A former number one contender to the TNA Knockouts World Championship has entered free agency.
Savannah Evans announced in a social media post Thursday that she is no longer with TNA Wrestling.
Evans noted gratitude for time spent with the company, and colleagues still with the promotion, before mentioning an ability to travel internationally, and providing booking information:
“As of April I am currently a FREE AGENT. Very grateful for my time at TNA as well as everyone there. Time to hit the ground running. For booking and signing inquiries: [email protected] Passport ready. Licensed in VA, SC and MO IG: savannahevs”
Evans had wrestled for Impact/TNA since 2021, and challenged for the Knockouts World title as recently as the February 13 edition of TNA Impact in a losing effort against Masha Slamovich. Evans won a number one contender’s battle royal on the February 6 episode to earn the shot. Both of those matches were taped on January 24.
In her final appearance for the company, Evans lost to Jody Threat on the April 25 episode of Xplosion, taped March 29.
As of April I am currently a FREE AGENT. Very grateful for my time at TNA as well as everyone there. Time to hit the ground running. For booking and signing inquiries: [email protected]
A three-way match is scheduled for the TNA Turning Point pre-show this Friday night.
TNA Wrestling announced today that Rosemary vs. Xia Brookside vs. Savannah Evans will take place on Countdown to Turning Point. The pre-show broadcast streams live on TNA+ and the promotion’s digital platforms for free starting at 6:30 p.m. Eastern time on Friday.
In promoting this match, TNA billed it as a way for the winner to get some momentum in the Knockouts division:
It’s all about momentum when three surging Knockouts – Xia Brookside, Savannah Evans and Rosemary – clash on the Countdown to Turning Point. Rosemary recently cut ties with NXT’s Wendy Choo, vanquishing her in a No Disqualifications match. Meanwhile, Savannah Evans made her impactful return to TNA, taking out Léi Yǐng Lee in the process. Then you have Xia Brookside, who is looking to continue her rise following success on Xplosion. Who will come out on top, poised for greatness?
Masha Slamovich — the current Knockouts Champion — has a title defense against Jordynne Grace at Turning Point. The event is being held in Winston-Salem, North Carolina as part of the annual Thanksgiving weekend WrestleCade convention.
Turning Point’s main card begins at 7 p.m. Eastern on TNA+. Here’s the updated lineup for the show:
TNA Turning Point 2024 (Friday, November 29) —
TNA World Champion Nic Nemeth defends against Eddie Edwards
Former Knockouts Champion Trinity competes in a TNA/Impact Wrestling ring for the final time tonight.
At the Royal Rumble, Trinity/Naomi returned to WWE for the first time since 2022. She’s since been confirmed as a new member of the SmackDown roster. Tonight, Trinity has her last TNA match as she teams with Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace against Gisele Shaw & Savannah Evans.
Trinity lost the Knockouts title to Grace at Hard to Kill last month. That night, Shaw won an Ultimate X match to earn a shot at the championship. Shaw and Evans attacked Grace and Trinity two weeks ago after Grace defeated Trinity in a Hard to Kill rematch.
Shaw is challenging Grace for the Knockouts Championship at No Surrender on February 23.
Also set for tonight’s Impact: Alex Shelley vs. Eddie Edwards, Josh Alexander vs. Alan Angels, Chris Sabin vs. John Skyler, Tasha Steelz vs. Xia Brookside, and Mike Bailey vs. Zachary Wentz.
TNA Impact opened with Chris Sabin coming out for his match against John Skylar.
Chris Sabin defeated John Skylar (w/ Jason Hotch)
Fundamentally speaking, this was a good match, but Skylar, at this point, is nothing more than a glorified job guy, so the extended heat in the middle of this match for Skylar was not that fun to watch. Still a decent match, but nothing that was must see. Sabin is still one of the best in the world, but I’d much rather a better opponent.
Chris Sabin is still one of the best workers going today, and even his tremendous selling could not get the fans into this match. Skylar got a lot of heat in this match, beating on Sabin for several minutes while Jason Hotch ran interference for him. After one of those spots, Hotch hit a spear through the middle ropes for a 2-count and got a mild “you still suck” chant from the audience. Sabin got the win after a Helluva Kick in the corner and a Cradle Shock as he graciously gave 95% of this match to Skylar, but not something we really needed to see here.
–Alex Shelley talked about how he was a member of different tag teams throughout his career and that he knew what it took to be a member of a team, while The System didn’t. He said that if you take out one part of a system, the whole things fails, and he is starting with Eddie Edwards tonight.
Tasha Steelz defeated Xia Brookside
In traditional Impact fashion, the newcomer that was just establishing a little momentum had been defeated, though it was done with Steelz cheating here, so it looks like it is setting up a program and return matches.
Honestly, it didn’t feel like this match had enough time to get going, but I imagine with the finish we will be seeing more of them again in the future. Steez won by yanking the tights for the win.
–ABC were backstage talking about their best 2/3 series with GYV, and as they were talking, the Vets attacked them, looking like they injured Ace Austin’s shoulder.
–A recap of Kazarian’s heel turn promo aired, with Eric Young looking on from backstage behind the curtain just out of view of everyone.
–Jake Something and Frankie Kazarian had a face off backstage, and he talked about how he used to look up to Kazarian, but now they would fight in the ring since words weren’t working.
Zachery Wentz (w/ Trey Miguel) defeated Mike Bailey
This match was awesome, and a prime example of the kind of matches I love seeing on this show. Either guy could have won, and everyone got a chance to shine.
Bailey blitzed Wentz in the early part of the match, but Wentz as able to turn it around with a distraction from Miguel. Bailey managed to hit the triangle moonsault to the floor on Wentz, but Wentz was able to slam Bailey’s head into the announce table. Wentz hit a hard chop on the floor, and Bailey basically hit a chop with his kicks as he kicked Wentz hard in the chest.
Wentz hit a big suplex on the floor and Bailey made it back in at the count of 7. Wentz pounced into a mounted punching position and he got cocky, shoving Bailey to the floor. Wentz went for a second suplex on the floor, but Bailey hit a snap suplex on Wentz instead. Bailey went to the top rope and hit a missile dropkick on Wentz as he got back into the ring. Bailey hit a great series of kicks but missed a running shooting star press. Wentz clipped the knee of Bailey in a leap frog and hit a German suplex, but missed a running shooting star of his own, and then both men kicked each other and were down.
Bailey missed a big superkick and Wentz hit a full nelson slam for a 2-count. Bailey and Wentz botched a standing Spanish fly and it looked like Bailey landed on his own head, but he was up and moving right away so hopefully he is okay. Bailey blocked a roundhouse kick from Wentz with a spinning kick, which was cool, then hit the tornado kick before going for Ultima Weapon. Migel knocked Bailey from the top turnbuckle which allowed Wentz to hit a UFO Cutter for the pinfall.
–The Rascalz started beating on Bailey, and Trent Seven made the save, as one half of “Speedball Mountain” which may be the worst tag team name I ever heard, Tom Hannifan. Steve Maclin ran down to the ring and took out Seven, but Nic Nemeth ran down, hit superkicks on The Rascalz and cleared the ring. It looks like they’re setting up a six-man tag.
–Kon had a hype video. It did not hype me.
–A recap aired of Crazzy Steve and Rhino from Xplosion. Steve hit Rhino with a low blow and laid Rhino out. They then had Rhino cut a promo from what looked like a 2007 TNA Impact set with Rhino looking like 2007 Rhino. I guess he has a time machine! I could make an old B&V joke here, but I’ll refrain.
This is not how you build to an interesting match between Shaw and Grace, but it was a very nice sent of for Trinity as she leaves to return to WWE.
Evans and Grace started the match with Grace brawling with Evans around the ring. Trinity and Grace had the advantage in the early part of the match, but Evans was able to get the heat after Vidal interfered and Shaw yanked Grace by the hair into the apron. Shaw played the cowardly heel here, only tagging in once Grace was immobilized.
Grace was crawling towards the tag, and you could hear all the little kids screaming for Grace to tag Trinity (proving again, that Trinity is a star). Grace hit a back elbow and a lariat on Shaw after blocking a head scissors takedown. Grace tagged out to Trinity, who hit some kicks on Evans, and then a crossbody on Evans for a 2-count. Trinity hit the Rear View on Evans, but Shaw made the save. Grace threw Shaw out of the ring onto Jai Vidal, and then Trinity hit Code Red and locked on Starstruck on Evans for the win.
–Deaner cut a promo backstage, saying he was a man at a crossroads, and before he could keep talking AJ Francis showed up and offered help to Deaner. Deaner said that he clearly needed help with Joe Hendry. Francis said, “Don’t say the name!” and Hendry’s music hit, and he popped out from behind some chairs, and Deaner clapped to his theme. Francis asked, “Why did you clap?” and Deaner looked confused. That was hilarious.
Then Hendry read from social media what people thought about Francis, and it compared Francis to the YouTube comments mating with the ebola virus in terms of how terrible he is. I laughed. Deaner was trying very hard not to laugh, but managed to get by with a smile. Francis said the last time Hendry talked to him like that, he chokeslammed Hendry, and he walked away. Deaner then said that Hendry shouldn’t talk for him, ever.
I hope this leads to a babyface turn and team with Hendry because Deaner is great at comedy wrestling. I really enjoyed this segment, and I don’t care what anyone says.
Kon defeated Richard Adonis & Ori Gold
The last thing I want to see is a Kon push, but here we are. At least this was short.
Kon squashed Adonis in the corner and then dropped Gold on his head with a clothesline. Kon hit a chokeslam and then put the iron claw on Gold. He then snapped the neck of Adonis, apparently murdering him.
–Kon went to do the same to Gold, but the lights went out and PCO was resurrected again by his team of doctors. As PCO sat up, Kon took out the orderlies and a brawl broke out between the two big men. This is something for PCO to do, as he beats the monster of the week like an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
To their credit, the fans really like PCO, so they wanted to see these big men brawl. PCO and Kon beat up security and continued brawling, ending when PCO clothesline Kon over the ropes, and PCO hit a top suicida to the floor onto all the security guards. Kon slammed PCO on the ramp, and PCO sat up and brawled with him to the top of the ramp. They brawled backstage and the segment ended.
Josh Alexander defeated Alan Angels
I am not sure what Angels did in his talk show to justify this violence against Alexander, but Alexander murdered him in this match, and I enjoyed it.
See, sometimes, a squash is fun. This was one of those times, with Josh Alexander beating the crap out of Angels.
–As Alexander was leaving the area, Simon Gotch attacked him and beat him around ringside, throwing Alexander into the stairs after a stiff strike. Okay. I’m not sure about this. Matt Rewoldt claimed he knew nothing about it, as Gotch’s former tag partner.
Alex Shelley defeated Eddie Edwards (w/ Alisha Edwards)
This was a good main event match, but another match with tons of interference on this show. It would be very difficult for Edwards and Shelley to have a bad match though, and this was no exception – it was very good.
I love watching Alex Shelley play the technical game, and this match featured a lot of it. Edwards tried to take it to the floor to get an advantage, but ended up missing a kick and hit the ring post allowing Shelley to attack the leg of Edwards. He then made a very rude gesture from WWF Raw in 1997 at Alisha Edwards to the delight of the crowd.
Shelley took apart Edwards going after the arms and the knee, but Eddie was able to get some of his offence back with a chop on Shelley. Edwards then distracted the referee as Alisha Edwards choked Shelley on the ropes, allowing Edwards to hit more chops in the middle of the ring. Shelley hit a dragon screw to start a comeback, and then hit an enziguri.
Shelley charged Edwards in the corner, but Edwards tried to block it with a kick. Unfortunately for him, Shelley caught the kick, tied both legs together, and hit another dragon screw. Shelley locked on the figure four leglock but Edwards got to the ropes to escape. Edwards managed to hit a belly-to-belly while selling all of his limbs, which was actually kind of impressive.
Edwards hit a knee to the face of Shelley, and you could hear Alisha Edwards calling the spot, saying “Yeah! Knee him in the face!” which is good heel work. Edwards hit another knee for a 1-count, and Shelley fired up, hitting a superkick, but Alisha Edwards interfered for the distraction, allowing Eddie Edwards to go for the Boston Knee Party. Shelley countered it in a very cool way that I can’t quite describe, and ended up pinning Edwards out of nowhere.
Final Thoughts
Every single match on this show that wasn’t a squash had tons of interference, which really didn’t add to much of the heat for any of these feuds. I’m not sure why they booked it that way, but when every match has interference, the interference means a lot less. That said, Mike Bailey & Zachery Wentz was great, and the main event with Shelley and Edwards was also very good. Those are the two most must see things on the show, but I have a soft spot for that Hendry/Deaner/Francis segment as Hendry continues to make me laugh every time I see him.
TNA Impact – February 15, 2024
· Best 2/3 Series: ABC (c) vs. Grizzled Young Vets
· TNA Digital Media Championship: Crazzy Steve (c) vs. Rhino
· Frankie Kazarian vs. Jake Something
· Moose vs. KUSHIDA
TNA No Surrender – February 16, 2024
· TNA World Championship: Moose (c) vs. Alex Shelley
· TNA Knockouts World Championship: Jordynne Grace (c) vs. Gisele Shaw
· TNA X-Division Championship: Chris Sabin (c) vs. Mustafa Ali
Tonight’s Impact Wrestling is the last stop on the road to Bound for Glory.
Before facing each other for the Knockouts Championship, Trinity and Mickie James will be tag team partners tonight. They’re joining forces to take on Gisele Shaw & Savannah Evans.
“Speedball” Mike Bailey is set for a big match against Will Ospreay at this Saturday’s pay-per-view. Before that, Bailey goes one-on-one with Samuray Del Sol.
A tag team match with Rhino & PCO facing Moose & Brian Myers is airing tonight. Bound for Glory will feature a Monster’s Ball match with Rhino, PCO, Moose, and Steve Maclin.
Heath vs. Kenny King is also set for tonight’s show, along with a no DQ match between Crazzy Steve and Black Taurus.
We’ll also get the final build toward Alex Shelley and Josh Alexander’s Impact World Championship match at Bound for Glory.
Tonight’s Before the Impact match is KiLynn King vs. Jody Threat.
BFI Preshow
George Iceman, in a room that echoed like a cave, told us that Bound for Glory may have a surprise guest showing up.
KiLynn King defeated Jody Threat
Decent match that saw King further established in a singles role, and Threat was able to maintain some heat due to King faking an injury to get the advantage.
Impact Wrestling – October 19, 2023
Impact opened with the familiar music of Mike Bailey, as he faces off against Samuray del Sol in a warmup match for Bound for Glory.
Mike Bailey defeated Samuray del Sol
Very good match from Bailey and del Sol here, with Bailey again showing that he is a guy you can count on to have a great match any time you put him out there.
The crowd was into this right away, as they knew it was going to be a good match. After an initial fist bump after an exchange, del Sol got upset as Bailey kept one upping him, so he refused a handshake. After eating a kick he was able to hit a torneo into an armdrag off the top rope. Bailey went for a suicide dive, but del Sol jumped onto the apron and ducked down, causing Bailey to fly through the ropes and crash to the floor.
Bailey and del Sol both went for handsprings at the same time, but Bailey was able to use a series of kicks out of it before hitting a sole butt, a kick to the back, and a running shooting star press for a 2-count. Bailey went for a thrust kick, but del Sol bent backwards to avoid it, then hit the ropes and both wrestlers hit a single leg dropkick in the ring. This exchange caused both to role to the floor and hit single leg dropkicks at the same time again, causing them to hit the mat.
