Impact Wrestling – September 18, 2025: One Of Those Builds

Impact Wrestling
Date: September 18, 2025
Location: The Armory, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Commentators: Tom Hannifan, Matthew Rehwoldt

We’re coming up on Victory Road, which is going to have its work cut out for it with Bound For Glory coming up just a month later. That show is going to get the big focus so Victory Road is only going to mean so much. The big story this week will be focusing on the Tag Team Titles as the Nemeths are getting a shot at the Hardys. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

We get another promotion for the Minnesota charity shirt. Still nothing wrong with that.

Opening recap.

Opening sequence.

Mustafa Ali vs. Brian Myers

The rest of Order 4 and the System are both here. Myers slugs away to start and quickly knocks him out to the floor. We get the big staredown between the teams on the floor and Ali hits a big suicide dive. Back in and Myers hits his implant DDT but John Skyler offers a distraction, meaning the top rope elbow misses. Ali gets a rollup for the pin at 2:35.

Post match the teams get in a brawl and we get the big Moose vs. Agent Zero showdown. Zero drops him with a headbutt but Moose pops back up and they have to be held out. Santino Marella comes out to make a Hardcore War at Bound For Glory.

The Nemeths are ready to get the Tag Team Titles back because it’s not a ladder match.

The Personal Concierge suggests to Dani Luna that she could get a Bound For Glory title shot if she just takes out Indi Hartwell tonight. Luna thinks about it.

We look at the set up of Oba Femi vs. Trick Williams for the NXT and TNA World Title.

ODB is here.

Judas Icarus vs. Eric Young

Travis Williams is here with Icarus, who jumps Young to start fast. Icarus runs him over but Young hits an elbow to the face (with the lights seeming to dim) and is back with a gutwrench powerbomb. The piledriver is blocked though and Icarus makes the comeback, with a frog splash connecting for two. Something like a Blue Thunder Bomb gets two and they go up, with Young biting the face to knock him down. Young drops a top rope elbow for two and loads up the piledriver but here is Joe Hendry for a distraction. Icarus grabs a rollup for the pin at 5:11.

Rating: C. This was a big win for Icarus but it’s the kind of win that is more credited to Hendry than anything else. This feels like it might be one of the last big feuds for Hendry around here and that’s not exactly the best feeling. At least Young hasn’t been doing the Cleanse or whatever he was threatening us with before as I don’t think I could take another thing like that.

Post match Young knocks out the referee.

Victoria Crawford is back with her talk show, Mentor U, with guest Jody Threat. Crawford brings up Gia Miller, who interrupts and threatens Tessa Blanchard again. That doesn’t work for Crawford, who doesn’t like the profanity.

The Rascalz are happy with Myron Reed for going after the X-Division Title and let off some steam. And smoke. Santino Marella pops in and…has a cookie?

IInspiration/Masha Slamovich vs. Elegance Brand

Slamovich and Heather start things off, though Heather needs a quick spank to get her into the ring. Everything breaks down and the Brand is kicked down and sent out to the floor as we take an early break. We come back with the Brand getting to take turns on McKay in the corner, with Heather getting to stomp away.

The running corner dropkick gets two and Heather grabs the chinlock. McKay kicks her way out and brings in Slamovich to clean house, including an assisted DDT to make Heather DDT M. Lee goes after M but Ash throws…something in Lee’s eyes so M can get a rollup for the pin at 9:31.

Rating: C+. The match was a nice back and forth effort, with Slamovich being protected before she gets a title shot against Ash By Elegance. The other four are just doing their usual things and that’s not the most exciting stuff. It feels like the Brand could be a big deal for a long time to come, as they certainly seem to be in the right place at the moment.

Here is Frankie Kazarian for the King’s Speech and now it’s time to make this city focus on a King rather than a Prince. His guest this week is…himself, as he is ready to become the next International Champion. That’s not all though as he has another guest in the form of Mr. Anderson of all people. Anderson calls this home and he is happy to be back in a TNA ring for the first time in nine years.

Kazarian brings up Anderson’s military career but thinks Anderson seems like a coward. He asks what branch Kazarian served in but Kazarian brings up Anderson’s family being here. Would Anderson’s mother and kids be ok with seeing Kazarian give Anderson a beating? Kazarian keeps talking trash until Anderson goes after him, with Jake Something running in to take Anderson down. Steve Maclin makes the save. This is a good way to use a company legend and it was a nice surprise.

Dani Luna vs. Indi Hartwell

Hartwell jumps her to start fast and sends Luna out to the floor. Back in and Hartwell tries to send her to the floor but gets hit in the face. A suplex sends Hartwell down again and Luna adds another to keep Hartwell in trouble. Hartwell fires back with some elbows but gets dropped with a clothesline. Hartwell is up for the real comeback and knocks Luna outside, where Luna comes up with a chair to the ribs for the DQ at 5:31.

Rating: C. This only got so much time and the ending was more about Luna getting to hurt Hartwell rather than beat her. At the same time, I really don’t get the appeal of Hartwell, who feels like a rather generic star. She’s in for a huge title match at Bound For Glory and that could be the start of a rather uninspiring title reign.

Post match Luna wrecks her with the chair.

Lei Ying Lee and Xia Brookside talk about being great friends and dub themselves the Angel Warriors.

Mike Santana vs. AJZ

AJZ runs his mouth on the way to the ring and Santana Spins The Block for the pin at 31 seconds.

Santana calls out Trick Williams before their match at Bound For Glory but NXT’s Ridge Holland runs in to lay him out.

Tag Team Titles: Nemeths vs. Hardys

The Hardys are defending and Matt Cardona is on commentary. The Nemeths start fast and get sent outside with an early double clothesline. We take an early break and come back with Nic cutting Jeff off as Ryan grabbing Jeff’s leg. Jeff misses the Whisper In The Wind and Ryan comes in to pound on Jeff a bit. Nic’s chinlock doesn’t last long so he fires off the elbows, including the big jumping version.

Jeff finally fights up and hits a Whisper In The Wind to take them both out for a breather. The diving tag brings in Matt to clean house, including the powerbomb out of the corner for two on Nic. The middle rope elbow to the back of the neck drops Nic again but he’s right back with a Fameasser for two. Ryan’s DDT into Nick’s top rope elbow gets two more so Ryan tries to grab the belt. Cardona cuts that off and the Twist Of Fate into the Swanton retains the titles at 11:56.

