Sami Callihan is sick of the term “intergender wrestling.” The Impact Wrestling World Champion shared his thoughts on the issue in a recent interview. He also addressed why he believes himself to be the hero of his feud with Tessa Blanchard.
Speaking with the WINCLY podcast, Callihan explained how he was the first to provide equality in pro wrestling by looking at a woman as an “actual competitor and an equal.”
When it comes to why he believes Blanchard is the heel in their feud, Callihan points to her being a “millennial brat.” He noted how people have more in common with him than her.
“I feel more people have stuff in common with me than they do Tessa Blanchard who is just another millennial brat who’s been able to do whatever she wants. She hasn’t had to bust her ass for anything. She’s been handed everything since day one for every company she’s walked into. Now she’s been wrestling for 5-6 years at most and she thinks she’s on the same level as me.
Sami Callihan Is Done With The Term “Intergender Wrestling”
With Callihan being so open to wrestling against female challengers, he feels the term “intergender wrestling” has become antiquated. For him, there are no gender boundaries anymore in matchups. It’s all just professional wrestling.
“I’m sick of the term intergender wrestling because at this point it should just be professional wrestling,” Callihan stated. “I’ve said this in every interview I’ve done in the last six months. The term intergender wrestling isn’t something we need in 2020 as everyone needs to be looked at as equals. Male or female – whatever you consider yourself, you need to be considered just a professional wrestler because professional wrestling is supposed to be for everyone, correct?”
Sami Callihan defends his Impact Wrestling World Championship against Tessa Blanchard this Sunday. Blanchard has previously shared how their match will see them “shattering ceilings.”
The two will clash at Impact Wrestling’s Hard To Kill event. The show takes place in The Bomb Factory in Dallas, Texas.
Impact Wrestling star Tessa Blanchard recently opened up about intergender wrestling “shattering ceilings.” She also discussed her upcoming matchup against Sami Callihan at this Sunday’s Hard to Kill event. The two clash for Callihan’s Impact World Championship. She made her championship interests clear following Callihan’s victory over then-champion Brian Cage back in October.
Using Platforms To Make An Impact
Speaking with Busted Open Radio, Blanchard explained how she feels women are now being given a platform in multiple promotions.
“[…] you’re seeing the first this and the first that, and the first this and the first that, and I think it’s so great, it’s so great for the evolution of women’s wrestling and women’s athletes all together,” she said. “And one thing that stood out to me about all that was, at first I let it bother me a little bit, it would kind of give me an itch that, oh man, I want to be part of the first this and the first that and this to happen, but I want to be different.”
She continued, “I want to make an impact on the business in a way that is different than anybody else has, and I feel like Impact is giving us the platform to do that through intergender wrestling which is really cool to me.”
Tessa Blanchard On “Shattering Ceilings”
Turning her thoughts to her match with Callihan, Tessa Blanchard reflected on the amount of attention their main event bout has received. She speculated that the match could generate even more buzz after Sunday as “what we’re doing is really special.”
“[…] we’re really breaking the mold, we’re shattering ceilings, it’s making people, it’s either disrupting them or people are supporting it,” Blanchard stated. “It’s cool that we’re getting a reaction either way because it’s drawing awareness to intergender wrestling which we view as just pro-wrestling because we’re in the time in 2020 where women are looked at as athletes. Women can go out there and kill it better than men, if not, the same as men. It’s a cool thing where we are in 2020. And for Sami and I to be looked at as kind of a bullet point in the evolution of it all is a really cool thing.”
Impact Wrestling’s Hard to Kill takes place this Sunday, January 12th from The Bomb Factory in Dallas, Texas.
Impact Wrestling was back in their usual timeslot on Tuesday nights this week. This week’s show was the go-home edition for Sunday’s Hard to Kill PPV.
The show was headlined by Moose & Rob Van Dam teaming up against Brian Cage and Rhino. Impact this week would also feature a special look at the Hard to Kill main event of Sami Callihan vs Tessa Blanchard.
Impact Wrestling Results (Jan. 7)
Michael Elgin defeated Eddie Edwards
the Desi Hit Squad defeated TJP, Fallah Bah & Daga
One of the biggest world championship matches in Impact Wrestling’s recent history takes place Sunday at Hard to Kill. Blanchard debuted with Impact Wrestling in the spring of 2018 and has steadily risen up the rankings ever since. Hard to Kill will be the 3rd time Callihan and Blanchard have met on Impact Wrestling. Callihan has won the first two.
At Hard to Kill, both ODB and Jordynne Grace have a chance to win Knockouts gold from Taya Valkyrie in a triple threat match. This week on Impact, ODB stole the pin on Taya away from Jordynne Grace. After Grace had delivered a second-rope Avalanche drop to the champion she was thrown out of the ring by ODB who then got the pin on Taya herself.
If OBD does the same thing on Sunday, she’ll walk away as the new Knockouts Champion.
Brian Cage & Rhino Defeat Rob Van Dam & Moose
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyCQM-2eZRI
The night’s main event previewed 2 upcoming matches on Sunday’s PPV. Brian Cage will face Rob Van Dam in a dream match and Rhino and Moose will go one-on-one as well.
Rob Van Dam appears to be no longer doing his more popular moves as he does not want to give the fans what they want. He acted as though he was going to deliver Rolling Thunder at one point but then decided against it. Moose, however, attempted his own 5-star frog splash during the match, missed, and was promptly Gored by Rhino. Cage then hit Moose with a clothesline and pinned him to pick up the win for his team.
Havok Beats Rosemary As James Mitchell Continues To Manipulate “Suzie”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HXI6g_X5gM
Father James Mitchell has been shown in backstage vignettes recently along with “Suzie” who appears to be the memory-restricted Su Yung. Rosemary has been attempting to stop Mitchell from continuing his association with Suzie.
This week on Impact, Mitchell locked Suzie in a closet while he accompanied Havok to the ring for her match against Rosemary. Suzie wandered to the ring during the match, however, prompting Mitchell to attempt to cover her ears and eyes. This distracted Rosemary who was then put in a tombstone piledriver by Havok for the win.
Swinger was shown backstage this week attempting to put Somas in Joey Ryan’s water bottle. Swinger was caught in the act by Tommy Dreamer and attempted to lie his way out of it. He told Dreamer it was his water bottle and he was just putting his medication in his water. Dreamer asked Swinger to drink the water to prove there was nothing too terrible in there but Swinger was reluctant. Dreamer then showed Swinger a kendo stick and Swinger took a big gulp from the Soma-infused water.
Later in the show, Swinger was shown passed out backstage. Joey Ryan and Petey Williams then debated drawing on his face with a sharpie. Swinger and Ryan will face each other next week in single’s action.
Michael Elgin and Eddie Edwards Don’t Wait Until Hard to Kill
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wt9pq1m0S7E
The show opened up this week with a brawl already in progress ringside between Eddie Edwards and Michael Elgin. Edwards said they don’t have to wait until Hard to Kill and an impromptu match between the two was booked.
Elgin would win the match with an Elgin bomb but these two will square off once again when Impact presents Hard to Kill on Sunday. The stipulations will be bigger on Sunday as well. Later in the show, Josh Matthews revealed that when Elgin and Edwards meet on the PPV, Edwards’ “Call Your Shot” trophy will be on the line.
The Desi Hit Squad defeated TJP, Fallah Bah & Daga
TJP and Fallah Bah joined forces with Daga this week in trios action against all 3 members of the Desi Hit Squad. Callis noted on commentary how well the Desi Hit Squad worked together under the guidance of the Great Gama Singh. Teamwork may have helped the faction but in the end, it was the brute strength of MahabaliShera who would win the match with a power-bomb on TJP.
Hard To Kill On Sunday
#HardToKill isn't just based on our company history.
Our commitment to giving you the best wrestling in the world is Hard To Kill.
This Sunday we plan to deliver AGAIN on PPV in Dallas.
Impact Wrestling presented part II of its “Best of 2019” this weekend on AXS TV. The promotion is back in their usual Tuesday night timeslot this week for the go-home show for this weekend’s Hard to Kill PPV.
Here are 6 takeaways from Impact Wrestling 1/4 the Best of 2019 Part II:
Tessa Blanchard Wins Wrestler of the Year
"I've always said that I want to make history in my own way and this is just another way that I have." @Tess_Blanchard responds to being the first ever woman to win IMPACT Wrestler of the Year. #IMPACTonAXSTVpic.twitter.com/y6YdYdy050
As she prepares to wrestle for the Impact Wrestling World Championship at Hard to Kill this weekend, Tessa Blanchard has been named the 2019 Wrestler of the Year for the promotion. Since signing with Impact, Blanchard has been a featured performer for Impact and the culmination of a long-term booking strategy could take place at Hard to Kill on Sunday.
