and everyone in this situation.
  • An NWA video with James Storm vs. Colt Cabana for the National title.
  • A story on UK women’s star Heidi Katrina.
  • A look at the new book “The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame:  The Storytellers (from the Terrible Turk to Twitter).

Daily Pro Wrestling History: Vader wins WCW World title

CONTACT INFORMATION

Impact Slammiversary XVII live results: Cage vs. Elgin

Posted on by Ethan Renner

A big week for pro wrestling in Dallas wraps up tonight with Slammiversary XVII.

The Impact World Championship will be on the line, with Brian Cage defending his title against Michael Elgin. Elgin made his Impact debut by attacking Cage at April’s Rebellion pay-per-view. Cage won the World title from Johnny Impact at that show but suffered a back injury in the process, which has been worked into his feud with Elgin.

Three other title matches are set for tonight. Taya Valkyrie defends her Knockouts Championship against Rosemary, Havok, and Su Yung in a Monster’s Ball match. Johnny Impact is cashing in his X-Division title shot for a match against Rich Swann. And after winning the Tag Team titles from LAX on Friday night, The North (Josh Alexander & Ethan Page) will defend against LAX and The Rascalz.

In a big intergender matchup, Tessa Blanchard will face off with Sami Callihan. Plus, Moose takes on RVD, Eddie Edwards and Killer Kross meet in a first blood match, and TJP will issue an open challenge.

Our coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

**********

WILLIE MACK DEFEATED TJP, JAKE CRIST & TREY MIGUEL

A crazy opener. This was all action. 

Highlights included Miguel hitting a double stomp off the top while TJP had Crist in a Romero Special.

The finish saw Crist hit a cutter off the top to Miguel. Mack jumped in with a Six Star Frog Splash and stole the pin. 

IMPACT TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH: THE NORTH DEFEATED LAX & THE RASCALZ TO RETAIN THE TITLES

Page and Alexander retained in a short match. Page broke up a Rascalz pinfall on Ortiz with a powerbomb, and Alexander stole the pin. 

They did an injury angle with Santana to give LAX an out on the finish. He rolled outside and started selling his knee. Konnan was ringside, and they called out a referee and a doctor. 

Highlights included Page and Alexander throwing guys around like the Steiners. Alexander hit a top rope fallaway slam, and Page hit a senton bomb. Dezmond Xavier hit some cool dives for The Rascalz as well. 

**********

Sami Callahan cut a promo. He promised to beat Tessa Blanchard in the first intergender PPV main event in history. 

**********

FIRST BLOOD MATCH: EDDIE EDWARDS DEFEATED KILLER KROSS

They did a video package with a lot of religious imagery before the match, and Kross entered wearing a priest’s collar. Edwards was dressed for a street fight. 

Edwards got some shine, attacking Kross on the stage before the bell with a kendo stick. Kross cut him off with an apron bomb. 

They traded chair shots. Kross kicked the kendo stick out of the ring as Edwards reached for it. They fought on the top rope, and Edwards crotched Kross. 

With Kross draped in the ropes, Edwards hit the Boston Knee Party. He followed up with a tiger driver on the floor. 

Edwards broke the kendo stick over his knee, and jammed the broken pieces down Kross’s throat. Kross spit up blood, and Edwards got the victory. A good brawl. 

**********
They cut to a backstage investigative reporter who was looking for a word with Tessa as she arrived at the building. She pushed the reporter into the wall, and said nothing. 
**********
RVD cut a promo. He was glassy-eyed. He said he respected Moose, who wasn’t waiting outside the Impact offices campaigning “the writers” for a match with RVD. He came right after RVD because he knew that’s where the money is. RVD promised to live up to the Mr. PPV moniker. 

MOOSE DEFEATED ROB VAN DAM

RVD’s appearance in the pre-match promo was concerning, to say the least. He looked totally fine here, though. He did all of his trademark stuff, just slower than vintage RVD. 

RVD hit a spinning wheel kick and a slingshot dive as he established the early advantage. Moose cut him off. Moose hit a delayed dropkick in the corner, then a vertical suplex. 

RVD made a comeback, backdropping Moose over the top rope to the ramp. Back inside, RVD hit a split-legged moonsault. Moose hit the Go To Hell, but RVD kicked out. They traded DDTs. 

Moose hit a low blow, but the ref missed it. Moose grabbed a chair from under the ring, and RVD hit the Van Daminator. He covered, but Moose forced a rope break. 

RVD hit a drop toe hold on the chair. He went for a frog splash, but Moose rolled out of the way, so RVD hit the chair. Moose hit a spear for the pin. A fine match. 

**********
Taya cut a promo. She promised to remain the “Impack” Knockouts Champion. 

MONSTER’S BALL IMPACT KNOCKOUTS CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH: TAYA VALKARIE DEFEATED ROSEMARY, SU YUNG & HAVOK TO RETAIN THE TITLE

What is a Monster’s Ball match, you ask? From WikiPedia: “The key premise of the match was that all contenders are sequestered alone in a locked room without light, food, or water for twenty-four hours before the match. This stipulation is intended to induce extreme feelings of aggression in the competitors.

The locked away stipulation was simply forgotten about, however, and not mentioned since the sixth one. It is now simply a Street Fight, as the match has to end inside the ring.”

Taya grabbed a staple gun and went after Havok, but Havok avoided it. Rosemary clotheslined Havok to the floor. Taya pulled an 8×10 out of her gear, and stapled it to Yung’s forehead. 

Havok set up a chair, and dropped Taya onto the chair with an elbow smash. Rosemary hit Havok with a missile dropkick, then hit her with a cookie sheet. 

Yung brought a “demon collar” into the ring, and attached it to herself and Rosemary. She sent Rosemary head-first into a chair set up in the corner. 

Taya used a ladder as a weapon on Havok. They did a stacked up superplex spot, and Rosemary suplexed Yung on the ladder. Rosemary speared Taya. 

Rosemary dumped thumbtacks on the mat. She teased suplexing Taya on the tacks, but Taya hit a bulldog. Yung sprayed red mist in James Mitchell’s eyes. Taya put Rosemary through a table with a uranage. 

The finish saw Havok use a super-tombstone off the second rope to Yung on the tacks. Taya jumped in and stole the pin. 