Bailey ate a kick to the face by del Sol, and after another exchange of kicks on the apron, del Sol went to the top rope finally hitting a leaping enziguri on his own that sent del Sol to the floor. Bailey hit a double jump corkscrew moonsault to the floor on del Sol to a huge reaction from the crowd. Bailey went for Ultima Weapon, but del Sol cut him off and hit a body scissors into a driver off the middle ropes for a 2-count.
Bailey hit a standing Spanish fly for a 2-count, then hit a thrust kick before going for a tornado kick, but del Sol blocked it. Bailey got nailed with a pump kick in the corner, but followed del Sol out and hit a twisting kick before hitting Ultima Weapon for the pinfall. Great match.
–Dango was with Oleg Prudius and Alpha Bravo, and they briefly buried the Flying Elvises, only getting Sonny Siaki correct as a member, while confusing the other two with 3 Count from WCW. He then asked how anyone could get a dancing gimmick over. Dango claimed that Prudius beat up John Wick and that Alpha Bravo would dive on a grenade for his comrades.
–ABC were backstage and claimed that The Rascalz were using the 5 D’s (Dodge, duck, dip, dive, and dodge) but that they couldn’t run at Bound for Glory when they cash in their title shot.
Kenny King (w/ Sheldon Jean) defeated Heath
This was fine. Nothing special, but a perfectly acceptable TV match despite the blatant interference from Jean right in front of the referee multiple times.
Heath started this match brawling with King around the ring. Heath suplexed King in from the apron and said, “Come on, Memphis!” to the crowd that has not been very good throughout this taping. Heath clotheslined King to the floor and Heath twisted his ankle on the landing. King worked over the ankle for the next few minutes. Heath hit a boot to the face in a the corner and a clothesline off the middle ropes for a 2-count, but King went right back to the ankle, dropping Heath again.
Both wrestlers went to the ropes to hit clotheslines and they both went down at the same time. Heath hit a leg lariat and a powerslam for a 2-count. Heath took a swipe at Jean, letting King roll him up with his feet on the ropes, but the referee caught him. Heath hit a spinebuster for a 2-count. Heath dropped Jean again, and turned around into a kick from King. King then hit the Royal Flush for the win.
–Kazarian was backstage after his match last week with Eddie Edwards, and he said that he never hated Edwards, but that they were actually brothers trained by the same man. He said that now Eddie Edwards has to respect him, they were going to take Impact Wrestling to new heights. We’ll have to see if Eddie Edwards feels the same later, I assume.
Crazzy Steve defeated Black Taurus in a No DQ Match
This was actually a really good hardcore match that told a good story. Steve was excellent here, and Taurus was awesome as always.
Taurus went right after Steve, hitting a code breaker to the arm of Steve, and grabbed a chair out from under the ring. Steve dodged a swing from Taurus, then took the chair and said, “I hope this hurts you forever!” before hitting Taurus in the back with it. Little kids in the front row cheered Steve hitting Taurus with chairs. I guess Crazzy Steve is for the kids.
Steve setup several chairs on the floor and bridged folded chairs across them. Steve setup two more chairs in the middle of the ring and tried to suplex Taurus across them, but Taurus countered and hit a Knighfall backbreaker through the chairs for a 2-count. Taurus tried to suplex Steve off the apron and through the chairs, but Steve fought out. Taurus hit two sling blades in response.
Steve hit a drop toe hold on Taurus, sending him crashing into the garbage can. Taurus grabbed the legs of Steve in a position for an Alabama slam, but spun Steve around, and Steve turned this into a Canadian Destroyer attempt for a 2-count. Taurus tried to hit a monkey flip on Steve, who was against the ropes, and Steve turned it into a back body drop to through the chairs to the floor. Unfortunately, Taurus did not land on his back, but on his tailbone.
Steve pulled a fork out of his Feast or Fired briefcase and went for the eyes of Taurus again. Taurus blocked it, and tried to turn the fork on Steve himself. Before he could, Steve screamed that he was sorry, leading to Taurus dropping the fork, but trying to hit a move anyway. Steve raked the eyes, put the briefcase on Taurus’ throat and face, and drove him into the turnbuckle before hitting Belladonna’s Kiss for the pinfall.
–We got a set of short promos with people talking about how they were planning to win the Call Your Shot Gauntlet, like the old Royal Rumble promo videos. I liked this.
–Gia Miller was backstage with Mickie James & Trinity, talking about their match with Gisele Shaw & Savannah Evans tonight. They talked about how both of them wanted to win tonight, and it wouldn’t be effected by their match at Impact Bound for Glory.
The Most Professional Wrestling Gods (Moose & Brian Myers) defeated Rhino & PCO
The ring announcer accidentally called Moose, “Bruce Moose” when he merged Brian and Moose into one word. I’d accept the tag team name of Broose rather than their actual name, but alas. Rhino and Myers started the match with the fans chanting “Rhino’s gonna kill you!” and he smiled and nodded with an evil grin. Not much happened here until Moose and PCO started exchanging chops in the ring, which was fun.
Rhino came in and threw Moose face first into the turnbuckle 10 times to the delight of the fans, and Moose rolled to the floor. This allowed Myers to sneak in and get some heat on Rhino, choking him on the ropes and hitting a Russian legsweep for a 2-count. Moose accused the referee of counting too slow. Rhino blocked a suplex from Moose and hit one of his own, tagging out to PCO, who went right after Myers, hitting a DDT and hitting a lung blower in the corner before hitting a legdrop off the middle ropes.
Moose made the save and cussed at PCO, and PCO hit a Cactus clothesline to the floor. PCO hit an inverted DDT on Myers and called for a moonsault, but Moose pulled Myers out of the way. Moose checked on Myers, but ate a belly-to-belly suplex before calling for a Gore. Rhino went for the Gore, but Steve Maclin pulled him from the ring and smashed Rhino into the ring post. Maclin went to hit a move on Rhino, but Bully Ray ran down and made the save. PCO then hit a cannonball dive on Maclin but ate a spear back in the ring from Moose for the win.
–MK Ultra promised to destroy Deonna Purrazzo & Tasha Steelz at Bound for Glory.
–An excellent hype video aired for Will Ospreay & Mike Bailey. Some of the highlights showed the Walter Pyramid in California where New Japan has run some shows, and I think that would be a cool venue for Impact to run a PPV from someday. At 5000 seats, it might be a bit ambitious, but it could work.
–Rhino met Ray backstage and said that he didn’t trust him and didn’t need his help.
I don’t often add reaction notes before a promo segment, but holy cow, this was great. Shelley and Alexander were fantastic here, and they did an excellent job selling how important this match was to the both of them.
–Scott D’Amore did a pretape interview with Alex Shelley & Josh Alexander to talk about their match at Bound for Glory. D’Amore was going to ask Alexander the first question, and Shelley interrupted and said that maybe the champion should talk first. Shelley was taking this very personally because Impact was a company he built, and Alexander said that he was taking nothing away from Shelley.
Alexander said that Shelley wanted to make sure Alexander was 100% because Shelley would not go easy on him. Alexander said that Shelley was cracking under the pressure and it can be seen in his behaviour. Alexander said that Shelley was accusing him of thinking Shelley was a transitional champion, but Alexander thought Shelley was saying that because Shelly believed deep down that he was a transitional champion. This led to Shelley leaving the set and running across the arena to brawl with Alexander as D’Amore tried to break it up. This was awesome.
Trinity & Mickie James defeated Gisele Shaw & Savannah Evans (w/ Jai Vidal)
Evans & Shaw jumped their opponents before the match began, but Trinity and James both his Thesz presses. Evans and James started the match. Evans and Shaw tried their best to top James but were unable to with everything they tried. Trinity tagged in and hit a legdrop doing the splits for a 2-count. Shaw and Evans isolated Trinity and hit a double suplex for a 2-count.
Trinity was about to make a tag, but Shaw hit James with a forearm to prevent it from happening. Evans and Trinity struggled as Trinity tried to make the tag again, but the referee missed it because Shaw was distracting the referee. Shaw got a lot of heat from the local audience here, as it can’t be denied that the fans here were into Trinity. One of the few acts that got a universally loved reaction on this show, which they were dead for many others.
Trinity managed to hit a kick from the middle rope to drop Evans and finally make the tag to Mickie James. James ran in and with the help of Trinity was able to hit the MickDT on Evans for the pinfall, as the two babyfaces celebrated before their match at Bound for Glory.
–James and Trinity raised each other’s hand, but James kept held of the Knockouts World Championship, not letting Trinity leave as the show went off the air.
Final Thoughts
A good go home show for Impact. They pushed all the major stories, even for matches that didn’t need much build like Ospreay and Bailey (though they could have given Bailey more wins along the way before the match), and the card for Bound for Glory has something for everyone on the show. I am very much so looking forward to it, and can’t wait to be back here Saturday recapping it live.
Impact Wrestling Bound for Glory – October 21, 2023
Impact Hall of Fame Ceremony for Traci Brooks, Mike Tenay, & Don West
Knockouts World Tag Team Championship: MK Ultra (c) vs. Tasha Steelz & Deonna Purrazzo
Will Ospreay vs. Mike Bailey
Impact World Tag Team Championship: The Rascalz (c) vs. ABC
Call Your Shot Gauntlet
Monster’s Ball: Moose vs. PCO vs. Rhino vs. Steve Maclin
X-Division Championship: Chris Sabin (c) vs. KENTA
Knockouts World Championship: Trinity (c) vs. Mickie James
Impact World Championship: Alex Shelley (c) vs. Josh Alexander
If you somehow had Bully Ray vs. Black Taurus in a no DQ match on your 2023 wrestling bingo card, that will hit this Thursday on Impact on AXS TV.
The bout was made following the events of last Thursday when both men were on opposite ends of a trios match where Ray, Moose & Brian Myers got a win over Taurus, Laredo Kid & Samuray Del Sol. Ray was eventually run off by the returning PCO.
Ray will be looking for his first singles win since a March victory over Tommy Dreamer at Sacrifice which was also the last time he competed in the singles division. While primarily a tag team wrestler, Taurus hasn’t had a singles win since last December over Anthony Greene.
In another newly-announced match, it will be Jessicka vs. Savannah Evans vs. Killer Kelly. Both Evans and Jessicka will be part of a four-way for Kelly & Masha Slamovich’s Knockouts Tag Team titles at this month’s Emergence streaming special.
This Thursday’s show will be the go-home for the following Sunday’s Impact x NJPW Multiverse United 2 pay-per-view.
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
Masha Slamovich & Killer Kelly will now have three other teams to contend with when they defend the Knockouts Tag Team titles at Impact Emergence.
The streaming special is set for Sunday, August 27th from Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Originally set to be Slamovich & Kelly defending for the first time against Gisele Shaw & Savannah Evans, the events of Thursday’s Impact on AXS TV caused Director of Authority Santino Marella to make the match a four-way that will include former champions The Death Dollz (Jessicka & Courtney Rush) and former champions The Coven (KiLynn King & Taylor Wilde).
Slamovich & Kelly defeated King & Wilde for the titles at last month’s Slammiversary.
Here’s the current card for the show:
IWGP World Heavyweight Champion SANADA in action
Impact Knockouts Champion Trinity defends against Deonna Purrazzo
Impact World Champion Alex Shelley, KUSHIDA, Chris Sabin & Josh Alexander vs. Bully Ray, Moose, Brian Myers & X-Division Champion Lio Rush
Knockouts Tag Team Champions Masha Slamovich & Killer Kelly defend against Gisele Shaw & Savannah Evans, The Death Dollz (Jessicka & Courtney Rush) and The Coven (KiLynn King & Taylor Wilde)
Impact Wrestling has announced that Slamovich & Kelly will defend the titles against Gisele Shaw & Savannah Evans at Emergence on Sunday, August 27. The show is airing live on Impact Plus, Impact’s Ultimate Insiders YouTube service, and Fite TV.
Slamovich & Kelly were crowned the new Impact Knockouts Tag Team Champions last month, winning the titles from Taylor Wilde & KiLynn King at Slammiversary.
After a backstage confrontation between the teams the previous week, Shaw defeated Slamovich in a singles match on Impact last Thursday. Shaw won after interference from SHAWntourage member Jai Vidal.
Emergence will take place from Rebel Entertainment Complex in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Here’s everything that’s been announced for the show so far:
IWGP World Heavyweight Champion SANADA in action
Impact Knockouts Champion Trinity defends against Deonna Purrazzo
Alex Shelley, KUSHIDA, Chris Sabin & Josh Alexander vs. Bully Ray, Moose, Brian Myers & Lio Rush
Knockouts Tag Team Champions Masha Slamovich & Killer Kelly defend against Gisele Shaw & Savannah Evans
Impact Wrestling has added a new match to the lineup for Slammiversary 2023.
On the pre-show for Slammiversary, The Death Dollz (Courtney Rush & Jessicka) will team up with Jody Threat against Gisele Shaw, Savannah Evans & Jai Vidal. The pre-show streams for free on Impact Plus, YouTube, and Fite TV starting at 7:30 p.m. Eastern time this Saturday.
This is the second match that’s been confirmed for the pre-show. It will also feature a Digital Media Championship match with Joe Hendry defending against Kenny King.
St. Clair College Sportsplex in Windsor, Ontario, Canada is hosting Slammiversary. There have now been 10 matches announced for the event. The updated lineup is listed below:
Impact Wrestling Slammiversary 2023 (Saturday, July 15) —
Impact World Champion Alex Shelley defends against Nick Aldis
Knockouts Champion Deonna Purrazzo defends against Trinity
X-Division Champion Chris Sabin defends against Lio Rush
Impact Tag Team Champions ABC (Chris Bey & Ace Austin) defend against Sami Callihan & Rich Swann, Brian Myers & Moose, and Subculture (Flash Morgan Webster & Mark Andrews) in a four-way match
Knockouts Tag Team Champions The Coven (Taylor Wilde & KiLynn King) defend against Masha Slamovich & Killer Kelly
Bully Ray & Deaner vs. Scott D’Amore & TBA with former NHL player Darren McCarty as special enforcer (PCO’s status for the match is in question following an angle on last week’s Impact)
Ultimate X match: Mike Bailey vs. Jonathan Gresham vs. Angels vs. Kevin Knight vs. KUSHIDA
Frankie Kazarian vs. Eddie Edwards
Countdown to Slammiversary: Digital Media Champion Joe Hendry defends against Kenny King
Countdown to Slammiversary: The Death Dollz (Courtney Rush & Jessicka) & Jody Threat vs. Gisele Shaw, Savannah Evans & Jai Vidal
Thursday’s Impact Wrestling on AXS TV will feature the fallout from last Friday’s Under Siege.
Bully Ray will make his return to Thursday nights for the first time since losing to Tommy Dreamer in a Hardcore War match. He made his promotional return at Under Siege, joining Impact World Champion Steve Maclin in putting company president Scott D’Amore through a flaming table.
Trinity (the former Naomi in WWE) will look to remain undefeated in Impact as she takes on Savannah Evans.
Dani Luna of Subculture and formerly WWE NXT UK will make her Impact in-ring debut as she battles the undefeated Jody Threat.
After making his return last Friday, Jake Crist will team with Sami Callihan to battle Decay’s Black Taurus & Crazzy Steve.
In the follow-up from Friday’s six-way no. 1 contender’s match, Eddie Edwards goes one-on-one with Yuya Uemura.
The BTI pre-show will feature Brian Myers vs. Tyler Tirva.
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Brian Myers defeated Tyler Tirva
Myers gave Tirva a lot in this match, and he might be a guy looking at bringing in at some point given his quality performance in this match.
Impact Wrestling
The show opened with a video recap of Deonna Purrazzo defeating Jordynne Grace, and Maclin defeating PCO before attacking Scott D’Amore.
–Bully Ray came down to the ring to open the show. Ray claimed to be the most hated man in the business, but given the heat Don Callis got on Dynamite last night, I think he would be at the top of that list. Ray talked about how he has pout people through tables his whole career, but when he is really upset, he lights the table on fire.
Ray claimed that putting D’Amore through the flaming table brought him great pleasure, and it was one of the best nights of his life. Ray said that he was going nowhere, and he was going to win the 8-4-1 match at Against All Odds and become the #1 Contender before going on to Slammiversary to win the Impact World Championship.
Steve Maclin came out and insisted that Bully Ray only took out Scott D’Amore because Maclin allowed him to do it. Ray admitted that Maclin was the world champ, and acknowledged that Maclin did. Maclin pointed out that there was something everyone was wondering – would Ray and Maclin team up and continue doing whatever they wanted? Either way, Maclin said that if Ray won the match at Against All Odds, he would be happy to defend the title against him.
The Motor City Machine Guns came out, and Alex Shelley reminded Ray that he was the #1 contender to the world championship, and he was going to win the title at Against All Odds. Ray admitted that Shelley was a great pro wrestler, saying that he should be mentioned in the same breath as the best wrestlers in the world, but that he could never win the big one.
Chris Sabin reminded Bully Ray that he said all that stuff to him 10 years ago, and Sabin beat him for the world title. Maclin accused Shelley of overlooking him, and Shelley said he was sure he could beat Maclin. Maclin asked him what made him so sure, and Shelley said that Maclin wasn’t Josh Alexander, and that if he didn’t get injured, Alexander would still be champion.
As Sabin and Shelley challenged Bully Ray and Maclin to a match, Ray denied them the fight tonight. Subculture came out. Mark Andrews took the mic and said that they wanted a match against the Motor City Machine Guns since Ray and Maclin didn’t want to fight, so MCMG accepted. This was a long 20 minute promo segment that probably could have been compressed into 6 or 7 minutes, but it was good.
Eddie Edwards (w/ Alisha Edwards) defeated Yuya Uemura
Uemura had the advantage in the early portion of the match when they went to a break, and when they came back Edwards was in control. I hate how they get the heat during the ad breaks sometimes, as it was something WWE did all the time. That said, they at least showed a replay with Alisha Edwards tripping Uemura.
Edwards continued trying to wear Uemura down with hard strikes, but Uemura picked up the pace and hit the ropes hard several times before hitting a flying forearm that left Edwards reeling. Uemura hit a Saito suplex for a 2-count. Uemura went for a flying crossbody, but Edwards got a knee up and hit a tiger driver for a 2-count. Edwards got up and hit the Boston knee party for the win right after.
–Eddie Edwards refused to shake Uemura’s hand, so Frankie Kazarian came out and said that it was disrespectful to not shake Uemura’s hand. Edwards grabbed Kazarian, so Kazarian dropped him, and Alisha Edwards jumped on his back. Kazarian shook her off and left the Edwards family laying the mat. Weird way to end that angle. I would have had Edwards beat Kazarian down for some heat to build to a match.
Sami Callihan & Jake Crist defeated Decay (Crazzy Steve & Black Taurus)
This was a nothing match, over in less than 2 minutes, with Crist hitting a Crist Cutter on Steve for the win.
–After the match, The Design came to ringside and Kon chokeslammed both Crist and Callihan, and the never ending feud of doom continued, with Deaner hitting the antidote, a DDT, on Crist. Rich Swann ran down to make the save, holding a chair, and The Design left the ring.
–Rich Swann, Crist, and Callihan were backstage, and Swann said he was not available for the match against The Design at Against All Odds because he was in the 8-4-1 match. Callihan said something about a doctor calling a monster, so it seems to me that it’ll likely be PCO as Callihan and Crist’s tag partner, though PCO is also in the 8-4-1 match, so it must be someone else.
Trinity defeated Savannah Evans (w/ Gisele Shaw & Jai Vidal)
This was quite short, and basically both of them just doing moves with little story. Evans did a few, Trinity would do one or two, then Evans would take a turn. Not a lot of psychology, but given it was a short match it didn’t really matter. A simple match to showcase what Trinity can do, as she got to hit all her high spots.
Evans used power moves to control Trinity in the early part of the match, including hitting a pop up power bomb for a 2-count. Trinity managed to turn it around, hitting a heat seeker on Evans who was draped across the middle ropes. Trinity hit a springboard into a kick and a bulldog into the middle turnbuckle before hitting a flying crossbody off the top rope. Evans hit a sidewalk slam. Trinity from the corner hit a sunset flip into Star Struck for the submission win.
–Trinity grabbed a mic and said that she promised to wait until Under Siege, but she wanted her shot at the Knockouts Championship. Deonna Purrazzo came out, said that she was the one Trinity was looking for. Trinity made a challenge for the title at Slammiversary, and Purrazzo accepted.
Gisele Shaw and Evans attacked Purrazzo and Trinity from behind. Jai Vidal knocked Purrazzo out with a purse, and Shaw took the purse and knocked out Trinity. Jordynne Grace ran down to make the save, and Shaw nailed Grace with the purse before hitting two running knees to the face. Shaw commanded Evans and Vidal to pick Grace up, and Shaw hit a 3rd knee, seemingly writing Grace off the show.
Jody Threat defeated Dani Luna
Very hard hitting match here. Luna looked very good, and Jody Threat seems to be settling into being on TV well.
Jody Threat took a lot of this match, hitting hard strikes, a clothesline in the corner, and a suplex that dropped Luna for a 2-count. Luna dodged a baseball slide and hit a knee to the face of Threat. Luna hit an impressive dead lift suplex on Threat. Threat hit a Cactus style clothesline to the floor on Luna, before hitting a flipping senton off the apron to the floor.
Threat hit a big Michinoku driver on Luna for a 2-count. Threat ate a lariat and power bomb from Luna, which got a reaction from the crowd. Threat kicked out, and soon hit a German suplex before hitting a torture rack bomb for the pinfall.
–Joe Hendry was backstage with Santino and Hendry talked about getting revenge on Dango. Kenny King and Sheldon Jean walked up and reminded everyone that Jean broke Hendry’s nose, and Santino made the match for next week on Impact, while booking Dango against Joe Hendry at Against All Odds as well.
–Killer Kelly cut a promo, talking about how if you put two animals in a cage that they instinctively fight, but if you put a chain around the neck of two humans, they fight like dogs. She invited Masha Slamovich to give into their violent impulses at Against All Odds.
Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley) defeated Subculture (Mark Andrews & Flash Webster Morgan)
It really isn’t a shock saying this again, but the Motor City Machine Guns are just so good. I wish we could see them in the main event mix with guys like FTR and the Young Bucks in AEW. Their matches with the Bucks and the Briscoes in ROH were always fantastic. They make every show they are on better. Subculture looked fantastic in this one too, and I hope they really do get a deal somewhere soon.
This, of course, was a slow and plodding match. I am kidding, of course, as all 4 wrestlers moved so fast it was hard to keep track of. Sabin and Shelley being able to keep this level of work up for so long is really quite incredible, and Webster and Andrews were keen to show they belonged there as well with two of the greats of the last 20 years.
Andrews is familiar with Impact audiences, due to his time there year ago, but this seems like a new version of him with Webster. Subculture hit stereo tope suicidas to the floor to the delight of the crowd, but MCMG hit a series of quick double team offence once they got back in the ring, ending with Shelley hitting a bulldog and clothesline at the same time.
Shelley pulled Andrews into a surfboard stretch and Sabin hit the ropes and hit a bulldog on the prone Andrews. Sabin and Shelley hit a magic killer on Andrews a few minutes later for a 2-count. Shelley nailed Andrews with a clothesline and then he and Sabin hit a doomsday dropkick, but Andrews popped back up after eating it and hit a headbutt on Sabin. MCMG hit a double big boot in the corner on Andrews, but Andrews blocked the cradle shock and hit the Stundog Millionaire. MCMG hit a cutter on Andrews, and then soon thereafter hit a dirt bomb on Webster. What a match.
Final Thoughts
This was an angle heavy show, but given that there are only 2 weeks between two major live events, I understand why. That said, I wouldn’t book two live events that far apart. Hopefully they do not do that next year. This show was not much about the wrestling, and a lot more about setting up Against All Odds, which is fine. The main event more than made up for that with a fantastic tag match.
Next week’s Impact Wrestling:
Impact Knockouts Tag Team Champions The Coven defend against The Death Dollz
Moose & Rich Swann vs. Nick Aldis & Jonathan Gresham
New Impact Against All Odds matches:
Impact Digital Media Champion Joe Hendry defends against Dirty Dango
Eddie Edwards vs. Frankie Kazarian
Gisele Shaw & Savannah Evans vs. Deonna Purrazzo & Trinity
New Slammiversary match:
Impact Knockouts Champion Deonna Purrazzo defends against Trinity
Savannah Evans revealed during a podcast interview that she recently signed a multi-year contract with Impact Wrestling.
Speaking on Women’s Wrestling Talk, Evans said she got the call on her deal in March and after working out some details, she signed it last week.
Trained in part by current Impact talent Kaleb Conley, Evans said she initially got a call last summer from Tommy Dreamer after Conley talked with him about it. He had an idea for what he wanted to bring her in for and that was the start of everything.
She debuted last August as part of the Fire N’ Flava split between Kiera Hogan and Tasha Steelz. She attacked Hogan and aligned herself with Steelz who is the current Knockouts Champion.
The Charlotte, North Carolina, native debuted in 2014 and appeared on AEW Dark in both 2020 and 2021, once in a tag team match and another in a singles match against Leyla Hirsch. She also has worked for Shine, EVOLVE and a slew of indies.
