On the heels of Samoa Joe being released by WWE on April 15th, former TNA Wrestling writer Vince Russo recently commented on why he wasn’t pushed harder while he was in TNA. Granted, Joe is a former Grand Slam champion in TNA but according to Russo, Joe’s weight was a factor backstage.
“The problem we always had with Samoa Joe, always revolved around weight. It was never that he was a pain in the ass or he wasn’t talented or he couldn’t do this… it was always (his) weight,” Russo said recently on his Writing with Russo podcast (transcriptions via Sportskeeda).
“So what would happen, and this always happened, it was like a yoyo… Samoa Joe would come to TV looking great so now we’re all excited because physically Samoa Joe could look really good or look really bad. He would come to work looking really great so now we’re booking for ‘Joe was off, Joe lost some weight, Joe is in shape…’, now we’re booking for that guy. So we’ll book six to eight weeks of TV, then we’ll go home, we’re all excited about Joe, we’re writing the next set of TVs and he comes back and he’s out of shape and you could tell in the ring. We had these talks with him all the time. We were all upfront with this. This is my POV. There’s a huge difference in Samoa Joe when he’s in shape and when he’s not in shape and you saw it. This happened so many times.”
Joe is a former TNA World Heavyweight Champion. He also held the X-Division title, the short-lived TNA TV title, and twice held the tag titles (once by himself and once with Nick Aldis).
Impact Wrestling has announced that Mauro Ranallo will return to pro-wrestling commentary at Rebellion on April 25th. The promotion sent out a press release that Ranallo will call the match between Kenny Omega and Rich Swann on the show.
“Swann vs Omega, champion vs champion, title vs title – this match represents everything I love about professional wrestling,” said Ranallo. “I have been fortunate to call these two superstars’ matches in the past and I’m very excited to be part of this historic encounter.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dC5qFrdF7U
“This once in a generation title vs title showdown deserves to be called by the once in a generation play-by-play announcer. I’ve known Mauro for over two decades. There are very few people in the world who are as passionate about or know their wrestling history as well as Mauro. This is an historic main event, the world champions of two major organizations putting everything on the line. I’m thrilled that April 25th, at Rebellion, fans will have Mauro’s legendary voice proving the soundtrack to history!”
Ranallo and Impact released the following two videos breaking down Swann vs Omega at Rebellion:
https://youtu.be/9Fpk-aGnktM
https://youtu.be/BGSqmxPANSo
Here are the matches scheduled for Rebellion:
AEW World Championship vs Impact World Championship Kenny Omega (c) vs Rich Swann
Impact Tag Team Championships FinJuice (David Finlay & Juice Robinson) (c) vs. The Good Brothers (Doc Gallows & Karl Anderson)
Knockouts Championship Deonna Purrazzo (c) vs Tenille Dashwood
X-Division Championship Ace Austin (w/Madman Fulton) (c) vs. TJP vs. Josh Alexander
Knockouts Tag Team Championships Fire N Flava (c) vs Jordynne Grace & TBA
Impact Wrestling on 4/15 featured a contract-signing segment between Rich Swann and Kenny Omega for Rebellion. It also featured the retirement ceremony for Jazz and more storylines and angles leading to the PPV later this month.
Impact 4/15 Quick Results:
Josh Alexander defeated TJP
Karl Anderson defeated Crazzy Steve
Jazz & Jordynne Grace defeated Fire N Flava (Non-Title)
Brian Myers defeated Jake Something
Sami Callihan defeated Matt Cardona
Tensions Boil Over During Rich Swann & Kenny Omega Press Conference
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dC5qFrdF7U
The headlining segment on Impact 4/15 was a press conference featuring Kenny Omega and Rich Swann. Tony Khan and Jerry Lynn were on-hand from AEW and Khan spoke about how if Swann wins, he’ll be on both Dynamite and Impact moving forward and if Omega wins, he’ll continue to be on both shows as well. Khan also said that there would be for sure be a clear winner.
Kenny Omega concluded the press conference by running down Swann and then slapping him which started a brawl between the two.
Jazz Officially Retires
At Hardcore Justice, Deonna Purrazzo defeated Jazz in a match that carried a title vs career stipulation. This week on Impact, Jazz came out for her official retirement ceremony. She was interrupted by the members of Fire N Flava, the tag-team champions.
Word then came from the back that Fire N Flava and Jazz and Jordynne Grace were being booked in an impromptu match. Jazz and Grace quickly won the short match and Jazz continued with her retirement speech. The locker room spilled out to pay respect to her.
Later in the back, D’Amore would confront Fire N Flava and say that now they have to defend their tag belts against Grace and Jazz at Rebellion. Jazz said she needs to honor the stipulation, however, but does know someone Grace can team with on the PPV.
At Rebellion, Ace Austin will defend his X-Division Championship against both Josh Alexander and TJP in a triple threat match. This week, Alexander and TJP went one-on-one to kick off the show.
After a back-and-forth match with lots of submissions, TJP looked to finish things off with his Mamba Splash. Alexander countered with an ankle lock, however. TJP then transitioned to a triangle submission but Alexander countered with a power-bomb onto his knee, and then the Divine Intervention piledriver for the win.
Big Petey Pump Details Josh Alexander’s Odds At Rebellion
Viewers on Twitch will note that every week Scott Steiner’s famous “Steiner Math” promo is replayed during commercial breaks at least once. This week, Petey Williams recreated the promo while explaining what Josh Alexander’s odds are in the triple threat X-Division title match at Rebellion. Evidently, the numbers don’t lie and they spell disaster for Ace Austin’s title reign at Rebellion.
Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows are preparing to face FinJuice later this month at Rebellion. Anderson took on Crazzy Steve from Decay this week. He’d pick up the win thanks to some distraction on the outside. Gallows distracted Steve after the Decay member had his opponent locked in an Upside Down. The distraction then allowed Anderson to hit a spine buster for the win.
Brian Myers & Matt Cardona Pick Each Other’s Poison
Ahead of their singles match at Rebellion, Brian Myers and Matt Cardona each picked the opponent of the other on this week’s episode. Cardona picked Jake Something as Myers’ opponent but The Most Professional Wrestler picked up the win with his “Roster Cut” clothesline.
After Myers defeated Something, he revealed Sami Callihan as Cardona’s opponent. Callihan then attacked Cardona from behind to kick start their match. Callihan picked up the victory after giving Cardona a thumb to the eye followed by his patented piledriver for the win.
After his match, Callihan called out Trey Miguel. He offered Trey a chance to partner with him but Trey turned him down. Callihan also revealed it was him that attacked Tommy Dreamer and not Violent By Design. This set off Trey who attacked Callihan. Callihan hit him with a low blow, however. Callihan continued his attack using a chair, suplexing Trey into it to close the segment.
It was later revealed that the two will go one-on-one at Rebellion.
