Impact Coverage
Ja’ Von’s Impact Wrestling Live Report (6/21/18)

Quick Results:
Z & E vs LAX(Impact Tag Team Championships): AND NEW Impact World Tag Team Champions LAX via pinfall
KM vs Scott Steiner: Scott Steiner via submission
Madison Rayne vs Taya Valykire: Madison Rayne via pinfall
oVe vs Pentagon Jr. &Fantasma: Pentagon Jr. & Fantasma via pinfall
Play by Play:
Tonight’s episode is in memory of Leon White aka Big Van Vader.
Impact opens with a cold opening that recapped everything that happened last week.
Impact tonight kicks off with the Tag Team Championship Match.
Z & E vs LAX(Impact Tag Team Championships):
LAX make their way to the win to challenge for the tag team titles. Z & E make their way to the ring to defend their titles. Both teams meet on the ramp and begin throw hands with each other.
Is this the influence of @MadKing1981?
LAX starting this match off MUCH more physical than usual. #IMPACTonPop @SantanaLAX @Ortiz5150 pic.twitter.com/FhwAhAMMtn
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) June 22, 2018
Santana is in control of Andrew Everett while Ortiz throws a chair in the face of DJZ. Santana continues to throw Everett face first on the guardrail while Ortiz continues to hit DJZ with a chair. Santana brings Everret back in the ring but Andrew regains control and sends Santana to the outside followed by a dive to the outside taking him out. DJZ looked to follow up but to no avail. Both teams finally get things situated and the legal men in thering are DJZ and Santana. DJZ begins to wear down Santana with a submission but Santana fights free and DJZ tags in Andrew. Everett goes on a small tear but eventually gets grounded by LAX. Santana tags in Ortiz and they hit a suplex backbreaker combo which gets Ortiz a two count. LAX continues the double team maneuvers on Everett which leads to Santana tagging in. Santana goes on a roll which leads to a nearfall. Ortiz is tagged in a hits a northern lights suplex for a nearfall. Everrett is able to fight back and tag in DJZ. DJZ brings the fight to LAX which leads to Everrett to get back in the ring and the duo begins hitting double team maneuvers. Andrew launches off of DJZ’s shoulders hitting a sunset flip powerbomb on Santana and DJZ gets a two count. Ortiz gets back in the ring and eats a pele kick from Andrew for his troubles. DJZ Irish whips Ortiz into Everrett who hits a facebuster and DJZ goes for the cover on Sanatana for a nearfall as we go to break. Back from break Z & E are in control until they side step Everrett and LAX take out both guys which lead to Santana getting a two count on DJZ. LAX looks to stay in control but Everrett get back on the apron and tags himself in with a blind tag. They both go on the attack and Everett and DJZ hit moonsaults on Ortiz. Everett goes to the top for a tope rope move but Santana pulls DJZ out of the ring which distracts Andrew as he misses the move and LAX hits the Street Sweeper for the pinfall victory.
AND NEW IMPACT WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS – LAX!
Congrats to @Ortiz5150 and @SantanaLAX on becoming three time champions. #IMPACTonPop pic.twitter.com/RWp9bBl7ns
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) June 22, 2018
Winners AND NEW Impact World Tag Team Champions: LAX via pinfall
Jimmy Jacob’s and Kongo Kong are backstage and begin to explain their actions from last week. Jacobs says that Cage walks around thinks that he always gets what he wants. Jimmy says he’s a princess and gets what he wants. He says that Cage has a vulnerability. Jimmy also says what he wants is to show the world that the machine is no match for the monster.
.@JimmyJacobsX has shoved his nose in @MrGMSI_BCage's business. He wants to prove Cage is vulnerable. #IMPACTonPop pic.twitter.com/3FrG9TFcJu
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) June 22, 2018
Back from break and we see a video package of how KM and Fallah Bahh got together and how they came to blows like week. KM comes to the ring and says that he took Fallah Bahh under his wing. He goes on to say that he is bigger than Impact Wrestling and they should rename the company “KMpact Wrestling.”
You know, @ImpactKM speaks a lot of sense. We've changed our screen name to KMPACT until the next time he loses a match. #IMPACTonPop pic.twitter.com/PiIINRCwCb
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) June 22, 2018
He says that Bahh is tough headed and doesn’t listen then calls out Fallah Bahh. Fallah Bahh makes his way to the ring. Fallah reaches in his tights and grabs a note and hands it to KM. KM reads the note and it states that he isn’t going to wrestle him but a wrestler who is on standby.