Everyone worked hard and the match was much better than it looked it would be on paper. This is a nitpick, but it was hurt by the fact that they used the same finish they used in the two previous multi-person matches. 

IMPACT X-DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH: RICH SWANN DEFEATED JOHNNY IMPACT TO RETAIN THE TITLE

Johnny Bravo came to ringside with Impact. He threw streamers into the ring when Impact was announced. The Johnnys are entertaining, but it’s a total midcard comedy act. 

The Johnny’s used a variety of heel tactics to get the edge early. Bravo gathered up some tacks from the previous match and spilled them in the ring, distracting the ref. 

Swann hit a cartwheel into a splash in his first comeback. Impact cut him off, hitting a Johnny’s Edge for a nearfall. Impact went for a springboard attack, but Swann nailed him with an uppercut. 

They traded strikes on the top rope, and both fell to the floor. They teased a double countout, but both made it back inside. Impact hit a Spanish Fly off the second rope, then hit another on the mat for a nearfall. 

Swann took out Bravo with a leg lariat over the top. Impact missed a dive. Impact hit Starship Pain for a nearfall. Swann popped up and hit two cutters. He followed with a phoenix splash for the pin. A very good match. 

IMPACT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH: BRIAN CAGE DEFEATED MICHAEL ELGIN TO RETAIN THE TITLE

They started off with a striking battle. Cage sent Elgin outside, then hit a tope con giro. Elgin cut him off with a knee strike and a dragon suplex, then hit a superplex. Elgin hit a back suplex on the apron. 

Back inside, Elgin missed a twisting senton, but was back on offense immediately. Cage came back with a tornado DDT, a 619, and an inverted falcon arrow for a nearfall. Elgin came back with a powerbomb, a lariat, and a crucifix bomb for a nearfall. 

Elgin hit a buckle bomb, but Cage popped right out of the corner, hitting a discus lariat. They exchanged a series of knee strikes and superkicks. Elgin hit the last kick, setting Cage up for a buckle bomb. Cage reversed into his own buckle bomb. 

Cage went for an F-5, but Elgin reversed it into a Canadian Destroyer for a nearfall. Cage hit a jumping knee strike, then connected with an F-5 for a nearfall. 

Cage went for a Drill Claw, but his back gave out. Elgin hit a kick to the head, then a series of slaps. He teased an Elgin Bomb, but Cage used a sunset flip for the pin out of nowhere. 

Elgin hit Cage with the title after the match, then posed with the belt. Don Callis got up from the announce desk to talk sense to Elgin. Elgin threw Callis into the ring. 

A masked man ran in and hit a Gore on Elgin for the save.

The pace these guys maintained was impressive, and this was a fun sprint. 

SAMI CALLAHAN DEFEATED TESSA BLANCHARD

Tessa got a superstar reaction. 

She hit a tilt-a-whirl headscissors, sending Sami outside. Tessa hit two suicide dives. She went for a third, but Sami caught her. He whipped her head into the barricade twice, then hit a DVD on the floor. 

Sami hit an apron bomb. They teased a countout, but Tessa made it back in at the count of eight. Tessa hit a neckbreaker, but Sami cut her off again with a big boot. Sami teased a powerbomb off the ramp, but Tessa turned it into an awesome cutter. They crawled back to the ring, and beat the count back inside. 

Tessa hit a series of strikes. Sami flipped her off. Tessa hit a Samoan drop. She teased Magnum, but Sami popped up, so Tessa rolled through and landed on her feet. Tessa hit a DDT. She teased a second DDT, but Sami blocked it. 

Sami hit a shoulder breaker, then used an STF. After a struggle, Tessa forced a rope break. Sami teased a second roe piledriver, but Tessa blocked it, then hit a codebreaker off the second rope. 

The ref tried to force a break in the corner, but Tessa caught him with an accidental bow, and the ref took a bump. Sami grabbed a baseball bat. He hit Tessa. A second ref ran out to count the pin, but Tessa kicked out. The second ref took a bump. 

Tessa hit a low blow, then grabbed her own baseball bat. She used the bat, then hit Magnum, but Sami kicked out. 

Tessa rolled through into a crossface. Sami teased tapping out, but stood out of the hold instead. He hit a package tombstone for a nearfall. 

Tessa got up and gave Sami the thumbs down sign. Sami hit a Cactus Special piledriver, and got the pin. 

Sami grabbed both baseball bats after the match. He teased using them. Instead, he gave Tessa her bat back as a sign of respect. 

The main event worked. Tessa is really a special talent, and Sami played his role to perfection. The finish sort of sucked the life out of the building, though. 

All in all, this was a really good show. 

Daily Update: UFC weekend notes, Brandi Rhodes, Brian Cage

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

DAILY UPDATE

Latest News:

Latest Audio:

F4W NEWSLETTER: Figure Four Weekly: Recapping WWE Stomping Grounds

After a lack of interest heading into the pay-per-view, Stomping Grounds was a show that exceeded expectations.

Given that there weren’t really any surprises at the PPV, that’s probably mostly due to expectations being set too low. Nothing on the show was dramatically better than it should have been. The PPV succeeded where most good WWE shows do. Even if the build was underwhelming, a talented roster was able to go out to the ring and have good matches throughout much of the card.

WON NEWSLETTER: July 8, 2019 Observer Newsletter: The life and death of Perro Aguayo

With a gigantic week of news, we’ve got a double issue of the Observer this week, leading off with a look at the career of Perro Aguayo, one of the biggest drawing cards in pro wrestling history.

We look at his career highlights, the feud that made him a superstar, the big rivalries and big business booms he was part of, his most famous matches, the formation of AAA and his biggest career wins.

We also have more on Eric Bischoff and Paul Heyman leading brands going forward.  We look at the angles on Raw and whose fingerprints were on what, the level of power they look to have, why this move was made, Wall Street’s reaction to the move, how AEW fits into the picture, the audience they are trying to get back the Raw ratings increase that didn’t hold for Smackdown, Heyman and Bischoff talk about their new positions, when Bischoff starts and an analysis of Heyman’s first moves.

We also look at AEW’s Fyter Fest, the chair shot, the preshow, the business numbers, comparisons with WWE and UFC programming, match by match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

We also look at why the U.K. November tour is being rapidly changed, the Evolve special on WWE Network, Stomping Grounds business update, the story behind David Starr stomping on WWE tile belt and WWE reaction, Performance Center news, most-watched shows on the WWE Network and a rundown with business notes on all the WWE arena events this past week.

