Tag: Steve Maclin

Impact Wrestling live results: Trinity debuts

Posted on by Josiah MacDonald

For the first time in a year, Trinity will appear on national TV as she makes her Impact Wrestling debut Thursday on AXS TV.

The former Naomi in WWE, she will be on hand to cut an in-ring promo to announce her intentions. 

The build to Impact World Champion Steve Maclin and PCO’s match at Under Siege continues as Maclin teams with Champagne Singh and Shera against PCO and two mystery partners.

Jonathan Gresham and “Speedball” Mike Bailey will lock horns for the fourth time in Impact as their friendly rivalry continues.

Jody Threat will look to remain unbeaten in Impact as she faces Alisha Edwards while Sami Callihan and Deaner are expected to have an in-ring confrontation.

As part of the fallout from Hardcore War last month, Moose and Brian Myers will team up to take on Yuya Uemura and Bhupinder Gujjar.

Laredo Kid vs. Jack Price will be on the BTI pre-show.

**********

Laredo Kid defeated Jack Price

It’s nice to see Kid back doing well after the serious injury he had awhile back. Kid looked fantastic, and Price worked very hard to make him look good too. Solid match for the preshow.

Moose & Brian Myers defeated Bhupinder Gujjar & Yuya Uemura

This was a good opening tag that saw Moose and Myers give a lot to Uemura and Gujjar, before getting the clean win. Gujjar is slowly improving, though still quite green.

Uemura and Gujjar had a good start to this match, sending Myers flying over the top rope into a flip dive on his own partner, and then hit stereo topes to the floor on Moose and Myers. Uemura hit a nice bulldog off the middle ropes on Moose. Gujjar and Uemura showed some great offence, almost beating the two more experienced wrestlers, but after Gujjar managed to send Myers to the floor, Moose hit a spear out of nowhere for the win.

–Steve Maclin was backstage with Champagne Singh and Sheera, as Gia Miller walked up and asked about their upcoming 6-man tag against PCO. Maclin said that PCO wouldn’t be able to find partners, while he is establishing alliances.

–Dango was backstage with a murder board trying to figure out who attacked Santino last week. This included images of Tyler Breeze with “Dirty cop?” written underneath it, Tomko, and Dango’s belief that Mike Tenay was responsible. Joe Hendry showed up and said that the likely candidate was Trey Miguel given he hasn’t been getting along with Santino lately. Dango called Hendry his best friend while side eyeing the picture of Tyler Breeze. A hint? Or just wackiness? Or both? Time will tell.

–The Design entered after Callihan and informed Callihan that the match would not be against Deaner, but against Kon. Kon attacked Callihan before the bell, chokeslaming him.

Sami Callihan defeated Kon (w/ The Design) via DQ

This was a poor match, but not due to Callihan.

Callihan quickly got back in the fight, low bridging Kon and then hitting a kick from the apron. Kon caught a second kick and pulled Callihan’s leg out from under him causing him to crash into the apron. As the came back from break, Kon was hitting a legdrop on Callihan for a 2-count. Kon did WWE big man offence, with bear hugs and rest holds, which slowed the match down considerably.

Callihan turned around in the bear hug and punched Kon in the face, ripped Kon’s shirt off, hit some hard chops, and then hit an impressive Death Valley Driver on Kon. Angels tried to distract Callihan, but Callihan brought him into the ring to distract the referee. As the referee was dealing with Angels, Callihan low blowed Kon before smiling and inviting Deaner to come into the ring. Deaner signaled and a ton of men in yellow sweaters, the Army of Violence, to attack Callihan.

–Dango and Hendry interviewed Trey Miguel, who insisted he was innocent. Hendry examined his head for missing hair and determined it couldn’t be him. Dango was conspicuously wearing a hat, and Miguel pointed out Dango had the most motivation to attack Santino as it elevated him to director of authority, which I don’t think it is how it works.

–Jimmy Jacobs was with Nick Aldis, and Aldis talked about wanting to climb the ladder up to face Steve Maclin. Kenny King walked in and was skeptical. Aldis said King was acting like a gatekeeper, so Aldis challenged him to a match. King said that Aldis needed to work his way up to him, denying the match for now.

Jody Threat defeated Alisha Edwards

Edwards immediately slapped Threat. Threat responded with knees and a hard kick. Threat hit a shoulder tackle and a slap, in a bit of revenge. Threat dumped Edwards onto the middle rope and went for double knees to the back, but Edwards moved, sending Threat into the ropes. After a brief time of offense, Threat went back to the double knees before hitting the F416 for the pinfall.

–The Motor City Machine Guns were backstage with Gia Miller, and Sabin talked about how he has done it all in Impact, and he wanted to win the X-Division title for a 9th time, hopefully dethroning Treg Miguel. Alex Shelley said folks were asking him what was next since Sabin was chasing the X-Division title, and Shelley said, “I guess I’ll go win the World title.” Shelley heading back into the world title picture would be a delight. This is a good answer to the injuries in the main event scene, since Shelley is a good promo, great worker, and guy that can always main event a show when called upon.

–The second part of the in depth interview with Frankie Kazarian continued, as he talked about his time in ROH and how he helped found AEW with the Young Bucks, Christopher Daniels, and Cody, before returning to Impact and taking a chance on himself. I am not sure you can keep doing interviews like this and not make Kazarian champion at some point. It is the perfect story, and as his last major run, it would be fantastic to see him get a World title run.

PCO, Rhino, & Heath defeated Steve Maclin, Champagne Singh, and Sheera

This was a fun 6-man tag. The crowd was into everything that the babyface did.

PCO was prepared to fight all 3 men himself, but Rhino and Heath came out to join him, since they have their own issues with Singh and Sheera lately. Singh tried to overpower Rhino. This did not go well. Rhino tagged in Heath, who hit an axe handle to the arm on Singh. Maclin tagged in and beat on Heath for a bit before Heath was able to hit a powerslam on Maclin, leading to the hot tag to PCO.

PCO took everyone out as Maclin rolled to the floor to get away. PCO hit a DDT on Singh before hitting a cannonball through the middle ropes on Singh. PCO hit the Deanimator off the top rope onto the apron, crushing Singh like he did last week. Sheera and Maclin mauled PCO, and Maclin called the shots, getting Singh and Sheera to put PCO on the top rope. As they tried to attack, PCO slipped off the turnbuckle, took them both out, and faced off with Maclin. Maclin fled to the outside and ate a gore from Rhino. Heath hit the wake up call on Singh as he tried to buy off PCO, sending money flying everywhere. PCO then hit a moonsault on Singh for the pinfall.

–The Coven were in an unknown area, with Taylor Wilde carving something into a candle. She said that when the candle disappeared, so would Jordynne Grace & Deonna Purrazzo. I somehow doubt that will happen.

–Rosemary & Jessicka were backstage, and they summoned James Mitchell. Mitchell said The Coven was not powerful enough to keep Rosemary from the dark realm, but he could guide her directly into it. Rosemary didn’t trust him, but believed she didn’t have any other options. Jessicak wanted to come along, but Rosemary said that the last thing they needed was for her to get kidnapped. Rosemary gave Jessicka an hourglass and then said by the time it ran out, they would be back.

Jonathan Gresham defeated Mike Bailey

What a match. These guys could be generational rivals given how well they work together. Gresham and Bailey looked great throughout their series of matches, with Gresham getting the win to take the lead in the series for now. I suspect we’ll see them clash again down the line in another classic. One of the best parts of these matches was that every one of them were different.

The fans gave a huge ovation for Bailey and Gresham, showing that the series of great matches they had thus far have been appreciated. Gresham and Bailey quickly picked up where they left off with Miguel causing a no contest in their last one, with Gresham getting a headscissors locked on Bailey. After a stalemate, but men locked up and got caught in the ropes.

As they came back from break both men were exchanging shoulder tackles before Bailey hit a kick to drop Gresham. Gresham targeted the left arm of Bailey in this match, changing tactics from targeting the knee previously. Gresham did have to face some kicks, and then an unexpected armbar from Bailey that almost got the submission.

Bailey kept up with the submission before getting back to his feet, hitting a moonsault double knees, and then transitioning immediately back to an armbar that Gresham countered into a pinfall attempt. Bailey hit a series of kicks and then went over the top rope to hit double knees on Gresham, who was on the apron. Bailey then hit a triangle moonsault to the floor that Kota Ibushi would be proud of.

Gresham went back to the arm back in the ring, but Bailey continued his assault with a pump kick and standing Spanish fly. Bailey went for Ultima Weapon, but Gresham moved and countered into the Octopus stretch on Bailey to get a quick submission due to the arm submission.

