Five matches are set for the October 19 edition of Impact Wrestling, the go-home show for the October 21 Bound for Glory pay-per-view.
Prior to squaring off for the Knockouts World Championship at Bound for Glory, Trinity and Mickie James will team up on next week’s episode against Gisele Shaw and Savannah Evans.
Bound for Glory will feature a Monster’s Ball match, and the participants will be in tag team action next week as Rhino and PCO team against Moose and Brian Myers.
Before facing Will Ospreay at Bound for Glory, “Speedball” Mike Bailey will be in action on next week’s show in an open challenge against Samuray Del Sol.
Two additional bouts are also set for next week.
In a no disqualification bout, Crazzy Steve will face Black Taurus. In singles competition, Heath will take on Kenny King on next week’s show.
The announced card for the Thursday, October 19 Impact:
Trinity & Mickie James vs. Gisele Shaw & Savannah Evans
One of Impact Wrestling’s signature match types is returning for Bound for Glory 2023.
Impact Wrestling announced today that PCO, Rhino, Steve Maclin, and Moose will face off in a Monster’s Ball match at Bound for Glory. The pay-per-view is taking place from Cicero, Illinois on Saturday, October 21.
Monster’s Ball is a hardcore match that first debuted in 2004. More than 50 Monster’s Ball matches have taken place since then. In the most recent edition of the match, Trey Miguel defeated Crazzy Steve this February.
A new championship bout has been made official for Impact Wrestling’s post-Bound for Glory television tapings.
Impact Wrestling announced today that Tommy Dreamer will defend his Digital Media title against Crazzy Steve at the Bound for Glory fallout tapings. The tapings are being held in Cicero, Illinois on Sunday, October 22. That’s the day after Impact’s Bound for Glory pay-per-view.
Steve earned a Digital Media title shot via the briefcase he obtained in the Feast or Fired match at Impact 1000.
Steve attacked Dreamer with that briefcase on the September 28 episode of Impact. On the most recent edition of the show, there was an angle where Steve stabbed Dreamer with a fork.
Dreamer won the Digital Media title from Kenny King at Victory Road last month. That was a title vs. career match where Dreamer would have retired if he lost.
Here’s everything that’s been announced for the Bound for Glory fallout tapings so far:
Alex Shelley vs. Jonathan Gresham (will be an Impact World Championship match if Shelley retains at Bound for Glory)
Josh Alexander vs. Will Ospreay (will be an Impact World Championship match if Alexander wins the title from Shelley at Bound for Glory)
The Rascalz (Trey Miguel, Zachary Wentz & Myron Reed) vs. Black Taurus, Laredo Kid & Juventud Guerrera
Digital Media Champion Tommy Dreamer defends against Crazzy Steve
Alex Shelley vs. Jonathan Gresham will be taking place at Impact’s TV tapings in Cicero, Illinois on Sunday, October 22. If Shelley is still champion, his Impact World title will be on the line in the match.
Shelley is defending the Impact World Championship against Josh Alexander in the main event of Bound for Glory on Saturday, October 21. The pay-per-view is being held in Cicero as well.
Alexander vs. Will Ospreay is also set to take place at the October 22 tapings. That will be an Impact World Championship match if Alexander wins the title from Shelley at Bound for Glory.
Shelley became Impact World Champion by defeating Steve Maclin this June. In March, Alexander had to vacate the title due to a torn triceps. Alexander made his return at July’s Slammiversary PPV.
The updated card for Impact’s Bound for Glory fallout tapings is listed below:
Josh Alexander vs. Will Ospreay
The Rascalz (Trey Miguel, Zachary Wentz & Myron Reed) vs. Black Taurus, Laredo Kid & Juventud Guerrera
Frankie Kazarian & Eddie Edwards will square off in a two-out-of-three falls Killer Impact match on next week’s Impact Wrestling.
After months of feuding, Edwards & Kazarian will settle their beef “once and for all” with the stipulation bout on the Thursday, October 12 Impact episode. The two kicked off their rivalry at June’s Against All Odds event, and have wrestled three times in singles matches and once in a tag since, with Kazarian and wife Traci Brooks defeating Edwards and wife Alisha Edwards at Impact 1000.
The Tag Team Championship will also be on the line next week, as The Rascalz defend against Sami Callihan & Rich Swann. The winners will go on to defend the titles at Bound for Glory on October 21 against Ace Austin & Chris Bey.
