This week’s MLW Fusion was taped in New York City as part of MLW’s War Chamber tapings earlier this year. Matt Striker and Joe Dombrowski were on the call.
AKIRA (w/Raven) defeated Lince Dorado (c) and Lio Rush to win the MLW Middleweight title in a three-way
There were a lot of interlocking storylines going on here. Rush had previously stolen Dorado’s title as he claimed himself to be the real Middleweight champion while Dorado was on the end of a recent Calling attack, setting up this intriguing triple threat match.
AKIRA jumped Dorado during his entrance, dropping him with a hard suplex on the floor and taking him out of the opening of the match.
But the champion got back into it with springboards and a top rope twisting dive to the floor. He and Rush then took turns hitting handspring cutters and stunners to take AKIRA out temporarily.
Dorado momentarily got his own torturous revenge by locking AKIRA in an armbar, but Rush quickly broke it up with a frog splash. Rush then hit a dive to the floor but was taken out when he missed another frog splash.
AKIRA capitalized with Rush out of the ring to hit his Death Penalty (lifting reverse DDT) to pick up the pinfall victory and the MLW Middleweight title win — his first in MLW.
– We heard from Jacob Fatu who is set to return to action next week against John Hennigan. We last saw Fatu being attacked by Raven, AKIRA, and Ricky Shane Page. The Samoan Werewolf is out for revenge. He said his Openweight title shot against John Hennigan – that he lost due to The Calling’s attack- will take place next week.
Raven and The Calling then brought Mandy Leon to life in an ominous pre-taped video package. Leon was motionless wrapped in a plastic sheet, but after a kiss to her forehead, Leon’s eyes popped open.
Sam Adonis (w/ John Hennigan) defeated Willie Mack
After being part of the party that screwed Mack out of an Openweight title win against Hennigan last week, Adonis faced the revenge-minded Mack this week.
Adonis got on the mic before the match to rile up the New York crowd, but Mack had his own words for Adonis and Hennigan, promising to put his boot up both their asses.
Mack moves very impressively for his size. In the early going, he worked up the speed to hit a flying kick to Adonis in the face and vault to the floor. After catching his leg on Adonis’ head during a leapfrog, Mack hit another jumping kick to stay in control.
After a break, Mack pulled Adonis off the top rope as Adonis tried to bring some of his AAA moves into the match. Mack again caught Adonis off guard and rammed his fist into Adonis’ gut as the Azteca Lucha member came off the top.
Mack was selling the earlier leapfrog collision as he could not complete his usual kip-up, struggling to hit his standing moonsault.
Hennigan got knocked off the apron after tripping Mack’s leg behind the referee’s back. But with Mack momentarily distracted, Adonis hit a Death Valley Driver/Air Raid Crash slam and a 450 splash from the top rope to pick up the tainted distraction win.
After the match, Sam Leterna brought out Mance Warner for an interview on the stage, but Adonis and Hennigan quickly interrupted and jumped him. Adonis used a leather strap to choke Warner out over the top rope.
– Ahead of his MLW title match against Alex Hammerstone at Never Say Never, Alex Kane again promised to reveal the money man behind the Bomaye Fight Club at the event. Before that, he also mentioned a cash prize being up for grabs in a “Big Apple Grapple” open challenge.
– Before the main event and after a few failed attempts to cut a promo on Delmi Exo due to technical difficulties, Taya Valkyrie stormed off saying she is leaving MLW because of issues like this.
Delmi Exo defeated Taya Valkyrie (w/ John Hennigan) to win the MLW Women’s Featherweight title
Valkyrie had been playing politics recently to delay this eventual title match, but the ending did not disappoint with Exo picking up the win and the title to end Taya’s one year reign as champion.
Earlier in the night, Exo said there was only one way she wanted to win the title and that was with the Delmi Driver, and she did just that after Hennigan’s constant distractions came back to haunt him and Valkyrie.
After a slow-building start, Valkyrie dropped Exo face-first on the apron and Hennigan added a few sneaky shots as Valkyrie distracted the referee. She slowed the match down again and kept in control as she double foot stomped Exo in the gut.
They exchanged close near falls when Exo hit a cross-legged fisherman suplex and a Pedigree for close calls, followed by Valkyrie hitting a Blue Thunder Bomb for one as well. Similar to the earlier match with Adonis, Hennigan grabbed Exo’s foot from the outside, causing the challenger to switch her focus to him.
The champion then went for a rollup, but Exo countered with her own pinning combination. Exo had Valkyrie pinned, but the referee was distracted by Hennigan on the ring apron.
Valkyrie and Hennigan then accidentally collided on the apron which distracted the champion enough to give Exo the opening to hit her Delmi Driver to win both the match and the Featherweight title.
Next week:
MLW National Openweight Champion John Hennigan defends against Jacob Fatu
The promotion announced on Sunday that she will face Natalia Markova at NWA Alwayz Ready.
The event takes place Saturday, June 11 from the Knoxville Convention Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. It will air live on FITE TV.
Since being released from WWE last November, Valkyrie has regained the Reina de Reinas Championship and performed for AAA, Impact, and MLW amongst other promotions.
The announced lineup for NWA Alwayz Ready is as follows:
NWA World Champion Matt Cardona defends against Nick Aldis with a stipulation to be announced
NWA World Women’s Champion Kamille defends against KiLynn King
NWA National Champion Jax Dane defends against Chris Adonis
NWA Television Champion Tyrus defends against Mims
NWA Tag Team Champions La Rebelion (Bestia 666 & Mecha Wolf) defend against The Commonwealth Connection (Doug Williams & Davey Boy Smith Jr.)
NWA Women’s Tag Team Champions The Hex (Allysin Kay & Marti Belle) defend against Pretty Empowered (Ella Envy & Kenzie Paige
Impact Wrestling returns from Nashville, TN for tonight’s episode.
The opening video focused on the finals of the number one contender’s tournament, where Trey Miguel was mysteriously taken out in the back, prompting for his Rascalz teammate Zachary Wentz to take his spot and go after Ace Austin. Unfortunately for Wentz, Ace Austin bested him and became number one contender.
Furthermore, we got a refresher of the feud between Jordynne Grace and Taya Valkyrie, who face off tonight for the Knockout’s Championship.
Show opened with D’Amore and Callis debating on what to do with the Impact World title and Trey Miguel’s attack.
Michael Elgin defeated Ken Shamrock and Sami Callihan
Talk about an opening match, this could main event any major Impact pay-per-view.
Elgin made his entrance, but Shamrock didn’t wait. He ran down and started brawling with Elgin. Callihan entered via blackout apparition and the match was finally started.
For the first minutes, Shamrock and Elgin brawled while Callihan watched. After a powerbomb, Shamrock left the ring and Callihan entered the battle against Elgin.
They brawled to the outside, where Elgin caught Callihan’s dive and slammed him on the apron. Shamrock, out of nowhere, came down with an over the top rope dive on both men.
Elgin and Shamrock made it to the ring where Elgin hit a missile dropkick on Shamrock to take him down and start working. However, Callihan was there to distract Elgin, allowing Shamrock to armdrag him.
Callihan and Shamrock initially showed to be on the same side, and thus Elgin took them both out with a double clothesline, sent Shamrock out, and hit a falcon arrow for a two count on Callihan.
Elgin worked over Callihan, tossing him around the ring. Callihan would try to outstrike Elgin, but he wasn’t hurting him, while Elgin’s strikes surely made an impact on Callihan. It wasn’t until Shamrock came back to attack Elgin that Callihan and Shamrock took Elgin out with a kick combo and belly-to-belly.
Callihan and Shamrock started striking off until Callihan took out Shamrock’s leg, hit a diving elbow, and picked up a two count.
Elgin returned and went to exchange strikes with Callihan, but this time, Sami got the upper hand with a kick and elbow, only for Elgin to comeback with a release German and a diving forearm. As he went for the pin, Shamrock locked in the ankle Lock to break things up.
Both Elgin and Shamrock exchanged strikes. Elgin hit two DDTs, but Ken kept getting up, so Elgin went for an enzuigiri. Shamrock countered into an ankle lock. Elgin made the ropes, but Shamrock pulled and took the turnbuckle with him. Callihan didn’t allow the tap out, prompting Ken to change the lock to Callihan, but he managed to get out.
Elgin tossed Shamrock to the exposed turnbuckle and hit a spinning backfist on Callihan. He hit the Elgin Bomb on Shamrock for the win.
Elgin looked really strong here, defeating two wrestlers that technically worked together all match.
After the match, Shamrock and Callihan had a stare off before Callihan disappeared with his light tricks.
Josh Matthews and Madison Rayne ran down tonight’s card and teased that Tessa’s championship may be in jeopardy.
Gia Miller interviewed Jordynne Grace about being prepared after taking time off. Grace said that all she did in the last month was study and train, and she was ready to go back into competing week in week out.
Backstage, Dezmond and Wentz talked about becoming the number one contenders when Trey Miguel arrived. He was mad and wanted to know who jumped him last week. Xavier brought up that he had seen Ace Austin in the bathroom while Trey was being attacked. Wentz suspiciously tried to bring up Reno Scum.
Fortunately for Wentz, The North made their return and said that next week, it’s Rascalz vs The North. Wentz tried to imply that maybe The North attacked Wentz, and so The North said they were not even in the country and that maybe Wentz had done it because he didn’t want Trey to be the first champion of the group. Good arguments there as the dissension seeds are planted.
Tasha Steelz (with Kiera Hogan) defeated Susie
Steelz started talking trash, bullying Susie, but the latter got her by the neck, hit a couple of takedowns and a bulldog, causing Steelz to run to the floor to recoup. Susie tried to attack her with a dive, but Steelz got her on the way out with a kick.
Tasha worked over Susie, stomping on her. She hit a running forearm, European uppercut, and a neckbreaker for a two count.
Steelz knocked down Susie with strikes, but got surprised with a schoolgirl pin when Tasha played to the camera.
Susie made a comeback with a series of palm strikes and a Thesz press. She caught Tasha with an elbow, but Tasha connected with an enzuigiri to cut Susie off. Tasha went for a top rope move, but Susie caught her with another palm strike as she went down, earning a two count.
Kiera Hogan then came out, interrupting Susie, talking trash. That allowed Tasha to sneak up with the OKURRR! for the win. Good short match, Tasha Steelz is soo good.
Miller was supposed to interview Ace Austin, but he played Connor McGregor and made her wait and walk to where he was. Ace Austin said that he was the number one contender, but since Tessa wasn’t coming to work, he was the rightful World champion.
Moose approached him and told him that at Slammiversary, he should be challenging him. Ace told him off, saying it’s a good looking belt.
Hernandez walked up and told Moose he wanted a match for the title next week. Moose walked away without a response.
We saw Deonna Purrazzo arrive at the venue.
Tasha Steelz and Kiera Hogan celebrated in the back when they were approached by Havok and Neveah. Hogan tried to talk her way away from them and pretended to not be scared of Havok. Neveah challenged them to a match, but Hogan said that Tasha JUST had a match so maybe later on.
Impact Plus Flashback Moment of the Week was Michael and Maria Bennett making their debut and challenging Earl Hebner to fight. It’s a good tease, but not exactly Bennett’s best moment.
Backstage, Rohit Raju confronted Rhino about attacking him last week instead of taking him under his wing as the veteran he is. Rhino said that Rohit is always crying about not being given anything, so instead, Rohit jumped Rhino from behind.
Willie Mack & Cousin Jake defeated Chris Bey & Johnny Swinger
Bey teased wanting to take on Mack, but instead tagged to Swinger.. Swinger actually started with some offense on the corner on Mack, going for the 10 punches, but before he could finish, Mack hit an atomic drop and tagged in Jake.
Jake came in and tossed Swinger around for a bit before tagging back Mack. Swinger, however, managed to pull Mack to his corner and allow Bey to hit a cheap shot, cutting off Mack.
Bey tagged in and worked over Mack with kicks and quick tags to Swinger, who used his old school dirty tricks to keep Mack down.
Mack caught Swinger with a low kick, enough to tag in Jake, who came in hot. He took out both men, tossed Bey on top of Swinger and went for the corner spear, but Swinger was there to pull Bey away and let Jake go into the ring post.
Back from commercial, Bey and Swinger cut off Jake and worked over his abdomen, using every dirty trick in the book. Cousin Jake tried to make a comeback, only to be taken down by an enzuigiri by Bey.
Swinger and Bey tried to pull off a double team move on Cousin Jake, but he managed to body block Swinger and take down Bey, giving him enough to tag in Mack.
Mack came in, hit the Samoan drop and moonsault on both Swinger and Bey. Cousin Jake clotheslined Bey to the floor. Swinger went for his swinging neckbreaker, but Mack reversed and hit the stunner for the win.
After the match, Bey and Swinger jumped Jake and Mack, but Cody Deaner made his return and made the save for his cousin.
Rosemary and John E. Bravo were drinking at a bar. Rosemary once again tried to get Bravo to bite the poison apple. Taya was there to interrupt them and asked why Bravo wasn’t welcoming her with a party. Rosemary stood up for Bravo, but Taya told them off and gave Rosemary a Micro Brawler as a present.
Rosemary told Taya she had a gift for her for tonight’s title shot.
Scott D’Amore came out to address the situation with the Impact World Title. D’Amore said that they have a number one contender crowned in Ace Austin, but Tessa Blanchard is still not there at the building. Before he could proceed, Ace Austin came out to interrupt.
Ace jumped the line and said that he was going to be crowned the new world champion. Not long after, Michael Elgin came out to claim his rightful shot for the title.
Elgin said the title was rightfully his and that if Ace wanted to be the champ, he had to go through Elgin. Elgin said that no one could handle him, but as a prompt, Eddie Edwards came out, making his own return.
Eddie said he wasn’t scared of Elgin. He also said that he belonged in that Rebellion match that didn’t take place, mentioning that he was still holding the title shot trophy. Ace pushed for D’Amore to call him the champion already.
D’Amore said that no one gets handouts in Impact, and that if any of them wanted to be the champion, they would have to fight for it because at Slammiversary it’s going to be a five way match. Tessa will defend against Eddie Edwards, Michael Elgin, Ace Austin, and Trey Miguel, who then came in and jumped Ace Austin.
All four men came in and brawled with one another.
Gia Miller tried to interview Deonna Purrazzo, but she wasn’t in her locker room. Gia is having a bad night.
#CancelCulture came down along with the new Jacob Crist and the returning Rob Van Dam and Katie Forbes. Ryan explained that Crist was a new man. Ryan said that tonight, Jacob Crist was going to teach “Mentally Unwell” Steven a lesson.
Jacob Crist (with #CancelCulture) defeated Crazzy Steve
Crist jumped Steve to start the match, but Steve was quick to recover, dropping Jake to his knees. He hit a low dropkick and a senton for an early two count. Side leg sweep for a second pin attempt. He followed that with a snapmare and a standing neck twist followed by a hanging leg lock.
Crist finally managed to snap Steve’s arm on the ropes and started working over that arm with ambreakers and submission attempts.
Steve recovered, hit a couple of takedowns and a short clothesline for a two count. Joseph Ryan distracted Steve, allowing Crist to hit a kick combo and take down Steve for a three count. Pretty weak match and an even weaker finish, but Jake Crist finally picks up a win.
Impact Knockout’s Champion Jordynne Grace defeated Taya Valkyrie (with John E. Bravo & Rosemary) to retain the title
This is the match that was originally scheduled for Rebellion.
Jordynne rushed Taya at the start of the match, but Taya ran to her party, only for Jordynne to follow with a tope, taking them all out.
Back in the ring, Jordynne had control and rammed Taya in the corner. She hit a suplex for a pin attempt. Jordynne clotheslined and chopped Taya from corner to corner. Taya had enough and chopped back, successfully hurting Grace, yet causing her to get more aggressive, hitting a belly-to-belly for a two count.
Jordynne followed with more strikes, but once again Taya left the ring, and yet again, Jordynne followed except this time, the distraction of Bravo was enough for Taya to attack her from behind and cut her off. Taya, however, used her opening to only talk trash. She slowly made her way to the top turnbuckle, allowing Jordynne to recover and struck her, sending her all the way to the floor.
Taya gained full control, sending Jordynne to the steel steps. Back in the ring, Taya worked over Grace in the corner with chokes and running knees to the head, earning a two count. Taya went for a superplex, but she argued so much with the referee that Grace recovered and dropped Taya with a sunset flip powerbomb.
Grace started powerslamming Taya every time she attacked. She tossed Taya into the ringpost and followed with running knees and elbows, ending with a Vader bomb for a two count.
Jordynne chased the Grace Driver, but Taya blocked it. Jordynne tried for a sleeper, but Taya was too tall for her and pushed back. Taya once again distracted herself with Bravo now, coming close to being taken out by Grace, but then caught the champion with a spear for a two count.
Taya tried to lock in a sharpshooter, but Grace escaped. Taya went for the Road to Valhalla, but Grace fought out of it, clotheslined Taya several times, and locked in the sleeper hold, submitting Taya to retain the title.
All throughout the match, Rosemary and Bravo kept talking to each other and not paying helping Taya, so that’s likely to become a story.
After the match, The Virtuosa Deonna Purrazzo finally made her debut and got face to face with Jordynne Grace and made clear that her intentions were the championship. She offered a handshake, but instead took down Grace with a vicious armbar. Purrazzo stood tall over Jordynne and the title as the show went off the air.
After the show, we saw Michael Elgin on the phone talking with someone from Canada, who he referred as “sir”. He said that “us Canadians have always been team players”.
Final Thoughts:
Good show. Really eventful, filled with returns and a big debut to close it off. Wrestling wise, we had some good stuff, but nothing out of this world.
We are now officially on the road to Slammiversary 2020 with a solid main event announced, big return teases, and a likely Knockout’s title challenger.
Next week, Rohit Raju vs Rhino, Moose defends the TNA title vs Hernandez, Ace Austin vs Eddie Edawrds in a Street Fight, and The North vs The Rascalz for the Impact Tag Team titles.
Impact Wrestling returns from Sam’s Town Casino from Las Vegas, Nevada for tonight’s episode. Tessa Blanchard defends her World Championship against Taya Valkyrie in tonight’s main event, the first time ever a World title is contested between two women.
Show opened with a Nashville Strong screen following the tornados that hit the Nashville area on Monday night.
Opening video was a recap of Tessa’s championship win and the historic relevance of tonight’s main event.
Fallah Bahh & TJP defeated World Tag Team champions The North (Ethan Page & Josh Alexander) in a non-title match
Match started with Bahh and TJP running over Page. They hit a couple of tag moves before Page tagged in Alexander for more. TJP got a two count after a double splash.
The North cut off TJP as he was going for a springboard. Page blocked him on the ropes, while Alexander took him out. From here on, they worked over TJP. They did the stalling and tag suplex for a two count.
They kept it up with stomps, all while taunting Bahh. They had the heat until Page locked in a surfboard style submission. TJP managed to dropkicked Page off, land a tornado DDT and finally made the hot tag to Bahh.
Fallah came in hot and ran over Josh Alexander with clotheslines, running hip attacks to the corner, and a Samoan drop. Page helped Josh cut off Bahh for a bit, but Bahh fired up against Josh’s strikes, and instead hit a pop-up powerbomb for a two count when Page broke it up.
Bahh got rid of Page and tagged in TJP, who went for the Poetry in Motion but Page took out TJP while Josh got rid of Bahh. The North delivered two team slams on TJP for a two count.
The North went for their finisher, but Bahh pulled out Page and superkicked him, allowing TJP to escape Alexander.
Josh failed to hit a German on Bahh, but Page hit a cutter instead as both North members executed a kick combo. When they went for the finish again, TJP came in and hit a sunset flip pin on Alexander while Bahh held Page to pick up the win. Good opener.
Gabbi Loren interviewed Tessa Blanchard about her first defense tonight against Taya. Tessa said that she once lost to Taya, but that was a year ago and that she is a different Tessa. Tonight they make history for the main event, but not for a title change.
Eddie Edwards interrupted Tessa and told her that he respects all that she’s done, but that at Rebellion, he’s cashing in his trophy once he beats Elgin. Tessa told him to bring it.
Moose defeated Petey Williams
Moose tried to jump Petey, eventually hitting a big shoulder tackle. Moose went for an early No Jackhammer Needed, but Petey dodged and went for an early destroyer. Moose blocked and countered.
Moose, who was now in control, worked over Petey with strikes and chops. He followed with punches to the head, but when he went for the Go To Hell, Petey reversed into a Rana, only to then eat a big boot by Moose.
Back from commercial Moose is still in control. He worked over Petey outside the ring, teasing the fans, but as he distracted himself Petey took advantage and landed two suicide dives and a springboard rana to the floor.
Now with momentum, Petey hit a Codebreaker on Moose but ended up being tossed on top of the ropes and into the floor. Petey beat the count at 8.
Moose went back to work with strikes and whipped Petey into the corners the hard way, but once again Moose started taunting, which triggered Petey to fire up and come back with some strikes. Petey went for a rana, but Moose blocked. He went for a powerbomb, but Petey reversed into a DDT.
Petey followed with a short Flatliner and again chased the Destroyer. Moose blocked and hit Snake Eyes. Petey got a roll up counter to the NJN for a two count. Moose slammed Petey, hit the No Jackhammer Needed and got the win. Good match, if this is building towards the nostalgia show, I wonder who is the final boss.
Impact Plus Flashback Moment of the Week was Amazing Red vs Kid Kash for the X-Division Championship. The finish was horrendous.
Madison Rayne was training people backstage. She recognized Mazzerati and told her to leave since she already defeated her. She kicked out another lady that I couldn’t recognize. Eventually, Kiera Hogan arrived to question her actions, Madison told her she was her first failure. They exchanged some words until one of Rayne’s trainees stood up to Hogan and challenged her to a fight. Seems like Hogan is going babyface.
Acey Romero defeated Joey Ryan
Match started with Joey failing to shoulder tackle Acey and failed to get him to touch his penis. Acey hit a scoop slam, but when he went for the senton, Joey moved away. Acey came back with a dropkick to take down Ryan.
Ace shoulder blocked Joey, but got knocked out enough that he fell face first into Joey’s penis. He later made the mistake of hitting an Atomic Drop on Joey, hurting his knee.
Acey hit a couple of clotheslines then followed with crossbody. Acey charged Joey in the corner but when he went for the uranage Joey hit the Sweet Tooth Music. Acey blocked the second one, but Joey managed to get his hand on his penis. Conflicted, Joey Ryan didn’t go for the penis flip so Acey capitalized, hit the uranage and finished off Ryan with the jumping elbow for the win. Bad match.
Backstage, Disco Inferno and Johnny Swinger approached Willie Mack to tell him that once they’re done with the Deaners tonight, they’re coming for him. Mack said he’ll take on them in a handicap match. Their team name is the Flying Disco Balls.
We got another vignette for Chris Bey. Still coming soon.
Backstage, Joey Ryan, Katie Forbes, and RVD are talking about what it feels to be backstabbed by the cheering fans that talk trash on social media.
Su Yung defeated Havok in a No DQ Match
Su Yung jumped Havok to start. She connected with shotei palm strikes on Havok. Yung then tried to put the noose on Havok, but couldn’t and instead had to chase after her with a suicide dive and a senton from the apron.
Outside the ring, Yung tried the rope walk on the barricade, but Havok blocked her. She tried to ram her against the ring post, but Yung was blocking so instead, Havok just hit a Samoan drop on the steel ramp.
Havok started getting weapons, including chais, a kendo stick, and a trash can. Havok tried rushing Yung onto the steel steps, but Yung moved away and Havok crashed. Su tried to hit another senton, but this time, Havok was able to catch her and slam her into the steps.
Back in the ring, they had a sword fight with chairs, but ended up knocking each other out. They exchanged forearms until Su got a quick sequence of palm strikes and a running knee for a two count.
Su again failed to put the noose on Havok when the latter overpowered her and went for a second rope tombstone but Yung blocked her and escaped. Su hit a dropkick on Havok with the trash can for a two count.
Yung finally got the noose on, but Havok was too strong to get pulled around and instead she hit a backbreaker. Now Havok was looking to use the rope by tying her against the ropes and going for the kendo stick, but Su Yung hit the green mist and locked in the Mandible Claw.
Havok managed to get off the Claw, but Yung took her out with kendo stick shots, tied the noose, and locked in the Mandible Claw while pulling the rope for the submission win. This was ok, nothing special. They’ve had better matches.
After the match, the Undead Bridesmaids brought out Yung’s coffin. Su dragged Havok and tried to bury her, but Havok fought back, took out the bridesmaids and ran off.
Jimmy Jacobs tried to interview Rosemary. He asked if she was happy about Su Yung and Havok trying to kill each other. Rosemary told him that she failed to bring the Bunny back and that she’s been so consumed for vengeance that she missed something along the way. Rosemary ran off.
The Deaners (Cody Deaner & Cousin Jake) defeated Flying Disco Balls (Johnny Swinger & Glen Gilbertti)
Jake and Disco started the match. The former easily got the upper hand slamming Disco, then slammed Cody onto him.
Cody and Swinger tagged in. Swinger tried to wrestle for wrist control, but Cody beat him, tagged in Jake and hit an assisted gutbuster for a two count.
Disco gave Swinger a roll of coins and started taking turns using it on Cody’s throat. He got about seven or eight strikes before Swinger started trying to choke out and hitting low blows. Disco went for his People’s Elbow, but Cody moved away and tagged in Jake, who ran wild over both men.
Disco accidentally hit Swinger with the roll of coins, giving Cody Deaner the opening to hit the Deaner DDT for the win. Fun match, but nothing to it. I like the team of Disco and Swinger, i wouldn’t mind if they stick around.
Once again, the hacker interrupted the broadcast, now tih a full vignette. He/She/It is debuting March 17.
We got a video package of Tenille Dashwood, who I thought was gone from Impact. Nice to see she’s still around.
We got another installment of Gut Check. They focused on a guy that was obviously a fake heel known as Tony Gunn. He was spitting on the ring, pulling the tights, talking trash to Aiden Prince, making things really awkward. He’s been wrestling for 16 years and barely getting a Gut Check. John E. Bravo, who is the legit trainer of the BCW Dojo, berated him. D’Amore said screw them all. Hopefully this is over then.
We got a video package telling the whole story between Tessa and Taya, going back a year to Taya winning the Knockout’s title from Tessa.
Gabbi Loren interviewed Taya Valkyrie about the match. Taya said that somehow, Tessa convinced everyone that she was the best, but she looks through her, she knows Tessa is selfish and a master manipulator, and tonight she breaks the fairytale.
Impact World champion Tessa Blanchard defeated Taya Valkyrie (with John E. Bravo) to retain the title
Taya mocked Tessa to start the match, tapped her on the head until Tessa had enough and started going after Taya with kicks, chops, and punches all around the ring. Taya had the strength advantage, but Tessa had some lucha moves to counter her.
Tessa hit a running kick to the back of Taya, followed with a superkick but Bravo distracted Tessa long enough for Taya to recover and dropkick Tessa off the apron and onto the floor.
Back from commercial, Taya is still in control, stomping and kicking on Tessa. She hit a great running hip attack, followed by the running knees for a two count. Taya distracted herself with the crowd enough that Tessa had a small comeback, hitting a suicide dive, but when she went for the dropkick, Taya moved and Tessa went flying into the steel steps.
Taya hit a Super Dragon-style curb stomp for another two count. The crowd is going crazy for Tessa. Taya kept getting distracted, which allowed Tessa to hit a desperation cutter to slow down Taya.
Both women started exchanging strikes in the middle of the ring, with Tessa getting the better of the exchange. Taya almost took out Tessa’s knee, but Tessa countered with a Samoan drop and rana, sending Taya to the corner where she hit a backstabber for a two count.
Taya landed a huge spear on Tessa for a two count, but transitioned into slamming Tessa’s head into the mat over and over until Tessa got a quick roll up for a two count. Taya is now frustrated.
Taya went for a moonsault, but Tessa blocked her and hit a powerbomb and superkick for a two count. Tessa went for a tornado DDT, but Tessa blocked, hit a northern lights and a footstomp for yet another near fall.
Taya finally went for Road To Valhalla, but Tessa got out and hit a cutter. She went for Magnum, but Taya moved away. Bravo distracted Tessa, but got taken out by Taya accidentally. Taya went for a powerbomb, but Tessa reversed, hit the Buzzsaw DDT, and got the pin to retain her championship. Great main event.
Final Thoughts —
Overall a good and enjoyable show from Impact. I think the main event should have been sold as a bigger deal with a longer build, but given the match quality a normal episode was probably the best thing to go for. Storyline wise, we’re finally getting some movement into Rebellion.
Next week, we’re getting Desi Hit Squad vs The Rascalz, match five of Elgin vs Edwards, Rhino vs Madman Fulton, Willie Mack vs the Flying Disco Balls, and an open challenge by Jordynne Grace.
Blanchard appeared at tonight’s Impact Redemption event during a match between Taya Valkyrie and Kiera Hogan, joining the commentary team. She said that she had beaten everyone in the independent scene and now has come to Impact to face their talent, and argued with Don Callis and Josh Matthews during the second half of the bout. After Valkyrie beat Hogan, Blanchard said on commentary that Valkyrie can bring it, indicating a future feud between the two.
She has been wrestling on the independent scene since 2014, regularly wrestling for the Shine and Stardom promotions. She also competed in last year’s Mae Young Classic under the WWE banner, where she was eliminated in the first round by eventual winner Kairi Sane. She has also appeared in a few matches for NXT as an enhancement talent.
Blanchard is the daughter of Tully Blanchard, granddaughter of Joe Blanchard and the stepdaughter of Magnum TA. Both her father and stepfather trained her before entering professional wrestling.