Here's a closer look at @FALLAH1's note for @ImpactKM. His penmanship is wonderful. #IMPACTonPop pic.twitter.com/RTx6lck2nv
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) June 22, 2018
KM thinks its Standby Wrestler Richard Justice but it turns out to be Scott Steiner.
KM vs Scott Steiner:
Scott Steiner makes his way to the ring.
The standby wrestler isn't Richard Justice…..IT'S SCOTT STEINER! #IMPACTonPop pic.twitter.com/JudYHSDZuD
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) June 22, 2018
KM gets the jump on Scott Steiner but Stiener regains control and hits a overhead belly to belly on KM. The match spills to the outside and Stiener begins to lay in the punches tr hen Irish whips him into the steel stairs. Scott brings him back in the ring and KM begs for him to stop but Stiener doesn’t fall for it and kicks him in the midsection. Scott tosses him into the corner and continues to lay in the kicks. KM gets control of the match for all of a second then while in the corner Stiener drops KM face first then locks in the Stiener Recliner for the submission victory.
Steiner Recliner! #IMPACTonPop pic.twitter.com/jCx2NLoRgP
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) June 22, 2018
Winner: Scott Steiner via submission
Back from break and we are shown a recap of what happend at the recent press conference in Toronto where they announced Austin Aries will defend the world title against Moose at Salmmiversary. Moose says he has been waiting 15 years for this opportunity and will beat Aries and become the world champion. Aries announced the merger of the grand championship and world championship. He then goes to run down his resume and says that this isn’t his second career after he failed his first.
"This is what I've been doing for 18 years, this isn't my second career after I've failed my first." – @AustinAries
Things were tense as Aries and @TheMooseNation went face to face at the Slammiversary Press Conference. #IMPACTonPop pic.twitter.com/2fIYWgymGL
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) June 22, 2018
They then play a video package hyping Slammiversary.
Eddie Edwards recently went home to find himself. We see Eddie pull up to his house and tries to get in but is locked out of the house. Eddie calla his wife but she doesn’t answer the phone.
.@TheEddieEdwards is suffering a mental break. @THETOMMYDREAMER preventing him from ending Sami Callihan is legitimately driving him to madness. #IMPACTonPop pic.twitter.com/uT2TFRAlqC
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) June 22, 2018
Eddie is going berserk and knocks down the door and grabs a beer to find that the house is empty. Eddie is going frantic calling out his wife’s name but no one is home. Eddie then looks in a mirror but only sees Sami Callihan. Everything that happend in the woods begins to play in his mind over and over driving Eddie crazy as he destroys the mirror and blames everything on Sami saying “You did this. You know you did this.”
Back from break and we have oVe and the oVe cam. Sami is tried of people stickingvtheir noise in their business. Callihan says they are going to make an example of Pentagon and Fantasma.
Madison Rayne vs Taya Valykire:
“Lucha Royalty” Taya Valykire makes her way to the ring.
Lucha Royalty has descended from Valhalla for battle. #IMPACTonPop @TheTayaValkyrie pic.twitter.com/sByiCTbSfi
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) June 22, 2018
Madison Rayne makes her way to the ring for the match. Collar and elbow tie up with Taya getting the advantage with the go behind and slams Madison down to the mat. Rayne gains control of rhe match as she side steps Taya who went for a splash in the corner. Rayne slises betwen the legs of Taya but then gets caught by Taya who regains control of the match and brings her back down to the mat. Taya follows it up with a powerslam which gets her a two count. Taya puts Madison into the corner and kicks the inner leg of Madison. Tya then puts her on the top rope and lays in the forearms. Rayne counters with a kick and lands a missle dropckick and both ladies are down. Both ladies get up but Madison is still in control and lays in the forarmans. Taya is tocked but looks for a clothesline and Rayne ducks and hits a ripcord cutter on Taya for a nearfall. Rayne looks for a tilt a whirl headscissors but Taya stops her and gets tossed in a conrer and hits Madison with her backside followed by a meteora. Madison then fifhts back and counters into a schoolgirl for a two count and looks to follow up with the northern lights but Taya stops her and stomps her head into the mat for a two count. Madiosn fights back and hits an enzguri followed by Cross Rayne for the pinfall victory.
