Impact Wrestling presented another episode last night from their recent set of tapings in Tennessee. This episode featured 2 more first-round matches in the #1 Contenders tournament as well as Moose defending “his” TNA World Championship.
Impact Wrestling 5/19 Quick Results:
- #1 Contenders Tournament (1st Round)
Ace Austin defeated Rhino - Crazzy Steve defeated Dave Crist
- TJP & Fallah Bah defeated Team XXXL (Ace Romero & Larry D)
- TNA World Championship
Moose (c) defeated Suicide - X-Division Championship
Willie Mack (c) defeated Johnny Swinger - #1 Contenders Tournament (1st Round)
Michael Elgin defeated Sami Callihan
Michael Elgin Defeats Sami Callihan, Advances In Tournament
The main event of Impact this week saw Michael Elgin go up against Sami Callihan in the 1st round of the #1 Contenders tournament. It was a rough draw for each wrestler to get in the 1st round. Callihan came into this match at a disadvantage, however. After Ken Shamrock caused Sami to pass out at Rebellion in the ankle lock, it became clear the injury has not fully healed yet and that was a factor in this match.
Elgin didn’t shy away from focussing on his opponent’s injured ankle but Sami fought back. Ultimately, Callihan stumbled on his injured leg after escaping a power bomb attempt by Elgin and this allowed Elgin to capitalize and land a sit-down power bomb for the win. Elgin will go on to meet Trey in the semi-finals.
Moose Defends “His” TNA Championship, Josh Matthews Having None Of It
We saw more highlights this week of a sit-down interview between Josh Matthews and Moose. Matthews made no secret of the fact that Moose is only a self-proclaimed holder of the TNA World title. Moose did not respond kindly to Matthews’ expression of this fact.
Moose needed to resort to underhanded tactics to score a second-straight victory over Suicide this week. This time, as Suicide landed a crossbody block from the top rope, Moose’s momentum landed him on top of Suicide in a pinning position. Moose then grabbed a handful of trunks and got the 3-count to defend “his” TNA World Title.
Moose continued to insist that he be announced as the TNA World Champion and that the referee hold up the title before the match.
Ace Austin Advances In Tournament
Ace Austin was named as a last-minute replacement for an injured Ken Shamrock in the tournament. The former X-Division Champion was in tough in the 1st round of the tournament but much like he did throughout his title reign, Austin was able to find away to escape with a victory.
In this match, Austin would use his baton to hit Rhino with while the referee’s attention was averted. With the win, Austin will go on to face Hernandez in the semi-finals of the tournament.
Johnny Swinger & Chris Bey Attack Willie Mack
In Johnny Swinger’s mind, he and Willie Mack used to form a tag-team called “the Mack and Pack Connection.” Once Mack won the X-division title, Swinger started calling for a title shot against him. Chris Bey was shown speaking with Swinger in the back before the match and it appears an alliance between the two is brewing.
At one point in the match, Swinger hit a swinging neck breaker and Mack only kept his title by getting his foot on the rope. Swinger thought he’d won the match and the title but it was not the case. Mack would pick up the victory with a Samoan Drop followed by a standing moonsault.
After the match, however, Chris Bey hit the ring and he and Swinger attacked Mack and left him laying.
Madman Fulton Quits OVE
The returning Crazzy Steve picked up a victory this week in single’s action. He landed a diving DDT on Dave Crist for the win. Joey Ryan came out to watch Steve in action this week after the two had a bit of an altercation in the back last week. Ryan feels Steve’s name is “offensive to crazy people.”
The other members of OVE, Madman Fulton and Jake Crist were at ringside but after the match Madman Fulton let it be known he’d had enough of being in the faction. Fulton grabbed both Crist brothers by the neck and proclaimed that he quit. It looks like OVE really is over now, as Sami Callihan and Madman Fulton have left, leaving just the Crist brothers on their own.
Kiera Hogan & Tasha Steelz Form An Alliance
Tasha Steelz was recently signed to a contract with Impact Wrestling. She lost a single’s match to Kylie Rae last week. This week she was approached by Kiera Hogan in the back and the two came to an understanding on a new alliance.
Steelz is a 5-year pro who has competed for ROH, NWA, Warrior Wrestling and many other promotions. Last summer, she challenged Kelly Klein for the WOH title on the ROH Summer Supercard in Toronto. Steelz was also featured prominently recently on episodes of NWA Powerrr. Now it looks like Steelz will be joining forces with Kiera Hogan in Impact Wrestling.
Next Week On Impact Wrestling
Next weak on Impact Wrestling, the semi-finals of the #1 Contenders tournament will take place. Trey will take on Michael Elgin and Hernandez will take on Ace Austin. Also next week, the North will take on Cody Deaner and a partner as all 3 are in Ontario, Canada and unable to travel to tapings. Kimber Lee and Havok will also rematch after Lee picked up a victory in their first tilt by way of using a pair of brass knuckles.
- #1 Contenders Tournament (Semi-Finals)
Ace Austin vs Hernandez - #1 Contenders Tournament (Semi-Finals)
Michael Elgin vs Trey - The North vs Cody Deaner & TBD
- Kimber Lee vs Havok
