Now I missed last week because I had a prior engagement, but it seems like it was a good nostalgia trip of time with classic Knockouts and America’s Most Wanted doing some work.

Worst news to come out of last week was Yuya Uemura won the FIRED case from FEAST or FIRED. So tonight will be his farewell, and I’m a little surprised. They just named the JOYA team, seems like he was having fun, but I suppose New Japan might be calling him home to place him on the main roster.

Let’s see what we’ve got tonight as we start to walk away from the 1000th episode shenanigans.

The feud between @TheEddieEdwards and @FrankieKazarian has reached its boiling point!#IMPACTonAXSTV pic.twitter.com/edkQpWqGJP

— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) September 29, 2023

Ratings:

• X Division Championship: Chris Sabin (c) vs Alan Angels: Sabin wins via Cradle Shock – *** 1/4
• Rhino vs Jack Price: Rhino wins via Gore – N/A
• JOYA (Yuya Uemura & Joe Hendry) vs The Rascalz (Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz): Trey wins via Small Package – *** 1/4
• Memphis Street Fight: Tommy Dreamer & Heath vs Sheldon Jean & Kenny King: Dreamer wins via Spicolli Driver – **
• Jonathan Gresham vs Speedball Mike Bailey: Gresham wins via Cover with handful of trunks – ***
• Trinity vs Gisele Shaw w/Jai Vidal & Savannah Evans: Trinity wins via Starstruck – ***

Results:

X Division Championship: Chris Sabin (c) vs Alan Angels

Alan Angels won an Ultimate X match last week, and immediately wants to cash in his X. Flash Cradle attempt from Angels for 2, Sabin locks in a Bow and Arrow before the break is needed and Angels tries to reestablish some control and start working on his new gimmick beyond The Design. Angels works the left arm of Sabin as he’s berated with a chorus of “You Still Suck”. A few stomps, kicks and even ramming Sabin’s shoulder into the corner as he goes for the classic heel aspect of working a limb. Sabin flips out of a Key Lock, tries to get moving but then a quick dodge and Northern Lights Suplex keeps the advantage with Angels.

Sabin tries to break out with some Chops, but Angels hits an Armbreaker, goes to the ropes and Sabin catches him with a Single Leg Dropkick. Sabin starts landing some strikes, sells the left arm and adjusts mid offense. Sabin looks for Cradle Shock, Angels goes for the Kimura as a counter, Sabin launches him off, Satellite takedown and a little back and forth. Yakuza Kick in the corner from Sabin into a Tornado DDT but the arm makes it wonky and Angels counters with a Tornado Armbreaker, into a Double Fujiwara but Sabin hits the ropes. Angels goes for the belt, ref stops him, as the ref is distracted, Low Blow, Halo Strike…for 2! Angels goes for the Frog Splash and misses, Sabin hits the top rope, Missile Dropkick to the back of the head, Cradle Shock to retain!

KENTA’s tron starts to play, looks like KENTA will be back at Bound for Glory and maybe calling an X Division shot. 

Rhino vs Jack Price

Rhino wins his first match back in 4 months. Is this premature? No, it’s Rhino against enhancement talent. GORE GORE GORE. We all know how this will go.

Maclin attacks Rhino from behind and honestly Maclin is validated. Sure Maclin put him on the shelf 4 months ago, but Rhino has been taking shots at my boy from Jersey. Rhino turns it around, looks to set for another Gore but Maclin bails and mouths off as he walks off. 

.@RealTSteelz and @DeonnaPurrazzo make a pact to have each other's backs! #IMPACTonAXSTV pic.twitter.com/v0oP0xqsWQ

— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) September 29, 2023

We get a whole JOYA entrance, the crowd is playing along and this is Yuya’s goodbye ceremony. Hendry has a good line with the Stars that burn the brightest, burn the fastest. It’s an old saying, but it works since this was such a fun little team and I think Yuya got some good experience. Joe hands the microphone to Yuya, the crowd chants “speech”, Yuya says “Thank you fans” and then The Rascalz music hits.