.@MadisonRayne WINS! #IMPACTonPop pic.twitter.com/ILPOLXVdtj
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) June 22, 2018
Winner: Madison Rayne via pinfall
After the match Madison grabs a mic and says that its always exciting to come back home to the Impact Zone. She says she didnt intend to be an in-ring competitor when she returned. She says he has been making career moments by defeating Tessa Blanchard and Taya Valykire. Madison says that Impact Management promised her that if she can beat Taya tonight that she will challenge for the Knockouts Championship.
BREAKING: @MadisonRayne will have the opportunity to become a six time Knockouts Champion as she will challenge "The Undead Bride" @realsuyung at Slammiversary! #IMPACTonPop
TICKETS: https://t.co/Nmyym63B4d pic.twitter.com/TwLddageFl
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) June 22, 2018
She is dedicating the match to ger daughter and fans. After the announcement Rayne is interrupted by some domonic laughter of Su Yung.
Back in ththe clubhouse LAX and King are celebrating their tirle victory. Konan returns and he says that he needs to talk with King.
.@Konnan5150 is finally back! #IMPACTonPop pic.twitter.com/aiHXInKkqU
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) June 22, 2018
Back from break Konan says things arent making sense and asks him what’s going on. King says that he has everyone looking into it. Konan ask about Homicide and King says that Homicide is answering to him right now. Konan suspects everyone right now and threatens King if he found out he had anything to do with his attack.
The tension between @Konnan5150 and @MadKing1981 is unbelievable. @SantanaLAX and @Ortiz5150 may be happy to see Konnan back but it seems like there is trouble brewing between King and Konnan. #IMPACTonPop pic.twitter.com/NQqsgpQtVZ
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) June 22, 2018
The mystery attacker name is Killer Kross and he says fear is a funny thing and that most men feared fear. Kross says that everyone is asking why but he says why not. He also says there is no continuity in this place and he did what he had to do. He wants to tear the place down and says he is the new beginning.
"I want to turn this industry upside down and I wanna dive bomb it on its head – and see where the pieces fall. Because I am the new beginning."
A chilling, intimidating warning from @realKILLERkross. #IMPACTonPop pic.twitter.com/bcHksamrK1
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) June 22, 2018
A vignette is played for the Desi Hit Squad saying they are coming soon.
NEXT WEEK – The Desi Hit Squad make their much anticipated IMPACT debut! Gama Singh will lead his Indian protege's into action. #IMPACTonPop pic.twitter.com/IucKxEpnkH
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) June 22, 2018
GWN Flashbsck Moment of the Week:
Sonjay Dutt vs Low-Ki for the X-Division Championship
This week's @GWNapp Moment of the Week features @sonjaydutterson finally capturing the X-Division title in India!
Start your FREE 30 DAY TRIAL NOW to revisit all of your favorite IMPACT moments! #IMPACTonPop pic.twitter.com/WU0VvWhTO5
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) June 22, 2018
oVe vs Pentagon Jr. & Fantasma:
oVe make their way to the ring accompanied by Sami Callihan. Fantasma opens out and waits for his partner on the. Pentagon and Fantasma run to the ring and get the jump on oVe. They kick them into separate corners and send Jake Christ to the floor. Dave Christ is alone in the ring with Pentagon as Pentagon hits a chop on the chest of Dave. Jake Christ comes into the ting to save his brother but gets stop in his tracks. Jake is put in the corner and eats a chop for his troubles. Pentagon goes for an irish whip but Jake Christ couters and Fantasma taga himself in while Jake Christ is out on the floor. Fantasma then hits The Arrow from the depths of Hell on Jake Christ. Pentagon then goes on the attack on Dave Christ. Fantasma brings Jake back in the ring while Pentagon is dealing with Dave. The referee is also on the outside with Pentagon and Dave which allows for Callihan to hit Fantasma in the back of the knee with his baseball bat. oVe is in control as we go to break. Backfrom break and Jake Christ is in control of Fantasma. Jake drags him to his corner and Dave tags in. Dave stays in control ofthr match and takes out Pentagon then gets a one count on Fantasma followed by wearing him down with a chinlock. Dave then tags in Jake and they both hit kicks on Fantasma. Fantasmathen fights back and hits a tilt a whirl backwards then a headscissors for a two count. Jake Christ then fights back and gains control of the match again then tags in his brother. Dave begins to weardowns Fantasma. Dave then tags in Jake again and he locks in a leg submission on Fantasma. Jake then drops the knee of Fantasma on the mat then knocks Pentagon off the apron. Jake Christ is able to lay in a forearm but Fantasma fights fre and tags in Pentagon as Jake tags in Dave. Pentagon then hits a slingbalde on each Christ Brother. Pentagon looks to take out both Dave and Jake Christ but Jake Christ fights back and lays a superkick and roundhouse. Jake follows up with a tombstone but Pentagon fights free. The Christ brothers do get Pentagon in the corner and land a suplex into a powerbomb but in tje final stretch of the match Pentagon fights back and takes out Dave Christ and hits the Pentagon Driver on Jake for the pinfall victory.
