New Impact World Champion Steve Maclin reflected on his title win to Sports Illustrated shortly after he got backstage Sunday, saying Rebellion “is a night I won’t forget.”
Part of that is due to Maclin’s wife, Deonna Purrazzo, also winning the Knockouts title in the main event of the pay-per-view less than an hour after he won his title.
The championship win is Maclin’s first in Impact and comes nearly three years after his WWE run came to an unsatisfying end. He said he was never a “chosen one” in WWE and that when he got signed by Impact, he got to work.
“I kept my head down, I kept grinding and this is only the beginning. The easy work is over. Now the hard work begins. Whether you believe in me or not, I’m out there proving people wrong. That’s the way it’s always been, and it’s not going to change now.”
Maclin defeated KUSHIDA Sunday in a bout for the title vacated due to Josh Alexander’s torn triceps. Maclin was set to challenge Alexander for the title before the injury.
“He’s a hard-hitting son of a b—-,” says Maclin. “It was an honor to share the ring with Kushida. He’s a great opponent. But that moment was mine.”
With Maclin and Purrazzo now at the top of the Impact food chain, a future family feud with the newly-returned Nick Aldis and his wife, former Knockouts Champion Mickie James, seems possible.
For now, Maclin and Purrazzo are at the starting line for his first reign and her third.
“This is a night I won’t forget,” says Maclin. “It’s even more incredible that my wife won the women’s title. It’s a hell of a way to start a rebellion.”
Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is back with tons to talk about including the death of Butch Miller, SummerSlam tickets, reviews and notes on New Japan this weekend, TripleMania, Smackdown, Rampage, Impact’s PPV, plus more news. A fun show as always so check it out~!
Timestamps:
Start: More on Butch Miller’s death
2:18: SummerSlam ticket sales, Drew McIntyre still out
6:06: Mercedes Mone makes Stardom appearance, John Morrison wins boxing debut
10:55: WWE King & Queen of the Ring is now Night of Champions
12:40: Dana White mad at Clay Guida over retirement swerve
14:39: Impact Rebellion notes
19:54: NJPW Strong weekend shows recap
30:14: AAA Triplemania Monterrey recap
46:45: WWE SmackDown recap
54:24: AEW Rampage recap
1:04:58: Raw preview, Nick Khan on WWE/Peacock deal
Deonna Purrazzo is the new Impact Knockouts Champion after defeating Jordynne Grace to win the vacant title at Sunday’s Rebellion pay-per-view.
Purrazzo picked up the win after a sunset bomb off the top rope followed by the Queen’s Gambit piledriver to get the pin in the middle of the ring.
The two battled in the main event of the PPV, following the co-main event that saw Purrazzo’s husband Steve Maclin win the vacant Impact World title with a win over KUSHIDA.
With the win, Purrazzo became a three-time Knockouts titleholder while Grace was denied her third run with the gold.
The match was a physical one that saw both women go all out, unable to finish the other with various finishers. Both shook hands and embraced after the match in a show of respect.
The bout was originally supposed to feature Mickie James defending in a three-way, but James relinquished the title this past Thursday due to her dealing with several injuries that have kept her out of her last two title defenses.
Purrazzo earned her spot with a win in a four-way at Multiverse United while this was Grace’s automatic rematch after losing to James at January’s Hard to Kill.
Former TNA and NWA World Champion Nick Aldis has returned to Impact Wrestling.
Aldis was out on commentary at Sunday’s Rebellion pay-per-view during the Steve Maclin vs. KUSHIDA match for the vacant Impact World title, saying “the deal was done” and that is he gunning for the top prize in the company.
After the match, Aldis had a staredown with new champion Maclin after Maclin attacked Impact president Scott D’Amore from behind following an aggressive presentation of the belt.
Aldis became a free agent in January after his NWA deal expired. Both he and NWA owner Billy Corgan had a very public spat after Aldis badmouthed the company ahead of last November’s Hard Times 3, resulting in Corgan suspending him for the duration of his contract.
Wrestling as Brutus Magnus, Aldis was a member of TNA/Impact from 2009 through 2015, winning the top prize once in addition to the TNA Tag Team titles twice.
Aldis returned for a short four-match run in the spring of 2017 and then for two matches in 2022.
For the first time in his career, Steve Maclin is the Impact World Champion following his win over KUSHIDA at Sunday’s Impact Rebellion.
KUSHIDA kicked out of a Maclin KIA and when Maclin went to the top rope, he got caught in a Hoverboard Lock as a counter. Maclin fought out of it, but KUSHIDA was relentless in re-applying it, even when Maclin broke out of it by driving KUSHIDA into the corner. Maclin finally hit another KIA as a counter to get the pin and win.
