Impact Wrestling Knockouts Champion Taya Valkyrie recently talked to media ahead of her title defense in a triple threat match at the Hard To Kill PPV event.
During the interview, she was asked about possible
inter-promotional matches and which stars from other wrestling companies she
would like to face in 2020.
Replying to it, the Impact Champion first took the name of the AEW Women’s Champion Riho and while commenting on the WWE side, she said that there are a few dream matches there:
“As far as WWE, there are a few dream matches there, obviously, for me; I look at someone like Charlotte Flair. I look at lots of the girls in NXT.
I’ve only wrestled Mia Yim once; I think that she’s very
talented and would love to do that again one day. Candice LeRae and I barely
touched. We’ve just only ever really wrestled in a tag match.”
Valkyrie continued by saying that it’s crazy for her to
think that she hasn’t wrestled these people but it’s 2020 and who knows what
can happen.
She explained that in 2020 with everyone working together
and the wrestling community coming together can make these dream matches
possible.
Taya Valkyrie defended her title against Jordynne Grace and ODB at tonight’s Hard to Kill event in Dallas. You can check out her full interview at this link.
Impact Wrestling star Taya Valkyrie successfully defended her Impact Knockouts Championship last night during the promotion’s Hard to Kill show. She defeated Jordynne Grace and ODB to retain, continuing her notable title reign. Following the matchup, Valkyrie took part in a post-match media press event. During this, she made her intentions clear: she wants a championship versus championship match against the Impact Wrestling World Champion.
Taya Valkyrie’s Claim
Valkyrie made her claim ahead of Tessa Blanchard’s championship match against Sami Callihan, saying:
“The only thing I have to say about Tessa Blanchard is, if she wins tonight, I’m the number one person in line to take her on,” Valkyrie claimed. “I think I proved that again tonight that I’m the number one woman in this company. That’s the only thing I will touch on with Tessa Blanchard because right now, she’s got something on her mind. I have what I came to do. If she comes to do what she says she’s gonna do, then it’ll be me and her: championship vs. championship.”
Blanchard was able to defeat Callihan in their matchup, making history by becoming the first-ever woman to hold the Impact World Championship. With this win, Blanchard has joined names such as Kurt Angle, Sting and AJ Styles as having held the promotion’s top title.
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Taya Valkyrie is already in the middle of the longest reign with the Impact Knockouts title in history. Today marks a special milestone for her title reign, however. Valkyrie is now the only wrestler in history to hold the Knockouts title for an entire year. She originally won the title from Tessa Blanchard on January 6th, 2019.
Today marks one full year as Knockouts Champion for @TheTayaValkyrie.
Valkyrie won the title at the Impact Wrestling Homecoming PPV last year from Nashville, TN. There was quite a bit of controversy to the match as Gail Kim was assigned as the special guest referee. The Impact Hall of Famer and Blanchard had been at odds leading up to the match and Kim got involved physically, costing Blanchard the title but allowing Valkyrie to win it.
Since winning the title, Valkyrie has defended it a total of 17x over the last year. That’s 5 more title defenses than she is required to make under the 1 title defense every 30-day rule in Impact. Taya has made quite a point of that rule on Impact television.
Taya Valkyrie Title Defense History:
1/12/19 – defeated Tessa Blanchard in a street fight
2/17/19 – lost to Jordynne Grace via DQ
4/4/19 – defeated Jordynne Grace, Katie Forbes, Rosemary in a fatal 4-way
Rebellion PPV – defeated Jordynne Grace
5/3/19- defeated Madison Rayne
6/6/19 – defeated Su Yung via DQ
6/8/19 – defeated Jordynne Grace
6/28/19 – vs Mortar – No Contest
Slammiversary – defeated Su Yung, Havok, and Rosemary (fatal 4-way)
After defeating Knockouts champion Taya Valkyrie on the latest edition of Impact, ODB has been added to the title match at Hard to Kill. Impact’s next PPV takes place on January 12th, 2020 from Dallas, Texas.
Taya Valkyrie vs Jordynne Grace vs ODB – Hard To Kill
Assuming she holds onto her title between now and Hard to Kill, Taya Valkyrie will enter this match as the first and only wrestler to ever hold the Impact Knockouts title for more than a year. Valkyrie first won the championship at Homecoming on January 6th, 2019.
Hard To Kill Lineup
Impact World Championship Sami Callihan (c) vs Tessa Blanchard
Knockouts Championship Taya Valkyrie (c) vs Jordynne Grace vs ODB
Impact Tag Team Championships the North (c) vs the winners of next week’s tag team open
ODB Championship Statistics
ODB is a former 4x Knockouts champion or “Knocked Up” champion as she describes the title. She sits at fifth all-time in terms of how many times she’s won the belt.
Impact Wrestling has announced that Jordynne Grace will challenge Taya Valkyrie for the Knockouts Championship at Hard To Kill. The promotion’s next PPV will emanate from Dallas, Texas on January 12th, 2019.
Grace defeated Taya Valkyrie and John E. Bravo in a handicap match on the November 19th edition of Impact Wrestling, earning her top contender spot in the Knockouts division. She also challenged Taya for the championship unsuccessfully at the Rebellion PPV from Toronto this spring.
Grace will be attempting to end the longest single reign of the Knockouts championship in history. As of this writing, Taya’s title reign is at 329 days. Provided she doesn’t lose the title between now and the PPV, Taya will enter Hard to Kill as the only wrestler to ever hold the Knockouts title for over a year. She originally won the title on January 6th, 2019 at Homecoming.
Impact Wrestling Hard To Kill Lineup
The main event for Hard to Kill was confirmed 2 weeks ago on Impact when Tessa Blanchard won a gauntlet match to earn the #1 contendership to Sami Callihan’s world title. Callihan and Blanchard have gone one-on-one twice before with Sami coming out the winner both times.
Impact World Championship Sami Callihan (c) vs Tessa Blanchard
Knockouts Championship Taya Valkyrie (c) vs Jordynne Grace
Impact Tag Team Championships the North (c) vs the winners of next week’s tag team open
Impact Wrestling presented its first show from their Melrose Ballroom tapings in New York last night. The promotion spent two days taping episodes of Impact from the venue last month.
Here are 9 takeaways from Impact Wrestling 12/3:
ODB Pins Taya Valkyrie Thanks To Jordynne Grace’s Distraction
ODB defeated Taya Valkyrie
The tapings from New York last month were declared “ODB Appreciation Nights” as the former Knockouts champion lost her food truck in a fire recently. Proceeds from ticket sales to the tapings went to help her buy a new one. Her promo this week was interrupted by Taya Valkyrie and a match between the two was scheduled for later that night.
Although Taya was clearly the favorite heading into the match, Jordynne Grace would cause a distraction at ringside which would turn the tide. Grace took the title belt away from John E. Bravo and held it high in the air for Taya to see. As this was happening, ODB rolled up a distracted Taya and scored the upset victory in the main event.
