Santana posted a new video on Friday amidst reports he is nearing a return from injury.
The 32-year-old has been out of action since suffering a knee injury during the Blood & Guts match on June 29, 2022. Moments after entering the cage, Santana attempted a uranage on Daniel Garcia but landed awkwardly on his leg. He would eventually be helped to the back. Tony Khan revealed the following week that Santana was looking at a long recovery time.
Last week, Santana posted the following to Twitter:
6/9
— Mike SANTANAđ”đ· (@Santana_Proud) June 5, 2023
Today, he posted the below video featuring him commuting to a high school gymnasium.
Last week, our own Dave Meltzer reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that Santana is nearing a return. He also mentioned the rumored falling out with Santana’s LAX teammate, Ortiz, who is not featured in any of the above videos.
Meltzer wrote:
Santana is going to be ready to return soon. Not sure where heâll fit in since he and Ortiz had a falling out. They are better off as a team than singles and Ortiz hasnât done much since Santana was gone. They were one of the better teams in the company.
Ortiz had been teaming with Eddie Kingston early in 2023 but has been used sparingly since Kingston was moved to the ROH roster. He hasn’t wrestled since dropping a match to Brian Cage on the ROH TV tapings held on April 5. Prior to that, he hadn’t wrestled since the Face of the Revolution Ladder match on March 1.
Santana and Ortiz began teaming with each other in 2012. They would eventually join Impact Wrestling and become members of the new LAX in 2017. They signed with AEW in 2019 and quickly joined Chris Jericho’s Inner Circle faction. Together they are four-time Impact tag champions, three-time HOG tag champions, and one-time CZW champions.
Danny Limelight has signed with MLW as part of a new LAX stable led by Konnan.
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful reported this evening that Limelight had signed with the company. An angle that took place on tonightâs MLW Battle Riot tapings revealed that Limelight, under the name Rivera, was part of a new version of LAX, with Konnan managing Limelight, Slice Boogie (who has worked for the NWA recently), and Julius Smokes. Sapp has also confirmed that Boogie and Smokes have signed with MLW.
Fightful also reported that Limelight is permitted to appear on NJPW as part of the new deal. Limelight is a regular on New Japan Strong as part of the Team Filthy stable with Tom Lawlor and JR Kratos.
Prior to signing with MLW, Limelight had regularly been appearing on AEW Dark and Dark: Elevation, and even had a match on Dynamite in January where he teamed with The Varsity Blonds in a losing effort against Kenny Omega and The Good Brothers. His last appearance on AEW programming was on the June 5 edition of Dark, where he lost to Ethan Page.
Opening recap focused on the ongoing feud between Ken Shamrock and Sami Callihan, building towards tonight’s contract signing. In addition, we got a recap of last weekâs main event, when Josh Alexander of The North pinned the World Champion Tessa Blanchard when Tessa wouldnât tag Eddie, and thus ended up getting taken out by Elgin moments later.
Johnny Swinger came down to the ring, and as he had promised, tonight he would wrestle a Young Buck M. Jackson. He introduced Mike Jackson.
Johnny Swinger defeated Mike Jackson
Mike Jackson was a 70-year-old buck with a hell of a promo.
Mike Jackson got a lot of offense early on, hitting ranas and suicide dives on Swinger. Jackson hit an arm breaker, then grabbed Swingerâs arm and rope walked all around the ring!
Swinger came back with an atomic drop, a neckbreaker, a deadlift suplex for a two count. He worked over Jacksonâs head for a bit, until he went for the double ax handle from the second rope, but Jackson came back with clotheslines, a neckbreaker, the ten corner punches. As he went for more, Swinger rolled him over, got his feet on the ropes, and stole the pin. This was incredible!
Backstage, Ace Austin cut a promo on Willie Mack. Ace said that Mack had no good odds against him. He said that Mack shouldnât be focusing on him, but on helping his best friend.
Trey Miguel approached him and told him that Ace was the biggest scumbag in the locker room. They got into each otherâs faces until Ace asked about Treyâs mom. They ended up brawling.
We saw Ken Shamrock arriving at the venue. Scott DâAmore told him that there was to be no physical contact tonight, or the match was off. Shamrock that was ok, but he told DâAmore to control âhis boyâ.
TJP & Fallah Bahh defeated The Rascalz (Dezmond Xavier & Zachary Wentz), Reno Scum (Luster The Legend & Adam Thornstowe), and XXXL (Larry D & Acey Romero)
Romero and Thornstowe started the match, Acey used his size to easily control Adam with a shoulder tackle and clothesline him around. Larry D tagged in, and along with Romero, they squashed Adam in the corner with several splashes. Thornstowe hit a desperation jawbreaker to send Larry D into Wentzâs tag. Luster tagged in and double teamed Wentz along with Thornstowe.
Back from commercial, Reno Scum is still under control of the match, working over Wentz, who is desperately trying to make the tag to Xavier. Thornstowe got a two count with a standing moonsault. Luster with a scoop slam and the scum armpit. Luster locks in a sleeper and tags in Thornstowe, but Wentz finally manages to dodge Adam and tags in Dezmond.
Xavier ran wild over Reno Scum, taking them out with superkicks. Double team by The Rascalz for a two count, but TJP sneaks in a tag and gets in.
Everyone started taking turns hitting their signature moves until Luster was left alone with XXXL who hit a sandwich on him, followed by synched dives to the outside.
Back in the ring, TJP is fighting Reno Scum, who went for the Doomsday Device, but TJP escaped and hit a frog splash on Thornstowe, who was set up by Bahhâs Samoan Drop. Good short match.
After the match, The North came down and got face to face with TJP and Bahh.
Impact Plus Flashback Moment of the Week was Gail Kim vs. Tessa Blanchard from 2019âs Rebellion pay-per-view.
Rohit Raju told Gama Singh that he didnât want to fight Hernandez because he needed to be ready for Rebellion. Gama slapped him and told him to respect his decision and think of the team. One day, Rohit will turn on the Desi Hit Squad and it will be great.
We got a video package for the feud of The Deaners and #CancelCulture, which was mostly a recap of the Cody Deaner and Joey Ryan match. Joey Ryan interrupted the production truck telling them to stop that video package and to play the video he had.
The video was a promo by Rob Van Dam and Katie Forbes from their jacuzzi. Rob said that he wanted to be there with Joey Ryan, but that they had to stay home to be safe from all the toxic masculinity of the Deaners.
Hernandez defeated Rohit Raju (with Gama Singh)
Rohit used his speed advantage to start the match, getting some offense, at least until Hernandez got his hands on him. Hernadez whipped him around, caught him mid air from a dive, blocked a sunset flip attempt and finally hit a pounce when Rohit tried to run at him. Hernandez then hit the Border Toss for the win. Total squash match.
We got a new talk show called âLocker Room Talkâ, hosted by Madison Rayne and Johnny Swinger. Rayne asked him if he really needed to cheat to defeat Jackson, to which Swinger said it didnât matter, he won anyway. Rayneâs guest tonight was Kylie Rae. She said that everyone had been really nice to her, that it was wonderful being part of the roster. She said she was excited to make her Rebellion debut versus Kiera Hogan.
Madison Rayne tried to get dirt on Raeâs thoughts of Hogan. She pushed Rae to say that Hogan was kinda mean, but Rae kept saying that she was nice.
Rayne then introduced Kiera Hogan as the second guest. Hogan told Rae that sheâll never be able to beat her, that sheâll humiliate her in the ring, and that sheâll show Rae that there are no friends in the Impact roster.
Rae snapped and told Kiera that sheâs not very nice. This was weird, but it worked.
We got footage of a match between Michael Elgin and Eddie Edwards from Qatar Pro Wrestlingâs Super Slam II show back in February. They didnât show the whole match, they jumped around to some of the bigger spots only.
The crowd was surprisingly behind Michael Elgin more than Eddie, and so they switched alignments and Eddie worked heel, shielding himself behind the referee, going for the title as a weapon, which was even weirder when Brian Cage came to save Michael Elgin from getting hit by the belt. Michael Elgin won the QPW Middle Eastern Championship at the end.
X-Division Champion Ace Austin defeated Trey Miguel in a non-title match.
Match started with a great, fast paced sequence of counters and reversals. Trey was the first to gain control when he flapjacked Ace, dropkicked him to the floor, then followed with a rana.
Down on the floor, Ace gained control, dropping Trey face first on the apron when he countered a rana.
Back in the ring, Ace worked over Treyâs neck with kicks and by stepping on top of it. He landed a snap suplex then went into a submission hold, but Trey finally fought back and hit a desperation neckbreaker.
Trey dodged Aceâs rush, swept the leg then hit a missile dropkick to send Ace to the apron. Ace went for a disaster kick, but Ace dodged, hit a springboard spinning kick and went for The Fold, but Trey avoided.
Trey went for the cheeky nandos kick, the Trey19, and finally for a meteora, but Ace moved away. Trey went for a foot stomp, but Ace rolled him over, pulled the tights, and stole the pin. Great fast-paced action.
Willie Mack cut a promo on Ace Austin. He told him to not play mind games. He knows that Ace couldnât get to him and so he went after his friend Rich Swann. Mack said that this wasnât about the title anymore, but about showing Ace some respect, and to do so, he would beat him up and take that title from him. Bad promo.
Tenille Dashwood defeated Taya Valkyrie (with John E. Bravo)
Tenille came right in for offense, rushing Taya with strikes. She dropped Taya with a Headscissors and draping neckbreaker. Taya went to the floor, only to be followed by Tenille jumping from the apron. Tenille went to follow with another, but Bravo pulled Tenilleâs leg to cut him off.
Taya, now in control, hit a superplex for a two count. Taya started working over Tenille, choking her all around the ring, even enlisting the help of Bravo. Taya hit the running hip attack and the running double knee for a near fall. She then locked up a single crab, but Tenille managed to roll over for a two count, only to get taken out again by Tayaâs clothesline.
Continuing her offense, Taya kept landing knees and even choked Tenille, but she kept distracting herself with the crowd until she allowed Tenille to recover. Tenille then dodged her, blocked her attacks, and hit a kneelift and a running splash for a two count.
Tenille followed that with a double underhook suplex for a two count. Taya reversed a German and hit a Spear for another near fall.
Back from commercial, Taya had regained control of the match, trying to lock up Tenille in the Scorpion Deathlock, but when Tenille escaped Taya hit a Road To Valhalla out of nowhere for a two count.
Taya went for a chair, but the referee took it away. This distraction allowed Tenille to get one on Taya, reversing Tayaâs firemanâs carry attempt into a roll up pin.
After the match, Taya attacked Tenille with a chair and a garbage can. Taya buried Tenille under chairs. Commentary kept asking if Tenille had no friends, or where security was. Neither came out. Taya just kept destroying Tenille until Bravo himself tried to stop her.
Taya pushed down Bravo and went for a top rope senton when finally, Jordynne Grace came out for the save with a kendo stick. Grace took out both Taya and Bravo with the kendo stick.
Jordynne and the referee helped Tenille to the back.
Tommy Dreamer and Rhino cut a promo on oVe, announcing that next week, Dreamer and Rhino are going to find a partner and finish things once and for all. Awesome promo by both.
We got a rundown of the Rebellion cards. Next week, Callihan vs Shamrock will be the main event.
We got a video package recapping Callihanâs I.C.U. hackings of the last months, all leading up to his return during Shamrockâs Hall Of Fame announcement.
Ken Shamrock came down to the ring first for the contract signing. Sami Callihan came out next and immediately told Matthews to leave the ring.
Callihan cut a promo, making fun that Shamrock couldnât touch him because he would lose the right to get him in the ring, which shouldnât really matter if all he wants is to hurt Callihan. He did bring up all of Shamrockâs accolades. Callihan then said that fighting him would bring the biggest buzz to Shamrockâs career.
Shamrock, completely stoic, didnât say anything and signed the contract with his eyes fixed on Callihan. Callihan threatened Shamrock to not do anything because at the push of a button, he could hack his family. Shamrock finally snapped, but the lights went off and Sami disappeared. The lights kept going on and off with more and more of Callihanâs followers appearing around the ring, and then they all disappeared.
Shamrock chased him backstage and to the parking lot. Shamrock got a call from Callihan, revealing that Shamrockâs driver was working for Sami, and suddenly, his whole car was ganged up by Samiâs followers before the show went off the air. Great angle up until the weird follower stuff.
Final Thoughts —
Good show, particularly inside the ring. If we see this as the go-home show for Rebellion, it was somewhat weak, but given that Rebellion is broken up into two nights now, this was good enough build for the first night.
Chris Jericho has revealed the name of his new stable that was formed last week on Dynamite.
There was an in-ring segment where Jericho formally introduced the stable as “The Inner Circle” on tonightâs Dynamite episode. He introduced each member of the group one by one: Jake Hager, Santana & Ortiz (formerly LAX), and Sammy Guevara.
During his promo, Jericho said he hates Cody Rhodes and his family. Jericho said that — at Full Gear on November 9 — he would celebrate his victory in the streets of Baltimore with a little bit of the bubbly.
Later on in the show, Jericho & Guevara teamed up in the main event to take on Hangman Page & Dustin Rhodes. Hager seconded Jericho and got involved in the match, taking out Page with a lariat. He then took out Dustin Rhodes in the ring with a forearm. Jericho used this to his advantage, hitting Dustin with the Judas Effect for the win.
A wild brawl broke out after the match. Page and Hager brawled to the back while Cody, MJF, The Young Bucks, and Darby Allin all came out to even the odds against The Inner Circle, with Cody’s side standing tall.
Chris Jericho has his partners for tomorrow’s AEW Dynamite premiere.
As had come to be expected, Jericho will team with Santana & Ortiz to face Kenny Omega & The Young Bucks in their six-man tag match tomorrow night (October 2). The six-man tag was first announced in July, with it being teased that Jericho would have two mystery partners.
Santana & Ortiz held the Impact Tag Team titles four times as LAX. They bid farewell to Impact in August and made their AEW debuts at All Out, attacking The Young Bucks and The Lucha Bros after they had faced each other in a ladder match.
The announcement of Santana & Ortiz being Jericho’s partners was made on the Countdown to Dynamite special that aired on TNT tonight. There was a scene where Santana & Ortiz congratulated and thanked Jericho backstage after he became the inaugural AEW World Champion at All Out.
The Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. is hosting tomorrow’s AEW Dynamite premiere. It will air from 8-10 p.m. Eastern time and go head-to-head with NXT.
Here’s what’s been announced for the Dynamite premiere:
Chris Jericho, Santana & Ortiz vs. Kenny Omega & The Young Bucks
Nyla Rose vs. Riho to determine the inaugural AEW Women’s Champion
Impact returned from Fronton Mexico in Mexico City as the Road to Bound for Glory continued. Tonightâs episode was being billed as LAX appreciation night, as this was their final show for Impact.
The opening video was a retroactive look at LAXâs time in Impact Wrestling, their beginning, their feuds, and the legacy they leave behind. Tonight, LAX have their final match for Impact.
This week’s Twitch stream was hosted by Melissa Santos, who ran down the show and hyped the Bound for Glory card.
