Last month, Dave Meltzer reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that “there was a COVID test positive” from the latest Impact Wrestling TV tapings. It turns out that there are some on the roster who are not happy with how the promotion conducts its protocols regarding COVID-19.
Fightful Select reports that there are several wrestlers who aren’t thrilled with the procedures as some even mentioned that the last set of tapings seemed to be ‘more unprepared’ and ‘fly-by-the-seat-of-their-pants than any this year’.
The COVID protocols were said to be a ‘major concern’ given that there was a positive test. Several talents reportedly hadn’t received a test over the course of multiple sets of tapings.
Instead, the promotion has only been temperature checked in addition to having wrestlers fill out paperwork to record if they’ve had symptoms.
Impact’s Ethan Page recently revealed he was quarantining because he had been in contact with someone who tested positive for the virus.
Up until the last set of tapings, the promotion hadn’t dealt with any positive tests. The promotion won’t have any more tapings for the rest of 2020 as they’ve taped enough content for their weekly television show on AXS TV.
Kenny Omega defeated Jon Moxley during this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite to become the new AEW World Champion. Omega secured the gold after assistance from Impact Wrestling’s Don Callis. He will now appear on next Tuesday’s episode of Impact Wrestling.
It turns out that Omega was not present for Impact Wrestling’s last set of tapings. The promotion has reportedly already pre-recorded their shows up until the end of 2020.
Mike Johnson of PWInsiderElite.com recently discussed the forthcoming appearance. He explained how “Kenny Omega was not at the last set of IMPACT Wrestling tapings, they are done, they have filmed all their TV for the year.”
“I was told that the plan is this coming week Don Callis and Kenny Omega will be filming something, I assume in Canada, I don’t know for sure, for IMPACT that will inserted into the TV show.”
Kenny Omega On Impact Wrestling
Don Callis revealed how wrestling fans will first hear from the new AEW World Champion on Impact Wrestling. Callis shared the news as he and Omega fled from Daily’s Place, the current resident home of AEW Dynamite at the end of Winter is Coming.
This was followed up by a tweet from Impact Wrestling’s official account. The message hyped Omega’s appearance, proclaiming that “Tuesdays are the new Wednesdays!“
AEW’s working relationship with Impact Wrestling adds to their pre-existing partnership with the National Wrestling Alliance.
Don Callis dropped a bombshell at the conclusion of this week’s AEW Dynamite. Kenny Omega’s first comments as new AEW World Champion will not take place on next week’s Dynamite, but on Tuesday’s edition of Impact Wrestling. It was a huge development that signals a working relationship between the two organizations. Wrestling fans are excited at the prospect of inter-promotional matches, especially in the women’s and tag team divisions.
AEW Executive Vice Presidents Nick and Matt Jackson have revealed interesting details about how the AEW-Impact situation came together. The Young Bucks spoke with Jon Alba and Doug McDonald this week for the Living The Gimmick Podcast. According to Matt, the working relationship has been in the works for nearly two years
“Two years ago, this is something Nick and I actually brought up and we wanted to get this going,” Matt said. “And for whatever reason, it just didn’t work out. I don’t know if that was more on our side or what, but we just couldn’t get everyone to agree on what the creative would be.”
This is something we’ve been whispering in Tony Khan’s ear for two years. So we’re all about collaboration and partnering with everyone and working together .. This is something that we truly wanted to do for a very, very long time. And I guess the timing was right and we got done.”
Collaborating With Other Promotions
In the lead-up to the launch of AEW, the Bucks made surprise appearances at independent wrestling shows across the United States. The All In pay-per-view was a “super show” of independent wrestling that showed the benefits of companies working together for a greater good. Matt thinks this attitude is “what wrestling needs” and will help AEW further transforming the landscape.
“I just think [working with other promotions] makes things unpredictable when you’re working with companies,” he said. “That’s what wrestling needs. It gets stuck in the same formula for so long it gets boring. It’s too easy to predict at times and you don’t want that to happen. So when you can make it different and change things up a bit, make it unpredictable, the fans like it more. It’s almost an easy formula when you explain it that way.”
Nick agrees that inter-promotional matches makes wrestling interesting. The entire industry benefits when companies ‘relax their borders’ to present the most compelling storylines and matches that are possible.
“This is a way to make things interesting, and if you do it right it can be very good for business,” said Nick. “We’ve done it, like Matt said earlier, it worked well when we’ve done it in the past.”
Both men talked about their feud with The Hardy Boyz doing massive business for Ring of Honor.
AEW & Impact Wrestling
So, what will a working relationship between AEW & Impact look like? Nick says it’s still so early, he doesn’t think they know exactly how things will play out. They’re dipping their toes in the water, but already have some big picture plans in place.
“There are immediate plans that I can’t exactly just give away right now. But my dream, if I had it my way, I just think about the possible dream matches. People are already hitting me up like, ‘Oh my god, can you imagine if it was the Young Bucks and the Motor City Machine Guns 10 years later?’ How can you not jump ahead and fantasize and fantasy book?”
AEW has the strongest tag team division in the world. In addition to established acts like the Young Bucks, FTR, the Lucha Bros. and Dark Order, they are still introducing exciting young talent, like Top Flight and The Acclaimed. The Bucks know fans are eager to see AEW’s top teams work The North, the Good Brothers and the Motor City Machine Guns. Matt once again hinted that there are some big surprises coming that fans are sure to enjoy.
“Are we going to do that stuff? I’m not sure yet, we’re still in the beginning of this. But there are some big surprises coming and I’m really excited about it,” Matt said.
The Young Bucks interview on the Living the Gimmick podcast drops next week, but you can listen early at the show’s Patreon page.
AEW’s Winter is Coming was an eventful show, to say the least. We saw Sting’s AEW debut, which garnered mainstream headlines and was still trending on social media on Tuesday morning. However, that memorable moment was overshadowed by what transpired at the end of the broadcast.
Dynamite closed with Kenny Omega winning the AEW World Championship with help from longtime friend (and Impact Wrestling executive), Don Callis. As Omega and Callis were leaving the arena, Callis said that Omega would be on Impact Wrestling next Tuesday night.
AEW’s relationship with Impact Wrestling was discussed on the latest Wrestling Observer Radio. “The Callis thing has been in the works for a while,” Dave Meltzer. “I didn’t know this but I presume that Don Callis – you know, Don Callis came up with the Omega Jericho match- I presume he came up with this idea and Tony Khan went with it and Omega probably wanted it.”
Kenny Omega is now a full-blown heel, with Don Callis at his side. Hijacking the AEW World Championship and are taking it to another ‘territory’ is a huge development that presents a multitude of storyline options.
