Andrew’s IMPACT Under Siege Results & Match Ratings: 5.7.2022

A simple build only two weeks after Rebellion, but we’ve still got a solid card. Five title matches, a rematch for the Reina de Reinas championship, and plenty to give hope to this being a solid show.

Between The Briscoes getting their first shot at IMPACT tag gold and Ishii being the first fresh test for the recently crowned World Champion Josh Alexander. Of course we can’t overlook Honor No More vs The Bullet Club, so there’s a lot of notable names from many different companies on this show.

Let’s just get to the show.

Check out what The Briscoes had to say about their upcoming @IMPACTWRESTLING World Tag Team Title match TONIGHT with VBD! @SussexCoChicken @jaybriscoe84 #Undersiege pic.twitter.com/qhmuHKUSm8

— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) May 8, 2022

Ratings:

• Madison Rayne w/Tenille Dashwood vs Gisele Shaw w/Alisha Edwards: Shaw wins via Running Knee – *** ¼
• Steve Maclin vs Chris Sabin: Sabin wins via Cradle Shock – *** ½
• AAA Reina de Reinas Championship: Deonna Purrazzo vs Taya Valkyrie (c): Taya retains via Cradle – ***
• X Division Championship: Ace Austin (c) vs Trey Miguel: Ace wins via The Fold – *** ¼
• The Bullet Club (ELP, Chris Bey, Doc Gallows, Karl Anderson & Jay White) vs Honor No More ( Kenny King, Eddie Edwards, Vincent, Matt Taven & Mike Bennett): Honor No More wins via Proton Pack – ***
• Knockouts World Championship: Tasha Steelz (c) vs Havok: Steelz retains via Blackout – **
• IMPACT Tag Team Championships: The Briscoes vs VBD (Eric Young & Deaner w/Joe Doering) (c): The Briscoes win via Doomsday Device – *** ¾ – TITLE CHANGE!!!
• IMPACT World Championship: Josh Alexander (c) vs Tomohiro Ishii: Josh retains via C4 Spike – **** ¼

Results:

Madison Rayne w/Tenille Dashwood vs Gisele Shaw w/Alisha Edwards

So this little issue was established on the backstage segment “All About Me”. But I will say it’s not the normal IMPACT formula to start with non-X Division action. Madison tries to start off cocky but Gisele really puts some of her Lucha training on display. Interesting Arm Drags, and Avalanche Front Flip Arm Drag, hell as Madison tries to slide back in Gisele hits her with a Tornillo for her troubles. Madison doesn’t get any offense in until Tenille finally interferes a little.

Slow down time from Madison, headlock, Facebuster, Middle Rope Choke…more Tenille interference. This is solid heel work and neither woman is doing poorly, Rayne his a Short Arm Northern Lights Suplex for a near fall. Madison goes up top, Gisele catches her with a Gamengiri, Headbutt from Shaw and Superplex has both crashed and selling a little. Forearm Exchange turns into Shaw with the advantage. Combination Forearms, Uppercuts, Madison Irish Whips her for a boot, but Shaw Split Slides under and catches Madison with a Capoeira Style Kick before continuing the offense. Rope Hang DDT from Shaw, for a near fall. Madison looks to be on the receiving end, but turns things into a Yoshi Tonic for the very close Near Fall.

Shaw’s strike game has looked damn good, Tenille tries to get involved again, Alisha finally takes care of her. Madison goes for a Roll-Up, Shaw counters that into her own Roll-Up but Madison kicks out. Shaw lays out Madison with a nice Running Knee Strike and The Quintessential Diva actually looked really damn good in the match (and I don’t just mean that she’s attractive). The pace was quick, sprinkled with heel shenanigans, but Shaw kicked ass.

Steve Maclin vs Chris Sabin

Maclin talks a bit of early smack, even mocks with the throwback “Hail Sabin” before Sabin gets frustrated and works a dive into some solid joint manipulation. Sabin got Tree of Woe’d, Crosshairs attempt but nice callback/learning here. Sabin sits up, but Maclin anticipated it and slid around the post to the outside. Sabin tries to Tope to the outside to catch Maclin, but Maclin catches Sabin (literally) and hits the Apron Bomb.

Sabin keeps looking for an opening but Maclin is in charge until we get to some rope running. Sunset Flip attempt from Sabin, Maclin doesn’t go over, punches down, misses; and then Sabin woks him over a little. Knee to the Face and Short Arm Lariat brings the match back to Maclin’s favor. The go to the outside and Maclin slams Sabin off the Ramp to the floor, drops an Elbow on him and Sabin is absorbing offense. Back into the ring, Tree of Woe, Crosshairs and only a two count. Maclin tries to set up Mayhem for All, Sabin flips out of it with the assistance of the ropes and a desperation Tornado DDT start some Sabin chants.

Sabin ducking and moving, Neckbreaker forces Maclin to powder and another Spinning Neckbreaker to the floor from Sabin. Sabin sends Maclin back in, Maclin gets up and eats a Missile Dropkick to the shoulder blades. Cross Body from Sabin, but Maclin rolls through, holds him, Scoop Slam and Sliding Lariat from Maclin for a 2. Maclin goes for Mayhem, Victory Roll from Sabin only 2. Maclin with the School Boy and ropes, but the referee sees the hand on the ropes. Sabin hits a strike, Maclin comes off the ropes with the Busaiku Knee! Strike Exchange which annoys Sabin and he locks up some Cravat Knee strikes. Both follow the other into the corners, big corner moves, both fire and remove elbow pads for big power moves. Avalanche Tornado DDT from Sabin, Cradle Shock…and Sabin wins!

AAA Reina de Reinas Championship: Deonna Purrazzo vs Taya Valkyrie (c)

I don’t think any expects Deonna to win this but I am expecting a good match. Not sure what’s on the docket for Purrazzo, but I guess we’ll all learn together.

Purrazzo takes a cheap shot while Taya is dancing around before the bell. Taya tells the ref to ring the bell and Purrazzo goes at Taya again. Aggressive Deonna is where those Suzuki inspiration moments shine through. Taya starts to counter some attempts at offense and then a Mexican style Arm Drag puts Deonna on the back foot.

Deonna whips Taya into the ropes, Taya looks for some kind of handspring, but Deonna just kicks her while she’s in the handstand position and starts taking back over. A lot of arm focus with wringers, kicks and arm breakers, working towards her Fujiwara finish. The elbow bend into stomp gets Deonna a near fall, but Taya tries to fire back up with the good arm and it isn’t very effective.

It takes a minute but Taya finally counters some Deonna offense and turns it into a Blue Thunder Bomb, followed by the Sliding Rope Hang German Suplex. Taya fires a little too long on the outside, Deonna catches her on the way back in, tries Queen’s Gambit but Taya counters. Taya drops Deonna and hits the Mushroom Stomp for 2. We then see Taya pull off the classic arms held Curb Stomp, again only a 2. Taya tries for a Powerbomb, but Deonna gets just enough for a Frakensteiner. Deonna gives back the Bow and Arrow style Curb Stomp, twice. Queen’s Gambit gets hit, and Taya kicks out!

Fujiwara attempt, but Taya starts fighting to the rope, Venus de Milo somewhat locked in, but Taya is able to swing her legs around and reach the ropes. Deonna goes for the title, the referee stops her, which gives Taya the opportunity for the Roll-Up and she retains!

Deonna attacks Taya after, the lights go out, and it’s Mia Yim. Deonna triers to dismiss her, then when Mia checks on Taya, Deonna tries to attack and Mia gets to show off a little for her return.

X Division Championship: Ace Austin (c) vs Trey Miguel

We all should know how much I dislike Trey. I am really hoping this is a double turn. Spider-Man versus Gambit.

The match starts off slowly with them not feeling each other out, just not giving anyone an inch. Trey thinks he has a moment and tries to get cute with the acrobatic Arm Drag but Ace doesn’t go with it and just Flings Trey down. Ace stays on Trey, Trey tries to flip out of the corner to counter, but Ace hits a Crossbody sending them both over the ropes. Apron fighting begins, a small trade Trey gets his foot caught, tries to flip out and then Tiger Feint Sweep, but Ace does his single hand Handstand counter, and as soon as Trey gets close he swings his legs forward and Knees Trey into next Wednesday.

Trey keeps resisting Ace’s Irish Whip to Ace’s frustration, so he lights up Trey. Attempts The Fold, but misses. Solid back and forth Trey countering a Half Boston Crab attempt, hits the Up Kicks and then kips up into a Headscissors Takedown. Trey goes on the offense, punctuated with a Reverse Powerslam, floated over into a modified Dragon Sleeper but Ace finds a way out. Strike exchange, both men try a few fancier moves, Ace goes to the corner for a Triangle Kick but Trey catches him with a  Super Kick. Trey hits the Split Legged Moonsault for only 2.

Small Package counters, Ace tries to keep momentum and go for a Cradle with his feet on the ropes, but only get a two. Trey rocks Ace, Mushroom stomp, goes for the top rope but Ace powders knowing what’s coming. Trey with the Jacky Bryant Headlock Snap Kick into a Neckbreaker into the Apron. Meteora attempt from Trey, Ace ducks, rams him into the other post, rolls him out and then hits the classic Fold to retain!

No double turn, but at least the work was solid. I still don’t like Trey and care less and less for him the more I see him. But it was a good match.

The Bullet Club (ELP, Chris Bey, Doc Gallows, Karl Anderson & Jay White) vs Honor No More ( Kenny King, Eddie Edwards, Vincent, Matt Taven & Mike Bennett)

So we get the early brawl as expected before the bell, and then eventually Karl and Eddie get in the ring and eventually slow things down to a Japanese strike spot. Karl wins pretty easily and tags in LG. Double Back Elbow to Eddie, but a thumb to the eye gives Eddie the opening to tag in Kenny King. But LG starts lighting up Kenny and then brings in Phantasmo. This turns into a bit of an X Division back and forth of Leap Frogs and trying to one up the other. Kenny takes the advantage after a few strikes land, and Vincent gets tagged in. ELP gets some space from Vincent and gets in Bey. So this is really going how most faction matches go on a Japanese show. It’s pretty clean where everyone gets a small moment to shine, possibly hinting towards future singles matches. Mike gets tagged in, works over Bey and then tags in Taven, but Bey gets away from Mike immediately and tags in Jay. I never thought I’d be excited for a Jay White and Matt Taven potential match…but here we are. Taven gets a small moment to shine after a Dropkick, but the Bullet Club shenanigans spike. We get an entire 5 man epic Back Rake moment before Honor No More finally gets sick of it (at the fifth one) and mug Karl Anderson to start their own faction attack.

HNM is Japanese locomotion style faction attack. Corner Lariats, Splashes, Hip Attacks, that type of thing. Then HNM gets in one Back Rake spot to make a statement and we see things calm down a little before we get back to how we started with Karl and Eddie. Karl is getting beaten down before the Spinebuster stifles things. LG gets tagged in and Bennett gets tagged in. LG takes the hot tag, clears the ring, and has some solid fire before HNM use some outside interference to slow the attack down. Tandem Lariat attempt from HNM, back fires as LG does the Double Lariat to bring in ELP. ELP is a little sloppy to start the exchange and then a Lionsault gets countered and we see Vincent get tagged in and start beating ELP down. Flatliner gives Vincent a near fall. Bey with the blind tag, tandem attacks on Vincent, Senton Drop/Lionsault Combo gives Bullet Club the near fall before the two legal men trade punches, both his the ropes and then the crash and burn Double Cossbody spot.

Taven and Jay get tagged in, but Taven has the hot tag and takes out everyone. Splash, Triangle Kicks, Combination strikes into Just the Tip on Jay for a 2. Dueling finishers Climax/Blade Runner counters before Jay hits the Half Nelson Suplex. Jay tries for Blade Runner, but HNM hits the ring and we go back to a donnybrook. Big spots everywhere, and you knew as soon as Karl was in the corner asking for the tag…Maria was gonna get involved. Karl gets the tag, looks to go for a big top rope move, but Maria just hops on the Apron and flirts a bit with Karl which distracts him enough for Kenny King to trip him up. OGK hits Proton Pack while Eddie Edwards guards, and Honor No More wins!

It was a chaotic cluster, but it was entertaining all in all.

Knockouts World Championship: Tasha Steelz (c) vs Havok

Now, probably the worst match of the night. I’d like to be surprised, but Tasha hasn’t impressed me at all in singles action (her tag action was always a little lacking, but her charisma could cover things).

I can’t really help but not care about this match. Havok manhandles Tash a little early, Tasha then finds a way to trip her up and keep Havok off her feet until Tasha’s cockiness backfires. Low Bridge from Tasha has Havok spill out, then Tasha goes for the Soccer Ball kick but Havok catches it and then turns it into an Electric Chair Apron Facebuster…which sounds cool in words, but looks entirely too cooperative in execution.

Tasha lays against the steps, Havok tries to charge and Tasha dodges. So Havok nearly beat herself. Havok gets back in, but Tasha stays on the dazed Havok. Tornado DDT for a 2, Rings of Saturn attempt but Havok is too big to make that look believable. Havok bites her hand to get out and then starts throwing her around. Backbreaker into a nasty Lariat, Death Valley Driver and only a 2 for Havok. Stratusfaction from Steelz, 2 again. Steelz tries to remove the turnbuckle pad but she can’t. Havok charges, misses, Cutter from Steelz for another 2. After a little set up, Blackout from Tasha to retain.

I will say this match was better than I anticipated, which still doesn’t mean it’s good…but it wasn’t unwatchable. Havok is completely ruined here though. Tasha is the size of one of Havok’s legs and she lost convincingly. Nothing Havok challenges for will ever be believable unless she goes on a full rebuilding squash spree.

IMPACT Tag Team Championships: The Briscoes vs VBD (Eric Young & Deaner w/Joe Doering) (c)

So the based take here is that Deaner was chosen to eat the pin from DEM BOYS. Let’s see!

Briscoes attack fast, hard and before the bell. DEM BOYS wrecking crew while Doering is just looming and staring at the ring from the ramp.  The bell still hasn’t rang, so Doering hits the ring. That was the opening that Young and Deaner needed to hit the ring again and jump the Briscoes back.

The bell officially rings, Jay and EY start things off with EY winning the early exchange. Deaner gets tagged in and then The Briscoes immediately start taking control. Quick tags, tandem work, and a Flying Dirty Chicken wipes out EY, while Jay takes out Deaner. Jay throws Deaner back in, EY distracts the ref and Doering pushes Jay off the top rope while the ref is distracted. This becomes the blueprint for the next few exchanges. While EY and Deaner have some quick tags and tandem moves, Doering is the difference maker.

It takes a while for Mark to finally get the hot tag, but when he does, Deaner goes for a ride. Big silly but effective moves from Mark. A tandem Crucifix Powerbomb/Neckbreaker for only two as Jay tries to take out VBD but it doesn’t work as he gets posted. 2 on 1 offense from VBD, but a nice T-Bone Suplex events things out a little for Mark. EY hits a Brainbuster and then starts smacking Mark around. Country Fried Strike Exchange! Jay comes back to life as EY goes to run off the ropes and Jay hits a running Frakensteiner into a Big Boot. Neckbreaker/Froggybow from the Briscoes, but Deaner saves it!

Redneck Kun Fu backfires as EY hits the Wheelbarrow Neckbreaker that he used as a finish in NXT, for all four to be laid out. EY goes to the top, Jay goes to meet him, EY bites Jay and Macho Man Elbow for a near fall! Deaner gets tagged in and we’re probably close to the finish. Big “DEM BOYS” chant in the crowd. Mark crotches EY, takes out Doering, Doomsday Device on Deaner and DEM BOYS IS CHAMPS AGAIN!

Moose’s music hits before the World Championship match. He doesn’t have a match, but we do still have to see who those “Coming Soon” vignettes were, so maybe this is how they get introduced. Is it Sami Callihan finally back after his injury? If I remember correctly, it was Moose that hurt him storyline wise, so it would makes sense to come back against a rebounding Moose.

It might have been about as obvious as a Chris Jericho return, but that doesn’t take away the effect. Short, sweet and simple. Punctuated with a quick attack and reference back to the storyline that took Sami out.

IMPACT World Championship: Josh Alexander (c) vs Tomohiro Ishii

As I’ve said during the IMPACT! Coverage, I don’t see Ishii winning this at all. Advantage though could be that Josh isn’t a ton bigger than Ishii, so it might not be his usual gaijin match.

So simple lock up starts that give Josh a Headlock Takeover as the first slightly advantageous moment, but then we get to the rope run Tackles spot. A few attempts from Josh don’t work, so he counters Ishii’s attempt into a few Arm Drags but Ishii finally catches him and drops Josh.

Both men just run through one another and the haymakers fly before Josh pisses off Ishii with a few Forearms and Ishii finally goes for the high Tenryu chop into the neck. Ishii is in control pretty well, but Josh isn’t giving much. Josh counters with the whip and Ishii charges back out with the Tackle dropping Josh. Josh rolls through and fires with a Big Boot, but Ishii doesn’t go down. Back and forth charges before Josh finally manages to take Ishii off his feet. Stun Gun drops Ishii onto the apron and then the Diving Crossbody while Ishii is seated on the apron.

Two German Suplexes before Ishii tries to fight back, but Josh hits the third with the bridge for a near fall. Josh gets up and start kicking at Ishii to get back up. Not a very smart strategy. Ishii almost fights it off, but eats a Rolling Senton into a King Kong style Knee Strike. Most baiting with annoying kicks as he tries for the C4 Spike but Ishii blocks. Josh hits the ropes and Power Slam from Ishii! Now would be a good time for Ishii’s comeback.

Slow strike exchange showing the exhaustion of the match but both guys are the tough kind of guy where this makes full sense. Ishii eggs on more and absorbs before ducking a Lariat attempt for a Saito Suplex. Both men absorb one another’s attacks, Enzuigiri from Ishii, but it misses and Josh goes for the Ankle Lock. Ishii rolls through it and locks in his own Submission. So there’s a submission exchange right now. Josh counters, goes back to the Ankle Lock, Ishii is almost at the ropes, but Josh drops down into the grapevine. Ishii tried to use the referee to pull himself forward but instead opts to just roll to the side and get to those ropes.

Josh goes back to the well again, but Up Kicks keep Josh at bay. Josh removes the Elbow pad, a few strikes rocks Ishii, but Ishii counters a Powerbomb. Small flurry from Ishii, Ishii tries the Headbutt but Josh counters it with a straight right. Josh uses an Airplane Spin Bomb only for 2 though. C4 Spike attempt but Ishii counters, eats a Lariat and fires. Josh comes back at him, Ishii ducks, German Suplex. Rolling German from Josh, and now colliding Lariats before Ishii finally gets the best of things, yet both men are down, exhausted.

Ishii charges, misses and eats the Forearm to the back of the head. Josh lifts Ishii on his shoulders, climbs the ropes, but Ishii slips down and Jumping Headbutt rocks Josh. Superplex from Ishii, 1 – 2 – kick out! So Ishii starts trying to fire up. Lariat to the back of the head, normal Lariat turns Josh inside out, for another 2. Vertical Drop Brainbuster attempt, but the knee to the head counters it. Small Package from Josh, only 2 but he gets some space. Powerbreaker from Josh lays out Ishii. Moonsault from Josh misses!

Sliding Lariat from Ishii, ducked, a few misses and then a big headbutt from Ishii. Sliding Lariat again, pinfall…2! Vertical Drop – nope. C4 Sp-nope! Ankle Lock attempt, but Ishii fights it off and hits the Enzuigiri this time, strike exchange, Powerbomb from Josh into the C4 Spike and Josh retains!

Overall Score: 8.25/10

So every match being good aside for one…but it was better than expected, so I’ll give it a little credit, this was a damn good PPV. Hell it even has one of the best promos since Steiner Math with The Briscoes. Ishii wasn’t expected to win, but brought a damn good fight and a few different gears. Mia Yim returning was a little unexpected but a nice surprise. Honor No More getting the win was also surprising, but not a bad thing and Gisele Shaw proving she’s a damn good wrestler. Can she please drop the stuck up gimmick and steer more into the fierce striker thing? Yes I know she’s attractive, but give me like…Savage Diva or Vicious Diva, something to put a bigger emphasis on her striking skills.

Ace retained, thankfully. DEM BOYS know how magnets work! They aren’t ICP! Some may complain that the tag titles get hot shotted a bit to the new teams, but Briscoes bring a history with the HNM people and the freshen up match ups because I haven’t heard anything about Karl and LG re-signing, so IMPACT will probably be losing a big team soon. Yeah Tasha retained, lets overlook that. As I’ve said before, I like Tasha’s gimmick, I like her charisma, energy and I like her aesthetically…but Christ is her wrestling painful to watch at times.

So with all that said, damn good PPV! Who will rise to the occasion to challenge Josh Alexander for Slammiversary?