Blanchard joined Impact in the spring of 2018 and quickly rose to be the top heel in the Knockouts division before winning the title. She would only lose the title after her and Gail Kim’s disdain for each other led to the Hall of Famer costing her a match against Taya Valkyrie. Blanchard would be too distracted in her rivalry with Kim to regain her lost championship. After dispatching of Kim, and winning her respect, Blanchard turned babyface and entered a feud with Sami Callihan.
Blanchard’s forway into inter-gender wrestling potentially hit a snag when plans for a Blanchard vs Eli Drake feud were scrapped and Drake left the promotion. He landed in the National Wrestling Alliance where he is currently feuding with Ken Anderson.
Sami Callihan picked up the ball, however, and didn’t hesitate for a second with it. Blanchard and Callihan have had two previous matches in Impact, with Callihan winning both but Blanchard coming close each time. Perhaps, Blanchard will finally defeat Sami this weekend en route to making history.
Tessa Blanchard’s Victory In #1 Contenders Match Re-Visited
With Tessa Blanchard vs Sami Callihan 3 set to take place this weekend, Blanchard’s victory to earn her title shot was re-visited this week on Impact Wrestling. Blanchard won a multi-person Gauntlet match and eliminated former Impact World Champion Brian Cage with the final elimination.
The North Win Tag Team Of The Year
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9szeRCLTtQ
Following the departures of the Lucha Bros and LAX, one team rose to the very top of Impact Wrestling’s tag team division in 2019 and has stayed there. Ethan Page and Josh Alexander were formerly two well-respect indy guys around the Toronto/Hamilton Ontario, Canada scenes. Since arriving in Impact Wrestling, however, they have quickly become a dominant team.
To put it in perspective, if the North can retain their titles for the next 3 weeks, they will hit #4 all-time in terms of combined days spent with the Impact tag titles behind only LAX, Beer Money, and the Wolves.
Their match this year against Pro Wrestling NOAH’s Naomichi Marufuji & Eddie Edwards was revisited this week.
Re-Visiting Rich Swann’s Elimination Match Spoiler
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_f2nJBhKtk
Rich Swann has overcome the odds quite a bit in his career. The former X-Division Champion almost overcame the odds in the #1 Contender Elimination match he competed in recently as well. Swann pulled off a huge upset during the match by pinning perennial top-contender Michael Elgin. Swann looked to have momentum going into the rest of the match but Elgin made sure he wouldn’t have anything left after delivering a massive post-match beat down.
Tessa Blanchard vs Gail Kim Re-Visited
Gail Kim wasn’t going to come out of retirement for just any opponent. The Impact Hall of Famer came out of retirement to face Tessa Blanchard, however. Blanchard and Kim met at the Rebellion PPV this spring from Rebel Nightclub in Kim’s hometown of Toronto, ON, Canada.
When looking at Blanchard’s rise to the top of Impact Wrestling (and her profession in general) the importance of this match against Kim cannot be overstated. The match was re-visited on Impact this week as the promotion prepares for Blanchard vs Sami Callihan for the Impact World Title at Hard to Kill.
Tessa Blanchard vs Sami Callihan From Slammiversary Wins Match of the Year
With Sami Callihan vs Tessa Blanchard 3 set to take place on Sunday, their first match was awarded the 2019 Impact Wrestling match of the year. The match headlined the Slammiversary PPV from Gilley’s Dallas from Texas. Hard to Kill will be held at a different venue in the same city (The Bomb Factory).
Callihan and Blanchard would meet a month later at Unbreakable (Impact Plus special). The two had teamed together as part of the Mash-Up tournament and won. The win meant they would face each other with the winner of that match earning a title shot. Callihan again beat Blanchard and would go on to win the Impact title from Brian Cage.
Sami Callihan has shown off the new design of the Impact Wrestling World Title.
Callihan defeated Brian Cage in a steel cage match to win the Impact World Championship back on the October 29th episode of Impact television. This marked an important night for the promotion as it was the premiere of the promotion’s flagship weekly 2-hour show on AXS TV.
Callihan will make his next title defense against Tessa Blanchard at the Hard to Kill pay-per-view event.
Sami Callihan Shows Off
He did so this week on his official Twitter account by sharing photos. By looking at the photos, the title belt features Impact’s new red color scheme following the move to AXS TV.
Impact Wrestling’s Hard to Kill pay-per-view event will take place on Sunday, January 12th from The Bomb Factory in Dallas, Texas.
The building has a maximum capacity of approximately 4,300 people. This will be the first PPV event of the year for Impact. The promotion could announce more matches for the show in the coming days but it looks nearly complete. Here is the updated card:
Hard To Kill Pay-Per-View Lineup
Impact World Champion Sami Callihan vs. Tessa Blanchard
X-Division Champion Ace Austin vs. Trey
Impact Knockouts Champion Taya Valkyrie vs. Jordynne Grace vs. ODB – Triple Threat Match
Impact Tag Team Champions The North vs. Willie Mack and Rich Swann
Michael Elgin vs. Eddie Edwards
Rob Van Dam vs. Brian Cage
Moose vs. Rhino
Madman Fulton vs. Ken Shamrock
The three-hour event begins January 12th at 8 p.m. ET and will be available on all major PPV distributors, including DISH, DirecTV, iN Demand, Vubiquity, Rogers, Bell, Shaw, Sasktel.
Impact Wrestling aired on AXS TV this Saturday night with the first of two scheduled “Best of 2019” shows. The second show will air on Saturday, January 4th, 2020 before Impact is back in their normal Tuesday night timeslot the following week.
Sami Callihan defeated Brian Cage in a steel cage match for the Impact World Championship on the first episode of Impact on AXS TV this fall. It took Callihan several piledrivers to win the match and the title but he was able to pull it out. The match was featured on Impact’s Best of 2019 part 1 show this weekend.
Callihan had earned the title match after he and Tessa Blanchard won the Mash-up tag team tournament and later met in single’s competition. After Callihan defeated Blanchard for the second straight time, he was declared the new #1 contender to former champion Brian Cage’s title.
Blanchard would earn a title shot at Callihan booked for Hard to Kill by winning a Gauntlet match recently on Impact Wrestling.
Michael Elgin’s arrival in Impact Wrestling after leaving New Japan Pro Wrestling has been big for the promotion. Elgin announced earlier this year that he wanted to face Naomichi Marufuji in single’s action and he got his wish at Bound for Glory.
Elgin may have gotten the win over Marufuji earlier this year but he’ll be in tough against Eddie Edwards at Hard to Kill next month.
X-Division Ladder Match From Bound For Glory Featured
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UW7_JivKZvc
At the Bound For Glory PPV held in Chicago this October, Tessa Blanchard looked to have the X-Division title all wrapped up. As she was climbing the ladder to win the title, Madman Fulton from OVE interfered and cost her the title. While Blanchard was able to fend off Fulton, Ace Austin used the extra time allotted by the interference to recover and climb the ladder himself. Austin used a foreign object to knock Blanchard off the ladder and claim X-Division glory for himself.
Acey Romero also made his Impact PPV debut on the show and took a harsh bump from the ladder through a table.
Alisha Edwards Helps Eddie Edwards Beat Moose
Eddie Edwards and Moose formerly teamed together in Impact and Pro Wrestling NOAH. The two would clash on PPV this year, however, as they went one-on-one at Impact’s Homecoming PPV this year in Nashville on January 6th, 2019. The match kicked off this week’s “Best of 2019” show.
For Moose, the loss to Edwards kicked off a year for him which would be much more successful and included PPV wins over Rob Van Dam and Ken Shamrock. He’ll face Rhino at Hard to Kill.
For Edwards, he would go on to defeat Killer Kross on PPV and then when the Call Your Shot Gauntlet on PPV as well in 2019. He’ll face Michael Elgin at Hard to Kill.
First Batch Of 2019 Awards Given Out
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q34gLBW9h88
Impact announced several of its 2019 award winners on this weekend’s show. The Wrestler of the Year, Match of the Year, and Tag Team of the Year will be announced on next week’s show.
Moment of the Year- Sami Callihan Wins World Title On AXS TV Debut
One to Watch in 2020: Willie Mack
One To Watch In 2020: Willie Mack
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTKYb1kH4TM
Willie Mack won the award for one to watch in 2020. He’ll team with Rich Swann at Hard to Kill in an attempt to win the tag titles from the North. This week on Impact, Mack’s single’s victory over Trey from the Rascalz was featured.
Later in the show, the tag champs tried to break up their upcoming challengers in a backstage segment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7-r-ZSOgOk
LAX vs Lucha Bros Rivalry Featured
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3xapBlRLe8
LAX vs the Lucha Bros from Homecoming was featured on this Best of 2019 show. The two teams would engage in an epic rivalry before both would leave for AEW later in the year. In this particular contest, LAX picked up the win and retained their Impact tag team championships.
By the time they would leave the promotion, LAX had secured their position as the top tag team champions in the history of the company.
Impact Wrestling has announced several of its year-end award winners. The promotion announced the winners of the Knockout of the Year, X-Division Star of the Year, Move of the Year, Moment of the Year, and One to Watch in 2020.
Impact Wrestling 2019 Award Winners:
Knockout of the Year: Taya Valkyrie
X-Division Star of the Year: Rich Swann
Move of the Year: Magnum (Tessa Blanchard)
Moment of the Year- Sami Callihan Wins World Title On AXS TV Debut
One to Watch in 2020: Willie Mack
Wrestler of the Year, Match of the Year, and Tag Team of the Year will all be announced on the January 4th, 2020 Saturday night show.
Impact Wrestling World Champion Sami Callihan is scheduled to defend his title next month at Hard to Kill against Tessa Blanchard. Callihan spoke to Talk Sport in the UK recently and described Impact as wrestling’s “true alternative” product.
“IMPACT Wrestling is good right now,” Callihan said. “As much haters as we have, it’s one of the best weekly wrestling shows on the planet right now.”
“I think this year has been a big year for IMPACT as far as getting that nasty taste out of the fan’s mouth from the Dixie-era goes,” he continued.
Sami Callihan On Impact Wrestling Being Wrestling’s True Alternative
Callihan also stated that Impact is the Attitude-era promotion many fans have been asking for.
“People were screaming for an Attitude Era-like company to come back and I feel like IMPACT Wrestling is the closest thing to it,” Callihan said. “We’re the only company right now that isn’t afraid to offend people, to try new things. We’re not afraid to push the envelope and give you an edgy product and we’re not going to apologize for every single thing like a lot of the other companies.”
The full interview with Callihan can be read here.
This week’s episode of Impact Wrestling featured matches from the recent tapings from New York City’s Melrose Ballroom. The headline segment for the show featured Sami Callihan cutting a promo on his Hard To Kill opponent Tessa Blanchard. The main event match saw the X-division title on the line.
Here are 9 takeaways from the December 17, 2019 edition of Impact Wrestling:
Sami Callihan and Tessa Blanchard Brawl Backstage
Sami Callihan cut a promo on Tessa Blanchard this week, saying she has been handed her opportunities due to her father being Tully Blanchard and her step-father being Magnum T.A.
Blanchard came out to confront Callihan but was attacked from behind by Madman Fulton. Ken Shamrock then came out to attack Fulton, leaving Blanchard and Callihan to engage in a wild brawl backstage, in the parking lot, and pretty much all over the area.
It was then announced that Madman Fulton vs Ken Shamrock has been added to the Impact Wrestling Hard to Kill pay-per-view.
Rob Van Dam Softens Up Brian Cage
Rob Van Dam doesn’t seem too worried about his dream match with Brian Cage at Impact Wrestling’s Hard to Kill PPV. RVD said of facing Cage that he “can counter his own moves” in reference to his ongoing accusations that Cage steals moves from him.
RVD cut a promo with Katie Forbes this week that was interrupted by Cage. A low-blow by Forbes would give RVD the advantage in the scuffle, however. He then looked to go for the Coast 2 Coast on Cage but wouldn’t give the fans the satisfaction and merely dropkicked a chair into Cage’s face instead.
Ace Austin Dedicates Match To Trey’s Mother
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fr9Fu6O9b-0
Impact Wrestling X-Division Championship Ace Austin (c) defeated Petey Williams
Ace Austin beat former X-Division champion, Petey Williams, this week. After the match, Austin got on the mic and dedicated the match to Mrs. Miguel, aka Trey’s mother.
Later in the night, Trey confronted Austin in the back over his frequent mentions of his mother. Trey has a future X-Division title match owed to him but he might care more about revenge than championships when these two finally square off.
Joey Ryan Faces His Wrestlers Court Sentence
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhrZRAk3Pxk
Joey Ryan defeated Acey Romero
Last week, Tommy Dreamer sentenced Joey Ryan to this match after finding him guilty of killing the business during Wrestlers Court.
Johnny Swinger was on commentary and continued to complain about Ryan’s antics “killing the business” and “chasing the rizats away.”
After a ref bump, Swinger attempted to get involved by giving Romero a “Fanny pack suplex” akin to Ryan’s penis suplex. It didn’t work. Ryan then delivered his flip suplex and a lollypop assisted superkick for the win.
The North Gear Up To Face Willie Mack & Rich Swann at Hard to Kill
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vW-Ub-xHJLg
Ethan Page defeated Rich Swann via DQ
The North will defend their tag titles against Rich Swann and Willie Mack at Hard to Kill. After a backstage confrontation this week, a single’s match between Page and Swann was scheduled.
While Page was on the outside, he slapped Mack in the face. Mack took the bait and chased Page into the ring and delivered a blow which caused the DQ. Page found the whole thing pretty funny while Swann seemed quite upset.
Rhino and Moose ran into each other backstage this week. Moose noted to Rhino that while RVD beat him last week, Moose defeated RVD earlier this year. Rhino gave Moose a gore in response.
It was then announced the two will face each other at Hard to Kill.
Jordynne Grace Builds Momentum Leading to PPV, Taya Valkyrie Enlists Help
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UA3ydPMOEuU
Jordynne Grace defeated Tenille Dashwood
Jordynne Grace countered a pinning combination into her own pinning combination to get the win on Dashwood this week. After the match, Taya Valkyrie attempted to attack Grace but was fended off by both Grace and Tenille Dashwood.
Later in the show, Taya would recruit help from Kiera Hogan and Madison Rayne.
I didn’t realize being this popular was going to be so unpopular ????? https://t.co/h7NsBnZr78
TJP and Daga had a close match this week but ultimately TJP would come out the winner via submission. After the match, TJP and his partner Fallah Bah were attacked by the Desi Hit Squad including Mahabali Shera who hasn’t been seen in weeks.
Shera delivered a big chokeslam to TJP to end the segment.
Next Week
PROGRAMMING UPDATE: Here's our holiday schedule!
Saturday December 28th and January 4th you can catch our Best Of 2019 shows featuring the reveals of the end of year awards!
The next new episode of Impact Wrestling takes place on January 7th, 2020 and will be the go-home show for Hard to Kill. Best of 2019 and the 2019 awards show will take place the next two weeks.
Quick Results 12/17:
Jordynne Grace defeated Tenille Dashwood
TJP defeated Daga
Ethan Page defeated Rich Swann via DQ
Joey Ryan defeated Acey Romero
X-Division Championship Ace Austin (c) defeated Petey Williams
Impact Wrestling is back tonight with a show taped from New York’s Melrose Ballroom. Several matches and one big segment have been announced for tonight as the promotion continues the build to Hard to Kill.
Sami Callihan to Expose The Truth About Tessa Blanchard
Impact Wrestling world champion Sami Callihan has promised to expose the truth about Tessa Blanchard tonight on Impact Wrestling. What this means is anyone’s guess as the champion’s actions are rarely predictable.
As we get closer to Hard to Kill, however, expect Callihan to look for every opportunity he can get to gain an advantage over his upcoming challenger.
X-Division Title Match Ace Austin (c) vs Petey Williams
The X-division championship will be on the line tonight as Ace Austin takes on Petey Williams in singles competition. Waiting in the wings, however, is Trey from The Rascals as he has earned a shot at the X-division title in the future. Trey might be more concerned with what Ace Austin has in store for his mother, as Austin seems to have taken a liking to her. Trey will be watching this match closely, that’s for sure.
Jordynn Grace vs Tenille Dashwood
Jordynne Grace has a title match with Taya Valkyrie coming up at Hard to Kill in the new year but she will have a tune-up match this week against Tenille Dashwood.
It’s likely that Valkyrie and Johnn E. Bravo will be watching this match closely and might even decide to get involved.
Joey Ryan vs Ace Romero
Last week’s epic Wrestlers Court segment ended with Tommy Dreamer sentencing Joey Ryan to face Ace Romero this week on Impact. It’s not clear if Johnny Swinger also received the 2 pay envelopes and handfull of pizills he was asking for. Ryan will be looking to show off all of his power to defeat the big heavyweight tonight.
Rich Swann will take on Ethan Page in singles action this week. Swann and his partner Willie Mack will go up against Page and Josh Alexander for the tag titles on the next pay-per-view and each side will be looking to soften up the other in this bout here.
Daga vs TJP
Also tonight is a match between Daga and TJP which is getting good reviews from those who saw it live and could possibly be the show-stealer on tonight’s episode.
TJP rescued his friend Fallah Bah from a beatdown by the Desi Hit Squad last week, he might be hoping that the Great Gama Singh’s faction doesn’t play a role in his match with Daga tonight.
Impact Wrestling 12/10 emanated from New York’s Melrose Ballroom and aired last night on AXS TV and Twitch. The show featured Sami Callihan and Tessa Blanchard each picking their rival’s opponents as we count down to their title match at Hard to Kill.
Here are 10 takeaways from Impact Wrestling 12/10:
OVE Tries To Soften Up Tessa Blanchard
Tessa Blanchard defeated Madman Fulton via DQ
With Hard to Kill just a little over a month away, OVE tried to soften up Tessa Blanchard here. Callihan selected Madman Fulton to take on Blanchard in single’s action this week. Just when it looked like Blanchard had things going her way, however, the Crist brothers ran in and caused the DQ.
OVE tried to soften up Blanchard but Ken Shamrock made the save, setting up the night’s main event between him and Callihan.
Madman Fulton Takes Out Ken Shamrock
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WW4DTkYWEoQ
Sami Callihan defeated Ken Shamrock via referee stoppage
Tessa Blanchard chose Ken Shamrock to take on Sami Callihan in the night’s main event. Shamrock had Callihan tapping to his ankle lock submission but Callihan’s minions from OVE came down to make the save. Madman Fulton took out Shamrock and allowed Callihan to lock in his own ankle lock on Shamrock. With Shamrock knocked out, the ref called for the bell and awarded the match to Sami.
Fulton wasn’t finished there, however. He kept up the attack after the match until Callihan had to call his monster off. Could we be building to a showdown between Fulton and Shamrock?
Joey Ryan Goes To Wrestlers Court
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QH5FKsjrhyo
Joey Ryan found guilty of breaking kayfabe, exposing the business, and killing towns.
Impact presented quite the little comedic sketch last night featuring Joey Ryan being taken to “Wrestlers Court.” This really needs to be seen in its entirety to be fully appreciated.
The short of this sketch is that Johnny Swinger took Joey Ryan to wrestlers court on charges of “breaking kayfabe, killing towns, and exposing the business.” Swinger was asking for “2 pay envelopes and a handfull of pizzills” as compensation.
Tommy Dreamer served as the judge for the trial and eventually found Joey Ryan guilty. It took quite a bit of hijinx to get there, however. Dreamer sentenced Ryan to face Ace Romero next week.
Rich Swann Wins Tag Team Open On His Own
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4XCdrLpwfc
Last night a tag team open was held to determine who will face the North at Hard to Kill. Heading into the match, Rich Swann & Willie Mack were considered strong favorites but an injury to Mack would take him out of the match early. Mack clutched at his knee on the outside and was taken to the back.
Swann overcame the odds, however, and scored the win with a victory roll on Dave Crist.
After Swann’s win, the North was shown in the back debating if they should head to the ring and take Swann out. Page told Alexander they were going to do things “his way” and the team opted not to run-in.
Rob Van Dam Defeats Rhino, Takes Shot At Brian Cage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k75Xb26XN58
It was a big night for Rob Van Dam. He defeated Rhino in the opening match but not without a little help from Katie Forbes. It appeared as though Rhino had the match won but Forbes pulled out referee Tommy Dreamer before he could make the 3-count. RVD would later come back and win the match with a 5-star frog splash. Just for good measure, RVD delivered a kick to Dreamer after the match as well.
Later in the night, however, as Brian Cage was being interviewed in the back, RVD and Forbes took their celebration party to the same couch Cage was being interviewed on. RVD and Forbes eventually decided to leave but not before taking a shot at Brian Cage for stealing his moves and getting pinned by Tessa Blanchard in the #1 contenders elimination match recently.
Moose took a break from being a multi-sport athlete this week to step back inside a wrestling ring. He took on the newly signed Ace Romero this week and got all he could handle including a pounce from Acey baby that sent him across the venue.
A match between Eddie Edwards and Michael Elgin was announced for Hard to Kill this week. Elgin interfered in Edwards’ match with Brian Cage last week.
Edwards won the battle royal at Bound for Glory which earned him the right to challenge for any title. Elgin challenged Edwards to put that right on the line in their match at Hard to Kill.
TJP Saves Fallah Bah From Desi Hit Squad Beatdown
Fallah Bah defeated Raj Singh with Bonzai drop this week on Impact. The rest of the Desi Hit Squad would hit the ring after the match, however, and attempt to deliver a beatdown to Bah.
TJP made the save for his friend, however, and cleared the ring of Gama Singh’s faction.
After being thrown over a staircase in a noose by Havok, Su Yung has had some lapses in her memory. Father James Mitchell is taking advantage of this fact and appears to be manipulating Yung in some way. Rosemary doesn’t like this.
This week, Yung noticed a noose flung over a door and it seemed to trigger some memories. Mitchell got her away from there before she could remember too much, however.
Impact Wrestling 12/10 was taped inside New York’s Melrose Ballroom last month. Tonight’s show has 5 matches scheduled to air and will continue the build to next month’s Hard to Kill PPV.
Here is what Impact Wrestling will present tonight on AXS TV and Twitch.
Tessa Blanchard and Sami Callihan Pick Each Other’s Opponents
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42Hk7-hjwXA
With their world title match at Hard to Kill a little over a month away, Sami Callihan and Tessa Blanchard have picked each other’s opponents for tonight’s episode.
Callihan didn’t need to look anywhere outside of Ohio for his selection to face Tessa Blanchard this week. Callihan selected his monster from OVE, Madman Fulton, to take on Blanchard tonight.
Tessa Blanchard also came up with an interesting selection for world champion Sami Callihan to take on tonight. Blanchard chose former NWA World Heavyweight Champion and UFC Superfight champion Ken Shamrock to face her rival tonight in singles competition.
You can bet that both Blanchard and Callihan will be watching the other one’s match tonight and Callihan will likely be looking for an opportunity to soften up his challenger at next month’s pay-per-view.
Rob Van Dam vs Rhino – Old School Rules Match – w/ Tommy Dreamer as Referee
Last week on Impact Wrestling, Rob Van Dam attempted to turn down a match request for him to face Rhino this week with Tommy Dreamer as the special guest referee. RVD attempted to say that every time the former ECW wrestlers attempt to latch on to him, it only brings him down.
It looks as though Impact management has ensured that RVD can’t back out of this match with Rhino tonight, however, and Tommy Dreamer will be there to enforce the old school rules mandate for the match.
Tag Team Open For Shot At The North
The winners of tonight’s tag team open will face Josh Alexander and Ethan Page for the Impact tag team championships at Hard to Kill. Last week on Impact Wrestling, Rich Swann and Willie Mack had an altercation with the North in the back. Swann promised that he and Mack will go out and win the tag team open this week and face the North at Hard to Kill. The North has had a good run as tag team champions but one has to wonder if Willie Mack and Rich Swann have what it takes to unseat them.
The Rascalz, OVE, and Reno Scum will be vying to stop Mack and Swann from advancing to the PPV tonight, however.
Moose vs Ace Romero
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1a06ss6AktA
Moose has been doing a lot of bragging about his ability at other sports recently but tonight he’ll step inside the ring with Ace Romero for a big-time heavyweight tilt. Romero made his debut for Impact Wrestling in the X-division ladder match at Bound for Glory and tonight will look to move up the rankings in short order if he can defeat the perennial title-contender Moose.
Moose, however, will likely be looking to show he is just as dominant inside the wrestling ring as he has been on the tennis court, golf course, or while shooting hoops.
There are several storylines going on in Impact Wrestling right now that could be furthered tonight as well. As a result of her victory over the champion recently on Impact, ODB has been added to the Knockouts title match with Taya Valkyrie and Jordynne Grace at Hard to Kill. We could hear from the participants in that match tonight as well.
James Mitchell and Rosemary appear to have a developing conflict over how Mitchell is treating the former Su Yung, who appears to be suffering some memory lapses at the moment. We could get an update from the underworld division of Impact tonight.
Ace Austin and Trey Miguel have a pending X-Division title match coming up but the real question might be, what is going to happen between Austin and Trey’s mother?
Michael Elgin also made a big statement recently when he interfered in a match between Eddie Edwards and Brian Cage. It’s possible we could hear more about elegance future plans tonight as well.
Impact Wrestling traveled back to the early 1980s on AXS TV this week. The promotion took a break from building to the Hard to Kill PPV on January 12th to present a throwback old-school show.
It wasn’t even Impact Wrestling which presented this show, it was actually the Impact Provincial Wrestling Federation. Not only was there a throwback look and feel to the show, but the wrestlers all also adopted 80s themed gimmicks as well.
Here are 9 takeaways from Impact Wrestling 11/26:
Downtown Daddy Brown Sends Julian Cumberbun Out Of The Territory
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuZk5tdAxWg
IPWF TV Championship Loser Leaves Town Downtown Daddy Brown defeated Julian Cumberbun (c) – New Champion
IPWF TV champion Julian Cumberbun was accompanied by Sonny Sanders, the tennis racket-wielding manager known for making controversial statements (and also seemed to bear a resemblance to Sami Callihan) for this match. Cumberbun would try every devious tactic in the book during this match, even attempting to flee the match by pretending to be a member of the crowd watching the show.
Despite the interference from Sanders and Cumberbun’s tactics, Brown was able to roll up his opponent to not only win the title but send his rival out of the territory. The babyfaces from IPWF would hoist Downtown Daddy Brown on their shoulders to end the show.
The Rough Riders Cut Promo, Win Big, Party At The Marriott
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAHunJ0KCwE
The Rough Riders (Blanche Ardmore, Mildred Moore, Georgia Cobb & Lady Bird Johnston) defeated Ray Strack, Tim Burr, Jim Nasium & Bill Ding
These jet-flying, kiss-stealing, aviator-shade wearing badasses love to kick ass and party at the Marriott. Before their 8-person tag match this week, the Rough Riders cut a promo which likely made most viewers hope it’s not the last time they see this intimidating faction.
The Rough Riders did have some tough competition on this night. A foursome of wrestlers who somewhat resembled Josh Alexander and the Rascalz all seemed to have descriptive ring names. Lumberjack Tim Burr, Phys-Ed teacher Jim Nasium, construction worker Bill Ding, and racecar driver Ray Strack provided the opposition for the Rough Riders and all of them were amazingly committed to their gimmicks (some serious laugh out loud stuff). Tim Burr would even break out a move never before seen in this time period in an attempt to gain the advantage on the Riders:
Previously, only single ax handles had been seen in the sport. Despite Tim Burr’s offensive innovation, the Rough Riders would pick up the win before bringing the party back to the Marriott.
The Double Ax Handle wasn’t the only wrestling move invented during the 8-person tag match this week. Blanche Ardmore, who bears a striking resemblance to Tessa Blanchard, won the match by delivering a new move to Ray Strack.
Color commentator Sexton Hardcastle (Edge’s old independent wrestling name played by Don Callis) noted that the move, which involves the person being dropped on their head, was as dangerous as eating the pesticide DDT or something, and thus we learned how the move got its name.
Johnny Swinger Is Killing The Business
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTDJGChI4go
Johnny Swinger defeated Buck Gunderson
One wrestler who didn’t adopt a new gimmick for this show was Johnny Swinger, who has been stuck in the 80s since debuting with Impact Wrestling. While normally on the show, Swinger is too old school for modern wrestling standards, in the early 80s, he was a flashy innovator whose approach to the business angered those who favored a more old-school approach.
Sexton Hardcastle spent the whole matching ripping Swinger for his new-school approach. When Impact travels back to the current time period, however, Swinger is going to have to deal with an angry Ken Shamrock.
The Evil Soviets Attack After Blindfold Match
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-fRULdA0tU
Cowboy Colt McCoy defeated Gama Singh
On a previous not-actually-existent episode of IPWF, Gama Singh burned Cowboy Colt McCoy (Eddie Edwards) with a fireball. As a result, IPWF management booked Singh vs McCoy in a blindfold match this week.
After McCoy would overcome Singh’s attempt to cheat during the match, he won with a neckbreaker. After the match, McCoy was cutting a promo for the working man when he was attacked by Sergei and Bruiser, the evil Soviet Russians.
Muscles McGhee Embarrasses The $300,000 Man
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3Q8oWFY8_o
The $300,000 man has so much money that giving away $3000 to anyone who can slam Kongo Kong is mere chump-change to him even if its life-changing money to someone else.
When Kongo Kong attacked Mr. Atlantis, however, Muscles McGhee, the Canadian Strongman, made the save. Cage slammed Kongo Kong and celebrated with the Maple Leaf to end the segment.
First, That's my jacket. 2nd we had to hit times so my segment didn't get cut and didn't have time to check if flig was upside down or not. 3rd, I invited you but melissa chose teddy over you….your heat is with her!
The popular babyface Jazzy Fitbody used all of her aerobic exercise routines to gain an advantage on her opponent this week. She defeated Agnus Beerheart with a splash from the second rope.
Hitmaker Sebastien Baker wanted Jazzy Fitbody to sign a contract with him after the match. She signed the contract but then quickly hit Baker low and ripped it up. Fitbody then Jazzercised her way to the back to end the segment.
DJ 2 Large Invades The Cock Pit With Captain Joystick and Miss Milehigh
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DY6TsBV35M0
We saw highlights of DJ 2 Large vs Captain Joystick from a previous episode of IPWF. Joystick seemed to have the advantage but DJ 2 Large then seemed to mount a comeback after putting his RUN DMC-styled hat on. After his hat was in place, 2 Large his a “Platinum Discus” lariat for the win.
Following this, DJ 2 Large appeared on an episode of Captain Joystick’s talk show segment, “the Cock Pit.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q74SuVb5GYY&t=3s
Back To Modern Times Next Week
Alright, we've had our fun – normal service resumes NEXT TUESDAY at 8/7c on @AXSTV!
Impact Wrestling 11/12 emanated from St. Clair College in Windsor, ON, Canada. The main event of the show was a match for the Impact tag team championships as the North defended against Eddie Edwards and Naomichi Marufuji.
Here are 9 takeaways from Impact Wrestling 11/12:
The North Retain Their Tag Titles Against Eddie Edwards & Naomichi Marufuji
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbhurBB7tcE
Impact World Tag Team Title Match The North (Ethan Page & Josh Alexander) (c) defeated Eddie Edwards & Naomichi Marufuji
Ethan Page and Josh Alexander successfully retained the Impact tag team championships in the main event this week. They defeated two men who know each other well from Pro Wrestling NOAH, Naomichi Marufuji & Eddie Edwards. It was a clean win for the North, who Don Callis is calling the greatest tag-team in wrestling today.
The North is getting close to having cleaned out the division. We’ll have to see if another team steps up to Page and Alexander in the coming weeks.
Brian Cage Rescues Tessa Blanchard & Rich Swann
oVe (Madman Fulton & Sami Callihan) defeated Rich Swann & Tessa Blanchard
Madman Fulton and Sami Callihan managed to get the victory over Tessa Blanchard & Rich Swann in tag-team action this week. After the match, Callihan and his monster continued the beatdown on Swann and Blanchard but Brian Cage returned and made the save.
It was later revealed that Brian Cage, Rich Swann, Tessa Blanchard, Daga, Michael Elgin, and Moose will compete in a 6-person elimination match next week with the winner earning a shot at Sami Callihan’s Impact World Championship.
Rob Van Dam cut a promo from his hot tub along with Katie Forbes again this week. RVD stressed that he’s only saying the same things he’s been saying his whole career about his ability. He would continue to say the business has changed and that he is the one who changed it.
RVD said he’ll be on Impact next week, though an opponent or match has not been announced.
Trey Earns X-Division Title Shot, Ace Austin Impressed With His Mother
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIORDrKUY9g
Impact X-Division Title #1 Contendership Six-Way Match Trey defeated Aiden Prince and Brent Banks and Petey Williams and Rohit Raju and Willie Mack
Ace Austin is the X-Division champion and his rivalry with Eddie Edwards is in his rearview mirror. So what’s next for this young blue-chip prospect who already has gold around his waist? It looks like Trey from the Rascalz will be his next challenger and Trey’s mother his next target.
Trey opened up Impact this week winning a multi-person X-division #1 contender match. In the audience was his mother and Ace Austin suggested on commentary he’d like to see more of her.
Havok Wins Squash, Interacts With A Living Su Yung Backstage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzuz9hDEjcA
Havok defeated Krystal Moon
On a previous episode of Impact Wrestling, Havok wrapped a noose around Su Yung’s neck and flung her over the side of a stairwell. A vignette would show the undead bride waking up and being very much alive, however.
After Havok disposed of her competition this week, she ran into a more alive version of Su Yung backstage, who seems to be having issues with her memory.
Johnny Swinger is a throwback to another era of pro-wrestling. Some aspects of the business Swinger had grown accustomed to are no longer considered acceptable by today’s standards. Wrestlers defecating in each other’s bags is one of those things. Swinger pulled that very stunt this week. He thought he was leaving a special surprise in Petey Williams’ bag but it turned out to be Ken Shamrock’s bag instead. This likely won’t end well for Swinger.
Moose Is Good At All Sports
Roger Federer, Steffi Graf, Pete Sampras, Serena Williams, Björn Borg – @TheMooseNation.
In recent weeks, Moose has been showing the world what a talented athlete he is. Moose has been doing his own version of the famous Mr. Perfect vignettes only with a unique twist to them. While Mr. Perfect would showcase his near-perfect athletic ability at multiple sports, Moose just generally uses brute strength and bullying techniques to make things go his way. This was the case this week as well when Moose took on a tennis pro at his own sport and won.
Daga Defeats Former X-Division Champion Jake Crist
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFW94wOfV10
Daga defeated Jake Crist
Daga picked up a win over the former X-Division champion Jake Crist this week. Daga was in the ladder match at Bound For Glory recently where Crist dropped his title to Ace Austin. It’s a big win for Daga who seems to be moving up the Impact rankings quickly as of late. He’ll be in the 6-person elimination match next week for a shot at Callihan’s world title.
It was announced this week on Impact that next week there will be a 6-person elimination match with the winner earning a title shot against Sami Callihan. Michael Elgin, Rich Swann, Brian Cage, Tessa Blanchard, Daga, and Moose will all compete in the match.
Quick Results:
Impact X-Division Title #1 Contendership Six-Way Match Trey defeated Aiden Prince and Brent Banks and Petey Williams and Rohit Raju and Willie Mack
Madison Rayne (w/Kiera Hogan) defeated Alexia Nicole
Daga defeated Jake Crist
oVe (Madman Fulton & Sami Callihan) defeated Rich Swann & Tessa Blanchard
Havok defeated Krystal Moon
Impact World Tag Team Title Match The North (Ethan Page & Josh Alexander) (c) defeated Eddie Edwards & Naomichi Marufuji
Impact Wrestling was back on AXS TV last night for the second episode in their new Tuesday night at 8 p.m. time slot. An 8-person hardcore tag match would headline the show from St. Clair College in Windsor, ON, Canada.
Here are 8 takeaways from Impact Wrestling 10/5.
Has Rich Swann Earned A Shot At Sami Callihan’s Title?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1s9sXZw5d8
Rich Swann, Tessa Blanchard, Daga & Tommy Dreamer defeated Dave & Jake Crist, Madman Fulton, & Sami Callihan (OVE)
Rich Swann may have earned himself a shot at the Impact Wrestling World Championship after he pinned champion Sami Callihan in the main event last night. Swann was teaming with Tommy Dreamer, Tessa Blanchard, and Daga going up against all four members of OVE.
The finish of the match saw Swann roll up the champion for the win. Callihan and Swann were engaged in a heated rivalry for much of the year which saw Swann retain the X-division title over Callihan. Now that Callihan holds the Impact World Championship, it looks like Swann has a case for a title shot in the not-too-distant future.
Callihan also can’t keep his eye off of Tessa Blanchard, however, so there is no shortages of challenges for his newly won title.
Referee Cameron Shows What He Can Do
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXtX_GpnEGk&t=3s
Petey Williams defeated Bhupinder Singh
Impact Wrestling debuted referee Cameron last night. It’s actually somewhat difficult to notice this without being told at first, but Cameron has no legs. He refereed a match between Petey Williams and Bhupinder Singh. After the match, Singh began berating the referee but was then attacked from behind by Williams. Referee Cameron delivered a 619 to Singh, Williams delivered a Canadian Destroyer, and then Cameron hit a 450 splash to end the segment.
Of all my students over the years I have never had one more dedicated then Cam. So happy to show the world what an amazing athlete he is! https://t.co/QnEj5lzygz
The longest-reigning Knockouts champion of all time, Taya Valkyrie, will generally do anything to get out of defending her title. Jordynne Grace confronted Taya this week about having pinned the champion last week but Taya was not interested in giving “Thick Mama Pump” a title shot. Instead, Taya defeated Madison Rayne but was then confronted by Grace after the match. Grace ended up sending a message to Taya by suplexing John E Bravo on the entrance ramp.
One has to wonder how long before these two will clash with the title on the line.
Alisha Edwards was going to go on a dinner date with Ace Austin this week but she then overheard Austin talking to the members of Reno Scum about how he’s only trying to get into Eddie Edwards’ head. After hearing this, Alisha tells Austin that they should “skip dinner” and just go right to a hotel room.
Once in the hotel room, Eddie Edwards appeared and started beating up Austin. Alisha then grabbed a kendo stick and proceeded to beat Austin out of the hotel with it. Eddie and Alisha then re-discovered their love for one another and made out in the hallway to end the segment.
Joey Ryan “Dick-Flips” Ken Shamrock
Ken Shamrock defeated Joey Ryan via submission
Ken Shamrock has faced a who’s who in MMA and pro-wrestling. Now that list includes Joey Ryan’s package. The two met last night in single’s competition and each performer was given a chance to show what they can do in a wrestling ring…as different as those two skillsets might be.
Shamrock made a big comeback after the dick-flip, however, and made Joey Ryan tap to the ankle lock.
We might as well get it out of the way and snitch tag @TheJimCornette ourselves.
Last week on Impact Wrestling, Naomichi Marufuji defeated Josh Alexander in single’s competition. This week, The North explained to Marufuji that when they challenged him it was to a tag match. They told him to find a partner and they will defend their titles against him and whoever he chooses next week.
It has since been revealed that Eddie Edwards will be Marufuji’s partner.
Michael Elgin Makes Fallah Bah Tap To A Crossface
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fk71b3AqgEU
Michael Elgin defeated Fallah Bah
Despite the encouragement Fallah Bah received from the Rascalz last week, he wasn’t able to defeat Michael Elgin this week. Elgin would make Bah tap to a crossface, showcasing another way Elgin has to win a match.
Moose’s Winning Streak Continues
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5E3OE1PodB4
Moose defeated Willie Mack
Moose has been on quite the streak in Impact Wrestling as of late. He’s scored major victories over legends like Rob Van Dam and Ken Shamrock as of late and this week kicked off the show by defeating Willie Mack.
One has to wonder how much longer it will be before Moose is back in the hunt for the World Championship.
Quick Results:
Moose defeated Willie Mack
Michael Elgin defeated Fallah Bah
Ken Shamrock defeated Joey Ryan
Taya Valkyrie defeated Madison Rayne
Petey Williams defeated Bhupinder Singh
Rich Swann, Tessa Blanchard, Daga & Tommy Dreamer defeated Dave & Jake Crist, Madman Fulton, & Sami Callihan (OVE)
Sami Callihan successfully defeated Brian Cage during Impact Wrestling’s recent premiere on AXS TV. This win saw him become the new Impact Wrestling World Champion. In an interview with the WINCLY podcast, he talked about his victory. He also divulged when his contract with the company is set to expire.
“I’m signed with Impact Wrestling until next December [2020] but that’s not on my mind right now,” Callihan said. “My mind is being one of the full forces behind saving Impact Wrestling and I think they’ve done that.”
Callihan continued, explaining “I think everyone’s coined this term that Impact Wrestling is hard to kill. We’re not gonna insult anyone’s intelligence by looking back at the past and saying the past was good. No, there was a lot in the past and this company was in sh*t shape. I think over the past few years between management and the roster that has a chip on their shoulder, we went out there and kicked the door down and showed Impact is a true alternative in pro wrestling.”
He noted how he wanted to be a name forever associated with Impact Wrestling, helping it to become one for the “most successful companies on the planet.” Callihan added how he will wave the Impact flag harder than anyone else and has proven that Impact Wrestling is “the place to be.”
Next Challenger
Now that he’s the champion, Callihan finds himself with a target on his back from the rest of the Impact roster. For him, however, one of the first people who should get a chance at the belt is the former champion, Brian Cage.
“I think Brian Cage has to get the automatic because he’s a champion. Even though he only defended the championship twice and he broke down more than a McDonald’s ice cream machine, I’d love to beat Brian Cage’s ass again,” said Callihan. “If you look back at history, I’m the only man that’s pinned Brian Cage twice in the middle of the ring clean.”
With the episode ending with Callihan being confronted by Tessa Blanchard, however, it appears that Impact Wrestling is interested in exploring a feud between the two for their top prize.
Impact Wrestling star RVD made some headlines recently when he cut a promo during Impact Wrestling’s AXS TV debut saying that there would be no Daniel Bryan, Kenny Omega or Young Bucks if it wasn’t for him.
During a recent interview with WrestlingInc, the current Impact World Champion Sami Callihan talked about a number of things and he also gave his thoughts on RVD’s promo.
Callihan claimed that while people perceive the former WWE
Star to be a quiet dude that smokes himself out all day long, the RVD we saw in
the promo is the real RVD:
“That’s the real RVD. People think RVD is a quiet dude
that smokes himself out all day long. But RVD has accomplished everything he’s
wanted to accomplish in this business. He’s probably bored with life but now
he’s living his best life because he pretty much told everyone to kiss his
ass,”
The Impact Champion was then asked if the company will lean
towards calling out their opponents more in the future and he said that Impact
isn’t afraid to do that.
He went on to explain that his promotion is not afraid to
give you a more adult-oriented story, and people who want violence and sexual
storylines will be able to get it with Impact Wrestling.
Apart from this, Sami Callihan also talked about AEW, how Impact has proven to be the true alternative to other wrestling programming and more. You can check out his full interview at this link.
Sami Callihan won the Impact World Championship on a show which aired last night on AXS TV. Callihan defeated Brian Cage inside a steel cage to headline the card. His title win has drawn reactions from fans and wrestlers alike, with many reaching out to offer their congratulations to Sami. Unfortunately, the new Impact champion seems to not appreciate any of the positive comments he has been receiving.
Tommaso Ciampa sent out the following in regard to Sami’s victory last night:
Host of Busted Open Radio Dave LaGreca attempted to congratulate Sami, who is a frequent guest of the show. Callihan opted to insult LaGrega in response to his comments but will still make an appearance on the show this morning.
Callihan becomes the 26th wrestler to win the Impact World Championship and begins the 46th reign in its lineage. Cage’s title reign finishes at 180 days and he sits at 11th on the all-time combined days spent as champion statistic. The top eleven Impact World Champions of all time are below:
Impact Wrestling presented their debut show last night on AXS TV. The show was treated as the beginning of a new era for the promotion, with a new color scheme, presentation, and a world title change in the main event.
The show was originally taped over the weekend from Windsor’s St. Clair College.
Here are 7 takeaways from Impact Wrestling 10/29:
Sami Callihan Is The New Impact World Champion
Impact World Championship Steel Cage Match: Sami Callihan defeated Brian Cage (c) – New Champion
Sami Callihan needed a baseball bat and 6 piledrivers to stop the machine but he did it and now he’s the new Impact world champion. Cage arguably came out too focussed on trying to hurt Callihan and get revenge for what the Death Machine did to his wife, Melissa Santos.
The match turned when Cage charged at Callihan, missed and then went headfirst into the steel cage. Callihan would use his baseball bat and multiple piledrivers before finishing the ex-champ off with a piledriver from the second rope for the win.
Tessa Blanchard Confronts Sami Callihan To End Show
Callihan wouldn’t have long to celebrate his title win before being confronted by his bitter rival, Tessa Blanchard. Before Impact could go off the air last night, Blanchard stormed to ringside and confronted Callihan inside the cage. The show would go off the air with Callihan and Blanchard staring each other down.
“World’s Most Dangerous Man” vs “World’s Most Dangerous Manhood” Next Week
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ze8EGq0Cw1E
Ken Shamrock sounded as though he was going to retire when he cut an in-ring promo this week. He was interrupted by Joey Ryan, however, who told Shamrock he still had “one more mountain to climb.”
“You’re that penis guy!” Shamrock then pointed out about Ryan. He would continue to say he’s a real fighter and Ryan is a gimmick. Ryan then said his dong would tap him out faster than the Gracie choke.
At this point, Shamrock said he has no plans to retire and that he’s putting the whole Impact roster on notice. Shamrock then said if Ryan wants his ankle snapped, he can oblige. They agreed to a match which will take place on next week’s show.
“Thick Mama Pump” has been a consistently good part of the Knockouts roster since debuting for the promotion a little over a year ago. Based on what happened last night on AXS TV, Grace could be the next in line for a shot at the Knockouts title.
The heel team didn’t exactly work in sync here. On multiple occasions at the end of the match, Taya went to her corner looking for a pin only to find nobody there.
Grace got the pin for her team, rolling up Taya Valkyrie for the win after Taya was not able to tag out.
Ace Austin Defeated Eddie Edwards In A Street Fight
Street Fight: Ace Austin defeated Eddie Edwards
The rivalry between X-Division Champion Ace Austin and Eddie Edwards continued this week. Austin loaded up his arm sleeve with a steel plate just as we have seen him do in recent weeks, and then put Edwards through a table for the win.
Austin has been referring to himself as the “XXX Division Champion” and has evidently begun a new film career or something along those lines.
Rich Swann & Willie Mack Moving Up The Tag Team Rankings
Former X-Division Champion Rich Swann and Willie Mack have been a formidable tag team in Impact Wrestling as of late. They defeated the Great Gama Singh’s Desi Hit Squad this week. Josh Matthews would question on commentary if we are looking at a future tag team championship team.
Naomichi Marufuji Defeats Josh Alexander Of The North
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzPD03cjuDg
Naomichi Marufuji defeated Josh Alexander w/Ethan Page
Marufuji dropped his match to Michael Elgin at Bound For Glory but took advantage of this opportunity to get a win against Josh Alexander of the North. Marufuji would get the win with Sliced Bread Number 2 but after the match, Alexander would opt not to shake his hand.
Quick Results:
Naomichi Marufuji defeated Josh Alexander w/Ethan Page
Impact Wrestling kicked off the AXS TV era in a big way Tuesday night. The show ended with a major title change, as challenger Sami Callihan defeated Impact World Champion Brian Cage.
The two competed in a no disqualification steel cage match that saw the action pour out into the ringside area. Near the end of the match, Callihan attempted to put the champion away with multiple piledrivers. Cage, however, was able to kick out.
The end of the match came after Callihan delivered a devastating avalanche piledriver from the second rope. He was finally able to secure the pinfall, claiming the Impact World Championship as his own.
This marks the first time Callihan has won the title. Cage had held the belt since April at Impact’s Rebellion event.
Following the three count, Callihan found his championship celebrations cut short as he was confronted by Tessa Blanchard. The two have previously faced each other, having headlined Impact’s Slammiversary pay-per-view in July. Callihan came away with the victory that night.
Blanchard’s confrontation appears to tease a future championship feud between the two.
Days out from their debut on AXS TV, Impact Wrestling has issued pay raises to several talents on their roster. According to a report from Pro Wrestling Sheet, multiple wrestlers, including X Division champion Ace Austin and tag team champions the North, have received a bump in pay.
The three members of The Rascals and Jessika Havok are also reported to have received a pay raise. No details are currently available regarding the size of the pay increase, however.
Most wrestlers were informed of the news before yesterday’s TV tapings in Windsor but some were informed before Bound For Glory last weekend.
The members of the Impact roster are said to be quite happy about the pay increase. One wrestler was said to have almost been brought to tears by the good news as well.
While previous PPVs and a “This is Impact” special has aired on AXS TV throughout October, this Tuesday Impact will present their first 2-hour weekly show on the network. The lineup for the first show is below:
Impact World Championship Brian Cage (c) vs Sami Callihan (Steel Cage)
Sami Callihan will headline next week’s episode of Impact Wrestling on AXS TV. He’ll face Brian Cage inside a steel cage with the Impact World Championship on the line. Callihan spoke to Sportskeeda to hype Impact’s move to AXS TV next week and was not modest in his opinions regarding his own abilities.
“I tear the house down at everything I do,” Callihan said during the interview. “I’m kind of really good at professional wrestling.”
Callihan lost to Cage at Bound For Glory but would later blackmail the champion to receive another shot on the show which will air on Tuesday.
He also addressed his series of matches with Tessa Blanchard during the interview.
“Yeah, we just wrestled again at my company, The Wrestling Revolver, which you can check out on the HighSpots Wrestling Network as well as all social media platforms at PWRevolver and on the website, ProWrestlingRevolver.com,” Callihan said.
“Me and Tessa actually went to battle again and this time it was in an Ohio Street fight. Each time it gets crazier, a little crazier, a little crazier. Tessa Blanchard, I never thought I would have said this in 100 years but Tessa Blanchard has become one of the biggest rivalries of my career.”
Sami Callihan Says Impact Is Giving Fans The Attitude Era Back
Callihan was also asked about having given Melissa Santos a piledriver recently on Impact.
“Why not? It’s nothing that hasn’t been done in the Attitude Era. Everyone wanted the Attitude Era back and I think Impact Wrestling is the first company to kind of give it back to them,” Callihan said.
“They’re not afraid to get a little edgy, they’ll cross that line, not afraid to offend some people and upset some people.”
Sami Callihan will face Brian Cage inside a steel cage for the Impact World Championship in a match which will air Tuesday night on AXS TV. The show will be Impact’s first new show on the channel, although previous PPVs and a “This is Impact” preview aired in recent weeks.
Impact will be taping television this weekend on Friday and Saturday in Windsor and will then be in Mississauga on Sunday.
The lineup for Impact’s debut show on AXS TV is as follows:
Impact World Championship: Brian Cage (c) vs Sami Callihan (Steel Cage)
Sami Callihan vs Brian Cage Rematch Inside A Steel Cage
Cage defeated Callihan in the main event of Bound for Glory this Sunday. Last night on “This is Impact” Callihan blackmailed Cage into giving him a rematch:
Last night on #ThisIsIMPACT: @TheSamiCallihan BLACKMAILED @MrGMSI_BCage to give him another shot at the World Championship!
The Rascalz (Dez, Trey & Wentz) defeated Aero Star, Dr. Wagner Jr. & Taurus
Eddie Edwards defeated Adam Thornstowe and Cody Deaner and Cousin Jake and Fallah Bahh and Havok and Joey Ryan and Johnny Swinger and Jordynne Grace and Kiera Hogan and Kylie Rae and Luster The Legend and Madman Fulton and Mahabali Shera and Raj Singh and Rohit Raju and Rosemary and Sabu and Swoggle and Tommy Dreamer
Impact Wrestling 10/18 was the go-home show before Sunday’s Bound for Glory PPV in Chicago. It is being reported that a crowd of around 3000 people is expected for tomorrow’s event. This week’s show emanated from Las Vegas’ Sam’s Town Live.
Here are 7 takeaways from Impact Wrestling 10/18:
Sami Callihan Sends A Message To Brian Cage Ahead of Bound For Glory
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYuK3nsCkNw
Sami Callihan cut a chilling promo this week. He talked about having previously been signed to a major company but being told he had to change how he does things. Callihan would continue to say that nobody ever “gets him” and apologized for things he has done since arriving in Impact Wrestling, including ruining the wedding between Brian Cage and Melissa Santos. He said all he’s ever wanted is to be accepted and that the person he is now is not the person he wanted to be but rather the person the fans made him.
The North Has A Gameplan For Sunday
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b84e_ihV4Os
Ethan Page and Josh Alexander must face two teams on Sunday when they defend their belts against both Rich Swann & Willie Mack and Rhino & Rob Van Dam. This week, a triple threat match between Josh Alexander, Rhino, and Rich Swann took place.
Ethan Page pulled the referee out of the ring to break up a 3-count, then claimed it was Willie Mack who did so. The confusion allowed Swann to get the pin and led to some dissension amongst the two babyface teams, something the North was counting on.
Jake Crist Shows Why He’s The X-Division Champion
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_4G9XdfPeA
Not too many people are giving Jake Crist much of a chance in the Bound for Glory ladder match. Considering the level of competition he’ll face in the match, many assume Sunday will be the last day in the title reign of Jake Crist. This week, Crist defeated Chris Bey with a super-cutter from the top, however, showing he’s got the talent needed to retain his title on Sunday.
Taya Valkyrie Confident Ahead Of Match With Tenille Dashwood At Bound For Glory
.@TheTayaValkyrie will do whatever it takes to retain the Knockouts Title at Bound for Glory.
Taya Valkyrie cut a promo in front of a mirror this week, talking about how far she has come in her career. Valkyrie talked about becoming Lucha royalty and the longest-reigning Knockouts champion of all-time. At Bound For Glory, Taya seems confident that Tenille Dashwood won’t take that title away from her.
Michael Elgin Defeats Fallah Bah Ahead of Bound For Glory
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IO7wDRlSreo
Michael Elgin gets his dream match this Sunday from Chicago when he takes on Naomichi Marufuji. Marufuji has spent the majority of his career with Pro Wrestling NOAH and so Elgin and he never crossed paths when Elgin was in Japan.
This week Elgin kicked things off on Impact with a victory over Fallah Bah, sending another message to his opponent on tomorrow’s PPV.
Mahabali Shera Wins Battle Royal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUFVoX50M9k
A battle royal was held this week with the stipulation that the winner will earn the final entry spot in the “Call Your Shot Gauntlet Match” at Bound For Glory. Much as he has done since reappearing in Impact Wrestling, Mahabali Shera defeated competition and came away from the match with the final entry spot in the Call Your Shot Gauntlet at Bound For Glory.
Neither Sabu Nor Rohit Raju Qualify For X-Division Ladder Match
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qq_zXfmGiYI
Sabu wrestled Rohit Raju this week with the stipulation that the winner would earn the final spot in the ladder match at Bound For Glory. Both competitors were counted out, however, meaning wrestler will be in the match on Sunday.
Quick Results:
Michael Elgin defeated Fallah Bah
Jake Crist defeated Chris Bey
Rich Swann defeated Josh Alexander vs Rhino
Rohit Raju vs Sabu – Double Count-Out
Mahabali Shera wins Battle Royal
Bound For Glory (October 20th)
Impact World Championship Brian Cage (c) vs Sami Callihan
Knockouts Championship Taya Valkyrie (c) vs Tenille Dashwood
X-Division Championship Ladder Match Jake Crist (c) vs Tessa Blanchard vs Daga vs Ace Austin
Impact Tag Team Championships the North (c) vs Rich Swann & Willie Mack vs Rhino & Rob Van Dam
Impact Wrestling was inside Sam’s Town Live in Las Vegas this week as they continue to build toward Bound for Glory on October 20th. This was the penultimate episode before the PPV and 3rd last before the show moves to Tuesday nights.
Here are 7 takeaways from Impact Wrestling 10/11:
Sami Callihan Piledrives Melissa Santos
The members of OVE were beating down Daga and Tessa Blanchard after this week’s main event. Impact World Champion Brian Cage attempted to make the save but this brought out Sami Callihan and Cage would fall victim to the numbers game.
OVE would then handcuff Cage to the ropes which brought out Melissa Santos to implore them to stop. Callihan would then give Melissa Santos a piledriver in front of a handcuffed Cage to end the show.
Tessa Blanchard Pins The X-Division Champion
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHvuxK_HIAU
Tessa Blanchard pinned the X-Division champion in tag team action this week. Blanchard and Daga have each already qualified for the X-Division ladder match at Bound for Glory. Daga took out Fulton on the outside which allowed Blanchard to hit Magnum on “the Golden Draw” for the win.
Ace Austin also qualified for the ladder match earlier in the show and Rohit Raju will face Sabu next week with the winner receiving the final spot in the match.
Tenille Dashwood Gives Taya A Taste Of What’s Coming At Bound For Glory
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMBz73vOEUI
In storyline, Taya broke this record a few weeks ago. In reality, Taya will pass Taryn Terrell’s record for longest single reign with the Knockouts championship later this week. Taya is currently sitting at 277+ days as champion, with Terrell’s record 279.
Tenille Dashwood was on commentary as Taya took on Havok this week in Vegas. John E Bravo would cause the disqualification, saving Taya’s title. Havok then took her frustrations out on Bravo. With Havok’s attention on Bravo, Taya hit her with the championship belt.
Dashwood then hit the ring and delivered a beatdown to the champion and gave her a taste of what she’ll get at Bound for Glory.
Ken Shamrock Rescues Stephan Bonnar From Moose
Stephan Bonnar technically defeated Moose via DQ this week after Moose put his hands on an official. Bonnar was busted open during the match, however, and Moose continued the beatdown after the bell.
Ken Shamrock ended up making the save and getting the better of Moose to close the segment. Only one episode left until these two throw down at Bound for Glory. Frank Trigg was going to make the save for Moose but Bonnar prevented him from doing so.
Jordynne Grace Teaches Katie Forbes A Lesson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUimsjCSSvI
Thick Mama Pump picked up a victory over Katie Forbes this week. Earlier in the night, Forbes and Grace interacted in the back when Forbes mistook Grace for someone who might park her car. Grace was generally not impressed with Forbes’ twerking but picked up the win with the Grace Driver.
Ace Austin Got A New T-Shirt…
There is a new take on the Austin 3:16 shirt available from ShopImpact.com. Ace Austin debuted a shirt this week which reads “I Just Banged Your Wife” on the back. This week Austin and Eddie Edwards faced off in a match where the winner would qualify for the X-Division ladder match at Bound for Glory.
With Impact in Vegas, Austin had the members of Reno Scum available to help him in this match. As Reno Scum distracted the referee, Austin loaded a piece of steel into his arm sleeve and hit Edwards in the face with it and pinned him.
The Desi Hit Squad Defeat The Rascalz
Now that the Great Gama Singh has Mahabali Shera in his faction, there might be little stopping them now. Shera dominated the members of the Rascalz and thus allowed for his team to pick up the win.
The loss is a blow to the Rascalz, who will face Dr. Wagner Jr. and two of his teammates to be named later at Bound for Glory.
Quick Results:
X-Division Ladder Match Qualifier: Ace Austin defeated Eddie Edwards
The Desi Hit Squad defeated the Rascalz
Knockouts Championship: Havok defeated Taya Valkyrie (c) via DQ
Jordynne Grace defeated Katie Forbes
Daga & Tessa Blanchard defeated Jake Crist & Madman Fulton