Afterward, Maclin insisted Impact president Scott D’Amore hand him the title as he said he would. D’Amore did, but Maclin insisted he put it around his waist. D’Amore eventually slapped it on his shoulder forcefully and Maclin laid him out when he turned around.
It’s the first Impact title of any kind for Maclin.
The title was vacated several weeks ago after reigning champion Josh Alexander was forced to relinquish the title after tearing his triceps, putting him out of action indefinitely.
Maclin was supposed to face Alexander on the PPV but KUSHIDA, who was slated to challenge for the title at Impact x NJPW Multiverse United, was put in his place instead.
Impact Wrestling returns to Sunday pay-per-views with Rebellion, live from Toronto, Canada — an event that is guaranteed to crown two new champions.
After Josh Alexander relinquished the Impact World title due to injury, KUSHIDA will face no. 1 contender Steve Maclin to determine the new titleholder.
After Mickie James relinquished her Knockouts title on Thursday and had to pull out of Rebellion, former champions Jordynne Grace and Deonna Purrazzo will clash to determine the new titleholder.
X-Division Champion Trey Miguel will defend against both Mike Bailey and Jonathan Gresham in a three-way elimination match while Tag Team Champions Chris Bey & Ace Austin defend against the Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley) in an Ultimate X match.
Knockouts Tag Team Champions The Coven (Taylor Wilde & KiLynn King) defend against The Death Dollz (Jessicka & Rosemary).
The show will also feature a Hardcore War match and several other bouts.
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Champagne Singh & Shera defeated Heath & Rhino on the Countdown to Rebellion pre-show
It’s been four years since Impact made their presence felt in Toronto and it was the exact same PPV in 2019 that had Impact Wrestling fans on the edge of their seats.
Heath and Singh started things off with Heath getting the early advantage. Heath tagged in Rhino and and we heard our first ECW chant of the night as Singh tagged in the massive Shera.
Shera managed to trap Rhino in the corner and told him he was “nothing” before landing a solid shot to the head. Rhino attempted a comeback but Singh played interference and Rhino soon found himself being grounded in the middle of the ring.
Rhino would eventually make the hot tag to Heath as Singh was tagged back in and as Heath was looking to finish the match, Singh quickly rolled up Heath out of nowhere and with his feet on the ropes and an assist by Shera, that was all she wrote for Heath and Rhino as Singh scored the pinfall.
After the match, Rhino hit Singh with a massive Gore to the delight of the fans.
– A video promo aired focusing on Steve Maclin battling KUSHIDA for the vacant Impact World Championship.
The Coven (Taylor Wilde & KiLynn King) defeated Death Dollz (Rosemary & Jessicka) to retain the Impact Knockouts World Tag Team Championship on the Countdown to Rebellion pre-show
Rosemary and Wilde were about to start the match before Taylor took exception and called out Jessicka. Rosemary made the save and after Wilde was unsuccessful in gaining momentum, she tagged in King.
As the two team powerhouses stared one another down, Jessicka gained the advantage for her team and the challengers were in control for the next several moments.
King managed to hit a jawbreaker on Rosemary allowing her to make the tag to Wilde and the current champions now had the advantage using illegal tactics to keep the momentum in their favor.
Rosemary attempted a comeback locking Wilde in the upside-down but King nailed her with a superkick to the face on the outside to keep the champions staying strong in the match.
Wilde landed a codebreaker to Rosemary but as opposed to going for the pin, she decided to showboat and Rosemary rised from the ashes. Rosemary finally made the tag to Jessicka and a fired up Jessicka evened the playing field and took advantage for her team.
Rosemary was tagged back in and she nailed King with a spear but could only land a two count. King was able to land a blind tag to Wilde and as Rosemary landed another spear, the referee informed Rosemary that King wasn’t the legal competitor. Wilde entered the ring and took advantage of Rosemary’s confusion and quickly nailed her with her finisher to retain the tag team championship for The Coven.
– A video promo aired focusing on Jordynne Grace battling Deonna Purrazzo for the vacant Impact Knockouts World Championship.
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ABC (Ace Austin & Chris Bey) defeated Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) in an Ultimate X Match to retain the Impact World Tag Team Championship
It was legends battling future legends as the Impact world tag team championship were hung high above the ring.
Both teams started strong and full of energy but the cockiness of ABC played against the current champions as MCMG were able to slow down the pace and capitalize with their experience. As Shelley nailed Bey with a dragon corkscrew, Sabin slammed Austin’s arm off of the ring apron to further prove the veterans knew what it took to pace the match.
Shelley managed to lock Bey in a leg submission using Austin as the middleman and as this was taking place, Sabin attempted to use the advantage to climb the post but was quickly stopped.
Bey followed up with a DDT and ABC was finally looking like they were ready to prove their worth as champions as both Bey and Austin landed huge moves to the outside on MCMG.
Austin attempted to climb to retrieve the titles but he was caught by Sabin just inches away and kicked back down to the apron. All four men then climbed the posts and it was soon a kicking battle in the middle of the X before all four men were grounded once again.
Out of nowhere, Bey nailed Sabin with the Art of Finesse and Austin nailed Shelley with The Fold knocking Shelley to the outside. Austin assisted Bey in reaching the cables again and as Sabin attempted to recover and chase Bey, Bey swung his legs up over the cables and retrieved the titles to retain the tag team championship as a frustrated Sabin looked on.
– A video promo aired featuring a disgruntled Steve Maclin upset about the fact that he was in Toronto and focused on defeating KUSHIDA for the vacant Impact world championship.
Joe Hendry, Dirty Dango & Santino Marella defeated The Design (Deaner, Kon, Angels & Callihan) in a 4-on-3 Tag Team Match
After Dango and Hendry entered the ring, the current Digital Media champion grabbed the mic and shared his thoughts on The Design, doing a very great impression of Deaner.
The 4-on-3 advantage and the mere size of Kon played a major factor in The Design taking control of the match over Dango for several moments in the beginning.
Dango was finally able to land a hot tag to Marella and for the next few moments, it was back and forth action between both teams. Things changed however when Callihan nailed Hendry with the Cactus Driver ’97 and Deaner looked to capitalize even further grabbing a baseball bat from underneath the ring. Deaner handed the bat to Callihan and as Callihan looked like he was about to destroy his opponents, Callihan turned on Deaner!
Callihan nailed Deaner with the bat and left the ring leaving the leader of The Design down in the center of the ring. Marella saw the opportunity, grabbed the cobra and finished off Deaner to get the 1-2-3 for his team.
– Backstage, Gia Miller was with Team Dreamer. An emotional Tommy Dreamer stated that his mother was ill and tonight was for her.
PCO defeated Eddie Edwards (w/Alisha) in a Last Rites Match
There were no rules in this match and the only way to win was to put your opponent in a casket and shut the door.
PCO took out Edwards seconds after the bell rang with a high flying assault and Edwards returned the favor moments later to set the stage for what this match was going to be all about.
PCO followed up with multiple DDT’s and the “French Canadian Frankenstein” wasn’t satisfied as he then went up top to nail Edwards with a Deanimator. PCO attempted to put Edwards in the coffin but Edwards countered and PCO soon found himself with a dislocated right shoulder as the fans shouted “Boston Sucks!”.
PCO recovered and after using the ring post to pop his shoulder back in, he reentered the ring and it was soon a chopfest between both competitors before Edwards was finally able to get the momentum and land a massive bucklebomb.
PCO wouldn’t stay down and after nailing Edwards, he once again climbed to the top turnbuckle to follow through with a huge PCOsault. A resilient Edwards wouldn’t stay down either and the match was soon sent to the outside with both men teasing a victory as the referee had the casket door wide open.
As both men were at the top of the entrance ramp, Edwards nailed PCO with “Kenny” and followed it up with a double-armed suplex before landing a huge Boston Knee Party. Edwards rolled PCO into the coffin but as he was shutting the door, PCO got his right arm out of the coffin to keep the match going.
PCO powered out of the coffin and as he was attempting to switch the match in his favor, Alisha returned to ringside and nailed PCO with a shot to the back with a shovel but it did nothing to a fired up PCO.
Edwards attempted to subdue the monster with a superkick but nailed his wife instead. PCO grabbed the shovel, nailed Edwards with a massive shot and put him to rest as Edwards was sent into the coffin. PCO closed the coffin door and climbed atop the coffin to secure the win and potentially finally put this feud with Edwards behind him.
– Backstage, Gia Miller was with Impact X-Division champion Trey Miguel. Unfortunately, there was no audio that was heard through the broadcast on Fite.
Trey Miguel defeated Jonathan Gresham and Mike Bailey in an Elimination Match to retain the Impact X-Division Championship
As you would expect, it was a fast-paced match in the beginning moments of the match as all three men looked to gain the early advantage.
As Miguel looked to pace himself, Bailey and Gresham were hitting each other hard with Bailey landing a reverse hurricanrana to Gresham in the ring before taking out Miguel with the same move to the outside.
Miguel managed to make a comeback and nailed Gresham with a huge cutter off the turnbuckles. When Gresham recovered, he locked Bailey in a figure-four leglock and as Bailey grimaced in pain, Miguel came out of nowhere and landed a massive splash on Gresham to get the 1-2-3 on “The Octopus” as he had Bailey trapped in the submission to get the first elimination of the night.
Miguel followed up by locking Bailey in with another figure-four leglock before both men started getting hungrier for the victory and Bailey finally gained the advantage. Bailey failed to hit his Ultima Weapon but he wouldn’t give up and continued to nail Miguel with devastating offense.
As Miguel was grounded, Bailey attempted to hit Ultima Weapon again but once again failed. Miguel saw the opportunity, rolled up Bailey and hooked the tights to get the shady victory and retain his X-Division championship.
Team Dreamer (Tommy Dreamer, Yuya Uemura, Bhupinder Gujjar, Killer Kelly & Frankie Kazarian) defeated Team Bully (Bully Ray, Brian Myers, Moose, Masha Slamovich & Kenny King) in a Hardcore War Match
Two competitors started the match for the first three minutes before another competitor entered. Every ninety seconds after that, another competitor entered until all ten competitors were in the match.
Moose entered the ring first for Team Bully while Kazarian entered the ring first for Team Dreamer, tossing a trash can at Moose on his way to the ring.
This match was going to be nothing short of one massive brawl and both Moose and Kazarian fought back and forth, the music of Brian Myers hit and we soon had table time in the Impact Zone. Bhupinder Gujjar entered the ring next and to the delight of the fans in attendance, he took a cheese grater to the forehead of Myers.
Killer Kelly made her way down to the ring with a staplegun in hand and after taking out both King and Myers, Moose was left singing soprano as Kelly went “nuts”.
Masha Slamovich was out next and after some small momentum, she soon found herself being tossed to the outside over the top rope as Kelly was simultaneously getting the same treatment.
Yuya Uemura entered next and used his quick offense to gain momentum for his team as the only two men left to enter were the team captains.
Bully Ray’s music hit and with a table and chain in hand, he immediately focused his attention on Killer Kelly. His teammates grabbed Kelly and Bully yelled at her asking her what she was going to do as a helpless Kelly kicked and screamed.
Tommy Dreamer finally made his way down to the ring as the final entrant in the match and after taking out Bully, we soon saw Kelly and Slamovich battling each other with chairs in the middle of the ring. Kelly nailed Slamovich with a death valley driver through a chair but could only manage a two count.
After offense by both teams, Slamovich managed to follow up with the Snow Plow on Kelly but could only manage a two count as well. Dreamer grabbed Slamovich and nailed her with a huge old school ECW piledriver but before he could make a pin attempt, Jason Hotch and John Skyler hit the ring from the back.
Hotch and Skyler attempted to wipe out Kelly but they were thwarted and Kazarian was able to wipe them out through a table setup on the outside.
Back in the ring and it was down to Dreamer and Bully and as Dreamer was laid out face first on a table in the middle of the ring, Ray attempted to climb a ladder asking the referees for assistance. After the referees refused, Ray started assaulting them before the four referees ganged up on Bully and started beating on him.
Dreamer recovered at this point and nailed Bully with the Dreamer Driver but could only manage a two count. Dreamer climbed the ladder as the four referees assisted him and nailed Bully with a huge splash off the ladder through the table to get the 1-2-3 and get the emotional win for his team.
Steve Maclin defeated KUSHIDA to become the new Impact World Champion
Before the match began, David Penzer announced that we had a special guest commentator… With that being said, “The National Treasure” Nick Aldis made his way down to the ring and stated that he has officially returned to Impact Wrestling!
Steve Maclin made his way to the ring first and we were reminded that Maclin had defeated ten former Impact world champions on his way to this match tonight.
KUSHIDA made his way to the ring and as Penzer was doing the introductions, Maclin was booed and KUSHIDA surprised fans by being introduced with a Canadian flag.
After the bell rang, KUSHIDA landed a quick dropkick and attempted an early hoverboard lock before Maclin escaped to the outside. Maclin, not a fan of Canada as per his promo earlier tonight, grabbed KUSHIDA’s Canadian flag and disrespected it before tossing it on the ground and stepping on it.
We’re back in the ring and it was all KUSHIDA using his speed and technical skills to keep the match grounded as the powerful Maclin couldn’t gain any momentum in the match.
Maclin was finally able to gain the upperhand and after stepping to the outside, KUSHIDA found himself stretched around the post before finding himself on the outside of the ring as well. Maclin followed up by jumping off the apron and nailing KUSHIDA but not before giving a friendly salute to the Toronto crowd.
The match was back in the ring and after landing some forearm shots, Maclin has grounded KUSHIDA. Before Maclin could do any further damage, KUSHIDA was finally able to get back in the match by landing a springboard elbow off the ropes. KUSHIDA followed it up with a fisherman buster but could only manage a two count.
KUSHIDA attempted to climb the turnbuckle but Maclin caught him. Maclin attempted to hit his caught in the crosshairs but KUSHIDA was able to move in time. Both men were now on the entrance ramp and after KUSHIDA went to the top of the ramp, he came running down and nailed the left arm of Maclin.
Both men were back now in the ring and Maclin nailed a buckle bomb followed by a powerbomb but could only get a two count. KUSHIDA followed up with a top rope hoverboard lock but KUSHIDA could not hold on. Maclin recovered and after finally nailing his caught in the crosshairs, he landed a massive KIA but KUSHIDA kicked out!
KUSHIDA locked in his hoverboard lock but Maclin powered out. KUSHIDA continued to persevere and attempt to lock in his finisher but after Maclin countered with a death valley driver into the turnbuckles, he followed it up with one final KIA to seal the victory and become the new Impact world champion.
After the match, the referee attempted to present Maclin with the Impact world title but Maclin grabbed the mic and refused. He stated that he wanted Scott D’Amore to come out from the back and do what he promised and present him with the championship.
D’Amore came down to the ring and grabbed the title and attempted to present Maclin with it but Maclin was being difficult. D’Amore became fed up and shoved the title into Maclin’s chest and then turned his back on Maclin. Maclin nailed D’Amore with the title knocking him to the mat and Nick Aldis on commentary stated that he had seen enough.
Aldis entered the ring and stood face to face with Maclin before Maclin backed down and left the ring as the new Impact world champion.
Deonna Purrazzo defeated Jordynne Grace to become the new Impact Knockouts World Champion
Just like the men’s match, you can feel that “Big Fight” stature in this one.
Both women were pretty evenly matched but Grace had the power advantage and proved that in the opening moments of the match as both women looked to gain the early advantage.
After some back and forth action, Purrazzo found herself on the outside and after Grace landed a massive dive to the outside through the ropes that looked ugly but successful, she followed it up with a jackhammer to the floor.
Grace sent Purrazzo back to the inside and the power game continued as Jordynne locked Purrazzo in a stalled vertical suplex for the next twenty seconds. Unfortunately for Grace, her cockiness got the better of her and after the action spilled to the entrance ramp, Purrazzo was able to land a moonsault off the ramp to the floor to finally switch up momentum.
We’re back on the inside and Purrazzo locked Grace in a Koji Clutch before Grace was able to reverse it into a pinfall attempt for a two count. Grace followed it up with a Vertebreaker and attempted to get Purrazzo to tap out but Deonna wouldn’t give up.
After both ladies butted heads, Purrazzo attempted to get Grace to tap out with her Venice de Milo but Jordynne refused. Grace followed up by nailing Purrazzo with the Grace Driver but Purrazzo kicked out!
With both ladies exhausted at this point and battling in the corner, Purrazzo was finally able to seize the moment. Purrazzo successfully managed to set up and nail Grace with The Queen’s Gambit to score the massive victory and become the new Impact Knockouts world champion.
After the match, both women shook hands and embraced showing respect to one another before Grace left the ring allowing Purrazzo to soak in her world championship victory.
Final Thoughts:
Wow, what a night for Impact Wrestling!
From the pre-show all the way through the main event, Impact presented and delivered a homerun. Rebellion had everything you crave as a wrestling fan. From new world champions being crowned to the hardcore element to the surprise return of “The National Treasure”, I couldn’t have asked for a better PPV especially considering the fact that both of the company’s world champions went down due to injury leading into this.
“Card subject to change” is a term most wresting fans know very well but you wouldn’t have known that existed tonight with the way Impact presented their product.
Impact’s champions are some of the best in wresting right now and it’ll be interesting to see where they go from here leading into Under Siege taking place next month in my hometown of London, Ontario, Canada. I’ll be there for the PPV and the next night for the TV tapings and I’m looking forward to the next month of Impact television leading into the PPV.
From the new reigns of Steve Maclin and Deonna Purrazzo to the return of Nick Aldis to what Sami Callihan does next, Rebellion tonight was a great step in the next chapter of Impact Wrestling.
Outside the big news that Mickie James is out of Sunday’s Impact Rebellion and relinquished the title, one new match has been announced for the pay-per-view pre-show while the official particulars for a main card match were clarified.
Heath & Rhino will face Champagne Singh & Shera in a rematch from a late-March edition of Before The Impact. The match was announced for the Countdown show, joining the previously announced Knockouts Tag Team title rematch between The Coven and the Death Dollz.
Also on Thursday’s Impact on AXS, the man advantage for Sunday’s Hardcore War match between Team Tommy Dreamer and Team Bully Ray was decided as Kenny King defeated Frankie Kazarian to give Team Bully the edge.
Additionally, two new members of Team Bully were introduced as Moose and Brian Myers will replace The Good Hands (John Skyler & Jason Hotch). Bully Ray added the two Thursday after they aided King in getting the win.
The aforementioned note on James relinquishing the Knockouts title means former champions Jordynne Grace and Deonna Purrazzo will battle over it Sunday instead.
Here’s the card for Sunday from Toronto, Canada:
KUSHIDA vs. Steve Maclin for the vacant Impact World Championship
Deonna Purrazzo vs. Jordynne Grace for the vacant Knockouts title
Hardcore War: Team Bully Ray (Bully Ray, Moose, Brian Myers, Kenny King & Masha Slamovich) vs. Team Tommy Dreamer (Frankie Kazarian, Killer Kelly, Tommy Dreamer, Yuya Uemura & Bhupinder Gujjar)
X-Division Champion Trey Miguel defends against Mike Bailey and Jonathan Gresham in an elimination match
The Design (Angels, Deaner & Sami Callihan) vs. Joe Hendry, Dirty Dango & Santino Marella
Impact Tag Team Champions Bullet Club (Chris Bey & Ace Austin) defend against Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley) in an Ultimate X match
Eddie Edwards vs. PCO Last Rites match
Countdown show: Knockouts Tag Team Champions The Coven (Taylor Wilde & KiLynn King) defend against The Death Dollz (Jessicka & Rosemary)
Countdown show: Heath & Rhino vs. Champagne Singh & Shera
Mickie James has relinquished the Impact Knockouts title due to several injuries that have kept her out of action for more than a month.
With the move, Jordynne Grace vs. Deonna Purrazzo at Sunday’s Rebellion pay-per-view will determine the new champion.
In April, it was revealed on Busted Open Radio by James and Tommy Dreamer that she has been dealing with three broken rib caps, a slight shoulder tear and possibly a torn pectoral muscle but still managed to wrestle on an Impact TV taping in February.
In a show-closing promo in an empty arena Thursday, James delivered a promo where said she had to do what’s right for the business, the locker room and for the title. She thanked the viewers for the “Last Rodeo” that brought her to the title and said she is not cleared to compete at Rebellion.
“Deonna, Jordynne…it’s your time now,” she said before putting the title and her cowboy hat in the ring and then leaving. Grace and Purrazzo were watching in a control room with Grace scowling at Purrazzo and storming off after the news.
.@MickieJames will not be cleared to compete at #Rebellion. A NEW Knockouts World Champion will be crowned THIS SUNDAY in Toronto!
James was to defend against Grace at March’s Sacrifice in a rematch from January’s title vs. career match but had to withdraw due to the injuries. James then had to withdraw from a four-way title defense at Multiverse United a week later.
Impact management announced that James, Grace and Purrazzo (the winner of the four-way) would face each other in a three-way for the title at this Sunday’s PPV. If James couldn’t compete, Grace vs. Purrazzo will compete for the title instead.
Both women will be looking for their third reign as Knockouts Champion.
The teams are set for Hardcore War at Impact Wrestling Rebellion.
Bully Ray and Tommy Dreamer will serve as captains for a 10-person tag on the PPV that Impact describes as “a match in which there are no disqualifications, no countouts and absolutely anything goes.”
Impact posted a video on Monday of Tommy Dreamer confirming Bhupinder Gujjar as the final member of his team. Gujjar joins Dreamer, Frankie Kazarian, Killer Kelly, and Yuya Uemura on Team Dreamer. Team Bully Ray consists of Jason Gotch, John Skyler, Kenny King, Masha Slamovich and Bully.
Rebellion takes place this Sunday, April 16, 2023 from Rebel Nightclub in Toronto, ON, Canada.
Impact Wrestling Rebellion 4/16 lineup:
KUSHIDA vs. Steve Maclin for the vacant Impact World Championship
Deonna Purrazzo vs. Jordynne Grace, or Purrazzo vs. Grace vs. Mickie James for the Knockouts title
Hardcore War: Team Bully Ray (Bully Ray, Jason Gotch, John Skyler, Kenny King & Masha Slamovich) vs. Team Tommy Dreamer (Frankie Kazarian, Killer Kelly, Tommy Dreamer, Yuya Uemura & Bhupinder Gujjar)
Knockouts Tag Team Champions The Coven (Taylor Wilde & KiLynn King) defend against The Death Dollz (Jessicka & Rosemary)
X-Division Champion Trey Miguel defends against Mike Bailey and Jonathan Gresham in an elimination match
The Design (Angels, Deaner & Sami Callihan) vs. Joe Hendry, Dirty Dango & Santino Marella
Impact Tag Team Champions Bullet Club (Chris Bey & Ace Austin) defend against Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley) in an Ultimate X match
Impact Wrestling has announced that Eddie Edwards and PCO will settle their rivalry in a Last Rites match at Rebellion this Sunday (April 16). A Last Rites match is Impact’s version of a cage match.
On last week’s Impact, Edwards defeated PCO after Alisha Edwards interfered and hit PCO with a kendo stick. PCO chased Eddie and Alisha out to the parking lot after the match, but they drove off before he could get to them.
Impact Wrestling wrote:
For months, the intense rivalry between former Honor No More allies Eddie Edwards and PCO has sprawled across the IMPACT Zone, the parking lot and even the Las Vegas desert. After failing to bury PCO alive, Edwards recruited Kenny King to join his cause. But when King fell to PCO at Sacrifice, Edwards made a move that would shock the IMPACT faithful. During a singles bout against PCO on IMPACT!, Edwards reunited with his wife, Alisha, as she cracked PCO in the back with the couple’s signature kendo stick. But after scoring the victory, Edwards was reminded that PCO is not human as he sat up and chased them off the property. At Rebellion, it all comes down to this as Eddie Edwards and PCO settle the score once and for all in the infamous Last Rites match, where the only way to win is to put your opponent inside of a casket and close the lid.
Rebellion is taking place at Rebel Entertainment Complex in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The updated card for the PPV is listed below:
KUSHIDA vs. Steve Maclin for the vacant Impact World Championship
Knockouts Champion Mickie James defends against Deonna Purrazzo and Jordynne Grace in a three-way match (if James isn’t cleared to compete, it will be Purrazzo vs. Grace for the vacant title)
X-Division Champion Trey Miguel defends against “Speedball” Mike Bailey and Jonathan Gresham in a three-way elimination match
Hardcore War: Team Bully Ray vs. Team Tommy Dreamer
Ultimate X match: Impact Tag Team Champions Ace Austin & Chris Bey defend against Motor City Machine Guns
Knockouts Tag Team Champions The Coven defend against The Death Dollz
Last Rites match: Eddie Edwards vs. PCO
The Design vs. Joe Hendry, Dirty Dango & Santino Marella
Three new title matches and the Impact in-ring debut of Santino Marella were announced for next Sunday’s Impact Rebellion pay-per-view.
After a no. 1 contender’s match between “Speedball” Mike Bailey and Jonathan Gresham went to a no contest Thursday thanks to Trey Miguel’s interference, it was announced that Miguel will defend his X-Division title against both men in a three-way elimination match.
The Impact Tag Team titles will be on the line as Bullet Club’s Chris Bey & Ace Austin will defend against the Motor City Machine Guns in an Ultimate X match following a challenge from Chris Sabin Thursday.
After The Design attacked Marella (Impact’s Director of Authority), Marella made a match where he will team with Dirty Dango and Digital Media Champion Joe Hendry against Deaner’s squad at the PPV.
In a rematch, The Coven will defend their Knockouts Tag Team titles for the first time against former champions The Death Dollz (Rosemary & Jessicka).
The teams for the Hardcore War between Bully Ray and Tommy Dreamer were also revealed as Killer Kelly, Yuya Uemura and Frankie Kazarian will join Dreamer with one spot remaining while Jason Hotch, John Skyler, Masha Slamovich & Kenny King are with Ray.
Here’s the current lineup for the Sunday, April 16th PPV from Toronto, Canada:
KUSHIDA vs. Steve Maclin for the vacant Impact World Championship
Deonna Purrazzo vs. Jordynne Grace, or Purrazzo vs. Grace vs. Mickie James for the Knockouts title
Hardcore War: Team Bully Ray vs. Team Tommy Dreamer
Knockouts Tag Team Champions The Coven defend against The Death Dollz
X-Division Champion Trey Miguel defends against Mike Bailey and Jonathan Gresham in an elimination match
The Design vs. Joe Hendry, Dirty Dango & Santino Marella
Impact Tag Team Champions Bullet Club defend against Motor City Machine Guns in an Ultimate X match
Deonna Purrazzo is set to challenge for the Impact Knockouts World Championship at Rebellion.
At Thursday’s Impact X NJPW Multiverse United event in Los Angeles, Purrazzo defeated Gisele Shaw, Masha Slamovich, and Miyu Yamashita in a four-way to earn her place in the Knockouts title match at Rebellion on April 16.
Mickie James currently holds the Knockouts title, but has been sidelined due to injury, and it remains unclear if she will be able to defend the Championship at Rebellion.
If James is cleared, Purrazzo, James, and Jordynne Grace will square off in a triple threat match for the Knockouts World title. If James is not cleared, Purrazzo will face Grace in a singles match to determine a new title holder.
Rebellion is set for Sunday, April 16 at 8 p.m. Eastern time and will air on pay-per-view and FITE TV.
The current Rebellion lineup:
KUSHIDA vs. Steve Maclin for the vacant Impact World Championship
Deonna Purrazzo vs. Jordynne Grace, or Purrazzo vs. Grace vs. Mickie James for the Knockouts World Championship
Hardcore War: Team Bully Ray vs. Team Tommy Dreamer
The recent feud between Tommy Dreamer and Bully Ray will continue at next month’s Impact Rebellion as both men will meet in a no rules Hardcore War match.
The pay-per-view is set for Sunday, April 16th in Toronto, Canada.
Dreamer and Ray squared off in a Busted Open match (first blood) at last Friday’s Sacrifice with Ray picking up the win in an interference-laden bout that included former NHL player Darren McCarty getting involved in addition to the return of Impact president Scott D’Amore who delivered a Canadian destroyer on Jason Hotch.
Dreamer, Yuya Uemura and McCarty will take on Ray, Hotch and John Skyler next Thursday on Impact on AXS in a preview as both Dreamer and Ray must put together teams for the anything goes match at the PPV.
The match joins the previously announced Steve Maclin vs. KUSHIDA bout that will crown a new Impact World Champion.
Here’s the current lineup:
Steve Maclin vs. KUSHIDA for the vacant Impact World title
Team Bully Ray vs. Team Dreamer in a Hardcore War match
An injury has forced Josh Alexander’s Impact World Championship reign to come to an end.
Impact Wrestling has announced that Alexander is relinquishing the World title due to suffering a triceps tear. Alexander will be undergoing surgery for the injury today.
Alexander was scheduled to defend the Impact World Championship against Steve Maclin at Rebellion on Sunday, April 16. The pay-per-view will now be headlined by Maclin vs. KUSHIDA to determine a new champion.
Alexander was also scheduled to defend the Impact World Championship against KUSHIDA at Impact Wrestling and NJPW’s Multiverse United event on Thursday, March 30. Alexander’s replacement for that show has yet to be announced.
After winning the title at last year’s Rebellion, Alexander’s reign as champion lasted for nearly a year. It was the longest World Championship reign in Impact Wrestling history.
“We wish Josh a full and speedy recovery, and everyone at IMPACT Wrestling, including our loyal fans, can’t wait to see him back in the ring,” Impact Wrestling president Scott D’Amore said in a press release.
A six-man tag team match with Alexander, Rich Swann & Frankie Kazarian facing KUSHIDA & Motor City Machine Guns was supposed to take place at tonight’s Sacrifice special. Maclin is taking Alexander’s place in the match.
Knockouts Champion Mickie James is also currently injured. A title match between James and Jordynne Grace that was scheduled for Sacrifice is no longer taking place. An update on the situation with the Knockouts title will be given on Sacrifice.
After months of campaigning and complaining, Steve Maclin has finally earned his long-awaited first Impact World title shot.
Maclin picked up the win in a four-way at Friday’s No Surrender to earn the shot, defeating PCO, Heath and Brian Myers. Maclin picked up the victory after hitting the KIA on Heath as he was about to pin Myers after hitting the Wake-Up Call.
He will face Josh Alexander at April’s Rebellion after the champion defended the World title against Rich Swann in the main event Friday.
The pay-per-view will take place on Sunday, April 16th from Toronto, Canada.
Following their verbal dispute during a live Busted Open Radio segment that got physical with a metal coffee pot, Impact posted a social media exclusive where Tommy Dreamer challenged Bully Ray to a Busted Open match.
The date and event for the match was not announced, but it is likely to be for March’s Sacrifice streaming special.
Friday’s streaming special featured nearly every title being defended but no title changes.
Aside from Alexander defending against Swann, Mickie James successfully defended the Knockouts title against Masha Slamovich in her first title defense since winning the gold.
The Death Dollz defended the Knockouts Tag Team titles with a win over the debuting Hex (Allysin Kay & Marti Belle) while Digital Media Champion Joe Hendry defeated Moose in their rematch, this time over Dot Combat rules.
