If you like fun wrestling shows with great matches, then I have two primo suggestions for you!
We’ll start with TNA Impact, which opens with an exciting contest between Nic Nemeth and Bear Bronson, then closes with an excellent Mike Santana title defense against Rich Swann.
Mind you, it’s still TNA, so there’s also a downside—Matt Hardy looking completely immobile against Dutch and an insufferable promo segment with Lei Ying Lee and Xia Brookside. But what can you do?
Then it’s off to Mexico City for AAA, my favorite show every week. We get Money Machine vs. La Parka & Rey Fenix; Laredo Kid vs. Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr. in a blast of total insanity; and a main event tag match that pits El Grande Americano & Texano Jr. vs. El Masias & Mecha Wolf, setting up a tremendous postmatch angle.
Impact had some highs and lows this week, but the street fight pitting the former members of Fir$t Cla$$ against each other was one of the peaks. Other highs included Nic Nemeth vs. BDE in a shockingly good match, plus Jason Hotch of Order 4 vs. Elijah.
As for the lows, we had Stacks vs. Home Town Man in a dull, repetitive angle disguised as a match; Elayna Black showing the flaws in WWE’s developmental system; and the idiotic fallout to the Feast or Fired match.
Rich Swann was found guilty by a Florida court on charges of disorderly public intoxication and causing a disturbance on Wednesday, stemming from a June arrest.
Swann is responsible for nearly $500 in fines and legal fees, and is on six months probation. Once the fines are paid and the probationary period is up, the case will be closed.
Swann, a former TNA World Champion currently on suspension by the company, pleaded nolo contendere before the ruling came down. That plea is where a defendant doesn’t admit to guilt, but accepts a conviction as though a guilty plea had been entered.
Swann was arrested on June 8th in Altamonte Springs, Florida, after he attempted to enter an apartment near his home that he allegedly mistook for his own, leaving when the resident announced he had a gun and then showed it to Swann. That was followed by a call to police from a woman who alleged Swann approached her and followed her to her front door after saying he wanted to speak with her.
Swann, who was set to voluntarily enter substance abuse rehab following the arrest, recently showed his 60-day coin for sobriety on social media.
TNA Wrestling was first made aware of the arrest in mid-August — more than two months after it happened. During that span, he wrestled frequently for TNA and for several indie promotions.
After then learning about the arrest, they suspended him “pending the completion of its investigation into the incidents” but there has been no update as to his future with the company.
Former TNA World Champion Rich Swann will voluntarily enter substance abuse rehab following his second arrest for disorderly intoxication, and has been suspended by the company indefinitely.
First reported by Post Wrestling, Swann was arrested on June 8th in Altamonte Springs, Florida, where he was charged with disorderly public intoxication and causing a disturbance.
TNA was first informed about the arrest when Post contacted them on Monday for a comment. In a statement to the outlet, they said, “TNA Wrestling takes any and all charges against its performers seriously. Rich Swann is responsible for his own personal actions.”
Swann is suspended “pending the completion of its investigation into the incidents.”
Swann has wrestled frequently, including for TNA, since the arrest in addition to several indie events. He has pulled out of future indie bookings.
**********
On the night of his arrest, Swann attempted to forcefully enter an apartment when a male who lived there called for his father to help. The father then grabbed his handgun and audibly let Swann know he had it and to leave. Swann claimed it was his house, but left after the father opened up the door and showed Swann the gun.
The resident called the police and later declined to press charges. Swann had left the area by the time they arrived. The Post report opined that Swann perhaps mistook the apartment for his own home as it is near his actual home address.
Another woman reported Swann was trying to talk to her and follow her as she was picking up packages from her son’s house. She said she got into the house and locked the door as Swann was following her.
“The police report described Swann as incoherent and appearing to be intoxicated. Hoskins reported he smelled alcohol on Swann’s breath, that his eyes were glassy, and his speech was slurred,” the report read.
**********
This was Swann’s second such offense with the first coming in September 2022 when he was arrested at the apartment complex he lives at.
While working with WWE, he was also arrested in December 2017 in Gainesville, Florida, and charged with false imprisonment and simple domestic battery. The charges were eventually dropped, but he was released by WWE after serving a two-month suspension.
It’s the first live edition of the Big Vinny V Show and I’ll be honest with you, it did not go according to plan.
The show begins mid-trainwreck and a meltdown ensues, but then things settle down and we have a lot of fun reviewing TNA Impact with “Speedball” Mike Bailey confronting X-Division Champion Mustafa Ali to set up their Slammiversary match, Steve Maclin fighting (and I do mean fighting) Sami Callihan in a qualifying match for the World title six-way at Slammiversary, and Nic Nemeth facing Rich Swann in another qualifier in the main event.
The six-way World title match at next month’s TNA Slammiversary will begin to take shape on tonight’s TNA Impact with two qualifying matches.
In one, former TNA World Champions Steve Maclin and Sami Callihan will clash for the first time since their 2022 rivalry while past title challenger Nic Nemeth will take on former World Champion Rich Swann.
The Slammiversary bout will include current champion Moose and former champion Josh Alexander along with four other competitors.
X-Division Champion Mustafa Ali will be on hand to deliver a State of the Union address following some unflattering distorted audio released recently.
In a three-way tag team match, ABC (Chris Bey & Ace Austin) will face Jake Something & Deaner and The Rascalz (Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz).
Following a confrontation last week, KUSHIDA will take on Alan Angels while Knockouts Tag Team Champion Masha Slamovich will face Xia Brookside.
Our live coverage begins at 8 PM Eastern.
**********
An “In memory of Sika Anoa’i” graphic gets the show started.