Next Week On Impact Wrestling
Here are the matches scheduled for next week’s episode of Impact:
The Good Brothers vs Decay
Tenille Dashwood vs Susan
Eric Young vs Eddie Edwards
Updated Rebellion Lineup
Here are the matches scheduled for Rebellion:
AEW World Championship vs Impact World Championship Kenny Omega (c) vs Rich Swann
Impact Tag Team Championships FinJuice (David Finlay & Juice Robinson) (c) vs. The Good Brothers (Doc Gallows & Karl Anderson)
Knockouts Championship Deonna Purrazzo (c) vs Tenille Dashwood
X-Division Championship Ace Austin (w/Madman Fulton) (c) vs. TJP vs. Josh Alexander
Knockouts Tag Team Championships Fire N Flava (c) vs Jordynne Grace & TBA
On Sunday, April 25th, 2021, Rich Swann and Kenny Omega will go one-on-one with both the Impact and AEW title belts at stake. AEW’s Tony Khan recently revealed on Busted Open Radio that he plans on attending the PPV. Khan also said he plans on bringing AEW referee Aubrey Edwards along with him.
“I’m going to be coming up to Nashville to maintain order next weekend at [IMPACT Rebellion], that you moved at my suggestion [Laughs]. I’m going to go to UFC with my good friend Dana and then I’ll come to [Rebellion] and make sure that no funny business goes on in this title match. I’m going to bring my own referee, Aubrey (Edwards),” Khan said on Busted Open Radio (transcriptions via Fightful).
The following has been confirmed for tonight’s episode of Impact on AXS TV:
2x and current X-Division champion Ace Austin will defend his title against both TJP and Josh Alexander at Rebellion later this month. He sat down for an interview with Chris Van Vliet recently. During the discussion, Austin spoke about which stars from AEW he’d like to face now that the “forbidden door” has been opened.
Austin noted Sammy Guevara, Darby Allin, and PAC as potential future opponents.
“I know the Twitter-verse wants to see me and Sammy Guevara. That’s a match that has never happened one-on-one. We did have a triple threat once for XWA with Anthony Henry. A lot of people want to see me and Darby too. PAC also for sure, we are both ultimate athletes. But Kenny Omega, that is inevitable”
Austin also spoke about meeting AJ Styles at a TNA Meet and Greet in 2014.
“For $20 I got a photo of me and AJ Styles in the ring when I went to an IMPACT Show in 2014. I had never been in a ring before that. As soon as I stepped on the canvas, it was like nothing I stepped on before. I lost my balance, total fail. That was January 2014,” Austin continued. He would also mention that he started training not long after that.
While Austin has a big title defence upcoming, he says he’s got his eyes on a bigger prize. Austin is hoping to get into the Impact world title picture once again.
“I haven’t taken my eyes off of the World Title since Slammiversary. When I ended up back in the X Division picture, I have option C. I knew that becoming X Division champion meant that there was a sure fire way I could get a title shot. After Rebellion, who knows what that might mean?”
The full interview can be viewed in the player below:
Impact Wrestling returned to Thursday night this week. Last night’s show was their first one back in their old/new time slot. Kenny Omega would make his in-ring debut on the weekly Impact television show. He’d team with the Good Brothers against Rich Swann, Willie Mack, and Eddie Edwards in the main event.
Sami Callihan & Trey Miguel defeated XXXL (Larry D & Acey Romero)
Chris Sabin w/ James Storm defeated Deaner
Rich Swann, Willie Mack & Eddie Edwards defeated Kenny Omega & The Good Brothers w/ Don Callis
Rich Swann Gives Kenny Omega Reason To Worry
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLU3rn4ExYA
The main event this week saw Kenny Omega and the Good Brothers take on Rich Swann, Willie Mack and Eddie Edwards. During the match, Swann proved a few things to the Super Elite which could give Omega reason to worry about their match at Rebellion.
Near the end of the match, Swann reversed out of the 1-Winged Angel. Swann then was able to hit his Phoenix Splash on Omega and looked to have the AEW World Champion beat. Don Callis pulled Omega out of the ring, however, preventing the pin from taking place.
The babyface team then focussed on Karl Anderson, and Swann gave him a Phoenix Splash and got the win for his team. As the show ended, Matt Striker noted on commentary that Swann proved he can reverse the 1-Winged Angel and that he is immune to Don Callis’ mind games.
Chris Sabin took on Deaner in singles action this week. He picked up the win with the Cradle Shock but VOD had a plan for after the match. The camera cut backstage to Eric Young, who said that Storm had walked right into their trap. Then it was revealed that Joe Doering had attacked Chris Harris. Meanwhile back in the ring, Rhino took out Storm and Deaner took out Sabin as Young said that Harris’ blood was on Storm’s hands.
Trey Miguel & Sami Callihan Defeat Team XXXL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-Nsw6i2hrk
Sami Callihan has said that he wants to mentor Trey Miguel, but the former member of the Rascalz does not seem to be having it. Trey reluctantly joined Sami for this match but only to get revenge on Team XXXL and not to align with Sami. Although they never got along during the match, Callihan and Trey picked up the win after Trey made Larry D submit to the Hourglass.
After the match, Sami tried to raise Trey’s hand but Trey refused.
Brian Myers Attacks Matt Cardona
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MHq0RMFEVA
Matt Cardona was wrestling Jake Something this week when Brian Myers attacked, causing a no-contest. He attacked Cardona and then tossed Something eye-first into the steel steps. Myers then got on the mic and accepted Cardona’s challenge for a match at Rebellion.
Things opened up with Knockouts action this week. After being attacked by her former partner last week, Havok is now firmly on the babyface side of the division. Havok and Neveah would go through a table together on the outside as Rosemary put away Alisha with Red Wedding inside the ring.
In 2009, Dixie Carter suspended Jeff Jarrett from TNA Wrestling after it was revealed he was romantically involved with Karen Angle, Kurt Angle’s ex-wife. Jarrett and Karen would end up marrying in 2010. Eric Bischoff recently spent some time on his “83 Weeks” podcast talking about how this played out backstage in the company at the time.
“It was certainly unique, especially since Kurt was still in the company,” Bischoff said on the show. He would continue to say, however, that everyone seemed to get along just fine backstage.
“When everybody was backstage, when Karen was there, when Jeff was there, when Kurt was there, when the kids were there, they got along like an extended family. Since there was no real issue within their family that I could see – not that I would judge it one way or the other anyway – but again when they were all together – because Karen would often come backstage and bring the kids and she’d be with Jeff and Kurt was there and Kurt’s soon to be wife, I mean, everybody got along.”
“I can’t imagine being in that situation. It would be awkward anyway, regardless of whether Kurt Angle was the baddest man on the planet or whether he was an accountant.”
“I have a lot of respect for Jeff and for Karen and for Kurt. I think they’ve done a wonderful job under the circumstances keeping their families together as individual families and together as a broader 2-family scenario.”
Bischoff’s full comments on the matter can be heard in the player below:
It was reported by multiple sites yesterday that Impact Wrestling had drawn an abysmal rating this week of only 38,000 viewers. This was not the case, however. The show was actually up by tens of thousands of viewers from the previous week.
According to a report from PW Insider, the show did 148,512 viewers and a 0.04 in the 18-49 demographic. That is up from 116,000 the show did the week before. Impact typically draws a 0.04 rating in the key demo.
The show was headlined by James Storm vs Eric Young in Storm’s 1000th match for Impact/TNA. Kenny Omega and Don Callis were also back. The show moves to Thursday night beginning next week.
What Caused The Initial Reports Of An Abysmal Rating?
It should be noted that initial reports claimed Showbuzz Daily reported Impact’s number as being 38,000 viewers and a 0.01. This was not really reported on Showbuzz, however, that number was actually obtained from the comments section of that report. Despite this, multiple sites (not SEScoops) ran with the story that Impact’s rating had dropped to a truly abysmal number.
Impact Wrestling on 3/30 featured James Storm’s 1000th match in the promotion as he faced Eric Young. We also saw some important matches booked for April 10th’s Hardcore Justice event.
Impact Wrestling 3/30 Quick Results:
Fire N Flava (Kiera Hogan & Tasha Steelz) defeated Havok & Nevaeh
Sami Callihan defeated Larry D
Brian Myers defeated Suicide
Ace Austin & Madman Fulton defeated TJP & Josh Alexander
James Storm defeated Eric Young
James Storm Defeats Eric Young In His 1000th Impact/TNA Match
In a pre-match interview earlier in the show, James Storm dedicated this match to Bob Ryder, who co-founded the company and passed away in November. Storm was then joined by his old tag-team partner Chris Harris for a quick reunion as Chris Sabin and Jake Something looked on.
Storm would need his allies’ help to fend off Young’s Violent By Design faction during the match. The end of the match came as a giant brawl erupted on the outside, while inside the ring Young attempted to use his old-school hockey goalie mask as a weapon but Storm landed his Last Call Superkick and got the win.
Kenny Omega & The Good Brothers Attack Rich Swann, Willie Mack, & Eddie Edwards
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lh0h-a-uYy0
When Impact Wrestling makes the move to Thursday nights next week, Kenny Omega will wrestle on the show for the first time. It will be Omega and the Good Brothers going up against Rich Swann, Willie Mack, and Eddie Edwards. We got a preview of the match this week. Don Callis had approached Willie Mack in the back and was showing him a video of Kenny Omega using the 1-Winged Angel. This brought out Rich Swann who confronted Callis. Swann was then attacked from behind and Omega and the Good Brothers took it to Swann and Mack. Eddie Edwards then came in to fight on the babyface side, however, and sent the heels packing.
Jazz To Put Career On The Line In Knockouts Title Match
Tommy Dreamer is putting the match card together for Hardcore Justice on April 10th. He announced this week that Jazz will face Deonna Purrazzo for the Knockouts title on the show. Dreamer said that Jazz needs to put something up in the match to which Jazz suggested her career. Dreamer said she didn’t need to do that but Jazz insisted. With that, we have a career vs title match between Jazz and Purrazzo at Hardcore Justice.
Dreamer also announced that there will be a multi-woman scramble match with the winner earning a Knockouts title shot. All weapons will be legal, Dreamer mentioned, though Alisha Edwards still had trouble understanding.
Tony Khan and Tony Schiavone Run Down Dynamite Lineup
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xM46uVo5NgU
The two Tonys were back this week. They ran down the lineup for AEW Dynamite but also made special mention of the match between Christian Cage and Frankie Kazarian as the two had several matches while with Impact/TNA. The rest of the lineup for tonight’s Dynamite is below:
Exhibition Match Referee: Arn Anderson Cody Rhodes vs. QT Marshall
Christian Cage vs. Frankie Kazarian
Chuck Taylor & Orange Cassidy vs. Kip Sabian & Miro(w/Penelope Ford)
Hikaru Shida & Tay Conti vs. Nyla Rose & The Bunny(w/Vickie Guerrero)
The Good Brothers (Doc Gallows & Karl Anderson) & Kenny Omega (w/Don Callis) vs. The Lucha Brothers (Penta El Zero Miedo & Rey Fenix) & Laredo Kid
MJF gives a present to the Pinnacle
Nevaeh Turns On Havok
Havok and Nevaeh dropped their 3rd match to Kiera Hogan and Tasha Steelz this week. Fire N Flava defeated the team in the finals of the Knockouts tournament, then again in a Texas Tornado match at No Surrender, and now again on last night’s show. After the match, Nevaeh evidently was fed up with all the losing. After weeks of teasing, the team finally imploded when Nevaeh attacked Havok from behind. She was heard yelling “I thought I was the weak link” during the melee as the segment came to a close.
Trey Miguel Doesn’t Return the Favor For Sami Callihan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCXnyv-fJAE
Last week, Sami Callihan rescued Trey Miguel from a beatdown from Team XXXL. This week, Sami Callihan defeated Larry D in singles action. After the match, Acey Romero attacked Callihan from behind. Trey would not return the favor for Callihan, however, and simply allowed the 2-on-1 to take place. Callihan seems pleased with this for some reason.
Later in the show, Callihan confronted Trey in the back. He said he wants the two of them to team against Team XXXL and that he wants to be Trey’s mentor.
Brian Myers Turns Down Matt Cardona’s Challenge
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yux_DAv6_Is
Brian Myers picked up a win this week over Suicide. After the match, he got on the microphone to address Matt Cardona challenging him to a match last week. Myers turned down Cardona’s challenge and said that despite their long history together, Cardona isn’t part of Myers’ plans in Impact Wrestling.
TJP and Josh Alexander Can’t Get Along In Loss To Ace Austin & Madman Fulton
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHrkZZhysY4
Ace Austin and Madman Fulton picked up the win in tag action this week over TJP and Josh Alexander. TJP and Alexander had difficulty working with each other throughout the match and that would ultimately cost them. TJP hit a Mamba splash on Austin but then he and Alexander began arguing over who the legal man was. This allowed Austin to roll up TJP for the win.
Coming Up In Impact Wrestling
Next Week (Thursday, April 8th)
Kenny Omega & The Good Brothers vs Willie Mack, Rich Swann, & Eddie Edwards
Hardcore Justice (April 10th)
Career vs Knockouts Championship Deonna Purrazzo (c) vs Jazz
Multi-Woman Scramble Match For Knockouts Title Shot
Rebellion (April 25th)
AEW World Championship vs Impact World Championship Kenny Omega (AEW) (c) vs Rich Swann (Impact) (c)
Impact Tag Team Championships FinJuice (Juice Robinson & David Finlay) (c) vs The Good Brothers (Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows)
Impact Wrestling’s Eric Young will be out of action for quite a while, possibly for the remainder of 2021. He revealed recently on the Wrestling Perspectives podcast that he has a torn ACL. Young is hoping to be back in six months, but typical recovery times from such an injury is 6-9 months.
The match he suffered the injury during is scheduled to air tonight on AXS TV. He wrestled James Storm on the show in what was Storm’s 1000th match for the promotion.
“At the last tapings I tore my ACL,” Young said on the podcast. “It’s the first time I’ve ever been injured. I missed my first wrestling show this Friday that I was booked on in 24 years of doing it. So, it’s frustrating, man. I’ve never been injured. I’ve been hurt lots, but I’ve never been injured. I have to have surgery in like a week and a half. And it’s going to be a long, long road. So, we’ll see, man. It’s going to get real interesting for me.”
Unfortunately, Young was the leader of a new stable in Impact. Along with Joe Doering, Rhino, and Cody Deaner, the faction is known as Violent By Design. It’s possible he’ll remain on television as the mouthpiece for the group.
“My ACL is completely torn, which I didn’t know,” Young continued. “That happened on Monday during the match with Storm. I finished it like nothing happened. I wrestled a hardcore war eight-man tag the following day, then I wrestled Eddie Edwards on Tuesday in a singles match. It was like 20 minutes — on one leg. And I would put that match against anything that airs anytime, for any wrestling company, anywhere in the world, and I did it on one leg. And I’m very proud of it.”
Former Impact Wrestling Knockouts champion Taylor Wilde will finally be making her return to the company soon according to reports from Fightful Select.
According to the report, this comeback has been planned for well over a year and the female star was originally slated to return ahead of the pandemic last year.
However, coronavirus halted these plans and Wilde could not make a comeback due to the travel restrictions that were put in place to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Taylor Wilde is a former WWE star who was signed by the company in 2006 but she couldn’t get past the development territories. She was released by the company without a main roster appearance in 2007.
She joined the promotion then known as TNA in 2008. She went on to win the Knockouts Championship by defeating Awesome Kong during the July 10 episode of Impact Wrestling in her debut year.
Wilde went on to have a long run with the company. She also became the inaugural Knockouts Tag Team Champion with Sarita in 2009. She later had another run with the tile while teaming up with Hamada.
The former champion was said to be backstage for the latest Impact tapings though it’s unknown if she filmed any material and the exact date for her return is not known yet.
Impact Wrestling star Jordynne Grace has her contract with the company expiring in May and there is some talk on what the future might hold for her. The former knockouts champion recently had an interview with Wrestling Perspective Podcast where she talked about a number of things.
During the interview Grace also talked about her future and gave us an idea about her thought process. She first revealed that going to WWE has been a childhood dream for her. However, she explained that it was the only option when she was growing up but things have changed now:
“Okay, so yes, WWE was, I mean it still is, it was my childhood dream forever. But that was the only option back when I was growing up. Now, it’s just like, there are so many doors that you can go through and kind of they’re all like in front of you at the same time. So I mean it’s kind of a handoff.
I love the opportunity that IMPACT has given me, but obviously it’s going to be a lot less money than WWE would give me if I were to go there and they would give me a lot less input on my character. So it just kind of depends on if I get older and I’m feeling like I need to be stacking some money for retirement, then I think that’s a place I would probably go.”
Jordynne Grace then admitted that she honestly has no idea what will happen when her contract with the company expires and everything will depend on the situation at the time:
“Honestly, I have no idea what’s going to happen when my contract is up with IMPACT in May. I have no idea. I can’t foresee the future, and who knows who’s going to offer me something or if I’m going to stay here. I truly have no idea.”
Jordynne Grace has been a significant part of Impact’s knockouts roster since her signing with the company in October 2018. She was the one who defeated Taya Valkyrie for the knockouts title in January 2020, ending her 377 days long reign with the title. She also competed in the Impact Knockouts Tag Team Championship Tournament alongside Jazz.
She could be a decent signing for both AEW and WWE’s women’s roster and it would be interesting to see if she ends up joining either of the companies after the expiry of her current contract.
Impact Wrestling has announced that its weekly flagship television show is moving from Tuesday to Thursday nights. The first episode in the new slot will be April 8th, 2021.
Impact also announced that the main event of that show will feature Kenny Omega wrestling on the weekly show for the first time. He will team with Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows against Eddie Edwards, Rich Swann, and Willie Mack.
“IMPACT Wrestling has years of history airing on Thursdays, which was the night for high-energy, action-packed matches, starring some of the most high-profile stars in pro wrestling history,” said IMPACT Executive Vice-President Scott D’Amore. “Nothing is changing from that front when IMPACT! jumps back to Thursday nights.”
“The new home, once again, for must-see matches is Thursday nights on AXS TV,” D’Amore added.
NXT is rumored to be moving to Tuesday nights immediately following WrestleMania. If this holds true, it would mean NXT’s first Tuesday night show would be April 13th. On SundayApril 10th, Impact will present Hardcore Justice as an afternoon show so as not to go head-to-head with WrestleMania. Impact’s Rebellion PPV recently moved to April 25th, 2021 from April 24th, likely to not go head-to-head with UFC 261.
BREAKING: IMPACT! will return to its traditional Thursday night time-slot at 8pm ET, beginning April 8.
Impact Wrestling sent us a press release announcing a date change for the upcoming Rebellion pay-per-view. Rebellion will now be held Sunday night, April 25th at 8pm (Eastern).
Rebellion was initially scheduled for the 24th, but was likely moved to avoid competing against the UFC 261: Usman vs. Masvidal 2 PPV.
The event will feature an historic inter-promotional Champion vs. Champion main event. Impact World Champion Rich Swann will face All Elite Wrestling World Champion Kenny Omega in a match that is sure to have the attention of the entire wrestling world.
Impact Executive VP Scott D’Amore touted the significance of Sunday night being the traditional home of wrestling pay-per-views. “Swann vs. Omega, champion vs. champion, title vs. title is a happening that every wrestling fan will want to witness … it just feels right that REBELLION take place on Sunday.”
D’Amore stated that one man will walk away with the top prize from both companies. “This is no gimmick, no sleight of hand. Wrestling fans can take me at my word – either Rich Swann or Kenny Omega will walk out of REBELLION as both the IMPACT and AEW World Champion. History will happen at REBELLION!”
In addition to Swann vs. Omega, Rebellion will feature:
Newly-crowned IMPACT Tag Team Champions FinJuice vs. The Good Brothers, Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson.
Title defenses by X-Division Champion Ace Austin, Knockouts Champion Deonna Purrazzo and Knockouts Tag Team Champions Fire ‘N Flava.
For more information, including the Rebellion CELL-ebration virtual fan fest, visit ImpactWrestling.com.
Check out our recap from this week’s Impact Wrestling on AXS TV:
Kenny Omega returned to Impact Wrestling this week. He and Don Callis are gearing up for the Rebellion PPV where Omega will face Rich Swann.
Impact 3/23 Quick Results:
Deonna Purrazzo defeated Jazz
X-Division Championship TJP defeated Ace Austin (c) via DQ – Austin retains title
Rohit Raju defeated Fallah Bah
Trey Miguel defeated Acey Romero
Karl Anderson defeated Eddie Edwards
Kenny Omega and Don Callis Return
Don Callis informed Kenny Omega that Impact Wrestling is his home this week. They spoke about soon he would be standing there as the Impact World Champion after he beats Rich Swann. During the promo, Callis listed off all the wrestlers that Omega was better than, and Omega interrupted to ensure that Kota Ibushi’s name was mentioned.
They both praised Rich Swann but also noted that Omega hit Swann with the 1-Winged Angel at Hard to Kill and pinned him 1-2-3. They played a promo package of Omega hitting his move on multiple opponents, including Swann. Omega played up that nobody has kicked out of the move.
Callis talked about how despite being an executive with Impact Wrestling, his top priority is helping to secure Omega’s legacy.
FinJuice Sends The Good Brothers A Message From Japan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkba29CEnbo
Karl Anderson faced Eddie Edwards in the main event this week. The finish of the match came when Doc Gallows caused a distraction from the ring apron and then hit Edwards in the head with a chair as the ref was out of position. This allowed Anderson to hit a spine buster and pick up the win.
After the match, Finjuice appeared on the big screen from Japan. They were both in the recent New Japan Cup, with Finlay making it to the semi-finals. They took a few shots at the former champions before the show went off the air previewing their title match at Rebellion.
Tony Schiavone and Tony Khan Preview AEW Dynamite
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juK6f2eODck
The two Tonys were joined by Don Callis and Kenny Omega this week. Callis and Omega spoke about Omega’s match against Matt Sydal tonight on Dynamite and then left before the ad was done. Khan and Schiavone then ran down the rest of tonight’s card.
Nyla Rose (w/Vickie Guerrero) vs. Tay Conti
The Varsity Blonds (Brian Pillman Jr. & Griff Garrison) & Dante Martin vs. The Pinnacle (Cash Wheeler, Dax Harwood & Shawn Spears) (w/Tully Blanchard)
The Young Bucks & Brandon Cutler vs The Lucha Bros & Laredo Kid
TNT Championship Darby Allin (c) vs. John Silver
AEW World Title Eliminator Match Matt Sydal (w/Mike Sydal) vs. Kenny Omega (w/Don Callis)
TJP Beats Ace Austin Via DQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r78hAf3sehY
Ace Austin retained his X-Division Championship this week against the former champion TJP but only because he lost via disqualification. The finish of the match came when TJP hit a Detonation Kick then the Mamba Splash and appeared to have the match won. Madman Fulton ran in and broke up the pin, however, saving the title for Austin.
After the match, Josh Alexander made the save and prevented Austin and Fulton from delivering a post-match attack on TJP.
Sami Callihan Saves Trey Miguel?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MfaGK9PTcY
Trey Miguel picked up a win over Acey Romero this week after delivering a top-rope meteora. Larry D then attacked Trey after the match but surprisingly, Sami Callihan made the save. Callihan has been berating Trey for weeks and neither Matt Striker nor D’Lo Brown could make sense of why he prevented Team XXXL’s attack.
Deonna Purrazzo Defeats Jazz With Help From Susan’s Shoe
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nptzhcr52VA
Jazz had a chance to put herself in a position to challenge for the Knockouts title this week when she faced the champion in non-title action. Purrazzo had Susan with her at ringside, however, and that would prove to be the difference here.
The finish of the match came when Susan helped Purrazzo by putting her foot on the bottom rope to break up a pin attempt. This led to Jordynne Grace charging at Susan but missing and hitting the ring post. Jazz then reached through the ring ropes to grab at Susan but the former Su Yung then hit her with a shoe. This allowed Purrazzo to roll up Jazz and get the 3-count.
“White Meat Babyface” Johnny Swinger has his own casino now. Swinger’s Palace was back this week on Impact. There appears to be some sketchiness with the casino’s business dealings, however. Alisha Edwards, John E Bravo, and others appeared in a promo ad for the casino this week. Swinger got the money to open the casino when he acquired a roll of cash that had been bouncing back and forth between Hernandez, Fallah Bah, and a few others.
Cardona and Brian Myers are long-time friends and tag partners. Myers does not seem happy that Cardona signed with Impact after he did, however. Cardona took part in a sit-down interview this week and challenged his podcast co-host to a match.
Rohit Raju Uses A Handful Of Trunks To Gain The Victory
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhT6QYGDFes
Backstage before this match, Rohit Raju was harping on Fallah Bah for having lost all of his money at Swinger’s Palace. It looked as though Fallah was going to get a measure of revenge on Raju in this match but ultimately it would be the former Desi Hit Squad member who would pick up the win. The finish of the match came when Raju used a crucifix pinning combination with a handful of trunks to get the win.
Coming Up In Impact Wrestling
Next week, James Storm will wrestle in his 1000th match under the Impact/TNA banner. He’ll face another longtime Impact/TNA guy, Eric Young.
Next week on Impact Wrestling:
James Storm’s 1000th Impact Match James Storm vs Eric Young
Fire N Flava vs Havok & Neveah (non-title)
TJP & Josh Alexander vs Ace Austin & Madman Fulton
It was reported earlier this week that AEW World Champion Kenny Omega was in Nashville for the most recent set of Impact tapings. The promotion announced today that Omega, along with Don Callis, will be on next week’s episode.
This week on Impact Wrestling, Rich Swann was confronted by Don Callis during an in-ring promo segment. Swann defeated Moose at Sacrifice on Saturday night, meaning he’ll face Omega at next month’s Rebellion PPV.
This will be Omega’s first time back in Impact since the Hard to Kill PPV in January. On that show, Omega pinned Rich Swann with the One-Winged Angel in a 3-on-3 match. Swann teamed with Moose and Chris Sabin against Omega and the Good Brothers.
3 matches have been scheduled for this week’s Impact Wrestling. The X-Division will be on the line when Ace Austin defends against former champion TJP.
X-Division Championship Ace Austin (c) vs TJP
Deonna Purrazzo vs Jazz
Karl Anderson vs Eddie Edwards
Impact is building to Hardcore Justice on April 10th, streaming on Impact Plus. Rebellion will take place on PPV two weeks later on April 24th, 2021. In addition to Swann vs Omega, FinJuice vs The Good Brothers for the tag belts has also been scheduled for the show.
Impact Wrestling is building to a big Rebellion PPV on April 24th, 2021. 2 weeks before that event, Impact will present Hardcore Justice on the Impact plus streaming service on April 10th, 2021.
The event was announced last night on Impact’s weekly show on AXS TV and Twitch. Tommy Dreamer and Scott D’Amore were discussing Impact having lost their tag titles to a team from NJPW and the possibility of losing the world championship to an AEW wrestler when the event was announced. Scott D’Amore told Dreamer he can book the whole card for April 10th. Dreamer then handed D’Amore a piece of paper with the entire match card already written out. Fans weren’t able to see what matches Dreamer has planned, but D’Amore was very impressed with what he saw.
While Dreamer is booking the card in storyline, he’s also a key member of Impact’s current creative team. In a report from the Wrestling Observer last month, it was revealed that Jimmy Jacobs heads up the creative team (reporting to D’Amore) with Tommy Dreamer and Robert Evans contributing.
Upcoming Impact Wrestling Schedule
Next week:
X-Division Championship Ace Austin (c) vs TJP
Deonna Purrazzo vs Jazz
Karl Anderson vs Eddie Edwards
Hardcore Justice – April 10th, 2021
Tommy Dreamer to book card.
Rebellion – April 24th, 2021
Impact vs AEW Championship Kenny Omega (AEW World Champion) vs Rich Swann (Impact World Champion)
Impact Tag Team Championships FinJuice (Juice Robinson & David Finlay) (c) vs The Good Brothers (Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows)
Impact Wrestling this week featured Rich Swann’s first appearance as the holder of both the Impact and TNA World Championships. Don Callis had something to say to the champ about his upcoming match with Kenny Omega at Rebellion, however.
Impact Wrestling 3/16 Quick Results:
FinJuice defeated Team XXXL
Rhino defeated Jake Something
Rohit Raju defeated Shera
Jordynne Grace, Jazz, ODB, Havok, Nevaeh & Alisha defeated Deonna Purrazzo, Fire N Flava, Kimber Lee, Susan & Tenille Dashwood
Sami Callihan defeated Trey Miguel
Don Callis Confronts Rich Swann
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2DWnmeAnJM
The build to Rich Swann vs Kenny Omega began this week. Swann came out to cut a promo this week dropped in his two championship belts. He was interrupted by Don Callis, however, who debuted new entrance music that plays into his “Invisible Hand” moniker. Callis told Swann that he was the invisible hand helping him in his career in Impact over the last few years. He said he believes in Swann and his talents but eventually moved on to focus more on Kenny Omega. Callis promised Swann that he’s already written what will happen at Rebellion. As Callis left the ring area, Swann was left to ponder all that the Invisible Hand had just told him.
Sami Callihan Delivers Vicious Piledriver On Trey Miguel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeYbkxlqO-8
Sami Callihan is the master of the piledriver. He used several of them to defeat Brian Cage and win the Impact World Championship in 2019 and he used a package piledriver to possibly injure Trey Miguel in this week’s main event. Miguel was on the turnbuckle and briefly turned his attention to the referee and away from Callihan. This allowed The Draw to wrap Trey up and deliver the package piledriver. After the match, Trey continued to sell the move as the commentary team speculated that perhaps it should be banned.
Juice Robinson and David Finlay Are Taking The Tag Belts To Japan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHoZfQCu2l4
The team of Juice Robinson and David Finlay won the Impact Wrestling Tag Team Championships at Sacrifice. They then defeated the team of Acey Romero and Larry D in tag action on this week’s show. After the match, former champions Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows confronted them. The Good Brothers said that FinJuice got lucky at Sacrifice and they want another match. FinJuice then explained they are headed back to NJPW for a tour and won’t be back until April. Later in the show, Scott D’Amore told Anderson and Gallows they can have their rematch at Rebellion.
Tony Khan and Tony Schiavone Run Down St. Patricks’ Day Slam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_x3bjElXa_I
The two Tonys were all business this week as they ran down the card for Dynamite this week. A few segments were announced that hadn’t been previously.
Lights Out Match Thunder Rosa vs. Dr. Britt Baker DMD (w/Rebel)
Jade Cargill vs. TBD
Eddie Kingston & Jon Moxley vs. The Good Brothers (Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows)
Cody Rhodes (w/Arn Anderson) vs. Penta El Zero Miedo
Matt Hardy, Private Party (Isiah Kassidy & Marq Quen) & The Butcher And The Blade (The Blade & The Butcher) (w/The Bunny) vs. Bear Country (Bear Boulder & Bear Bronson) & Jurassic Express (Jungle Boy, Luchasaurus & Marko Stunt)
Rey Fenix vs Angelico
Christian Cage to speak
Tony Schiavone to interview Sting and Darby Allin
Violent By Design Takes Out Beer, Guns, and Something
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Syd38b7K0tA
At Sacrifice, Rhino aligned with Eric Young’s Violent By Design faction. This week, he took on Jake Something in singles action. During the match, Chris Sabin and James Storm (who had accompanied Jake Something to the ring) got into a brawl with the other members of VOD. Meanwhile, inside the ring Rhino delivered a Gore to Something and got the win. After the match, VOD had a 4-on-3 numbers advantage and continued the assault on Sabin, Storm, and Something.
Rohit Raju Picks Up Win Over Shera
After losing to Chris Sabin and James Storm at Sacrifice, Rohit Raju and Shera showed some dissension and then were booked for this singles match against one another. Shera seemed as though he had the advantage throughout much of the match. In the end, however, it was Raju rolling his opponent up and then putting his feet on the ropes that earned him the tainted victory.
Jazz Makes Kimber Lee Tap in 6-on-6 Knockouts Tag Match
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2n98p2M6XM
A huge chunk of the Knockouts division was involved in this match. This all stems from some altercation that had taken place inside Swinger’s Palace, the hot new backstage location where rivalries are able to form. There was a lot of action taking place at once in this match but when the smoke settled, it was Jazz and Kimber Lee alone in the ring. Jazz hit an X-factor and then locked in the STF and made the former CHIKARA champ tap. It was later announced that Jazz will face Purrazzo in non-title action next week.
Coming Up In Impact Wrestling
Next week:
X-Division Championship Ace Austin (c) vs TJP
Deonna Purrazzo vs Jazz
Karl Anderson vs Eddie Edwards
Hardcore Justice – April 10th, 2021
Tommy Dreamer to book card.
Rebellion – April 24th, 2021
Impact vs AEW Championship Kenny Omega (AEW World Champion) vs Rich Swann (Impact World Champion)
Impact Tag Team Championships FinJuice (Juice Robinson & David Finlay) (c) vs The Good Brothers (Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows)
Kenny Omega will face Rich Swann in a title vs title match at Impact Wrestling’s Rebellion PPV next month. Omega will most likely be a fixture on Impact programming in the build-up to the event as well.
According to a report from PW Insider, Omega was in Nashville yesterday as Impact is taping content this week. This would give the promotion several episodes with Omega to build up the match.
Impact is coming off of a big event on Saturday that aired on Impact Plus. Several notable developments occurred at Sacrifice. Rich Swann beat Moose to move onto Rebellion and Kenny Omega. Juice Robinson & David Finlay won the Impact tag-team titles from Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows. Also, Ace Austin defeated TJP to win the X-Division Championship.
The following matches are scheduled for tonight’s episode on AXS TV and Twitch:
Deonna Purrazzo, Susan, Kimber Lee, Tenille Dashwood & Fire N Flava vs ODB, Alisha Edwards, Jazz, Jordynne Grace, Havok & Neveah
Impact Tag Team Championships FinJuice (David Finlay & Juice Robinson) defeated The Good Brothers (Doc Gallows & Karl Anderson) (c) (14:34) – New Champions
At Impact Wrestling’s Sacrifice on Saturday night, Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows (The Good Brothers) dropped the tag belts to Juice Robinson and David Finlay (FinJuice).
With the win, FinJuice becomes the 37th team in history to win the belts. They begin the 56th reign in the title’s lineage. Santana & Ortiz hold the record for most combined days spent with the belts (662). Beer Money (James Storm & Bobby Roode) and Eddie Edwards & Davey Richards are tied for the record of most reigns with 5. Ethan Page and Josh Alexander hold the record for the longest single-reign with the belts at 380 days.
Karl Anderson took to Twitter to comment on the loss:
We lost the @IMPACTWRESTLING tag team championships last night to Juice n Finley .. Maybe #BigHoot n I got a little cocky since we are just killin it everywhere right now. Listen, @NJPWSUGABAYASHI San, good friend, please give me call, need to talk .. @The_BigLG#GoodBrothers
Brian Myers was evidently impacted by the loss as well:
I woke up this morning & realized I didn’t pay my condolences to the @The_BigLG belt swinging entrance. You’ll be missed. See you down the road kid. #Sacrifice@IMPACTWRESTLING
Anderson and Gallows’ reign with the titles finished at 120 days. They originally won the titles from Ethan Page and Josh Alexander (The North) at Turning Point. The North had won and lost the titles to the Motor City Machine Guns. Alex Shelley, however, is not able to continue wrestling due to his non-wrestling career until after the pandemic. Chris Sabin has since been teaming with James Storm in Impact since Shelley is not currently able to wrestle.
Rich Swann rolled Moose up into a pinning combination and got the 1-2-3 to close out Sacrifice on Saturday night. With the win, Swann moves on to next month’s Rebellion PPV to challenge Kenny Omega for the AEW World Championship.
Former TNA Heavyweight Champion, Moose, took to Twitter to comment on the match and loss.
“Tonight I proved that I’m undoubtedly the Best Big Man in professional wrestling and one of the best wrestlers In the world. I came short of becoming the undisputed champion. Will take time off to reevaluate the past Rebuild Refocus Rebrand and think about the Future,” Moose Tweeted.
The finish of the match came after Moose had missed 4 straight spear attempts, crashing into the corner turnbuckle each time. The loss is seemingly the end of an era for Moose, who had been claiming to be the TNA Champion since the spring of 2020. With Swann moving on to a program with Omega, Moose will look to rebuild as he mentioned in his Tweet.
The show also featured Juice Robinson and David Finlay defeating the Good Brothers for the Impact tag-team championships. Rhino also turned heel and aligned with Eric Young’s Violent by Design faction. Ace Austin beat TJP to win the X-Division title.
Moose and Rich Swann took some INCREDIBLE high risks to unify the IMPACT World and TNA World Heavyweight Championships. pic.twitter.com/d8BUg1MBAQ
Kenny Omega will take on Rich Swann in a Title vs. Title Match at Impact Wrestling’s Rebellion pay-per-view event on April 24. Swann defeated Moose on Saturday night’s Sacrifice event to become the Unified Impact World Heavyweight Champion. Impact Wrestling officially sanctioned the TNA World Heavyweight title on February 23 after Moose began calling himself “Mr. TNA,” claiming to represent the company’s history. Now that Swann has defeated Moose, he has become the undisputed world champion of Impact, with the Impact World title being referred to as the Unified World Championship.
Executive Vice President Scott D’Amore announced during last week’s Impact that the champion of the company would go on to face AEW World Champion Kenny Omega at Rebellion in a Title vs. Title Match on April 24.
Following his loss to Rich Swann, Moose said that he would take some time off to revaluate and think about what he plans to do in the future. “Tonight I proved that I’m undoubtedly the Best Big Man in professional wrestling and one of the best wrestlers In the world. I came short of becoming the undisputed champion. Will take time off to reevaluate the past Rebuild Refocus Rebrand and think about the Future.” Kenny Omega also reacted to the result of the match, posting the following:
Rich Swann and Kenny Omega have faced each other in the ring before, most recently at Impact’s Hard to Kill pay-per-view event in January where Omega teamed up with then-Impact Tag Team Champions The Good Brothers to defeat Swann, Chris Sabin and Moose.
Kenny Omega has made it known that he wants to collect more titles, and if he defeats Rich Swann at Rebellion then he would become the Impact Champion too. Speaking on his future defense against Omega, Swann said, “I’m from Baltimore, Maryland. I’m not afraid to step into the ring with no man. I fear no man and I only fear one thing. The thing is, that is not one thing that I would ever fear. If he (Kenny Omega) wanted to step into the ring and do a Unification… We’ve it. We’ve seen seen him go into Mexico and he beat Loredo Kid in AAA. Do I think he could come into my house and do what he did there? I don’t know. Time will tell.”
Last night on Impact Wrestling, Scott D’Amore announced that the match between Rich Swann and Moose at Sacrifice will be a title unification bout. This seemingly puts an end to the year-long resurrection of the TNA World Heavyweight Championship by Moose.
Technically, D’Amore only recently officially re-instated the title. Moose first began claiming himself to be the title-holder at last year’s Rebellion PPV, however.
Moose Revives The TNA World Heavyweight Title
The spring of 2020 was an interesting time. Impact Wrestling’s planned Rebellion PPV that April underwent some changes due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The event was instead turned into a 2-night event on AXS TV with no fans in attendance.
At the time, Tessa Blanchard was the Impact World Champion. Fans didn’t know it yet, but she would not return to the promotion. At Rebellion, she was scheduled to defend the title against Eddie Edwards and Michael Elgin. With her out, some improvising needed to take place.
In the midst of this, Moose recovered the TNA World Heavyweight Championship and began referring to himself as the rightful title-holder. It was then decided he would defend that title against Edwards and Elgin at Rebellion. Edwards missed the tapings too and instead Hernandez was thrown in as a replacement. Moose won the triple threat match and defended the TNA World Heavyweight Championship for the first time, albeit unofficially.
Blanchard, meanwhile, would officially be stripped of the title before July’s Slammiversary PPV.
Moose’s Title Defenses
Despite the title not officially being recongnized over the last year, Moose has defended it numerous times. Granted, he usually had to force David Penzer into announcing his matches at title matches, but he won the bouts nonetheless.
Unofficial Title Defences:
Rebellion 2020: defeated Michael Elgin and Hernandez (triple threat rules)
5/12/20: defeated Suicide
5/19/20: defeated Suicide
6/16/20: defeated Hernandez
6/30/20: defeated Crazzy Steve
Slammiversary: defeated Tommy Dreamer
7/19/20: defeated Heath
7/19/20: defeated Fallah Bah
8/18/20: defeated Trey Miguel
2/23/21: defeated Jake Something
When Rich Swann won the Impact World Championship, Moose was quick to refer to it as the #2 title in the promotion. Swann will have a chance to prove Moose wrong about this at Sacrifice.
The Former TNA World Heavyweight Championship
When the company first started, NWA-TNA used the NWA World Heavyweight Championship as its top title. The Impact World Championship wasn’t introduced until 2007. In 2017, with Impact dropping the “TNA” from its name, it was re-branded as the Impact World Championship.
Kurt Angle holds the record for the most reigns with the title (6) and total days spent with the title (608). The longest-single reign with the belt is 256 days by Bobby Roode from 2011-12. Moose’s unofficial reign with the TNA World Heavyweight Championship sits at 333 days as of this writing.
Who Wins Between Moose and Rich Swann?
The question then becomes if Moose can turn this reign with the TNA World Heavyweight Championship into an undisputed championship run. To do that, he’ll have to defeat Rich Swann at Sacrifice. These two have been building up this match for a long time and likely have a special performance planned out for Saturday. With the dangling carrot of a match against Kenny Omega for the AEW World Championship next month, this is the biggest match in the careers of either Swann or Moose.
Impact Wrestling is a far different company than it was when it went under the TNA name. The company that once focussed on bringing in ex-WWE stars now seems to have a focus on talented in-ring performers, creative cinematic scenes, and matches, and proving to fans they are not the same company they used to be. With the prospect of an AEW vs Impact World Title match happening next month, this is an important period for Impact Wrestling. On Saturday, we will find out if it will be Moose or Rich Swann leading the charge for the company moving forward.
Impact Wrestling 3/9 was the go-home show for Saturday’s Sacrifice event. Scott D’Amore made a huge announcement as it concerns the main event of Sacrifice and the main event of next month’s Rebellion PPV on this week’s show.
Impact Wrestling 3/9 Quick Results:
Jazz defeated Tasha Steelz
James Storm & Chris Sabin defeated Rohit Raju & Shera
Trey Miguel defeated Sam Beale
Chris Bey defeated Ace Austin
ODB defeated Susan
Key takeaways from the show are below:
Scott D’Amore Announces Impact vs TNA and Impact/TNA vs AEW World Title For Title Matches
In the final segment of the show this week, Moose called out Scott D’Amore to make the major announcement he had promised. D’Amore came out to the ring and brought out Swann as well. D’Amore announced that the match between Swann vs Moose at Sacrifice will be title for title. Whoever wins that match will be both Impact and TNA World Heavyweight Champion. He then announced that the winner will also move on to Impact Rebellion on April 24th to face the AEW World Champion, Kenny Omega, in another title for title match.
The show closed with Don Callis talking into a phone, presumably to Kenny Omega, saying things are going just as they had planned.
ODB Picks Up Win Over Susan Ahead Of Title Clash With Deonna Purrazzo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DW9q-XznGIo
ODB picked up a win this week over Su Yung’s Karen-inspired character of Susan. After Susan decided to pour out OBD’s flask, she took a kick to the gut followed by a Samoan Drop for the win.
After the match, Purrazzo and Kimber Lee attacked ODB, trying to soften her up for Sacrifice. Jordynne Grace and Jazz would make the save, however. This brought out Fire N Flava who will defend against Jazz and Grace at Sacrifice. The segment would close with the heel champions standing tall.
Tony Khan & Tony Schiavone Preview AEW Dynamite
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_Dn_Ui-exg
The two Tonys were back this week again. They said they were thrilled with the big buyrate they did with Revolution over the weekend. They promoted Christian’s appearance on Dynamite this week and noted that he is one of the greatest champions in Impact history.
Khan also said Omega is terrible at building exploding rings but that doesn’t take away from Eddie Kingston’s sacrifice. They then ran down the card for tonight’s Dynamite.
Good Brothers and FinJuice Sign Their Title Match Contracts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfVCBixH0Lk
At Sacrifice, we will see The Good Brothers and FinJuice clash with the tag-team titles on the line. This week, we saw the two teams sign their contracts. Scott D’Amore presented both teams with their contracts and left, asking both teams to just return the documents after. The 4 men then drank to celebrate beforehand, however. After downing a couple of shots, the two teams broke out into a wild brawl.
TJP Costs Ace Austin Match Against Chris Bey
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oD6LZ7w87ck
Ace Austin will challenge TJP for the X-Division Championship this Saturday at Sacrifice. He lost this week to Chris Bey, however. TJP came out to the stage area and provided the distraction, allowing Bey to hit the Art of the Finesse for the win. How will this impact the X-Division title picture? Chris Bey may have just earned a future title shot. Josh Alexander would later confront TJP in the back and state his desire to get a title shot as well.
Sami Callihan Continues To Antagonize Trey Miguel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xZr_2RSX9c
Sami Callihan continues to claim that Trey Miguel has no passion, and that’s why he didn’t end up with his partners in another promotion. This week, it was revealed that Callihan has taken a former Miguel student, Sam Beale, under his wing. Miguel then defeated Beale fairly easily in singles competition. After the match, however, Callihan delivered a piledriver on Beale to close the segment.
Jazz Showcases Submission Skills In Win Over Tasha Steelz
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZV7h1mw3Ys
Jazz and Jordynne Grace will challenge Fire N Flava for the Knockouts tag-team titles at Sacrifice. This week, we saw Jazz face Tasha Steelz in singles competition. The legend was able to wrap Steelz up in an STF to gain the submission win. If Jazz breaks out that hold at Sacrifice, we could have new champions.
Chris Sabin and James Storm Pick Up Win Ahead of Sacrifice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsloY_mAgYc
Chris Sabin and James Storm picked up a win over Rohit Raju & Shera this week. Sabin pinned Raju with the Craddleshock. Later in the show, however, the duo confronted Eric Young in the back. They noted that the 3 of them helped build this company but Young is no longer the same person he was. Sabin and Storm were then booked against Young’s stablemates, Joe Doering and Deaner, at Sacrifice.
Updated Lineup For Sacrifice
Impact vs TNA World Heavyweight Championship Rich Swann (c) vs Moose
Knockouts Championship Deonna Purrazzo (c) vs ODB
Impact Tag Team Championships The Good Brothers (c) vs FinJuice
X-Division Championship TJP (c) vs Ace Austin
Knockouts Tag Team Championships Fire N Flava (c) vs Jordynne Grace & Jazz
Hold Harmless Match Brian Myers vs Eddie Edwards
Violent By Design (Joe Doering and Deaner) vs. James Storm and Chris Sabin
Reno Scum vs. Decay (Black Taurus and Crazzy Steve)
Tenille Dashwood and Kaleb Konley vs. Havok & Nevaeh
Unified Champion to face AEW World Champion Kenny Omega
Impact Wrestling has announced a big title unification match for their upcoming Sacrifice PPV event this Saturday, March 13 on tonight’s go-home episode of their weekly show.
Moose brought back the TNA world heavyweight championship at Rebellion last April. He has been defending the title against TNA veterans since then and calling himself a ‘self-proclaimed’ champion.
Rich Swann on the other hand, is the current Impact world champion and he won the title by defeating Eric Young at last October’s Bound for Glory PPV event.
Moose had been targeting Swann for a title shot since the Hard To Kill PPV and a title match between the two had been made official for Sacrifice.
Executive Vice President Scott D’Amore then announced during tonight’s episode of Impact that Moose will also be defending his championship at the PPV this weekend in a title unification match.
The winner of the match will become the undisputed world champion of the company and they will then go on to face the AEW world champion Kenny Omega at Rebellion on April 24.
This match is interestingly going to be a title vs. title bout as well which likely means that Omega is on his way to becoming the next Impact world champion.