Winners: Pentagon Jr. & Fantasma via pinfall
After the match there is a post match brawl where Sami hits Pentagon on the side of the head with his baseball bat. They then look to rip the mask off of Pentagon but Fantasma makes the save with a steel chair. oVe stand tall on the ramp to close ththe show.
Next Week:
NEXT WEEK – @findevan will face @DezmondXavier in what is sure to be hard hitting, high flying X-Division action! Can Xavier force himself into X-Division title contention? #IMPACTonPop pic.twitter.com/zmPQ5r0Mpl
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) June 22, 2018
NEXT WEEK – we've received word that @TheEddieEdwards plans to visit @HouseofHardcore in Philadelphia. Will Eddie have words for @THETOMMYDREAMER? And after earlier tonight, what mental state will Eddie be in? #IMPACTonPop pic.twitter.com/u02uIvMcgf
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) June 22, 2018
Ja’ Von’s Thoughts: I enjoyed the show a lot we got to see tons of progression. Another championship match was made for Slammiversary. Speaking of championship matches we saw new tag champions crowned tonight. Overall this was a really good show and expect the viewership to either be up or stay steady.
My Score: 7/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s Impact Wrestling Results & Match Ratings: 1.19.2021
So Hard to Kill definitely put a few things to bed while setting up an insinuation that this AEW angle is far from over. Does Moose go right after Rich? Do more AEW stars invade? Who framed Roger Rabbit…erhm…Larry D?

So Hard to Kill definitely put a few things to bed while setting up an insinuation that this AEW angle is far from over. Does Moose go right after Rich? Do more AEW stars invade? Who framed Roger Rabbit…erhm…Larry D?
Aside from those question, now we just get to sit back and see how Impact will start building the next few months of stories. Remember, we’ve got Rebellion in April; so that means we’ve go three months to fill!
Apparently the show gets kicked off with an answer to one of my questions! Moose and Rich are definitely not friends.
.@GottaGetSwann is DONE with @TheMooseNation's games. #IMPACTonAXSTV pic.twitter.com/NoTWTtR5kW
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) January 20, 2021
Ratings:
- Eric Young w/Deaner & Joe Doering vs Rhino w/Cousin Jake: EY wins via Spinning Toe Hold – **
- Kimber Lee &Susan w/Deonna Purrazzo vs Jordynne Grace & Jazz: Susan wins via Rollup – ** ½
- Brian Myers vs Fallah Bahh: Myers wins via Charging Lariat – **
- Private Party w/Big Money Matt Hardy vs Beer Guns (James Storm & Chris Sabin): Private Party win via Gin & Juice – *** ½
Results:
Eric Young w/Deaner & Joe Doering vs Rhino w/Cousin Jake
EY starts with a head of steam, but Rhino side steps and takes control of the match. As he whips EY in the corner, EY does the Flair up and over, runs to the other turnbuckle, gets on the top and Rhino catches him. EY goes after the eyes, then nearly bumps referee Brian Hebner, forcing him to cower in the corner, and EY hits the back kick low blow.
From there on, Rhino is picked apart, the cronies of Violent By Design interfere, grab a leg, add some punishment, and it’s all but over. Young slaps on the Spinning Toe Hold, and makes Rhino tap out.
.@THEACEYROMERO has found CONCLUSIVE evidence that @legendoflarryd is innocent. #IMPACTonAXSTV @JohnEBravo1st @THETOMMYDREAMER pic.twitter.com/eqPxWCvUan
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) January 20, 2021
The Good Brothers come out, mostly tooting their own horns about being the biggest draws and Biz Cliz references. A Magic Killer, a 1,2,3 and a just Too…oh thank Christ it’s Chris Sabin! Sabin points out that the Motor City Machine Guns should be number one contenders, Good Brothers say he has a point but he has no partner. Cue the James Storm music. Time to run back Beer Guns!
James Storm is about to hit the catch phrase…and wait, Big Money Matt Hardy’s music hits with Private Party? Ohh…we’re getting more AEW cross over. Hardy goes for a Hardy Math moment, and it’s mediocre. He does make plenty of references to old Impact gimmicks, moments and it’s decent enough as the greedy heel manager.
Matt Cardona interview in typical older Zack Ryder style of just trying to prove himself. I’m anticipating a Myers v Cardona match soon since he made not so veiled shots at Myers’ new persona.
.@RealTSteelz and @HoganKnowsBest3 are planning to celebrate with the Fire and Flava Fest NEXT WEEK! #IMPACTonAXSTV @TenilleDashwood @kalebKonley pic.twitter.com/dRqMdMOtpm
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) January 20, 2021
Kimber Lee &Susan w/Deonna Purrazzo vs Jordynne Grace & Jazz
Jordynne and Jazz really do beat down on Kimber and Susan for the better portion of the match. Susan showed a lot of personality being the Karen/Cornette whatever you want to call her. She makes Kimber hold the tag rope, she holds the rope and just gets smarmy and sarcastic in her mannerisms. Susan really shined getting over this character and Kimber was mostly there for the match.
The finish came with Susan begging, Jazz getting cocky and then Susan shoving her into Deonna with the Knockouts title while the referee was distracted. Susan gets the Rollup win!
.@TheTayaValkyrie WANTED @JohnEBravo1st DEAD!
She FRAMED @legendoflarryd and is going to jail. #IMPACTonAXSTV pic.twitter.com/RK5YOTvTbM
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) January 20, 2021
This was a clever way to write off Taya with her setting up Larry D to kill Bravo, and the little reference Tommy makes were amusing, and the Rosemary moment was honestly a little touching. I’m just happy they didn’t kill another person.
The following is a paid advertisement from @AEW…from inside the IMPACT Zone?! @TonyKhan @tonyschiavone24 @itsjerrylynn pic.twitter.com/htC8JnjOYe
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) January 20, 2021
Khan is still cringe to watch do whatever he thinks acting is, but my main takeaway is apparently it only costs 100 dollars for ad time during Impact? I SMELL an Opportunity!
Rich calls out Moose, for the inevitable “let’s do it now” talk. Moose tells him it’s on his time and not on Rich Swann’s time. Rich acts calm, and then snaps. We get a small scuffle, which ends with Moose missing the Spear into Rich hitting a Phoenix Splash to look good at the end of the segment.
Brian Myers vs Fallah Bahh
Myers had his issues getting anything going against Fallah, but Fallah stood his ground, built up momentum knocked Myers head off and went to go for his signature “No No No”. Since Myers Always Uses His Head, Myers moved into the finger and acted like he was poked in the eye. The referee was distracted, Myers shoved him off, Punt to the little Bahhs, Charging Lariat, and Myers gets the win.
Interview segment with Ace Austin and Fulton, they mock Josh Alexander and Matt Cardona. Ace reuses his tweet of Always Ready for Catering, and just play the cocky/jaded heel who deserved better. Josh Alexander gets sick of hearing it and trades words before Fulton and Ace attack him. Cardona makes the save and we look have set up Cardona & Alexander versus Fulton & Ace for next week, most likely.
Tickets for the Fire 'n' Flava Fest suddenly disappeared when @FearHavok and @nevaehOi4k showed interest. #IMPACTonAXSTV @RealTSteelz @HoganKnowsBest3 @RefBrandonTolle @MrsAIPAlisha pic.twitter.com/uLIJrTyGo2
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) January 20, 2021
Private Party w/Big Money Matt Hardy vs Beer Guns (James Storm & Chris Sabin)
Fast paced as expected, but early on we see Tony Khan and Jerry Lynn walk out to sit at ringside and watch the match. Storm didn’t slow down too much, which is surprising since aside from his brief stint back in Impact at the end of 2020, we saw him tagging with Eli Drake in much slower, less workrate dependent matches.
