Overall, Impact delivered a good edition of wrestling, with the tag team championships being the match of the night. There was also some good rivalries building up, including a decent backstage segment while it was random, it was a fun kind of random. In addition, Masha is finally getting her first actual challenge as it looks as though Havok wants a piece of Masha, and Decay wants an opportunity against Decay. Could we also see VBD vs Josh and the Briscoes? That could be an interesting 6-Man tag match. However, while there was no bad match, the one thing (or at least in my opinion), is that I feel as though Honor No More vs Bullet Club feud should’ve ended at Under Siege as all members of No More beaten 5 members of Bullet Club. Unless they’re gonna do one last match with a big stipulation, I feel as though the feud should be wrapped up soon or else it's gonna drag. Aside from that, Impact did a good job continuing the build towards Slammiversary. Come back next time as we review some more Impact.
Preview: Tonight’s show consists of a tag team championship rematch as the Briscoes defend their tag team championships against Violent By Design. We also have a 6-Woman tag as Deonna Purrazzo, Savannah Evans, and Tasha Steelz going up against Mia Yim, Jordynne Grace, and Taya Valkyrie, plus Honor No More’s Mike Bennett and Matt Taven going up against the Good Brothers and more. How will things go down for tonight’s edition of Impact? Let’s find out as the countdown to the review starts now.
We get a recap from last week’s Gauntlet for the Gold.
GOOD: The show opens up with Laredo Kid taking on Mike Bailey and whoever wins qualifies for the Ultimate X at slammiversary. The match begins as the two lock up. Bailey and Kid each try a surprise roll up but fails. Bailey applies a headlock, followed by a tackle. Kid brings Bailey’s head down and attempts a pin but fails. The two exchange in trying to out maneuver each other but are at a stailmate. Bailey goes for a kick, but Kid follows with a kick of his own. Kid throws Bailey out and goes for a flying dive, but Bailey dodges and forces Kid to go out the ring, but ends up with a boot to his face as Bailey goes for a punt kick on Kid. Bailey brings Kid back into the ring, and Bailey follows up with a pin but fails. Bailey kicks Kid in the chest. Bailey goes for a flying knee on Kid but refuses to stay down. Bailey beats up Kid, followed by a chop. Kid counters Bailey’s attacks with some kicks. Bailey returns with some more kicks, but Kid follows with a tackle.Bailey goes out to the ring, and Kid tries to go for a flying move, but stops as Bailey moves away. Kid kicks Bailey, stunning him long enough to allow Kid to go for a dive on Bailey outside the ring. Kid smacks Bailey in the face and returns to the ring. Kid goes for a running punch on Bailey, followed by a bodyslam. Kid goes for a flying move, followed by another flying move. Bailey counters Kid’s maneuver with a surprise roll up, but Kid kicks out. Kid gets thrown out to the ring, followed by Bailey going for a flying flip on Kid outside the ring. The two return to the ring as Bailey goes for a missile drop kick on Kid. Bailey goes for a shooting star press on Kid, but it’s not enough to bring Kid down. Bailey goes for a kick, but Kid counters with a powerslam, followed by a chop and running punch. Bailey returns with a spinning kick. Bailey goes for a flying nothing as Kid moves out the way and goes for a surprise roll up but Bailey kicks out at two. Kid goes for a driver on Bailey but kicks out at two. Kid goes for another flying mve, but Bailey stops Kid. The two exchange strikes on one another on the top rope. Bailey falls and Kid tries to go for a flying move, but gets welcomed with a kick to Bailey. The two once again exchange some more strikes to each other on the top rope. Bailey flips away from Kid, and Kid goes for a flying nothing as Bailey turns it into a surprise roll up but fails, but follows up with a kick to Kid. Bailey goes for a moonsault, followed by a kick to the head. Bailey tries to pin, but Kid turns it into a surprise roll up, but followed up by his own surprise roll up to get the win, punching his ticket to Ultimate X..
Result: Mike Bailey pins Laredo Kid to get the win and qualify for Ultimate X.
Joezeh Ramirez’ WR Star Rating- 3.25 Stars
Cut to backstage where Ace Austin congratulates his former friend Bailey to Ultimate X. Ace explains he’s glad because he’s not finished with Bailey. Ace gave Bailey a chance, but he has made his choice, and choices come with consequences. At Ultimate X at Slammiversary, his win is invetibable.
We get a video of Matt Cardona and Chelsea Green on their honeymoon laughing at Rich Swann losing Gauntlet at the Gold, after being distracted by his music even though he wasn’t there. Matt explains he’s ready to face Rich, but not at any time as he has a busy schedule. Matt tells Rich if he wants an opportunity, he needs to get in line. Chelsea expresses how much she wants to win the Queen of the Mountain Match.
GOOD: Up next is a 6-Woman tag as Deonna Purrazzo, Savannah Evans and Knockouts champion Tasha Steelz taking on Jordynne Grace, AAA Reina de Reinas champion Taya Valkyrie, and Mia Yim. The match begins with Grace and Deonna locking up. Deonna and Grace try to strike one another, but avoid each other’s attacks. Taya and Tasha tag in as its champ vs champ. Taya slams Tasha, followed by Taya slamming Tasha in the corner, followed by several kicks to Tasha. Taya goes for a blue thunderbomb but fails. Grace tags in and double team on Tasha. The match continues as Grace unleashes several attacks to Tasha in the corner. Grace goes for a 30 second hold suplex and goes for a pin, but Evans breaks the pin. However, as the referee was distracted, Evans unleashes a sneak attack on Grace. Deonna tags in as Deonna unleashes some kicks to Grace in the corner. Evans tags in and unleashes some devastating blows to Grace. Tasha tags in and unleashes some kicks to Grace, followed by a punt kick. Tasha goes for a suplex, but Grace follows with a suplex of her own. Mia tags in and attacks both Evans and Tasha , followed by a running kick to Tasha. Mia goes for a running knee on Tasha, and mocks Tasha as she dances in front of her. Mia goes for a cannonball on Tasha. Mia goes for a powerbomb, but Deonna stops Mia from attempting a pin. Grace throws out Deonna, followed by Eavns unleashing a kick to Grace, followed by Taya suplexing Evans, followed by Tasha going for a cutter on Taya, also followed by Mia going for a suplex and beats up Deonna to stop her sneak attack, but Deonna follows with a punt kick. Evans tags in but Mia stops Evans. Taya and Mia double team on Evans. Mia applies the Eat Defeat on Evans to get the win for her team.
Result: Mia Yim pins Savannah Evans to get the win for her team.
Joezeh Ramirez’ WR Star Rating- 3 Stars
It’s time for Locker Room Talk with your hosts the Influence. They insult the teams they have beaten thus far, but get interrupted by Johnny Swinger and Zicky Dice as they’re offering some private lessons in Johny’s Dungeon. But they get interrupted by Decay (Or Rosemary and Havok to be more precise). Rosemary is looking to make things interesting as they claim they haven’t beaten Decay. Tanille Dashwood explains if they want a shot, they need to earn it. Dice explains he’s seen Havok before, but Havok shoves Dice down. Decay teleports away, while Dize and Swinger leave to get some more training in, leaving the Influence confused on what on earth has happened. Oh well, that’s the end of Locker Room Talk.
Cut to backstage where Chris Sabin is asked how devastated he feels on losing Gauntlet for the Gold last week. Chris explains he was close but he believes now isn’t the time yet. Chris explains he is issuing a challenge against Franky Kazerian next week.
We get old footage of Frankie Kazerian and Chris Sabin battling 20 years ago.
We get a video package of Erik Young explaining his very first match he saw as a kid of what made him want to wrestle, and explaining his career from 1997, to now. (At one point described a certain someone not liking his value years ago.)
Cut to backstage where Josh Alexander is asked how he feels about facing Erik Young for his championship. Josh explains Erik Young has done it all, but the new era is beginning. Josh explains he will win his match.
GOOD: Up next is a tag team match as Honor No More (Matt Taven and Mike Bennett) take on the Good Brothers (Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson). Before the match begins, Maria Bennett joins commentary. (I have a feeling she’s gonna interfere.) The match begins as Karl and Mike lock up. Mike unleashed some strikes on Karl, followed by the two unleashing several chops to each other. Karl goes for a tackle on Mike. Gallows tags in and the Good Brothers double team on Mike. Gallows unleashes some punches to Mike’s mid-section. Mike fights back, but Mike shoves his thumb into Gallows’s eye, allowing him to tag in Taven. Gallows goes for a running tackle on Taven. Gallows goes for an elbow drop on Taven. Karl tags in and double team on Tave. Karl unleashes several strikes to Taven, followed by a running throw as Tavn gets rammed in the corner. Karl unleashes a chop, but Mike tags in and double team on Karl. Taven slams Karl’s face in the commentary desk. Mike goes for a pin but Karl kicks out. Mike unleashes a knee strike to Karl’s back. Mike runs, but pokes Karl in the eye. Taven tags in and double team on Karl. Taven goes for a pin, but Gallows kind of breaks the pin as he reaches Taven from outside the rope. Taven and Karl unleash a chop fest. Mike tags in and applies a head lock on Karl. Karl tries to fight back, but Mike puts Karl back in a headlock. Mike unleashes several attacks on Karl’s back. Karl fights back as he applies the spinebuster on Mike.Gallows and Taven tag in as Gallows goes for several strikes and tackles on Taven. Gallows also beats up Mike from attempting a sneak attack. The Good Brothers attempt to go for a magic killer, but Mike spears Karl to stop the attack. Mike unleashes some attacks on Gallows, allowing Taven to go for a maneuver on Gallows. Mike tags in and double team on Gallows, unfortunately, Mike accidentally kicks Taven, allowing Gallows to tag in Karl and double team on Mike, allowing Karl to attempt a pin, but Maria once again distracts the referee to prevent the pin. Mike tries to attack Karl, but accidently spears his own wife by mistake, allowing Karl to go for a gunn stun to get the win.
Result: Karl Anderson pins Mike Bennett to get the win for his team.
Joezeh Ramirez’ WR Star Rating- 3.25 Stars
Cut to backstage where Sami Callihan wants revenge against Moose not for injuring him, but how it took so long to recover. Sami explains he’s gonna make Moose suffer and will make Moose feel the pain Sami suffered.
SQUASH: Up next, Masha Slamovich goes one on one with Shawna Reed. The match begins as Masha goes for several strikes and kicks on Reed. Masha goes for several chops on Reed, followed by a running boot to the face. Masha uses the snowplow on Reed to get the win. But the lights go out as Havok comes to the ring to get in Masha’s face.
Result: Masha Slamovich pins Shawna Reed to get the win.
Cut to backstage where Raj Singh and Shera are coming for Guijar as they cost them a chance at Gauntlet for the Gold. Guijar appears to get in the two’s faces and explains if he wants to solve it, let’s solve it in the ring. Raj explains Shera will take-, but before he can say more, Raj explains it will be the two of them in fear as W. Morrissey appears to back up Guijar.
We get some announcements for next week’s Impact.
GREAT: And now it’s time for the main event as Violent By Design (Joe Doering and Deaner), takes on the Briscoes (Jay and Mark) for the Impact Tag Team Championships. The match begins with Mark and Deaner, but Joe tags in as Joe and Mark lock up, but Joe keeps pushing Mark off. Jay tags in and locks up with Deaner. Jay tries to tackle Deaner, but Joe doesn’t budge. Deaner tags in and double team on Jay. Jay goes for a tackle. Mark tags in and goes for a suplex. Mark and Deaner unleash a chop fest, but Mark beats up Deaner in the corner. Jay tags in and double team on Deaner. Jay goes for attacks on Deaner in the corner. Mark tags in as Mark kicks Deaner in the corner. Jay tags in and double team on Deaner. Mark goes for a running kick, followed by a flying neckbreaker on Deaner outside the ring. Jay and Joe try to run each other over in the ring, but Joe body slams Jay. The match continues as Joe has Jay in the headlock. Joe knees Jay, followed by a suplex. Deaner tags in and double team on Jay. While the referee is distracted with dealing with Mark, Erik Young sneak attacks Jay. Deaner unleashes some more kicks to Jay. Joe tags in and double team on Jay. Deaner tags in and rams Jay in his behind. Jay fights back against VBD, allowing him to tag in Mark. Mark unleashes several tackles and strikes on both Joe and Deaner. Mark throws Joe out the ring, followed by a running dive, and returns to the ring to beat up Deaner. Mark puts Deaner in the corner and unleashes a palm strike on Deaner. Mark goes for a flying move on Deaner, followed by Jay helping out to unleash a double neckbreaker. Jay tags in and goes for a spike driller, but Deaner fights back. Joe tags in, but Jay tries to fight back, but Joe unleashes a spine buster on Jay. Deaner tags in and double teams on Jay, but Mark stops Joe from making a pin. Jay unleashes several kicks on Joe, followed by an elbow strike on Deaner. Joe stops Mark from going to the top, but Jay uses the most devastating move in all of wrestling, the surprise roll up on Deaner to get the win and retain the tag team championships. After the match, Erik beats up the brothers as he’s not too pleased with the result. Soon, the rest of VBD join in on the brawl, but Josh Alexander comes out to give the brothers a helping hand. Josh and Erik get in each other’s faces, but Deaner and Joe attack Josh, but the brothers help out Josh. The show ends with Josh and the Briscoes standing tall.
Result: Jay Briscoe pins Deaner to get the win for his team and retain the tag team championships.
Joezeh Ramirez’ WR Star Rating- 3.75 Stars
Overall, Impact delivered a good edition of wrestling, with the tag team championships being the match of the night. There was also some good rivalries building up, including a decent backstage segment while it was random, it was a fun kind of random. In addition, Masha is finally getting her first actual challenge as it looks as though Havok wants a piece of Masha, and Decay wants an opportunity against Decay. Could we also see VBD vs Josh and the Briscoes? That could be an interesting 6-Man tag match. However, while there was no bad match, the one thing (or at least in my opinion), is that I feel as though Honor No More vs Bullet Club feud should’ve ended at Under Siege as all members of No More beaten 5 members of Bullet Club. Unless they’re gonna do one last match with a big stipulation, I feel as though the feud should be wrapped up soon or else it’s gonna drag. Aside from that, Impact did a good job continuing the build towards Slammiversary. Come back next time as we review some more Impact.
Matches: 0.5 /1 Stars
Show Structure: 0.75/1 Stars
Atmosphere: 0.5/1 Stars
Storytelling: 0.75/1 Stars
Production/Theme: 0.5/1 Stars
Overall Rating: 3/5 Stars
Photo Credit: impactwrestling.com
Refer to this for rating criteria:
