This week’s episode of Impact Wrestling featured matches from the recent tapings from New York City’s Melrose Ballroom. The headline segment for the show featured Sami Callihan cutting a promo on his Hard To Kill opponent Tessa Blanchard. The main event match saw the X-division title on the line.
Here are 9 takeaways from the December 17, 2019 edition of Impact Wrestling:
Sami Callihan and Tessa Blanchard Brawl Backstage
Sami Callihan cut a promo on Tessa Blanchard this week, saying she has been handed her opportunities due to her father being Tully Blanchard and her step-father being Magnum T.A.
Blanchard came out to confront Callihan but was attacked from behind by Madman Fulton. Ken Shamrock then came out to attack Fulton, leaving Blanchard and Callihan to engage in a wild brawl backstage, in the parking lot, and pretty much all over the area.
It was then announced that Madman Fulton vs Ken Shamrock has been added to the Impact Wrestling Hard to Kill pay-per-view.
Rob Van Dam Softens Up Brian Cage
Rob Van Dam doesn’t seem too worried about his dream match with Brian Cage at Impact Wrestling’s Hard to Kill PPV. RVD said of facing Cage that he “can counter his own moves” in reference to his ongoing accusations that Cage steals moves from him.
RVD cut a promo with Katie Forbes this week that was interrupted by Cage. A low-blow by Forbes would give RVD the advantage in the scuffle, however. He then looked to go for the Coast 2 Coast on Cage but wouldn’t give the fans the satisfaction and merely dropkicked a chair into Cage’s face instead.
Ace Austin Dedicates Match To Trey’s Mother
- Impact Wrestling X-Division Championship
Ace Austin (c) defeated Petey Williams
Ace Austin beat former X-Division champion, Petey Williams, this week. After the match, Austin got on the mic and dedicated the match to Mrs. Miguel, aka Trey’s mother.
Later in the night, Trey confronted Austin in the back over his frequent mentions of his mother. Trey has a future X-Division title match owed to him but he might care more about revenge than championships when these two finally square off.
Joey Ryan Faces His Wrestlers Court Sentence
- Joey Ryan defeated Acey Romero
Last week, Tommy Dreamer sentenced Joey Ryan to this match after finding him guilty of killing the business during Wrestlers Court.
Johnny Swinger was on commentary and continued to complain about Ryan’s antics “killing the business” and “chasing the rizats away.”
After a ref bump, Swinger attempted to get involved by giving Romero a “Fanny pack suplex” akin to Ryan’s penis suplex. It didn’t work. Ryan then delivered his flip suplex and a lollypop assisted superkick for the win.
The North Gear Up To Face Willie Mack & Rich Swann at Hard to Kill
- Ethan Page defeated Rich Swann via DQ
The North will defend their tag titles against Rich Swann and Willie Mack at Hard to Kill. After a backstage confrontation this week, a single’s match between Page and Swann was scheduled.
While Page was on the outside, he slapped Mack in the face. Mack took the bait and chased Page into the ring and delivered a blow which caused the DQ. Page found the whole thing pretty funny while Swann seemed quite upset.
Moose and Rhino Brawl Backstage
Rhino and Moose ran into each other backstage this week. Moose noted to Rhino that while RVD beat him last week, Moose defeated RVD earlier this year. Rhino gave Moose a gore in response.
It was then announced the two will face each other at Hard to Kill.
Jordynne Grace Builds Momentum Leading to PPV, Taya Valkyrie Enlists Help
- Jordynne Grace defeated Tenille Dashwood
Jordynne Grace countered a pinning combination into her own pinning combination to get the win on Dashwood this week. After the match, Taya Valkyrie attempted to attack Grace but was fended off by both Grace and Tenille Dashwood.
Later in the show, Taya would recruit help from Kiera Hogan and Madison Rayne.
TJP Jumped By Desi Hit Squad
- TJP defeated Daga
TJP and Daga had a close match this week but ultimately TJP would come out the winner via submission. After the match, TJP and his partner Fallah Bah were attacked by the Desi Hit Squad including Mahabali Shera who hasn’t been seen in weeks.
Shera delivered a big chokeslam to TJP to end the segment.
Next Week
The next new episode of Impact Wrestling takes place on January 7th, 2020 and will be the go-home show for Hard to Kill. Best of 2019 and the 2019 awards show will take place the next two weeks.
Quick Results 12/17:
- Jordynne Grace defeated Tenille Dashwood
- TJP defeated Daga
- Ethan Page defeated Rich Swann via DQ
- Joey Ryan defeated Acey Romero
- X-Division Championship
Ace Austin (c) defeated Petey Williams