Private Party were their usual high flying, fun having, break dance inspired flourishes to some offense we’ve seen for years. Beer Guns had a cool tandem move with Sabin Sunset Flipping from outside in, Quen rolled right into the Backstabber from James Storm. Lots of signature spam, a few dives, highlighted by a nice Fosbury Flop from Quen.
Sabin looked to be setting up for the finish, when Jerry Lynn hops the familiar guardrail, grabs Sabin’s foot while Matt Hardy distracted the ref; and Private Party hit Gin & Juice for the heel tactic upset! Interestingly, Private Party still comes off as great babyface kids who are being swindled by scummy adults. So they aren’t playing heel, but everyone around them is doing it for them.
Overall Score: 7.5/10
For only having four matches, the highlights from Hard to Kill segued nicely into current segments, and the show felt very full and active. We managed to squeeze in most of the roster, a few AEW guest appearances, and writing off a character without murder or sci fi fantasy shenanigans for the first time since Austin Aries just walked off after a loss.
Susan is going to be a bigger joy to watch than Susie, I’m nearly positive. Matt Hardy and Jerry Lynn toying with their old Impact/TNA ties and coming in to purposely try and destroy Impact has something artistic about it. I still hate everything about Tony Khan, and yes I know the gimmick seems to be the smarmy smug rich kid who thinks he’s a nice guy but is just a toolbox. But I just don’t enjoy his portrayal, he’s trying far too hard and being too over the top, so it’s a cringe induced hatred not a character hatred.
Fire and Flava Fest next week should be great! Brian Myers starting an angle with Eddie Edwards will be quality wrestling. Oh and yes, if it involves Josh Alexander, I’m all for it; so the Ace Austin story should be great. I’m a sucker for good technical wrestling badasses *waves at Minoru Suzuki*.
All in all, damn good show with a little bit of everything. Great way to follow a PPV.
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Coverage
Andrew’s Impact Wrestling Hard to Kill Results & Match Ratings: 1.16.21
Three title matches, the return of Decay, Barbed Wire Massacre and a main event with Kenny Omega. Impact Wrestling’s Hard to Kill definitely sounds like it’s got a little bit of everything. Check out how it went!

So the news that made many people cry a few days ago, was that Alex Shelley would be out of the main event. He went out of his way to film a response/promo/apology so fans knew it was something non-pandemic related, so that was an effort that wasn’t necessary, though appreciated.
Aside from losing it’s “Dream Match” luster, we get Moose as a replacement, which could really work for the cold calculated persona he’s taken on after his EC3 encounter. We also get to crown Knockouts Tag Team champions for the first time in seven and a half years. Let’s also not forget, this could end up being Taya’s swan song from Impact, so we should expect a good match but no Wera Loca victory.
Let’s see if we get any surprises!
Ratings:
- Decay (Rosemary & Crazzy Steve) vs Tenille Dashwood & Kaleb: Steve wins via King Kill 33 @8:55 – * ½
- Old School Rules Match: Violent by Design (Joe Doering, Eric Young & Deaner) vs Tommy Dreamer, Rhino & Cousin Jake: EY wins via Piledriver @9:55 – ** ½
- Knockouts Tag Team Title Finals: Fire & Flava (Kiera Hogan & Tasha Steelz) vs Nevaeh & Havok: Kiera wins via Face the Music @8:40 – *** – TITLE CHANGE!!
- Ace Austin w/Madman Fulton vs Matt Cardona: Cardona wins via DQ @2:30 – N/A
- X Division Championship: Manik (c) vs Rohit Raju vs Chris Bey: Manik retains via Ole Cradle @13:50 – *** ½
- Knockouts Championship: Deonna Purrazzo (c) w/Kimber Lee & Susan vs Taya Valkyrie w/ Decay: Deonna retains via Venus de Milo @11:40 – *** ¼
- Ethan Page vs The Karate Man: Karate Man WINS…Fatality – 200 Stars
- Barbed Wire Massacre: Sami Callihan vs Eddie Edwards: Eddie wins via Diehard Flowsion @18:50 – *** ¾
- Moose, Rich Swann &Chris Sabin vs Kenny Omega, Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows: Kenny Omega wins via One Winged Angel @20:30 – ****
Results:
During the last few moments of the Countdown, Madison Rayne officially retired from wrestling and from Impact Wrestling. Not sure how long she’ll stay a house wife, but good for her. She did great to actually prove to people she was a decent wrestler since her run during the WOH tournament, she was a fun commentator, so good for her.
Decay (Rosemary & Crazzy Steve) vs Tenille Dashwood & Kaleb
The weird thing about this match was the dynamic between who was involved and what went on. Crazzy Steve showed a very high work rate in this match, with his strikes and moves looking fantastic. But Rosemary got exposed a bit on still being less than 100% with the knee and generally sloppy on a lot of spots.
Kaleb and Tenille definitely tried to add comedy and their quirky personalities, but the fact that we saw a lot of sloppiness, Steve working his ass off and just comedy spots or gimmick spots too often; this was a giant mess of a match. It also didn’t help that D’lo and Striker are still getting used to each other, so the announcing was distractingly bad.
It can only get better from here!
Old School Rules Match: Violent by Design (Joe Doering, Eric Young & Deaner) vs Tommy Dreamer, Rhino & Cousin Jake
This starts the same way every Tommy Dreamer match starts, with a brawl and weapon use. This wasn’t a terrible match, but it’s really not anything worth going deeply in to. EY did the flair corner to top rope spot, which ended with Dreamer hitting him with a cookie sheet. We had a Tower spot in the corner, with Joe Powerbombing a Suplex, and it landed right into Dreamer’s face.
Doering got to look like a beast when the entire team took the chairs to him, and he still fought back, ending up in control. Dreamer introduced tacks, then we saw the Signature/Finisher spam which ends with EY breaking up the pinfall and hitting Cousin Jake with the Piledriver.
Again, decent enough, but nothing really special.
Knockouts Tag Team Title Finals: Fire & Flava (Kiera Hogan & Tasha Steelz) vs Nevaeh & Havok
Oh, Brian Hebner is back for this match. Slightly surprising.
Kiera and Tasha try to start fast, but the bigger women over power the smaller team and throw them around a little bit. Havok beats up on both of them, Neavaeh comes in to keep up the momentum, but eventually Tasha and Kiera start making a comeback. We see Fire and Flava go for a lot of quick spots, fast tags and trying to spin around the larger women, but they just get taken for a ride more often than not.
It’s not until Kiera hits a High Round Kick, followed by Tasha with the Springboard Neckbreaker actually takes Havok off her feet. Nevaeh tries to make a save and get things back on track, but Tasha picks her leg, Havok gets wiped out after a great Super Kick from Kiera, Tasha and Kiera use some tandem attacks on Nevaeh, then Tasha slows down Havok as Kiera hits Face the Music and we have new Knockouts Tag Team Champions!
Ace Austin comes out to declare himself into the X Division Triple Threat to make it a 4 way! D’Amore comes out, says he can have a match, just not the title match. Matt Cardona comes out.
Ace Austin w/Madman Fulton vs Matt Cardona
Ace tries to go at Cardona before the ring jacket is off, but Cardona absorbs some offense and then fires back a bit. Fulton gets in the way quite often during this match, so the finish is a little telegraphed. But right as Cardona starts building momentum; Fulton slides in to cause the DQ.
Decent enough way to protect Ace and give Cardona quick win.
X Division Championship: Manik (c) vs Rohit Raju vs Chris Bey
Rohit went after Manik to try and prove his point that it’s TJP. Bey seemed dead set on finding a way to win, and as we expected in an X Division match; there were a lot of spots, but they all made sense. Rohit does manage to take off the mask, but TJP painted his face under the mask, so it still throws off Rohit. TJP strings together a few moves, goes for the Mamba Splash, but gets caught by Bey with a Cutter. Bey then hits a Double Art of Finesse, but his brief moment of not knowing who to pin, caused the pinfall breakup.
Rohit almost won the title back after his call back to hitting his Tiger Knee after a Mamba Splash but Bey kicked out. Haymakers get thrown, Rohit hits the Dragon Stomp on Bey, and looks to finish things, but TJP slides in for the style of Cradle he’s used a bit lately, and retains his title after a fun, hard fought match.
Knockouts Championship: Deonna Purrazzo (c) w/Kimber Lee & Susan vs Taya Valkyrie w/ Decay
Early on all of the seconds get kicked out, with the beauty of the situation being that Susan pulls out her phone and says she’s filming the whole thing. So Susan, really may be a middle aged transformation of Su Yung. Susan might as well be named Karen.
EVERYBODY has been ejected from ringside.
(and Susan is recording everything) #HardToKill pic.twitter.com/9Bh5HwusLy
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) January 17, 2021
As we focus on the actual match, Deonna starts slowly picking apart Taya. Going after her left arm, then her left knee and just trying to apply submission and weaken different limbs. Taya was able to push back and have her own submission attempt moment. Taya went for an STF, but the submission game isn’t her wheelhouse.
Deonna was able to pick her apart, counter a pinfall attempt and keep Taya grounded long enough to work in some holds. The normal Fujiwara didn’t get her submit, so Venus de Milo followed up and Taya verbally submitted.
Ethan Page vs The Karate Man
Since this is cinematic or at least green screen, I won’t rate this as a real match. But it was amazingly entertaining. Dragon Ball Z references, Karate Kid, and Mortal Kombat references, it was just amazing.
GET HIM A BODY BAG! #HardToKill @The_KarateMan @OfficialEGO pic.twitter.com/lcBAX90Sj6
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) January 17, 2021
Barbed Wire Massacre: Sami Callihan vs Eddie Edwards
Interesting pacing to get across the familiarity, twisted respect and love for punishment between these two. We saw Barbed Wire Tables, Chairs, Baseball Bats, Kendo Sticks and even an…N64 Controller!
Sami took a ton of punishment, but the story was basically playing with Eddie’s emotions to bait him into bad dives, and openings for Sami to move out of the way, or sneak in a barbed wire shot. Eddie hit a Blue Thunder Bomb on a barbed wire chair, Sami hit an Avalanche Piledriver through a barbed wire table, but none of this was enough. If anything, the Piledriver just pissed Eddie off.
Going for the callback that started it all, Sami tries to hit a Barbed Wire Chair into Eddie’s face with a Barbed Wire Bat, but Eddie hits a low blow to get a moment. Sami tries to bring himself up with a chair, Eddie hits the Boston Knee Party, then the Diehard Flowsion for the win!
Eddie hasn’t hit that Flowsion in a long time. I did appreciate Sami paying homage to Cactus Jack and Striker acknowledging Jun Akiyama and Mitsuharu Misawa on commentary though.
Moose, Rich Swann &Chris Sabin vs Kenny Omega, Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows
The early onset is interesting. Karl Anderson and Chris Sabin start off and there’s some solid technical counter wrestling, and it’s fast paced action. Moose and Gallows come in to do a big boy showdown which worked fairly well, where Swann and Omega had a brief lockup before the Brothers come in to start heeling it up.
We get a lot of Japanese tag stylings, from the triple team that Team Impact pulls off, to the way the Club breaks up any type of momentum with their own train attacks into the corner. Moose looked amazing in this match. He went toe to toe with everyone, pulled off great moves like a Standing Moonsault, leaped to the top rope for a Spanish Fly and was a really good teammate, regardless of his issues with Rich Swann. Hell Swann and Moose even hit a Doomsday Device variant together. Small aside, I did like seeing Chris Sabin pull off Cradle Shock, which just doesn’t happen often enough anymore.
Omega almost has the match one on Rich, but the only one able to break it up was Moose, and he did so. Omega went into V-Trigger spamming mode to wipe out Moose, rock Rich and then a One Winged Angel won the match for the Bullet Club former members.
Overall Score: 6.75/10
Well this started off pretty bad, but at least it built upwards. The main even had a lot of fun wrinkles which increased the storytelling, psychology and overall enjoyment of the show. Hell even when Callis nearly jumped into the ring to break up a pin on Kenny was a good little nugget.
As I said in the weekly coverage, this is probably Taya’s final match, or at least one of the last, especially since they logically moved Rosemary back to Decay with Crazzy Steve. Eddie and Sami had a hell of blood feud and it was nearly cathartic. Let’s also not overlook the fact that Tasha and Kiera actually won the Knockouts Tag titles. I almost thought they wouldn’t win just because they are so charismatic and attractive without the titles, where Havok and Nevaeh don’t exactly have electric personalities. But I’m ecstatic that Kiera finally has a title in Impact!
With the pretty awful start for the wrestling and the commentary, which put the show behind the eight ball; but it did recover fairly well. Not nearly as good as Genesis, but it managed to keep the stories rolling and end on an interesting note. A pretty good show after all was said and done.
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