Jordynne Grace Gives Ash By Elegance Knockouts Title Shot
Jordynne Grace is introduced and comes to the ring to kick off the show. Gia Miller interviews the Knockouts Champion in the ring and talks about Ash By Elegance trying to get her attention for a while now. She says she saw Santino Marella and signed the contract. Ash gets a Knockouts title shot tonight.
George Iceman comes out to interrupt her. He introduces Ash By Elegance, accompanied by personal security. He says there is a contract and a match, but it won’t be tonight. Instead, it will be at TNA Slammiversary.
Because the contract is already signed, Ash By Elegance is going to take a much-needed, extensive vacation in the Bahamas. For their own safety, they brought security to escort her out of here because she is violent. Ash tells security, “Go get her, boys!” Grace takes out the security guards one-by-one. Santino Marella runs out to stop Jordynne.
As Santino is getting Grace to head to the back, Masha Slamovich makes her way out accompanied by Alisha Edwards. Grace and Slamovich lock eyes as they pass each other. Slamovich settles in the ring for the opening contest.
Xia Brookside is out next, and has a quick word with Grace as well. Before the TNA Knockouts Champion heads to the back, she gives Brookside a thumbs up. The match gets started and sees Slamovich grab a side head-lock off an opening lock-up. Brookside counters and slaps on a headlock of her own.
Brookside takes the early offensive lead. She gets Slamovich stumbling back into the corner before dropping down and monkey-flipping her across the ring. Edwards grabs Brookside from ringside, allowing Slamovich to attack Brookside from behind and take over.
Slamovich continues to work over Brookside right in front of Edwards, who taunts her at ringside. Slamovich ties up the referee, allowing Edwards to choke Brookside over the ropes behind his back. Slamovich with a big suplex after that. Slamovich begins working over the arm of Brookside, who fights back.
While selling the arm, she takes over and hits a hurricanrana before following up with Broken Wings. She leaps into a neckbreaker. Fans chant “Let’s go Xia!” as she works over Slamovich in the corner. Edwards hops on the apron, but Brookside knocks her to the floor. The distractions allows Slamovich to hit Brookside with a kick and the Snow Plow for the win.
First Class With DJ Whoo Kid
After a recap of First Class attacking PCO during his date with Steph De Lander is shown. Backstage, DJ Whoo Kid catches up with AJ Francis and Rich Swann. DJ Whoo Kid gives him the International Wrestling Championship, which Killer Kowalski, The Shiek, Mad Dog Vachon, Abdullah The Butcher, Dino Bravo and others have held.
He declares himself the new International Heavyweight Champion. Francis says Rich Swann will beat Nic Nemeth tonight. DJ Whoo Kid gives them some drinks to celebrate. After this wraps up, the show heads into the first commercial break of the evening.
Lars Frederiksen Gives Spitfire Their Final Test
We see Dani Luna and Jody Threat talking with Lars Frederiksen of Rancid, who gives them a tough-love pep talk about how now is the time for them to double down.
For their final test, Jody and Dani will be fighting each other. He wants them to bring the violence in their minds to the ring and most importantly to each other. The Spitfire teammates shake hands.
Mustafa Ali State Of Union Address
Back inside the arena, Campaign Singh is in the ring. He informs us that the man we have all been waiting for is in the building. He introduces the TNA X-Division Champion and out comes Mustafa Ali for his advertised State of the Union address.
The commentators remind us of the alleged distorted bonus footage of Ali’s sit-down with Tom Hannifan being shown at Against All Odds before Ali begins speaking. Ali thanks everyone for their warm, warm reception.
Ali says he is here to address something that happened, which is the aforementioned video that aired showing his true colors. He brings up the distorted audio and unclear images. He says he knows fans demand the truth. Fans in the Impact Zone chant “We want truth! We want truth!”
Ali says he has found the truth after having Campaign Singh launch an investigation. The truth is, that video was A.I. generated “fake news.” He assures the fans he would never belittle his great hometown of Chicago. He says they are number one. Most of what they are number one for is crime related, but still, they’re number one!
With that in the rear view mirror, Ali insists it is time to move forward and look to future challengers for his X-Division Championship. He says he looks to the TNA locker room and other locker rooms to find who deserves to be the new number one contender.
Fans loudly chant “We want Speedball!” Ali says, “No, we don’t want Speedball. Speedball couldn’t hang with me if his life depended on it.” He then asks Chicago who they would like to see. They chant the same thing. Ali says he tried to play nice. He demands a group of hecklers be ejected from the building.
He exits the ring and points out the fans he wants thrown out. One of the fans throws a drink on Ali before leaving. Ali beats the fan down after pulling him over the barricade. He throws the fan in the ring and heads in to beat him down more. “Speedball” Mike Bailey runs out and tackles Ali. Trent Seven is out to try and calm things down. Security tries keeping everything in order.
Ali pretends to leave, but charges around the ring and leaps on Bailey to get the fight going again. It is broken up again but Bailey ends up with the X-Division Championship, which he holds up to taunt Ali. Ali rolls back into the ring and grabs the mic.
He’s sick of hearing fans chant his name. He’s sick of being accused of dodging him. He says he ruined his homecoming, so now he’s gonna ruin his. He’s laying out a challenge for the X-Division Championship between Ali and Bailey at Slammiversary. Bailey is happy and throws the title back to Ali before heading to the back.
We head to another commercial break. When we return from the break, “Speedball” Mike Bailey talks directly into the camera to react to Mustafa Ali’s State of the Union Address. He claims it was a mistake to challenge him for a match in his hometown of Montreal.
ABC (Chris Bey & Ace Austin) defeated Jake Something & Deaner vs. The Rascalz (Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz)
Back in the Impact Zone, it’s time for three-way tag-team action. All three teams come out and first take turns on the microphone talking about being deserving of tag-team title shots. This was after Cody Deaner spoke of meeting with Santino, who told him he is excited they’re back in the tag division and that if they win tonight, they are in line for a tag-team title shot.
Deaner and Miguel kick things off in the ring. Deaner gets the early offensive jump. Wentz tags in for Miguel. Deaner works him over as well briefly before tagging in Something, who picks up where he left off. We head to a mid-match break and when we return, Miguel and Wentz are in the offensive lead, taking it to Deaner and utilizing frequent tags.
The commentators tout Joe Hendry’s appearance in WWE NXT being WWE’s single most viewed clip on X of 2024. Something goes on an offensive tear, cleaning house of many of the opposition in the ring. On the floor, he Donkey Kong’s The Rascalz before the action resumes in the ring, where The Art of Finesse gets ABC the win.
Backstage With The System
Backstage, The System are shown. They talk about Santino Marella always trying to stack the deck against them, but they always end up on top regardless. Moose brings up not losing a singles match in two years now. He says one person might be a problem, but Johnny Dango Curtis is going to handle that potential problem for him. We head to another commercial break after this wraps up.
Steve Maclin defeated Sami Callihan in a Road To Slammiversary Qualifier
An extensive video package airs to promote the next Road To Slammiversary qualifier. It’s time to see who will join the six-man match at Slammiversary with TNA World Champion Moose, as Steve Maclin and Sami Callihan do battle.
Maclin with a fast start, hitting a running knee for a two-count. Callihan fights back with a big near-finish of his own within the first few seconds after a Cactus Driver. Things slow down after that, with Callihan in the offensive driver’s seat.
Maclin turns the tables with another running knee, which he follows up this time with a top-rope headbutt for a close two-count. With Callihan on the floor, Maclin runs the ring apron and hits a flying elbow, Cactus Jack-style, at ringside.
Callihan fights back and launches Maclin on the floor as well. The fans rally behind both guys as the referee begins a double count out, which is stopped when Maclin and Callihan each re-enter the ring just in time after the count of nine. Maclin hits a Rock Bottom-style backbreaker for another nearfall attempt.
Callihan cuts off Maclin’s offensive run with an exploder suplex into the turnbuckles in the corner of the ring. Callihan looks for a Cactus Driver off the middle rope, but Maclin fights his way out of it. He gets behind Callihan on the top-rope, but Callihan gets him on his shoulders and connects with a Super Death Valley Driver.
He follows that up with another Cactus Driver straight into the pin attempt, but still only gets a count of two and a half. Callihan looks for a Cactus Driver on the hard part of the ring apron outside of the ring ropes, but Maclin fights his way free.
Maclin hits a running knee as Callihan was coming back into the ring. He hits his finisher next and gets the win to qualify for the TNA title match at Slammiversary. After the match, the show goes back into another commercial break.
KUSHIDA defeated Alan Angels
After the show returns from the break, Alan Angels makes his way out of the entrance tunnel to the ring for the next match of the show. His opponent, KUSHIDA is out next and before the bell sounds, Angels goes to work on him to get the early offensive jump.
Before even taking his entrance coat off, KUSHIDA fights back and takes over as fans chant his name. Angels fights back with kicks to KUSHIDA in the corner. He whips him to the opposite corner and follows him in with a clothesline.
KUSHIDA catches the right arm of Angels as he leaps to the floor. He snaps the arm of Angels in vicious fashion before taking over in the ring. KUSHIDA hits a Tanaka punch to Angels as he leaped off the ropes. KUSHIDA follows up with the Hoover Board Lock for the tap out victory.
After the match wraps up, Jonathan Gresham hits the ring and attacks KUSHIDA from behind. Gresham leans KUSHIDA’s head back and tries pouring that black ink into his mouth, but security runs out and stops him before he does. The show went into another break after this wrapped up.
Backstage With The Hardys
Backstage, we return from the break to “BROKEN” Matt Hardy, Rebecca Hardy and Jeff Hardy. Matt talks about The System putting their hands on his wife at Against All Odds. He announces a mixed tag match with Matt and Rebecca vs. Eddie & Alisha Edwards in Philadelphia, PA. for next week. Jeff Hardy then mentions The Hardy Boys vs. The System in tag-team action also coming up in Philly.
Nic Nemeth defeated Rich Swann in a Road To Slammiversary Qualifier
It’s main event time!
Back inside the Impact Zone, the commentators plug the TNA Summer Tour and TNA Slammiversary lineup, as well as the card for next week’s Impact. The elaborate video package for our second Road To Slammiversary Qualifier, which serves as this week’s main event, airs next.
Rich Swann and Nic Nemeth make their respective ring walks, with AJ Francis and DJ Whoo Kid accompanying the former, and the latter coming out by himself. Before things get started, we head into another pre-match commercial break.
When we return, Nemeth and Swann lock up and “The Wanted Man” immediately goes to work on the arm of the First Class member, isolating it and cranking away. Meanwhile, the commentators talk about AJ Francis buying the title belt that PCO long wanted after ruining his recent date with Steph De Lander.
Swann gets a break in the action and rolls out to the floor for a quick in-match hug session with Francis and DJ Whoo Kid. Back in the ring, Nemeth hits a quick drop down after switching behind Swann, taking him down to the mat and slapping on a bulldog choke.
Nemeth hits a picture-perfect dropkick and pops up for a quick arrogant hip-swivel in Swann’s face. Swann and DJ Whoo Kid tie up the referee, which allows Francis to get in a cheap shot. He gets in another one, hitting Nemeth with a can of Gin N Juice, before the referee ejects he and DJ Whoo Kid from ringside.
After that, the show heads into a mid-match commercial break. When we return, Swann is still in a comfortable offensive lead. Nemeth eventually fights back and hits the Jerry Lawler heart attack series of quick repeated elbow drops to take over on offense. Swann catches Nemeth coming off the ropes with a huge clothesline to slow down his momentum.
Nemeth leaps onto Swann for a comeback, but Swann catches him and buckle bombs him into the corner. Moments later, out of nowhere, Nemeth hits a Fame-Asser for a close two-count. After Swann kicks out, Nemeth slaps on a sleeper hold onto a grounded Swann.
A Danger Zone attempt doesn’t pan out, leading to Swann hitting a big kick for a two-count. Fans chant “Wanted Man” to try and rally behind Nemeth. Swann sets Nemeth up and heads to the top for a splash, only to land on the raised knees of Nemeth. Swann hits a hand-spring cutter for a close nearfall attempt.
Swann picks up Nemeth, but Nemeth drills him with a big punch. He invites Swann to hit him back, and Swann happily obliges. The two trade shots back-and-forth in the middle of the ring and then Nemeth hits a big headbutt and a super kick. He runs into a super kick by Swann and then delivers another of his own, followed by a DDT. He hits the Danger Zone after that for the win.
With the win, Nemeth joins Steve Maclin and Josh Alexander in the six-way TNA World Championship match against Moose at TNA Slammiversary. Next week, either Frankie Kazarian or Mike Santana, and Joe Hendry or Jake Something will join the three in the bout. Nemeth’s post-match celebration wraps up the show. Thanks for joining us and follow me on Twitter/X.
Next week:
* Frankie Kazarian vs. Mike Santana (Road To Slammiversary Qualifier) * Joe Hendry vs. Jake Something (Road To Slammiversary Qualifier) * Dani Luna vs. Jody Threat * Eddie & Alisha Edwards vs. Matt & Rebecca Hardy
For the second time ever, the 8-4-1 match will return to TNA Wrestling as part of next Thursday’s Impact with the winner earning a future Knockouts title shot.
The match will begin as an eight-woman tag team bout. The winners will then compete in a fatal four-way where the victor will earn the shot against current champion Jordynne Grace (seen above), presumably at next month’s Rebellion pay-per-view. Grace successfully defended her title against Tasha Steelz on Thursday.
The competitors were not announced, but the match will take place this weekend in Philadelphia as part of two nights of TV tapings.
The initial 8-4-1 match debuted at last June’s Against All Odds and featured men.
Next Thursday’s show will also feature former TNA World Champion Josh Alexander in action. While his opponent was not announced, Alexander has been announced as facing Tracy Williams as part of this weekend’s tapings.
After former TNA World Champion Rich Swann recently turned on Joe Hendry and aligned with AJ Francis, the two will be on the show to talk about why they did what they did.
Here’s the current card:
8-4-1 match where the winner earns a future Knockouts title shot
Impact Wrestling turns back the clock once again with a special edition focusing on their alternate 1980s universe: the Impact Provincial Wrestling Federation.
The Canadian-based IPWF features Impact talents under alter egos. While Impact has yet to release any detailed preview for tonight, Eddie Edwards (“Cowboy” Colt McCoy), Jordynne Grace (Georgia Cobb), Rich Swann (Rapid Delivery Pete), Josh Alexander (Tim Burr), and Santino Marella were featured on the promotional images.
The history of Throwback Throwdown dates back to 2019. After a year off, the second edition (2021) was held in Louisville, Kentucky, while last year’s event took place in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. This year’s show was taped at Santino Marella’s Battle Arts Academy in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada — the location of the inaugural edition.
The company is beginning their final stretch under the Impact Wrestling banner as their previously announced branding change back to TNA Wrestling kicks off in January 2024.
**********
IPWF opened with Giuseppe Scovelli, Jr. (Josh Matthews) and Ignatius Quigley (Alex Shelley) on commentary, as they ran down the show.
Rapid Delivery Pete (Rich Swann) defeated Kamikaze
They pretty much worked this exactly like an 80s match, which I am sure if it
The fans chanted “We want Pizza” at Pete, who presumably brought the three boxes of pizza to ringside because he was in between deliveries as he came down to the ring. Kamikaze attacked Pete from behind to get the heat. Pete hit an armbar and then a bodyslam, but Kamikaze rolled to the apron to escape.
Kamikaze locked on an abdominal stretch and then grabbed the ropes a few times for the heat. The referee caught him on the last one, and Pete was able to hip toss out of it. Kamikaze did a nerve hold on Pete, who fought out as the fans clapped, but Kamikaze locked on a sleeper hold. Pete got his hands up before the third drop, and the fans chanted “Pizza!” because they wanted free pizza from Pete. Pete fought out and hit a running splash for the win.
–A hype video aired for Boris Alexiev (Santino Marella), talking about how he killed Muscles McGee, and he threatened to kill Tim Burr (Josh Alexander).
–George the Iceman brought out DJ 2Large (Moose) for an interview. He was dancing his way to the interview set, so it appears we have seen Dancing Moose again. DJ said that he was happy because he defended his gold, the International Commonwealth Television Championship. He welcomed all challengers, and the 361,000 Man was aiming to take the title, but he promised to squeeze the soul out of him.
The 361k Man (R.D. Evans) came out and said that everyone had a dollar amount, but he was renamed the 369k man now, because of some investments. He offered to buy the title from DJ 2Large. DJ refused. DJ rapped his answer. This segment was terrible, but Moose was funny as he danced. 369k Man introduced his new talent who attacked DJ called The Masked Brother. DJ said he was going to beat up The Masked Brother later.
–Walter Chestnut (David Penzer) was backstage with Neptune (Shera), his client, hoping to terrorize the IPWF as Giuseppe Scovilli Sr. put them out of business. Neptune was going to face Frank the Butcher later.
–Giuseppe Scovilli Sr. (Scott D’Amore) said that Frank the Butcher (Rhino) was going to beat Neptune and leave them without a job.
–Red Letter (Jody Threat) was with George the Iceman and she said she might as well be Rapid Delivery Red Letter for how fast she was going to beat her opponents, and Rapid Delivery Pete walked up and claimed he was the only Rapid Delivery around. Iceman and Letter did not recognize him.
Frank the Butcher (w/ Giuseppe Scovilli Sr.) defeated Neptune (w/ Walter Chestnut)
Rhino actually hit a really nice clothesline in this match to win. That’s about all I can say.
Butcher and Neptune brawled around ringside at the opening of the match, and Neptune got the heat after shoving Butcher into the ring post. The Butcher hit a back elbow, a chop to the head, and a nice clothesline for the win.
–Giuseppe Scovilli then made Chestnut and Neptune janitors for the company.
The Sunday Morning Express (The Editor in Chief (Chris Sabin) & The Paper Boy (Jack Price)) defeated The Hard Workers (Otis Oates (Deaner) & Harry Hall (Jake Something)
Deaner was utterly ridiculous in this, and the bright spot of the show thus far. Oates did the classic spot with the Editor where he fed Editor’s arm to Paper Boy, who wasn’t looking, and ended up doing several arm breakers on his own partner. The Sunday Morning Express put Oates in an adominal stretch and made Oates read their paper. The Editor went to the top rope, but it was a bit too high, so he went down to the second, but caught the foot Oates put up and missed an elbow. The Paper Boy got a cheap shot on Hall and the Editor got the pinfall with a roll up.
–I refuse to recap the segment that followed which involved a wrestler vomiting on another wrestler in response to a prank.
Colt McCoy (Eddie Edwards) & Georgia Cobb (Jordynne Grace) defeated Rusty Iron (Gia Miller) and Rip Razor (Ace Austin)
There is really not a lot to say about this match, other than I’m not used to seeing Gia Miller wrestle. Iron hit a low blow on McCoy when Razor got the attention of the referee, and Iron did her best impression of Luna Vachon. Rip Razor, smoking in the ring, beat on McCoy, but missed a corner charge letting McCoy roll him up for a two. Cobb tagged in and hit a Vader bomb on Iron for a two count. Razor pulled a knife on the referee, but ate a forearm from Cobb, which let him get hit with a cutter. Cobb then hit an airplane spin on Iron for the win.
The Masked Brother (w/ the 369k Man (R.D. Evans)) defeated DJ 2Large (Moose) to win the International Commonwealth TV Championship
The Masked Brother had several weapons concealed in his gear, and 2Large forced him to dance with a full nelson. The referee caught the 369k Man putting the feet on the roes and ejected him. Brother locked on a chin lock, but before he passed out, 2Large started dancing to break out, and danced up and hit a big boot but missed a leg drop and The Masked Brother hit an elbow for 2.
The referee went down with a missed knee strike by The Masked Brother, causing the clothesline from 2Large not to work for the pinfall. The Masked Brother fell to the floor after an atomic drop, and Chestnut and Neptune came out cleaning the floor and distracted the referee, letting two masked men come in as henchmen but DJ took them out. DJ missed a clothesline and The Masked Brother hit DJ with a cellphone to get the win.
–Tim Burr (Josh Alexander) cut a promo on Boris saying that the Fall Maul tournament got out of hand, as Muscles McGee was murdered by Alexiev). The Walking Lumber said he would not go down so easily, and he was going to beat Alexiev.
Tim Burr (Josh Alexander) defeated Boris Alexiev (Santino Marella) (w/ Col. Corn (Johnny Bravo)
Alexiev basically worked as Santino in the early part of the match, unable to shove Tim Burr or hurt him with chops. Burr dropped him with a chop, and then dropped him again with several. Burr hit two overhead chops in the corner, and Burr chopped both his legs before hitting a chop block. Very chop based offence from the lumberjack here. Burr went to the top rope and Corn pulled Burr of the top rope.
Alexiev missed with the Iron Claw, and accidentally grabbed the top rope and he couldn’t let go because of a neurological defect that makes it difficult for him to let go of the hold. Burr hit the ropes when Alexiev was on the top rope, causing him to crash to the mat. Burr continued to chop, something The Chop and Roll Express would be proud off, including a chop as Alexiev came off the top rope.
Alexiev ended up locking a crossface on Burr, but Burr made the ropes. Burr dodged a claw attempt, and Alexiev accidentally put it on Corn, who went into convulsions. Burr then hit a chop off the top rope for the pinfall.
Impact Wrestling has announced an X-Division three-way match for its upcoming Turning Point special.
Rich Swann, Frankie Kazarian, and Trey Miguel will face off at Turning Point. The show is taking place in Newcastle, England on Friday, October 27 but won’t air on Impact Plus until November 3. It’s part of Impact Wrestling’s UK Invasion tour.
Chris Sabin is the current champion of the X-Division. He’s defending the title against KENTA at Bound for Glory this Saturday.
The Rascalz (Miguel & Zachary Wentz) are defending their Impact Tag Team titles against ABC (Ace Austin & Chris Bey) at Bound for Glory.
On last week’s Impact, The Rascalz defeated Swann & Sami Callihan to retain the Impact Tag Team titles.
Last week’s Impact also saw Kazarian end his longstanding rivalry with Eddie Edwards. Kazarian defeated Edwards in a two-out-of-three falls Killer Impact match.
The UK Invasion tour begins on October 26 and runs through October 29.
A singles match with Gisele Shaw facing Alex Windsor has also been added to the Turning Point card. Here’s the updated lineup:
Will Ospreay vs. Eddie Edwards
Eric Young & Josh Alexander vs. Subculture (Mark Andrews & Flash Morgan Webster)
Jordynne Grace vs. Dani Luna
The Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) vs. Moose & Brian Myers
In a showcase match for both Impact Wrestling’s X-Division and NJPW’s junior heavyweights, a seven-way scramble will take place at next Sunday’s Impact x NJPW Multiverse United 2.
The pay-per-view is set for Philadelphia’s 2300 Arena on August 20th.
The participants include former Impact X-Division Champions Chris Sabin, Frankie Kazarian and Rich Swann in addition to Kevin Knight, BUSHI, Mao, and El Desperado.
That was the only new addition to the card announced Thursday. Deonna Purrazzo is expected to wrestle on the show against a Stardom talent as she recently called out the company to send their best to Philadelphia.
This is the second such co-promoted Impact/NJPW event.
Here’s the current card:
X-Division Champion Lio Rush & Trey Miguel vs. Hiromu Takahashi & Mike Bailey
Impact World Champion Alex Shelley defends against Hiroshi Tanahashi
DOUKI vs. Sami Callihan
NJPW TV Champion Zack Sabre Jr. & Shane Haste vs. Moose & Eddie Edwards
Chris Sabin vs. Frankie Kazarian vs. Rich Swann vs. Kevin Knight vs. BUSHI vs. Mao vs. El Desperado in a seven-way scramble
The next contenders for the Impact Tag Team titles will be decided on next Thursday’s Impact Wrestling on AXS TV.
After defeating former champions ABC (Chris Bey & Ace Austin) in a semifinal on Thursday’s show, former Impact World Champions Rich Swann and Sami Callihan will face the Rascalz (Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz) next Thursday. Bey and Austin were attacked by The Good Hands which helped cost them the match.
The winners of the four team tournament will face current titleholders Subculture (Mark Andrews & Flash Morgan Webster) at this month’s Emergence.
Ahead of her challenge of Knockouts Champion Trinity at Emergence, former champion Deonna Purrazzo will face KiLynn King. King, alongside Taylor Wilde, recently pinned Purrazzo, alongside Trinity, in a tag team match to set this up.
Eric Young will begin his run through The Design as he takes on Kon.
Next week’s show will be the go-home for next Sunday’s Impact x NJPW Multiverse United 2.
Here’s the current lineup:
Eric Young vs. Kon (w/ Deaner)
Rich Swann & Sami Callihan vs. The Rascalz (Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz) in a no. 1 contenders’ tournament final
The four-team tournament to determine the next contenders for the Impact Tag Team titles will continue on tonight’s Impact Wrestling on AXS TV.
Former champions ABC (Ace Austin & Chris Bey) will take on Rich Swann & Sami Callihan in the second semifinal with the winners moving on to face The Rascalz in the finals.
In an X-Division showcase, current no. 1 contender KUSHIDA will take on former champion “Speedball” Mike Bailey.
The former Kalisto in WWE (Samuray Del Sol) will make his Impact debut as he teams with Laredo Kid & Black Taurus against Moose, Bully Ray & Brian Myers.
After the returning John E. Bravo made his surprise return to aid Dirty Dango against Santino Marella, the two will return to Impact tonight as Dango faces Bhupinder Gujjar.
Jody Threat will go one-on-one with Alisha Edwards.
The BTI pre-show will see Kevin Knight take on Champagne Singh.
**********
Kevin Knight defeated Champagne Singh (w/Shera) on the BTI pre-show
**********
The opening video highlighted last week’s events involving Trinity & Deonna Purrazzo, Lio Rush, Moose & Bully Ray and The Rascalz picking the victory over Mike Bailey & Jonathan Gresham.
Rich Swann & Sami Callihan defeated ABC in a Number 1 Contenders Tag Team Tournament match
Chris Bey and Rich Swann started the match with both men looking to gain the early momentum with their speed and athleticism. Bey would gain the upper hand and tag in Ace Austin who continued control of the match for the next several moments.
Swann managed to tag Callihan in and ABC found themselves in trouble as Callihan’s style was completely different from their own. After Callihan and Swann took care of Bey, Austin was caught off guard on the ring apron and Callihan seeing this, spiked Austin with his Cactus Driver ’97 on the apron to wipe him out.
With action now spilled to the outside, Bey managed to recover and nailed a beautiful dive off of the ropes to the floor onto Callihan and Swann, taking them both out as we headed to commercial.
We’re back from commercial and the action is back in the ring and it’s all ABC as Swann was getting schooled. After a misfire by Bey, Swann was able to tag in Callihan and action went back and forth for the next several moments with both teams nailing some massive offense.
After another misfire by ABC, this time by Austin, Swann took him out with a hurricanrana over the ropes as Callihan locked Bey in a crossface chicken wing. Bey almost submitted but got a second wind and reversed the chicken wing into a pinning situation for a near three count.
Bey then nailed Callihan with the Art of Finesse followed by The Fold by Austin but Swann was able to save Callihan at the last possible second. Swann managed to send both members of ABC to the floor and then proceeded to wipe out Bey as Austin was able to avoid contact and get back in the ring.
Austin looked as he was about to take care of Callihan and get the victory but out of nowhere, The Good Hands came down to the ring and Jason Hotch pulled the referee out of the ring as Austin was going for the pin. Swann attacked Hotch and they feuded up the ramp but as this was going on, John Skyler slid into the ring and nailed Austin with The Stroke. The referee re-entered the ring and Callihan scored the easy 1-2-3 to advance himself and Swann in the tournament.
– Backstage, Santino Marella was enjoying a moment of peace before being interrupted by both The Coven and the Death Dollz. Both teams stated that they deserved to be in the Knockouts world tag team title match at Emergence. Before Marella could make a decision, Masha Slamovich and Killer Kelly showed up and Kelly stated they would face them all at Emergence.
Before the match began, Dango grabbed the mic and stated “Man, I hate pro-wrestling”.
Both men looked good early on before Gujjar’s speed and power got the better of Dango but it wouldn’t last long as Dango started using dirty tactics to gain the advantage.
After Dango grounded Gujjar, Bhupinder was able to make a small comeback after landing a knee to the side of the head of Dango. Gujjar attempted to finish the match with his Gargoyle Spear but as he was on the ropes, Bravo shined a flashlight in his face to blind him. Dango took advantage of the situation and finished Gujjar off to get the easy victory.
After the match, Dango grabbed the mic and started putting down pro-wrestling again before being interrupted by Jake Something. Something stated that if he didn’t like pro-wrestling then to get the hell out of it. Dango left the ring and looked to be leaving the area but as Bravo was still in the ring with Something, Dango attempted to sneak up from behind on Jake but failed and got taken out instead.
– A video promo aired with an Deaner ranting about his disgust for Eric Young while Kon stood behind him. Deaner stated that he’s never felt more powerful because of guys like Kon standing by his side. Kon then stated that he was coming for Young.
– Backstage, Gia Miller was with Johnny Swinger. Miller asked Swinger if he gave any thought on challenging for the world title. Before Swinger could say too much, digital media champion Kenny King and Sheldon Jean interrupted. King cut a promo on Alex Shelley before leaving the scene as Swinger questioned Miller on what the internet was.
Threat started the match purely dominating the much smaller Edwards with her power. Alisha would catch a break but her arrogance wouldn’t allow her to fully capitalize on gaining real momentum.
Threat landed her running knee attack as Alisha was draped over the second rope but as she looked to finish her off, Alisha raked her eyes and Eddie followed it up by tripping her from the outside with Kenny. Frankie Kazarian then hit the ring to layout Eddie giving Threat the opportunity to finally hit the F416 and get the 1-2-3 on Alisha.
After the match, Kazarian grabbed Kenny but when he went to swing at Eddie, he unfortunately nailed Alisha instead. Eddie then had to carry an unconscious Alisha to the back as Kazarian was upset about what just took place.
– Backstage, Deonna Purrazzo stated that she wanted to congratulate KiLynn King on beating her last week and issued a challenge to King for a 1-on-1 match.
KUSHIDA defeated Mike Bailey
As you would imagine, this match was going to be a chess game as both men have very similar styles.
The opening moments would see the two men attempting to capitalize early but it was a stalemate until KUSHIDA was able to land a moonsault over the ropes to the outside on Bailey.
KUSHIDA followed up by grounding Bailey but “Speedball” would persevere and after landing some good solid strikes, nailed a running shooting star but could only manage a two count.
With both men looking to hit that one move that would help them gain the advantage, KUSHIDA was able to knock Bailey to the floor with a running handstand attack. KUSHIDA followed Bailey to the outside and attempted to lock in the Hoverboard Lock as we headed to commercial.
We’re back from commercial and both men are back in the ring and KUSHIDA was laying the attack on the left arm of Bailey before focusing on the knee as well. Bailey attempted a comeback but soon found himself on the outside once again. KUSHIDA attempted to capitalize but Bailey moved out of the way sending KUSHIDA now to the floor and Bailey followed up with a springboard moonsault off of the top rope.
With both men back on the inside, they were trading strikes back and forth before KUSHIDA was able to lock in the Hoverboard Lock. Bailey countered with an armbar and after nailing his double knees, he locked KUSHIDA in an armbar again. KUSHIDA wouldn’t give up but he was hurt and Bailey attempted to nail KUSHIDA with his running tornado kick but missed.
KUSHIDA wasn’t able to take advantage of the opportunity however and Bailey attempted to set him up for the Ultima Weapon but KUSHIDA caught him and sent Bailey back down to the mat with the Hoverboard Lock. A resilient Bailey wouldn’t give in and KUSHIDA switched things up and out of nowhere, nailed Bailey with his Back to the Future to get the hard fought win.
– Backstage, Tom Hannifan was with Crazzy Steve in an interview taped earlier in the day. Hannifan stated that Steve specifically requested him to do the interview and Hannifan asked Steve to clarify what’s going on. Steve stated that he felt abandoned by the actions lately of the Death Dollz and Black Taurus. Steve stated that he was legally blind and has been wrestling now for over 20 years. Steve stated that he’s dealt with roadblock after roadblock. Hannifan stated that it couldn’t have been easy but asked about Steve’s family. Steve stated that was an interesting question before a To Be Continued graphic appeared.
– Video footage aired of SUBCULTURE defending the Impact world tag team titles against the Greedy Souls courtesy of Attack! Pro Wrestling. A video promo followed of SUBCULTURE with Dani Luna stating they’re looking forward to defending the titles once again at Emergence.
– A backstage promo aired of a man asking a woman to “say his name” insinuating she was cheating on him. Joe Hendry then appeared followed by Yuya Uemura to Hendry’s music. Hendry was upset that Uemura was using Hendry’s gimmick but Yuya stated they could be tag team champions. The more Hendry thought about the idea, the more he liked it.
– It was announced that Team 3D would reunite after 7 years for Impact 1000, news that was officially announced earlier in the day on social media.
– A video promo was shown highlighting IWGP world heavyweight champion SANADA and his upcoming presence at Emergence later this month.
Brian Myers, Bully Ray & Moose defeared Black Taurus, Laredo Kid & Samuray Del Sol in a six-man tag team match
Myers, Ray and Moose made their entrances first and as Taurus and Kid were at the top of the entrance ramp awaiting the arrival of Del Sol, he never arrived. The cameras cut to the backstage area where Lio Rush had Del Sol pinned down as we headed to commercial.
We’re back from commercial and it was now a 3-on-2 match as Lio Rush had done the dirty work to help out Myers, Ray and Moose. Taurus was in the ring with Myers and after Myers attempted to match power with Taurus, he was quickly overpowered.
Taurus tagged out to Kid as Myers tagged out to Moose and it was now power versus speed but as Moose’s arrogance got the better of him, Kid took the advantage and Moose soon found himself on the outside looking bewildered.
Moose got back in the ring after a small pep talk by Myers and Moose tagged in a hungry Bully Ray who then asked for Taurus. Taurus obliged and after showing Bully he could match power, he soon found himself on the outside as he missed a running knee attack in the corner as we headed to another commercial break.
We’re back once again from commercial and Taurus is back in the ring but it was literally a 3-on-1 against him as Laredo Kid could do nothing but watch on in frustration from his corner.
After Taurus was finally able to ground Moose, he got the hot tag to Kid who managed to take out all three of his opponents seemingly with ease. As Kid was continuing his attack against his opponents in the corner of the ring, Ray pulled the referee in front of him wiping him out. Ray then attempted to pull the mask off of Kid but the lights went out!
Lighting bolts filled up the entrance screen and when the lights came back on, Ray was standing face to face with PCO! Bully was too scared to move and both Moose and Myers were sent flying out of the ring when they tried to attack PCO. Bully joined them and PCO attempted to wipe all three of them out but Bully was lucky enough to move out of the way.
PCO chased him up the entrance ramp to the back and the match continued in the ring with Taurus and Kid looking like they were going to score the victory. However, that wasn’t the case as Moose and Myers got the better of them and Myers landed the Roster Cut on Kid for the victory.
After the match, a frightened Bully Ray telling himself that “I set him on fire, I set him on fire!” was seen backstage running down a set of stairs and hijacking a vehicle outside of the arena. Before he could drive off, PCO had caught up to him but Bully was luckily able to get away as an enraged PCO watched him drive away.
Final Thoughts:
A solid show by Impact continuing to setup matches and feuds going into Emergence on August 27th. It’ll be interesting to see how the Deaner/EY feud plays out and if Kon can be trusted in the end.
The Crazzy Steve interview with Tom Hannifan was intriguing as the character looks to be headed in an entirely different direction which reminds me of Abyss and Joseph Park.
Finally, this was episode 995 of Impact Wrestling and it made me think of how many moments and how many matches I’ve had the honour of witnessing over the many, many years.
Definitely looking forward to Impact 1000 with the return of Team 3D, Awesome Kong and The Beautiful People!
Next Week:
Eric Young vs. Kon (w/Deaner)
Rich Swann & Sami Callihan vs. The Rascalz in the Number 1 Contenders Tag Team Tournament final
The opening round of the Tag Team title eliminator tournament to crown a new number one contender will wrap up on next Thursday’s Impact Wrestling on AXS TV.
Former champions ABC (Ace Austin & Chris Bey) will face a pair of Impact World Champions in Rich Swann & Sami Callihan. Austin & Bey are the former champions and were unsuccessful in their rematch with current champions Subculture (Mark Andrews & Flash Morgan Webster) following Slammiversary where they lost the titles in a multi-team match.
However, The Rascalz, who caused ABC to both lose the titles and the rematch, advanced Thursday with their win over Mike Bailey & Jonathan Gresham. Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz now await the winners of ABC vs. Swann & Callihan. The winners will get their title shot at this month’s Emergence.
The only other match announced will see the promotional debut of Samuray Del Sol (the former Kalisto in WWE) as he teams with Laredo Kid & Black Taurus against Bully Ray, Moose & Brian Myers.
Here’s the current lineup with more expected to come:
ABC (Ace Austin & Chris Bey) vs. Rich Swann & Sami Callihan in a Tag Team title eliminator tournament semifinal
Samuray Del Sol, Laredo Kid & Black Taurus vs. Moose, Bully Ray & Brian Myers
Impact Wrestling has announced multiple matches and segments for this week’s show.
Bully Ray is advertised to “address the Impact Zone” on Thursday’s show. This comes after Impact president Scott D’Amore hit Bully with a chair and cost him a shot at winning the 8-4-1 match at Against All Odds.
Rich Swann vs. Moose has also been announced for the show. Along with Mike Bailey and PCO, the two were teammates in the opening round of the 8-4-1 match on Friday. Their team was eliminated when Moose accidentally hit Swann with a spear, allowing Jonathan Gresham to pick up the pin for his team.
Fresh off a win over The Good Hands at Against All Odds, the Impact Tag Team Champions, Ace Austin & Chris Bey, will also be in action on Thursday. They will face Decay’s Crazzy Steve & Taurus in a non-title match.
Champagne Singh & Shera vs. Laredo Kid & Jack Price was announced as this week’s Before the Impact match as well.
Impact previously announced that its new World Champion Alex Shelley, and new X-Division Champion Chris Sabin, will kick off this week’s show.
Impact Wrestling on AXS TV 6/15 lineup:
New X-Division Champion Chris Sabin & New Impact World Champion Alex Shelley kick off the show
Rich Swann vs. Moose
Bully Ray will address the Impact Zone
Decay (Crazzy Steve & Taurus) vs. ABC (Ace Austin & Chris Bey)
Champagne Singh & Shera vs. Laredo Kid & Jack Price (Before the Impact)
Ahead of his challenge of X-Division Champion Trey Miguel at next Friday’s Under Siege, Chris Sabin will take on “Speedball” Mike Bailey on next Thursday’s Impact on AXS.
It will be Sabin’s first singles match since early-December 2022 as he has primarily been working in the Motor City Machine Guns tag team. He will be looking for his ninth run as X-Division Champion when he faces Miguel.
This will be their second-ever match against each other and their first in Impact. Bailey will be looking to snap a three-match winless streak.
In a preview for Under Siege, former Impact World Champion Rich Swann will take on Angels of The Design. Swann, Sami Callihan and a mystery partner will face Angels, Kon and Deaner next Friday.
Here’s the current lineup for the go-home show with more matches and segments expected to be announced:
