WWE Superstar Natalya has expressed her desire to battle one of the legendary women’s wrestlers, Gail Kim.
Natalya is a pro wrestling veteran and has been one of the mainstays in WWE for more than a decade. While he has several accomplishments and fought legendary superstars over the years, she never got an opportunity to face Gail Kim. Well, now she has revealed that she would have loved to face Kim and that she’s her dream opponent.
Natalya took to her Instagram story to repost Gail Kim’s recent picture with Nattie’s real-life husband, TJ Wilson (also known as Tyson Kidd).
“Always love you both. My Faves And you’re a DREAM MATCH OF MINE.”
Natalya says Gail Kim is ‘so talented’
The former Women’s Champion also recently took to Twitter and responded to a post from a fan. The veteran star responded by saying that she would love to wrestle Gail Kim, and she believes that the former WWE superstar is very talented.
“Would so love to wrestle Gail. I think she’s so talented,” she wrote.
Gail Kim’s legacy in wrestling is defined by her trailblazing achievements. In WWE, Gail Kim made an immediate impact by winning the WWE Women’s Championship in her debut match in 2003. However, she left the company in 2004. She returned to the company in 2008 and that run lasted until 2011.
It was in TNA where Gail Kim truly cemented her legacy. She is considered as a trailblazer, who helped to elevate the TNA Knockouts Division to new heights. With her in-ring prowess, she set a new standard for women’s wrestling.
She’s a 7-time TNA Knockouts Champion and apart from in-ring performances, she also played a pivotal role behind the scenes. In 2016, she was inducted into the TNA Hall of Fame and it was certainly a fitting tribute to her contributions.
Gail Kim likens herself to a proud parent when she watches Impact Wrestling talent do their thing from behind the curtain. The trailblazing former multi-time Knockouts champion retired from the ring in 2019 but still contributes in a big way as a producer for the company.
The veteran was beaming with pride when we caught up with her days after the Hard to Kill pay-per-view where Mickie James defeated Jordynne Grace for the gold in the main event, effectively keeping the run of “Hardcore Country” alive.
“Making that decision to walk away is difficult for any athlete I think,” Kim said. “ It took me a good two years plus to decide to retire. I like the way Mickie did it. It was a very interesting way to test herself to see if she still got it. She absolutely proved she did because Jordynne Grace is one of the best female wrestlers out there today. Talk about any company, all across the board. She was on top of her game.”
Much like the fans, Kim was emotionally invested in James’ “Last Rodeo.” For her, it’s the story-telling and quality of PPVs especially that really makes Impact stand out. Not to mention the positive work environment that has made Impact in recent years a land of opportunity. A prime reason Frankie Kazarian re-signed with the company.
“You can talk to anybody who works for our company or has worked for our company in the last couple of years. The joy, self-satisfaction, and fulfillment of why you love this business is in Impact Wrestling. I think it’s a very well-known fact in the industry that we are a great place to work because we’re like a family.”
More ‘New’ Faces Coming to Impact
Kim teases Kazarian and Santino Marella aren’t the only new or returning faces we’ll see on Impact TV in the coming weeks. And if she had her way, some of those names would come from the acclaimed all-women’s Japanese promotion Stardom.
“I have pitched I wanted a Stardom-Knockuots pay-per-view,” she said. “That was my thing I sort of threw in the bucket. It’s something I have to push a little bit harder because we do get busy, and we’re always constantly planning the next show and the next show.
“But I know the fans want to see another all-women’s pay-per-view. The last Knockouts Knockdown was great. EmPowerrr was great that Mickie ran, and now Mickie is part of our company. I would love to see collaborations with companies and Stardom was at the top of my list. I think that would create great interest and maybe a collaboration with other companies with women.”
Gisele Shaw
At the same time, Kim takes pride in the pride and evolution of its current talent. Among them is Gisele Shaw, who she believes turned a corner in 2022.
“When she first started with the company. Even before she started with the company, I would watch her and feel like she was holding back. I could feel it. I didn’t know what it was,” Kim explained.
“She just recently came out [as transgender]. She is now living openly and freely. It just changed the game with her feeling like herself. She is performing at the highest level right now. Everything she is doing is incredible. I feel like it’s only an upward trajectory from here. That is where she is now. I’m stoked to see where she goes next.”
One More Match?
Kim candidly revealed there have been numerous times watching from the sidelines that she felt the fire to compete again. The 45-year-old doesn’t rule out one more match under the right circumstances.
“It has been happening in my head a lot. It’s hard,” she said. “When you love it so much. Then when you see the talent out there. ‘What kind of match can I have with them?’ Mickie and I have joked. While she has been on this ‘Last Rodeo’ asking, ‘Why don’t you wrestle me again?’
“I said, ‘Mickie if you want me to, I respect you so much that I would if that’s what you truly wanted.’ But we have wrestled each other a bunch. For me, if I would come out of retirement for that one match, I would love it to be a three or four-way. So I can get as many talents as I could. And I love multi-women matches to be honest. It would be a dream match of all dream matches. It’s just about getting in cardio shape and preparing my back to get ready to go.”
Impact Wrestling airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on AXS TV. Catch Impact Wrestling live on January 20 and 21 for “New Year’s Revolution.” in Kissimmee. For tickets, visit here.
Gail Kim is aware that Paige plans to return to the ring at some point.
Late last week, Paige announced that her final day with WWE will be on July 7. She said the company choose not to offer her a contract extension.
Paige has vowed to make her in-ring return and it’s left many wondering where she’ll end up if she can get medical clearance.
Paige to IMPACT Wrestling?
Speaking to Steve Fall for SEScoops, IMPACT Wrestling producer Gail Kim said she’d be more than happy to welcome Paige to the Knockouts division.
“Never say never. I love Paige, I admire everything that she’s done for women’s wrestling. She also came up kind of in that period where maybe it was so powerful — what it is now.
“Women’s wrestling is probably at its best right now with main eventing. Pay-per-views, shows, it’s not an irregular thing for that to happen. So you know, Paige was part of that process.
“I have nothing but respect for her in and outside of the ring. And hey, if she wants to come over to IMPACT Wrestling I feel like the door is open. So, come on over, Paige!”
– Gail Kim on Paige joining Impact Wrestling
Watch Steve Fall’s discussion with Gail Kim:
Paige’s Next Move
Paige hasn’t wrestled since a house show event back in late 2017. She injured her neck during a tag team match and was never cleared to wrestle again by WWE’s medical team.
After retiring in 2018, WWE used Paige as a manager and later an analyst before having her sit at home until her contract expires.
Paige admitted she was frustrated with the lack of communication from WWE. At one point, she even pitched an idea to serve as Ronda Rousey’s manager but the company never took her up on it.
Nonetheless, she did express gratitude to WWE for keeping her as long as they did knowing she wouldn’t be cleared to wrestle.
Gail Kim feels that Tessa Blanchard is a rare talent who should be accomplishing big things in the wrestling business.
Kim and Blanchard worked together from late 2018 through early 2019 during their time at Impact Wrestling. In the culmination of their heated rivalry, Blanchard ultimately Gail Kim at Rebellion 2019 in what would be Kim’s retirement match.
“Tessa Was Like This Ultimate Athlete”
Gail Kim appeared on Busted Open Radio on Tuesday morning and spoke very highly of the second generation performer.
During her years as an active wrestler (2002-2019), Gail Kim has worked with them all, including Trish Stratus, Lita, Molly Holly, Mickie James, Beth Phoenix, Kelly Kelly, Eve Torres and Awesome Kong. According to Gail Kim, Tessa Blanchard was an “ultimate athlete” who stands above the rest.
“Tessa was like this ultimate athlete that I’d never been able to face an athlete on that level,” said Kim. “Years have passed now, it was 2019 since we had that match, and she should be accomplishing big things in this business, in my opinion. So, I wish I could see that for her, because I know that that talent is rare. So you know, we’ve talked about this a bunch but those are ultimately my bottom-line feelings.”
Tessa Blanchard went on to become the first woman to capture the Impact Wrestling World Championship in January 2020. After going on an extended leave of absence, Blanchard was released by Impact before her contract was set to expire and stripped of the championship in June of that year. She’s currently involved in the rebooted Women of Wrestling promotion.
IMPACT Wrestling legend Gail Kim recently discussed some of the names that she would like to see join the company in the near future, especially for the Knockouts division.
Speaking to Renee Paquette on her Oral Sessions podcast, Kim mentioned some veterans of the IMPACT locker room as well as one recently released WWE Superstar: Ember Moon.
“I just want girls who are talented and passionate and all those things, but it’s important to have a good locker room,” Gail began. “It’s so important for the girls to support each other and work for the business of the match, for the company, and in the end, it benefits everyone.
“People like Taya [Valkyrie], Mia Yim, of course, was part of our family too” Kim continued. “I would love for her to be able to show who she really is as her authentic self because she’s really talented.
Gail Kim on Ember Moon
“I’m curious about Ember Moon” Gail added as almost a throwaway line, but it’s clear that IMPACT see her as a potential signing down the line.
“Now ROH has so many girls, I mean, I love Maria [Kanellis] just as a leader, as well, in terms of the women’s wrestling world, and because we have Mickie [James] in our locker room now and I just love that there’s different types of girls in there that the girls can look up to.
“Just be able to lean on or go to for advice because, listen, in all realistic situations, even though I’m a leader there, some girls might not feel comfortable to come to me for whatever reason it may be.
“Whether they see me as ‘too office,’ that’s why we need the Madison’s, the Mickie’s, the Maria’s, and the people who are in that locker room that they can turn to if they don’t feel comfortable with other people” Gail Kim concluded.
Gail Kim shared a very emotional moment with Awesome Kong at the NWA EmPowerrr PPV when the latter announced her retirement from pro wrestling during a segment. Turns out the moment between the two was as real as it could get and the TNA Hall Of Famer did not know about the announcement of her friend beforehand.
Kim revealed this information during a recent appearance on the Battleground podcast. She said that she found out about it at the same time as all the fans:
“Honestly, I didn’t know she was gonna stay in the ring that night, I found out at the same time as all the fans watching that she was retiring. Yeah, Mickie and I both.”
The NWA EmPowerrr saw Gail Kim coming out to cut a promo but she was interrupted by Taryn Terrell and two other female stars. Awesome Kong then made a surprise appearance at the show. She came to the aid of her long-term rival and friend.
After clearing the house, Kong grabbed the mic and told the former knockouts champion that she was her greatest foe. She then said that there was no other way to end her career then being in the ring with Kim.
Mickie James invited Impact Knockouts Champion Deonna Purrazzo to the NWA Empowerrr PPV at Slammiversary. On Impact this week, Gail Kim revealed that she is the one who sent James out to offer the invite to the Virtuosa. In a video posted to Impact’s social media, James has now invited Gail Kim to be a part of NWA Empowerrr as well.
It’s not clear what role Gail Kim will play for the show. James only asks her for her help with the show, not necessarily to wrestle. Kim came out of retirement for one match in 2019. She wrestled Tessa Blanchard at the Impact Rebellion PPV from her hometown of Toronto that year.
NWA Empowerrr will take place from the Khorassan Ballroom At The Chase Park Plaza Hotel in St. Louis on August 28th. The NWA will present its 73rd Anniversary show from the same venue the following night.
“It’s pretty amazing because we’re going to we’re going to kick it off and we’re going to set the bar and hopefully for the rest of the weekend,” James said at a press conference in St. Louis earlier this month.
“There’s so much stuff, happening from Fan Fest, to the women’s show empowered, to NWA 73, and the two television tapings. It’s going to be an incredible four days.”
Impact Wrestling has been focusing on Kenny Omega and other visiting stars for their top storylines in recent months. Many have wondered how the company will fare once these names leave and Gail Kim recently discussed this.
The Impact veteran recently appeared on Busted Open Radio where she opened up about the current AEW champion being the focus of their top stories.
Kim was asked about the company’s future once stars such as Omega and Jey White stop making appearances for the promotion. Replying to it, the former Knockouts champion showed faith in the Impact management:
“I think if they do things right, and I do trust the creative and management process right now, I think they’ve done a really good job. Just a couple years ago, people hated us. For years! It was very hard to get that stink off, we’ll call it. And we’re getting viewers back; we’re getting people talking about it.
I just recently talked to a guy who has a store, a wrestling store. And he was talking about how he could see the difference in sales and people asking for Impact merchandise. We’re making those steps and I think it’s been so positive.”
Gail Kim went on to claim that she trusts the creative team. The TNA Hall Of Famer explained that they will be fine even after the big stars leave as long as they intertwine all the stories:
“I think as long as they intertwine all of these stories, and like I said, I trust the creative team. They’re great. Any person that’s on our roster is used. That’s what I love about this company. If you have a contract with our company, you’re being used.
So I think, ultimately, I would trust this management team right now, the creative team. And I think we’re making the moves in the right direction.”
Kenny Omega made his return to Impact Wrestling on December 8 last year. This relationship has since developed into a full-blown partnership between not only Impact and AEW, but companies like NJPW and NWA as well.
Gail Kim recently spoke to PW Insider regarding the recent controversy surrounding Impact World Champion Tessa Blanchard. The weekend of Impact’s Hard to Kill PPV, several female wrestlers accused Blanchard of using a racial slur and bullying wrestlers backstage.
“It was pretty stressful in the sense I didn’t like the angst of all these women fighting, or I don’t know what the term is, but it weighed heavily on my heart in a way. When that happened, we went to a pay-per-view and it wasn’t even 24 hours,” Kim said to PW Insider. “I went to speak to Tessa. Those details are private between her and I and are no one’s business. I based my decision of support at the pay-per-view and showing that support based on her time in the company. In the three years that she started with Impact wrestling, I’ve never seen any signs of any of that, of the undertones of bullying or racism. That’s where I made my decision of what I did and what I showed.”
Gail Kim Says Tessa Blanchard Has The Support Of The Impact Lockerroom
Kim would continue to say that she hasn’t seen any attitude problems from Blanchard in the entire time she has been with the company. Blanchard signed with Impact in April of 2018 as a 22-year-old and became the promotion’s youngest ever world champion when she won the title at 24.
“Any wrestler would tell you this, if someone was so crappy and such a terrible attitude and terrible person, do you think we would support that person? We would probably let that person bury themselves. She has the support of the locker room for a reason,” Kim continued.
“I didn’t see any attitude problems, that’s the thing. I don’t know what that reasoning is. I’ve never even heard anybody say in the locker room in the last three years that she had an attitude problem,” Kim would later add.
Tommy Dreamer Comments On Tessa Blanchard Controversy
On Busted Open Radio, Tommy Dreamer also commented on the situation and his relationship with Tessa Blanchard.
“I would state that I have a great relationship with (Tessa), I also have a great relationship with a lot of the other women that were talking about her. I was not there, I do know that there was a very very physical confrontation between her and this other wrestler and that led to I mean a physical brawl. Sometimes in the heat of battle you say things that you regret. I know that Tessa used to date a famous wrestler who’s in WWE that is African American. I know Tessa is currently engaged to Daga who is Mexican, I do not feel that Tessa Blanchard is racist.”
Former WWE star Gail Kim expressed her frustration with the company on social media.
It all started with a graphic that was shown on WWE television that had an error on it. It labeled a superstar as an entirely wrong person. The graphic was for “The Kabuki Warriors” (Asuka & Kairi Sane) but included the Twitter handles for Sane and WWE NXT Superstar Io Shirai, not Asuka.
A fan tweeted out a photo of the graphic, which got the attention of Kim. She responded with the following on her official Twitter account:
“Wow….. so sad when they have the most talented asian female wrestlers on the planet. Wake up WWE and stop wasting all of them. Utilize their talent!”
During Monday’s episode of RAW in Pittsburgh, PA, WWE held a Fatal 4-Way Elimination Match. This was where the error was made.
In this contest, Bliss and Cross beat The IIconics, Kairi Sane & Asuka, and Sonya Deville & Mandy Rose to win the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles. As of this writing, there’s no word yet on if Asuka and Sane will get an opportunity at the titles against Bliss and Cross in the near future.
The reason that they could be given a title match is due to them being the #1 contenders for the titles before this match takes place.
Io Shirai will face Candice LeRae in a singles match at the NXT TakeOver: Toronto II special this weekend. We will be providing live coverage of the show.
Impact Wrestling presented their go-home show for this Sunday’s Rebellion PPV in Toronto.
Here are 11 takeaways from Impact Wrestling 4/27.
Johnny Impact & Taya Valkyrie Can’t Purchase Lance Storm
Johnny Impact came out to the ring this week with his wife Taya and corrupted referee Johnny Bravo. Impact Wrestling officials assigned Lance Storm as the special guest referee at Rebellion to prevent a corrupt official helping Johnny to retain his title again.
Johnny said he wasn’t upset about Lance Storm being named special referee. He pointed out that Storm helped train him in Ohio Valley Wrestling and Taya mentioned she is a graduate of the Storm Wrestling Academy. Impact seemed confident that he would have Storm in his back pocket for the match but Storm came out live to tell him that was definitely not the case.
“If I can be serious for a minute,” Storm said to Johnny. “My integrity has never been for sale. This Sunday at Rebellion, if you want to remain world champion, you’re beating Brian Cage on your own.”
The segment closed with Johnny attempting to attack Storm but getting super-kicked by Storm in response.
Brian Cage & LAX Defeated Johnny Impact & The Lucha Bros
Brian Cage & LAX Defeated Johnny Impact & The Lucha Bros
In this week’s main event, Johnny Impact teamed with the Lucha Bros to take on Brian Cage and LAX. After Taya took out the referee, Full Metal Mayhem rules came early as both teams began to incorporate ladders and chairs into their offence. All metal objects will be legal this Sunday when LAX and the Lucha Bros clash in a Full Metal Mayhem match with the Impact tag titles on the line.
In the end, it was Brian Cage who would pick up the win for his team. Covered in his own blood, Brian Cage pinned Johnny Impact after Weapon-X. If that happens at Rebellion, we will have a new Impact World Champion.
Taya Valkyrie Attacked Jordynne Grace In The Gym
Taya Valkyrie attacked Jordynne Grace this week inside a gym. Luckily there were no other people there at the time. Grace and Valkyrie fought throughout the area as the two prepare to clash over the Knockouts title on Sunday. Valkyrie gave Grace a brutal DDT on top of some weights to end the segment.
Killer Kross Choked Out Willie Mack
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdILsECBDeU
Killer Kross defeated Willie Mack
An altercation in the back set up a match between these two tonight. Kross picked up the victory when he reversed a standing moonsault into the Cross Jacket choke.
Kross has been unbeatable as of late and could easily find himself back in title contention post-Rebellion.
Rob Van Dam Feels Impact Wrestlers Are Stealing His Moves
Rob Van Dam has not been as complimentary of some of the X-Division wrestlers on the roster as one might expect a new signing to be. RVD has repeatedly said there are wrestlers on the roster who steal his moves.
In a backstage interview this week, RVD mentioned Willie Mack using a frog splash that Mack refers to as a “6-Star Frog Splash”. RVD also commented on X-Division Champion Rich Swann being “a mark for RVD.” Is it possible RVD is going to rub some the wrong way in the Impact locker room when he arrives next week?
Rosemary Abducted An Undead Brides Maid
Rosemary defeated An Undead Maid of Honor
Su Yung is short one Undead Maid of Honor after Rosemary abducted her opponent this week. Rosemary used the poison mist and a spear to defeat one of Su Yung’s minions. She then attached a chain and leash to the Undead Maid of Honor and took her after the match was over.
Rich Swann Visited The OVE Compound
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BG7Q1PJjWM
Rich Swann seemed conflicted this week. The now clean-shaven X-Division Champion wanted Sami Callihan to come out and talk but Sami wouldn’t oblige. Earlier this week, Callihan demanded Impact Wrestling officials make his match with Swann a no-disqualification match or he would reveal spoilers for Avengers: Endgame.
Moose called all the Rascalz to meet him outside of the smoking circle this week. The Big Money Moose wants to expand the group of him and the Rascalz. The Rascalz figured he would be mad because of the big upset Trey was able to get on him last week though but Moose said he just wanted to introduce them to his new friends, the North. Moose, Josh Alexander, and Ethan Page than took the beating to the Rascalz.
Eddie Edwards Beat Eli Drake Out Of The Territory
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5Zp_vTWvnk
Eli Drake is gone from Impact Wrestling but he was still with the company during the Windsor tapings last month. He kicked off this week’s episode by saying the old Eddie Edwards is dead. This brought out Edwards who reclaimed his kendo stick from Drake and took the beating to the former Impact World Champion.
Eddie continued to beat Drake with the kendo stick all the way out of St. Clair College and into free agency.
Ace Austin Had A Card Up His Sleeve/Petey Williams Made The Save
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrT1dA8pUYg
Ace Austin defeated Aiden Prince
Ace Austin picked up a win in single’s action this week. He defeated Aiden Prince to open up the show. Austin showed during the match that he’s not afraid to engage in underhanded tactics to get the win as well. In the match’s closing moments, Austin used an Ace of Spades playing card to deliver a paper cut in between his opponent’s fingers.
After the match, Austin continued the beatdown on his opponent but hometown boy Petey Williams made the save. Austin is someone who may have X-Division gold in his aspirations and he’s about to enter into a program with a former X-Division champion.
The Deaners Have Arrived In Impact Wrestling
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYbXQvjPbm0
The Deaners defeated Halal Beefcake
Halal Beefcake and the Deaners, 2 Canadian independent tag teams, clashed this week on Impact. The Deaners picked up the victory and subsequently move up the tag team rankings in the promotion. The Deaners have signed Impact contracts and look like they will become a bigger part of the tag division after Rebellion.
Quick Results from Impact Wrestling 4/27:
Ace Austin defeated Aiden Prince
Rosemary defeated An Undead Maid Of Honor
Killer Kross defeated Willie Mack
The Deaners defeated Halal Beefcake
Brian Cage & LAX Defeated Johnny Impact & The Lucha Bros
Gail Kim is coming out of retirement for a match against Tessa Blanchard at Rebellion later this month. She spoke to reporter Chris Van Vliet recently about Impact, her history with WWE, AEW, and more.
“Right now I believe that Impact Wrestling’s creative is better than WWE and I’m not lying,” Kim said. “I truly believe that. It’s not just because I work for them, all I hear from the general fan base is how badly the creative is right now in WWE and how they’re not really enjoying the show and I get the opposite response from people who watch Impact.”
Gail Kim Interview Highlights
Kim also spoke about how her two stints in WWE were not an enjoyable time in her life or career.
“I experienced (WWE) twice and I know it’s a place that I would never want to return to,” she continued. “It was not a great time both times in my life, not just my career. So if I’m in a position where I’m able to speak up then I’m going to and wrestling fans are very passionate and the majority of them are very supportive but of course you’re going to get the fans that don’t want to hear the bad things. But at the same time, they have to realize that I’m speaking for the people that they’re watching and love.”
Kim spoke fondly of AEW and what the new promotion appears to be bringing to the industry.
“I think that it’s great that there’s another place for wrestlers to go or for people who are in the wrestling business. I think it’s great that they’re standing for things like equal pay from what I’ve heard and things that maybe we don’t get in other places in the wrestling industry, they’re trying to provide for us.”
The full interview can be viewed in the player below:
Impact Wrestling presented a show on Twitch and Pursuit last night from their recent TV tapings in Windsor.
8 Takeaways from Impact Wrestling 4/5
LAX Lose To Eli Drake & Eddie Edwards After Lucha Bros Distraction
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bUKS6xm5T0
Eddie Edwards and Eli Drake picked up the upset victory over LAX last night in the main event. They received some help from Pentagon Jr. and Fenix, however, who provided a momentary distraction which allowed Drake and Edwards to gain the advantage.
The tag champs then continued the attack on LAX after the match was over, perhaps to soften up their opponents before Rebellion. The two teams will face each other in a Full Metal Mayhem match on the PPV. Pentagon put Santana through a table to conclude the show. Tables and all other weapons will be legal at Rebellion.
Jordynne Grace vs Taya Valkyrie II Booked For Rebellion
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBfThfMc6mY
Jordynne Grace defeated Madison Rayne this week to earn another title shot against Taya Valkyrie. The first time the two met, Valkyrie utilized her champion’s advantage to duck tail and run, resulting in a count-out victory for Grace.
After Grace’s victory tonight, she was attacked by Knockouts Champion Taya Valkyrie. Impact World Champion, Johnny Impact, accompanied Taya as the promotion’s power couple continues to protect each other’s titles.
Brian Cage Makes The Save For Jordynne Grace
After Grace had defeated Rayne, she was attacked by Taya Valkyrie and Johnny Impact. The Impact World Champion was going to deliver a top rope move to Grace but Brian Cage made the save.
A mixed tag match was booked for next week between Brian Cage & Grace vs Johnny & Taya.
Rosemary Vows Revenge
Rosemary was shown in a cemetery this week. She cut a promo about Allie’s death from last week. During her promo, it may have been revealed that Kevin Sullivan (or a being in Kevin Sullivan form) is Rosemary’s father.
Rosemary lamented that she could have done more to protect Allie.
Petey Williams Picks Up X-Division Scramble Win
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTybKCRAZcY
Williams made his return to Impact Wrestling last night with a win in an X-Division 6-man scramble match to kick off the show. Williams pinned Jake Crist after a Canadian Destroyer from the top.
Is this the beginning of Williams moving back to the top of the division?
Tommy Dreamer Rescues Rich Swann From OVE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9Gvolz1iU4
Rich Swann may have defeated Sami Callihan when the X-Division title was on the line but the Draw picked up a measure of revenge on the champion this week. Callihan teamed with the newest member of OVE, Madman Fulton, and defeated Swann and Willie Mack in tag action this week.
After the match, OVE continued the beatdown of Swann but Tommy Dreamer made the save.
Later in the night, Impact would announce Rich Swann and Sami Callihan will once again face each other for the X-Division championship at Rebellion.
Rohit Raju Gets In The Win Column
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYd8iAyvTvs
Gama Singh’s Desi Hit Squad don’t have the greatest win/loss record in the tag team division, but Rohit Raju got in the win column this week. Although it took outside interference from his stablemates, Raju defeated Fallah Bah. Unfortunately for him, the action wasn’t over after the bell rang.
Scarlett Bordeaux and Fallah Bah Take Out The Desi Hit Squad
After Raju defeated Fallah Bah this week, Scarlett Bordeaux hit the ring. Her distraction allowed Fallah Bah to take the Desi Hit Squad down with a double clothesline. This allowed Bordeaux to land a running hip attack to the downed squad in the corner.
Will we see Scarlett Bordeaux and Fallah Bah team up more in Impact?
Quick Results:
6-Man Scramble: Petey Williams defeated Jake Crist, Trey, Idris Abraham, Ace Austin, and Aiden Prince
Gail Kim believes Impact’s television product is superior to WWE’s and chalks that up to Vince McMahon’s sub-par booking.
Late Tuesday night, the Impact Wrestling Hall of Famer admitted she had a few drinks before throwing shade at WWE Chairman Vince McMahon and his “shitty” booking. Apparently there will be more to come later today from the former Knockouts champion.
I’ve had a few drinks at this event tonight so I’ll reserve my comments till tomorrow regarding @vinceMcMahon and his shitty booking …..
A fan responded to Gail Kim’s tweet and disagreed with her. She replied, “You obviously haven’t watched lately. We kill them in creative.”
As you can imagine, her claim that Impact is superior to WWE was a controversial take and led to a mixed reaction from her followers. She deemed the people who disagreed with her opinion “trolls” and promised to always speak her mind, no matter how unpopular her opinions may be.
To all the trolls who throw me hate, I will never change my stance on my views Bc of your hate. I will always stand my ground on my views.
If you’re one of the members of the WWE Universe disappointed with Kurt Angle’s reveal of his WrestleMania opponent then don’t worry, you’re not the only one. Angle announced on this week’s episode of Monday Night RAW that nothing would make him “happier” than the opportunity to face Baron Corbin for his retirement match at WrestleMania 35 and tap him out. The announcement was met with a bemused reaction from the crowd.
Now former WWE Women’s Champion and multiple time Impact Knockouts Champion, Gail Kim, has voiced her frustrations over the booking. Both Kurt Angle and Gail Kim worked for WWE and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) at the same time.
She would reply to Kurt Angle’s Instagram post addressing the matchup, writing that “Vince is an a*****e but you’re Kurt f***** Angle and you will make this match memorable no matter what…. Bc you’re Kurt F**** Angle!!!!”
I really don’t know how to express my feelings about this match, but I think Gail Kim feels the way I do and was able to put her opinion in a beautiful statement. pic.twitter.com/jdPngw2Ejr
Angle took his Instagram account and somewhat addressed the negative public reaction to Monday’s announcement. He wrote:
“My farewell match will be against Baron Corbin at Wrestlemania. I realize it’s not the most popular decision from a fan’s perspective… BUT I will make Corbin tap out on the biggest stage of them all…. and I Hope you can share this moment/accomplishment with me on April 7th. Baron is a legit tough guy. It won’t be easy but it never is. #itstrue #wrestlemania35 #wwe #wrestling”
WrestleMania 35 will take place on April 7th from the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. It is speculated to become the longest event in WrestleMania history.
Gail Kim’s officiating at Homecoming came under fire last week when Taya Valkyrie defeated Tessa Blanchard for the Knockouts Championship. She was asked about her officiating in the match as well as the potential for her coming out of retirement for one more match with Tessa Blanchard on today’s Impact Wrestling Press Pass.
“Yes, there’s a lot of controversy in terms of my officiating at the Homecoming PPV,” Kim said. “That moment just built up to what happened and I’m going to defend myself. Tessa was abusing authority at that point.”
Ok well im hearing this a lot. So her pushing me twice, choking out a previous referee and trying to choke and punch me was ok…. funny how the minds work. I was going to let that match happen no matter what. The difference is I will defend myself. https://t.co/zSZKLAgG9Z
Kim continued to say that DQ’ing Blanchard was “the easy way out.”
Last week on Impact Wrestling, Blanchard used Kim’s Eat Defeat move to win a single’s match. This has led to speculation Kim could come out of retirement for one more match against Tessa Blanchard.
“It depends on the circumstances and how far I’m pushed,” Kim said regarding coming out of retirement. “I think it goes honestly by how my body feels at that moment because still to this day since I retired last February my back gives me a lot of problems.”
She continued to say that she is getting an update on her back shortly, however, and if she feels good she wouldn’t object to one more match. Kim also wants to know how bad the fans want to see it as well.
Gail Kim On Dark Allie, Su Yung, & Rosemary
I had the chance to ask Kim on the call what the dark storyline featuring Su Yung, Dark Allie, & Rosemary brings to the division.
“I think it’s the first time that I’ve ever witnessed in my time female dark characters of this magnitude,” Kim said.
Kim then spoke regarding the diversity of characters earlier in the Knockout division’s history.
“I feel like what really broke the mold with the original Knockouts division is when we had a variety of characters like ODB and Awesome Kong,” Kim continued. “Things you had never seen before and then it kind of opened that door to different types of characters. Rosemary came along and Su Yung made that transition, because she’s been wrestling a really long time, and now we have Dark Allie. I’ll say they proved me wrong because I always thought there isn’t space for 3 dark characters.”
Kim continued to say Rosemary is the most popular Knockout currently and she’s been injured for a long time. She also mentioned that kids enjoy the storyline.
Gail Kim On Wrestlers Impact Wrestling Could Sign
Kim was also asked about what female Superstars on the independent scene she’d like to sign. Her answer suggests she’s frustrated with other wrestling promotions signing up lots of talent.
“There’s a couple of girls I guess but I almost don’t want to say it because WWE signs everyone,” Kim joked. “There snatching up everyone and making slim pickings for everyone.”
She mentioned rumors that Viper had signed with WWE. Kim also mentioned of Shotzi Blackheart who competed on Impact last year but is currently injured. She then said there are a few girls in Mexico she was interested in bringing into Impact as well.
“I just want more of a pool to pick from,” Kim continued. She continued to say that many prospects are now choosing to turn down WWE, however, feeling as though they would get lost in the shuffle.
After this week’s episode of Impact Wrestling, there are just 3 shows left before Homecoming on January 6th. Here are 10 takeaways from Impact Wrestling 12/13:
Gail Kim To Referee Tessa vs Taya III
Gail Kim was announced as the special referee for the Knockouts Championship match between champion, Tessa Blanchard, and challenger, Taya Valkyrie at Homecoming. This coming on the heels of the champion getting purposely disqualified in their Bound For Glory rematch at the New York tapings and then subsequently strangling a referee two weeks ago.
With Kim serving as referee and Taya debuting a new submission hold recently, it’s looking as though she could walk away from Homecoming the new champion.
Killer Kross Wants To Bring The Devious Johnny Impact To The Surface
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUrTpa6m-dg
Killer Kross is fast becoming my favorite promo on Impact. He has continuously offered to watch Johnny Impact’s back ever since losing to him at Final Hour last month. The Impact champion wants nothing to do with him, however. This week he threatened Kross to stay out of his business but it’s just that kind of attitude Kross is trying to bring out of Johnny.
Johnny Impact will defend his title against Brian Cage at Homecoming and Kross believes the champ will need his help to retain. What role will Kross play at Homecoming?
Dark Allie Is Coming For Kiera Hogan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1ym0rPTYYw
Kiera Hogan was wrong, there is no good left in Allie. This week, Allie and Su Yung cut a backstage promo which would give small children nightmares. Allie said something along the lines of “the end of the beginning is the beginning of the end” in multiple ways before making it clear she is targetting her former friend, Kiera Hogan.
Eli Drake Visited Raven In Shady Acres
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFnNOvbAgUw
Last week, Raven helped Eddie Edwards escape from a mental institution. Evidently, Eli Drake watched last weeks episode and decided to pay Raven a visit this week.
While Drake would give Raven his due as a trendsetter and legendary hardcore wrestler, he also said he wants to rid pro wrestling of the wrestlers who were inspired by people like Raven.
Drake’s quest to end hardcore wrestling will continue at Homecoming when he faces Abyss in a Monster’s Ball match. He told Raven to watch.
Eddie Edwards Returned To Attack Moose
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Lye18AUUi8
Moose vs Brian Cage – No Contest
After escaping Shady Acres last week, Edwards attacked Moose in the night’s main event this week. He didn’t even bother to take off his hospital gown. Edwards has been spiraling downward mentally all year, ever since his rivalry with Sami Callihan. He’ll look to get revenge on his former friend Moose at Homecoming. Their match has now been made a “Falls Count Anywhere” match.
Konnan Won’t Be In LAX’s Corner At Homecoming
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlrWqKV0aFw
Konnan never wanted LAX to defend their tag belts against the Lucha Bros. Santana and Ortiz went against his wishes and challenged them anyway, much to Konnan’s disliking. This week, Konnan informed the team that he will not be in their corner at Homecoming.
Fenix also defeated Santana in single’s action this week.
Rich Swann Does Not Want To Go To War With Sami Callihan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K68RL5GgHGs
Rich Swann defeated Dave Crist
Swann defeated Dave Crist this week to qualify for Ultimate X at Homecoming. With all four spots in the match now confirmed, Swann could be considered the favorite to walk away from Nashville as the new champion.
After the match, the Crist brothers attacked Swann. Willie Mack came out to help but both Swann and Callihan stopped their allies from attacking the other side. Swann and Callihan have a long history on the independent scene, especially with Combat Zone Wrestling. Swan again told Mac this week in the back that he does not want two “go there” with the devious Sami Callihan.
Jordynne Grace Is Still Very, Very, Strong
Jordynne Grace defeated Ruby Raze
Katarina thought she could bring in a ringer to face Jordynne Grace this week. After all, she had success sticking Murder Clown against her enemies in Mexico. This week didn’t go as well, however.
Jordynne Grace improves her Impact record to 3-0 as she defeated Raze this week, letting everyone in the Impact Knockouts division know she is moving her way up the rankings as quickly as possible.
Trey Miguel Qualifies For Ultimate X
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0E05RnYiJBU
Trey Miguel defeated Trevor Lee
We may have seen Trevor Lee’s last match in Impact this week. He was defeated by Trey from the Rascalz in an Ultimate X qualifier. The win gives the Rascalz their first shot to bring home gold at Homecoming. Trey likely still wants to impress Scarlett Bordeaux, who showed up in the trio’s “That 70s Show” style smoking session.
Scarlett Bordeaux Has The Desi Hit Squad Fighting Over Her
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHqUH9ZOdpU
The Desi Hit Squad is going to fight over Scarlett Bordeaux next week. The Smokeshow visited the team in the back this week and said she loves it when men fight over her. Thus, the Desi Hit Squad will do just that next week.
Quick Results:
Rich Swann defeated Dave Crist
Fenix defeated Santana
Jordynne Grace defeated Ruby Raze
Moose vs Brian Cage – No Contest
Confirmed Matches for Homecoming (Non-Spoiler):
Impact World Championship
Johnny Impact (c) vs Brian Cage
Knockouts Championship
Tessa Blanchard (c) vs Taya Valkyrie (Gail Kim as Special Referee)
X-Division Championship
Ultimate X Match
Jake Crist vs Ethan Page vs Rich Swann vs Trey Miguel
Impact Tag Team Championships
LAX (c) vs Pentagon and Fenix
Gail Kim was inducted into the Impact Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2016. She subsequently retired from in-ring competition in February. Lance Storm believes Kim to be a G.O.A.T (Greatest of All Time). He made his opinions known on Twitter recently:
Gail Kim Involved In Tessa Blanchard vs Taya Valkyrie Rivalry
Despite seemingly being retired, however, Kim made an appearance on Impact Wrestling this week. She prevented Tessa Blanchard from strangling a referee. Blanchard has been having her issues with referees as of late. She punched one in order to get purposely disqualified in her rematch with Taya as well.
Kim has mentioned that if she ever does decide to come out of retirement, she’d have her return match for Impact.
Tessa Blanchard (c) vs Taya Valkyrie III has been booked for Homecoming. The event will take place January 6th, 2019 from Nashville.
Earlier this year, Kim spoke to Women’s Wrestling Weekly about why she decided to retire.
“My back was starting to deteriorate and basically what happened was I just couldn’t walk after a couple of matches here and there. I never had an MRI and I never knew what was going on in my body for so long, and then it was coming to point where I was always wrestling and not being able to walk after. And I was like ‘ It’s time, I need to know what is going on. It’s a scary thought, but you have to know so you can help it’.So, I got an MRI done and I guess, I’m grateful it wasn’t worse.”
“My L4 and my L5, pretty much the discs, was just basically all gone and there was just a thin layer left to the point, it could be bone on bone soon. Basically, I made the decision that I didn’t want to keep on going, where I had to have that major surgery because that minor surgery; he (the doctor) told me I can get back in the ring in 7 weeks and that 7 weeks turned into 7 months.”
Impact Wrestling Hall of Famer, Gail Kim, has released a personal statement regarding her recent remarks. Kim recently made some headlines when she referred to WWE as “racist.”
“After speaking with a couple of friends recently regarding comments on social media on racism, I had my eyes opened to the fact that my words chosen to deliver my message could have been managed more thoughtfully. The one word of my statement that I regret using is the term “they”. I think due to the fact that sometimes terms like racism are thrown around easily, especially in today’s climate. Racism is a serious thing and I realized that saying “they” that I was putting a blanket over everyone who works in the company. This is not true. The culture or environment of a company starts from the top. The leadership. The leadership of a company sends a message to its employees of what is tolerated and what is not. I know there are a lot of respectful people in WWE who have a lot of integrity. Being Election Day and realizing the climate of hate and negativity, I think it’s important to use my voice. As an ethnic female in wrestling, there will be people reading my words and I want to set an example. I did experience racism. I never even understood the term “gook” until I worked for the company or heard the usage of so many ugly racial slurs. I think it’s important to educate, listen and talk about these issues. I want to be very clear where I stand. I want racial and gender equality. I hope that we can make strides to talk about and create change for the good of our industry and others.”
Not apologizing let me make this clear. I’m CLARIFYING my message and not grouping the ones who don’t have the same beliefs. I’m making it clear that it comes from the top. https://t.co/q0zuom0Gm3
Nope. I wanted to be clear on my message if you must know Bc a friend called and thought I grouped them in with that. So for the respect of those people, I made this statement https://t.co/JMeMbRf1cp
Several wrestling personalities have given their thoughts on WWE recently. Impact Wrestling producer, Gail Kim, is no different. Last night, Kim said the reason WWE isn’t concerned about bringing back Hulk Hogan after having made racist remarks is that they are racist themselves.
She would later respond to someone who refuted the WWE is racist claim:
Oh ok Bc they hire people of ethnicity doesn’t mean they aren’t racist. It’s business number one. Two, you don’t know anything about what happens backstage mr diehard https://t.co/1ZXDE1ngYE
Kim then took a shot at a media outlet for misconstruing her remarks, leading this media outlet to be a little nervous about posting this article now:
I DID say they were racist. Never mentioned anything about Hulk Hogan…..are you guys that desperate for clicks that you have to make up headlines? Bc you know reporting the truth ACTUALLY makes you credible. https://t.co/ljaaW0PXzc
It seems as though the outlet misconstrued Gail Kim’s comments. She was saying WWE is racist and therefore don’t mind that Hogan made racist comments not that WWE is racist as a result of having brought back Hogan after he made racist comments.
Gail Kim – Impact Wrestling
The Knockouts Division in Impact Wrestling is arguably the most talked about division in the company at the moment. Tessa Blanchard’s Knockouts title reign has drawn significant interest from fans. While controversial, the Allie/Su Yung/Kiera Hogan program has been praised by fans who enjoy that newly developing style of sports entertainment.
A controversial finish to the Bound For Glory rematch between Blanchard and Taya Valkyrie this week will likely lead to a third match somewhere down the road.
The recent news of the all-women PPV Evolution has had fans clamoring on which former WWE women superstar will return to the event.
One former Women’s Champion, Gail Kim, has been the talk of a former star who should return but has no desire in making a comeback to the WWE.
Whoever you are, please don’t tell me what I should be feeling or thinking. Only I’ve lived my life and walked in my shoes. So please get lost. You don’t know jack. https://t.co/XkOlAXMWxy
Back in August 2011 Gail Kim deliberately eliminated herself from the women’s battle royal that was taking place around the Divas Division Era. During this era, the Divas had little to no time on television for their matches, which many fans referred to the matches as “piss breaks”. That elimination would be Kim’s last WWE appearance as she would request her release and join back with TNA.
Currently, Kim is a producer for TNA’s Knockout Division and has no desire to return back to the WWE.
Do not expect former WWE Superstar Gail Kim to appear at the company’s upcoming all-women’s Evolution pay-per-view.
Kim is widely considered one of the best female wrestlers in WWE history. She is a former WWE Women’s Champion and worked for the company from 2002-20004 and 2008-2011.
A fan asked Gail Kim on Twitter why she won’t consider returning to WWE, even for a one-time appearance. Gail Kim said it’s really a matter of what makes her happy – and she never felt happy in WWE.
Bc I’ve been there twice. I have never been happy there. Life is about happiness. Impact Wrestling is my happiness. It’s not about money sometimes…. people just don’t understand that https://t.co/rOaehEimOH
Gail Kim had a successful WWE career and is a former WWE Women’s Champion. However, her frustration with WWE has a lot to do with with her unhappiness.
During her first WWE run, wrestlers such as Trish Stratus were often made to participate in degrading and over-sexualized storylines, such as Bra and Panties matches. Her second run involved an angle where she was Daniel Bryan’s girlfriend and another one where she and Melina were “Frenemies”.
Gail Kim spoke candidly about her dissatisfaction while in WWE during an appearance on Sean Waltman’s X-Pac 1-2-360 podcast.
“I felt held down in WWE,” Kim said. “It was just the wrong timing in that company. When I first came into the company the woman’s division was strong with Trish and Jazz with all those girls. When the first diva’s search happened it kinda went away, that’s when I got fired actually, and mind you, it brought me my best friend Christy Hemme. It always felt like it was just never a right fit for me.”
Gail Kim in Impact Wrestling
Kim signed with Impact (then known as TNA) in 2005. She won the Knockouts Championship in 2007 and was also involved in several high-profile storylines and angles. After leaving WWE in epic fashion in 2011, she re-signed with Impact in 2011. She retired from in-ring competition in 2016 and was hired as a producer.
She now works with Impact’s current Knockouts division featuring the likes of Su Yung, Allie, Tessa Blanchard, Kiera Hogan, Taya Valkyrie, Rosemary, and Madison Rayne.
Gail Kim is undergoing surgery this morning to have her appendix removed.
The 7-time Knockouts Champion revealed on Twitter that she thought she had food poisoning on Sunday night. It turned out to be appendicitis, a condition that can get very serious if not treated in a timely manner.
Thought I had food poisoning tonight. Turned out it was appendicitis and caught it in the nick of time. Surgery in the am!
Gail Kim retired from active competition in February. She’s been acting as a backstage producer/agent for Impact’s Knockouts Division and held a seminar for RISE Wrestling this weekend.
Gail Kim’s 2011 exit from WWE is among the most daring ways anyone has ever burned their bridge with the company. Frustrated with how women were being used on WWE programming, Gail Kim went off script (kind of) in a women’s battle royal match on Raw.
The Raw battle royal on August 1st, 2011 was to determine a new #1 contender for the Divas title. Kim was told to be eliminated early in the match. Shortly after the match started, Kim decided to simply roll out of the ring, walk to the back, and quit.
Kim then signed with TNA and finished up her career there. She still works backstage with the company.
Check out Gail Kim give her reasons for leaving WWE in 2011:
Gail Kim on Stephanie McMahon
The TNA Hall-of-Famer recently gave an interview to AfterBuzz and expressed her opinion that Stephanie McMahon had zero interest in women’s wrestling while she was in WWE.
“WWE always thinks in a business mindset. For them, they are thinking, ‘ok this woman’s revolution is becoming hot, Ronda Rousey, this “Me Too” movement’; so of course, to be honest, I’m going to say this, because I’ve said it on Twitter; Stephanie (McMahon) could have been fighting for us a long time ago. She was there every single time I worked there and she had zero interest in fighting for the women back then. So, for them, everything is business motivated. So, them having this women’s revolution, and it’s from the fans as well….the fans did demand it through social media and Vince heard it and made it happen. And I think finally the girls are getting treated the way they want to get treated.”
In addition to working backstage for Impact, Kim married celebrity chef, Robert Irvine, in 2012. Kim had studied nutrition at the University of Ryerson in her hometown of Toronto, ON, Canada. She topped the PWI Top 50 Female Wrestlers list in 2012.
Last night’s episode of Monday Night RAW featured a segment between General Manager Kurt Angle, and recently fired SmackDown Live stars Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn.
Owens and Zayn came to Angle in hopes of landing jobs, and Angle put the pair in a match against each other in which the winner would receive a RAW contract. The Olympic Hero was hesitant to give Owens and Zayn a chance at first, dropping the line “My tag team division is full, but I hear TNA is hiring.”
The line received a huge pop from the crowd and the professional wrestling internet community. Former WWE Women’s Champion and current IMPACT Wrestling Producer Gail Kim took to Twitter shortly after the segment aired.
Kim shared an interesting story of Vince McMahon watching a special episode of TNA backstage at a WWE event:
If I'm not mistaken, that would be the first mention of TNA on RAW.