We also look at the career of Jacques Rougeau Sr, one of the biggest stars in Montreal wrestling history.  We look at the history of the Rougeau family, how Jacques got into wrestling, why he quit at first, what brought him back, how role in making the career of Ivan Koloff, his sons getting into wrestling, his biggest matches, his Jarry Stadium main event, the first $100,000 gate in Canada, and the Rougeaus feud with the Garvins.

We also look at WWE’s tour of Japan this past week, with notes on both shows and business notes as well.

We run through New Japan’s tour of Australia, with business notes , Southern Showdown match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results and the Ospreay-Eagles match.

We also update Extreme Rules with matches announced and others that could be added.

We’ve also got full coverage of UFC in Minneapolis including detailed business notes.

We’ve got a rundown on ROH Bet in the World from Baltimore, with business notes, match-by-match coverage and star ratings.

We also look at the changing television situation in the U.K. with the WWE’s new deal with BT Sports and AEW’s new deal.

We look at the TripleMania card and the unique team of Cody & Psycho Clown & Cain Velasquez.  There’s also notes from Killer Kross, who is training Velasquez.

We also look at the wrestling career of Yoshiaki Yatsu, who had his leg amputated over the past week.  We look at his 1980s heyday when he was one of the best in the world, why he was important in history, his amateur background and his famous Pride match with Gary Goodridge.

We also look at the death of Jerry Seltzer, the famed Roller Derby promoter, how that game worked, how it exploded in popularity, why it died off, and Seltzer’s later role in the ticketing business.

We also run down the ratings of all the major TV shows, along with detailed demo info for the WWE shows.

We also have the results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week.

ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].

Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.

In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.

For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.

If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.

THURSDAY NEWS UPDATE

As would be expected, AAA ran a tribute to Perro Aguayo Sr. at their show in San Luis Potosi last night.  It would be a lock that CMLL does something similar tomorrow night.

With the deaths and the operation to Yoshiaki Yatsu, there is a ton of history in the new Observer.  Pat Laprade did a great piece on the life of Jacques Rougeau Sr., and there is also piece on Yatsu, Perro Aguayo and Roller Derby promoter Jerry Seltzer. 

UFC has its seasonal press conference at 5:30 p.m. Eastern and 2:30 p.m. local time tomorrow with Dana White, Max Holloway, Frankie Edgar, Daniel Cormier, Stipe Miocic, Khabib Nurmagomedov and Dustin Poirier.

The UFC Hall of Fame ceremony is tomorrow night at the Pearl at the Palms Hotel in Las Vegas.  Being honored are Rich Franklin, Michael Bisping and Rashad Evans plus the incredible Diego Sanchez vs. Clay Guida fight, which was held in that very building.

    People have been talking the past 24 hours about this promo by Brandi Rhodes as one of the best of the year.

    Due to political issues, Daga is replacing Brian Cage in teaming with Taurus against Cody & MJF on the AAA TV tapings on 7/18 in Aguascalientes.

    WWE

    • Booker T, after agreeing to come, has pulled out of All Out.  He evidently said when pulling out that he found out the WWE vs. AEW war was very real and he didn’t want to be in the middle of it.  I’ve been told to expect another major counter by WWE shortly.
    • There are no WWE house shows tomorrow night.  Both crews start Saturday.  Both Braun Strowman and Bobby Lashley are still advertised for TV on Monday and Strowman for the house shows.  For the Smackdown crew, Daniel Bryan & Rey Mysterio aren’t advertised.  Roman Reigns is only advertised for Monday in Glens Falls and Tuesday in Manchester, NH. Randy Orton is advertised for all the Smackdown shows.  There is a Monday Smackdown house show that hasn’t been canceled with most of the top stars including Reigns to appear.
    • Parma, OH mayor Tim DeGetter named yesterday “Mike the Miz Day” in the city where Miz grew up.  He also visited his old high school Normandy High yesterday.
    • Zack Ryder, Curt Hawkins, Becky Lynch, Kofi Kingston and Rey Mysterio will be appearing on 7/18 at the San Diego Comic Con at 11:15 a.m. in Room 6A.  There will also be an autograph session at the Mattel booth and Kingston will be at the Insight Editions booth on 7/19 at 1 p.m. signing copies of the WWE Official Cookbook.
    • WWE has a two-for-one ticket offer out for the 7/14 Extreme Rules show at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.

    UFC

    • UFC is working on a rematch with Paul Felder vs. Edson Barboza for the 9/7 show in Abu Dhabi.  MMA Junkie reported that earlier today.  Barboza beat Felder via decision in a 2015 fight.
    • Some of the winners of the World MMA Awards from Fighters Only from the show yesterday at the Pearl at the Palms in Las Vegas:Fighter of the Year – Daniel Cormier
      Female Fighter of the Year – Amanda Nunes
      International Fighter of the Year – Aung La Nsang
      Fight of the Year – Tony Ferguson vs. Anthony Pettis
      Knockout of the Year – Amanda Nunes over Cris Cyborg (can’t believe Yair Rodriguez didn’t win this one)
      Submission of the Year – Zabit Magomedsharipov over Brandon Davis
      Comeback of the Year – Angela Lee
      Upset of the Year – Amanda Nunes over Cris Cyborg
      Coach of the Year – Mike Brown
      Best Promotion- UFC
      Analyst of the Year – Daniel Cormier
      Best Media Source – MMA Fighting
      Journalist of the Year – Ariel Helwani

    MISCELLANEOUS

    • Bein Sports has an all-day MLW marathon going on today until 12:30 a.m.
    • There will be a tribute to Gene Kiniski on Sunday at Kiniski’s Reef Tavern in Point Roberts, WA starting at 5 p.m.  His son Nick & Kelly Kiniski will MC the event with James Cybulski from Sportnet 650 AM in Vancouver.  Admission is free.  Kiniski, nicknamed Canada’s greatest athlete, was one of the biggest stars in pro wrestling history worldwide, including holding the NWA title from 1966-69.  For more info, check here. (thanks to Mike Kuzmuk)
    • C.M. Punk is being heavily featured in the trailer for the movie “Rabid” directed by Jen and Sylvia Soska.  The movie premiers in August at FightFest in London, UK.
    • Tomorrow night’s King of Indies show in Daly City, CA has only a few tickets left at the door.  This is a one-night tournament which includes the first-ever Dragon Lee vs Laredo Kid match in the first round.
    • Low Ki vs. Ricky Martinez has been added to Saturday’s MLW show at Cicero, IL Stadium.
    • Combate Americas runs 8/23 at Harvey’s in Lake Tahoe, NV on Univision, Univision Deportes and DAZN.  The company’s bantamweight title will be at stake with champion Gustavo Lopez (10-4-1) facing Joey Ruquet (7-1) and the first featherweight champion will be crowned with Andres Quintana (18-2) vs. Bruno Cannetti (8-6).  Quintana is coming off winning an eight-man one-night tournament on 12/7.
    • David Starr vs. Matt Sydal vs. Rory Gulak vs. Rabbi Swiss headlines an 8/26 show for the IPWA in Israel.
    • Scarlett Bordeaux vs.Xena vs. Nikki Van Blair will be on an FWA show in Sydney,Australia on 7/28.  On 7/27, Bordeaux & Slade Mercer vs. Keegan Brettle & Jasmin Vottora takes place for Kingdom Pro Wrestling in Newcastle, Australia.
    • Evolve on 7/14 in Melrose, MA has announced Austin Theory & Arturo Ruas vs. Josh Briggs & Orange Cassidy, Babatunde vs. Joe Gacy, JD Drake vs. AR Fox and a main event of Matt Riddle vs. Curt Stallion.
    • MCW’s annual Shane Shamrock Memorial Cup takes place 7/13 in Joppa, MD at the MCW Arena with Nick Aldis defending the NWA title against Dirty Money plus Dante Caballero vs. Drolix in an unsanctioned match.  First round of the Shamrock Cup has Brian Johnson vs. Kekoa, Marko Stunt vs. Jimmy Lloyd, Will Ferrara vs. Greg Excellent and Scarlett Bordeaux vs. VSK vs. Pat Buck.
    • Pro Wrestling Revolver on 8/23 in Dayton, OH with Tessa Blanchard vs. Daga, Jessicka Havok vs. Jimmy Havoc and more.
    • Pro Wrestling Revolver on 7/26 in Des Moines, IA at the Val Air Ballroom has Rhino & Tommy Dreamer & Jimmy Jacobs & Eddie Edwards vs. Sami Callihan & Jake Crist & Dave Crist & Mad Man Fulton in an extreme rules match, Larry D vs. Ace Romero for the Revolver title, Besties in the World vs,. Rich Swann & Jason Cade vs,. Ethan Page & Josh Alexander for the tag titles plus Caleb Konley vs. Andy Dalton and Killer Kross vs. JT Dunn.
    • Riho from AEW works 7/28 for PWR in Manila, The Philippines.
    • Pro Wrestling Phoenix on Friday at the Waiting Room Lounge in Omaha, NE.
    • Orange Cassidy works for PWA in Sydney Australia on 10/18 and 10/19.
    • IWF Tournament of Champions on 8/25 in Nutley, NJ at the RecCetner.  They also run 10/11 in Wayne, NJ at the PAL Building.
    • Greektown Wrestling on 8/8 in Toronto at 310 Danforth Ave.
    • Alpha-1 Wrestling on 7/21 in Hamilton, ONT  at the Knights of Columbus.
    • Rise runs a show on 9/1 at 5 p.m. in Berwyn, IL at the Eagles Club, the day after the All out show.  There will be an eight-woman tournament.

    Daily Pro Wrestling History: Lex Luger slams Yokozuna

    CONTACT INFORMATION

    Cody Rhodes, MJF to make AAA in-ring debut next month

    Posted on by Bryan Rose

    AEW stars Cody and MJF will be appearing at an upcoming AAA television taping.

    It was announced that the two will be teaming up to take on Brian Cage and Taurus at a television taping in Aguascalientes, Mexico on 7/18. There is a backstory, as it was Taurus who attacked Cody when he made his initial debut for AAA at Rey de Reyes back in April, cementing the relationship between AEW and AAA. While MJF and Cody have competed in Mexico in the past, this will be the in-ring debut for both in AAA.

    The main event of the TV tapings will be a trios match, with Dr. Wagner Jr., Pentagon Jr and Psycho Clown taking on Blue Demon Jr., Killer Kross and Rey Escorpion. As of this writing, this is the last television taping before TripleMania on 8/31, where Dr. Wagner Jr. will face Blue Demon Jr. in a hair vs. mask match in the main event.

    The television tapings will stream live on AAA’s Twitch page with both English and Spanish commentary.

    World title match official for Impact Slammiversary XVII

    Posted on by Joseph Currier

    Impact Wrestling has officially announced the World Championship match for their next pay-per-view.

    Impact World Champion Brian Cage will defend his title against Michael Elgin at Slammiversary XVII on Sunday, July 7. The event is being held at Gilley’s Dallas in Dallas, Texas.

    Video of a promo from Cage, who suffered a legitimate back injury at April’s Rebellion PPV, aired on last night’s Impact. Cage vowed that he would be at Slammiversary and would defend his title against Elgin.

    Cage won the Impact World Championship by defeating Johnny Impact at Rebellion. Elgin then made his Impact debut and laid out Cage in a post-match angle.

    Elgin defeated Johnny Impact and Pentagon Jr. in a triple threat number one contender’s match on the May 3 episode of Impact.

    X-Division Champion Rich Swann & Willie Mack defeated Elgin & Johnny Impact on last night’s episode, with Elgin walking out on Johnny at the end of the match after Johnny was thrown into him. During an interview earlier in the show, Johnny indicated that he would cash in his X-Division title shot for a match against Swann at Slammiversary.

    Slammiversary XVII is taking place the night after the American Airlines Center in Dallas hosts the opening night of this year’s NJPW G1 Climax. WWE Raw will also be at the American Airlines Center on July 1.

    Daily Update: WWE creative hires, Impact notes, Rory MacDonald

    Posted on by Bryan Rose

    DAILY UPDATE

    Latest News

    Latest Audio

    F4W NEWSLETTER: Figure Four Weekly: Winners and losers of the Superstar Shake Up

    Raw and SmackDown’s post-WrestleMania rosters were confirmed over the past week as WWE held their third annual Superstar Shake-up.

    The most notable names to switch brands were AJ Styles and Roman Reigns. Styles had been the face of SmackDown since the 2016 brand split but is now a member of the Raw roster. Reigns had been on Raw since the 2016 draft but was moved to SmackDown in this year’s Shake-up, which comes in advance of SmackDown debuting on Fox in October.

    WON NEWSLETTER: April 29, 2019 Observer Newsletter: Superstar Shake Up fallout, plus tons of news

    After week one of the Superstar shakeup, things changed again. The who’s and the why’s is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer. Also look at what the original plan for Kevin Owens was and why it changed, and also seems to indicate bad news for one of the company’s biggest stars.

    Read an updated depth chart for Raw and Smackdown with new rosters and positioning. This also points out problem areas, and we also look at the card for Money in the Bank, and notes on a lot of directions.

    Read about C.M. Punk doing a run-in on an indie show, why and what happened.

    Also look at the change for the Backlash PPV and how that affects the schedule, how the Saudi Arabian government made WWE look bad once again, analysts bullish on WWE and what their predictions were that missed, update on the next Saudi Arabia show, and more on WWE ratings drops.

    This issue contains a rundown of New Japan’s Sengoku Lord show and the booking direction of the company.

    Also look at UFC’s return to Russia.

    This issue has a lengthy feature on the Viceland documentary on the 1997 Survivor Series, filling in a lot of the pieces regarding who was in on it, how the finish was done, and a look at some of history’s biggest double-crosses.

    Read a feature on Mighty John Quinn, one of the greatest heels in U.K. wrestling including the build for his two big main events at Wembley Arena including the record crowd with Big Daddy. 

    ORDERING INFO:  Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered  via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].

    Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.

    In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.

    For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.

    If you order by  mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell,CA  95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.

    TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE

    Additional notes by Joseph Currier

    WWE

    • WWE SmackDown tonight is at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio. Raw & SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch will square off against Bayley in a one-on-one non-title match. WWE Champion Kofi Kingston will also respond to Kevin Owens turning on him last week, and the SmackDown side of the men’s and women’s Money in the Bank ladder matches will be revealed.
    • Drake Maverick announced that 205 Live tonight will have Cruiserweight Champion Tony Nese taking on Drew Gulak in a non-title match. It’s a rematch from this year’s Cruiserweight Championship tournament.
    • Michael James Nelson (NBC’s Off Their Rockers) and Andrea Kail (TruTV’s Comedy Knockouts) have been added to WWE’s creative team, PWInsider reports.
    • Rey Mysterio made his debut 30 years ago today. He wrote on Twitter: On this day at the age of 14 I made my debut and it’s a very special day in Mexico “ Día del niño” “Day of the Kid” if I had the opportunity to [relive] these 30 yrs I would do it all over again. Thank you to all my fans!! Much love and respect!”. He also spoke about it on WWE’s YouTube page.
    • Kurt Angle told Wrestling Inc that he has signed a five-year deal with WWE. Angle said he’ll be working as a producer and may make part-time non-wrestling appearances on TV if WWE needs him in that type of role.
    • Kofi Kingston spoke to The Mirror about being stuck in Dublin, Ireland during the Iceland volcanic eruption in 2010.

    Pro Wrestling

    UFC/MMA

    • Rory MacDonald reiterated on Twitter today that he has not retired from MMA, and will face Neiman Gracie at Madison Square Garden on June 14th.
    • Retired fighter Renato Sobral says that he believes he is showing the first signs of CTE, saying he can’t walk a straight line and has lost sight of his left eye.
    • Felice Herrig is out of UFC 238 due to a torn ACL that requires surgery.
    • Greg Hardy says he hopes to fight Stipe Miocic and Derrick Lewis next.
    • This past weekend’s UFC prelims on ESPN averaged 720,000 viewers.
    • Brett Okamoto talked to Donald Cerrone on his ranch.
    • Bryan Barberena vs. Randy Brown has been set for UFC Fight Night in Greenville, South Carolina on June 22.

    Daily Pro Wrestling History: The Rock wins WWF title at Backlash 2000

    F4W Empire Convention Info:

    • Ed in San Antonio presents PODER~! at the FSW arena on Friday 5/24 – Showtime is at noon – Main event: Bryan Alvarez vs. Logan Stunt
    • Empire dinner on Friday 5/24 at 8:30 p.m. at Texas de Brazil – Price is $82 – All you can eat meat and salad, sodas, tea, and coffee, plus dessert included
    • Empire suite party on Friday 5/24 for those who were not able to get the Q&A package – Price is $25

    Purchase tickets here. 

    CONTACT INFORMATION

    Brian Cage gives update on back injury after Impact Rebellion

    Posted on by Joseph Currier

    After suffering a back injury at Sunday night’s Rebellion pay-per-view, Impact World Champion Brian Cage appeared on Busted Open Radio this morning and gave a positive update on his status.

    “Yeah, it doesn’t look like I’m going [to be] out,” Cage told Busted Open Radio when asked if he was going to be fine and able to get back into the ring soon.

    Cage said the doctor told him that he thinks Cage is going to be fine and just has severe inflammation and a bone bruise. The doctor said there could be a small fracture and he’d like to rule that out, but the doctor doesn’t see it being a major fracture. Cage said that even if there is a fracture, the doctor told him there isn’t much more that can be done for it.

    Cage was injured when taking a Spanish Fly from the ramp to the floor against Johnny Impact at Rebellion. Cage finished the match and won the World title, with Michael Elgin then making his Impact debut in a post-match angle. Elgin went face-to-face with Cage and laid him out with a powerbomb.

    Dave Meltzer reported that Cage was barely able to walk and was rushed to the hospital shortly after the show was over. Meltzer also noted that Cage went into the ring with cupping marks all over his back, which could indicate that he went into the match with some back issues.

    Brian Cage suffers back injury at Impact Rebellion

    Posted on by Dave Meltzer

    Additional notes by Bryan Rose

    Brian Cage, who captured the Impact championship tonight from Johnny Impact at the Rebel Complex in Toronto, suffered a back injury in the match.

    The injury is believed from the spot where he took a Spanish fly off the ramp and onto the floor. He continued the match, but shortly after the show was over, Cage was barely able to walk and was rushed to the hospital.

    Cage had gone into the ring with cupping marks all over his back. Cupping is a therapy treatment popular in Japan since the 70s and gained some American use in the 2016 Olympics. But that would indicate that he went into the match with some back issues.

    After the match was over, Cage was confronted by the debuting Michael Elgin. It ended up being physical when Elgin attacked Cage, laying him out with the Elgin bomb, setting up a possible future title match between the two.

    Impact Rebellion live results: Johnny Impact vs. Brian Cage

    Posted on by Antonio Garza

    Impact Wrestling returns to pay-per-view tonight as the Rebel Entertainment Complex in Toronto, Ontario, Canada hosts Rebellion.

    A World Championship match will headline the show, with Johnny Impact set to defend his title against Brian Cage. Lance Storm will be the special guest referee for the match.

    Three other title matches are set for tonight: Jordynne Grace challenges for Taya Valkyrie’s Knockouts Championship, The Lucha Bros (Pentagon Jr. & Fenix) put their Tag Team titles on the line against LAX (Santana & Ortiz) in a Full Metal Mayhem match, and Rich Swann defends his X-Division Championship against Sami Callihan in an oVe rules match.

    Gail Kim comes out of retirement to face Tessa Blanchard tonight. Moose & The North (Josh Alexander & Ethan Page) team against The Rascalz (Dezmond Xavier, Zachary Wentz & Trey Miguel, and Scarlett Bordeaux takes on Rohit Raju.

    Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

    **********

    Ace Austin defeated Petey Williams, Jake Crist, Aiden Prince, Eddie Edwards, and Cousin Jake in a 6-Pack Scramble

    Great actioned packed opener, all men had a small chance to shine. Cousin Jake was towering over everyone. Match started with all men outside brawling, Eddie and Petey being the firsts to dive to the outside. Prince was looking to be the third, bu got caught by a spinning kick by Ace. Jake Crist then hit a flying cutter on Ace from the apron into everyone else down in the floor.

    Back in the ring, Petey started looking to hit the Destroyer, but instead locked in the Sharpshooter on Eddie. Cousin Jake cut him off hitting a big scoop slam. Jake Crist took him off, sent him outside and went for a dive, but Ace cut him off. Ace took out Petey and Prince, went to take out Jake Crist, but got dropped by a cutter. Prince hit a 450 on Jake Crist for a two count that Ace broke, they traded a couple of kick counters until Eddie came in and hit a Tiger Driver on Ace for a two count.

    Eddie went for the Boston Knee Party, but Cousin Jake caught him with a Sidewalk Slam. Petey came in and hit the Destroyer on Cousin Jake, but as he went for the pin, Ace Austin jumped in and rolled Petey Williams for the surprise win.

    Josh Matthews and Don Callis introduced Impact+, which seems to be the evolution of the GWN network with live streaming, independent promotions, and the Impact library.

    Sami Callihan cut a promo on Rich Swann. He told Swann that tonight he is getting all Swann deserves for betraying the family and that he got oVe rules for tonight’s match.

    Scarlett Bordeaux (w/Fallah Bahh) defeated Rohit Raju (w/Gama Singh & Raj Singh)

    This match is replacing Scarlett’s live Smoke Show after they had an interaction on Twitter that escalated to this match.

    This was a far different match from their Impact match, this time, Rohit Raju didn’t avoid wrestling a woman, this time he went straight to take her out. He jumped her, but Scarlett was ready for him and tossed him to the outside with a rana, Scarlett hit a Baseball Slide, but Rohit dodged and she instead took out Raj. Rohit used the distraction to slam Scarlett into the apron.

    Back in the ring, Rohit worked over Scarlett’s back, whipping her to the corners, stepping on her hands, and stomping her. He hit a Snap Suplex for a two count that Rohit himself broke as he wasn’t done torturing her. All the meanwhile, Scarlett was fiercely trying to start a comeback, getting a couple of strikes in on Rohit, but she kept getting cut off until she finally manage to get some space and hit a Hurricanara, transitioned into a Crossface for a close submission.

    Scarlett went for a German, but couldn’t pick up Rohit, but after the second try, she manages to use momentum to suplex Rohit to the outside, where she hit a top rope Plancha, taking out both Desi Hit Squad wrestlers. She went for a second one to take out Rohit, but Gama distracted the referee, allowing Raj to take out Scarlett. Rohit went to hit the Stinkface on Scarlett, but the referee was still distracted with Bahh and Gama, giving Scarlett the opening to low blow Rohit, hit him with the Dudebuster and pin him 1-2-3.

    Moose & The North (Ethan Page & Jason Alexander) defeated The Rascalz (Dezmond Xavier, Zachary Wentz, & Trey Miguel)

    Moose and Trey started the match, with the latter working a kick combo and giving Dezmond and Wentz the blind tags. They continue working with quick blind tags, hitting a couple of Senton Atomicos on Moose, but Moose kicks up and blindsides them, giving the North the chance to manhandle Dezmond for a two count. North hit an assisted Falcon Arrow for another two count.

    Moose and The North kept control over the ring, working on Xavier with a series of great power moves, complete dominance. Moose hit a beautiful Okada Moonsault on the corner, before tossing him to the other side of the ring. Dezmond eventually, caught Moose with a desperation Tornado DDT, but The North caught him off. Dezmond took out Alexander, only to get taken out by Page again. The match spilled out of the ring, allowing the Rascalz to work as a team and take out each man one by one, at one point hitting their finishing move from the ramp into the floor on Page. Outside the ring we saw Moose catch Trey’s Tope con Giro, and slam him into the guardrail, only to get taken out by a flying Xavier from the ramp.

    Back in the ring, Alexander caught both Xavier and Trey for a slam, but they escaped. Wentz took out Moose. Trey hit the X69 on Alexander, followed by a Meteora, and a dive from his partners, but Page was there to powerslam Trey into the pin attempt. Page got rid of Wentz and Trey, leaving Dezmond oven for a combo by the heels, ending with the North hitting their finisher and a No Jackhammer Needed by Moose for the win. Great match, some spots looked mispositioned, but overall great. The tag team work in this match was top notch and by the match came to a close, the fans were completely into the match.