Also set for next week is a five-way intergender match with Bound for Glory implications, as Jordynne Grace faces Jake Something, Dirty Dango, Champagne Singh, and Eric Young. The winner will earn the 20th spot in the Call Your Shot Gauntlet match at Bound for Glory, while the loser will enter the gauntlet first.
Next week’s lineup:
Eddie Edwards vs. Frankie Kazarian in a two-out-of-three falls Killer Impact match
Impact Tag Team Champions The Rascalz (Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz) defend against Sami Callihan & Rich Swann
Jake Something vs. Dirty Dango vs. Jordynne Grace vs. Champagne Singh vs. Eric Young for no. 1 & no. 20 spots in the Call Your Shot Gauntlet match at Bound for Glory
The Impact World Tag Team and Impact Knockouts World Tag Team Championships will be on the line at Bound for Glory on October 21.
As revealed during this week’s Impact Wrestling, ABC’s Chris Bey & Ace Austin will challenge for the Impact World Tag Team titles at the Bound for Glory pay-per-view on Saturday, October 21. They will face the winners of next week’s Tag Team title match between current champs The Rascalz and challengers Sami Callihan & Rich Swann.
A Knockouts World Tag Team title bout is also set for Bound for Glory, with champs MK Ultra (Masha Slamovich & Killer Kelly) defending against the team of Deonna Purrazzo & Tasha Steelz.
The updated lineup for Bound for Glory:
Impact World Championship: Alex Shelley defends against Josh Alexander
Impact Knockouts World Championship: Trinity defends against Mickie James
Impact X-Division Championship: Chris Sabin defends against KENTA
Impact World Tag Team Championship: The Rascalz or Sami Callihan & Rich Swann defend against ABC (Ace Austin & Chris Bey)
Impact Knockouts World Tag Team Championship: MK Ultra (Masha Slamovich & Killer Kelly) defend against Deonna Purrazzo & Tasha Steelz
Will Ospreay vs. “Speedball” Mike Bailey
20-person intergender Call Your Shot Gauntlet match: Bully Ray vs. Jody Threat vs. KiLynn King vs. Shera vs. Brian Myers vs. Jordynne Grace vs. Eric Young vs. Champagne Singh vs. Dirty Dango vs. Jake Something vs. 10 TBA
Don West, Mike Tenay, Traci Brooks will be inducted into the Impact Wrestling Hall of Fame
The road to Bound for Glory continues on tonight’s episode of Impact Wrestling from Memphis, Tennessee.
Before challenging for the Impact World Championship at the October 21 pay-per-view, Josh Alexander will be in action tonight. He’s facing off against Kon.
The Bound for Glory main event will see Alexander face Alex Shelley for the Impact World Championship.
A 10-person tag team match with Bound for Glory implications is also set for tonight. Jake Something, Dirty Dango, Champagne Singh, Eric Young & Jordynne Grace are teaming up against Brian Myers, Shera, KiLynn King, Jody Threat & Bully Ray. The winning team advances to face each other in a five-way match next week. That five-way match will determine the number one and number 20 entrants in the Call Your Shot gauntlet at Bound for Glory.
Tasha Steelz & Deonna Purrazzo are looking for a Knockouts Tag Team title shot against Killer Kelly & Masha Slamovich. Tonight, Steelz goes one-on-one with Kelly.
Moose vs. Bhupinder Gujjar is also set, along with ABC battling John Skyler and a partner in a strap match.
On BTI, Savannah Evans takes on Jessicka.
BTI pre-show:
Savannah Evans defeated Jessicka
Main Show:
Tasha Steelz defeated Killer Kelly (w/ Masha Slamovich)
As of now, neither woman has a match at this month’s Bound for Glory. With Kelly as one half of the Knockouts Tag Team Champions with Masha Slamovich, that could change any day now.
This marked Steelz’s first singles match since March while Kelly last wrestled singles back in July during the Australian tour.
Steelz was in control for the majority of the match with Slamovich getting into her face at least once. Kelly rallied late with a sequence that includes repeated headbutts and a butterfly suplex that put Steelz just short of the turnbuckle.
As Kelly was about to get the win with a rear naked choke, Deonna Purrazzo ran down to ringside and pulled the referee out of the ring who thought it was Slamovich. Due to the distraction, Steelz hit the Blackout (crucifix bomb) for the pin and win.
She embraced Purrazzo after the match as it appears she and Steelz could challenge for the aforementioned titles. (Narrator: They will.) This was fine, but nothing special.
– Jason Hotch of the Good Hands walked into the Gisele Shaw entourage dressing room. He asked Savannah Evans to be his mystery partner for tonight’s Fans Revenge tag team match. Jai Vidal made a crack at Hotch which Shaw didn’t care for given that his errors on last week’s show. She said he would join Hotch tonight instead which Hotch didn’t care for, saying “I’d rather have the girl.” Rude!
– Gia Miller chatted with Jonathan Gresham about his recent win over Mike Bailey by cheating. He defended his actions saying everyone is breaking rules, so why not him? Bailey walked up and was pissed, but Gresham just walked away without saying a word.
Tommy Dreamer promo
Last week, Crazzy Steve attacked Digital Media Champion Dreamer as he has an upcoming title match courtesy of winning one of the Feast or Fired briefcases.
Dreamer called Steve out to the ring and he talked about his friendship with Steve dating back to the TNA days and teaming with him in the past. Dreamer said that Steve is legally blind and that he can do things other people cannot do in the ring by hearing and pacing steps. I had no idea that was true. Dreamer then told a story about teaching Steve to drive one crazy night and how Steve cried because he felt normal.
After more praise for Steve, Dreamer said he would put the title on the line anytime and anywhere because he’s his friend and he deserves it. Steve hugged him and then held on too long as Dreamer started to wilt, revealing a fork stuck in Dreamer’s lower back. Steve is crazy with two Zs, you see. Steve then laughed and said some crazy things before leaving, singing a song.
Dreamer still cuts a great babyface promo, but the lack of crowd noise (at all) hurt the actual stunt.
Jake Something, Dirty Dango, Champagne Singh, Eric Young & Jordynne Grace defeated Brian Myers, Shera, KiLynn King, Jody Threat & Bully Ray
As written above, the winners will be in a five-way next week to determine the first and 20th entrants into the Bound for Glory Call Your Shot gauntlet match.
Something (not Jake) tells me the team with Grace and Young is probably going to take this. Just a hunch. Also, this is under intergender rules, evidenced by Dango and Threat going at it to kick this off. Threat was happy to mix it up with anyone on the other team.
I usually don’t love intergender wrestling, but Grace vs. Ray was actually kind of a fun, and odd, mix while it lasted. King also got into it with Young in between some Ray offense.
Something got in and ran wild on everyone because Shera got in his way. That ended badly as he got hit with the Void (black hole slam) for the pin and win. My prediction was correct! This was kept fairly short and didn’t bog down, so that’s a win.
– Gia Miller was with Josh Alexander as she was curious why he would face Kon ahead of his Impact World title opportunity. Alexander read from the babyface playbook before champion Alex Shelley suddenly appeared. He said he would back up Alexander because he knew Deaner would back up Kon. He wants him at 100% for Bound for Glory. Shelley’s an honorable fella.
– A recap segment went over Mickie James’ return to Impact to challenge Knockouts Champion Trinity and how everything played out to make the James vs. Trinity title match Bound for Glory. Miller then interviewed Trinity who put over James while saying she would beat her at BFG.
ABC (Ace Austin & Chris Bey) vs. Jason Hotch & Jai Vidal in a Fans’ Revenge match
What’s a Fans’ Revenge match? Well, “hand selected” fans were given straps around the ringside area where they could whip any wrestler that hit the floor. I mean, it’s an idea. I’m guessing none of these fans train at wrestling schools in the greater Memphis area, especially alongside the only two sides of the ring where the heels landed.
To no surprise, Hotch was hit first. His usual Good Hands tag partner John Skyler and fellow ABC antagonist is off on paternity leave which is probably better than getting hit with straps. Bey hit the floor and one of the strappers (?) asked to take a selfie while another was happy to “Too Sweet” him. Vidal didn’t like and got lit up as a result. Hotch later hit the floor and also got lit up, crying as a result.
After getting strapped up again, Hotch grabbed a strap himself and then ate a Bey plancha. Back in the ring, he was hit with Bey’s Art of the Finesse and Austin’s Fold for the pin and win. The “fans” then got in the ring to celebrate with ABC who have Tag Team Champions The Rascalz in their sights as they own one of the aforementioned Feast or Fired briefcase.
– A montage ran catching up on the seemingly never-ending Frankie Kazarian/Eddie Edwards feud. Kazarian said he was going to Impact management to figure out a way to end this once and for all. That seems like a good idea for all involved.
Moose (w/ Brian Myers) defeated Bhupinder Gujjar
Moose has a briefcase guaranteeing him a future World title match. These two have shared the ring several times and have had two matches against each other. Gujjar isn’t exactly a guy that wins on TV that much, if ever, so I like Moose’s chances here.
The former World Champion got the win after a power bomb and then a spear in a relatively short squash match. Steve Maclin, who Moose took the briefcase away from in the Feast or Fired match after Maclin took a gore from Rhino, then came out to share some thoughts.
Maclin wanted Moose to hand over the case and Moose unsurprisingly didn’t care for that transaction. Moose felt this had to be a trap and Maclin said it wasn’t as Bully Ray went “soft” and he took care of PCO. The lights went out and PCO appeared in the ring to take out everyone. Maclin was yelling at PCO and then got gored again by Rhino on the stage. Poor guy.
– Backstage, The Rascalz (Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz) spray painted the title belts in full view of the camera and my fellow viewers which Director of Authority Santino Marella didn’t care for. ABC then walked up and challenged them for the titles Bound for Glory. Sami Callihan & Rich Swann appeared and said they should get the shot. Marella said that since ABC’s title shot is locked in because of their briefcase, Miguel and Wentz will defend against Callihan and Swann next week.
– Chris Sabin sent a message to KENTA that he’s going to beat him at the Bound for Glory and remain X-Division Champion. There were more words, but you get the gist.
– We got next week’s lineup (listed below) which includes Edwards vs. Kazarian in a two-out-of-three falls Killer Impact match. What’s that? No idea as they didn’t explain it.
Josh Alexander defeated Kon (w/ Deaner)
Shelley sat in on commentary who will defend his World title against Alexander at this month’s BFG. I think I can predict how this will go: Deaner will interfere, Shelley will assist Alexander who will then beat Kon, and the two will go face-to-face because Alexander doesn’t need any help. Let’s see how I do.
This didn’t do much for me as the whole Design act feels dead to me. But, this is a TV match so I get it.
Alexander had Kon in a fireman’s carry and his boot knocked out the referee. Alexander kept up the attack and as he went to the outside of the ring, Deaner threatened with a chair. Shelley came to Alexander’s aid, but got nailed by Alexander instead by mistake.
Back in the ring, Alexander countered a move into the ankle lock. Kon fought him off, but Alexander eventually hit the C4 Spike piledriver for the pin. Shelley looked bemused at ringside and came into the ring to confront Alexander. As Alexander was walking away, Shelley pulled him back and hit Shellshock to the dismay of the fans. I wasn’t too far off, huh?
Next week:
Impact Tag Team Champions The Rascalz (Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz) defend against Sami Callihan & Rich Swann
Jake Something vs. Dirty Dango vs. Jordynne Grace vs. Champagne Singh vs. Eric Young for no. 1 & no. 20 spots in the Call Your Shot Gauntlet match at Bound for Glory
Eddie Edwards vs. Frankie Kazarian in a two-out-of-three falls Killer Impact match
New for Bound for Glory:
ABC (Chris Bey & Ace Austin) face either The Rascalz or Callihan & Swann for the Impact Tag Team titles
Knockouts Tag Team Champions MK Ultra (Masha Slamovich & Killer Kelly) defend against Deonna Purrazzo & Tasha Steelz
A former MLW champion is set to make their Impact Wrestling debut later this month.
Impact Wrestling has announced that Myron Reed will debut for the promotion at their Bound for Glory fallout tapings on Sunday, October 22. It will be The Rascalz (Trey Miguel, Zachary Wentz & Reed) vs. Black Taurus, Laredo Kid & Juventud Guerrera.
The tapings are being held in Cicero, Illinois and will include a Lucha Libre Celebration. Taurus, Laredo Kid & Guerrera teaming together is part of that celebration.
Reed became a free agent this January. He held the MLW Middleweight Championship three times while he was with that promotion.
Miguel and Wentz have both wanted Reed to be part of The Rascalz in Impact Wrestling. He’s a member of the group on the indies.
The October 22 tapings are taking place the day after Bound for Glory. Josh Alexander vs. Will Ospreay has also been made official for the tapings. The Impact World Championship will be on the line in that match if Alexander wins the title from Alex Shelley at Bound for Glory.
A “Fan’s Revenge” strap match is one of five bouts set for the Thursday, October 5 edition of Impact Wrestling.
As announced during this week’s show, ABC’s Ace Austin & Chris Bey will face John Skyler and a mystery partner in the strap match on next week’s episode.
A 10-person mixed tag team match has also been announced for next week, with Jake Something, Dirty Dango, Champagne Singh, Eric Young, & Jordynne Grace facing the team of Brian Myers, Shera, KiLynn King, Jody Threat, & Bully Ray.
Ahead of challenging for the World title at Bound for Glory, Josh Alexander will have a tune-up match next week against Kon.
In the Knockouts Division, Killer Kelly will take on Tasha Steelz on next week’s show.
Also set for next week, Feast or Fired World title shot winner Moose will be in action against an unnamed opponent.
The current lineup for the Thursday, October 5 Impact Wrestling:
ABC (Ace Austin & Chris Bey) vs. John Skylar & a mystery partner
Jake Something, Dirty Dango, Champagne Singh, Eric Young & Jordynne Grace vs. Brian Myers, Shera, KiLynn King, Jody Threat & Bully Ray
Mickie James is gunning for the title she never lost.
As revealed during the closing segment of Thursday’s Impact Wrestling episode, James will challenge Trinity for the Knockouts World Championship at the Bound for Glory pay-per-view set for Saturday, October 21 in Chicago.
James made the save for Trinity as the champ faced a two-on-one attack from Savannah Evans & Jai Vidal following a win over Giselle Shaw in the main event of this week’s Impact show. James then announced her intentions to challenge Trinity at Bound for Glory. Impact then officially announced the bout in a social media post.
James was forced to relinquish the Knockouts World title due to injury this past April, and never lost the Championship in the ring.
The Knockouts title bout is one of two new matches announced for Bound for Glory, as an X-Division title match with Chris Sabin defending against KENTA was also added to the lineup this week.
Here is the current Bound for Glory card:
The updated Bound for Glory lineup:
Impact World Championship: Alex Shelley defends against Josh Alexander
Impact Knockouts World Championship: Trinity defends against Mickie James
Impact X-Division Championship: Chris Sabin defends against KENTA
Will Ospreay vs. “Speedball” Mike Bailey
Don West, Mike Tenay, Traci Brooks will be inducted into the Impact Wrestling Hall of Fame
KENTA is returning to Impact Wrestling and has his sights set on gold.
Impact announced during Thursday’s Impact Wrestling episode that KENTA will return to the promotion at the Saturday, October 21 Bound for Glory pay-per-view in Chicago to challenge Chris Sabin for the X-Division Championship.
KENTA’s last Impact appearance came in August at the joint Impact x NJPW Multiverse United pay-per-view event in a 12-man tag team match. In total, the Japanese legend has wrestled five times for the company this year.
The X-Division title match is one of two new title bouts announced for Bound for Glory. It was also revealed during Thursday’s episode that Mickie James will challenge Trinity for the Knockouts World Championship at the event.
Already announced for Bound for Glory, Josh Alexander will challenge Alex Shelley for the Impact World Championship, plus Will Ospreay will take on “Speedball” Mike Bailey at the pay-per-view.
The updated Bound for Glory lineup:
Impact World Championship: Alex Shelley defends against Josh Alexander
Impact Knockouts World Championship: Trinity defends against Mickie James
Impact X-Division Championship: Chris Sabin defends against KENTA
Will Ospreay vs. “Speedball” Mike Bailey
Don West, Mike Tenay, Traci Brooks will be inducted into the Impact Wrestling Hall of Fame
Impact Wrestling has announced the inductors for their 2023 Hall of Fame ceremony.
It was announced on Thursday’s Impact Wrestling episode that Impact president Scott D’Amore will induct the longtime broadcast team of Don West & Mike Tenay at the 2023 ceremony set for the Countdown to Bound for Glory pre-show on Saturday, October 21.
In addition to his current role as company president, D’Amore has worked as on-screen talent as a manager and authority figure in Impact for much of its 20-plus year history.
It was also revealed that Impact Hall of Famer Gail Kim will induct Traci Brooks at this year’s ceremony. Kim was inducted herself as the sole member of the Class of 2016.
West is being inducted posthumously after passing away late last year.
Brooks, Tenay, and West comprise the Class of 2023, bringing the total of Impact Wrestling Hall of Fame inductees to 14.
The complete list of Impact Wrestling Hall of Fame inductees:
Tonight, Impact Wrestling moves on from its 1000th episode and continues the road to Bound for Glory.
The X-Division Championship will be on the line as Chris Sabin defends against Alan Angels. Sabin, the most decorated wrestler in X-Division history, began his 10th reign with the championship by defeating Lio Rush at Impact 1000.
Angels put himself in line for an X-Division title shot by winning an Ultimate X match on Impact 1000.
Knockouts Champion Trinity is set for non-title action against Gisele Shaw. They were part of a star-studded 10-woman tag match at Impact 1000 where Trinity, Awesome Kong, Gail Kim, Mickie James & Jordynne Grace defeated Shaw, Savannah Evans, Angelina Love, Deonna Purrazzo & Tasha Steelz.
“Speedball” Mike Bailey vs. Jonathan Gresham is part of tonight’s lineup. Bailey has a match against Will Ospreay scheduled for Bound for Glory on October 21.
Tommy Dreamer & Heath vs. Kenny King & Sheldon Jean in a Memphis street fight, Rhino in action, and a goodbye ceremony for Yuya Uemura are also set for tonight. The BTI (Before the Impact) match is Sami Callihan & Rich Swann vs. Laredo Kid & Black Taurus.
**********
BFI Preshow
Iceman’s Intel saw George Iceman talk about hearing rumours that Trinity was going to be attacked by someone this week, but he couldn’t find out who it was, speculating that it could be someone new, or a returning star.
Sami Callihan & Rich Swann defeated Black Taurus & Laredo Kid
This was a very good tag match, though I am a bit surprised Callihan and Swann won with Callihan likely leaving Impact soon. Maybe he’ll work as a freelancer there instead.
Impact Wrestling Main Card
The show opened summarizing Impact 1000!
Impact X-Division Champion Chris Sabin defeated Alan Angels to retain
Angels is looking to build of his Ultimate X win, cashing in for his title shot right away, and isolating the arm of Sabin in the early part of the match. The heat segment here was long, with Sabin selling consistently for the first few minutes of the match, firing back every now and then with chops, adhering to the Ricky Steamboat method of selling.
Sabin hit a dropkick after Angels hit the ropes. Angels countered a Cradle Shock into a Rings of Saturn, but Sabin rolled it back into a pin attempt to break the submission. Sabin hit a Yakuza kick in the corner and went for a tornado DDT, but fought out and hit a tornado arm breaker. Angels went back to the Rings of Saturn, but Sabin went right to the ropes.
Angels shoved Sabin into the referee and hit a low blow before hitting the halo kick for a 2-count. Sabin dodged a splash and then hit a missile dropkick to the back of Angel’s head before hitting the Cradle Shock for the win.
–As Sabin celebrated, he was interrupted by a video highlighting KENTA, before announcing him returning at Bound for Glory. It looks like KENTA will be challenging Sabin at the PPV.
–Alex Shelley was with Gia Miller and talked about how he respected Josh Alexander, but that he was an emotional guy, so Alexander needs to respect him and the fact that Shelley is the current champion, and it is not Alexander’s belt. It is his until Alexander takes it. This was very good.
Rhino defeated Jack Price
Rhino crushed Price in this match, as Price acted as a pinball that was bounced around the ring for him. The crowd was super into Rhino, and popped huge when he hit a Gore for the win.
–Paying Rhino back for his attack from the last few weeks, Maclin came out and attacked Rhino. After a brawl, Rhino was left in the ring, with Maclin making a strategic retreat.
–Deonna Purrazzo walked up to Tasha Steelz and welcomed her back, asking to become a tag team, and Steelz agreed, since they both have a great championship lineage.
–Alisha Edwards and Eddie Edwards were backstage talking about how their feud with Kazarian wasn’t over, because while Traci Brooks beat Alisha Edwards, Kazarian did not beat him. Kazarian walked up and said that Edwards was right and that they needed to end it in the ring, and Kazarian was going to management to ask them to find a way for there to be a definitive winner.
–Joya made their way down to the ring for Yuya Uemura’s last appearance as a young lion in Impact. Hendry talked about how he had no regrets about teaming with Uemura, and then led the fans in a chant saying, “Thank you!” to Uemura. Just as Uemura was saying thanks to the fans, The Rascalz interrupted.
The Rascalz said that Joya was the only tag team in the company that had an excuse for not being champions because Uemura got fired, whereas the rest would lose to the best team. Hendry said that it was a bit ironic that Wentz & Miguel said that since they were the 2nd and 3rd best Rascal. Both groups broke into a brawl, and Santino’s music hit.
Santino them booked The Rascalz against Joya, though it isn’t a title match, but if Joya won, Uemura got to keep his job.
The Rascalz (Trey Miguel & Zachery Wentz) defeated Joya (Joe Hendry & Yuya Uemura)
Hendry started the match beating on Wentz before tagging out to Uemura. Miguel stunned Uemura on the middle rope and started getting the heat on Uemura. Wentz hit a slingshot senton for a 2-count. As this was happening the announcers noted that this was the first time someone who ever got the “fired” briefcase in Feast or Fired had a chance to save their career.
Hendry tagged in and hit fallaway slams on both Wentz and Miguel before grabbing both and tossing them at the same time with a 3rd fallaway slam. Hendry and Uemura hit the One Hit Wonder on Wentz, but he barely kicked out. The fans really started getting behind Uemura and Hendry here, with everyone exchanging big moves. They hit the One Hit Wonder on Miguel for another two count because Wentz made the save. This led to Miguel spraying Uemura in the face with spray paint and pinning him. Uemura is on his way back to New Japan.
–Gia Miller interviewed Gisele Shaw about Shaw’s upcoming match with Trinity. Shaw talked about beating Trinity tonight in order to get a match at Bound for Glory.
–Deaner was in a pretape video, and screamed about returning to his throne that Eric Young took.
Heath & Tommy Dreamer defeated Kenny King & Sheldon Jean in a Street Fight
This was your average plunder match, with Dreamer getting the win.
Dreamer and Heath started the match brawling all over ringside with King and Jean, and it was your standard hardcore match from there, with Dreamer using plunder and bumping into plunder, like King hitting a spinebuster into a garbage can. King choked Dreamer with his shirt, as Jean grabbed a chair. King yelled “This is your DMC?” at the audience, referring to the Digital Media Championship, but I can’t help but hear “Devil May Cry” and be momentarily confused. The pains of being a gamer and wrestling fan.
Heath ran in and hit a Wake Up Call on Jean. Heath setup a table in the corner as King and Jean recovered. Heath went to hit a Death Valley Driver through the table, but King saved Jean and hit a spinning kick. King went to the top rope but was cut off by Dreamer. Dreamer grabbed a ladder and bridged it in the corner, but King shoved Dreamer and he fell between the rungs. King hit a blockbuster on Dreamer, and then blocked a Wake Up Call from Heath. King hit a torneo plancha to the floor. Jean tried to hit a bionic elbow on Dreamer, but Dreamer picked him up and hit a Death Valley Driver through the table for the win.
–Crazzy Steve ran down to the ring and hit Dreamer with his briefcase, saying that Dreamer was his next target.
–Tom Hannifan announced the Impact Hall of Fame ceremony would be on the preshow for Bound for Glory.
–ABC was backstage talking about how the Rascalz paid off The Good Hands, but now they had their tag team title briefcase, and the Rascalz couldn’t keep them away forever. ABC then said they had unfinished business with the Good Hands, so they challenged them in a Fan’s Revenge match, where they can use leather straps against them. John Skylar walked up and said that as much as he would love to fight them, Jason Hotch was at home with his newborn baby. ABC then said it was simple – find a partner to take his place. Skylar insisted he had friends.
Jonathan Gresham defeated Mike Bailey
This match was great, and an awesome heel turn. It’s simplicity was fantastic, and played off the story that everyone was beating Gresham by cheating, and Gresham was tired of it. I really liked this.
Gresham entered the ring looking frustrated, as his Impact run thus far has been less than stellar, having to face people who didn’t abide by a pure wrestling rules style. Mike Bailey wanted to show him that there are still people in wrestling who prefer an honest, pure, and fair style. This led to many great exchanges in the early part of the match with technical wrestling mixed with a little high flying from Bailey.
Bailey and Gresham continue to be two incredible workers, and the fans gave them the reaction they deserve. Bailey hit a series of hard kicks on the floor, sending Gresham to his knees. Bailey then hit a corkscrew Asai moonsault to the floor on Gresham. Gresham, however, turned it around in the ring with a brutal looking Boston crab, but Bailey made the ropes to escape.
Gresham had a familiar exchange of vertical suplex attempts until Gresham was able to finally get one, before transitioning into a sleeper as soon as Bailey kicked out. Gresham hit a big back elbow, and as Bailey kicked out twice, Gresham went for a 3rd pinfall and yanked the tights to pin Bailey, cheating to win.
–Moose & Myers were backstage talking about how they dominated the tag division, which is a stretch, but since they are heels they can exaggerate. Moose said he was going to get a warm up next week for his future world title shot.
–Steve Maclin walked up to Bully Ray backstage and said that he helped Ray with PCO many times. Ray said that he would talk to Rhino for him, because they have been friends for 25 years. Maclin accused Ray of being soft, and nostalgic because he had Devon back.
Trinity defeated Gisele Shaw (w/ Jai Vidal & Savannah Evans)
This was easily Trinity’s best match in Impact thus far. Shaw brought out the best in Trinity and vice versa. Very good main event.
Trinity ducked under a clothesline attempt from Shaw before hitting a legdrop for a 2-count. Trinity chopped Shaw in the corner and hit a snapmare. Trinity danced around Shaw and hit a clothesline off the ropes for a 2-count. Shaw threw Trinity into the ring steps to start turning the match around. Shaw managed to hit a knee off the top rope while holding Trinity’s head, driving Trinity into the mat.
The fans were very into Trinity throughout this match, and even more so during the heat segment with chants and cheers. Shaw stepped on the back of Trinity’s head to a chorus of boos before hitting a snap suplex for a 2-count. Trinity managed to hit a Samoan drop after Shaw hit the ropes for a two count. Trinity hit a crossbody off the middle rope for a two count. Shaw responded with Shock & Awe for a two count, and Shaw began to show frustration.
Shaw went for a running knee, but Trinity dodged and hit a heatseeker on Shaw for a 2-count. As Shaw hit the ropes, Vidal accidentally tripped Shaw as the referee was distracted by Evans. Trinity immediately put on the Star Struck submission and got the win.
–Vidal and Evans attacked Trinity after the match but Mickie James ran down and made the save, and they both sent Evans and Vidal packing. Mickie James grabbed a mic and said that she was friends with Trinity, and that she would always have her back. James said that she was so happy to see Trinity come through the doors of Impact to win the Knockouts championship, but she did want a title shot as she has never faced Trinity in a match before.
James then talked about the rematch clause in her contract for the title James never lost, and challenged Trinity for a match at Bound for Glory. Trinity shook James’ hand as the show went off the air.
Final Thoughts
This was a very good Impact this week. Lots of angles being setup, and lots of interesting things heading into Bound for Glory. Nothing came off that George Iceman thing from before the show, but we will see if they return to that in the weeks to come.
Impact Wrestling – October 5, 2023
Tasha Steelz vs. Killer Kelly
ABC vs. John Skylar & A Mystery Partner
Jake Something, Dirty Dango, Champagne Singh, Eric Young, & Jordynne Grace vs. Brian Myers, Shera, KiLynn King, Jody Threat, & Bully Ray
Josh Alexander vs. Kon
Impact Wrestling Bound for Glory
Impact X-Division Championship: Chris Sabin (c) vs. KENTA
Impact Knockouts World Championship: Trinity (c) vs. Mickie James
Impact Wrestling will be holding two days of tryouts during its upcoming tour of the United Kingdom.
It was announced today that Impact will hold Gut Check tryouts in Glasgow, Scotland on Wednesday, October 25 and Coventry, England on Sunday, October 29. The winners of the tryout will receive an Impact developmental contract, up to six months of training at the Can-Am Dojo, and a bursary toward living expenses in Canada.
“IMPACT Wrestling Gut Check, launched in 2012, gives pro wrestlers around the world a chance to showcase their skill and ability in front of a distinguished panel of judges,” Impact wrote. “The winners will receive a Developmental Contract and bursary with IMPACT Wrestling in Canada, training at the Can-Am Dojo and the possibility to earn a contract to join the IMPACT Wrestling roster.”
Scott D’Amore, Gail Kim, and Joe Hendry will be the judges for the tryouts.
Wrestlers can participate in Gut Check for a $100 fee. Registration is now open.
“Fans with tickets to either of the shows in Coventry are invited to watch Gut Check for free,” Impact wrote. “No fans will be admitted to the Glasgow Gut Check session.”
Impact’s UK Invasion tour features four shows from October 26-29. There is one show in Glasgow, one in Newcastle, and two in Coventry.
Journalist and author Pat Laprade reported on Saturday that the 55-year-old PCO has given his notice to Impact Wrestling. PCO’s contract with Impact is set to expire near the end of October. He’s been with the promotion since the beginning of 2022.
“BREAKING NEWS: After speaking with sources very close to the situation, I can confirm that PCO has given his notice to Impact Wrestling. His contract ends on October 30,” Laprade wrote. “Real name Carl Ouellet, the veteran from Montreal had started with Impact in January 2022.”
A three-time WWF Tag Team Champion as part of The Quebecers in the 1990s, PCO has gone through a career resurgence over the last several years. That resurgence included PCO holding the ROH World Championship one time. He was with ROH from 2018-2021.
PCO defeated Bully Ray in an anything goes match at Impact Victory Road earlier this month. On the first week of Impact’s 1000th episode, PCO was one of the participants in a Feast or Fired match. PCO didn’t get one of the briefcases in the match.
