Impact Wrestling kicked off its #1 contenders tournament for Tessa Blanchard’s Impact World Championship this week. This is the tournament that Moose declined to be involved in as he continues to insist that he is the legitimate TNA World Champion. Moose declared himself the title-holder at Rebellion and later won a triple-threat against Michael Elgin and Hernandez that same night. On this week’s episode, Moose would headline the show by defending the belt against TNA alumni, Suicide.
Impact Wrestling 5/12 Quick Results:
- #1 Contenders Tournament (1st Round)
Hernandez defeated Madman Fulton - Kylie Rae defeated Tasha Steelz
- Kimber Lee defeated Havok
- #1 Contenders Tournament (1st Round)
Trey Miguel defeated Rohit Raju - Impact Tag Team Championships
The North (c) defeated The Smoes - TNA World Championship
Moose (c) defeated Suicide
Here are 7 Takeaways from Impact Wrestling 5/12:
Moose Retains TNA World Championship Against Suicide
Moose hijacked the opening video for this week’s edition of Impact. As a result, this week’s video featured the former voice of TNA Brian Scott giving an epic narration of Moose’s career in the company. The video also featured former greats from TNA history seemingly giving their opinion of Moose, though the comments may have been taken out of context.
In the night’s main event, Moose would defend his title against TNA alumni, Suicide. Near the end of the match, Moose accidentally hit the ref, taking him out of action. It looked as though Suicide had the “champion” down for a 3-count but there was no ref to count the pin. With the ref still down, Moose hit a low blow on the challenger followed by his No Jackhammer Needed spear for the win.
Hernandez and Trey Miguel Each Advance In #1 Contenders Tournament
The #1 Contenders tournament for the Impact World Championship kicked off this week. The 8-person single elimination tournament will determine who Tessa Blanchard defends her title against next. In the first opening round match, Hernandez was able to fend off interference from OVE to finish off the faction’s monster, Madman Fulton. OVE was later confronted in the back by the returning Crazzy Steve, who suggested that OVE was O-V-E-R.
Also in opening round action this week, Trey Miguel fended off a good effort by Rohit Raju and will advance to the semi-finals in the tournament.
The tournament schedule now look like this:
- Sami Callihan vs Michael Elgin (Opening Round) – Next Week
- Ken Shamrock vs Rhino (Opening Round) – Next Week
- Trey vs Callihan/Elgin (Semi-Final)
- Hernandez vs Shamrock/Rhino (Semi-Final)
- Finals
The North Retain Titles Against Sub-Par Competition
We traveled back to Mississauga, ON, Canada this week for another title defense featuring Ethan Page and Josh Alexander. This week the North put their titles on the line against a not overly intimidating team of the Smoes. After some elaborate ring introductions, the match got going. Even though Page seemed to have knocked his opponent out with a super-kick early, he used the challenger as something of a puppet and began hitting himself with his fists. After some admonishing from the ref, Page opened up his opponent’s hands so he wasn’t using closed fists, however.
The North eventually finished off their opponents as Josh Alexander looked a little disappointed in the caliber of competition.
Kimber Lee Uses Brass Knuckles To Defeat Havok
Kimber Lee made her debut for Impact Wrestling this week. She confronted Havok backstage last week and the two were scheduled to face each other this week. As the match was going on, we saw Nevaeh once again watching Havok’s match from afar. Nevaeh and Havok have a history in other organizations but it’s not yet clear what the newcomer is doing as she ominously watches Havok from afar.
Meanwhile, Kimber Lee had a plan heading for this match. When Havok and the referee’s attention was averted, Kimber Lee loaded her fist up with a pair of brass knuckles. After Havok propped her up on the turnbuckle, Kimber Lee popped her in the mouth and got the pin.
Kylie Rae Smiles To The Finish
Kylie Rae was back this week and built off her victory at Rebellion by picking up another win here. She was taking on the debuting Tasha Steelz. Rae locked in the “Smile to the Finish” to get the win.
Later in the show, Kylie Rae ran into “Susie” (aka the former Su Yung) backstage. Their interaction seemed friendly but with Susie/Su Yung you never quite know what lay ahead.
Rosemary Targeting John E. Bravo?
Rosemary has been feeling lost in life as of late. She got her revenge on James Mitchell but it didn’t bring her the peace she had been hoping for. Rosemary has since turned to the cards to determine her next step. Last week, the cards suggested that she return to victimizing mortals. After she was confronted in the back by John E Bravo for being in possession of Taya Valkyrie’s toy dog, the cards seemed to communicate to Rosemary that John E Bravo would make a good next target.
Next Week On Impact Wrestling
Next weak on Impact Wrestling, the #1 Contenders tournament continues. The final 2 opening-round bouts will see Ken Shamrock take on Rhino and Michael Elgin take on Sami Callihan.
Also next week, Team XXXL will take on TJP and Fallah Bah. Willie Mack will also defend the X-Division Championship against the other half of the “Mack and Pack Connection” Johnny Swinger.
- #1 Contenders Tournament
Ken Shamrock vs Rhino - #1 Contenders Tournament
Sami Callihan vs Michael Elgin - Team XXXL vs TJP & Fallah Bah
- X-Division Championship
Willie Mack (c) vs Johnny Swinger