Tessa Blanchard, Rob Van Dam, Tommy Dreamer & Rhino defeated oVe (Sami Callihan, X-Division Champion Jake Crist, Dave Crist & Madman Fulton) in a street fight
Impact opened the show with a strong match — a main event any other night. The match started with the babyfaces getting face-to-face with oVe for a four-on-four face-off that came to blows and strikes.
Callihan and RVD stayed in the ring as the rest brawled to the outside. RVD had the upper hand early with his usual kick arsenal. He hit Rolling Thunder before rolling out and giving the ring to Blanchard and Dave Crist. Blanchard hit the corner Magnum and followed with a dive to the outside.
Dreamer and Jake Crist were now in the ring, with Dreamer hitting a fallaway slam. Then it was Rhino and Fulton trading strikes in the middle of the ring until Fulton took out Rhino. Dreamer went to fight Fulton, landing a cutter on the big man, but Fulton still took him out.
Fulton assisted Jake Crist by tossing him to the floor on everyone, Dreamer hit a top rope plancha to the outside, and RVD was next with a big dive to the outside.
Back in the ring, it was now Blanchard and Callihan by themselves. They started brawling and Blanchard quickly dropped Callihan with a cutter, sending him to the outside. Blanchard went for the top rope, but Dave Crist cut her off and hit a suplex onto the pile of bodies on the floor.
Back in the ring, everyone started taking turns taking out an opponent until Blanchard and Fulton were alone in the ring. Blanchard hit a tilt-a-whirl DDT to shake down Fulton. Jake Crist interrupted her Magnum attempt and landed a huge cutter for a two count when RVD broke up the pin.
RVD and Dreamer took out Jake and Fulton with a kendo stick. Rhino brought in a table, but before they used it, Callihan hit a double low blow. Rhino recovered and hit Jake with a Gore through the table, followed by a Five Star Frog Splash by RVD. Finally, it was Blanchard with a crossface tapping out the X-Division Champion. Blanchard had a bloody nose at the end.
The match was good for what it was — a sprint, given the amount of people in the ring and the time given.
Backstage, Ace Austin was in a wheelchair all injured after last weekâs match with Eddie Edwards. Alisha Edwards was checking in on Austin. Austin said that itâs all because of her husband, but that heâll be there for Alisha if she needs him. At this point, we have to assume heâs faking it all.
We got the first LAX Flashback Moment of the Night. It was LAX winning the Tag Team titles against Decay and Laredo Kid & Hector Garza Jr.
Backstage, Jimmy Jacobs interviewed The North, who were celebrating that LAX are leaving Impact Wrestling. The North were wearing ridiculous party hats and mocking LAX. Ethan Page said theyâre going to look for people and have themselves a fiesta.
Knockouts Champion Taya Valkyrie (w/ John E. Bravo) defeated Alisha Edwards in a non-title match.
They talked trash to start the match before Alisha tried to get the better of Taya from behind. Taya easily took her down.
Suddenly, Ace Austin got rolled down the ramp and left at ringside. Meanwhile in the ring, Taya just beat up Alisha with strikes and tossed her around by the hair. Taya hit a Super Dragon-style curb stomp for a two count.
Alisha had a hope spot when she hit a running dropkick to a cornered Taya and a short distance clothesline. Alisha hit a flatliner for a two count when John E. Bravo pulled her out of the ring. This provoked Austin to get up from the wheelchair and take out Bravo while neither woman looked.
Taya still caught Alisha getting back to the ring and hit the Road to Valhalla for the win. So much for Austin’s assist, but at least we all confirmed heâs perfectly okay.
After the match, Austin pretended to be injured again and made himself a victim for Alisha to care for.
The North were backstage recruiting people for their party. They bullied some people until they reached RVD and Rhino. RVD was down to party, but Rhino got tired of Page and destroyed their pinata.
Mahabali Shera (w/ Gama Singh and The Desi Hit Squad) defeated Cody Deaner (w/ Cousin Jake)
Shera going heel and being managed by Gama is the best thing that could happen to him and us — no more Shera Shake for now and maybe it will give the team a push.
Shera destroyed Deaner from the start. He immediately tackled Deaner to the corner, tossed him around to the other, and dropped him. Deaner tried to make a comeback, but Shera hit a big front-facing suplex.
Deaner hoped for another comeback, hitting a dive on the rest of the Desi Hit Squad. He went for a move from the top rope, but Shera caught him with a big chokeslam, followed by a Mark Henry-style powerslam for the win. Shera looked impressive size-wise. This concept has potential.
It was time for LAX Flashback number two. It was the LAX vs. OGz gang brawl in the streets of NYC. This was the Final Deletion-style climax to the LAX-OGz feud.
The Rascalz (Zachary Wentz, Dezmond Xavier & Trey Miguel) defeated Australian Suicide, Arez & Toxin
The Rascalz started the match with a triple moonsault on all their opponents, followed by a triple dive to the outside.
Australian Suicide and Miguel were the first in the ring, with Miguel getting the better of the match with a couple of ranas and arm drags. Arez came in and had a fast-paced sequence that ended with a brainbuster on Miguel to take him out.
Xavier came in and hit a kick combo and senton to remove Arez from the match. Toxin came in and hit a backbreaker to send Xavier out. Wentz took out Toxin with a plancha, and finally, it was Australian Suicide back in the ring taking out Wentz. They proceeded to take turns hitting dives outside, with Australian Suicide hitting a Shooting Star Press for a big pop.
Back in the ring, Miguel hit Toxin with Cheeky Nandos. Xavier and Wentz hit a Hot Fire Flame on Australian Suicide for the win. This was really short but super action packed — it was hard keeping up with the action.
Moose was walking around Mexico City cutting a promo on Ken Shamrock. He was out there trying to pick a fight to prove that he’s tougher than Shamrock. Moose beat up some people hanging out on a corner.
We got footage from Dreamer, Rich Swann, and Brian Cage talking about Cageâs bachelor party.
Tenille Dashwood had a sit-down interview with Jimmy Jacobs. She said that she came to Impact because she wanted to face off against the Knockouts, who she hadnât fought before. Dashwood said that she wanted to fight Madison Rayne and Tessa Blanchard, but her primary focus was Taya and the Knockouts Championship.
Dashwood brought up that she was Tayaâs first ever match and that she recognized that Taya has grown a lot — but she has too. Good stuff.
Havok defeated Su Yung in a no DQ match
Havok came down to the ring wielding a staple gun. She jumped Yung during her entrance and started to work her over outside the ring. Havok went for the stapler, but Yung bit her hand and took her down with a series of kicks and running knees.
Outside the ring, Yung rammed Havok to the ring post to get an opening. Yung set up a chair and used a drop toe hold to send Havok face-first into it. Yung did the Old School spot on the barricade, but Havok brought her down the hard way.
Back in the ring, Havok brought in a ladder that Yung dropkicked into her. Yung hit a draping Pedigree on Havok, only getting two out of it. Havok ran into a chair, but when Yung failed to schoolboy her, Yung took the stapler and used it between Havok’s legs. Yes, exactly.
This made Havok head to the floor, where Yung stapled her again on the breast. Yung followed with a running cannonball from the apron.
Back in the ring, Yung went for the Mandible Claw, but Havok came back with some kicks. Havok hit a Tombstone piledriver and pinned Yung for the win. This was an okay weapons match — nothing special aside from that staple that made me cringe.
After the match, Yung came back and locked in the Mandible Claw. Yung brought another chair into the ring and tossed it at Havok, sending her to the floor. They fought up the ramp and then traded forearms and started making their way to the back, brawling in the halls and stairways. Eventually, Havok tied a rope around Yungâs neck and straight up hung her from the stairs. I think the Undead Bride is deader now.
Next week, weâre getting the wedding of Cage and Santos.