In addition to Omega appearing on Impact television next week, we’ve heard that this affiliation will naturally lead to some talent exchange. It is very likely that some Impact talent will end up on AEW television, which is win-win for both sides. Impact has a strong women’s division, as well as several tag teams like The North, Gallows & Anderson and the Motor City Machine Guns. You can also expect some AEW talent appearing on Impact.
Impact Wrestling continued the Knockouts tag team tournament this week and the X-Division title was also on the line. The promotion also announced the first few matches for Final Resolution later this month on Impact Plus.
Impact Results 12/1:
The Motor City Machine Guns defeated Team XXXL
Knockouts Tag Team Title Tournament (1st Round) Jordynne Grace & Jazz defeated Renee Michelle & Killer Kelly
Cody Deaner vs Johnny Swinger – No Contest
X-Division Championship Rohit Raju (c) defeated Crazzy Steve
Willie Mack defeated Chris Bey
Both Chris Bey & Moose Are Coming For Rich Swann’s World Championship
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JD0MfQe0_Qw
There is no shortage of contenders gunning for Rich Swann’s world championship. Chris Bey has the next shot upcoming at Final Resolution but Moose’s shot will likely come not long after that. Bey failed to pick up any momentum heading into his title shot as he dropped this week’s main event to Swann’s former tag partner, Willie Mack. After the match, Moose came out and delivered a spear to Mack which brought Swann out for the save. Swann took out Moose but then Bey delivered a springboard cutter on the champion. Bey then held the title over his head and stood strong to end the show.
Jordynne Grace & Jazz Advance In Knockouts Title Tournament
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OpgPiDwdPo
The Knockouts title tournament continued this week. Renee Michelle and Killer Kelly gave a strong performance but in the end, it was Jazz who was able to pick up the victory for her team after giving a facebuster to Michelle.
The win means that Grace and Jazz will move on to face Havok & Nevaeh in the semi-finals. The final 1st round match in the tournament will take place next week when Taya Valkyrie & Rosemary take on Deonna Purrazzo & Kimber Lee.
James Mitchell Has Possession Of Su Yung
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdBrGiViL44
Deonna Purrazzo and Kimber Lee enlisted the help of James Mitchell last week. The two noted that they would have a much easier time dealing with Susie rather than Su Yung and asked the Sinister Minister this week if he could turn her back into her less threatening persona. Mitchell agreed but needed Purrazzo and Kimber Lee to lure Su Yung out of hiding. Purrazzo then cut a promo that brought out Yung and then Mitchell came out and unleashed an army of undead brides against her.
Su fought back but just as she was going to give Purrazzo the poison mist, the Virtuoso grabbed her by the neck and forced the poison mist down her throat, seemingly paralyzing her in the process. Then she gave Yung the “Cosa Nostra” piledriver for good measure. The undead brides then walked out with Yung in their arms.
It’s Eric Young and Joe Doering’s World
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDDVetXlvcg
Eric Young and Joe Doering continued their reign of terror this week. They interfered in the Cody Deaner vs Johnny Swinger match causing it to be thrown out. Young then cut a promo saying that their actions would continue until everyone’s “eyes are open.” He continued to say that this world belongs to them several times before the segment ended.
Later in the show, Deaner was upset in the back that Young interfered in his match. He talked about how Young was a pivotal figure in the early part of his career and he wants to show him that he’s not “nothing.” A match between the two was then scheduled for next week.
Rohit Raju Retains Again
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2iajUaY6vc
Rohit Raju once again found away to retain his title this week. After dropping a non-title match to Crazzy Steve under a Suicide mask last week, a title match between Steve and Raju was scheduled for this week.
With the title on the line, Raju once again resorted to under-handed tactics to retain. He grabbed the middle rope during a pinning combination for extra leverage and got the 3-count.
The Motor City Machine Guns Have A Path To The Tag Team Championships
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REeMmJu_qhA
This week’s episode kicked off with tag-team action as the Motor City Machine Guns picked up a win over Team XXXL. During the match, it was noted on commentary that MCMG have a path to the championship and it starts with Team XXXL. They’d pick up the win with a neckbreaker/top-rope splash combo.
Josh Matthews then noted that next up on MCMG’s path to the championships is the North.
Next Week On Impact Wrestling
Here are the matches scheduled for next week’s show:
Cody Deaner vs Eric Young
Brian Myers vs TJP
Josh Alexander vs Chris Sabin
Knockouts Tag Team Title Tournament (1st Round) Taya Valkyrie & Rosemary vs Deonna Purrazzo & Kimber Lee
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVC1GBtGgW0
Coming Up At Final Resolution On December 12th
The following matches have been scheduled for Final Resolution on December 12th:
Impact World Championship Rich Swann (c) vs Chris Bey
Impact Wrestling has reportedly been trying to keep their options as open as possible lately concerning its storylines. According to a report from Fightful Select, the promotion has been filming multiple endings to matches recently. This gives the promotion some options if a wrestler leaves the promotion after the tapings but before their match airs. Impact can then decide which wrestler will be shown winning the match closer to when the show airs.
In addition to different endings to matches being taped, segments were also reportedly filmed multiple times using different wrestlers. This was done in case one or more of the wrestlers used in the scenes depart the company.
Impact has run into problems in this area over the last year. At Bound For Glory, the promotion was left with few options as to how they could handle Kylie Rae not facing Deonna Purrazzo on the show. They also were left scrambling earlier this year when Michael Elgin, Dave Crist, and Joey Ryan were all alleged to have committed acts as part of the #SpeakingOut movement.
Impact may have multiple wrestlers leaving the company soon too as well. All 3 members of the Rascalz recently departed. Both Ethan Page and Taya Valkyrie reportedly have contracts that expire soon as well.
Impact Wrestling is the latest wrestling promotion to be affected by Covid-19. According to the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, a wrestler who was involved at their latest television tapings has tested positive for the virus.
While the report does not reveal the identify of the talent who has fallen ill, Impact had to instruct several other people to get tested due to exposure. The Observer report states that some wrestlers were upset they were not told about the situation by management and heard about it instead via people talking about it backstage.
Any infection is a serious situation, but Impact has been pretty lucky up until this point to not have any other reported infections. The company does not perform Covid tests on site, but simply checks temperatures. One wrestler expressed that management is being irresponsible, since Impact is the only major promotion not doing proper Covid testing.
The latest set of tapings is expected to carry the company to the Hard To Kill PPV in January so they have time to test the stars that may have come in contact with the person who came positive.
It would be interesting to see if this positive test changes the company’s approach towards coronavirus testing and if we see an increase in safety measures for the next set of tapings.
Former WCW President Eric Bischoff recalled his time in TNA during a recent episode of his podcast 83 Weeks. He and Conrad Thompson discussed TNA’s 2010 Bound For Glory pay-per-view.
During the episode, Eric Bischoff shared his thoughts on Abyss, describing him as a wonderful human being who was “stuck on this Mick Foley ripoff character.” It was a gimmick Bischoff confessed he always hated.
“Abyss is a wonderful human being. He is an amazingly talented guy but he was stuck on this Mick Foley ripoff character. I always hated that character, I couldn’t stand it when I was in TNA,” Bischoff said. “I couldn’t wait to get Abyss out of the Abyss character and get him into the Chris Park character which he did a phenomenal job at.”
Abyss competed against Rob Van Dam in a Monster’s Ball match on the card. Despite the match stipulations intending to, in theory, favor Abyss, Van Dam would emerge victorious from their bout.
In 2019, Chris Parks, who portrayed Abyss in TNA, signed a contract with WWE. He currently works for the company as a producer. He made his on-screen debut during the August 14 episode of SmackDown, appearing as AJ Styles’ statistician during Styles’ feud with Jeff Hardy.
Impact Wrestling 11/24 featured both a world title match between Rich Swann and Ken Shamrock and an episode of Wrestler’s Court. Johnny Swinger was put on trial for the attempted murder of John E Bravo.
Impact 11/24 Quick Results:
Knockouts Tag Team Tournament (1st Round) Kiera Hogan & Tasha Steelz defeated The Sea Stars (Delmi Elo & Ashley Vox)
Suicide (Later revealed to be Crazzy Steve) defeated Rohit Raju
Kimber Lee defeated Killer Kelly
Swoggle defeated Ethan Page
Fallah Bah vs Daivari – No Contest
Impact World Championship Rich Swann (c) defeated Ken Shamrock
Impact Wrestling presented another one of their epic backstage skits this week. They went back to Wrestler’s Court, this time with Johnny Swinger on trial for having shot John E Bravo.
There is a lot to go over here but these are the main bullet points:
John E Bravo is not dead, was in a coma, has come out of it. Doctors have warned he may be different.
Johnny Swinger wore a neck brace to garner sympathy.
Tommy Dreamer, who was originally the judge but then made the prosecutor, eventually started to feel as though Swinger didn’t do it.
Swinger’s finger prints were found on the gun but so were a lot of other people’s.
Then Rosemary got on the stand and admitted she never really loved Bravo. She’s a demon, you see.
Bravo interrupted the proceedings to say he smelled the person who shot him and it was not Rosemary or Swinger.
Team XXXL’s Larry D gets on the stand and is sprayed with a cologne that makes him tell the truth.
He admits to having shot John E Bravo because he was going to marry the woman of his dreams, Rosemary.
Johnny Swinger is declared Not Guilty!
Rich Swann Retains Over Ken Shamrock/Sami Callihan and Eddie Edwards Feud Continues
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0f2Ac2fbGo0
The feud between Eddie Edwards and Sami Callihan likely won’t be over until one of them is dead. It continued again this week after the world championship match between Rich Swann and Ken Shamrock concluded.
Swann pinned Shamrock in the main event to retain his title by reversing a choke attempt into a pinning combination. After the match, Shamrock and Callihan were continuing the assault on Swann when Eddie Edwards came out to make the save. Callihan delivered a baseball bat shot to the eye of Edwards, reminiscent of what he did years ago in an incident that almost ended Edwards’ career.
D’Lo Brown attempted to break everything up but took a shot from Shamrock for his efforts. The show closed with security trying to break up the chaos.
The We-nomenal One AJ Swoggle Defeats Ethan Page
The Good Brothers teased that they had a “phenomenal” opponent lined up for Ethan Page this week. Karl Anderson came out solo to introduce the wrestler since Doc Gallows is out with an injury.
AJ Styles’ music hit and it appeared as though the Good Brothers’ former Bullet Club stablemate had returned! Then when Page’s opponent came out it still looked a little like he’d be facing AJ Styles. Instead, it was Swoggle, who tends to look a little like AJ, albeit a bit shorter.
The stipulation was that if Page could beat Swoggle he would earn a tag team title match for the North. Page was a little too cocky in the match, however. When Karl Anderson then took out Josh Alexander at ringside, Page took his eyes off his opponent and Swoggle rolled him up for the pin.
In a backstage segment last week, Jordynne Grace was seen talking to her future tag partner on the phone. Grace only revealed that the person is a legend who had said they are retiring soon. We found out this week that her partner is Jazz.
Jazz said she’s been a WWE champion, an NWA champion, and now will finish out her career as a Knockouts tag team champion.
Eric Young and Joe Doering Continue Their Path Of Destruction
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgV-5gqIdYI
Eric Young and Joe Doering continued their path of destruction this week. They quickly interrupted a match between Fallah Bah and Daivari. Rhino attempted to make the save but got beaten up for his trouble. Young then cut a promo that this is their world.
Crazzy Steve (As Suicide) Defeats Rohit Raju
TJP is not permitted to challenge for the X-division championship again while Rohit Raju is the champion. Scott D’Amore implied to TJP last week that perhaps he could wear a mask and face the champion, much like wrestlers such as Dusty Rhodes and Junk Yard Dog have done in the past. So when Suicide came out to challenge Raju during this week’s Defeat Rohit challenge, the champion was naturally suspicious and said it would only be a non-title match. He ripped off Suicide’s mask but as he did so, TJP appeared on the ramp proving it was not him in the ring. The unmasked Crazzy Steve then rolled up Raju and got a three count.
Kiera Hogan and Tasha Steelz Advance In KO Tag Tournament
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_Z-3zuEyiw
There was a lot of talk between Josh Mathews and Matt Striker on commentary during this match about this side of the brackets being pretty tough. The winner of this match will face the winner of Taya and Rosemary vs Purrazzo and Kimber Lee, which is no easy test.
While the debuting Sea Stars certainly were able to show what they can do, it would be Kiera Hogan who would ultimately pick up the win for her team. She pinned Delmi after a swinging fisherman suplex.
Susie and Su Yung Appear In The Same Segment
Killer Kelly made her Impact Wrestling debut this week. She took on Kimber Lee in singles competition.
Kimber Lee would pick up an impressive-looking victory after delivering a Swanton onto her opponent but after the match, Susie and Su Yung both made an appearance. The mild-mannered Susie appeared on the entrance ramp and introduced Su Yung, her undead bride alter ego. What devious magic allowed for both to be in the same place at the same time is unknown. Su Yung then hit the ring and attacked both Purrazzo and Kimber Lee.
Former WWE women’s champion Jazz will apparently be coming out of her announced retirement to compete in Impact Wrestling’s Knockouts Tag Team Title Tournament where she will be teaming with Jordynne Grace.
The storyline for her return started last week when Grace made a phone call to an unknown wrestler to see if they would like to tag with her in the competition.
This week’s episode of Impact Wrestling then saw the female star informing backstage interviewer Gia Miller that veteran wrestler Jazz will be her partner for the tournament.
Jazz has been a part of the industry for over two decades. She made her wrestling debut in 1998 and wrestled for companies such as WWE, Chikara and NWA during her time.
Her WWE stint included a couple of runs with the women’s championship and she also competed for AEW when she participated in the Casino Battle Royal during the All Out event in 2019.
Though Jazz announced her retirement from active competition during an interview back in October and it’d be interesting to see if she goes back into retirement after this tournament or if the former women’s champion stays around for a longer run.
Impact Wrestling 11/17 was the first show since Saturday’s Turning Point event. It was also the final show for the Rascalz, who are leaving Impact Wrestling after having spent the last two years with the promotion.
Impact 11/17 Quick Results:
Moose defeated Willie Mack via referee stoppage
Suicide vs Gio – No Contest
Brian Myers defeated Crazzy Steve
Knockouts Tag Team Tournament Havok & Nevaeh defeated Alisha Edwards & Tenille Dashwood
Hernandez defeated Fallah Bah
Rascalz Farewell Match Rich Swann & Trey Miguel defeated Dez & Wentz
Impact Wrestling Bids Farewell To The Rascalz
For the last 2 years, The Rascalz have provided entertaining matches and segments for fans of Impact Wrestling. Their treehouse skits created many fun and literal LOL moments over the years. All 3 have had great matches throughout their run as well.
They’d finish up with Impact at these tapings and headlined last night’s show in tag action. Miguel teamed with Rich Swann and they faced Dez and Wentz. This match reminded me a little of the NBA All-Star game, where everyone was just trying to break out their flashiest moves and have a good time with no animosity between them.
In the end, it would be the Impact World Champion who would get the win for his team. He delivered a vicious-looking kick to the back of Dez’s head for the pin.
The Rascalz left their jackets on the ring ropes in a symbolic gesture as their time in Impact comes to an end. All 4 who had been in the match then walked through the curtain together only to be assaulted by Ken Shamrock and Sami Callihan. Swann will face Shamrock next week in non-title action.
Did Detective Tommy Dreamer Catch Johnny Swinger With A Smoking Gun?
The investigation into who shot John E. Bravo took a big turn this week. The Deaners sort of implied that Dreamer should look into Johnny Swinger, after finding a gun in his fanny pack. Dreamer then interviewed Swinger who didn’t seem to shy away from the fact that he had a gun during the interview. Dreamer said Swinger is literally holding the smoking gun and that he is being taken to Wrestlers Court next week to go on trial for having shot Bravo.
Eric Young Unleashes Joe Doering
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYoaUjiUq6w
A match between Suicide and Gio ended in a no-contest this week after Eric Young unleashed his new monster, Joe Doering onto both wrestlers. Doering debuted at Turning Point over the weekend and appears to be someone who is going to be a big deal in the promotion moving forward.
Young cut a promo saying that this world belongs to them. The two weren’t finished there, however. They went to the backstage area and attacked Rhino and the already-injured Heath.
Knockouts Tag Team Tournament Begins
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCdZ9A0N2dc
Tenille Dashwood might not be the best tag-team wrestler. Her “It’s all about me” philosophy makes her a little more suited to the singles division. Two partners in two weeks have discovered this about her. The “Most Influential Person in Impact Wrestling” teamed with Madison Rayne last week in a losing effort to Havok & Nevaeh but would face them again this week in the first round of the title tournament but with Alisha Edwards as her partner.
The end of the match came when Nevaeh came charging out of the corner and Dashwood decided to save herself by throwing Alisha into Nevaeh’s waiting attack. Nevaeh then hit Dashwood with a DDT as well and that left Alisha alone for the rest of the match. Havok and Nevaeh then put her away with a wheel barrel/cutter combo for the win.
Also concerning the KO tag-team tournament. Jordynne Grace, who as of yet does not have a confirmed partner, was seen in the back talking on the phone to someone who will seemingly be their partner next week. Grace said she was thankful this person would be her partner as she had heard she was retiring.
Moose Sends A Message To Rich Swann
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHcO1fIju0s
Ever since Rich Swann won the Impact World Championship, Moose has been taunting him, calling it the second most important belt in Impact. Over the last couple of weeks, Moose has been involved in backstage altercations with Swann’s friend Willie Mack and they would meet in the opener on this week’s show.
Moose used this match as an opportunity to taunt Swann further. Mack looked to be battling back, however. He hit a Stunner on Moose after missing a 6-star Frog Splash. Moose then caught him in a spear and delivered elbows to his prone opponent until the referee called for the bell. Moose then continued the assault after the end of the match, likely to further send a message to the Impact World Champion.
Anyone Not Named TJP Can Challenge For the X-Division Title, Anyone Not Named TJP At All
It was tough luck for @MegaTJP against @HakimZane last week.
Last week, TJP lost an X-Division title match that carried the stipulation that if he lost, he’d never be able to challenge for the title again while Rohit Raju is champion. Later in the back, TJP was speaking with Scott D’Amore. The co-Executive Vice President said that he wondered how Dusty Rhodes would handle such a situation. D’Amore continued to point out that “anyone not named TJP” can challenge for the title and made numerous mentions of how Dusty Rhodes might handle the same spot.
D’Amore may have been referring to Dusty’s “Midnight Rider” gimmick, or maybe just to Stagger Lee like gimmicks from the past. In what may have been a bit of foreshadowing from Impact, Suicide wrestled on the show before this. TJP has played the masked character in the past, beginning in 2013.
Brian Myers Defeats Crazzy Steve
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byD0R49yeh0
Brian Myers defeated Swoggle at Turning Point but Crazzy Steve came out to prevent a post-match attack from the “Most Professional Wrestler.” A singles match was then booked between the two tonight. After a competitive match, Myers resorted to underhanded tactics when he punched the legally blind Steve in the eye. Steve couldn’t see anything and Myers hit him with a clothesline for the win.
Hernandez Wins The Clash For Cash
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hBncYxjFsM
For weeks now, several Impact wrestlers have been feuding over a wad of cash that was on the line in an arm-wrestling match between Rhino and Hernandez. Fallah Bah came into possession of the cash leading to the match between these two. The finish of the match came when Fallah Bah attempted a Samoan Drop but Hernandez fought out and slingshotted Bah off the ropes. Super Mex then flew off the top rope with a splash for the win.
Next Week In Impact Wrestling
A few big things take place next week on Impact Wrestling.
The Good Brothers have promised a “phenomenal” opponent for Ethan Page in singles competition.
Kurt Angle could’ve made a return to Impact Wrestling earlier this year.
The promotion reportedly made a strong push to have Angle come back after being away for several years. PWinsider.com reports that Impact came up with for him to appear at the Bound For Glory pay-per-view event last month.
The report goes onto state that while they did have talks, those conversations stalled. It should be noted that he posted this photo on Twitter with the TNA title last month:
The WWE Hall of Famer has stated in previous interviews that his focus is now on his Physically Fit Nutrition business. Once he was let go as a producer for WWE, he was offered to be the manager of Matt Riddle but turned down the opportunity.
With Angle being outside of the WWE bubble, there’s been some hope from fans regarding him potentially going to AEW, a direct rival of WWE as they’re seen as the second biggest promotion in the United States.
“The thing is, when I came back to WWE, I wasn’t expecting what I got, and I was very grateful. I got the Hall of Fame. I wanted the Hall of Fame, but I didn’t want it first. I wanted it last, and I wanted to wrestle first.”
Angle is a member of the Impact Wrestling Hall of Fame but hasn’t made an appearance for the company since March 2016.
When Don Callis was hired by Impact Wrestling in 2018, he had his eyes set on bringing in Chris Jericho and Kenny Omega. Callis famously helped organized the Jericho vs Omega bout from the Tokyo Dome on January 4th, 2018 that many credit with having changed the course of wrestling.
Callis recently told Fight Game Media that had it not been for AEW, Kenny Omega would have signed with Impact.
“I’ll say this: If AEW had not come into play … Kenny Omega would have come into Impact Wrestling. Not that he ever agreed to it, but it’s something that Scott D’Amore and I would have made happen,” said Callis.
At an Impact press conference to promote Slammiversary 2018 from the Rebel Nightclub in Toronto, Callis told SEScoops that he planned to pursue signing both Jericho and Omega to Impact.
“There’s a young Canadian kid I like, we’d love to sign him, his name is Kenny Omega,” Callis said. “Another is Chris Jericho.”
Callis talked about his history with Omega on the Jim Ross podcast that summer.
“I gave him his first break wrestling for the promotion I had in Winnipeg [Canada]. And his uncle, The Golden Sheik, who was an indie wrestler in Winnipeg helped train me in the [pro wrestling] business in 1989, so my roots with Kenny go back many years. I’ve been on this journey with him, and specifically since I’ve been in New Japan and we have a very close relationship. We talk about ideas, we do things, I helped put together the match between him and Chris [Jericho] for the Tokyo Dome.”
Tonight’s episode of Impact Wrestling will feature fallout from this weekend’s Turning Point event and the final appearance from The Rascalz. We have a full preview for the show below.
In addition to The Rascalz leaving Impact, a few other top stars have their contracts expiring in the weeks ahead. Former champions Ethan Page and Taya Valkyrie’s deals are up at the end of December. Ethan Page alluded to this in his latest video blog. This does not mean they are leaving, but both would have the chance to explore free agency if they wanted to gauge interest from other companies.
Taya Valkyrie and Ethan Page’s Impact Wrestling contracts are set to expire at the end of the year. Both deals are believed to be up at the end of December. Page alluded to this in his most recent vlog.
Tonight’s Impact will see:
Moose vs. Willie Mack in a No Disqualification match
The Rascalz Final Match: Dez & Wentz vs. Trey Miguel & Rich Swann
Brian Myers vs. Crazzy Steve
Hernandez vs. Fallah Bahh
Tenille & Alisha vs. Havoc & Nveah in a Knockouts Tag Team Title Tournament opening round match.
Below you can see the full brackets for the Knockouts Tag Team Title Tournament:
Impact Wrestling has announced the brackets for the upcoming Knockouts Tag Team title tournament. The 8-team single-elimination tournament will begin on Tuesday’s edition of Impact. The brackets are below:
Tenille Dashwood & Alisha Edwards vs Havok & Nevaeh
Killer Kelly & Renee Michelle vs Jordynne Grace & TBA
Kiera Hogan & Tasha Steelz vs Team Sea Stars (Ashley Vox & Delmi Exo)
Deonna Purrazzo & Kimber Lee vs Taya Valkyrie & Rosemary
Semi-Finals: Winner of Match 1 vs Winner of Match 2
Semi-Finals: Winner of Match 3 vs Winner of Match 4
Finals: Winner of Match 5 vs Winner of Match 6
BREAKING: These are the full brackets for the Knockouts Tag Team Title Tournament! The tournament begins TUESDAY on IMPACT! #TurningPointpic.twitter.com/vJydyFsuuG
In storyline, Jordynne Grace is having trouble finding a tag partner. She has almost formed a team with rival, Tenille Dashwood, but the “social media influencer” opted to choose Alisha Edwards as her partner instead.
Killer Kelly and Renee Michelle will each be making their Impact debut in the tournament. They’ll face Grace and a partner of her choosing in the first round.
The Team Sea Stars pairing consists of Ashley Vox and Delmi Exo. They are former tag champs in SHIMMER.
Knockouts Tag Team Championships
The Knockouts tag team titles didn’t have a long run in Impact. They were introduced in the fall of 2009 but were essentially gone by early 2012. Sarah Stock and Taylor Wilde were the first holders of the belts, after winning an 8-team single-elimination tournament similar to the one that has just been scheduled.
The titles were deactivated after ODB and Eric Young won them in 2012. Then Knockouts-division executive, Brooke Hogan, made the decision to strip them of the belts, though that didn’t officially occur until the summer of 2013.
Kylie Rae was scheduled to wrestle Deonna Purrazzo for the Impact Knockouts Championship at Bound For Glory. She did not appear on the show, however. While many details of the situation are being kept private, Kylie would later announce on Patreon that she is no longer a professional wrestler.
According to a recent update from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Kylie had been scheduled to defeat Purrazzo for the title. She was also expected to begin portraying a Marvel character as part of AAA’s new deal with the company.
“She was also going to be one of the two women playing Marvel characters in AAA which was going to be a high-profile mainstream spot, with lots of merchandise in Mexico and the possibility of it opening up in the U.S. as well,” wrote Dave Meltzer.