Rob Van Dam & Katie Forbes did manage to make it to the venue this week to cut an in-ring promo. RVD reiterated what he’s been saying all these weeks from the comfort of his hot tub, saying that today’s wrestlers are all trying to be him.
Tommy Dreamer then interrupted and tried to set up a match between Rhino and RVD for next week with him as the referee. RVD turned the match down, however, saying all these original hardcore guys were holding him back as they were trying to latch onto him.
“I gotta think of what’s right for me – I’ve got my girlfriend and my girlfriend’s girlfriend to take care of,” RVD told Dreamer.
Rhino didn’t like this answer, however, and he came out from the back and initiated a brawl. Security separated the two to end the segment.
Sami Callihan and Tessa Blanchard Build To Hard To Kill
Two weeks ago, Tessa Blanchard became the #1 Contender to Sami Callihan’s Impact World Championship when she won a gauntlet match. This week, we were shown highlights from a press conference featuring Blanchard and Callihan hyping their main event on January 12th.
Blanchard gave Callihan credit for being a great wrestler but said that at Hard to Kill, she’d make history.
Callihan made it clear he doesn’t dislike Blanchard because she’s a woman or because of her last name, he doesn’t like her because she’s a “spoiled brat.” He said Blanchard has been handed everything and that he should be looked at as a hero. They went face-to-face to end the segment.
Michael Elgin Isn’t Waiting For His Opportunity
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCknW_S5bpA
Michael Elgin defeated Eddie Edwards vs Brian Cage (triple threat)
This week’s episode opened up with a match between Brian Cage and Eddie Edwards. As the match was winding down, however, Michael Elgin came out and delivered a double-clothesline to both competitors. After the commercial break, we were notified that Impact management had made it a 3-way match.
Don Callis noted on commentary that Elgin left New Japan because he was tired of waiting in line for opportunities, so he wasn’t going to wait in line here either. Elgin saw a match between two top competitors and decided it was a good opportunity to prove where he sits in the pecking order.
Elgin won with an Elgin bomb on Edwards.
The Saga Of Ace Austin and Trey’s Mother Continues
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oo8v-jEbUm8
Ace Austin & Reno Scum defeated the Rascalz
The Rascalz were shown in their clubhouse during a backstage vignette this week. Trey’s mother showed up which seemed to cause a lot of different reactions and emotions from Wentz and Dez. Trey asked his mom not to come to the matches but after she insisted, Trey agreed.
During a trios match this week between Ace Austin & Reno Scum against the Rascalz, Trey looked like he had things going his way. He was on the top rope when he glanced to the outside and saw Ace Austin talking to his mom at ringside. He then jumped off the ropes to attack Austin. Meanwhile, in the ring, Reno Scum used the distraction to pick up the roll-up win for their team.
In previous segments, Moose has demonstrated his multi-sport abilities on the golf and tennis courts. This week, Moose opted to shoot a little hoops. When he ran into a couple of people on the basketball court though, they had seen previous segments where Moose beat up the people he was playing sports with and they had some concerns.
Moose told them that if he sank a 3-pointer then he’d buy them all some beers but if he missed, then maybe they should worry. He hit the shot but then proceeded to beat the two up anyway.
Johnny Swinger Attempts To Form Kliq With Joey Ryan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rfh4HxNOgf0
Petey Williams defeated Johnny Swinger
In the back this week, Johnny Swinger attempted to complain to Joey Ryan about all these young kids killing the business for top stars like him. Ryan seemed completely uninterested in having this conversation. He asked Ryan if he would come out and interfere in his match against Williams and surprisingly Ryan agreed, although he seemed a little disingenuous.
Swinger was taking on Petey Williams later that night after Williams rebuffed Swinger’s offer of being his young boy. He called for Ryan to come out and help him but Ryan was a no-show. Williams then made Swinger submit to a sharpshooter.
Rich Swann & Willie Mack Gunning For Tag Team Gold
In a backstage segment this week, Rich Swann and Willie Mack were seen talking about wanting to win tag team gold. Swann told Mack that they should be thinking about the “Tag Team Open” next week. This brought out the North, Ethan Page & Josh Alexander.
Swann told the North that they would win the Open next week and then they would go on to Hard to Kill and win the tag team titles.
Two big matches next week involve Tessa Blanchard and Sami Callihan each picking the opponents for the other. Callihan picked his monster from OVE, Madman Fulton, to take on Blanchard. Tessa would choose Ken Shamrock to take on Callihan.
Rhino will also face Rob Van Dam with Dreamer as the referee, which was the match RVD tried to turn down this week.
The Tag Team Open will also take place next week with the winner earning the tag title shot at Hard to Kill.
Ken Shamrock vs Sami Callihan
Tessa Blanchard vs Madman Fulton
Rhino vs Rob Van Dam w/ Tommy Dreamer as referee
Willie Mack & Rich Swann vs the Crist Brothers vs Dez & Wentz vs Reno Scum
Quick Results from 12/3:
Michael Elgin defeated Eddie Edwards vs Brian Cage (triple threat)
Impact Wrestling star Taya Valkyrie was recently asked about the chances that her husband, John Hennigan, will return to WWE.
Speaking with Forbes, Valkyrie stated “[…] we don’t really talk [about potentially working for two different promotions]. We’re together all the time and I’ve never—in the almost four years that we’ve been together—there’s never been an argument or problem or like a lack of finding time for each other.”
She continued,” Even though we’ve worked together a lot of that time, part of that time—when we first started for example—I was living in Mexico. We were traveling back and forth and we made it work and no matter where he goes on his next step of his journey and his professional wrestling career, it’s going to be okay because we love each other, support each other and I know he’s got my back, I’ve got his back and it’s just part of life.”
Hennigan has wrestled under numerous pseudonyms including John Morrison, Johnny Impact and Johnny Mundo. He has reportedly signed a new deal with WWE.
At the time of writing, neither WWE nor Hennigan have confirmed the signing. Hennigan previously wrestled for WWE from 2002 to 2011. He is a former WWE Intercontinental Champion and multiple-time WWE Tag Team Champion.
Impact Wrestling is now co-promoting the upcoming September 15th event “Lucha Invades NY” along with AAA. The event will take place inside the Hulu Theatre in Madison Square Garden. Impact Wrestling’s Taya Valkyrie and Tessa Blanchard are scheduled for a featured match on the show. Blanchard won the Reina De Reinas championship at TripleMania and will defend the belt against Taya in New York.
“IMPACT Wrestling and Lucha Libre AAA have been strong partners for many years and this event marks a significant milestone in our collaboration to bring fans dream matches featuring the best international talent from both organizations,” said Ed Nordholm, President of IMPACT Wrestling in a press release announcing the news.
“For over 50 years, Madison Square Garden has hosted some of the biggest events in the world. It is an honor to team up with Lucha Libre AAA for this monumental show to present the best of Mexican professional wrestling in this legendary venue.”
“We are thrilled to bring the most popular Lucha Libre legends to fans in the Hulu Theater at MSG,” said Dorian Roldán, Director General of Lucha Libre AAA. “The Hulu Theater seating offers our fans the kind of exciting, personal experience they expect from AAA.”
A crew from Anthem’s Fight Network will be on-hand at the event filming a documentary on Cain Velasquez as well.
Lucha Invades NY
Earlier this month, AAA announced that the event would be moved from the main section of MSG. It will now take place in the Hulu Theatre which sits inside the venue.
One new match was made official last night on Impact Wrestling and another official challenge was made.
Last night’s Knockouts championship match between Su Yung and Taya Valkyrie ended after interference from James Mitchell’s newest monster, Havok, leading to a 4-way match (also involving Rosemary) being booked for Slammivesary.
Earlier in the show, Taya had enlisted Rosemary as her insurance policy against Mitchell’s group and she came out to prevent Yung and Havok from attacking the champion post-match. This led Mitchell to announce Havok vs Su Yung vs Rosemary vs Taya Valkyrie (c) in a Monster’s Ball match at Slammiversary.
Also last night on Impact, Sami Callihan issued a challenge to Tessa Blanchard for an inter-gender match on the PPV. Blanchard has yet to respond, however.
Impact World Championship: Brian Cage (c) vs Michael Elgin
X-Division Championship: Rich Swann (c) vs Johnny Impact
Moose vs Rob Van Dam
Monster’s Ball – Knockouts Championship: Taya Valkyrie (c) vs Havok vs Su Yung vs Rosemary
Impact Tag Team Championships: Santana & Ortiz (LAX) vs Dez & Wentz (the Rascalz)
Assuming Blanchard accepts Callihan’s challenge, their match would make six confirmed bouts for the card. Eddie Edwards and Killer Kross appear to be building to a potential match as well.
An altercation took place last night between a fan and Taya Valkyrie during Impact Wrestling’s “A Night You Can’t Mist” event from the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia. The fan was ejected from the building.
Another fan in attendance took video of Taya and the fan arguing, though it is not clear what is being said in the clip. Taya knocks a drink out of the fan’s hand and the fan spat at her as she walked away.
The Allure Comment On Taya Valkyrie Incident With Fan
The altercation from last night’s show in the 2300 Arena was commented on by members of the Allure. Velvet Sky, Mandy Leon, and Angelina Love were involved in their own recent spat with an overzealous fan as well.
Girl I’m SO sorry that happened to you! And it’s getting worse & worse with “fans” at shows. This is not ok. This is not “heel banter.” And I dare anyone to say “get a thick skin, you’re a heel. Fuck that noise. This crosses all the lines.Similar situation with us from last wknd.
Angelina Love posted a few Tweets on the subject as well:
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!! 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼 Wtf is up with people getting out of control these days?! Good Lord. Glad it was taken care of as it should have been!! pic.twitter.com/BWmxtEewmb
— Lauren/Angelina Love (@ActualALove) June 9, 2019
Absolutely repulsive. I looked that straight in the eyes last weekend too. Love you @TheTayaValkyrie Now let’s see how quickly this guy goes online to act like a victim as well….. pic.twitter.com/9X4eWaUiqU
— Lauren/Angelina Love (@ActualALove) June 9, 2019
Velvet Sky then made some further comments:
Y’all fans need to chill tf out at shows. Don’t come to our place of work & disrespect us & disguise it as “booing the heels.” Theres a certain line that you don’t cross as HUMAN BEINGS & it seems as though it’s happening more & more. And we ALL as wrestlers have thick skin, thx.
Impact Wrestling presented an episode taped from the 2300 Arena last night on Twitch. The main event featured a tag team title match between LAX and the Rascalz.
Here are 8 takeaways from Impact Wrestling 6/7:
Decision Reversal Prevents the Rascalz From Winning Tag Titles
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pm5lj1Fdl4c
Earlier in the show, Trey was shown having a drink in Rascalz clubhouse. He had the drink after finding out it would be Dez and Wentz representing the trio against LAX in the night’s main event for the tag titles.
Controversy then took place in the title match. After a ref bump, the Rascalz appeared to get the victory and win the titles but it was actually Trey who got the pin. The original ref then reversed the decision after the match and disqualified the Rascalz due to Trey’s interference, awarding the match to LAX.
It looks like another single’s match is likely for the PPV in Dallas next month. Moose cut a promo this week challenging Rob Van Dam to a match at Slammiversary. RVD has yet to respond to Moose’s challenge.
Tessa Blanchard Took Out OVE
The Crist brothers needed to hit Fallah Bah with a roll of quarters to pick up the victory over him and Scarlett Bordeaux this week. After the match, however, Tessa Blanchard prevented OVE from doing more damage as the former Knockouts champion continues to build a rivalry with the team from Ohio.
Jessicka Havok Attacks, Led By James Mitchell
A non-title match (Taya only defends her title when she has to) between Rosemary and Taya Valkyrie was thrown out this week when James Mitchell marched his newest monster to the ring. Jessika Havok made her return to Impact and the Knockouts division just got a whole lot bigger and stronger.
Jordynne Grace Over-Powers Kiera Hogan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Cf9h7VxsiU
After dropping a Knockouts title match at Rebellion in April, Jordynne Grace has been on a tear. She picked up another win this week over a game Kiera Hogan. She will have another chance to take out Taya for the title tonight at “A Night You Can’t Mist.”
Madman Fulton Takes Out 2 Opponents
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQfmTdYGDII
Sami Callihan rode atop Madman Fulton on the way to the ring this week. Fulton then won a 2-on-1 handicap match. Both Callihan and Fulton were ejected from ringside as the Crist brothers took on Scarlett Bordeaux and Fallah Bah after.
Desi Hit Squad Cost Cousin Jake Match Against Ace Austin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KsNXyqgICqw
Ace Austin picked up another single’s victory this week. He defeated Cousin Jake from the Deaners in the night’s opening match. The Desi Hit Squad interfered in the match, however, costing Cousin Jake the bout and continuing the rivalry between the two teams.
A Night You Can’t Mist
TONIGHT at 8p.m. ET on @IMPACTPlusApp, IMPACT Wrestling presents A Night You Can't Mist in association with @HouseofHardcore!
While WWE backed down from the idea of intergender wrestling, Impact Wrestling has embraced the concept and the company has put on some great intergender matches in recent times.
What we haven’t seen in a while is titles being defended in
such kind of matches but latest comments from a current Impact Champion
suggests that this situation might change in near future.
The current Impact Knockouts champion Taya Valkyrie was asked about possibly defending her title against men in a recent interview with WrestlingInc, and she said that she has zero problems doing it:
“Absolutely, I have zero problems doing it, if you look
back at the history of the Triple A women’s title; it has also been put on the
line against men in the past. So I don’t understand why the Knockouts Title
couldn’t be doing that too.”
Continuing on the topic, Taya said that everyone knows that she has faced many men in the ring before in Lucha Underground and she has absolutely no problem doing it in Impact.
Apart from this, Taya Valkyrie also talked about her husband Johnny Impact’s recent title loss against Brian Cage, being prepared to face any knockout from the division and more.
Would you like to see the Impact Knockouts Championship
being defended against men? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section
below.
Knockouts Champion Taya Valkyrie defended her title successfully at Rebellion against Jordynne Grace. She spoke to the Dailly DDT recently about a variety of subjects.
TV Tapings in Mexico with Impact Wrestling
A longtime Reina de Reinas Champion in AAA, Taya talked about what it was like returning to Mexico with Impact Wrestling.
“I think that especially for me, returning to Mexico as Knockouts Champion for those tapings was a surreal moment, a hundred percent,” Taya said. “Specifically the lucha libre fans in Mexico and specifically also in Mexico City where we filmed, have just been such a huge and influential part in not only my professional career but me personally, in my personal growth.”
Taya continued to express appreciation for her large fanbase in Mexico.
“I know that, no matter what company I return to Mexico with, they’re there with open arms and are just so supportive of everything that I do.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttDMcpSRbeE&t=12s
Working With Lance Storm
Taya was trained by Lance Storm, who has recently begun a working relationship with Impact Wrestling. He referred the match between Johnny Impact and Brian Cage at Rebellion.
“Lance has always been so supportive of me throughout my incredibly strange journey which took me to Mexico and back. So it was really cool to be working with him again and having those kinds of special moments. And having him backstage, watching my matches again, and things like that. That, I never thought would happen. So I’m honored to have him be a part of Impact.”
Taya will be on Code Red tonight teaming with her husband, Johnny Impact, against Eddie and Alisha Edwards. She is also scheduled to face Madison Rayne on the next episode in a non-title match.
Impact Wrestling presented the first of two episodes taped the night after Rebellion from the Rebel Nightclub in Toronto. I was in attendance for the show and will provide live notes throughout this post.
Here are 8 takeaways from Impact Wrestling 5/3:
Rob Van Dam Is Back! Will Face Ethan Page Next Week
Rob Van Dam came out this week but his return was interrupted by “All Ego” Ethan Page.
As a member of “the North” and well-known independent wrestler from the nearby city of Hamilton, Page had plenty of supporters in the crowd but RVD got the largest reaction of the tapings.
RVD has been talking about how many on the Impact roster have been stealing his moves. Page noted that he doesn’t steal RVD’s moves and RVD was never a hero to him. The segment ended with a Van Daminator. A single’s match between the two was booked for next week.
Michael Elgin Is #1 Contender
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-ZsZv6cuCQ
Michael Elgin defeated Johnny Impact, Pentagon Jr. – 3-Way Match
Michael Elgin kicked things off last night with an in-ring promo. He noted that it is customary for a new World Champion to kick off the episode after winning the title but in this case, Brian Cage is unable to do so due to injury.
Elgin was interrupted by both Johnny Impact and Konnan. Johnny disputed Elgin’s claim to a title shot and so did Konnan, who felt former world champion Pentagon deserved a shot as well. It was agreed that the 3 would meet in a triple threat match in the night’s main event, with the winner being declared the new #1 contender to Brian Cage’s title.
Pentagon Jr. injured:
Elgin got the win in the night’s main event but arguably the bigger story is Pentagon Jr. suffering an injury during the bout. My section was on the other side of the ring so I didn’t have a great view of it, however.
Something got messed up between Johnny and Pentagon as Johnny was going for a hurricanrana to the floor and Pentagon stayed down after. A medic and several referees helped him to the back as he was favoring his leg. There are no available updates on his condition other than he is dealing with an “undisclosed leg injury.”
It was noted on last night’s episode that Brian Cage is injured. He was taken to hospital following Rebellion with a back injury. Cage then said doctors told him they believe he suffered a deep bone bruise/inflammation or minor fracture after a Standing Spanish Fly from the entrance ramp to the floor.
He said on Busted Open Radio this Monday he didn’t expect to miss much time but he was pulled from the tapings this weekend due to the injury.
Madison Rayne Vs Taya Valkyrie Next Week – Non-Title
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttDMcpSRbeE
Madison Rayne confronted Taya Valkyrie in the back this week. Rayne noted that Taya has never defeated her. Valkyrie woudln’t agree to deend her title but will face Madison Rayne in single’s competition next week.
Kiera Hogan Left Rosemary To Su Yung & Her Minions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pUk8fBQTIg
Kiera Hogan vs Rosemary – No Contest
A match between Kiera Hogan and Rosemary was thrown out this week when the Undead Bridesmaids interfered. The undead brides were attempting to rescue the Undead Maid of Honor who had been abducted by Rosemary last week.
Hogan was on the entrance ramp as Su Yung and her minions attacked Rosemary. She appeared to have second thoughts about getting in the ring and rescuing Rosemary, however, and in fact, never did come to her aid. What this means for her in the Rosemary/Su Yung/Undead Realm angle is unclear.
Killer Kross/Eddie Edwards Rivalry Brewing?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBNvm0DxC3g
Fenix defeated Eddie Edwards
Killer Kross came out during the Eddie Edwards vs Fenix match last night. He stood ominously on the entrance ramp for a large chunk of the match.
Kross offered Eddie Edwards his kendo stick to use but then wouldn’t let go of it when Eddie grabbed for it. The distraction was all Fenix needed to go on offense and pick up the win with a muscle buster.
This Sunday the first exclusive event to air on Impact + will be “Code Red.” Here is the lineup for the show:
Johnny Impact & Taya Valkyrie vs. Eddie Edwards & Alisha Edwards
Michael Elgin vs. Willie Mack
Impact Tag Team Championships: LAX (Santana & Ortiz) vs. oVe (Dave & Jake Crist) vs. New York Wrecking Krew (Smoothe Blackmon & Chris Seaton)
X-Division Championship: Rich Swann vs. Ace Austin vs. Trey vs. Smiley vs. Evander James vs. Mantequilla
The Rascalz (Dez & Wentz) vs. The North (Ethan Page & Josh Alexander)
Tessa Blanchard & Violette vs. Scarlett Bordeaux & Sonya Strong
Moose vs. Ken Broadway
Ace Austin Gets The Win/Will Challenge For X-Division Gold
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgsGzk2r6SE
Ace Austin defeated Petey Williams
Ace Austin defeated a former X-Division Champion in Petey Williams this week. The win over Petey Williams could help Austin gain momentum as he gears up to challenge for the X-Division title on Sunday at Code Red. The match had originally been for the HOG Crown Jewel Championship but Josh Matthews announced the X-Division title would be on the line last night.
Quick Results:
Ace Austin defeated Petey Williams
Rosemary vs Kiera Hogan – No Contest
Fenix defeated Eddie Edwards
Impact World Title #1 Contendership: Michael Elgin defeated Pentagon Jr. and Johnny Impact
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
Current Impact Wrestling’s Knockouts champion, Taya Valkyrie, unfortunately suffered a recent injury, causing her to cancel a few upcoming appearances.
Taking to her Twitter account, Valkyrie, shared the initial damage in a video, showcasing heavy bruising and a swollen eye. She later clarified that this came about after an accident delivering a moonsault. When asked by a fan if there was anybody to blame for the incident, Taya replied:
“Nobody, it was an accident. This is pro wrestling and accidents happen. I’ve executed 1000s of perfect moonsaults. Tonight something just went wrong. That’s all.”
“It’s Just Putting Pressure On My Eyeball”
She has since provided a further injury update. Once again uploading a video to her Twitter, she would display the bruising and explain that “As you can see, my face is still super swollen. We got some x-rays and stuff done last night because the pressure on my eye was actually really bad, but I don’t have any fractures, thank God.”
Taya explained that “It’s just severe swelling on the whole right side of my face, so, it’s just putting pressure on my eyeball. And some contusions. I just have some eye drops and lots of icing and I just have to try to stay positive even though I look like this.”
Impact Wrestling was back inside Sam’s Town live in Las Vegas for their 3/15 episode last night. An Impact World championship match was scheduled to main event the show.
Here are 10 takeaways from Impact Wrestling 3/15:
Johnny Impact Swerved Brian Cage/Fans
Last night, Johnny Impact was once again scheduled to defend his Impact World championship against Brian Cage. Once again, Johnny found a way to walk away still world champion. This time, however, Johnny wouldn’t even allow the match to begin.
Killer Kross walked to the ring before the main event with a seemingly unconscious Johnny draped over his shoulders. It seemed as though Kross had taken out Johnny out of frustration for not being included in the title match.
Cage only got involved when it appeared Kross was going to strike Taya Valkyrie. The Knockouts champion repaid him for this by hitting him with a low blow. Johnny then nipped up as though he’d never been hurt to begin with. The champion then attacked Cage with a cinder block, likely in the hopes his injury will be so sincere that Johnny won’t have to worry about defending his title against him again for a long, long time.
As for Killer Kross, it appears he was able to convince Johnny and Taya that they need him watching their back. Some type of arrangement has clearly been made between Johnny and Kross, at least.
Gail Kim Suspended By Impact Wrestling Management
Gail Kim was suspended by Scott D’Amore last night. Kim got physically involved in attempting to restrain Tessa Blanchard from being up more non-wrestling company employees. The tension between the Hall-of-Famer Kim and the former Knockouts champion continues to build.
Jordynne Grace Earns A Knockouts Championship Match
Jordynne Grace has climbed to the top of the Knockouts division rankings. After defeating Tessa Blanchard in a #1 contenders match last night, Grace has earned a title match. She’s scheduled in one for United We Stand on April 4th, though it is in a fatal 4-way match also featuring Rosemary and Katie Forbes challenged Valkyrie.
As for Tessa Blanchard, it looked like she had the match going the way she wanted but failed to keep her focus. Blanchard took the time to tell fans she “hopes Gail Kim is watching” before climbing the top rope. She was cut off by Grace, however, who then gave her the Grace driver for the win.
Lucha Bros Disrespected Konnan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cWPPwEJUvo
Konnan went to ask the Lucha Bros for yet another match against LAX this week. Pentagon did his hand signal and told Konnan he has “no fear” in response. Konnan took this as a sign of disrespect. Konnan seems more motivated than ever to get LAX back in the ring with the Lucha Bros now.
Moose Has No Chill
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwnmS97DHRA
Moose decided to hang out with the guys from the Rascalz this week. At first, he seemed to be having a good time with them but then his mood soured when the Rascalz made fun of “the dude Melissa Santos rejected” the previous week. Moose then beat up all 3 members of the faction in a comedic fashion.
Trey Miguel vs Moose has been scheduled for next week.
Rosemary Attempts To Bring Back Allie
Even though Rosemary’s team won the “Dark War” last week, Allie still hasn’t returned. Rosemary has possession of “Dark Allie” but this Allie isn’t letting Rosemary know where “the rest of Allie” is. Rosemary seems as motivated to get Allie’s soul back as she is to get people to subscribe to Impact Wrestling’s Twitch channel during commercial breaks.
OVE Defeat Rich Swann & Co.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1jzPmJWF3o
After weeks of trying to get Swann to join his faction, Callihan was able to pick up the victory against his team this week. Callihan got the win for his team here after giving Tommy Dreamer a piledriver.
Later it was announced that Callihan will challenge Swann for the X-Division championship next week.
Glenn Gilberti Picks Up 1st Victory In Impact Wrestling Since 2004
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vI7vAaRtQj8
The former Disco Inferno went a cool 15 years between victories for Impact Wrestling. Last night, he defeated a Kikutaro character as he looked to work off the ring rust in preparation for a clash with Scarlett Bordeaux
It was his first victory since he teamed with Johnny Swinger a decade and a half ago for TNA Wrestling. He and Swinger were known as the New York Connection and they defeated El Fuego and Scott Papper on the 21st episode of Impact Wrestling. Gilbertti would later lose a “Loser is Fired” match against David Young.
Eli Drake & Eddie Edwards Working Well As A Team
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvdV7Iqdab0
Despite differing philsophies on wrestling, Eli Drake and Eddie Edwards worked well as a team this week. They defeated the Desi Hit Squad, who just can’t seem to string any wins together. Granted, Edwards did require the use of his kendo stick to get the victory. All the same, Edwards and Drake might decide to stick together for a bit.
KM & Fallah Bah Go 2-0 Against Reno Scum
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5vDvPEijEg
Reno Scum is a popular Las Vegas-based team. It seems they have a chance to catch on with Impact Wrestling but a loss to KM and Fallah Bah will likely do them no favors in that regard.
Quick Results:
Sami Callihan & the Crist Brothers (OVE) defeated Tommy Dreamer, Rich Swann, & Willie Mack
Impact Wrestling presented “UnCaged” a special taped show from Mexico City, Mexico. The Knockouts and Impact World Championship were on the line last night. Team AAA would also face Team Impact in a 4-on-4 elimination tag match.
Here are 7 Takeaways from Impact Wrestling 2/15:
Johnny Impact Retained The Impact World Championship
Johnny Impact escaped from Mexico still the Impact World Championship. Much like when he left Nashville with the title, however, he still has Brian Cage gunning for him.
This match was changed from a one-on-one match between Impact and Cage after Moose & Killer Kross defeated them both in a tag match recently. The finish of the match came when Cage hit Kross with Drill Claw and Impact hit Starship Pain on Moose. Impact was able to pin Moose quicker than Cage could do the same to Killer Kross, so Johnny retains.
Between how things ended at Homecoming in Nashville and UnCaged in Mexico City, Brian Cage likely still feels entitled to a one-on-one rematch with the champ.
Taya Valkyrie Retained Her Championship Against Tessa Blanchard In A Mexico City Street Fight
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcsazvgXu5Y
Taya Valkyrie successfully defended her Knockouts Championship against Tessa Blanchard in a street fight this week. The gives Taya a 3-1 lead in the series between the two, albeit one victory came via DQ and her second was largely due to Gail Kim.
This week, Valkyrie picked up the victory with a double foot-stomp through the table after a 20-minute fight to start this week’s show.
As for Blanchard, she’s lost 3 straight to Valkyrie. She might need to string together a few wins before getting another shot at the title.
Tessa Blanchard Pays Homage To 4 Horsemen/ Taya Valkyrie To Perros Del Mal
Tessa Blanchard paid homage to Tully Blanchard in her street fight with Taya Valkyrie this week. Blanchard wore her father’s old 4 Horsemen shirt from back in the day. She also flashed the four-finger hand-signal to the camera. It was her first match back from suspension as well.
In similar fashion, Valkyrie wore a “Perros Del Mal” t-shirt, the faction she had previously been aligned with while in AAA. Blanchard would disrespect the shirt later in the match by spitting on it.
Team AAA Wins The World Cup
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXMz1lN7WO0
The luchadors of AAA picked up the victory over Team Impact last night. The hometown favorites won largely because Team Impact imploded. Eddie Edwards caused Eli Drake to get eliminated early and then Drake came back to cause Edwards’ elimination to end the match as well.
With Edwards and Psycho Clown as the final two left in the match, Eli Drake returned to the ring area and clocked Edwards with a kendo stick. Psycho Clown rolled up Edwards and got the win for his team.
It was later announced that Edwards will face Drake next week from Las Vegas.
Rich Swann Turned Down His Last Chance To Join OVE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDcqqTQvUjo
It was slipped in without much fanfare but Josh Mathews revealed more about why Callihan wants Swann to join OVE. He said that Swann told him that Callihan wants him in OVE because he has a good credit score and can help rent cars for the faction.
Regardless of the reasons why, Callihan gave Swann his “last chance” to join OVE this week. Swann opted to throw the shirt back in Callihan’s face, kickstarting a fight between the two. The X-Division champ initially got the upper-hand in the skirmish but a thumb to the eyes would reverse the momentum. Callihan then gave Swann a piledriver on the stage area before throwing him off the stage and through a table.
LAX Vs Lucha Bros Rematch – Win, Lose, Or Draw It’s Over
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvbBParC1_8
LAX was shown with Konnan in a backstage segment this week. He told Santana & Ortiz he would go get a rematch for the titles but win, lose, or draw, the next match ends the rivalry between the two teams.
Willie Mack Defeated “All Ego” Ethan Page
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xc8MujYyc5I
Ethan Page has lost his mentor. Matt Sydal’s contract with the company ran up and now Page has been left alone to fend for himself in the X-Division. He was in tough this week against the NWA’s National Champion, Willie Mack. Ultimately, Mack would hit the Stunner for the win.
Quick Results:
Knockouts Championship Street Fight
Taya Valkyrie (c) defeated Tessa Blanchard
Willie Mack defeated Ethan Page
2019 World Cup
Team AAA defeated Team Impact
Puma King eliminated Eli Drake
Fallah Bah eliminated Vikingo
Aerostar eliminated Fallah Bah
Eddie Edwards eliminated Aerostar
Sami Callihan defeated Puma King
Psycho Clown defeated Sami Callihan
Psycho Clown defeated Eddie Edwards
Impact World Championship Fatal 4-Way
Johnny Impact (c) defeated Moose vs Killer Kross vs Brian Cage
Impact Wrestling was back on Pursuit and Twitch last night. The promotion presented the first show from their most recent tapings in Mexico City from Jan. 11-12th.
7 Takeaways From Impact Wrestling:
Brian Cage Broke Up Killer Kross’ Title Match Against Johnny Impact
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWA2TnWI-i4
Brian Cage said he would be in Mexico City this week and he was. He showed up in the night’s main event and broke up the match between Kross and Johnny Impact for the title. This did not sit over well with Kross or Moose, who attacked both men. It seems as though Cage won’t stop until he gets his rematch.
LAX vs Lucha Bros Next Week
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K05j9AnsMt0
Last week, LAX antagonized the Lucha Bros, much to Konnan’s dismay. This week, Konnan announced he was bringing in 2 luchadors, one to team with LAX next week and the other to team with the Lucha Bros as the two sides go head-to-head. LAX and the Lucha Bros look like they are headed down the path to a Homecoming rematch.
“Vera Loca” Taya Valkyrie Returns To Mexico
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpdWiKIBa1o
Taya Valkyrie returned to Mexico as Knockouts champion this week. She defeated Keyra in the 2nd match on the show. After the match, Taya cut a promo thanking the fans in Mexico for making her who she is.
Taya held the Reina de Reinas championship for 945 days from 2014-2017 while wrestling in AAA, the longest reign in the title’s lineage. She also said she would be waiting for Tessa Blanchard for whenever her suspension is up and would be ready for any of the Knockouts in the meantime.
Sami Callihan Says He Saved Rich Swann
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNaK7-wN9aE
Sami Callihan told Rich Swann if it wasn’t for him, he’d be dead in Baltimore somewhere. The leader of OVE came to the ring after Swann had just defeated El Hijo Del Vikingo in the opener.
Callihan revealed the two of them are close outside of the wrestling ring and that Callihan supported him during hard times. Despite this, Swann did not accept Callihan’s offer to join his faction. While he did not specifically say “no”, Swann told Sami he didn’t think he was a good fit for the group.
Scarlett Bordeaux Trains For Her In-Ring Debut
Scarlett Bordeaux will debut as a member of the Knockouts division in 3 weeks. This week she demonstrated a rather interesting training regimen she is running herself through. It’s easy to see how she won her own talent search.
Rosemary Tells Kiera Hogan & Jordynne Grace “This Is Not Your Fight”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nkd00SUYuMU
The lights flickered and a message scrawled on the screen while the debuting Melissa Santos interviewed Kiera Hogan & Jordynne Grace thi week. The message read “the darkness will take you too. This is not your fight. R.”
While this is speculation, it seems Hogan & Grace will both move back into the non-underworld portion of the Knockouts division. It turns out this was bad speculation as the promotion just announced Hogan & Grace will face Su Yung & Dark Allie next week.
The Rascalz Go 2-0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nondutkdXlM
The Rascalz picked up two wins this week and Zachary demonstrated he can speak perfect subtitled Spanish in a backstage segment. Zach and Wentz picked up a win over the Desi Hit Squad in tag-team action while Trey Miguel picked up a win in the X-Division by defeating Ethan Page.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYv-R706hoE
Quick Results:
Rich Swann defeated El Hijo Del Vikingo
Taya Valkyrie defeated Keyra
Zachary Wentz & Dezmond Xavier defeated the Desi Hit Squad
Trey Miguel defeated Ethan Page
Impact World Championship
Johnny Impact (c) vs Killer Kross – No Contest
Next week:
Kiera Hogan & Jordynne Grace vs Dark Allie & Su Yung
There is a new Knockouts champion. Taya Valkyrie defeated Tessa Blanchard tonight at Impact Wrestling’s Homecoming PPV from Nashville TN.
The match will go down as controversial, however. Special guest referee, Gail Kim, hit Blanchard with Eat Defeat before allowing Taya Valkyrie to hit the Road to Valhalla for the victory.
Tension had been brewing between Kim and Blanchard for weeks on episodes of Impact Wrestling as well as after several near-falls in this match.
Taya Valkyrie Knockouts Champion
Valkyrie becomes the 22nd woman to won the Impact Wrestling Knockouts Championship. The inaugural champion, Gail Kim, having been the one to count the 3 tonight. She is already a 2x Reina de Reinas champion for AAA and also got a run with the infamous Iron Heavymetalweight championship for the comedy promotion in Japan, DDT.
The win for Taya ends Tessa Blanchard’s reign with the belt at 147 days. Blanchard has spent the 12th most combined days with the belt out of the 22 champions in its lineage. Two days ago, she passed Velvet Sky who is at 145 days. Blanchard falls short of ODB, who held the title for 153 days over the course of 4 runs with the belt.
Tessa Blanchard vs Gail Kim
Based on the actions of Kim and Blanchard in this match, it’s possible Kim comes out of retirement for one last match with Blanchard. Kim has said if she does wrestling again, it would be with Impact.
There are 5 episodes of Impact Wrestling left before Homecoming on January 6th in Nashville. Tonight, Impact Wrestling will further the build to their next PPV.
Impact Wrestling 12/6 Preview
Johnny Impact & Taya Valkyrie vs Moose & Tessa Blanchard
Johnny Impact will face Brian Cage at Homecoming but tonight he’ll team with his newlywed wife, Taya Valkyrie. The Knockouts Champion will team with Moose, who is hoping Eddie Edwards is not released from Shady Acres Mental Institution in time to interfere in this match.
Last week on Impact, Blanchard attempted to strangle a referee until Gail Kim ran out and pulled her off. It’s possible we hear more about Gail Kim’s potential involvement with Blanchard tonight.
Killer Kross might be watching this match closely as well. He again offered to watch Johnny’s back last week.
Dark Allie Returns
Allie returned from the undead realm at Bound For Glory without her soul. Now a dark passenger is along with Allie wherever she goes. Kiera Hogan believes there is still good inside of her, however. Hogan made an emotional plea last week for the good Allie to come back.
Tonight, Dark Allie will return to Impact Wrestling. Wherever she goes, Su Yung is sure to follow as well.
Ultimate X Qualifier: Willie Mack vs Jake Crist
Willie Mack will go one-on-one with OVE’s Jake Crist tonight. The winner will be granted one of four spots in the Ultimate X match at Homecoming. Mack hasn’t been in Impact Wrestling for long but he’s already in a spot to potentially win a major title.
Ultimate X Qualifier: Matt Sydal vs Ethan Page
Third-eyes will collide tonight as Matt Sydal goes one-on-one with his protege, Ethan Page. Sydal is the former X-Division Champion before dropping the belt to Brian Cage at Slammiversary. He once said the X-Division title was his calling and it’s possible the belt is calling to him again. He’ll have to get by his own pupil to get that chance, however.
Taya Valkyrie was the guest on the most recent edition of Impact Wrestling’s Press Pass. During the show, Taya was upfront regarding having been bullied in the past, both online in the lead-up to Bound For Glory and as a young person growing up in British Columbia.
I had the chance to ask Taya during the call if she has any advice for people who are going through something similar.
“You can dislike someone but you just don’t have to act like that,” Taya said. “We just don’t need that kind of attitude being spewed out in the universe when there are so many positive things happening.”
Taya then offered up words of support for anyone listening who might be dealing with bullying.
“To any child that’s listening or a fan of mine, or teenager, adult, someone who is older than me, hold your head up high,” Taya said. “At the end of the day, you are the only person in this entire world, this universe, that is like you. Not everybody is going to like you, not everybody is going to think you’re nice, not everybody is going to think you’re pretty or whatever it is. But there are a huge amount of people who do love you so keep your head up and move forward.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gUVXuwfKRc
Taya Valkyrie and Impact Wrestling’s Knockout Division
Taya also mentioned she was bullied growing up.
“I was bullied a lot growing up,” Taya said. “So I have so much personal emotion and connection to that kind of stuff and I can’t imagine what it’s like now. I mean for me it’s hard, even as an adult. So, as a child growing up in a world of social media and where everyone can hide behind a screen and a laptop and a keyboard and say whatever they want – for me, as a grown-ass woman, it was hard, so I don’t know.”
Taya Valkyrie can be seen on Wednesday nights with Lucha Underground and Thursday nights for Impact.
Impact Wrestling presented their 3rd episode from Melrose Ballroom last night. There will be one more episode from New York (Final Hour next week) before the promotion heads to Las Vegas for 3 nights of tapings.
The OGZ Vs Lucha Brothers Rivalry Continues To Build
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=302kfjH5QXU
Pentagon Jr defeated Homicide
King has found another way to get at Konnan since the New York bosses won’t let him go after LAX. Now King’s OGZ has their sights on Konnan’s allies, Pentagon Jr. and Fenix. While Pentagon picked up the win this week over Homicide with a schoolboy, the OGZ had the numbers advantage in the post-match beatdown.
Tessa Blanchard DQ’ed, Taya Valkyrie Denied Championship Again
Knockouts Championship Taya Valkyrie defeated Tessa Blanchard (c) via DQ
In a rematch from Bound For Glory, Taya looked as though she had the upper-hand against Blanchard. She had been able to avoid Blanchard’s “Magnum” move which beat her at the PPV but the champ found another way out of the situation. Blanchard straight up punched the referee in the face, causing a DQ and saving her title. Did she sense she wouldn’t be able to defeat Taya and did what she had to do to save her title?
Sami Callihan Beat Up An Imposter Brian Cage In Ohio
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2vFb_lV30A
Sami Callihan announced that he would face Brian Cage at a show in Ohio but all was not quite what it seemed. When Brian Cage entered the ring area it was clear Callihan had simply hired an imposter to dress and act like Cage.
Cage cut a promo later in the night that he’ll be in Ohio next week and he’s bringing the X-Division title.
There’s Something Wrong With Allie
Allie told Kiera Hogan she left her soul in the undead realm at Bound For Glory. She feels something dark has a hold of her. Allie also said she is unable to get the thought of what happened to Rosemary out of her head.
Hogan then told Allie they will finish this by ending Su Yung. Evidently, Impact opted not to put highlights of this on YouTube.
Rich Swann Defeated His Friend, Willie Mack
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZTYjyo3UV0
Rich Swann defeated Willie Mack
As this was Willie Mack’s single’s debut in the promotion, he chose Rich Swann as his opponent. He said he wants to show everyone what the two of them can do in a ring together. As the night’s opener was drawing to a close, Swann was able to get his foot on the rope after Mack hit a stunner. A few moves later, Swann hit the Phoenix Splash and got the 3-count.
LAX Defeated Matt Sydal & Ethan Page
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bhhp5yXaGbA
LAX w/Konnan defeated Matt Sydal & Ethan Page
This non-title match was made after a backstage confrontation last week. LAX picked up the victory over Sydal and his new teammate. With the OGZ out of the tag-team title picture, things are wide open in the division for new challengers to emerge.
Raj Singh Is The Great Gama Singh’s Son
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPq3FDRVggA
Desi Hit Squad defeated the Beach Bums
Before the Desi Hit Squad were in action this week, the Great Gama announced the new member who attacked Rohit Raju last week is Gama’s son, Raj Singh. The new and improved Desi Hit Squad were victorious this week over the Beach Bums, TJ Crawford, and Freddie IV.
Jordynne Grace Debuts Next Week
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHlKXKHNmqI
The Knockouts division gets a new powerhouse next week. Jordynne Grace received the biggest exposure of her career thus far in the Over Budget Battle Royal at All In. She’s one who could move up the rankings quickly in the Knockouts division.
Final Hour Next Week
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IV7ujl7EvNU
Impact Wrestling will present a branded episode next week. Final Hour will feature Johnny Impact defending the Impact World Championship against Killer Kross. It was also revealed this week that Moose and Eddie Edwards will go one-on-one next week.
Johnny Impact (c) vs Killer Kross – Impact World Championship
Brian Cage (c) vs Sami Callihan – X-Division Championship
Moose vs Eddie Edwards
Jordynne Grace debuts
Quick Results:
Rich Swann defeated Willie Mack
Desi Hit Squad defeated the Beach Bums
Knockouts Championship Taya Valkyrie defeated Tessa Blanchard (c) via DQ
LAX w/Konnan defeated Matt Sydal & Ethan Page (non-title)
Impact Wrestling will present their third show since Bound For Glory tonight. The episode was filmed inside New York’s Melrose Ballroom. The main event will be a rematch from Bound For Glory when Tessa Blanchard defends her Knockouts Championship against Taya Valkyrie.
Impact is also just one-week away from their next branded episode, Final Hour. Johnny Impact will defend the title against Killer Kross on that show.
Impact Wrestling Preview 11/1
Knockouts Championship
Tessa Blanchard (c) vs Taya Valkyrie
Last week, Blanchard confronted Taya in the back. Two weeks ago, Taya had said she doesn’t respect Blanchard anymore after she used underhanded tactics to secure the victory at the PPV. Tonight, Blanchard wants to show she doesn’t need any help from the referees to defeat Taya.
Impact Wrestling Tag Team Championships
LAX (c) vs Ethan Page and Matt Sydal
Despite losing at Bound For Glory, Ethan Page and Matt Sydal will get a title match against LAX tonight. The third-eye seeing tandem confronted Konnan and LAX in the back last week which led to them receiving a title match this week.
As for LAX, they might believe they don’t have to worry about King and the OGz anymore but King seems to have found a way to get to Konnan without going through them.
Pengaton Jr. vs Homicide
Kings’ OGZ have figured out they can get to Konnan without skirting the rules set out by the crime bosses in New York. To do so, they just have to get to Pentagon Jr and Fenix, the Lucha brothers. Tonight, former Ring Of Honor World Champion Homicide takes on former Impact (and LU) World Champion Pentagon Jr.
Willie Mack vs Rich Swann
Last week on Impact Wrestling, Rich Swann and Willie Mack were shown in the backstage area. They appeared to be celebrating their win at Bound for Flory when Mack said he wanted to face Swann in his single’s debut next week. His reasoning was that he wants to show everyone what the two of them can do. Meanwhile, the team they beat at Bound for Glory will take on the tag team champions tonight.
Impact Wrestling presents the final episode before Bound For Glory this Sunday on PPV tonight. The episode will feature the final matches and segments taped from Impact’s trip to Mexico City, Mexico.
Impact Wrestling 10/11 Preview
Eddie Edwards, Johnny Impact, and Fallah Bah vs Moose, Austin Aries, and Killer Kross
6-Man tag-team action this week features Impact’s top heel stable going up against the men they’ve been feuding with. Aries, Kross, and Moose have attempted to injure all 3 of their opponents tonight over television tapings in Canada and Mexico.
Coming up on Sunday Moose goes one-on-one with Edwards and Johny goes one-on-one with Aries. Tonight, however,
LAX and OGZ Summit
The crime family which controls this storyline ordered a ceasefire between the two factions after King ran over a little kid with his car on the streets of Toronto. That ceasefire is up in 3 days at Bound For Glory.
Konnan has been sure that neither Santana or Ortiz attack the OGZ and break the ceasefire but how much longer can they hold out? King has burned Konnan’s mask and continuously disrespected LAX.
Tessa Blanchard vs Keyra
Tessa Blanchard will have the toughest test to her Knockouts Championship on Sunday when she faces Taya Valkyrie. Before she gets to Bound For Glory, however, she’ll have to face the luchadora, Keyra.
The 22-year-old Keyra is tearing it up in Mexico at the moment. Will she have enough to give Blanchard a run for her money is another question, however.
Petey Williams vs Trevor Lee vs Jack Evans vs Puma King
All four of these wrestlers were shown in the back last week attempting to impress Scarlett Bordeaux. The Smokeshow is still holding her Global Talent Search for a full-time client and it is likely all four of the men involved in this match want to obtain her services.
Rohit Raju vs Gursindher Singh
Although not advertised by Impact Wrestling, it was mentioned that last week that these two teammates Will face each other in singles action to determine who the weak link is. The Desi Hit Squad has not been picking up many wins lately and the Great Gama Singh is not pleased.
Who Will Rich Swann Choose As His Partner?
Rich Swann will face Ethan Page and Matt Sydal at Bound For Glory but who will his partner be? We might find out more about this tonight on Impact.
Bound for Glory LIneup
October 14th
Impact World Championship
Austin Aries (c) vs Johnny Impact
Knockouts Championship
Tessa Blanchard (c) vs Taya Valkyrie
Eddie Edwards vs Moose
Sami Callihan & oVe vs Brian Cage & the Lucha Brothers
Concrete Jungle Deathmatch
LAX & Konnan vs OGZ & King