–Sami Callihan was backstage admitting that he did the stupid thing trying to take on The Design on his own. He was asking for help from Rich Swann, saying that they have been family for years, and Swann was saying that this isn’t the first time that Callihan got him in trouble. Callihan left Swann with some things to think about, asking clearly for help, which is not something he usually does.

–Steve Maclin was backstage with Scott D’Amore, and he demanded D’Amore handle what Rhino did to him. D’Amore handled it by booking him against Rhino next week for the Impact World Championship.

–Trinty made her Impact debut to close the show to a fantastic reaction from the audience. Impact did a great job making this feel like a huge deal, and having her close the show also puts a lot of trust in her, showing they see her as a huge star. This was awesome. Trinity put over the Impact Knockouts division, and said she has wanted to be a part of it for years. Trinity said she was looking forward to fighting all the women the division had to offer, and that she was coming for the Knockouts Championship.

Deonna Purrazzo made her entrance, and welcomed Trinity to Impact. Purrazzo said that when they stepped into the ring together, Trinity wouldn’t be able to walk out on it. Trinity fired back, saying that Purrazzo would wish she got fired again. Jordynne Grace came down to the ring, and said it was feeling hot out there because of the heat between those two.

Grace indicated that everyone wanted to see them wrestle, but Grace was still in line first for the Knockouts title. Grace said the title was hers, so Trinity would have to face Grace first. Trinity made it very clear that no matter who was champion, they would have to face her next. The dialogue was a bit forced at points, but this was an excellent segment that immediately positioned Trinity as a main event star. That is how its done.

Final Thoughts

This episode felt like a lot of important things happened in terms of storyline development. From the debut of Trinity, to the Motor City Machine Guns chasing singles titles, to advancing Purrazzo and Grace while tying Trinity into it, a lot of what was on this show was good. The Bailey/Gresham match delivered, as those two always do. A good show, despite the wacky Dango/Hendry, Undead Realm, and Coven stuff.

Impact Wrestling – May 11, 2023 Card

· Nick Aldis vs. Sheldon Jean

· Masha Slamovich vs. Killer Kelly

· Impact Knockouts World Tag Team Championship: The Coven (c) vs. Jordynne Grace & Deonna Purrazzo

· Impact World Championship: Steve Maclin (c) vs. Rhino

Impact Saturday TV taping spoilers: The final build to Under Siege

Posted on by Josh Nason

The following are spoilers from Saturday’s Impact Wrestling TV taping at Chicago’s Cicero Stadium.

The action taped Saturday should cover both the Thursday, May 18th and Thursday, May 25th episodes on AXS TV as the final build to next month’s Under Siege.

After Friday’s TV taping where Trinity (the former Naomi in WWE) made her Impact Wrestling debut, Trinity made her promotional in-ring debut on Saturday on a show that also saw defenses of the Impact World and Knockouts titles.

The following come courtesy of Impact Asylum:

  • The Design (Deaner & Kon) defeated Zicky Dice & Johnny Swinger
  • Sami Callihan defeated Shogun
  • X-Division Champion Trey Miguel defeated Laredo Kid in a non-title match. Afterward, Chris Sabin answered Miguel’s call for more respect as the two will square off at Under Siege for the title.
  • Impact World Champion Steve Maclin defeated Rhino to retain
  • Jason Hotch defeated Ace Austin
  • Trinity defeated KiLynn King. Jai Vidal came out to set up a match between Trinity and Gisele Shaw for Under Siege. Trinity laid out Vidal.
  • Jody Threat defeated Sierra
  • Alex Shelley, Jonathan Gresham & Yuya Uemura defeated Moose, Eddie Edwards & Frankie Kazarian
  • Chris Sabin defeated Mike Bailey
  • Sheldon Jean & Kenny King defeated Decay (Black Taurus & Crazzy Steve). Nick Aldis was on commentary to help set up a match against King for Under Siege.
  • Taylor Wilde defeated Jessika
  • Jordynne Grace defeated Alisha Edwards
  • Chris Bey defeated John Skylar
  • In a promo segment, Maclin said his title match against PCO was off because PCO was killed. Maclin offered to defend against Champagne Sing, but Scott D’Amore came out and corrected Maclin. PCO then emerged and took out Maclin.
  • Impact Knockouts Champion Deonna Purrazzo defeated Killer Kelly to retain

Impact Friday TV taping spoilers: Trinity debuts, Nick Aldis in action

Posted on by Josh Nason

The following are spoilers from Friday’s Impact Wrestling TV taping at Chicago’s Cicero Stadium which will be followed by another set of tapings Saturday in the same city and venue.

The action taped Friday will air over the next two weeks on AXS TV.

The big news coming out of Friday was the debut of Trinity, the former Naomi in WWE. Her first match will take place Saturday against KiLynn King. 

Additionally, Nick Aldis had his first match back in Impact since last June’s Slammiversary and first singles match for the company since 2017.

The results come courtesy of PWInsider:

  • Moose & Brian Myers defeated Bhupinder Gujjar & Yuya Uemura
  • PCO, Heath & Rhino defeated Impact World Champion Steve Maclin, Shera & Champagne Singh
  • Jonathan Gresham defeated Mike Bailey
  • Ace Austin defeated Zicky Dice
  • Laredo Kid defeated Jack Price
  • Trinity debuted with a promo saying she is coming for the Knockouts title. Champion Deonna Purrazzo came out to confront her, followed by Jordynne Grace who reminded Purrazzo she is next up.
  • Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) defeated Kenny King & Eddie Edwards
  • The Good Hands (John Skyler & Jason Hotch) defeated Decay (Black Taurus & Crazzy Steve)
  • Masha Slamovich defeated Killer Kelly
  • Dirty Dango defeated Johnny Swinger
  • Rich Swann defeated Angels
  • Nick Aldis defeated Sheldon Jean
  • Knockouts Tag Team Champions The Coven (Taylor Wilde & KiLynn King) defeated Knockouts Champion Deonna Purrazzo & Jordynne Grace. Afterward, Trinity saved Purrazzo and Grace from a post-match attack.

‘Major surprise,’ three matches set for next Impact Wrestling

Posted on by Josh Nason

The road to Under Siege continues on next Thursday’s Impact on AXS TV.

As was revealed earlier this week, Impact Wrestling is promoting a “major surprise” for next week’s show that no one is going to see coming. A yet-to-be denied report emerged this week that the surprise will be the Impact debut of the former Naomi in WWE.

The show will be taped this weekend in Chicago, Illinois, as part of two days of tapings.

After the events of Thursday night, Impact World Champion Steve Maclin will team with Champagne Singh and Shera against PCO and two partners of his choosing.

Shera and Singh attacked PCO as he came out to confront Maclin Thursday, leading to an impromptu match where PCO defeated Singh.

Jody Threat will look to remain unbeaten in her early Impact run as she takes on Alisha while Moose and Brian Myers battle Yuya Uemura and Bhupinder Gujjar.

Part two of Frankie Kazarian’s sit-down interview with Gia Miller is also on tap.

Here’s a look at the current lineup:

  • Major surprise debut
  • Steve Maclin, Champagne Singh & Shera vs. PCO and two partners of his choosing
  • Jody Threat vs. Alisha
  • Moose & Brian Myers vs. Yuya Uemura & Bhupinder Gujjar
  • Frankie Kazarian sit-down interview, part two

Impact Wrestling touting ‘major surprise’ for Chicago TV taping

Posted on by Josh Nason

Impact Wrestling is getting into the big announcement business, touting a “major surprise” for this Friday’s TV taping in Chicago, Illinois.

Impact is heading to the Windy City for tapings on both Friday and Saturday at Cicero Stadium as part of Spring Slugfest weekend. There was no hint as what the surprise could be.

The company also released several graphics for matches on Friday:

Knockouts Tag Team Champions The Coven (Taylor Wilde & KiLynn King) vs. Deonna Purrazzo & Jordynne Grace

It wasn’t advertised as a Tag Team title match, but Purrazzo will defend her Knockouts title against Wilde on this Thursday’s Impact on AXS. Purrazzo defeated Grace at this month’s Rebellion to win the vacant title.

Steve Maclin/PCO confrontation

A graphic featuring both men was released ahead of their match for Maclin’s World title at this month’s Under Siege. It’s unknown what their interaction will entail.

Moose & Brian Myers vs. Bhupinder Gujjar & Yuya Uemura

Moose took on Uemura on last week’s Impact on AXS.

Wrestling Observer Live: WWE SmackDown, AEW Collision, Stardom

Posted on by Jim Valley

It’s Wrestling Observer Live Saturday with Jim Valley. 