We got footage from Santos’ bachelorette party. A lot of champagne, but no bubbly jokes. Taya made a toast to herself for being the longest reigning Knockouts Champion ever. Suddenly, cop stripper Joey Ryan entered. Between the banter of the attendees and Ryan, this was great.
On Cageâs party however, Cage was cheating — but on his diet, eating a ton of pastries. Swann and Dreamer left out of boredom and disappointment.
Barbwire Massacre III was the third installment of LAXâs farewell Flashback Moment of the Night.
We got another vignette for Johnny Swinger. He debuts next week.
We got a commercial for Ken Shamrockâs Valor Bare Knuckle event.
Santana and Swann started the match. They chained wrestled for a bit before going for a sequence of counters and reversals, ending with a stalemate.
Swann got driven to the corner the hard way — and the friendly play was over. Ortiz tagged in and hit a combo for a two count as they started working over Swann, but not long after, Ortiz started playing to the crowd enough to give Swann the time to recover and tag in Mack.
Mack came in strong and took down Ortiz, but thanks to the assistance of Santana, LAX regained control and managed to cut the ring in half on Mack. Santana and Ortiz traded quick tags, but Mack used his size to take out Santana with a superkick and get the blind tag to Swann and turn the match around.
Mack hit a big shoulder tackle on Ortiz, followed by the Samoan drop and moonsault for a two count.
Back from commercial, Mack was still in control of the match over Ortiz, working him with chops. Swann came in and traded strikes with Ortiz, who at the end managed to land a desperation clothesline for some space, but he failed to tag in Santana before Mack cut him off again.
Ortiz hit another desperation DDT on Mack. This time he got to tag in Santana, who came in with a huge kick on Mack. Swann tried to cut him off, but he took a double-team backbreaker by LAX, earning a two count. Santana went for a moonsault on Mack, but he got caught in mid-air, getting hit with a top rope neckbreaker by Swann.
All four men started trading moves in the middle of the ring until they were all down. Swann and LAX were up, with LAX hitting a powerbomb into Ortizâs knees for a two count when Mack broke it up. LAX went for the Street Sweeper, but Swann broke out and hit a standing rana, setting up the Six Star Frog Splash by Mack for a two count.
The finishing sequence saw Santana make a stand against both Swann and Mack, but they ended up delivering tandem superkicks to both LAX members. Finally, a stunner, Phoenix Splash, and frog splash on Santana sealed the win for Swann & Mack. Great match.
After the match, the fans tossed money into the ring. The locker room emptied out to pay their respects to LAX and give them their goodbyes.
The episode closed with an update on Su Yung in the emergency room. She flatlined and the medics failed to bring her back, but then she came back to life, or undead life, whatever that means.
Final Thoughts —
Good and fun show for Impact. It felt like a big deal with the build to LAXâs farewell match, but it didnât take away from the rest that was good inside the ring.
Impact Wrestling returns from Fronton Mexico in Mexico City as the Road to Bound for Glory continues. Tonightâs opening video made a big deal about Ken Shamrockâs return and the title vs career main event between LAX and The North.
Twitch stream was hosted by Melissa Santos from Las Vegas, where theyâre taping the new set of episodes. There were cameos by some of the roster. In addition, Impact started showing âHidden Gemsâ 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 Havokâs 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 canât 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 Bahhâs 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 wouldnât 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 âgreat last nightâ. 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 weekâs 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 Bandidoâs 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 Alishaâs 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. Heâs the stereotype 90âs wrestler, fanny pack and all.
Jimmy Jacobs interviewed Tenile Dashwood. She said that her plans are clear, she is here for the Knockoutâs championship. Kiera Hogan and Madison Rayne interrupted and told her to go to the back of the line. Tenille said she doesnât 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 Fultonâs 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 didnât 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 weâll get our answer later tonight.
The Rascalz were in the Treehouse. They argued because Trey couldnât hook up âthe stuffâ. Rich Swann and Willie Mack walked in, who fortunately, had some of the stuff. After a session, they talked about who would win tonightâs 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 otherâs 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 theyâre not losing tonight because theyâre 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 Santanaâs 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 didnât get the time it deserved.
After the match, all LAX members were heartbroken and mad. Fans chanted for LAX, but the crowd reaction didnât seem like one of a crowd that knew this was LAXâs final match.
Brian Cage came out to the ring to address his health status and Sami Callihanâs 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 didnât 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 wonât 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 weekâs episode.
Final thoughts —
Good show for Impact. Really strong inside the ring, but I still expected more for LAXâs final match with Impact and finally having a Callihan vs Cage face off.
After The Lucha Bros and The Young Bucks’ ladder match at All Out, Santana & Ortiz — formerly known as LAX in Impact Wrestling — appeared and attacked both teams. They were wearing President masks at first, then unmasked after giving Nick Jackson their Street Sweeper finisher.
Santana put a Puerto Rican flag around his shoulders after hitting the move.
Pentagon Jr. & Fenix retained their AAA Tag Team titles against The Young Bucks before Santana & Ortiz appeared.
Chris Jericho and two mystery partners will face Kenny Omega & The Young Bucks in a six-man tag match on the AEW on TNT premiere. It’s taking place at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, October 2.
Santana & Ortiz said farewell to Impact Wrestling at the promotion’s television tapings in Mexico City earlier this month. The North (Josh Alexander & Ethan Page) vs. Santana & Ortiz will air on next Friday’s episode of Impact. The North’s Impact Tag Team titles are on the line against Santana & Ortiz’s Impact careers.
LAX (Santana & Ortiz) have officially bid farewell to Impact Wrestling.
After having their final match for the promotion, Santana posted a statement thanking Impact for the opportunities LAX were given:
“Last night we wrestled our final match with @impactwrestling. Our appreciation and gratitude for every single person there who had a hand in helping us get to this point, is absolutely endless. THANK YOU for the opportunity to show the world our passion and commitment to this business. And most of all, for the opportunity to represent our people and culture on a big stage. We are forever grateful. #ThankYouIMPACT”
LAX faced Impact Tag Team Champions The North (Josh Alexander & Ethan Page) at Impact’s television tapings in Mexico City, Mexico this Thursday night. LAX then faced Rich Swann & Willie Mack on Friday’s tapings. There was a sendoff for LAX on night two.
AEW and WWE have both been interested in signing Santana & Ortiz. They held the Impact Tag Team titles four times while with the promotion.
Impact Wrestling has added four matches to their television tapings in Mexico City, Mexico.
Impact is taping TV at Fronton Mexico tomorrow and Friday. Michael Elgin vs. Rhino, Impact Tag Team Champions The North (Josh Alexander & Ethan Page) vs. LAX (Santana & Ortiz), and Rich Swann & Willie Mack vs The Rascalz (Dezmond Xavier & Zachary Wentz) are set for Thursday’s tapings.
Jessicka Havok vs. Su Yung has been confirmed for Friday.
As was previously announced, Tenille Dashwood vs. Kiera Hogan and RVD vs. Madman Fulton are set for Thursday. Dr. Wagner Jr. will be appearing on Friday.
Elgin and Rhino’s feud began when Elgin was Gored at Slammiversary XVII. Elgin lost to Impact World Champion Brian Cage at the pay-per-view, then hit Cage with the title belt after the match and went to attack Don Callis. A masked man then appeared and gave Elgin a Gore.
Impact didn’t specify if The North vs. LAX is a title match. The North won the titles from LAX at Bash at the Brewery last month.
At Slammiversary, The North retained against LAX and The Rascalz in a triple threat match. There was an injury angle with Santana during the match. In his place, Daga teamed with Ortiz as they unsuccessfully challenged for The North’s titles on the Impact episode that aired last week.
LAX’s contracts with Impact are set to expire this summer.
We’re doing three polls this weekend, for the UFC 239 show in Las Vegas, NJPW G-1 opener in Dallas and the Impact PPV on Sunday in Dallas, so you can leave a thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs in the middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected]” target=”_blank”>[email protected]
We’re also looking for reports from Raw in Newark, NJ tonight with anything not on the live Raw show as well as from the Smackdown house show in Glens Falls, NY.
Monday has Raw TV from Newark, NJ at the Prudential Center. Rey Mysterio returns Monday plus Becky Lynch & Seth Rollins vs. Andrade & Zelina Vega and Roman Reigns and a mystery partner vs. Drew McIntyre & Shane McMahon. There is also a Smackdown brand house show on Monday in Glens Falls, NY.
Smackdown and 205 take place Tuesday from Manchester, NH.
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.
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].
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MONDAY NEWS UPDATE
Bryan and I will be back tonight covering Raw and the latest wrestling and MMA news, as well as taking questions that you can send to [email protected]
Hollywood John Tatum, real name John Frenkel, is recovering from a series of heart attacks over the past week.
Thiago Santos tore every ligament in his left knee during the fight with Jon Jones on Saturday night and his right knee also suffered damage due to compensating for his left knee. He will need reconstructive surgery on the left knee, and may need it on his right knee.
From last night’s Impact PPV, the Santana injury was planned out in advance. It was LAX’s last match with the promotion. They have offers from both AEW and WWE. It also looks to be Johnny Impact’s last match with the promotion. He probably can go anywhere he wants.
WWE events on 11/3 and 11/4 in Italy have been canceled. This is also due to changes made based on the Saudi Arabian government changing dates for the November show.
WWE
After Raw tonight, the WWE Network will air a WWE 24 on Batista.
Dave Bautista will be appearing on Jimmy Kimmel on Wednesday, promoting the movie “Stuber.” (thanks to Jon Southerland)
Roman Reigns vs. Drew McIntyre had been pushed for the main event spot at the Glens Falls, NY house show tonight and were still listed on the web site a few hours ago but both are scheduled to be on Raw tonight in Newark. Everyone should read “Death of WCW” regarding running off fans.
The company sent out mailers to a number of current and former networks subscribers offering the next three months of WWE network for 99 cents.
While there are stories going around about this, and tonight being the go-home show and all, Undertaker is not scheduled for Raw.
The July issue of Muscle & Fitness has a story on Natalya talking about her early career influences growing up with Stampede Wrestling.
Zachary Madsen, the MMA fighter ho was arrested for the attack on Bret Hart at the WWE Hall of Fame, is scheduled for a hearing tomorrow at Kings Criminal Court in Brooklyn. He’s being charged with two counts of third degree assault and trespassing when he tacked and punched Hart while Hart was giving a Hall of Fame speech.
Glenn Jacobs, Mayor Kane’s autobiography news here at Knox News.
Mickie James spoke to ABC 8 News in Virginia talking about her background. (thanks to Mike Kuzmuk)
UFC
ESPN PPV numbers were huge for Saturday’s UFC 239 show.
MISCELLANEOUS
A correction from yesterday, in the story about a promotion in Butler County, PA, it was actually in Butler County, OH, although there is a Butler County, PA (thanks to Steve Schonberger)
Tony Khan donated $5,000 in the Go Fund Me for Don & Sandra Wright after their home burned down on Thursday.
Stardom from yesterday in Takaoka: Konami b Saya Iida, Jungle Kyona won three-way over Starlight Kid and Hazuki, Saki Kashima & Xia Brookside b Utami Hayashishita & Leo Onozaki, Hana Kimura & Zoe Lucas & Bobbi Tyler b Bea Priestley & Momo Watanabe & AZM, Mayu Iwatani & Toni Storm & Arisa Hoshiki b Kagetsu & Natsuko Tora & Andras Miyagi (thanks to Shannon Walsh and wrestlingwithdemons.net)
Best of the West on Saturday night with a live TV taping at 5766 E. Fountain Way in Fresno with Reno Scum against tag champs Royce Isaacs & Jorel Nelson. The show starts at 6 p.m.
Danny Kinghad vs. Reece McLaren in a flyweight tournament alternate bout and Mauri Cerillo faces former UFC fighter Arjan Bhullar in a heavyweight fight on the 8/2 ONE show in The Philippines.
PWX from Sunday in Charlotte: Sho & Yoh b Tracer X & Drew Adler, John Skyler & Ethan Case & Jushin Liger b Caleb Konley & Zane Riley & Jake Manning, Dariuis Lockhart won four-way over Brian Pillman Jr., Mason Myles and Sir Rios Badu, Saieve Al Sabah b Billy Brash, Lindsay Snow b Savannah Evans, Slim J b Jason Cade, Rocky Romero b Harlem Bravado, YaYa won Battle Royal. This was the show where the backstage photo of Liger and Brian Pillman Jr. was shot (thanks to Adam Frazier)
Border City Wrestling from last night in Essex, ONT: Stone Rockwell b James Runyan,. Jackson Stone & Billy Ray Daniels & Buck Gunderson b Nolan Edwards & Matrox & El Reverso, Ryan Wright b D-Man, Aiden Prince & Brad Martin b Gavin Quinn & Juntai, Cody Deaner b Bhupinder Singh (thanks to Leonard Brand)
Pro Wrestling Phoenix from Friday in Omaha: Branden Juarez b Santos Barbosa, Nicky Scent b Logan James, Willie Sweet b K Dos, Brett Bishop b Preston Maxwell in a falls count anywhere match, Moonshine Russell b Purple, Seto Kobara & Tim Boston b Jack Darling & Uncle Ricky, Pat Powers b Paul Daniels & Joey Daniels in a handicap match, Jaysin Strife b Chris Havius. Next show is 7/24 at the Waiting Room Lounge in Omaha.
Dory Funk Jr. and BANG have announced an 8/4 show at the Reilly Art Center in Ocala, FL. The show is at 6 p.m. with a meet ad greet at 3 p.m. Among those appearing are Funk Jr., Mick Foley, Osamu Nishimura, Steve Corino, Colby Corino, Sabu, Warlord, Barbarian, Lanny Poffo, Brian Blair, Dave Penzer, Bob Cook with Warlord & Barbarian vs. the Pretty Boys in a cage match main event. The show will benefit Champions for Champions for special needs kids and the Humane Society hospital of Central Florida.
Tonga Kid ran a show in Roseville, CA at the Denio’s Swap Meet yesterday with 85 fans. Tonga Kid & Journey Fatu, his son (brother of Jacob Fatu) beat Jody Kristofferson & Rik Luxury in the main event. They have a second show in the same location on 8/11 (thanks to Roy Lucier)
ECCW on Saturday night in Vancouver, BC at the Commodore Ballroom features Ballroom Brawl 12 with Brian Pillman Jr. vs. Kevin Sullivan, Artemis Spencer vs. T.J. Perkins plus Brody King, David Starr and Nicole Matthews appear. Tickets are at ticketmaster.ca
After winning the Bellator bantamweight title to with his Rizin bantamweight belt, Kyoji Horiguchi’s next fight is 8/18 in Nagoya against Kai Asakura.
Just two days before Slammiversary XVII, a title change took place at Impact Wrestling’s Bash at the Brewery live special.
The North (Josh Alexander & Ethan Page) defeated LAX (Santana & Ortiz) in San Antonio, Texas on Friday night to win the Impact Tag Team Championship. The finish of the match was Page hitting Santana with a title belt while the referee couldn’t see it, with Alexander then rolling up Santana to win the titles.
LAX had been scheduled to defend their titles against The Rascalz (Dezmond Xavier & Zachary Wentz) at Slammiversary. It will now be The North defending against LAX and The Rascalz in a triple threat match.