I love Wentz…but you can’t do this to me. The Rascalz say that JOYA would’ve failed, Hendry pops back with them knowing all about failure since they’re the second and third best Rascal. Rascalz talk shit, and they get hit by JOYA. Santino comes out with an idea, the Dictator of Atrocities says Dis why we canna have nice tings. Santino declares a match between JOYA and The Rascalz and says if JOYA wins Yuya keeps his job!

JOYA (Yuya Uemura & Joe Hendry) vs The Rascalz (Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz)

Rascalz are avoiding Yuya early with quick tags to be annoying, but Yuya catches Trey with 3 Arm Drags, a Scoop Slam and a big Senton. Hendry tags in and Trey tags out, so Wentz is starting to use his athleticism to make Hendry dizzy and punctuates it with a trip and Dropkick to the head. Frankensteiner attempt from Wentz, Hendry stops it, Wentz ducks the Lariat, then Hendry hits him with a Right Hook, and starts doing the “I believe in Joe Hendry” claps as chops on Wentz’ chest.

Tandem offense with JOYA, Yuya goes for the pin and only a 2. Wentz gauges the eyes of Yuya, drives him into his corner and tags Trey. Tandem offense attempt but Yuya hits a Double Dropkick to level both Rascalz. One Hit Wonder attempt, but Trey says no, kicks Hendry and sends Yuya into the ropes as Wentz hits a Cutter in the ropes from the outside. Rascalz are now dominating Yuya as Wentz hits the Hogan Pose as an arrogant cover for only 2.

Wishbone, double low Dropkicks and another cocky cover from The Rascalz for 2.Yuya counters Wentz’s Lethal Injection attempt with a well timed Dropkick, simultaneous tags and now Hendry is on a roll. Back to Back Sack of Shit, and then a Double Stack Sack! Scott Hall would be proud. Tries the Pop Up on Trey, but Trey counters, Double Superkicks, multiple strikes on Yuya and they isolate Hendry. Another Superkick, Backbreaker/Double Stomp for 2. Corner locomotion from The Rascalz, but Hendry catches Wentz, levels Trey, One Hit Wonder! But Wentz kicks out! Spot spam after that as all four men are down.

Trey tries to fight both JOYA members, One Hit Wonder again! But Wentz pulls Trey out. Hendry follows Wentz, Low Blow, Spray Paint, Small Package and The Rascalz send Yuya back to Japan.

Memphis Street Fight: Tommy Dreamer & Heath vs Sheldon Jean & Kenny King

Technically it starts before the bell, but starts going the way of Heath and Dreamer. Heath grabs a chair, Dreamer hits his crowd beverage mist spot. Side Slam/Elbow Drop combination from Heath and Dreamer. They try to set up Jean for a chair spot, but Dreamer misses the Elbow, Heath gets thrown into a chair wedged in the corner. Okay different, that Jean and King pull out a rusty ladder from under the ring. Put it over Heath’s head and drive him into the post. Dreamer tries to start a comeback on Jean, but King stops it and looks to send Dreamer into the trash can. Dreamer blocks, tries his own move, King blocks, Dreamer charges and King hits a Spinebuster into the trash can.

Heath comes back to life, pulls out Jean and throws him into the post, starts his Leg Lariat comeback on King, Scoop Power Slam, for a near fall. Wake Up Call on Jean after Jean breaks up the pin. Heath decides to go find a table instead of go for a pin. He stands it in the corner, and now we get to see if it backfires. Heath wants to drive Jean through the table with a Death Valley Driver, but King pulls Jean off, Spinning Overhead Kick drops Heath and King hits the top rope but Dreamer comes back to life and cuts him off. Dreamer grabs the ladder puts it in the middle ropes, tries to pluck King off the top but slips and crotches himself on the rungs of the ladder. Block Buster with Ladder assistance, Heath tries a Wake Up Call but King holds the ropes and doesn’t go with it. Tornillo from King to Heath, they go up the ramp and all the way to the back.

Jean is in the ring with a reeling Dreamer. Dreamer Spicolli Driver through the table from earlier! Dreamer wins.

Crazzy Steve attacks Dreamer with the briefcase and obviously stakes his claim on the Digital Media title. 

.@The_Ace_Austin and @DashingChrisBey inche closer to the IMPACT World Tag Team titles, but first, they must settle their score with the Good Hands! With @TheJasonHotch away, @TheJohnSkyler needs a partner! #IMPACTonAXSTV pic.twitter.com/RkJ3BmJA0v

— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) September 29, 2023

Jonathan Gresham vs Speedball Mike Bailey

They’ve had a solid rivalry this year and no one has ever tipped to the dark side. Win-Loss is in favor of Gresham at 2-1-1, but the matches are always solid at the worst. 

Gresham pushes Bailey into the ropes, looks to Chop him and Bailey smiles and tells him to do it, but Gresham allows the clean break. Some chain wrestling into a Fireman’s Carry takedown from Gresham, a little more tie up after they raise back up, and Gresham leans into a Headlock with multiple Takeovers and keeping Bailey grounded. Bailey finds new athletic ways to grab a headlock takedown but both men hit a stalemate moment. Commercial Break happens and we come back to Bailey connecting on a Front Kick to send Gresham out, then Bailey follows with a flurry of kicks and a big strike to rock Gresham. Bailey hits the apron, Corkscrew Asai Moonsault connects!

Bailey misses a top rope move, Gresham goes for a Manhattan Drop then starts working on the knees of Bailey. Gresham sinks in a deep Boston Crab, sitting on the small of Bailey’s back, but Speedball manages to get to the ropes. Gresham tries to continue his offense but Bailey tries to fight back. Seesaw Suplex attempts, but Gresham wins out and then goes for the Sleeper Hold. Speedball fights out, but Gresham wipes him out, goes for three pinfall attempts and the third one Gresham pulls the tights.

Looks like Gresham may be turning heel.

Trinity vs Gisele Shaw w/Jai Vidal & Savannah Evans

Trinity starts off hot, rocking Gisele, goes for the Split Pin for an early 1, then takes her around the corners and big overhand chops from Trinity while dancing/twerking a bit. And I am not complaining. Trinity is having fun and Shaw has yet to put anything together yet. Shaw tries to fire back, runs the ropes and Trinity catches her with a Flying Headscissors. Gisele powders, Trinity follows her on the apron a bit, looks like she has her sized up for a Frankensteiner, but Gisele blocks it and whips Trinity into the steps.

The referee starts the 10 count, and she doesn’t start moving until 7, but gets in at 9. Sliding Single Leg Dropkick from Shaw, Trinity is now eating Uppercuts and Boots with no glimpse of fighting back. Gisele charges into the corner, Trinity lifts her up and over, but Shaw catches her with her long legs and drives Trinity’s head into the mat from Outside into the ring. Near fall, and then Gisele shoves Trinity in the corner, a few Haymakers, lays her on the middle ropes and stomps through her. Gisele is toying with Trinity a little using cocky facewash kicks, Trinity fires a little but a Pump Kick stops the comeback. Gisele uses the ropes for leverage and steps on Trinity’s neck. She jaws with the fans a little before hitting a Snap Suplex, Trinity kicks out at 1. Front Facelock has Gisele in control for now, but Trinity starts to fire up, a few punches, Shaw Irish Whip, Trinity catches Shaw charging, then Triangle Kick drops Gisele and both are trying to pull themselves up.

Trinity pops up, and just starts wailing on Shaw, Running Clotheslines, Side Kick, Bitch Slap, Samoan Drop, for 2. Trinity looks for a Bulldog, but Gisele pushes off, Kick from Trinity into a Diving Crossbody for another 2 count. Enzuigiri misses from Trinity, SHock & AWe from Gisele for 2! Denouement attempt but Trinity counters with a Cradle, Gisele rolls away, charges but gets hung up in the ropes, Trinity with the Rope Hung Pedigree for 2! Trinity lifts her up, Jawbreaker, Trinity counters the Irish Whip as Jai trips who he THINKS is Trinity because he went for the innocent fade away interference. Gisele gets tripped and Trinity sinks in Starstruck for the win. Savannah and Jai attack, so Mickie James makes the save.

Mickie goes for the nice babyface promo putting over Trinity and calling them friends, even caving into the crowds fun “Whoop that Trick” chant. Mickie also makes a Day 1 reference and calls this a Glow Up. Always fun when slang and references work well. Mickie says even though she’s stood by her side, she’s never stood across from her. So looks like we get Trinity versus Mickie James at Bound for Glory. 

The real question is will they stay all friendly and smiles or will someone get more cutthroat. 

Overall Score: 6.75/10

I will still stand on the hill of I’m sick of seeing Tommy Dreamer matches, but maybe it was just a convenient angle to give Dreamer one more title in a non-Indie company. Bully Ray potentially being a little shook after PCO and going soft is interesting enough to make him less annoying on screen. Plus I’m also very over the Kaz/Eddie never ending story, so I’m glad they agree its over after this next match.

As for the good things, I mean Crazzy Steve deserves a singles title and Dreamer is the perfect mark to springboard something interesting for him. Mickie James and Trinity will be something fun, one of those special times when we can see a clash of generations before one is too old to really put on a good show. Gresham going to the dark side is potentially a solid move since he really is just the new generation Dean Malenko. Not much personality, just an amazing wrestler and 5 foot nothing. So he could become dangerous as a heel.

Oh and yeah, my fan side is bummed that Yuya lost his last chance at staying in Impact; but JOYA was great, Yuya grew as a wrestler and entertainer…and since Impact and New Japan have a good working relationship again; maybe we see a JOYA reunion in Japan at some point.

Alex Shelley as World champ, Mickie James challenging for the Knockouts, Chris Sabin as X Division champion and a potential Deonna/Tasha pairing leads to a lot to be excited for as a TNA/Impact Wrestling fan.

With the very first episode of IMPACT! posted earlier, it’s time we get to one of the main attractions of the year for Impact Wrestling! The 1000th episode of their flagship show, we get a return of Feast or Fired, Team 3D will be doing something, and Traci Brooks will be in action for the first time since 2012 (2011 for TNA/Impact).

They have to have other things planned, and it should be fun to see who shows up for the celebration. We know it won’t be AJ Styles or Petey Williams or Abyss, but you never know if there will be a wink to someone or something from the 20+ years of TNA/Impact action. Maybe Hermie Sadler returns? Pacman Jones? DeAngelo Williams?

Only one way to find out!

Ratings:

• FEAST or FIRED: Crazzy Steve case 1 – Moose case 2 – Chris Bey case 3 and Yuya Uemura case 4 – ***
• Team 3D vs Desi Hit Squad: Team 3D wins via Dudley Death Dorp – ** 1/2
• Eddie & Alisha Edwards vs Frankie Kazarian & Traci Brooks: Traci wins via Fade to Black – ** 3/4
• X Division Championship: Lio Rush (c) vs Chris Sabin: Sabin wins via Cradle Shock – *** 3/4 – TITLE CHANGE!!!

Results:

They do a modified classic intro with a combination of the new roster and classic highlights. Scott D’Amore kicks things off in the ring. Nice symmetry with D’Amore starting off episode 1 and 1000. Gail Kim gets a nice intro and as I’ve said, she is the only North American women’s wrestler in my personal Top 5  for female wrestlers. People don’t give Gail enough credit. 

They do a little Knockouts highlights reel, Beautiful People, Ms, Jackie, Christy Hemme, ODB, the new roster as well, but its nice to see the classics,  including a little highlight for Daffney. Beautiful People music hits! Velvel and Angelina come out and Rehwoldt echoes what Don West used to say about the entrance. Angelina and Velvel cut a classic BP promo calling people ugly or all before pictures. Gisele Shaw’s music hits along with the SHAWntourage, and we know she’s not here to backup Gail. The new mean girl gets to butter up the classic mean girls. Gisele thinks she’s improved on the BP schtick and that’s where she loses Love and Velvel. Velvel asks “who’s so great from your generation” and Jordynne Grace’s music kicks in. 

Jordynne with the classic face stuff, talking about the greats from the BP generation of Tara, ODB, Traci and Gail Kim. And then runs down annoying vapid bitches, and Deonna answers that call. Deonna does get a babyface pop though, so not sure what position she’s playing in this opening promo. Trinity decides to show up once championships are mentioned. She’s got a cute fringe leather jacket over her usual gear, and the fringe is glow in the dark, which is kinda cool…can’t hate on it. After a little bit of chirping, AWSOME KONG’S MUSIC HITS and she has Raisha Saeed! Raisha does her classic “who will challenge” manager line and Tasha Steelz music hits. I was kinda curious where she’s been when she sorta came back a few months ago. 

Tasha wants a piece of Kong apparently and Mickie’s music hits after Tasha does her “Greatest that beat the Greatest” spiel. So we’re gonna get some 5v5 Knockout generations battle. Mickie, Trinity, Kong, Jordynne and Gail vs Gisele, Savannah, Tasha, Deonna and one of the Beautiful People next week!

.@SharkBoy24_7 has been appointed Deputy Director of Authority by @milanmiracle. #IMPACT1000 @AMWwildcat @JamesStormBrand @TheEricYoung pic.twitter.com/kWAph9XQuQ

— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) September 15, 2023

FEAST or FIRED

Tons of people in this match, not everyone got an intro so consider this more like a Battle Royal. I’ll just call a few spots and who get briefcases. Kevin Knight and Kushida take out Brian Myers, but Laredo Kid and Black Taurus cut off the NJPW tag team from getting any briefcases. Taurus and Laredo turn on each other, Laredo with a Poison Rana, then they try to go up the ropes, but John Skyler throws the luchadors to the floor, Chris Bey tries to slow down Skyler. Bey crotches Skyler and then grabs the number 3 brief case. jump over a few people and he walks off with his spoils. Maclin getting ganged up on, Gresham and Gujjar are in the ring looking for  an opening to grab a brief case. Laredo cuts off Gujjar, Jai Vidal also shows up, Kevin Knight and Kushida start a Tower of Doom, Sami Callihan and Heath consider not playing into it, but say screw it and pull off the Tower spot. Sami and Heath trade blows, Crazzy Steve claws both men’s faces, go up the ropes and grabs case number 1, but now he has to land with it. Crazzy Steve pulls out a fork from his boot, stabs Brian Myers in the stomach, and Moose just lets Steve walk by. Smart move by Moose.

Moose tries for a case, Maclin hits the Crosshairs and a KIA, but Gresham stops Maclin. Gujjar takes out Gresham and then Jai Vidal pulls Gujjar into the corner with his legs and gets a little close to throw off Gujjar, SLAY-More Kick from Vidal…but Alpha Bravo and Swinger stop Vidal’s offense. Skyler Slingshot Spear, Skyler tries to fight them off, but Kushida gives Knight the assisted Springboard Crossbody. PCO eats the two junior heavyweights until Black Taurus Spinebusters PCO. Taurus looks for a Powerbomb but Laredo turns it into a Canadian Destoryer. JOYA hits the One Hit Wonder on Laredo and Hendry tries to protect Yuya. Hendry and Yuya play monkey in the middle with Sami Callihan, and steal away with case number 4!

PCO and Maclin doing the heavy shots, people decide to run into PCO  one at a time, but Jai Vidal tries to seduce PCO. PCO lets the kid try, but then Chokeslams him (Jai prolly liked it). Sami with an Iconoclasm from the corner to the apron onto the floor for PCO. Kushida and Knight work together to Avalanche Frankensteiner Taurus from the corner. Maclin sabotages Knight, HEATH slows down Maclin. Scoop Powerslam from Heath gives him a small opening, him and Maclin fight on the rope, Maclin picks the legs, tries his own luck and grabs case 2 and uses it as a weapon, but has to get to the floor. Slowly being surrounded, Maclin has to find a way. RHYNO shows up, GORE for Maclin and Moose scoops case 2 after it goes flying post Gore! Gore! Gore!

Rohit Raju is back! Champagne Singh may suck, but Rohit is the fantastic. He says name a tag team that has done more than the Desi Hit Squad…Team 3D music hits. 

Team 3D vs Desi Hit Squad

Bully and Singh start, Bully calls for a Devon chant and he comes in with the simple Double Axe Handle Armbreaker tandem move. Desi Hit Squad tries the Double Lariat, and Devon says no. Assisted Back Body Drop, Ray gets thrown from the top rope by Singh and the Hit Squad are starting to put together something. I’m a big fan of the Mocha Skinned Manimal, but you knew as soon as he got a little cocky…yup Spear from Ray. Simultaneous tags, Devon rocks Singh, Diving Shoulder Tackle, Neck Breaker, Pop-Up Single Hand Spinebuster for a near fall.

Scoop Slam from Bully on Rohit, WAZZZZUPPP!!! DEVON! 1-2-3 GET THE TABLES! The referee is letting it happen, and its nice he can read the room. Fling the Singh into a 3D, and the Dudley Death Drop picks up another win. But the table is still standing. So time to put him through a table…Bubba Bomb from the top rope style.

Josh Alexander has a small interaction with the Rascalz in the back, he’s goading them while they’re just being stoned sloppy assholes eating pizza and being somewhat rude. Commercial break hits and Josh is walking out to speak. 

Josh’s promo sounds far too similar to what he said when him and Alex Shelley faced each other at Emergence 2022. So I’m a little tired of Josh’s “I’ve been a fan for 15 years” or whatever. Shelley comes out taking offense to Josh’s terminology about still calling it his title since he “never lost it”. Alex Shelley plays up the heel side hard here, with the “You’re Welcome for having a place to have a job”, Josh tries to say he’s been his fan, Alex Shelley asks fan or Mark? Okay, Shelley says he’s the main character and Josh is the side quest, and honestly that popped me. 

The Rascalz hit the ring and attack both Shelley and Alexander, they throw Shelley into the ropes, he stops himself, Josh clocks both Rascalz and Shelley walks away. So The Rascalz double team Alexander as Shelley just walks off slowly. 

There is absolutely no reason to lie @ZacharyWentz. #IMPACT1000 @TheTreyMiguel @SharkBoy24_7 pic.twitter.com/cnGFc5JHVv

— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) September 15, 2023

Eddie & Alisha Edwards vs Frankie Kazarian & Traci Brooks

Traci coming out in her Ms. Brooks gimmick and still looks pretty good. Alisha and Eddie start talking shit to Kaz and Traci’s son who’s in the crowd; that’s good heel work.

Slap from Traci, ragdoll Cat Fight style wrestling as Frankie goes after Eddie and this just spills out into more tornado style. Eventually the Edwards get the upper hand and Lish starts paint brushing Traci and pushing her around. Lish tags in Eddie and goes after Traci, but Traci slaps him and crawls through his legs to tag Frankie. Lish kicks Kaz while he’s rope running which distracts him enough to run into a Blue Thunder Bomb. Commercial happens and we’re back with Lish smacking Frankie. Frankie is about to snap but she runs back to tag in Eddie real fast

Eddie taking a methodical pace, but Frankie floats over and turns it into a Back Stabber to maybe find some space. But Lish pulls Traci off the apron and Frankie is grabbed by Eddie. Lish hits a Tornado DDT on from the apron to the floor on Kaz. Celebratory kiss from the Edwards, and Eddie throws Kaz back in. Kaz hits a few chops but Eddie fires back with a big Lariat and then chokes Kaz with the middle rope and Lish gets involved as well. Kaz has been eating offense from everyone, which makes sense since, well, Traci was never known for wrestling. Lish tags in, Kaz moves so Eddie catches Lish, tries to Victory Roll Eddie but is told he’s not legal. Lish runs at him, Kaz calls her a “stupid bitch” hits the Northern Lights combo for a near fall. Traci gets tagged in, starts rocking Alisha, but Eddie gets involved, tries to Backpack Stunner her, but she claws his face and hits an Avalanche X Factor while Kaz hits a Running Knee Lift into Eddie’s face. Fade to Black from Traci to win!

After the win, Frankie says they have more and points to the screen. Traci Brooks is also going into the Impact Hall of Fame this year! She looks genuinely surprised and gets “you deserve it” chants from the crowd. So a very nice moment and their son is in the ring with them. So a nice moment. 

X Division Championship: Lio Rush (c) vs Chris Sabin

Boo, I wanted Sabin to come out to his old “HAIL SABIN” music instead of the generic one. Also still a little annoyed I’m enjoying this new version of Lio Rush, but hey, people eventually smarten up and it looks like he finally figured it out.

Lio still uses his slippery speed early to mess with Sabin and just out quick the X Division Icon. Oki-doke along the ropes, Sabin eats another Handspring and Suicide Dive as complete Deja Vu for the Slammiversary sneak attack. So Final Hour attempt, eerie shades, but the official isn’t getting out of the way. Lio gets annoyed, goes for Sabin, Small Package near fall, Cradle Shock gets slipped and a few quick flash moves and cradle attempts from Sabin. Sabin played possum like a pro.

Corner 10 Count Punches, stop at 9, and goes for a big Wind-Up Chop for 10. Lio tries to retreat to the ropes, but Sabin pulls him back into the center, feigns a crotch shot but turns it into the classic Liger Surfboard. Lio puts the breaks on the Irish Whip, Springboard Frankensteiner gives Lio some life. Rush tries to tie up Sabin in a Sleeper but Sabin keeps fighting through. Drive to the corner, but Lio fires back with a Lariat into a Side Suplex for 2. Grounded Sleeper with the Body Scissors from Rush, and Sabin is back to gasping for air. Jaw Jacker makes some space as Sabin tries to remember how to breathe.

Sabin pops Rush and then connects with a Missile Dropkick sending Lio reeling. Cradle Shock attempt but Rush claws the eyes and keeps his fingers there until the referee starts to count. Asai Moonsault from Rush and Sabin is still dazed. Rush resets the 10 count instead because he’s trying to make a statement, Snap Suplex onto the ramp and Rush is selling a bit as well. Rush ain’t sitting pretty, but that’s probably also fueling his desire to make an example of Sabin.

Lio goes for Cradle Shock, but Sabin slips and doesn’t take the insult, but a counter slip into the Sweeping Spin Kick of Lio for 2! Rush to the top rope but Sabin grabs him to stop him. Fighting back and forth, Sabin with the Superplex as both guys play dead for a few seconds. Stacked Powerbomb from Sabin when Lio ducked to early, but only 2! YAKUZA KICK from Sabin! Cradle Shock…nope slipped, Super Kick, slide through the legs transition into the STF. Lio starts struggling, Sabin picks him up for the Die Hard Driver. Clothesline from Hell,Michigan, Cradle Shock – KICK OUT! Avalanche Cradle Shock attempt, but Lio fights off, claws the face again, FINAL HOUR! But Lio can’t cover right away and Sabin kicks at 2!

You can see Lio is annoyed so he just started peppering forearms, but Sabin fires and returns punches in kind. Lio with his quick hit combination, Tanaka Punch, into Shell Shock into Cradle Shock! 10 TIME CHAMPION! CHRIS SABIN! With the power of all his friends!

Overall Score: 7.5/10

Admittedly, a lot of talking. So if you aren’t an invested fan, I can see some of this show feeling slow. But they definitely did right by the history, the lineage and the originals still on the roster. Awesome Kong and Gail Kim in action next week with the Beautiful People and even Raisha Saeed being back! Rhino returns. America’s Most Wanted sighting! Chris Sabin main evented episode 1 and 1000. But the different here is he actually won.

So that’s a fun game I guess, Kaz, Eric Young, Shark Boy, Scott D’Amore, AMW and Chris Sabin are the people who were on episode 1 and 1000.

Traci getting the surprise induction package as well was a nice way to cap her career. Team 3D running it back 1 more time was great. Next week we will find out who got what briefcase. Unless they change the gimmick, it used to be; World Title Shot, X Division Title Shot, Tag Team Title Shot and a pink slip. I would like the results to be:

1. Crazzy Steve – X Division
2. Moose – World Heavyweight
3. Yuya – Tag Team
4. Chris Bey – Fired

Not because I dislike Bey, quite the opposite. But it would be an easy way to let him go in case there’s contract issues or he has chances in other companies. Because they just named JOYA a few weeks ago, I think Moose signed a decent extension and Steve just had all those promos to get over his new motivation…so Bey is the only one who seems to be treading water a little.

We’ll find out though, but all in all, it was a good celebration of 1000 episodes of IMPACT!