On Smackdown, The Usos interfere in a match – AGAIN! Like death, taxes, and Groundhog Day, The Usos interfering in a match seems inevitable these days. 

With the draft coming next week, how can any new talent move up when there’s no path to upward mobility. That’s why Roman Reigns needs to lose at least one title in the near future, as it will create more feuds and new matches. 

How much more wrestling programming will media executives want? If AEW Collision isn’t a hit, will it affect the whole industry? Plus talk on the AEW pillars, Stardom, Steve Maclin, and more. Check it out.

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Steve Maclin vs. PCO World title match announced for Impact Under Siege

Posted on by Josh Nason

The first title defense for new Impact World Champion Steve Maclin has been confirmed and it will be at next month’s Under Siege against PCO.

The streaming event will take place on Friday, May 26th in Toronto, Canada.

The match was made at the end of Thursday’s Impact on AXS TV as Maclin was having his “Changing of the Guard” championship celebration following his victory at last Sunday’s Rebellion.

In a jab at injured former champion Josh Alexander, Maclin was calling out any Canadian for a title shot which brought out Impact president Scott D’Amore. 

The two had a heated verbal confrontation where D’Amore teased that he would be the Canadian to challenge Maclin, but he then revealed it would be PCO.

PCO emerged from the back and took out Maclin’s camouflaged-dressed security detail before he and Maclin exchanged punches. The champion eventually got out of the ring and watched as PCO took out two security members through a table to close the show.

PCO, who has never held Impact gold, is coming off a win over rival Eddie Edwards in a Last Rites match at Rebellion while Maclin defeated KUSHIDA to win the vacant title.

Impact Wrestling live results: The fallout from Rebellion

Posted on by Josiah MacDonald

The reign of new Impact World Champion Steve Maclin will begin on tonight’s Impact on AXS TV as the events of last Sunday’s Rebellion are felt.

Maclin will be part of a “Changing of the Guard” ceremony to celebrate his win Sunday which was followed by a face-to-face confrontation with the returning Nick Aldis. 

Aldis will be on hand Thursday to share his thoughts about why he is back in Impact Wrestling.

In trios action, X-Division Champion Trey Miguel teams with “Speedball” Mike Bailey and Jonathan Gresham against Time Machine (KUSHIDA and the Motor City Machine Guns).

Coming out of Hardcore War, Moose will take on Yuya Uemura while The Good Hands will face Frankie Kazarian in a handicap match.

Digital Media Champion Joe Hendry will defend against Sheldon Jean.

The BTI pre-show will see Heath and Rhino take on Jack Price and Shogun.

**********

Rhino & Heath defeated Shogun & Jack Price

This was a simple tag team match to open BTI with Rhino and Heath looking good.

Main Show — 

Impact opened up with a recap of Rebellion, showing Steve Maclin defeating KUSHIDA and Deonna Purrazzo defeating Jordynne Grace to win their respective titles.

Time Machine (Chris Sabin, Alex Shelley & KUSHIDA) defeated Jonathan Gresham, Mike Bailey & Trey Miguel

I am not sure why Miguel was teaming with Gresham and Bailey here, but it didn’t take away from this being a great match. Sabin might be getting a shot against Miguel next.

Shelley & Gresham started the match with a technical exchange before the other men in the match tagged in and out, with Miguel and KUSHIDA, and Sabin with Bailey. KUSHIDA immediately attacked the arm of Miguel, setting up for the hoverboard lock. Miguel escaped to tag out to Mike Bailey, but Time Machine continued to attack arms, going after Bailey’s arm.

Bailey and KUSHIDA exchanged kicks until Sabin and KUSHIDA hit a double cutter on Bailey. Sabin then hit a suicide dive onto everyone. Bailey backflipped through the arms of the Motor City Machine Guns and kicked both of them to send them to the floor. Gresham and KUSHIDA came in and exchanged shoulder tackles.

Miguel hit a low-pe on MCMG, while Bailey hit a moonsault onto everyone. Gresham had KUSHIDA in an octopus stretch, but Miguel blind tagged in. Miguel ended up in the hoverboard lock, while MCMG locked Gresham and Bailey into submissions. They went to an ad break and KUSHIDA and Miguel were the only ones in the ring after.

Sabin tagged in with Bailey, and they exchanged strikes in the middle of the ring. Sabin hit a German suplex off the top rope on Bailey. Miguel fought with Gresham about being tagged in, and he shoved Gresham away only to eat a clothesline from Sabin and immediately try to tag out. Bailey hit Ultima Weapon on Sabin, but since he wasn’t legal, he tried to get Miguel to tag out. Time Machine recovered and Sabin hit the Cradle Shock on Miguel for the pinfall.

– Gia Miller was with Santino Marella who talked about how he wasn’t going to be wrestling often despite his win at Rebellion. Alisha Edwards walked up to complain about PCO, but walked away with a match instead.

Johnny Swinger and Zicky Dice walked up and said they were going to fly in the top luchador in the world for Swinger to face.

Alisha Edwards defeated Tara Rising

This was a fairly quick squash match with Edwards destroying Tara Rising. Jody Threat ran out to save Rising afterward.

Moose (w/ Brian Myers) defeated Yuya Uemura (w/ Bhupinder Gujjar)

This was a great match, with Uemura looking like a star, and Moose worked very hard to make him look good.

Moose and Uemura started with a fast pace. Uemura tried to hit a dive on Moose, but Myers pushed Moose out of the way to eat it. Moose powerbombed Uemura on the apron and then started working over Uemura in the ring with chops and yanking the hair. Moose got the heat over the next few minutes.

Gujjar tried to get the fans behind Uemura as Moose continued to get the heat. Uemura and Moose exchanged forearms until Uemura hit a flying forearm on Moose. Uemura hit a bulldog on Moose before going for an arm trapped suplex, but Moose powered out. Uemura hit a German suplex instead and then a side suplex for a 2-count.

Uemura hit a double underhook suplex from the top rope for a 2-count. Moose ran up the ropes as Myers distracted Uemura, but Uemura shoved him off and hit a beautiful flying crossbody. Uemura rolled up Moose and got a near fall that convinced everyone here in my living room that Uemura was winning. Moose hit a stungun and a spear on Uemura.

– Nick Aldis was backstage and talked about how he was finally back in Impact and wanted to face Impact World Champion Steve Maclin as soon as possible. He wants to reclaim the title he once held and prove that he is the standard in wrestling.

Frankie Kazarian defeated The Good Hands (Jason Hotch & John Skyler) in a handicap match

The Good Hands came out and confronted Frankie Kazarian, claiming that they built the company…even though they have only been with the company for less than a year.

Given this was a handicap match Hotch and Skyler got the heat on Kaz for a little bit, but it wasn’t long before Kazarian hit a slingshot cutter and then a crossface chicken wing on Skylar for the win.

– The Coven cut a spooky promo about Knockouts Champion Deonna Purrazzo saying that she was a fraud. Okay. Not the first feud I’d book for her following her third title win.

– Sami Callihan cut a really good promo about how he was going to destroy The Design with references showing how he winked at the camera during some of the The Design segments. I’m glad this storyline is almost over.

Impact Digital Media Champion Joe Hendry defeated Sheldon Jean to retain the title

Jean yanked the nose of Hendry and then hit a flying kick on Hendry. Hendry hit a running cutter and then a fallaway slam. Hendry then hit the standing ovation to win not long after.

Steve Maclin Changing of the Guard ceremony

The new champion came out for his “Changing of the Guard” segment with several indie guys working as soldiers. The fans chanted “We want Josh!” Maclin talked about how his mission to become champion wasn’t complete. He wanted to beat Alexander in his hometown, and that was the only thing left for him to do.

Maclin then issued an open challenge, and taunted a child in the crowd, threatening to beat him up. Scott D’Amore came down to the ring, and said Maclin was running his mouth about opportunities, and that D’Amore was the one who gave him the opportunities. D’Amore said that he knew Maclin had what it took to be a world champion, but he made excuses for not getting his shot for the entire time he was there.

Now that Alexander was out, D’Amore accused Maclin of trying to dodge Nick Aldis. Maclin said that he was hoping D’Amore was going to stand up and fight him, coming out of retirement, but D’Amore said that while he was tempted, but Maclin did absolutely nothing while they were face to face and attacked him from behind at Rebellion. D’Amore then said if Maclin wanted a Canadian, he could face Perfect Creation One, PCO.

Maclin’s fellow soldiers attacked PCO, but couldn’t beat him down, and just as PCO was about to powerbomb Maclin, he slipped away. It looks like we will be seeing Steve Maclin against PCO at Under Siege.