    Melissa Santos interviewed Johnny Impact  & Taya Valkyrie. Johnny Bravo was there too. They talked trash to Melissa. Johnny cut a promo on Cage saying that he doesn’t know what being a champion is like and that he is not worried about Lance Storm. He hinted having a secret up his sleeve.

    Taya cut a promo on Jordynne Grace, saying that Grace’s streak ends tonight.

    Impact Knockout’s Champion Taya Valkrye defeated Jordynne Grace to retain the Championship

    Jordynne attacked Taya at the sound of the bell and quickly took her down. They went outside and hit an Electric Chair onto the apron, followed by a Apron Bomb. Back in the ring, Grace got a two count out of her initial flurry. Taya tried to comeback, but Jordynne hit a top rope senton for a second two count.

    Taya started to escape Jordynne and use dirty tactics to get some control of the match. She rammed Jordynne arm into the ring post to start working on the limb. Taya would go and stretch Grace’s arm against the ropes, or chasing an armbreaker. Taya hit an Hanging DDT for a two count. Taya kept manipulating the joints until Jordynne overpowered herself out of the lock and hit a desperation clothesline to take out Taya, unfortunately using her hurt arm. Grace finally starter a comeback using Scoop Slams and a Michinoku Driver for a near fall. Taya went to use of of Johnny’s offense, but she wasn’t as fast, giving Grace the opening to set her up for the Muscle Buster for a 2.99 second near fall. Both women started trading roll ups until Taya just started hitting some knee shots. Jordynne went for the Grace Driver, but Taya got off and hit Road To Valhalla to retain the championship and give Jordynne her first one-on-one defeat. This was a lot better than I expected going in. Jordynne’s selling was great, and the final near falls had me excited.

    Melissa Santos interviewd Gail Kim. Santos asked about how she decided to return to the ring after retiring. Gail answered that she doesn’t miss wrestling, but she needs to teach Tessa a lesson in respect.

    X-Division Champion Rich Swann defeated Sami Callihan in an oVe Rules Match to retain his championship

    Callihan came out with Madman Fulton, but sent him to the back for the match. Swann came out all serious, no dancing, no smiling, completely focused on Callihan.

    Story of the match was that Swann brought out the violent side of himself for this match, going down to Callihan’s level. They talked trash to each other as they started pushing each other and went straight up to trading superkicks and strikes. They did a couple of reversals and counters, sending Callihan to the outside, but Swann swerved Callihan with the dive and revealed he had a stapler, chasing Sami around the ring, stapling him. Swann then tossed a couple of weapons into the ring.

    Back in the ring, Callihan took the stapler and used it on Swann when the champ went for a Sunset Flip. Callihan used the momentum to start working on Swann’s head with a couple of running boots. Swann would return with a superkick and a dive, only to be received by a metal plate to the head as he flew through the ropes. Callihan hit the Cactus Special on the apron.

    Callihan brought one of the guardrails to set up a metal bed next to the ramp, and continued beating up Swann around the ring. Sami went for a Razor’s Edge onto that guardrail, but Swann escaped and took out Sami with a chair. Callihan hit an Exploder Suplex onto an open chair, looked incredibly painful. Callihan went for a powerbomb, but Swann got him with a metal plate, set up a trash can on Sami’s head, and connected with a kick combo before hitting a Twisting Suplex onto the trash can for a two count.

    Callihan escaped to the ramp, but Swann chased him, hitting him with safety signs. They fought up the stage where Swann used the setup for his offense, ending with a cutter on the ramp. Swamm chased the Phoenix Splash, but Callihan caught him coming down. They traded strikes and kicks, before Sami grabbed Swann by the groid and hit the Cactus Special on to the set up guardrail, but he only got a two count out of it.

    Back in the ring, Sami Callihan brought out a Lego playing set that he brought and dropped them as tacks, and we know they hurt more than tacks. Sami went to piledrive Swann into them, but Swann reversed with a Jumping Frankensteiner for a two count. Callihan hit Swann with powder and hit the Cactus Special from the second rope, and he still couldn’t put down Swann for the pin.

    Finally, Swann brought out a barbed wired baseball bat. This time i was Swann who went for the groin, getting control of the bat and hitting Callihan with it on the head. Swann used the bat for a Crossface, forcing Callihan to tap out. Great match, violent, and even with the weapons used, they kept it different to the ones we usually see on a Full Metal Mayhem coming later tonight.

    We got the commercial for Impact’s return to New York City. 

    Melissa Santos interviewed Tessa Blanchard, who said that she knows about respect and that she has earned it, her family has earned respect, and while she used to look up to Gail Kim, it was respect that she has lost for her. It will be Tessa teaching Kim a lesson tonight. Tully Blanchard walked up and congratulated Tessa for her match tonight and cut a promo hyping her up. Well now i’m completely behind Tessa after Tully’s words.

    Tessa Blanchard defeated Gail Kim

    Robert Irvine and Tully Blanchard are both ringside. This match was a sprint, which helped to tell the story that Tessa is on her prime and the floating question whether Gail Kim has ring rust. They went back and forward all match, but there was a slight dominance to Tessa’s offense, while not taking anything away from Gail who looked great and had some great offense. 

    Tessa hit the first punch, but Gail came back and went for a quick paced flurry of offense striking and stomping Tessa. Gail hit a springboard leg drop for a one count. Tessa came back with a rana and caught Gail Kim in the corner, tossing her outside. Tessa dived on Kim, but she got distracted with the crowd, giving Gail time to recover.

    Back in the ring, they went back and forward, Gail going after the legs, and Tessa the head, at one point hitting a big Magnum on the corner. Tessa went for a Saito Suplex, but Kim blocked and got a two count after a powerslam. Gail Kim dodged Tessa’s running tackle and locked in a headscissors that Tessa reversed into a backbreaker and a Saito for a two count.

    Tessa kept working over Gail’s head, mocking Robert Irvine when possible. They fought up the turnbuckle that ended with both women spilling down to the floor. Gail Kim locked in the Figure Four on the ring post to finally take out Tessa’s knee. Back in the ring, they traded strikes ending with a crossbody from Gail for a near fall.