The Rascalz (Xavier, Wentz, and Trey Miguel) faced each other on Impact’s go-home show for Slammiversary. The stipulation was that it would decide which two would be in the title match at the pay-per-view, and Xavier and Wentz both pinned Miguel at the same time.
LAX’s contracts with Impact are set to expire later this summer. Dave Meltzer reported that there’s interest in them from both WWE and AEW.
Slammiversary is taking place at Gilley’s Dallas in Dallas, Texas tomorrow (Sunday, July 7).
Impact returns from the Melrose Ballroom in Queens, NY, as they continue the build towards Slammiversary, just nine nights away. Opening video featured the build up to Tessa Blanchard vs Sami Calliahn at the pay-per-view, the backstage angle between Eddie Edwards and Killer Kross, the announcement of the Knockoutâs Monster’s Ball match, and the return of TJP and Brian Cage.
Twitch stream was hosted by Melissa Santos. She hyped up all of the matches being built for Slammiversary.
The North (Ethan Page & Josh Alexander) defeated The Deaners (Cody Deaner & Cousin Jake)
Jake and Alexander start the match with the latter having the technical advantage, while Jake had the strength advantage, earning him control early on. Deaners kept control over both Page and Alexander with quick tags and a couple of tag team moves, earning a two count on Page.
Page turned the match around on Cousin Jake. They went for a double piledriver, but Jake outpowered them, escaped, and got Cody the tag, who took out Page with a dive. Inside the ring, Josh Alexander took out Jake with a running crossbody.
For a second time in the match, the North gained control, this time over Cody, cutting the ring in half on him with quick tags and power moves. Cody made a comeback with a desperation Swinging Neckbreaker to get the tag to Cousin Jake, who ran wild over both Page and Alexander. Deaner tagged in and hit a Flying Headbutt for a near fall. Jake hit the corner spear and the Dearners went for their finisher, but Page interrupted them. Alexander and Jake traded strikes, Alexander hit a deadlift German, but Jake stood up and hit a desperation lariat for a two count. Cody hit a Deaner DDT and went for top rope move, but Page blocked him, North hit the tag finisher, and picked up the win. Pretty good opener, the Deaners are better than they get credit for.
Josh Alexander got busted open over the nose early in the match, he already had the cut, so he just reopened the wound.
– Taya and Rosemary met in Rosemaryâs lair to plan for tonightâs match. Taya is arguing that she doesnât want to be there. Rosemary tells her to just keep her word that if Rosemary protects her, sheâll get a shot at the Knockoutâs title. Really great interaction between the two.
– Rolando Menendez interviewed Brian Cageâs doctor, who said that Cageâs actions last week were irresponsible as he is still not cleared to return to action.
– We got footage from a House of Hardcore show where Moose attacked Tommy Dreamer, blaming RVD for the attack.
– Commentary announced that Killer Kross will face Eddie Edwards at Slammiversary in a First Blood Match.
Knockoutâs Champion Taya Valkyrie & Rosemary defeated Su Yung & Havok by DQ
Rosemary and Taya start arguing over who starts the match, but on the other side, Havok attacks them both. She took focus on Taya, making quick work of her with chokes and backbreakers before tagging in Su Yung. Taya made a small comeback, but failed to tag in Rosemary and kept getting worked on, eating the turnbuckle by a Spiderrana by Yung, who immediately went for the Mandible Claw, except Havok tagged herself in and shouted at Yung.
Taya finally managed to escape from Havok, doding a Banzai Drop, and tagged in Rosemary. She went with lariats against Havok, but failed with each one, until she changed her offense into a Slingblade instead. Rosemary to Havok down with a dropkick to the knee and locked in a Last Chancery, but Yung broke it up.
Rosemary sent Havok to the outside and went for a dive, but Havok blocked her with a forearm as she was coming down. Rosemary and Havok started brawling outside the ring. Havok grabbed a chair, but Rosemary dodged. Su Yung took down Rosemary with the chair for the DQ loss.
Taya and Su Yung brawled inside the ring with Yung locking in the Claw on the champion, while Rosemary and Havok brawled outside. Rosemary took out Havok and speared Yung, keeping her promise to protect Taya, but she got distracted, leaving Havok to pick up chairs. Havok returned to the ring and went for Rosemary, but now it was Taya that made the save, and took out Havok with a chair. Rosemary brought out thumbtacks. Taya and Rosemary teased dropping Yung on the tacks, but Havok stopped them. There was some miscommunication with Havok and Yung and it led to Havok wanting to chokeslam Yung, but James Mitchell ran down to break up the fight. Match wasnât much, but the post-match angle was good.
– Melissa Santos interviewed Ace Austin about his first loss. Austin said that he lost because he couldnât prepare for someone he wasnât even in the company prior to last week. TJP interrupted him, took some shots at 205 Live, and said that they can have another match next week so Ace has time to properly prepare.
– The Deaners recovered at a bar and talked about their loss. They were interrupted by the Desi Hit Squad, who made fun of them.
– Impact Plus Moment of the Week was the Mixed Tag Monsterâs Ball from Slammiversary 2009 between Taylor Wilde and Abyss vs Raven and Daffney.
– Eddie Edwards was in a church in Boston, MA. He confesses that he has lost everything and he doesnât care because the voice in his head keeps telling him to do bad things. Suddenly, Kross is there, who teases Eddie, but they agree to not fight inside the church. Krossâs wardrobe makes him look like part of the Deaners now. I miss black suit Killer Kross.
– Backstage, Johnny Bravo is showing off to the other refs and staff. The refs call him a stooge and make fun of him. He talks trash about Rich Swann, who shows up, along with Johnny Impact, as they get into a pull apart. Swann challenges Impact to a tag match between Swann and Mack vs Johnny Impact and Bravo, who accepts in behalf of Impact.
Sami Callihan (w/Madman Fulton) defeated Fallah Bahh (w/Scarlett Bordeaux)
Callihan tried to jump Bahh, but Fallah Bahh was ready for him and started the match hitting a flurry of strikes instead. Callihan tried to chop Bahh, but it didnât work and Bahh kept the offense. It wasnât until Fulton tripped Bahh, that Sami got the opening to drop Bahh with a Lariat. The referee ejected Fulton to the back.
Bahh had time to recover and get back in the offensive with some clotheslines, but Sami tricked Bahh and dropped him again. We got the visual of Callihanâs snot drooling out.
Callihan kept control with stomps and sleepers. Bahh eventually powered up and made a comeback, dropped Sami with a Belly-to-belly and followed with a running splash and running hip attack on the corner. Bahh hit a Samoan Drop and went for the Banzai Drop, but Callihan got out of the ring.
Bahh chased Callihan to the outside, bringing him back the hard way. Bahh went to suplex Sami to the outside, but Callihan bit him, got a couple of kicks in, and a rope assisted Cactus Special for the win. Decent match for the time it got. Bahh has improved a lot after losing weight.
After the match, Callihan cut a promo. He said that the Knockouts are not created equal and tried to hijack the show until the fans would stay quiet. He called out Tessa, who took no time to come out.
Callihan told Tessa that she wonât do anything to him because he is a man and he IS Impact Wrestling. Sami said that if Tessa wanted to be treated like an equal, he would oblige, and superkicked Tessa. Callihan kept talking, giving Tessa the time to recover, get up, and take down Callihan. The rest of oVe came out and held Tessa, allowing Callihan to take out Tessa with the bat and deliver the Cactus Special after Tessa spat on him. Pretty strong angle, this is going to be controversial. Even in defeat, Tessa looked incredibly strong.
LAX and Rascalz face off in the center of the ring, allowing Laredo Kid to start the match hitting a flying crossbody on all of the Rascalz, sending them to the outside, set up for Santana to take them out with a tope con giro. Inside the ring, Kid and Trey exchanged a series of counters, with Kid getting the upper hand with a couple of kicks and ranas. With everyone outside, Laredo Kid hit a moonsault to the outside as he and LAX gain control of the match.
Back from commercial, Trey Miguel is being worked on with a series of team moves by all three men opposite his corner. After some chaos with all six men in the ring, Trey gets the tag to Dezmond, who gets a quick pin attempt on Ortiz after Wentz took out Kid and Santana with a huge dive.
Santana came in and ran wild over Trey Miguel with a kick and a Death Valley Driver. Wentz takes him out, and followed one after the other taking each other down until they all laid on the mat to chants of âFight Foreverâ.
All six men traded strikes in the ring, ending with LAX getting the upper hand with super kicks. Laredo Kid hit a 450 over all three Rascalz stacked up for a two count. LAX and Kid went for a team move on Trey, but Dez and Wentz blocked them and hit a kick combo on Ortiz instead, setting him up for a Meterora by Trey for the win.
Another incredible match between these two teams. Their Slammiversary match has a big change of stealing the show.
– Melissa Santos interviewed Madison Rayne about defeating Jordynne Grace. Madison said that win was soured by Kiera Hoganâs interference and offered Grace a rematch. Hogan interrupted her and said that all the Knockouts are âselfish bitchesâ, except she doesnât mind accepting she is. Rayne challenged Hogan to a match.
– Back at the Treehouse, Rascalz recovered, but argued that Trey wonât be at the tag match in Slammiversary, leading to a discussion about what the pair at the pay-per-view. They agree to a 3-way match next week with the loser being out of Slammiversary. This is going to be great.
Also for next week, we have the TJP vs Ace Austin rematch, Johnny Impact and Johnny Bravo vs Rich Swann and Willie Mack, and Madison Rayne vs Kiera Hogan.
– Rolando Menendez tried to interview Cage as he came in to the building. Cageâs doctor told him that he wasnât cleared, so Cage just picked him up and got him out of his way.
Brian Cage came out to the ring and addressed Michael Elgin. He said that itâs taken him 14 years to claim his position as World Champion, but Elgin took away his biggest win from him and sent him to the hospital. He said that he was injured at that time, but he is ready and it wonât happen again.
Impactâs team doctor came out and told Cage that he is not cleared to compete. Cage hit an F-5 on the doctor. Elgin then jumped Cage from behind, he hit the Buckle Bomb and Elgin Bomb combination for a visual 3-count. Elgin posed with the World title. Cage showed signs of not being done, so Elgin hit a second Elgin Bomb and went for a table this time around. Elgin hit a powerbomb from the ring to the table outside on the floor. Crazy spot given Cageâs real injury a couple of months ago.
Don Callis told Elgin to leave, provoking Elgin to attack Callis with a forearm. Elgin went for an Elgin Bomb on Callis, but Cage stood up with a neck brace, ripped it off, got in the ring, and brawled with Elgin to close off the show.
Final thoughts —
This was a really packed show, both inside and outside the ring. Just like last weekend, this could have been a really strong go-home show, yet we still have one more week to go before the pay-per-view. If anything else, the angles tonight really escalated some of the ongoing feuds.
It will be LAX (Santana & Ortiz) defending their Impact Tag Team titles against The Rascalz (two of Dezmond Xavier, Zachary Wentz & Trey Miguel) at Slammiversary XVII. That was announced after the teams brawled on last night’s episode of Impact.
Xavier & Wentz challenged for LAX’s titles in the main event of last week’s Impact. It appeared that The Rascalz won the titles, but — as the first referee couldn’t see — a second ref counted the pin for Miguel despite Miguel not being in the match. The decision was reversed to LAX winning by disqualification.
Gilley’s Dallas in Dallas, Texas is hosting Slammiversary XVII on Sunday, July 7. The PPV is being headlined by Brian Cage defending the Impact World Championship against Michael Elgin.
LAX and The Rascalz (Xavier & Wentz) are also set to face off at PWG’s 16th anniversary event on Friday, July 26. The Rascalz will defend their PWG Tag Team titles against LAX in a ladder match at that show.
Impact Wrestling returned from the 2300 Arena this week for the final episode of the Philadelphia tapings.
This week’s main event was LAX defending their Tag Team titles against The Rascalz (Dezmond Xavier & Zachary Wentz). In addition, Rosemary took on Knockouts Champion Taya Valkyrie in a non-title match, oVe faced Fallah Bahh & Scarlet Bordeaux, and Kiera Hogan battled Jordynne Grace.
The video recap of last week’s episode touched on the ECW originals taking on Moose & The North, Tessa Blanchard knocking out Glenn Gilbertti, LAX and The Rascalz agreeing to tonightâs match, the street fight between Eddie Edwards and Killer Kross, and the announcement that Brian Cage will return at Slammiversary to defend his World title against Michael Elgin.
The Twitch stream was hosted by Melissa Santos from Impact’s new set of tapings at the Melrose Ballroom in Queens, New York. There were several cameos from the roster.
Ace Austin defeated Cousin Jake (w/ Cody Deaner)
This was a speed vs. power match with Austin using his speed and kicks to take down Jake, but as soon as Jake would get his hands on Austin, heâd stop him and drop him. There was some miscommunication on a spot to get Jake outside for Austin to do his headstand into a kick, so they repeated the spot.
Once outside, Austin dove, only to get caught by Jake and slammed onto the apron. Jake followed with a running splash on the apron too, getting a two count.
Austin went for a Disaster Kick, but Jake just blocked him. Jake went for a spear to the corner, but Austin dodged, distracted the referee, and paper cut Jakeâs hand. Austin hit a kick and a famouser for a two count.
Austin worked on the same injured hand, attempting a Kimura or a Vice, but Jake slowly started to power up and flip Austin off. Austin chopped Jake to no avail, so he hit another kick and the Curb Stomp, setting up The Fold, but Jake recovered and hit a huge lariat to earn himself a couple of seconds to recover.
Jake hit a close distance clothesline and a Michinoku Driver for a two count. Jake hit the corner spear, but suddenly, the Desi Hit Squad attacked Cody Deaner outside the ring, distracting Jake enough for Austin to hit The Fold for the win. Pretty good match — both men have a lot of potential.
– Melissa Santos interviewed Knockouts Champion Taya Valkyrie about facing Rosemary tonight. Taya said that she has moved on from fighting Rosemary and now Rosemary is crawling her way back to the championship. She said that tonight, she reminds Rosemary who she is.
Knockouts Champion Taya Valkyrie defeated Rosemary (w/ Su Yung) by DQ in a non-title match
The match started and Rosemary stayed distracted with Yung, giving Taya the opening to tackle Rosemary down and deliver a set of strikes, stomps, and hip attacks. Taya hit running knees to the corner.
Rosemary recovered and locked in the Upside Down to earn some distance. She went for a missile dropkick, but Taya dodged and hit a release German suplex in return. Rosemary got a desperation slingblade and a reverse DDT for a two count.
Rosemary hit a spear for another two count. She then followed with a Koji Clutch, but suddenly, James Mitchell brought out Jessicka Havok.
Havok and Rosemary had a staredown before Rosemary went to punch Havok, only to get blocked and taken down with one clothesline. Havok delivered a Tombstone piledriver on Rosemary.
Taya tried to run, but Havok caught her with a chokeslam. Mitchell released Yung from her chains. Yung, Havok, and Mitchell all left together. The match was pretty bad, but the ending angle saved it.
– The Rascalz were in the treehouse preparing for tonightâs main event against LAX. Trey Miguel wants to fight tonight, but heâll just be out there supporting Zachary Wentz and Dezmond Xavier. Miguel’s character, like Ortiz, seems to be developing a drinking problem.
– The Impact Plus Flashback Moment of the Week was Shane Douglas vs. Raven in a hair vs. hair match from September 17, 2003.
– Backstage, Eddie Edwards thanked The Sandman for his help last week and told him that he canât accept Sandmanâs kendo stick because itâs not Kenny. Sandman drew a face on the stick and Eddie accepted it. This wasnât good.
– We got a video showcasing Brian Cageâs recovery and him training to get back in the ring.
– Backstage, Michael Elgin cut a promo on Cage, telling him that he has proven that he can destroy Brian Cage. Elgin said that while Cage is at home being a coward, heâs out there sending people to the hospital. Elgin said that next week, he is sending Willie Mack to the hospital once and for all.
Madman Fulton (w/ Sami Callihan) defeated Firework Foxx Vinyer and his partner in a two-on-one handicap match
Fulton quickly took both men down with a double clothesline. Fulton went on to suplex one man onto the other, bite them, take them out with big boots, and hit chokeslams. He delivered a double chokeslam and hit the End of Days on one man onto the other for the pin. Total dominant squash.
After the match, Callihan cut a promo against the Knockouts division and brought out Jake & Dave Crist for their tag match.
oVe (Jake & Dave Crist) defeated Fallah Bahh & Scarlett Bordeaux
Jake and Bahh started the match, with Bahh getting the early advantage thanks to his size. Early on, Callihan and Fulton tried to get involved, so the referee sent them to the back.
In the ring, Bahh hit an elbow and a running splash in the corner on Dave. Bahh went for another, but Dave dodged and tagged in Jake, who came in and managed to cut off Bahh from his corner.
oVe worked with quick tags and kept Bahh down. They choked him against the ropes and went after his eyes over and over again. After a couple of minutes of torture, Bahh started to power up and slapped himself into a comeback, only to get cut off again.
Eventually, Bahh caught Jake with a kick and tossed Dave to the outside, but he still couldnât tag Bordeaux. Jake thought he could piledrive Bahh, but he ended up getting hit with a Banzai Drop from Bahh. Finally, Bordeaux got the tag.
Bordeaux came in hot and hit a couple of hurricanranas and hip attacks on the Crist brothers. Bordeaux hit a flying crossbody and sent both Crists to the outside, setting them up for a Fallah Bahh tope suicida. Bordeaux followed with a top rope senton to the floor.
Back in the ring, Jake slammed Bordeaux and went for a Doomsday Device, but Bahh blocked Dave, allowing Bordeaux to hit a reverse rana on Jake. Bahh set up Dave for the Doomsday Device, which Bordeaux hit, earning a two count.
Bordeaux got on Bahhâs back and they went for the double Banzai Drop, but Dave dodged, grabbed a roll of quarters, and knocked Bahh out to steal the win.
This match got “this is awesome” chants. Bahh has lost a lot of weight and seems to be trying to change his moveset and do less comedy. Bordeaux looked great here too.
After the match, the Crist brothers attacked Bordeaux, but Tessa Blanchard came out for the save. Blanchard took on both Crists, dodging a superkick by Jake, who hit Dave. She low blowed Jake and hit the Magnum to send them packing. The crowd popped huge for Blanchard — she looked like a superstar.
– Santos interviewed Rich Swann and Willie Mack. She asked Mack about Elgin. Mack said that heâs not scared of Elgin and next week, heâll teach him what The Mack is all about. Swann told Mack that heâll have his back.
Johnny Impact interrupted them and told Swann that come Slammiversary, heâs cashing in his X-Division title shot. Johnnyâs promo was amazing.
– Out in the parking lot, Callihan berated oVe for being embarrassed in the ring by Blanchard. Callihan threatened Blanchard that theyâre not done.
Jordynne Grace defeated Kiera Hogan
Grace offered Hogan a handshake to start the match, but the now-heel Hogan rejected the offer. They started with a short sequence of reversals with Hogan having the speed advantage, getting the better of Grace, who had the power advantage and only needed to get her hands on Hogan to stop her.
Grace got an early two count after a second rope senton. She followed with a delayed Jackhammer for another two count. Hogan pleaded for forgiveness, but instead tried to cheap shot Grace, who caught her with a slap. The distraction was enough for Hogan to get a couple of kicks in afterwards in the corner, earning a one count.
Hogan choked Grace against the ropes and in the middle of the ring with a sleeper. She went for a suplex, but Grace simply used her power and hit her own suplex instead.
Hogan went for a knee version of Eat Defeat for a two count. She kicked Grace until Grace made a comeback and delivered a great desperation spinebuster. Grace slammed Hogan against the corner and hit a running knee and a Vader Bomb for a two count.
Grace went for a superplex, but Hogan escaped and went for a sunset bomb instead. After failing at that, Hogan superkicked Graceâs knee out and hit a neckbreaker instead for another two count.
Grace slammed Hogan for a two count, then followed with the Grace Driver for the win.
This was a great match, Hogan has improved so much since her last one-on-one match on Impact.
– LAX were in their clubhouse. Instead of preparing for their title defense tonight, Santana was sleeping and Ortiz was eating. Konnan berated them for not taking this seriously.
– Backstage, Moose cut a promo on the old ECW wrestlers, saying that they keep coming back and taking spots from others because they need to pay the rent. Moose challenged Rob Van Dam to a match at Slammiversary. Moose said that until RVD says yes, heâll make his life a living hell.
Impact Tag Team Champions LAX (Santana & Ortiz) w/ Konnan defeated The Rascalz (Dezmond Xavier & Zachary Wentz) w/ Trey Miguel by DQ
Wentz and Ortiz started the match with some chain wrestling and a couple of reversals, with Ortiz getting the upper hand early. They sped up to a series of reversals, with The Rascalz starting to do quick tags and getting rid of Ortiz after a Bronco Buster by Wentz.
Santana came in and got taken out with a kick combo. With both LAX members outside the ring, Wentz and Xavier dove to the outside.
Back in the ring, Wentz got the first near fall after a Swanton Bomb on Ortiz, only to have Santana make the save.
Back from commercial, both teams were exchanging quick moves back and forth, but LAX got the upper hand with a combo on Wentz, managing to cut him off from his corner. Santana looked for quick pin attempts after a German suplex and a backbreaker. Ortiz came in and got another two count after a combo, which Xavier broke up.
Outside the ring, we saw that Miguel had grabbed Ortizâs flask and was drinking it.
In the ring, Wentz hit a desperation jumping knee on Santana to get some space and tag in Xavier, who took out Santana, hit a big elbow on Ortiz, and followed with a dropkick to the spine, sending him to the outside. That was followed with a suicide dive.
Xavier hit the wheel kick on Santana, only to get taken out by Ortizâs enzuigiri. LAX went for roll-ups on Wentz, but Xavier broke them up again. The Rascalz hit Hot Fire Flame, but Ortiz broke the pin up at the last moment. Outside the ring, Ortiz grabbed his flask back, drank a bit, but got hit by Xavier, causing him to mist the referee.
Suddenly, the drunk Miguel got in the ring, hit a meteora on Santana, and pinned him. A second referee came in and counted the pin, but the official referee recovered, reversed the decision, and granted LAX the win by disqualification after Miguel’s interference.
The fans werenât happy with the finish, but they reacted well to the referee fixing the decision. Overall, this was a good match — these two teams will be having great matches once they get more time.
Final thoughts —
This show felt like it had better direction towards Slammiversary than the previous weeks. The work inside the ring was really good and took precedence over the backstage segments. It was a night where people like Kiera Hogan and Fallah Bahh were out there trying to impress.