Final thoughts:

There were a lot of squash matches on this episode of Impact, but it wasn’t a bad show overall. It looks like we have the long term direction of Nick Aldis against Maclin which should be fun to watch.

Next week:

  • Impact Knockouts Champion Deonna Purrazzo defends against Taylor Wilde
  • Jordynne Grace vs. Masha Slamovich
  • Impact Tag Team Champions ABC (Chris Bey & Ace Austin vs. The Design (Kon & Angels) in non-title action

Impact TV taping spoilers: Rebellion fallout, Under Siege main event set

Posted on by Ian Carey

The following are spoilers from Impact Wrestling’s television tapings on April 17 from the Rebel Entertainment Complex in Toronto. 

Perhaps the most notable event to occur at the tapings was the announcement that new Impact World Champion Steve Maclin will defend his title at Under Siege against PCO. 

A program between Deonna Purrazzo and Jordynne Grace appears to be continuing after their match at Rebellion as well. Grace came out to save Purrazzo from an attack by the Coven on Monday’s event. 

Additionally, Jody Threat got a nice hometown reaction from the fans and now appears to be entering a program with Alisha Edwards. 

Impact TV tapings 4/17:

  • Heath & Rhino defeated Jack Price & Shogun
  • Kenny King defeated Channing Decker
  • Time Machine (Alex Shelley, KUSHIDA, & Chris Sabin) defeated “Speedball” Mike Bailey, Trey Miguel & Jonathan Gresham
  • Alisha Edwards defeated Tara Rising – Jody Threat came out and confronted Edwards after the match
  • Moose w/Brian Myers defeated Yuya Uemura w/Bhupinder Gujjar 
  • Frankie Kazarian defeated The Good Hands (John Skyler & Jason Hotch)
  • Impact Digital Media Champion Joe Hendry retained his title against Sheldon Jean (Reality star from Big Brother Canada)
  • A Changing of the Guard Ceremony was held for new champion Steve Maclin. Scott D’Amore then announced Maclin will defend his title against PCO at Under Siege
  • Jordynne Grace defeated Masha Slamovich
  • Johnny Swinger defeated El Dinerico (Zicky Dice)
  • Chris Bey & Ace Austin defeated The Design (Angels & Kon) – Sami Callihan ran off Deaner
  • Jody Threat defeated Seleziya Sparx – Threat got a nice hometown reaction
  • Knockouts Champion Deonna Purrazzo defeated Taylor Wilde to retain her title. KiLynn King and Wilde then attacked Purrazzo after the match until Jordynne Grace came to the new champion’s rescue. 
  • An angle between Maclin and PCO played out that saw Maclin convince PCO he would get an impromptu shot at the title. PCO was then jumped by Champagne Singh and Mahabali Shera. This led to an impromptu match between PCO and Singh.
  • PCO defeated Champagne Singh
  • Sami Callihan defeated Brian Myers in a Street Fight

Steve Maclin: Winning Impact World title at Rebellion is ‘a night I won’t forget’

Posted on by Josh Nason

New Impact World Champion Steve Maclin reflected on his title win to Sports Illustrated shortly after he got backstage Sunday, saying Rebellion “is a night I won’t forget.”

Part of that is due to Maclin’s wife, Deonna Purrazzo, also winning the Knockouts title in the main event of the pay-per-view less than an hour after he won his title.

The championship win is Maclin’s first in Impact and comes nearly three years after his WWE run came to an unsatisfying end. He said he was never a “chosen one” in WWE and that when he got signed by Impact, he got to work.

“I kept my head down, I kept grinding and this is only the beginning. The easy work is over. Now the hard work begins. Whether you believe in me or not, I’m out there proving people wrong. That’s the way it’s always been, and it’s not going to change now.”

Maclin defeated KUSHIDA Sunday in a bout for the title vacated due to Josh Alexander’s torn triceps. Maclin was set to challenge Alexander for the title before the injury.

“He’s a hard-hitting son of a b—-,” says Maclin. “It was an honor to share the ring with Kushida. He’s a great opponent. But that moment was mine.”

With Maclin and Purrazzo now at the top of the Impact food chain, a future family feud with the newly-returned Nick Aldis and his wife, former Knockouts Champion Mickie James, seems possible.

For now, Maclin and Purrazzo are at the starting line for his first reign and her third.

“This is a night I won’t forget,” says Maclin. “It’s even more incredible that my wife won the women’s title. It’s a hell of a way to start a rebellion.”

Steve Maclin wins Impact World title at Rebellion

Posted on by Josh Nason

For the first time in his career, Steve Maclin is the Impact World Champion following his win over KUSHIDA at Sunday’s Impact Rebellion.

KUSHIDA kicked out of a Maclin KIA and when Maclin went to the top rope, he got caught in a Hoverboard Lock as a counter. Maclin fought out of it, but KUSHIDA was relentless in re-applying it, even when Maclin broke out of it by driving KUSHIDA into the corner. Maclin finally hit another KIA as a counter to get the pin and win.

Afterward, Maclin insisted Impact president Scott D’Amore hand him the title as he said he would. D’Amore did, but Maclin insisted he put it around his waist. D’Amore eventually slapped it on his shoulder forcefully and Maclin laid him out when he turned around. 

Former TNA World Champion Nick Aldis then got in the ring to confront Maclin before the new champion backed away.

It’s the first Impact title of any kind for Maclin.

The title was vacated several weeks ago after reigning champion Josh Alexander was forced to relinquish the title after tearing his triceps, putting him out of action indefinitely. 

Maclin was supposed to face Alexander on the PPV but KUSHIDA, who was slated to challenge for the title at Impact x NJPW Multiverse United, was put in his place instead.

Impact Rebellion live results: Steve Maclin vs. KUSHIDA World title match

Posted on by Chris Maloney

Impact Wrestling returns to Sunday pay-per-views with Rebellion, live from Toronto, Canada — an event that is guaranteed to crown two new champions.

After Josh Alexander relinquished the Impact World title due to injury, KUSHIDA will face no. 1 contender Steve Maclin to determine the new titleholder.

After Mickie James relinquished her Knockouts title on Thursday and had to pull out of Rebellion, former champions Jordynne Grace and Deonna Purrazzo will clash to determine the new titleholder.

X-Division Champion Trey Miguel will defend against both Mike Bailey and Jonathan Gresham in a three-way elimination match while Tag Team Champions Chris Bey & Ace Austin defend against the Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley) in an Ultimate X match.

Knockouts Tag Team Champions The Coven (Taylor Wilde & KiLynn King) defend against The Death Dollz (Jessicka & Rosemary).

The show will also feature a Hardcore War match and several other bouts.

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Champagne Singh & Shera defeated Heath & Rhino on the Countdown to Rebellion pre-show

It’s been four years since Impact made their presence felt in Toronto and it was the exact same PPV in 2019 that had Impact Wrestling fans on the edge of their seats.

Heath and Singh started things off with Heath getting the early advantage. Heath tagged in Rhino and and we heard our first ECW chant of the night as Singh tagged in the massive Shera.

Shera managed to trap Rhino in the corner and told him he was “nothing” before landing a solid shot to the head. Rhino attempted a comeback but Singh played interference and Rhino soon found himself being grounded in the middle of the ring.

Rhino would eventually make the hot tag to Heath as Singh was tagged back in and as Heath was looking to finish the match, Singh quickly rolled up Heath out of nowhere and with his feet on the ropes and an assist by Shera, that was all she wrote for Heath and Rhino as Singh scored the pinfall.

After the match, Rhino hit Singh with a massive Gore to the delight of the fans.

– A video promo aired focusing on Steve Maclin battling KUSHIDA for the vacant Impact World Championship.

The Coven (Taylor Wilde & KiLynn King) defeated Death Dollz (Rosemary & Jessicka) to retain the Impact Knockouts World Tag Team Championship on the Countdown to Rebellion pre-show

Rosemary and Wilde were about to start the match before Taylor took exception and called out Jessicka. Rosemary made the save and after Wilde was unsuccessful in gaining momentum, she tagged in King.

As the two team powerhouses stared one another down, Jessicka gained the advantage for her team and the challengers were in control for the next several moments.

King managed to hit a jawbreaker on Rosemary allowing her to make the tag to Wilde and the current champions now had the advantage using illegal tactics to keep the momentum in their favor.

Rosemary attempted a comeback locking Wilde in the upside-down but King nailed her with a superkick to the face on the outside to keep the champions staying strong in the match.

Wilde landed a codebreaker to Rosemary but as opposed to going for the pin, she decided to showboat and Rosemary rised from the ashes. Rosemary finally made the tag to Jessicka and a fired up Jessicka evened the playing field and took advantage for her team.

Rosemary was tagged back in and she nailed King with a spear but could only land a two count. King was able to land a blind tag to Wilde and as Rosemary landed another spear, the referee informed Rosemary that King wasn’t the legal competitor. Wilde entered the ring and took advantage of Rosemary’s confusion and quickly nailed her with her finisher to retain the tag team championship for The Coven.

– A video promo aired focusing on Jordynne Grace battling Deonna Purrazzo for the vacant Impact Knockouts World Championship.

**********

ABC (Ace Austin & Chris Bey) defeated Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) in an Ultimate X Match to retain the Impact World Tag Team Championship

It was legends battling future legends as the Impact world tag team championship were hung high above the ring.

Both teams started strong and full of energy but the cockiness of ABC played against the current champions as MCMG were able to slow down the pace and capitalize with their experience. As Shelley nailed Bey with a dragon corkscrew, Sabin slammed Austin’s arm off of the ring apron to further prove the veterans knew what it took to pace the match.

Shelley managed to lock Bey in a leg submission using Austin as the middleman and as this was taking place, Sabin attempted to use the advantage to climb the post but was quickly stopped.

Bey followed up with a DDT and ABC was finally looking like they were ready to prove their worth as champions as both Bey and Austin landed huge moves to the outside on MCMG.

Austin attempted to climb to retrieve the titles but he was caught by Sabin just inches away and kicked back down to the apron. All four men then climbed the posts and it was soon a kicking battle in the middle of the X before all four men were grounded once again.

Out of nowhere, Bey nailed Sabin with the Art of Finesse and Austin nailed Shelley with The Fold knocking Shelley to the outside. Austin assisted Bey in reaching the cables again and as Sabin attempted to recover and chase Bey, Bey swung his legs up over the cables and retrieved the titles to retain the tag team championship as a frustrated Sabin looked on.

– A video promo aired featuring a disgruntled Steve Maclin upset about the fact that he was in Toronto and focused on defeating KUSHIDA for the vacant Impact world championship.

Joe Hendry, Dirty Dango & Santino Marella defeated The Design (Deaner, Kon, Angels & Callihan) in a 4-on-3 Tag Team Match

After Dango and Hendry entered the ring, the current Digital Media champion grabbed the mic and shared his thoughts on The Design, doing a very great impression of Deaner.

The 4-on-3 advantage and the mere size of Kon played a major factor in The Design taking control of the match over Dango for several moments in the beginning.

Dango was finally able to land a hot tag to Marella and for the next few moments, it was back and forth action between both teams. Things changed however when Callihan nailed Hendry with the Cactus Driver ’97 and Deaner looked to capitalize even further grabbing a baseball bat from underneath the ring. Deaner handed the bat to Callihan and as Callihan looked like he was about to destroy his opponents, Callihan turned on Deaner!

Callihan nailed Deaner with the bat and left the ring leaving the leader of The Design down in the center of the ring. Marella saw the opportunity, grabbed the cobra and finished off Deaner to get the 1-2-3 for his team.

– Backstage, Gia Miller was with Team Dreamer. An emotional Tommy Dreamer stated that his mother was ill and tonight was for her.

PCO defeated Eddie Edwards (w/Alisha) in a Last Rites Match

There were no rules in this match and the only way to win was to put your opponent in a casket and shut the door.

PCO took out Edwards seconds after the bell rang with a high flying assault and Edwards returned the favor moments later to set the stage for what this match was going to be all about.

PCO followed up with multiple DDT’s and the “French Canadian Frankenstein” wasn’t satisfied as he then went up top to nail Edwards with a Deanimator. PCO attempted to put Edwards in the coffin but Edwards countered and PCO soon found himself with a dislocated right shoulder as the fans shouted “Boston Sucks!”.

PCO recovered and after using the ring post to pop his shoulder back in, he reentered the ring and it was soon a chopfest between both competitors before Edwards was finally able to get the momentum and land a massive bucklebomb.

PCO wouldn’t stay down and after nailing Edwards, he once again climbed to the top turnbuckle to follow through with a huge PCOsault. A resilient Edwards wouldn’t stay down either and the match was soon sent to the outside with both men teasing a victory as the referee had the casket door wide open.

As both men were at the top of the entrance ramp, Edwards nailed PCO with “Kenny” and followed it up with a double-armed suplex before landing a huge Boston Knee Party. Edwards rolled PCO into the coffin but as he was shutting the door, PCO got his right arm out of the coffin to keep the match going.

PCO powered out of the coffin and as he was attempting to switch the match in his favor, Alisha returned to ringside and nailed PCO with a shot to the back with a shovel but it did nothing to a fired up PCO.

Edwards attempted to subdue the monster with a superkick but nailed his wife instead. PCO grabbed the shovel, nailed Edwards with a massive shot and put him to rest as Edwards was sent into the coffin. PCO closed the coffin door and climbed atop the coffin to secure the win and potentially finally put this feud with Edwards behind him.

– Backstage, Gia Miller was with Impact X-Division champion Trey Miguel. Unfortunately, there was no audio that was heard through the broadcast on Fite.

Trey Miguel defeated Jonathan Gresham and Mike Bailey in an Elimination Match to retain the Impact X-Division Championship

As you would expect, it was a fast-paced match in the beginning moments of the match as all three men looked to gain the early advantage.

As Miguel looked to pace himself, Bailey and Gresham were hitting each other hard with Bailey landing a reverse hurricanrana to Gresham in the ring before taking out Miguel with the same move to the outside.

Miguel managed to make a comeback and nailed Gresham with a huge cutter off the turnbuckles. When Gresham recovered, he locked Bailey in a figure-four leglock and as Bailey grimaced in pain, Miguel came out of nowhere and landed a massive splash on Gresham to get the 1-2-3 on “The Octopus” as he had Bailey trapped in the submission to get the first elimination of the night.

Miguel followed up by locking Bailey in with another figure-four leglock before both men started getting hungrier for the victory and Bailey finally gained the advantage. Bailey failed to hit his Ultima Weapon but he wouldn’t give up and continued to nail Miguel with devastating offense.

As Miguel was grounded, Bailey attempted to hit Ultima Weapon again but once again failed. Miguel saw the opportunity, rolled up Bailey and hooked the tights to get the shady victory and retain his X-Division championship.

Team Dreamer (Tommy Dreamer, Yuya Uemura, Bhupinder Gujjar, Killer Kelly & Frankie Kazarian) defeated Team Bully (Bully Ray, Brian Myers, Moose, Masha Slamovich & Kenny King) in a Hardcore War Match

Two competitors started the match for the first three minutes before another competitor entered. Every ninety seconds after that, another competitor entered until all ten competitors were in the match.

Moose entered the ring first for Team Bully while Kazarian entered the ring first for Team Dreamer, tossing a trash can at Moose on his way to the ring.

This match was going to be nothing short of one massive brawl and both Moose and Kazarian fought back and forth, the music of Brian Myers hit and we soon had table time in the Impact Zone. Bhupinder Gujjar entered the ring next and to the delight of the fans in attendance, he took a cheese grater to the forehead of Myers.

Killer Kelly made her way down to the ring with a staplegun in hand and after taking out both King and Myers, Moose was left singing soprano as Kelly went “nuts”.

Masha Slamovich was out next and after some small momentum, she soon found herself being tossed to the outside over the top rope as Kelly was simultaneously getting the same treatment.

Yuya Uemura entered next and used his quick offense to gain momentum for his team as the only two men left to enter were the team captains.

Bully Ray’s music hit and with a table and chain in hand, he immediately focused his attention on Killer Kelly. His teammates grabbed Kelly and Bully yelled at her asking her what she was going to do as a helpless Kelly kicked and screamed.

Tommy Dreamer finally made his way down to the ring as the final entrant in the match and after taking out Bully, we soon saw Kelly and Slamovich battling each other with chairs in the middle of the ring. Kelly nailed Slamovich with a death valley driver through a chair but could only manage a two count.

After offense by both teams, Slamovich managed to follow up with the Snow Plow on Kelly but could only manage a two count as well. Dreamer grabbed Slamovich and nailed her with a huge old school ECW piledriver but before he could make a pin attempt, Jason Hotch and John Skyler hit the ring from the back.

Hotch and Skyler attempted to wipe out Kelly but they were thwarted and Kazarian was able to wipe them out through a table setup on the outside.

Back in the ring and it was down to Dreamer and Bully and as Dreamer was laid out face first on a table in the middle of the ring, Ray attempted to climb a ladder asking the referees for assistance. After the referees refused, Ray started assaulting them before the four referees ganged up on Bully and started beating on him.

Dreamer recovered at this point and nailed Bully with the Dreamer Driver but could only manage a two count. Dreamer climbed the ladder as the four referees assisted him and nailed Bully with a huge splash off the ladder through the table to get the 1-2-3 and get the emotional win for his team.

Steve Maclin defeated KUSHIDA to become the new Impact World Champion

Before the match began, David Penzer announced that we had a special guest commentator… With that being said, “The National Treasure” Nick Aldis made his way down to the ring and stated that he has officially returned to Impact Wrestling!

Steve Maclin made his way to the ring first and we were reminded that Maclin had defeated ten former Impact world champions on his way to this match tonight.

KUSHIDA made his way to the ring and as Penzer was doing the introductions, Maclin was booed and KUSHIDA surprised fans by being introduced with a Canadian flag.

After the bell rang, KUSHIDA landed a quick dropkick and attempted an early hoverboard lock before Maclin escaped to the outside. Maclin, not a fan of Canada as per his promo earlier tonight, grabbed KUSHIDA’s Canadian flag and disrespected it before tossing it on the ground and stepping on it.

We’re back in the ring and it was all KUSHIDA using his speed and technical skills to keep the match grounded as the powerful Maclin couldn’t gain any momentum in the match.

Maclin was finally able to gain the upperhand and after stepping to the outside, KUSHIDA found himself stretched around the post before finding himself on the outside of the ring as well. Maclin followed up by jumping off the apron and nailing KUSHIDA but not before giving a friendly salute to the Toronto crowd.

The match was back in the ring and after landing some forearm shots, Maclin has grounded KUSHIDA. Before Maclin could do any further damage, KUSHIDA was finally able to get back in the match by landing a springboard elbow off the ropes. KUSHIDA followed it up with a fisherman buster but could only manage a two count.

KUSHIDA attempted to climb the turnbuckle but Maclin caught him. Maclin attempted to hit his caught in the crosshairs but KUSHIDA was able to move in time. Both men were now on the entrance ramp and after KUSHIDA went to the top of the ramp, he came running down and nailed the left arm of Maclin.

Both men were back now in the ring and Maclin nailed a buckle bomb followed by a powerbomb but could only get a two count. KUSHIDA followed up with a top rope hoverboard lock but KUSHIDA could not hold on. Maclin recovered and after finally nailing his caught in the crosshairs, he landed a massive KIA but KUSHIDA kicked out!

KUSHIDA locked in his hoverboard lock but Maclin powered out. KUSHIDA continued to persevere and attempt to lock in his finisher but after Maclin countered with a death valley driver into the turnbuckles, he followed it up with one final KIA to seal the victory and become the new Impact world champion.

After the match, the referee attempted to present Maclin with the Impact world title but Maclin grabbed the mic and refused. He stated that he wanted Scott D’Amore to come out from the back and do what he promised and present him with the championship.

D’Amore came down to the ring and grabbed the title and attempted to present Maclin with it but Maclin was being difficult. D’Amore became fed up and shoved the title into Maclin’s chest and then turned his back on Maclin. Maclin nailed D’Amore with the title knocking him to the mat and Nick Aldis on commentary stated that he had seen enough.

Aldis entered the ring and stood face to face with Maclin before Maclin backed down and left the ring as the new Impact world champion.

Deonna Purrazzo defeated Jordynne Grace to become the new Impact Knockouts World Champion

Just like the men’s match, you can feel that “Big Fight” stature in this one.

Both women were pretty evenly matched but Grace had the power advantage and proved that in the opening moments of the match as both women looked to gain the early advantage.

After some back and forth action, Purrazzo found herself on the outside and after Grace landed a massive dive to the outside through the ropes that looked ugly but successful, she followed it up with a jackhammer to the floor.

Grace sent Purrazzo back to the inside and the power game continued as Jordynne locked Purrazzo in a stalled vertical suplex for the next twenty seconds. Unfortunately for Grace, her cockiness got the better of her and after the action spilled to the entrance ramp, Purrazzo was able to land a moonsault off the ramp to the floor to finally switch up momentum.

We’re back on the inside and Purrazzo locked Grace in a Koji Clutch before Grace was able to reverse it into a pinfall attempt for a two count. Grace followed it up with a Vertebreaker and attempted to get Purrazzo to tap out but Deonna wouldn’t give up.

After both ladies butted heads, Purrazzo attempted to get Grace to tap out with her Venice de Milo but Jordynne refused. Grace followed up by nailing Purrazzo with the Grace Driver but Purrazzo kicked out!

With both ladies exhausted at this point and battling in the corner, Purrazzo was finally able to seize the moment. Purrazzo successfully managed to set up and nail Grace with The Queen’s Gambit to score the massive victory and become the new Impact Knockouts world champion.

After the match, both women shook hands and embraced showing respect to one another before Grace left the ring allowing Purrazzo to soak in her world championship victory.

Final Thoughts:

Wow, what a night for Impact Wrestling!

From the pre-show all the way through the main event, Impact presented and delivered a homerun. Rebellion had everything you crave as a wrestling fan. From new world champions being crowned to the hardcore element to the surprise return of “The National Treasure”, I couldn’t have asked for a better PPV especially considering the fact that both of the company’s world champions went down due to injury leading into this.

“Card subject to change” is a term most wresting fans know very well but you wouldn’t have known that existed tonight with the way Impact presented their product.

Impact’s champions are some of the best in wresting right now and it’ll be interesting to see where they go from here leading into Under Siege taking place next month in my hometown of London, Ontario, Canada. I’ll be there for the PPV and the next night for the TV tapings and I’m looking forward to the next month of Impact television leading into the PPV.

From the new reigns of Steve Maclin and Deonna Purrazzo to the return of Nick Aldis to what Sami Callihan does next, Rebellion tonight was a great step in the next chapter of Impact Wrestling.

Impact Sacrifice live results: Trios tag team main event

Posted on by Josiah MacDonald

In 24 hours, the landscape of Impact Wrestling changed dramatically and the fallout begins at Friday’s Sacrifice from London, Ontario, Canada.

With the news that Josh Alexander had to relinquish the company’s World title due to an injury, future title challengers Steve Maclin and KUSHIDA will battle on opposite sides of a trios tag team main event.

After it was revealed that Mickie James had to withdraw from Friday’s title defense against Jordynne Grace, the future of the Knockouts Championship will be announced.

In a Busted Open (first blood) match, Tommy Dreamer and Bully Ray will go one-on-one.

X-Division Champion Trey Miguel will defend against the returning Lince Dorado who also holds the MLW Middleweight title.

Bullet Club’s Ace Austin & Chris Bey will defend against the debuting TMDK while Digital Media Champion Joe Hendry defends against Brian Myers.

Jonathan Gresham vs. Mike Bailey, Deonna Purrazzo vs. Gisele Shaw and Kenny King vs. PCO rounds out the card.

**********

The Countdown to Sacrifice opened up with a match between Eddie Edwards and Bhupinder Gujjar.

Eddie Edwards defeated Bhupinder Gujjar

The venue Impact had for this show looked fantastic, which always helps the shows feel like a bigger deal. Working with Edwards is the kind of thing Gujjar needs to do if he is going to get better, as Edwards can work a great main event level match. Edwards gave Gujjar a lot in the early parts of the match before poking him in the eyes and going to work with hard chops.

Edwards did a good job selling for Gujjar’s comeback, getting the audience behind him a bit. As Gujjar went to the top rope, Edwards cut him off and hit an enziguri while Gujjar was seated. Edwards followed that with a superplex and a tiger driver for a 2-count. Gujjar got up and hit a sling blade, but ate knees from Edwards when he went for a splash off the top ropes. Edwards immediately followed with the Boston knee party for the win.

–The announcers ran down the situation with Mickie James and Josh Alexander both being hurt.

–Frankie Kazarian and Rich Swann were with Gia Miller, and they talked about Alexander being out with injury, and how they were disappointed that he was hurt, but that he would be back better than ever. Rich Swann promised to bring it tonight for Alexander, but Kazarian and Swann were not sure about teaming with Maclin.

–After a video hyping up the six-man tag main event, it ended with a voice over of Tom Hannifan announcing the injury of Josh Alexander and asking what it meant. Steve Maclin looked up, smiled, and said, “Mayhem for all.” This was great.

Rosemary (w/ Jessicka) defeated KiLynn King (w/ Taylor Wilde)

As King made her way down to the ring the announcers talked about how they suspected that Taya Valkyrie was taken out with dark magic. Well, that’s enough to make me check out on this feud. The announcers trying to explain this hurts their credibility, but it is funny to see them try.

Rosemary, who is Canadian, got cheered a lot as she bit King and then hit a clothesline that took them both to the floor. Wilde briefly got Rosemary’s attention, leading to King getting the advantage. King ate an elbow on a corner charge, and Rosemary brought King to the upside down, choking her on the ropes. King pulled Rosemary off the top rope. King and Rosemary hit pump kicks at the same time and went down. Rosemary hit a slingblade and an exploder for a 2-count.

King hit a twisting suplex for a 2-count. Wilde distracted Rosemary again, and she turned into a superkick. Jessicka and Wilde got into a brawl at ringside, which distracted King, leading to Rosemary hitting a spear to pin King.

Main Card

Mike Bailey’s music hit, bringing the show here to a good start.

Mike Bailey defeated Jonathan Gresham

Gresham and Bailey picked right up where they left off, resuming with complex technical exchanges and fast counters. Gresham made the crowd groan in pain grabbing and bending the wrist of Bailey, which Bailey sold well. Gresham started tearing apart the knees of Bailey, leading to Bailey to reach for the ropes. Bailey screamed for a break, but Gresham wouldn’t let go immediately due to how tied up they were.

Gresham indicated that, but Bailey took offence and started kicking Gresham vicuously, sending him to the floor. Gresham hit a triangle moonsault to the floor. Bailey missed a corner charge, and Gresham went right back to the knee with a drop toe hold and smashing the knee of Bailey relentlessly into the mat.

Gresham started bending each toe individually before twisting the ankle of Bailey. At this point, Gresham was essentially bullying Bailey, leading to boos from the crowd. He leaned into it as well, taking the role of heel in this match. Bailey managed to hit a dropkick off the middle ropes before hitting a series of kicks and a running shooting star press for a 2-count. Every time Bailey tried to make a sustained attack though, Gresham went straight to the leg, wearing him down.

Both men began to exchange forearms in the middle of the ring. Gresham shot for the legs a few times, but Bailey would shove him off. Gresham rolled him up and transitioned into a modified figure four leglock. Bailey escaped and swept the leg of Gresham when he was on the apron and hit a moonsault into double knees to the face of Gresham. That was brutal. Gresham dodged the Ultima Weapon and hit a knee breaker on the apron. Both guys barely made it back into the ring to avoid countout, with Gresham selling his own knee in the process.

Bailey kicked the leg out from under Gresham leading to him almost doing the splits. Bailey superkicked him and then went for Ultima Weapon. Gresham rolled out of the way and immediately went to a figure four, but Bailey turned it over and got the tap out instantly as Gresham’s own knee gave out on him. This match was awesome.

–Brian Myers talked about how he was going to beat Joe Hendry tonight, and Moose walked up and talked openly about how he was going to help Myers win the Digital Media title. Santion Marella walked up and banned Moose from ringside, which upset the both of them.

— Joe Hendry grabbed the mic and claimed he was sent to Canada to bring greetings from the Royal Family. Hendry promised to dish out an education (as they were on a college campus) on Brian Myers tonight. That was great.

Impact Digital Media Champion Joe Hendry defeated Brian Myers to retain

Myers got the heat on Hendry early on in this match, hitting a dropkick and locking on a chinlock. This was quite the slow down from the previous match. Myers hit a Michinoku driver for a 2-count. Hendry hit a cutter off the ropes for a 2-count. Myers fired up hitting an implant DDT for a 2-count after that.

Myers went for the roster cut, but Hendry popped him up for a powerbomb. Myers flew over the head of Hendry, hit the ropes, and then hit a spear for a 2-count. Myers went to the top rope but Hendry jumped up from the mat looking for a cutter off the top rope. Myers shoved Hendry off and did a dive, but Hendry caught him in a cutter, picked him up an hit a standing ovation for the pinfall. That was a great finish.

–Gia Miller was sitting down Mickie James and Santino Marella. James announced she had a broken rib, and that while she would be back soon, she cannot wrestle tonight. James said that she was planning to defend the title at Rebellion, but if she is unable to defend it at Rebellion the title match at Rebellion would be between Jordynne Grace and the winner of Gisele Shaw, Deonna Purrazzo, Masha Slamovich, and Miyu Yamashita. James said that if she can’t defend the title at Rebellion, she would hand it to the winner of the match at Rebellion.

Deonna Purrazzo defeated Gisele Shaw (w/ Jai Vidal & Savannah Evans)

This was a great match, where Purrazzo looked like a monster with her technical ability. Purrazzo was wrestling like someone who is in line for a title run soon.

Purrazzo and Shaw had a great exchange of submission attempts with tons of counters, ending when Purrazzo hit a baseball slide on Shaw. As the referee was checking on Shaw, Evans ran over and hit a clothesline on Purrazzo. Shaw hit several uppercuts in the corner followed by a flying one for a 2-count.

Purrazzo and Shaw exchanged kicks in the middle of the ring and Purrazzo hit a flatliner before transitioning into a Koji clutch. Shaw turned it into a pinfall attempt, and then started exchanging forearms in the middle of the ring. Shaw hit a full nelson into a backbreaker and then into a flatliner for a 2-count.

Shaw went for a running knee, but Purrazzo countered right into an armbar. Shaw tried to fight out, so Purrazzo transitioned into the Venus Di Milo, which Shaw attempted to counter, but Purrazzo just rolled through right back into Venus Di Milo and scored the submission.

–Savannah Evans attacked Deonna Purrazzo after the match, but was soon interrupted by the returning Tasha Steelz. Steelz entered the ring and made the save for Purrazzo before hitting a tornado DDT on Jai Vidal. It looks like Purrazzo has a new ally.

PCO defeated Kenny King (w/ Eddie Edwards)

This was a solid match, and the crowd loves PCO, so that always makes him stuff fun even if the matches aren’t the best.

Kenny King got some heat for a few minutes at the start of the match, but PCO soon hit a cannonball dive to the floor, taking king out. PCO then hit a guillotine legdrop off the top ropes on King. PCO dragged King over the apron and went for a dive onto the apron. Eddie Edwards grabbed PCO’s foot giving King enough time to hit an Iconoclasm to the apron, sending PCO crashing to the floor.

King suplexed PCO on the floor after exposing the concrete under the mats. King then hit a blue thunder bomb on the floor on PCO. King propped a chair in the corner of the ring as PCO sat up and made his way back into the ring. King hit a snap dragon suplex for a 2-count. King hit a nice frog splash for a 2-count, and PCO sat up no selling the next few attacks to a great reaction from the fans. King tried to use the chair on PCO as Edwards distracted the referee, but PCO punched the chair into King’s face for the win.

–A hype video aired for Jody Threat coming to Impact. Looks like the Canadian wrestler has signed a contract with Impact.

–Steve Maclin walked up to Kazarian and Swann, saying that he didn’t want this situation either. Maclin said he wanted to make this work because he wanted to be prepared for Rebellion. Maclin said he served alongside people he didn’t like, but he could work with them, and that tonight they were going to get the job done.

Impact X-Division Champion Trey Miguel defeated Lince Dorado to retain

This was a good match but didn’t have a lot of heat.

Miguel and Dorado instantly started exchanging fast paced offence. Dorado spilled to the floor and Miguel went for a dive, but countered into a tiger feint, as Dorado moved. Miguel then held on and swung back into launching himself into a hurricarana on the floor. That was awesome. Miguel went to the eyes of Dorado, who did not like that, and ended up hitting a baseball slide dropkick to the side of Miguel, sending him to the floor.

Dorado hit a corckscrew press to the floor. Dorado hit a crossbody into the ring for a 2-count. Dorado hit a powerslam for a 2-count. Dorado hit a series of moonsaults from the first and second ropes but missed the third. Miguel hit an enziguri and both men were down. Dorado managed to hit a shooting star press on Miguel, but Miguel was able to roll to the floor to escape the pinfall. Both men exchanged strikes in the ring until Miguel was able to hit a hurricanrana for the pinfall.

–Shane Haste & Bad Dude Tito were backstage talking about how they were going to beat the micro-mini-Bullet Club of Chris Bey and Ace Austin.

Impact World Tag Team Champions Bullet Club (Ace Austin & Chris Bey) defeated TMDK (Shane Haste & Bad Dude Tito) to retain

Tito was able to get the heat on Bey early on by through him across the ring like he weighed nothing. Haste continued the assault on Austin. Austin and Bey hit click, click, boom, stealing the move from the Motor City Machine Guns for a 2-count. Bey hit some hard chops that made Haste upset, understandably.

Austin went for the O’Connor roll on Haste, but Tito blind tagged in and took out Austin with a powerbomb. Haste hit a low dropkick on Austin for a 2-count. As the match slowed down with Haste getting some heat on Austin, Tom Hannifan mused that Windsor should have a CFL team. Chris Bey hit a tope con giro on Bad Dude Tito. Bey hit a springboard Finesser for a 2-count.

Tito managed to hit Ace Austin with a series of kicks and a power bomb for a 2-count. Tito hit a suicide dive of his own, flying threw the ropes onto Chris Bey. Tito then hit a frog splash on Austin for a 2-count as Bey managed to make the save. Bey and Austin hit a combo TKO and kick to the head leading to a 2-count. Bey hit the art of finesse and Austin hit the fold on Tito for the pinfall.

Bully Ray defeated Tommy Dreamer in a Busted Open Match

This match was not good. Tommy Dreamer and Bully Ray working a slow paced hardcore match in 2023 is not really something I want to see, but given the age of the wrestlers involved, it could have been far worse.

Ray attacked Dreamer on the floor, hitting his knee with a chair. Dreamer pulled a replica ECW title out and drove it into the head of Ray. Dreamer tried to bust Bully Ray open with an energy drink can, but Ray managed to turn it into an atomic drop on the guard rail. Bully Ray threw a bear into the face of Darren McCarty, who retired from the Detroit Red Wings in 2009.

It turns out that McCarty has actually wrestled before after the end of his hockey career, so maybe that is what that is building to. Ray missed a splash off a step stool and Dreamer brought in a bag of thumbtacks. Dreamer went to piledrive Bully Ray into the thumbtacks, but Ray back dropped Dreamer out. Ray pulled out a cheese grater from under the ring, but Dreamer blocked it and hit a bionic elbow.

Dreamer grabbed the Grater, but accidentally ran into the referee. Dreamer hit Ray with the cheese grater, but the referee was out and missed the blood on Ray’s face. Jason Hotch and John Skylar ran down while giving Bully Ray a towel to wipe off the blood on his face. Bully Ray threw thumbtacks into the face of Tommy Dreamer. Ray attempted to drive the face of Dreamer into the tacks, but missed with an elbow.

Ray claimed that Dreamer’s daughters were going to see it, so he stopped and Ray low blowed Dreamer to escape another cheese grater attack. Ray slammed Dreamer’s arm into the thumbtacks. Ray drove Dreamer headfirst into the ring post, causing him to bleed, and the referee woke up to see Dreamer bleeding while Ray covered his head with a towel.

–The Good Hands set up a table in the ring for Ray to powerbomb Dreamer through. Darren McCarty jumped the rail and tried to save Dreamer, and security stopped him. Ray told security to let him go. McCarty came into the ring and they started a hockey fight with McCarty getting the better of Bully Ray. The Good Hands attacked from behind which led to Bully Ray powerbombing McCarty through the table.

Scott D’Amore’s music hit and he took of his jacket looking like he was ready to fight with Ray. Scott D’Amore looked backstage and invited Heath, Joe Hendry, Jonathan Gresham, Mike Bailey, Rhino, and others out to ringside to chase Bully Ray and The Good Hands away. Jason Hotch attacked D’Amore, who hit a Canadian destroyer on Hotch and then he celebrated with Darren McCarty.

Time Machine (KUSHIDA, Chris Sabin, & Alex Shelley) defeated Steve Maclin, Rich Swann, & Frankie Kazarian

KUSHIDA did everything he could in this match to make his upcoming match with Maclin for the Impact World Championship at Rebellion matter in this one, working hard, bumping everywhere, and trying to look like a world title contender. This match was very good despite there being no stakes, and everyone worked very hard. It sucks that Alexander got hurt, as this at least had the intrigue of KUSHIDA and Alexander facing off, but they did a decent job making the best of a bad situation.

After seeing Sabin and Shelley in the early part of the match, KUSIDA tagged in and immediately called for Maclin. KUSHIDA immediately went for submissions, attempting to out wrestle the larger man. KUSHIDA, Sabin, and Shelley targeted the arm of Maclin, looking to weaken it to prepare for KUSHIDA’s hoverboard lock. Maclin drove Shelley’s throat into the ropes to break an arm wringer, and Kazarian tagged in.

Maclin left Swann to the wolves when he tagged in, as he wasn’t the legal man, letting Time Machine triple team him. KUSHIDA missed a chop on the outside on Swann and hit the turnbuckle post. Swann then tagged out to Kazarian. Kazarian hit a flying forearm on Shelley and a legdrop on Sabin, a Russian legsweep on Shelley and then a back stabber on KUSHIDA.

Shelley hit a double arm breaker on Maclin and Kazarian and tagged KUSHIDA in, who hit a great crossbody on Maclin before hitting a Pele kick. Maclin dumped KUSHIDA into the corner and hit a spear while he was in the tree of woe. Kazarian and Swann hit a series of big moves ending with a 450 splash for a 2-count. Swann missed a phoenix splash, leading to Time Machine doing submissions on everyone in the ring. After an exchange of finisher attempts from everyone, KUSHIDA managed to hit a flying kimura on Maclin and forced a very quick tap out.

Final Thoughts

While this was a very good show from an in ring perspective, there was not a lot on this show of consequence outside of the Bully Ray/Tommy Dreamer feud. Quite frankly, that is not enough to sell a show or make it interesting, and the rest of it, while very good in ring, didn’t have any compelling stories leading into the matches. That said, if you are looking for good wrestling and don’t really care about the stories involved, you will probably like this show. It was very good in ring action, but it did not have the stories needed to add sufficient interest or heat. I enjoyed it, but it is probably one of the best missable shows you will ever see.

Josh Alexander relinquishing Impact World title due to injury

Posted on by Joseph Currier

An injury has forced Josh Alexander’s Impact World Championship reign to come to an end.

Impact Wrestling has announced that Alexander is relinquishing the World title due to suffering a triceps tear. Alexander will be undergoing surgery for the injury today.

Alexander was scheduled to defend the Impact World Championship against Steve Maclin at Rebellion on Sunday, April 16. The pay-per-view will now be headlined by Maclin vs. KUSHIDA to determine a new champion.

Alexander was also scheduled to defend the Impact World Championship against KUSHIDA at Impact Wrestling and NJPW’s Multiverse United event on Thursday, March 30. Alexander’s replacement for that show has yet to be announced.

After winning the title at last year’s Rebellion, Alexander’s reign as champion lasted for nearly a year. It was the longest World Championship reign in Impact Wrestling history.

“We wish Josh a full and speedy recovery, and everyone at IMPACT Wrestling, including our loyal fans, can’t wait to see him back in the ring,” Impact Wrestling president Scott D’Amore said in a press release.

A six-man tag team match with Alexander, Rich Swann & Frankie Kazarian facing KUSHIDA & Motor City Machine Guns was supposed to take place at tonight’s Sacrifice special. Maclin is taking Alexander’s place in the match.

Knockouts Champion Mickie James is also currently injured. A title match between James and Jordynne Grace that was scheduled for Sacrifice is no longer taking place. An update on the situation with the Knockouts title will be given on Sacrifice.

Josh Alexander vs. Steve Maclin title match set for Impact Rebellion

Posted on by Josh Nason

After months of campaigning and complaining, Steve Maclin has finally earned his long-awaited first Impact World title shot.

Maclin picked up the win in a four-way at Friday’s No Surrender to earn the shot, defeating PCO, Heath and Brian Myers. Maclin picked up the victory after hitting the KIA on Heath as he was about to pin Myers after hitting the Wake-Up Call.

He will face Josh Alexander at April’s Rebellion after the champion defended the World title against Rich Swann in the main event Friday.

The pay-per-view will take place on Sunday, April 16th from Toronto, Canada.

Here are some additional notes from No Surrender:

Following their verbal dispute during a live Busted Open Radio segment that got physical with a metal coffee pot, Impact posted a social media exclusive where Tommy Dreamer challenged Bully Ray to a Busted Open match.

The date and event for the match was not announced, but it is likely to be for March’s Sacrifice streaming special.

After Dreamer had finished talking, a phrase he used set off Ray who nailed Dreamer with the aforementioned pot after throwing hot coffee in his face. 

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Friday’s streaming special featured nearly every title being defended but no title changes.

Aside from Alexander defending against Swann, Mickie James successfully defended the Knockouts title against Masha Slamovich in her first title defense since winning the gold.

The Death Dollz defended the Knockouts Tag Team titles with a win over the debuting Hex (Allysin Kay & Marti Belle) while Digital Media Champion Joe Hendry defeated Moose in their rematch, this time over Dot Combat rules.