Kylie released the following statement to her Patreon subscribers earlier this month:
“I’m truly sorry for the pain I’ve caused and miscommunication, I am currently unwell. I’m also sorry that I wasn’t able to get this out before your monthly subscription charge.”
“I wanted to take this time to say I am no longer a professional wrestler and am currently taking a break from social media. It’s been a very hard decision to make but please understand. When I am well, I will try to fulfill any obligations that have missed.”
Kylie has not been released from her contract with Impact Wrestling. Although Kylie has stated she is no longer a wrestler, the door has been left open for her if she decides to return.
Last night on Impact Wrestling, it was revealed that the Rascalz (Trey Miguel, Zachary Wentz, & Dezmond Xavier) are leaving the company. In storyline, the trio received an eviction notice after it was revealed they had not paid rent on their treehouse in 2 years.
The trio is actually done with Impact Wrestling. They are said to be leaving on good terms and finished up at the last set of TV tapings. On next week’s episode of Impact, Dez and Wentz will team against Rich Swann and Trey Miguel. The Rascalz are not booked to be at Turning Point on Saturday.
In addition to performing for Impact Wrestling, the Rascalz have teamed together for promotions such as CZW and PWG. Dez and Wentz are 2x CZW tag champions and 1x PWG champions.
The Rascalz came out to save Rich Swann from an attack by Sami Callihan last night on Impact. Callihan was going to hit Swann with a baseball bat before the trio made the save. Later in the back, Swann would book the tag match for next week which will be the final episode for the Rascalz.
According to a report at WrestlingInc, the Rascalz have a ‘standing offer’ from WWE and are expected to join the company soon.
Impact Wrestling is currently reeling from the attempted murder of John E Bravo on last week’s episode. This week, Tommy Dreamer has found his best Sherlock Holmes costume and is on the case.
Impact Wrestling 11/3 Quick Results:
Knockouts Championship Deonna Purrazzo defeated Su Yung (c) via DQ
Chris Bey defeated Trey Miguel
Doc Gallows defeated Ethan Page
Johnny Swinger defeated Cody Deaner
Sami Callihan & Eric Young defeated Rich Swann & Eddie Edwards
Tommy Dreamer Is On The Case Of Who Shot John E Bravo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVMDKnossB4
It was revealed this week that John E Bravo is not dead following being shot last week. Bravo is in a medically induced coma, however. Tommy Dreamer also announced that he is on the case after dressing up in his best Sherlock Holmes costume.
It’s clear that numerous people had a motive to shoot Bravo. Dreamer narrowed the list of suspects down to 10 names:
Johnny Swinger
Havok
Cody Deaner
Fallah Bahh
Referee Brandon Tolle
Hernandez
Larry D
Father James Mitchell
Rosemary
Taya Valkyrie
It might be some time before we find out who shot Bravo. We’ll all just have to following Dreamer’s investigation as it unfolds.
Knockouts Title To Be Defended At Turning Point
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDajhO3lOBE
A rematch from Bound For Glory kicked off the show this week. Deonna Purrazzo faced Su Yung for the Knockouts title. Kimber Lee tried to give her ally an advantage by sliding a chair into he ring. Yung picked up the weapon, however, and was disqualified after using it on the challenger.
Following the match, Purrazzo’s attorney, RD Evans, argued that she wasn’t given a fair shot. Scott D’Amore then announced Purrazzo and Yung will face each other again at Turning Point on November 14th in a no disqualification match.
Sami Callihan To Face Rich Swann At Turning Point
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2todUsLgQ7A
Sami Callihan teamed with Eric Young to face Rich Swann and Eddie Edwards in the main event this week. The team of Callihan and Young picked up the victory after some interference from Ken Shamrock allowed Callihan to pin Edwards. The trio of Young, Callihan and Shamrock seemed pretty aligned to end the show as well.
It was later announced that Callihan will face Swann at Turning Point.
Moose Wants A Shot At Rich Swann
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATEYnixKPVs
Moose cut an in-ring promo this week about his victory over EC3 at Bound For Glory. He noted that he considers his belt the top one in the promotion and that Swann is holding a secondary title. Moose also talked about having attacked Willie Mack in the parking lot last week. Mack came out to confront Moose but found himself on the wrong end of the melee after bumping into the camera operator.
A match between Moose and Mack was later scheduled for Turning Point.
Chris Bey Also Wants A Shot At Rich Swann
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-3ZlZDmYrQ
Chris Bey picked up a singles victory over Trey Miguel this week on Impact. We would later see him in the backstage area trying to convince Rich Swann to grant him a world title shot. Swann told Bey that if he wants a title shot, he’ll have to do something to earn it.
Rhino won the Call Your Shot Gauntlet match at Bound For Glory, seemingly earning his friend Heath a contract in the process. Heath tore his groin during the match, however, and the team went to great lengths to hide this from Scott D’Amore this week. D’Amore eventually figured it out, however, and said that Heath will have to wait until he’s healthy to sign his new contract with the promotion.
Doc Gallows Picks Up Victory Over Ethan Page
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUW3F-HKSdY
The North regained the Impact tag team titles at Bound For Glory but Ethan Page would face one-half of the Good Brothers, Doc Gallows, in singles action this week. Josh Alexander attempted to interfere in the match but Karl Anderson made the save. Gallows then hit Page with a thrust kick and got the 3-count. The North attempted to assault Gallows after the match but Anderson again made the save and the Good Brothers stood tall to end the segment.
Johnny Swinger Picks Up Victory With A Loaded Fanny Pack
Johnny Swinger picked up a rare singles win this week on Impact. He defeated Cody Deaner but the match was not without controversy. Swinger picked up the pin after hitting Deaner with his fanny pack. It’s not clear what Swinger loaded the pack up with but it certainly did the trick.
Swoggle was interviewed in the back this week. He was talking about his book “Life is Short and So Am I” when he was interrupted by Brian Myers. The Most Professional Wrestler called him a sideshow attraction and pushed him over at the end of the segment. It seems a feud between these two is brewing. A match between the two at Turning Point was made official later in the night.
Rohit Raju To Defend The X-Division Title Against TJP
Rohit Raju held another “Defeat Rohit” challenge this week. It was answered by TJP, however, who has already challenged the X-Division champion. The two ended up brawling after TJP threw hot tea on the champion.
Later in the show, D’Amore confirmed that Raju will defend against TJP next week and if TJP doesn’t win, he can’t challenge for the title again while Raju is champion.
Madison Rayne hosted another episode of “Locker Room Talk” this week. Her guests were Jordynne Grace and Tenille Dashwood (along with Kaleb). Rayne mentioned that neither of the two Knockouts have a partner for the KO Tag Team Championship tournament. Grace seemed okay with the idea of teaming with Dashwood but Dashwood asked Rayne to be her partner instead. The new team will face Neveah and Havok next week.
Upcoming Matches In Impact Wrestling
Next week on Impact Wrestling:
X-Division Championship Rohit Raju (c) vs TJP
Chris Sabin vs Acey Romero
Madison Rayne & Tenille Dashwood vs Havok & Neveah
Coming up at Turning Point on November 14th:
Impact World Championship Rich Swann (c) vs Sami Callihan
Knockouts Championship No Disqualification Su Yung (c) vs Deonna Purrazzo
Impact Tag Team Championships The North (c) vs the Good Brothers
While their marriage isn’t acknowledged on-air, Su Yung and Rich Swann are both world champions in Impact Wrestling. At Impact’s Bound For Glory PPV, Rich Swann defeated Eric Young to win the Impact World title and Su Yung defeated Deonna Purrazzo to win the Knockouts title.
For Yung, it is her second time winning the coveted Knockouts belt. For Swann, his win at Bound For Glory was his first world championship, though he is a former X-Division and WWE Cruiserweight champion as well.
Su Yung took to Twitter to comment on their title wins:
once üpon a time. . .
4 oür fütüre 4 oür present 4 oür history love &&& so proüd of ü Richie ??? thank ü to all ?? we made history present &&& fütüre
Deona Purrazzo was originally scheduled to face Kylie Rae on the PPV but when Rae didn’t make the show, Su Yung was chosen as her replacement.
The celebration for Swann and Yung might be short-lived, however. A rematch between Yung and Purrazzo is scheduled for tonight’s show. The below matches are also scheduled for tonight:
Chris Bey vs Trey Miguel
Knockouts Championship Su Yung (c) vs Deonna Purrazzo
Ethan Page vs Doc Gallows
Rich Swann & Eddie Edwards vs Eric Young & Sami Callihan
Additionally, Impact will likely address the murder of John E Bravo on tonight’s show.
Kylie Rae has announced she is taking a break from pro wrestling.
Rae was recently scheduled to compete at Impact Wrestling’s Bound for Glory pay-per-view. She no-showed the event, which set off concern due to her history of missing shows due to ‘personal issues.’
On Monday morning, Kylie Rae posted a message on her Patreon page announcing that she is “currently unwell” and “no longer a professional wrestler.”
She wrote to her subscribers, “I’m truly sorry for the pain I’ve caused and miscommunication, I am currently unwell. I’m also sorry that I wasn’t able to get this out before your monthly subscription charge.”
“I wanted to take this time to say I am no longer a professional wrestler and am currently taking a break from social media. It’s been a very hard decision to make but please understand.. When I am well, I will try to fulfill any obligations that have missed.”
We wish Kylie Rae all the best during her hiatus from pro wrestling. If you or a loved one is battling mental health issues, we encourage you to seek help independently or from one of the online resources available below:
Impact Wrestling 10/27 featured the first show since the Bound For Glory PPV. It was headlined by the wedding between John E Bravo and Rosemary. The wedding didn’t go as planned.
Impact 10/27 Results:
Impact World Championship Rich Swann (c) defeated Eric Young
Hardcore Halloween Match Tommy Dreamer defeated Brian Myers
Team XXXL (Larry D & Acey Romero) defeated The Rascalz (Wentz & Dez)
The wedding between Rosemary and John E Bravo headlined the show this week. As the ceremony got underway, it appeared to be somewhat of a Halloween theme. Several wrestlers were in costume on the outside and Taya Valkyrie’s +1 appeared to be the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man of Ghostbusters fame. Father James Mitchell then made his arrival to officiate the wedding after having previously been killed in the undead realm.
Everyone involved in the wedding seemed to expect some type of disturbance. They looked surprised as several opportunities for such interference came and went without anything happening. They were declared man and wife but right when they went to kiss the lights went out. With the lights out a gunshot could be heard and when they came back on, Bravo was lying dead with a bullet wound in his chest.
The show opened up this week with Eric Young once again assaulting Rich Swann. The brawl spilled to the ring area before it was broken up by several officials. Scott D’Amore was in the ring as Young yelled that he wanted his rematch tonight. Swann agreed and the match was made official. Despite wrestling in dress shoes and not being prepared for the match, Swann managed to finish off the former champion with a Phoenix Splash, just as he had done at Bound For Glory.
Barrister RD Evans Ensures Deonna Purrazzo Receives Knockouts Title Rematch
Barrister RD Evans, who some may remember from ROH or others will remember from quitting his role as a WWE writer in dramatic fashion, had his legal services retained by Deonna Purrazzo this week. The Virtuosa claimed she should still be the rightful Knockouts Champion after Su Yung answered her challenge at Bound For Glory. She had originally been scheduled to face Kylie Rae on the card.
Scott D’Amore said Purrazzo could go through the legal system, but the courts are punting most cases down field during the pandemic, so things could take a long time. Or the former champion could face Su Yung next week. Purrazzo, Kimber Lee, and Evans consulted and agreed to the terms.
This brought out Su Yung who attacked everyone and blew mist in D’Amore’s face. She closed the segment by putting the mandible claw on Purrazzo.
Moose Claims TNA World Championship Is The #1 Title, Confronts Rich Swann
Rich Swann’s first night as Impact World Champion was not without multiple obstacles. After retaining the title in an impromptu rematch against Eric Young, Swann was celebrating in the back with the Rascalz and Willie Mack. He was then confronted by Moose who is now once again in possession of the TNA World Championship. He said that the TNA title was the #1 belt and that Swann seems to be celebrating just being #2. This infuriated Swann and he had to be held back by the Rascalz. Then Willie Mack got in Moose’s face and challenged him to a match. Moose said he’ll decide when that happens. Later in the show, Moose attacked Mack in the parking lot.
Rich Swann Confronted By Sami Callihan and Ken Shamrock
After his confrontation with Moose, Swann wandered into a room where Sami Callihan and Ken Shamrock were sitting. Callihan told Swann that while he hasn’t seen a lot of him lately, the new champion should get used to seeing both him and Ken Shamrock around.
There are no shortages of challengers awaiting to face the new champion, it seems.
Swoggle Helps Tommy Dreamer Defeated Brian Myers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fn57plQKEXQ
The rivalry between Brian Myers and Tommy Dreamer continued this week on Impact. A Halloweed street fight was scheduled between the two. Dreamer came out with the same Road Warrior Animal tribute facepaint for the match.
After a match filled with plunder, Tommy Dreamer was able to gain the advantage when Swoggle emerged from a trash can and took a pair of tongs to the groin of Myers. Dreamer then delivered a death valley driver through a table for the win.
Team XXXL Moves Up The Tag Team Rankings
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWkk9ohHsx8
Team XXXL pulled off what some would consider an upset this week when they defeated the Rascalz. Larry D pinned Dez after a massive splash from the top rope.
Later in the show, the former tag champions, the Motor City Machine Guns, were being interviewed when Team XXXL interrupted. The MCMG were stating that since they were never pinned at Bound for Glory, they were owed a rematch. Alex Shelley was seen sporting a neck brace, however, and a rematch will have to wait until he is cleared. Team XXXL said they aren’t willing to wait for their potential title shot and eventually attacked the former champions, leaving the injured Shelley on the floor.
It looks like Team XXXL is gunning for a title shot and they don’t want to have to wait for MCMG to get their rematch first.
Tasha Steelz & Kiera Hogan Pick Up Victory As Knockouts Tag Division Returns
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgf1BPXOxro
Impact has announced an 8-team single-elimination tournament will determine the new Knockouts tag team champions. In the backstage area, Jordynne Grace and Alisha Edwards formed a loose alliance. They would take on the established team of Kiera Hogan and Tasha Steelz.
In the end, it would be a miscommunication between the less experienced team that would make the difference. Alisha charged at Steelz in the corner but missed and hit her partner, this allowed Steelz to roll her up for the 3-count and pick up the win for her team. After the match, Grace and Alisha didn’t seem too pleased with each other.
Impact Wrestling’s Bound For Glory PPV saw some unscheduled changes take place. In the Call Your Shot Gauntlet match, Heath was in obvious discomfort and needed the ropes to hold himself up. Alex Shelley was taken out of the 4-way tag-team match early and Kylie Rae did not perform in her scheduled match against Deonna Purrazzo.
According to updates from the Wrestling Observer, Heath suffered a hernia in the gauntlet match. At the time, he thought he suffered a torn groin. Heath was also scheduled to win the match but the plan changed after he was injured. In storyline, one of either Heath or Rhino needed to win the match or they would both be gone from Impact. An on-the-fly decision saw Rhino defeat Sami Callihan in the finals of the match. This keeps Rhino and Heath in the company from a storyline perspective, though now it is Rhino who has a title shot owed instead of Heath.
The North attacked Alex Shelley before the tag title match at Bound For Glory. This forced Chris Sabin to wrestle the match by himself. The North would regain the tag titles in the match. Shelley provided his own detailed medical evaluation on Twitter:
Wrestling is a really dangerous sport and sometimes things don’t work out the way you want them to. I apologize to @BLabelPro and @SORBilly who was coming out of retirement as well as any independent companies I was negotiating with. Piledrivers are very dangerous. https://t.co/VzRCxTUlJq
So, the C6 nerve root controls your pointer finger and bicep and C5 can refer to your pectoralis. If you feel intense burning in either of these areas following trauma, please seek medical attention. I feel somewhat grateful to have the education to know what the red flags are.
Kylie Rae also missed the show. According to a report from PW Insider, she traveled to Nashville but was unable to make it to the venue Saturday evening. The reason she missed the show is a private matter and Impact has said they won’t publicly comment on it. She is said to be doing well and is in good-standing with the company. She’ll be back when she is ready to be.
At Impact Wrestling’s Bound For Glory PPV over the weekend, the company announced the Knockouts tag team championships will be returning. New champions will be crowned on the next Impact PPV at Hard to Kill on January 16th.
BREAKING: You've asked for it – the Knockouts Tag Team Titles are BACK!
Sarita and Taylor Wilde were the first-ever winners of the Knockouts tag team championships. They won a tournament and defeated Madison Rayne and Velvet Sky in the finals. Awesome Kong and Hamada would defeat them for the belts 106 days later.
The titles were then vacated when Awesome Kong left the company in 2010. The Beautiful People would then win the vacated belts that March.
In March of 2012, Eric Young became the first male wrestler to win 1/2 of the titles. His team with ODB defeated Gail Kim and Madison Rayne to win the belts. Impact executive Brooke Hogan would eventually strip them of the titles due to Young being a male competitor, however. The titles were eventually deactivated.
UFC legend and veteran wrestler Ken Shamrock was inducted into the Impact Wrestling Hall Of Fame during the pre-show for tonight’s Bound For Glory PPV event by none other than The Rock via a video message.
Shamrock was announced for the Hall Of Fame in February this year and last month he asked The Great One if he could send greetings for this induction.
The Impact star had called his time with the Rock his ‘greatest memory’ in wrestling and The People’s champion had replied to his request positively.
Tonight’s pre-show then saw Shamrock receiving video messages from the likes of WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart, WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley, Bas Rutton, Ariel Helwani, and Chael Sonnen congratulating him on his induction.
The final message was from the Rock who credited his rivalry with Ken Shamrock as a big moment in his wrestling career and congratulated the former champion for the achievement.
Shamrock then delivered a speech where he thanked his friends and family. He also thanked pro wrestling personalities like Bret Hart, The Rock, and even Vince McMahon for giving him a shot in WWE:
This induction makes Ken Shamrock the ninth person to join the Impact Wrestling Hall Of Fame alongside people like Sting, Kurt Angle, and Team 3D.
My pleasure, brother. Ken was very instrumental early in my career and I’ll always be grateful to him. Thanks to you as well for being so kind to me on that Indy show we did back in ‘97. Tell all the Impact boys (and girls) I said keep working hard and have fun ??
Former WWE star Rich Swann became the new Impact Wrestling World Champion in the main event of tonight’s Bound for Glory pay per view event.
Swann faced the former champion Eric Young in a one on one match in the main event and he got an early advantage over the champion, forcing Eric to hit the floor to collect himself.
The world champion however, came back and took control of the bout after hitting a big neck breaker on the challenger. Young continued to beat up the former 205 Live star for the next few minutes.
Though Rich Swann never stayed down for long and the two lightweight stars had a hard-hitting match for the biggest prize in Impact Wrestling.
The ending of the bout saw Rich Swann trying to hit a phoenix splash but the Impact champion wrenched his ankle against the turnbuckle.
The challenger countered this with a handspring cutter. Rich Swann then finally delivered the phoenix splash and pinned Young to become the new Impact World Champion.
After the match, several Impact babyfaces came to the ring to congratulate the new champion and the show ended with him celebrating in the ring with other wrestlers. You can check out some photos of the bout below:
This title change ends Eric Young’s second reign as the Impact World Champion of 70 days and marks the beginning of the first World title reign for Rich Swann.