    Gail started chasing Eat Defeat, but Tessa countered as they started brawling in the ramp. Tessa hit a huge Bitter End from the ramp to the floor. Gail made the count. Tessa went for the Buzzsaw DDT, but Gail espaced and hit Eat Defeat for a two count. Gail went to the top rope, but Tessa stopped her, where Tessa hit a Military Slam from the rope and hit Magnum for a huge near fall, but Tessa transitioned into an modified Anaconda Vice for the submission win. Dominant win for Tessa, she is no doubt the top woman in the promotion.

    After the match, Tessa and Tully embraced. Tessa returned to the ring and with tears in her eyes, offered Gail Kim her hand, only to have Kim hug her and put her over. Great heartfelt ending.

    Tessa left the ring for Gail, who got “Thank You Gail” chants. This was a far better farewell match for Gail Kim.

    Brian Cage cut a promo backstage telling Johnny that he knows he is the deserving champion, that their friendship is over, and that there is no escape for him and tonight, the Age of Cage begins. Seems like Full Metal Mayhem is closing the show tonight.

    “The Machine” Brian Cage defeated Impact World Champion Johnny Impact (w/Taya Valkyrie & Johnny Bravo) to become the NEW Impact World Champion. Special Guest Referee Lance Storm

    Cage didn’t wait to talk tash and went straight for Johnny, with a shoulder tackle. Cage hit a German and an F-5 for an early near fall. Cage hit a version of the Rainmaker and a Facebuster for a second two count. Cage went for a Buckle Bomb and a Deadlift Suplex for yet another two count. Cage went for a second Deadlift Suplex, but Johnny countered into a German from the top rope.

    Johnny went to get some offense, but Cage kept control until Cge distracted himself with Storm and got his eyes poked by Johnny, who finally had the opening for a combo that ended with a Standing SSP, which Cage kicked out at one, rolled over, and hit a Standing Moonsault for a two count.

    Johnny tried to escape to the ramp, but Cage followed and went for a powerbomb, but Johnny instead hit a Spanish Fly from the ramp into the floor! Johnny was the first up and broke the count and went to knee Cage’s back. Johnny wanted the countout, but Lance wouldn’t give it to him and checked on Cage, who was busted open.

    Back in the ring, Johnny went to choke out Cage. Johnny used his speed advantage to work over Cage with strikes and a springboard spear. Outside the ring, Taya and Bravo started setting up a table. Johnny tried to send Cage into the table, hitting a Spinning Neckbreaker for a two count. They went outside and Cage caught Johnny and powerbombed him into the table.

    Johnny Bravo tried to distract Cage, who focused on him, while on the other side, Johnny hit Cage with the belt. Taya pulled Lance outside, giving Johnny the opening to take out Lance Storm as Johnny Bravo revealed his own ref t-shirt. Cage powerbombed Taya after Johnny threw her under the bus, but it was enough for Johnny to take out Cage with the belt for a two count (counted by Bravo). Lance Storm returned and took out Bravo and was going for the DQ, but Cage stopped him, hit a superkick and the Drill Claw to capture the championship.

    Good, but not great match, I don’t know if someone was hurt or if there was an audible, but there was a lot of visible communication between Cage and Johnny.

    Suddenly, Michael Elgin came out! He and Cage got face to face as Elgin made her intentions known that he wants a shot for the title. Elgin hit a Backfist, knocking out Cage. Elgin Bomb and visible 3-count before posing the with the championship over Cage’s body.

    We got the commercial for Impact’s Slammiversary from Dallas, Texas on July 7th. G1 Climax weekend just got better!

    Backstage, Konnan hyped Santana and Ortiz, who was just slamming Tequila shots one after the other.

    LAX (Santana & Ortix) w/Konnan defeated Impact Tag Team Champions Lucha Bros! (Pentagon Jr. & Fenix) in Full Metal Mayhem to become the NEW Impact Tag Team Champions

    LAX jumped Lucha Bros during their entrance with stereo dives. Ortiz beat up Fenix on one side of the ring, while Santana attacked Pentagon on the other. LAX distracted themselves setting up a table, giving the Lucha Bros the opening to hit a double top con giro on to LAX and through tables.

    Back in the ring, Lucha Bros worked on Ortiz with a series of kicks, a Slingblade, and a team move for a two count. Next in line was Santana who took a flurry of kicks and knees from all sides. Lucha Bros started setting up tables, giving LAX time to recover and hit Pentagon with a cutter, codebreaker, and Double Flapjack combo for a two count when Fenix flew to break up the pin. Fenix made a stand against both men, but would eventually get taken out with kicks and a big Cannonball on the corner. LAX dropped Fenix with a cutter and double footstomp combo on to a bed of chairs for a two count.

    LAX brought out a ladder before they all started trading strikes in the ring and setting up the sit down Strong Style challenge. Konnan gave LAX some forks, but Lucha Bros blocked them. They traded chair shots before everyone collapsed.

    LAX set up a bed of chairs and went to hit a superplex on Fenix, but Pentagon stopped him and instead hit the Spiked Fear Factor into the bed of chairs, but Santana managed to kick out. Lucha Bros went for another Spike Fear Factor, but LAX countered. Santana hit a F-5 into a chair. Ortiz set up Pentagon on to a table on the ramp, while Santana set up the ladder at the ropes. Fenix instead walked the ropes, caught Ortiz into a Spanish Fly, and managed to not kill himself when he landed head first.

    Back in the ring, Pentagon hit a Penta Driver into a chair for a near fall. Pentagon set up another set of tables next to the ladder, and to top it off, thumbtacks on the table. He gave Santana enough time to recover and counter. Both men climbed to the top of the ladder where they exchanged strikes, but Ortiz came out and powerbombed Pentagon on the tables after Santana had stabbed Pentagon with a fork. Ortiz pinned Pentagon to recapture the championships.

    This match had some ups and downs, a lot of spots seem way choreographed, and some took too much time to set up given the props involved. When the match was straight up wrestling, the match was fantastic.

    After the match, Konnan and LAX made peace with the Lucha Bros as they all embraced in the middle of the ring. The entire Impact locker room came out to celebrate with both teams. Former Knockout’s champion Taylor Wilde made a special cameo around the group.

    Final Thoughts —

    Impact Wrestling had a lot of eyes on them tonight and they delivered with a solid, worth watching show. Arguably, one of the better shows they’ve had so far since their new management team came in.