Rating: B. This was a good match between the teams who work well together, though we’re coming up on the Hardys vs. the Dudleys one more time. That’s going to be a rather different kind of match and the nostalgia is going to have to carry them a long way. I’m not sure what is next for the Nemeths, as they seem to be ready to go after Cardona, who is going to need a partner.

Overall Rating: C+. This wasn’t a great show, though the main event did help it a lot. It doesn’t help that TNA seems to be building towards Bound For Glory more than Victory Road, which really feels like a nothing stop. Thankfully we’ll be done with that next week and ready to move on to the big show, but it isn’t making these shows much easier.

Results
Mustafa Ali b. Brian Myers – Rollup
Judas Icarus b. Eric Young – Rollup
Elegance Brand b. IInspiration/Masha Slamovich – Rollup to Lee
Indi Hartwell b. Dani Luna via DQ when Luna used a chair
Mike Santana b. AJZ – Spin The Block
Hardys b. Nemeths – Swanton to Ryan

 

 

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Impact Wrestling – September 11, 2025: Something About Getting Ready For Victory Road

Impact Wrestling
Date: September 11, 2025
Location: The Armory, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Commentators: Tom Hannifan, Matthew Rehwoldt

We’re back to the taped format here as Victory Road is coming up pretty soon. That show is going to be tricky enough as it is little more than a pit stop on the way to Bound For Glory next month. It’s going to be difficult to get some interest going, but maybe they can have a good idea or two. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

We open with a September 11th graphic.

Opening recap.

Opening sequence.

Moose vs. AJ Francis

Hold on though as here is Order 4, with Mustafa Ali to watch. Ali shakes Francis’ hand and sits in on commentary and Moose is up with a dropkick to start fast. They go outside with Francis getting in a shot of his own and sending Moose into the apron. We take a break and come back with Moose grabbing a suplex and they go outside.

Francis cuts off a charge with an apron bomb for two, followed by a running knee in the corner. Moose uses the power of fist pumps to come back and a spinning high crossbody drops Francis. The spear misses for Moose though and Francis hits one of his own for a near fall. The Secret Service’s distraction doesn’t make much of a difference, as Moose is right back with a spear for the win at 9:27.

Rating: C+. This was about having two big guys beat each other up, with Francis rapidly turning into a decent power guy. He’s figured out a lot in recent months and that’s nice to see. Moose is probably on his way to something with Mustafa Ali, or Order 4 as a whole though, and that’s an intriguing prospect.

Post match Moose challenges Ali to a match but doesn’t get an answer.

The System is ready to take out the Nemeths.

The Rascalz are back together in the Tree House and they want to win some titles. Then the smoke starts up and they can’t figure out Jake Something’s name.

Joe Hendry vs. Eric Young

Young comes to the ring with the Northern Armory and makes his usual threats, allowing Travis Williams to jump Hendry. We get the opening bell, which apparently signals false advertising as Young isn’t in the match.

Joe Hendry vs. Travis Williams

Hendry fights back and hits a suplex but Young offers a distraction. Williams’ running knee gets two but a springboard tornado DDT is blocked. The fall away slam sends Williams flying and an AA into the Standing Ovation finishes for Hendry at 3:16.

Rating: C-. I’m really not big on the false advertising like that but it’s something that happens in wrestling. Odds are Hendry vs. Young takes place at Victory Road, which I’ll take over having to hear about The Cleanse or whatever it is this time. I’m sure we’ll see more about it sooner than later, but for now at least Hendry got to show off a bit.

Post match Hendry bails from Young and Judas Icarus. Young yells at the Armory and drops them with two piledrivers apiece.

We look back at Frankie Kazarian beating Matt Cardona last week, thanks to Ryan Nemeth.

Cardona tells Ryan to put his nose in Cardona’s business again.

Here is Victoria Crawford, who has her own podcast. Her first guest is Gia Miller, with Crawford yelling at her over getting Tessa Blanchard suspended. Miller blames Blanchard for her own actions and Crawford made it worse, with threats of violence ensuing. Jody Threat runs in to break it up, with Crawford bailing to leave Miller fuming.

Jake Something vs. Zachary Wentz vs. Trey Miguel vs. Myron Reed

The inner gets an X-Division Title shot against Leon Slater, on commentary, at Victory Road. The Rascalz all bail outside to start before coming back in for a triple dropkick. Something shrugs that off and takes them all down. The Rascalz send him outside for a dive before we get a three way rollup exchange. Miguel punches Wentz down but Something is back in to run through everyone.

Wentz is powerbombed onto Reed for two but the Rascalz are back with a triplebomb out of the corner. The Rascalz slug it out until Something is back with Into The Void for two on Miguel. Wentz is back up with the UFO Cutter to Something but Miguel pulls him out. That leaves Reed to 450 Something for the pin at 8:08. Reed’s shocked face is great.

Rating: B-. I can go for the idea of mixing things up here as they didn’t go with the idea of the one different person wins. While Reed doesn’t seem to have much of a chance at winning the title, it’s very nice to see someone fresh getting a shot. That’s a smart thing to do and hopefully they can make the match part of it work in a few weeks.

Jake Something is in the back when he runs into Frankie Kazarian. Despite the loss, Kazarian offers him a spot by his side as Kazarian wins the International Title. Does he want to finally be…..something?

Heather By Elegance vs. Jessie McKay

Their partners are here too. Heather stomps away in the corner for two to start and we’re already in a chinlock. McKay fights up and sends her into the corner for some running knees, followed by a big boot. The Press Release (Gory Special) is loaded up but the Personal Concierge offers a distraction. Heather grabs a rollup and M grabs her feet for the pin at 3:10.

Rating: C-. There is only so much you can do with this kind of time but at least they did a smart finish by having the Elegance Brand cheat. That’s where everything tends to go with them so everything made sense. The IInspiration isn’t exactly inspiring lately, but it’s not like they have much else to do around here.

Post match Cassie Lee gets in to check on McKay and gets jumped. Cue Santino Marella to make the match.

Cassie Lee vs. M By Elegance

M tries to run but gets thrown back inside for the opening bell. A running big boot in the corner drops Lee for two and M’s snap suplex gets two more. Another big boot gets another near fall and we hit the double arm crank. That’s broken up so Lee can make the clothesline comeback into a Codebreaker for two. Heather gets in a cheap shot but McKay takes her out, leaving Lee to hit a swinging suplex for the pin at 5:07.

Rating: C. Slightly better match here, partially because they had a little bit more time to put it together. I’m not wild on having the two teams split like this but at least the ending could set the IInspiration up for something. It’s a basic way of going, though if you want the IInspiration to look strong, just have them sweep the night.

Steve Maclin talks about standing side by side in the Marines and now Frankie Kazarian is coming after him. That’s fine with Maclin, who isn’t getting through.

The Elegance Brand complains to Santino Marella about the upcoming title match against Masha Slamovich. Marella agrees and makes it No DQ with Indi Hartwell as guest referee. Oh and the IInspiration gets a Knockouts Tag Team Title match at Victory Road.

We recap the recent TNA issues on NXT.

Mike Santana is coming through the crowd for a match but Trick Williams jumps him from behind. Security breaks it up.

Nemeths vs. System

Nic and Myers start things off and go to the mat, with Nic getting two off a quick rollup. A dropkick sends Nic out to the apron and it’s Edwards coming in to send him into the corner. Everything breaks down and the System clears the ring as we take a break. We come back with Edwards fighting out of trouble and handing it back to Myers.

Ryan actually drops him so Nick can hit a top rope elbow, with Edwards making the save. The chinlock doesn’t last long and it’s back to Edwards to pick up the pace. A quick Fameasser gives Nic two and they’re both down. The Danger Zone is blocked and Edwards grabs a Blue Thunder Bomb with Ryan making the save. Cue Order 4 for a distraction, allowing Nic to hit a superkick into the Danger Zone for the pin at 12:44.

Rating: B-. If you want the Nemeths to be built up for their title rematch, this is the kind of win that they need to get. It wasn’t exactly a classic, but the Nemeths got to capitalize on the Order 4’s interference which should give us more between Order 4 and the System. Nice job of setting up two stories at once here.

Post match the Nemeths say they’re getting the title rematch next week so here are the Hardys to chase them off to end the show.

Overall Rating: C+. The show did a nice job of setting things up for Victory Road, though the action itself was only so good. The main event worked well enough but the rest was a good deal of quick stuff to keep the show moving. Victory Road is coming together well enough and that’s what matters the most, with the show in just a few weeks.

Results
Moose b. AJ Francis – Spear
Joe Hendry b. Travis Williams – Standing Ovation
Myron Reed b. Zachary Wentz, Trey Miguel and Jack Something – 450 to Something
Cassie Lee b. M By Elegance – Spinning suplex
Nemeths b. The System – Danger Zone to Edwards

 

 

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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Impact Wrestling – September 4, 2025: With A Very Nice Tribute

Impact Wrestling
Date: September 4, 2025
Location: The Armory, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Commentators: Tom Hannifan, Matthew Rehwoldt

We’re coming up on victory Road and the show is not likely to include Trick Williams defending the World Title. Williams is instead doing one of those things about this not being a safe working environment, which went about as well as you could expect. The show is in just over three weeks and Mike Santana is going to need something to do there. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

We open with a nice moment as some of the bigger names on the roster are on the stage, with a moment of silence for the victims of a recent shooting in Minneapolis. TNA is releasing a special shirt with 100% of the proceeds going to the school where the shooting took place. That’s very cool to see.

Opening recap.

Opening sequence.

Here is Santino Marella to get things going. He calls Trick Williams a liar and gets to finish last week’s announcement: Mike Santana is challenging Williams for the World Title at Bound For Glory. This brings out a rather happy Santana, who promises to bring the title back to TNA. Williams can hide behind his fancy words and contracts, but Santana can just come see him in NXT.

Mara Sade and the Hardys aren’t happy with Order 4 and are ready to take them out tonight.

Moose says Mike Santana is the man to bring the World Title back to TNA. Santana appreciates it but AJ Francis shows up, mocks Moose, and gets challenged to a match next week. Francis mocks Santana about Trick Williams’ lawyers and leaves.

Here is Ryan Nemeth for a chat. HIS BIG BROTHER is back tonight but here is Matt Cardona to interrupt. No one cares about Nemeth’s big brother, because he sucks. That’s enough for Ryan to get annoyed and then run off.

Matt Cardona vs. Frankie Kazarian

Cardona starts fast with the flapjack to send Kazarian outside, which sets up the dropkick through the ropes. Ryan Nemeth gets in a cheap shot from the floor and we take a break. We come back with Kazarian grabbing a chinlock but Cardona pops up for some running clotheslines.

Cardona knocks him into the corner but Kazarian gets outside before the Reboot. Nemeth offers a distraction though and Kazarian grabs the slingshot cutter for two. Cardona’s spinebuster gets two more but he has to hit Radio Silence on Nemeth. That’s enough for Kazarian to grab Fade To Black for the pin at 10:56.

Rating: C+. This was more about Nemeth getting on Cardona’s nerves and costing him the match, which is a fine way to go. Nemeth is at his best when he’s out there annoying people, as he’s only good for so many things. Kazarian continues to get built up for Bound For Glory season and it might be time for him to win the International Title.

Post match Kazarian talks about how he wants the World Title and on the way there, he might try to win the International Title. That kind of a title shouldn’t be held by a jarhead like Steve Maclin, but rather someone like him.

The IInspiration are very interested in tonight’s Knockouts Tag Team Title match.

Here is the Elegance Brand to welcome Ash By Elegance, the new Knockouts Champion. The rest of the team has some gifts for them: a commissioned portrait, bottles of champagne with her face on them and…well that’s it apparently. Ash says she is the Knockouts savior and doesn’t think Masha Slamovich could do this. Cue Slamovich, who really doesn’t seem to agree. Slamovich comes in for the brawl but gets beaten down, with Lei Ying Lee and Xia Brookside running in for the failed save attempt. The IInspiration makes the real save. Slamovich gets to wreck the portrait. Fine way to advance two stories.

Mustafa Ali promises to go after anyone who tries to stop Order 4, including the System.

Dani Luna vs. Indi Hartwell vs. Jody Threat

Luna is knocked to the floor to start, leaving Threat to clothesline Hartwell. Back in and Luna is sent outside again but comes back in to knock Hartwell off the top. Luna plants Threat and drops Hartwell again, only to get in a slugout with Threat. Hartwell is back up for the clothesline comeback and drops an elbow for two on Luna. Threat is back up with a driver for two on Luna before going to the apron for a slugout with Hartwell. Luna is kicked out to the floor and Threat trades rollups with Hartwell, only for Hartwell to get the pin at 7:13.

Rating: C+. The Hartwell push is upon us and that’s going to get her to Bound For Glory. Other than that, you have the continuing issues between the former Spitfire and…yeah it’s still hard to get interested in them. The team was only so interesting in the first place and it’s not getting much better to see them feuding. Luna going evil is at least something though.

Post match Luna lays both of them out.

We look back at Eric Young laying out Joe Hendry last week.

Here is Hendry for a chat. Hendry says he can be here anywhere in the world but he’s right here in Minneapolis and seems to pay a bit of tribute to the school shooting victims. After that, he moves on to Eric Young, who he needs to deal with right now. Cue Young and the Northern Armory, with Young saying there is a state of emergency in wrestling. Hendry needs to be cleansed so he challenges Young to a match right now. Young says we’ll do it next week, which is where the cleanse begins. Yeah sure. Just don’t let Young talk. Or be around here.

Leon Slater hears about the Rascalz being cleared. He wants to remind people what the X-Division Title is all about and Santino Marella seems to approve.

Here’s what’s coming at Victory Road and Bound For Glory.

Trick Williams says he doesn’t owe TNA anything and isn’t showing up anytime soon.

Order 4 vs. Mara Sade/The Hardys

Matt takes Hotch down into the corner for a legdrop from Jeff (in all….kind of pink). Everything breaks down and Matt and Sade hit a double DDT to the three villains. Sade stays in to beat up Steelz before Jeff elbows Hotch. A distraction lets Agent Zero grab Jeff for a distraction but gets ejected. That’s enough for Hotch to get in a cheap shot though and some elbows have Jeff in trouble as we take a break.

We come back with Jeff coming in to clean house, with Matt grabbing the Side Effect on Skyler. A Whisper In The Wind takes out the Hands but a slingshot spear drops Matt. Sade gives Steelz Finish Her and hits a moonsault (with Lita pose, which is at least a bit awkward with Matt there) to Skyler. Jeff adds the Swanton for the pin at 10:01.

Rating: C+. The Hardys aren’t going to have trouble against the Great Hands, but Sade has gone from pretty much nothing to a nice hand in the span of a few weeks. That’s not bad at all and I could go for seeing what she can do. The match was nothing out of the ordinary, though the Litasault was a nice little tribute, even if Sade isn’t quite that kind of a star.

Post match the Nemeths are back to take out the Hardys and Nic superkicks Sade. Well that’s a heel move.

Overall Rating: B-. Nice enough show here, with the tribute at the beginning being a very sweet moment. What mattered the most was starting the push towards the two upcoming big shows. I’m curious to see where things go for both of them, and now at least the cards are coming together. There wasn’t much in the way of wrestling here, but what we got was certainly passable. Maybe it was a bit odd for them as a live edition, but things should be back to normal next week.

Results
Frankie Kazarian b. Matt Cardona – Fade To Black
Indi Hartwell b. Jody Threat and Dani Luna – Rollup to Threat
Mara Sade/The Hardys b. Order 4 – Swanton Bomb to Skyler

 

 

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Impact Wrestling – August 28, 2025: Launch It Into The Sun

Impact Wrestling
Date: August 28, 2025
Location: Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena, Baltimore, Maryland
Commentators: Tom Hannifan, Matthew Rehwoldt

The road to Bound For Glory continues but we still have a side trip at Victory Road. That show is starting to come together and now we get to see some more of the card coming together. It could take some time to get everything ready, though there have been at least a few seeds already planted. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Opening recap.

Opening sequence.

Mike Santana/Steve Maclin vs. AJ Francis/Trick Williams

Maclin facebusters and clotheslines Williams to start before it’s off to Santana. That makes Williams think twice and everything breaks down fast. Santana hits a big flip dive to the floor and we take an early break. We come back with Maclin striking away at Francis, including an Angle Slam.

Williams offers a distraction though and Francis gets in a slam off the top to take over. Williams hammers away before Francis grabs a chinlock. Maclin is back up with a dropkick though and Santana comes in to clean house. The Death Valley Driver gets two as everything breaks down. Williams knocks Francis to the floor by mistake though and the Trick Shot is reversed into a rollup to give Santana the pin at 12:20.

Rating: B-. This was the kind of match that can go a long way to setting up the title match, likely at Bound For Glory. Santana getting to save the title from the evil invader is a fine way to go, and we very well could be in for a great moment if that’s where it goes. Maclin and Francis were just kind of there, but at least they kept things moving.

Post match Williams shoves Santana, who beats him up again.

Leon Slater and Cedric Alexander are ready to go after the Tag Team Titles tonight.

We look back at Eric Young threatening Myron Reed with the cleanse.

Eric Young vs. Myron Reed

Zachary Wentz is here too. Reed knocks him down to start and grabs a slingshot Stunner to send Young outside. A suicide dive connects and Reed hammers away back inside. Young manages a Death Valley Driver but a Stundog Millionaire gets Reed out of trouble. A slam puts Reed back down but Young misses a moonsault. Reed’s slingshot legdrop knocks Young out of the ropes but he’s right back with a powerslam. Young threatens the referee so Wentz gets on the apron, which allows Young to get in a low blow. The piledriver finishes Reed at 5:56.

Rating: C+. There are not enough words to describe how little I want to see Eric Young’s latest “I’m here to fix everything about TNA and get rid of the bad people” deal. I’m not sure why that’s something they keep going back to but it seems like we’re getting it again. Heck it wouldn’t stun me if Sami Callihan is some big surprise for Young’s upcoming team.

We look at Dani Luna snapping last week.

Luna talks about being done coming in second and it’s time to be different.

Ash By Elegance is very proud of winning the Knockouts Title at NXT Heatwave and wants a massive celebration. Next week.

Fatal Influence vs. IInspiration

McKay takes Nyx down to start and the IInspiration score with stereo kicks. It’s already off to Henley for a knee to Lee and a double flapjack gets two. Lee gets out of a Muta Lock and it’s back to McKay as everything breaks down in a hurry. Henley is tossed outside and the Idolizer finishes for McKay at 6:23.

Rating: C. Fatal Influence has gotten something out of these matches as it’s smart to have the NXT stars getting more reps in different places. It wouldn’t stun me to see them getting a quick run with the Knockouts Tag Team Titles, as they fit the requirements well enough. On the other hand you have the IInspiration, who have just been kind of there since returning, though they’re still decent enough in their roles.

Trick Williams calls in help to deal with Mike Santana.

Here is Ryan Nemeth to say that his BIG BROTHER will be back next week. Alisha Edwards and Eddie Edwards interrupt, with Alisha saying Eddie is here to shut him up.

Eddie Edwards vs. Ryan Nemeth

Edwards punches away in the corner to start and an overhead belly to belly sends Nemeth outside. Alisha gets in a slap of her own but Nemeth manages to hammer away on the way back inside. Nemeth takes him down and drops some elbows but Edwards is back up. A missed charge hits the post though and Nemeth grabs a chinlock. That’s broken up but the Backpack Stunner is blocked. Edwards settles for a tiger bomb and the Boston Knee Party finishes at 5:40.

Rating: C. I can go for Nemeth as an annoying putz who loses in spots like this and keeps running his mouth because he thinks his brother can get him out of trouble. He’s also good for someone like Edwards to beat, as Edwards is well suited for what he’s doing. He and Alisha work well together on screen too, which shouldn’t be the biggest shock.

Indi Hartwell is upset at last week’s attack at the hands of Dani Luna. Santino Marella pops in to say that due to the attack, Hartwell is getting a #1 contenders match with Jody Threat next week but Luna comes in to say she should be in for that as well. Works for Hartwell, and the match seems to be set.

We get some stills of Joe Hendry beating the Miz at WWE’s European house show.

Eric Young says the cleanse is coming…and has attacked Joe Hendry. Oh sweet goodness just get on to his lame World Title feud (if Santana wins, Young is going to get a pay per view title shot) so we can move on to anything else on the show.

Mara Sade vs. Tasha Steelz

Order 4 is here with Steelz. Sade grabs a fireman’s carry and drops her to start but Order 4 grabs Sade’s foot for a distraction. Steelz gets in a choke and then a reverse chinlock, which is broken up rather quickly. A middle rope dropkick puts Steelz down but Order 4 offers another distraction, allowing Steelz to hit a middle rope Russian legsweep. Sade shrugs that off and hits Finish Her (or tries to at least as it didn’t look great), only to go after Order 4. Rather than covering, Sade goes after Order 4, which lets Steelz hit a cutter for the pin at 5:48.

Rating: D. To say this was rough would be an understatement, as I’m not sure what they were trying near the end but it really didn’t work. It doesn’t help that they had Order 4 getting involved three times in a match that didn’t even last six minutes. Really weak stuff here, which is surprising as both have done far better before.

Post match Order 4 goes after Sade, with Agent Zero blasting her with a clothesline. The Hardys run in for the save.

Tag Team Titles: Hardys vs. Cedric Alexander/Leon Slater

The Hardys are defending. Jeff forearms Alexander to start but gets taken into the corner for the tag to Slater. We get a quick show of respect before Slater kicks Jeff in the face. It’s off to Matt for the double elbow and we take an early break. We come back with Jeff jawbreaking Slater and bringing Matt in to slug away on Alexander. Matt sends Alexander into the buckle and then does the same to Slater.

The Plot Twist into a splash gets two on Alexander with Slater making the save. The Swanton 450 misses so the Hardys try a Plot Twist on Slater, who reverses into a cutter on Matt. Slater leg lariats Jeff but the Swanton 450 misses. A Downward Spiral hits Jeff but Matt is back in with the Twist of Fate, setting up the Swanton to retain at 10:36.

Rating: B-. Good enough main event here, even if it was the champions defending against a team without much history working together. The Hardys are gearing up for the match against Team 3D, though there is no guarantee that will be for the titles. For now though, it’s nice to see the Hardys getting another win, as they’re still more than good enough to hang in the ring.

Here is Trick Williams, with his lawyer, to discuss being attacked by Mike Santana. Williams calls this a crime scene and he isn’t defending his title for 50 days. Cue Santino Marella to say Williams will defend his title at Bound For Glory. The lawyer tries to yell at Marella and gets Cobraed to end the show.

Overall Rating: C. This wasn’t their strongest show, but it did have some good parts. They’re clearly setting the stage for Bound For Glory, though we’re going to have to get through some other parts on the way there. Now just get the rest of that stuff ready and the show should work out well. I mean, assuming you launch this Eric Young stuff into the sun once and for all.

Results
Mike Santana/Steve Maclin b. AJ Francis/Trick Williams – Rollup to Williams
Eric Young b. Myron Reed – Piledriver
IInspiration b. Fatal Influence – Idolizer to Henley
Eddie Edwards b. Ryan Nemeth – Boston Knee Party
Tasha Steelz b. Mara Sade – Cutter
Hardys b. Cedric Alexander/Leon Slater – Swanton to Alexander

 

 

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Impact Wrestling – August 21, 2025: The Picture On The Box

Impact Wrestling
Date: August 21, 2025
Location: Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena, Baltimore, Maryland
Commentators: Tom Hannifan, Matthew Rehwoldt

We’re done with Emergence and the big story coming out of the show is Trick Williams defeating Moose to retain the World Title. That means NXT is still in control of two major TNA titles as we get closer to Bound For Glory. That show is going to start getting set up sooner than later so let’s get to it.

Here is Emergence if you need a recap.

We open with a long Emergence recap.

Opening sequence.

Here is Trick Williams for a chat. Williams brags about his success and says he is carrying two brands at the same time…and Mike Santana interrupts. Santana asks how many people are tired of hearing Williams run his mouth. He gives Williams credit for his success, but promises to spin the block and win the World Title.

Williams turns down the challenge (assuming there was one) but here is Santino Marella to make the match…but Williams apparently has a contract saying he doesn’t have to defend the title for fifty days. Williams insults Santana’s family so Santana chases him off. Simple way to stretch things out to Bound For Glory.

Mustafa Ali, with Order 4, is tired of being pushed around by the System so it’s time to fight back.

Post break, Trick Williams is in the back with AJ Francis. Santino Marella comes in and says that Williams might not have to defend the title, but he can be in a tag match against Mike Santana and a surprise partner.

We look at Je’Von Evans beating Trick Williams on NXT, plus Fatal Influence beating the Elegance Brand.

Knockouts Gauntlet Match

For a future Knockouts Title shot. Xia Brookside is in at #1 and Killer Kelly is in at #2. They crawl around at each other to play the mind games and Brookside grabs a headlock. That’s broken up so Kelly gets a headscissors, which earns her a kick out of the corner. An elbow to the back gets two on Kelly but she’s back with knees to the neck. A running forearm to the neck sets up a chinlock but Brookside Stunners her way to freedom. Brookside can’t get a super sunset flip so she settles for the Brooksie Bomb for the pin 5:52.

Dani Luna is in at #3 and, after a break, Brookside starts working on the arm. That’s broken up and Luna gets two off a northern lights suplex. The sliding clothesline takes Brookside down again but she sends Luna into the corner. The Broken Wings misses though and Luna kicks her down, setting up the Lunar Landing for the pin at 11:38.

Rosemary is in at #4 and, again after a break, she knocks Luna outside. Back in and Rosemary bites the fingers, followed by a sliding forearm for two. Luna knocks her down again though and hits a quick Lunar Landing for the pin at 15:02. Indi Hartwell is in at #5 and after the customary break, she strikes away and grabs an armbar.

Hartwell cranks on the arms and they trade rollups until Hartwell gets the pin at 19:03. Luna wrecks Hartwell after the fall though and leaves her laying, so here is Jody Threat in at #6 to break it up. Threat calms Luna down…and gets decked for the DQ to give Threat the title shot at 22:55.

Rating: C+. The Knockouts division is in a weird place at the moment as it doesn’t really feel like there is any fire to the whole thing. Indi Hartwell is ok enough, but the former Spitfire members fighting each other isn’t much of a top story. I’m guessing someone gets to step up at Bound For Glory and take the title back from Jacy Jayne’s evil NXT clutches, but who is the big hero? Slamovich?

Post match Luna destroys Hartwell with a chair until security breaks it up.

The IInspiration want the Knockouts Tag Team Titles. Fatal Influence come in to mock them and declare themselves the better team, leading to bickering.

Jody Threat says she doesn’t want the title shot this way but Dani Luna comes in and they argue as well.

Here is Ryan Nemeth to say his BIG BROTHER will be back in two weeks.

Frankie Kazarian vs. Jake Something

Something starts fast and backdrops him down, followed by a knock out to the floor. Kazarian gets dropped onto the apron and a powerslam gives Something two back inside. A clothesline gets Kazarian out of trouble and the springboard spinning legdrop gets two. Back up and Something plants him down for two and a sitout powerbomb connects for the same. Kazarian seems to have managed to get the turnbuckle pad off and Something misses a charge into the exposed buckle, setting up the Fade To Black for the pin at 5:45.

Rating: C+. It’s pretty clear that Kazarian is coming for (and likely winning) the International Title so putting him over the previous #1 contender is a fine way of getting him closer. Kazarian really needs to win something as he has mainly been living off of that one battle royal win last year and that title shot has already gone. Giving him something else, like the International Title, would fix the problem.

Mara Sade is painting when the Hardys come in. She says they inspired her to paint at Slammiversary and of course Jeff Hardy is interested so they’re off to see some art.

Cedric Alexander sits down next to Leon Slater and admits Slater was the better man at Emergence. For now though, he’s gotten the two of them a tag match next week against the Hardys.

Steve Maclin will be Mike Santana’s partner. Works for Santino Marella.

Here is Jacy Jayne for a chat. She brags about her success and doesn’t think anyone can come close to her level. This is her company and she’s walking out of NXT Heatwave with both belts. Cue Ash By Elegance to interrupt and she is LIVID, ranting about how Sunday should be about the two of them, not Masha “Slamab****.”. Cue Slamovich, who calls them Brittney Spears and Evil Katy Perry, so she’s winning the title on Sunday. And that’s that.

Order 4 mocks Mara Sade’s painting when the Hardys and Sade come in. The villains say it’s hideous but Sade says she’s going to get a match with Tasha Steelz. Matt Hardy calls Steelz something censored and Order 4 leaves, with Jeff revealing that it’s a paining of the Hardys logo. The Knockouts division needs some fresh blood so why not give Sade something to do?

Eric Young comes up to Myron Reed and tells him to pick a side, because he’ll be gone when Trey Miguel is back. Zachary Wentz comes in and apparently will face Young soon. Young says a cleanse is coming. Sweet goodness can we cleanse this place from Young and his big ideas?

Matt Cardona/The System vs. Order 4

Myers and Skyler lock up to start with Myers stomping away in the corner. Cardona comes in with a Russian legsweep before it’s right back to Myers, who is driven into the corner. Everything breaks down and Moose powerbombs Hotch onto the other villains on the floor as we take a break.

We come back with Cardona fighting out of trouble to hand it back to Moose for the house cleaning. Everything breaks down and the middle rope chokebomb gets two on Ali. Cardona adds a top rope elbow but the Great Hands make the save. Ali is back up with the dives but gets dropped by Moose. A triple superkick cuts Moose off and he gets sent into the steps. Cue Tasha Steelz to go after Alisha Edwards, which draws out Eddie Edwards, but Agent Zero cuts him off. Back in and a low blow cuts Myers off, setting up the Favor for the pin at 10:10.

Rating: B-. I like the idea of Order 4 getting the big push as the top heel stable, as the System’s face turn is going well enough. They need competition though and Order 4 is about as good as it gets. The villains playing the numbers advantage makes good sense and we could be in for a heck of a hoss fight when Moose faces Agent Zero.

Post match the big beatdown is on with Ali loading up a chair but JDC runs in with a chair of his own for the save. Agent Zero lays JDC out though and Moose is held back to end the show.

Overall Rating: C+. The problem here is we have a long way to go before Bound For Glory but the build to the show is already on. You can see where a lot of this is going (and that’s fine) but it’s going to be a long road to the show. This show was something like looking at the picture on a puzzle box, as you know what the end goal is going to be, but the building process is just getting started.

Results
Jody Threat won a Knockouts Gauntlet match last eliminating Indi Hartwell
Frankie Kazarian b. Jake Something – Fade To Black
Order 4 b. Matt Cardona/The System – Favor to Myers

 

 

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Impact Wrestling – August 14, 2025: Getting Ready To Emerge

Impact Wrestling
Date: August 14, 2025
Location: Thomas M. Ryan Center, Kingston, Rhode Island
Commentators: Tom Hannifan, Matthew Rehwoldt

It’s the night before Emergence so this week is likely going to be about setting things up for the pay per view. The big story coming out of this week’s NXT saw Trick Williams turn his back on his partners, including #1 contender Moose, allowing Darkstate to win an eight man tag. That is likely going to require some revenge so let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Opening recap.

Opening sequence.

Moose has been attacked in the back and the System hits the ring. They call out Trick Williams and First Class so it’s six man tag time.

First Class/Trick Williams vs. The System

The brawl is on in the aisle with the System getting the better of things. We settle down to Edwards crushing Swann in the corner and handing it off to JDC. Swann gets taken down but he kicks JDC out to the floor to take over for the first time. Francis’ chinlock doesn’t last long so it’s Williams coming in for a flapjack. Another chinlock goes on, followed by a bearhug from Francis. JDC suplexes his way out of trouble though and it’s off to Myers for an implant DDT to Swann. Everything breaks down and Swann gets a rollup with feet on the ropes to pin Myers at 6:12.

Rating: C+. That’s what this needed to be, with the System still finding their footing as good guys and Swann getting to steal a win to reestablish himself. Swann is a former World Champion but he’s been gone for so long that some people might have forgotten that he can hang at this level. Myers and JDC exist to lose for the System so this was hardly some big upset either.

We run down the rest of the card.

Myla Grace/Harley Hudson vs. Dani Luna/Indi Hartwell

Hudson can’t take Luna over with a headlock to start but Luna can easily power her down. A choke doesn’t work for Hudson either so she sends Luna into the corner for some running knees to the face. Luna powers them away again though and it’s off to Hartwell to clean house. The Hurts Donut finishes Grace at 3:40.

Rating: C-. Not much to this one, though Grace and Hudson are at least getting a chance to establish themselves as something. They still have a long way to go, but they have a bit of an identity as the rookies. Eventually they’ll need to win something, but we’re a long way off before they’re anything close to a failure.

Respect is shown post match but Rosemary pops out of the crowd to mist Hartwell.

We look at Order 4 costing Joe Hendry a match against Mustafa Ali last week.

John Skyler vs. Matt Cardona

Order 4 is here with Skyler. Cardona takes him into the corner to start but a distraction from the floor lets Skyler drop Cardona outside. Back in and the chinlock doesn’t last long but Tasha Steelz blocks the Reboot. Instead Cardona hits Radio Silence for the win at 2:19.

Post match Order 4 jumps Cardona and Mustafa Ali comes out to send Agent Zero out for the big beatdown.

Jody Threat and Dani Luna check on Indi Hartwell but get in an argument.

Matt Cardona is looking for Mustafa Ali and seems ready to face him at Emergence.

We look at a three way being set up for the Knockouts Title, with Jacy Jayne defending against Masha Slamovich and Ash By Elegance.

Here is Santino Marella for a Knockouts tag team summit. This brings out the Elegance Brand, Lei Ying Lee/Xia Brookside, IInspiration and Fatal Influence, with the Brand bragging about their abilities. Brookside promises a beating for everyone and Fatal Influence promises to show NXT’s superiority. Tension is teased and the brawl breaks out in a hurry, with dives taking out security. Pretty basic stuff here.

Rosemary isn’t happy with Indi Hartwell strolling in here so she made Hartwell as blind as Hartwell seems to be.

Steph de Lander and Mance Warner are annoyed at being suspended for having some personal time in Santino Marella’s locker room last week. Nothing is keeping him out of TNA.

Eric Young vs. Mike Santana

The Northern Armory is here with Young. Santana gets jumped from behind to start and gets sent outside. The Armory gets in some cheap shots so Young can hammer away in the corner, followed by a hard whip for two. The chinlock doesn’t last long as Santana fights back and hits an enziguri, followed by the rolling Buck Fifty for two of his own. Young shoves him off the top though and hits a top rope elbow for two. Young misses a clothesline off the top though and Spin The Block finishes for Santana at 5:31.

Rating: B-. Short and to the point match here, which is the best way to go as Santana can get a win over a name. They didn’t need to let this go long as Santana got everything he needed out of it by overcoming the odds to win. Now just get Santana where he belongs on the pay back to the World Title.

Post match the Armory jumps Santana but Sami Callihan makes the save.

We look at the TNA action on NXT, including Joe Hendry getting a win and Trick Williams costing his partners the eight man tag against Darkstate.

Here is Frankie Kazarian for the King’s Speech. Kazarian brings out Jake Something and Steve Maclin (facing each other at Emergence) as his guests and this isn’t likely to go well. They go face to face but Kazarian keeps telling them to keep from fighting, which has Maclin telling him to shut up. Maclin goes after Kazarian but walks into Into The Void. I’m not sure if he will, but I could go for Something winning the title.

Emergence rundown.

Sami Callihan says he’s done if he doesn’t win at Emergence. Eddie Edwards comes in to say he wants the real Callihan to come out one more time.

Rascalz/Cedric Alexander vs. Leon Slater/Hardys

Alexander wrestles Slater down to start before Reed comes in for a Fameasser in the ropes. Slater kicks him in the head though and brings Matt in to take over on Reed’s arm. Jeff gets in a few shots of his own, allowing Slater to hit a clothesline for two. The ten rams into the corner have Reed in more trouble but he gets over to Wentz. Slater gets taken down again, with Wentz firing off some elbows to the chest for two. Jeff comes in for a quick Poetry In Motion and grabs a chinlock on Wentz as we take a break.

We come back with Matt getting taken into the corner so Wentz can grab a front facelock. That’s switched into a regular chinlock but Matt fights out without much trouble. A superplex drops Wentz and Jeff comes back in to take over on Alexander. Whisper In The Wind (though not a clean one) gets two and it’s Slater coming back in to plant Reed. We hit the parade of knockdowns and the good guys grab a string of Twist of Fates (or Twisting Stunner from Jeff because he’s weird).

It’s too early for the Swanton so instead Alexander gets splashed by Jeff. Slater’s crossover splash gets two with the Rascalz making the save. The Rascalz hit dives on the floor and Salter nails a big dive over the corner. Back in and Alexander avoids the Swanton 450 and grabs the Lumbar Check for the pin at 17:28.

Rating: B. I can always go for the “take two matches and put them into a six man” style and they did well with it here. Alexander is a good first challenger for Slater as he’s going to be completely fine in the ring and help make Slater look good. At the same time, the Hardys are getting ready for their big match against Team 3D, meaning the titles might actually be in jeopardy as they have bigger things going on.

The double staredown ends the show.

Overall Rating: B-. While Emergence only feels so important between Slammiversary and Bound For Glory, this show did a good job of building it up. Oddly save for the World Title match, which was mainly touched on earlier in the week on NXT, the card got a solid boost here. Emergence could be a good show, and this week had a lot to do with making that work.

Results
First Class/Trick Williams b. The System – Rollup with feet on the ropes to Myers
Dani Luna/Indi Hartwell b. Myla Grace/Harley Hudson – Hurts Donut to Grace
Matt Cardona b. John Skyler – Radio Silence
Mike Santana b. Eric Young – Spin The Block
Cedric Alexander/Rascalz b. Hardys/Leon Slater – Lumbar Check to Slater

 

 

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Impact Wrestling – August 7, 2025: AHH! HIS EYES!

Impact Wrestling
Date: August 7, 2025
Location: Thomas M. Ryan Center, Kingston, Rhode Island
Commentators: Tom Hannifan, Matthew Rehwoldt

Emergence is coming up sooner than later and we have a big time main event as Trick Williams will be defending the World Title against Moose. That should make for a big showdown but we’re going to need something else on the card. We should be covering some of that this week so let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Opening recap.

Opening sequence.

Here is Trick Williams to get things going. He’s officially set to defend the title against Moose next week at Emergence and all of bubble headed Moose’s bubble headed family is going to be there. Williams wants to talk about it but cue Moose to interrupt. They go face to face and the threat of Moose’s spear sends Williams bailing.

Gia Miller is back and thankful for the help she received while she was gone. As for Tessa Blanchard, if she puts her hands on Gia one more time, Gia will “f****** kill you.” Joe Hendry comes in to say Mustafa Ali will believe in him tonight.

Steve Maclin was at a local soccer stadium.

Mike Santana meets with Sami Callihan but Eric Young and the Northern Armory interrupts. Young says he was running this place when Santana was in high school and now it needs a cleanse. Santana glares them away.

International Title: Jake Something vs. Steve Maclin

Maclin is defending and Frankie Kazarian is on commentary. Maclin hammers away to start and gets two off an early Angle Slam. They hit stereo clotheslines for the double down and then slug it out from their knees. Something is sent outside for the Scud and they fight to the apron…for a double countout at 3:47.

Rating: C+. This was a hard hitting match while it lasted but the ending feels like it is designed to set up the rematch, likely with some adjusted rules, for Emergence. I’m curious to see how that goes, as Maclin feels secure as champion but Something could pull off the upset. This likely sets that up and the path they took to get there worked well.

Post match they have to be held apart but Maclin gives him a running flip dive onto the security.

Mance Warner and Steph de Lander can’t find Santino Marella.

Cedric Alexander says he is in his prime and is ready to win the X-Division Title.

Xia Brookside/Lei Ying Lee vs. Elegance Brand

The Brand is kicked down to start and Brookside’s step up backsplash gets two on M. Lee sends M outside and we take an early break. We come back with Heather’s clothesline getting two on Lee and the Brand hit running boots in the corner. M comes in but Lee rolls over for the tag off to Brookside to clean house. A Codebreaker cuts that off but Lee is back with Thunderstruck. Lee picks M up for a VERY spinning TKO and the pin at 8:10.

Rating: C. Nice enough tag match here, with Brookside and Lee beating the non-champions edition of the Elegance Brand. That should put them close to the top of the list of contenders for a title shot, as it isn’t like there is a ton of competition to clear. I’ll take a thrown together team who works well as a unit though, as it’s better than floating around aimlessly.

Santino Marella and Arianna Grace go to Marella’s office…but something is apparently happening in there (likely Mance Warner/Steph de Lander related).

Ash By Elegance yells at the rest of the Brand for screwing up on her big night and throws all of them out.

It’s time for an emergency edition of the First Class Penthouse. There is a big problem, as KC Navarro is out of action with a torn ACL. AJ Francis doesn’t seem too worried as he brings out Navarro’s replacement: Rich Swann! Navarro is officially out, which makes sense as he was Swann’s replacement in the first place. That doesn’t work for Navarro, who goes on a RANT about how he has done everything for Francis. However, Francis says he’s been carrying Navarro for nine months and kicks the crutch away so Navarro has to limp off. Well that’s a good evil move.

Mara Sade vs. Vicious Vicki

Sade isn’t having any of Vicki’s wristlocking and knocks her straight down. A flipping splash gets two, with Sade pulling her up. Finish Her (a butterfly gutbuster) finishes Vicki at 1:52.

We look at Joe Hendry appearing on NXT and getting a match set up with Charlie Dempsey. Wren Sinclair appears to be a Hendry fan too.

In addition on NXT, Moose, Trick Williams, Je’Von Evans and Oba Femi got in a fight with Darkstate, setting up an eight man tag next week.

Knockouts Title: Ash By Elegance vs. Jacy Jayne

Ash, with the Personal Concierge (the only other person out here for either of them) is challenging. They fight over a lockup to start and go to the mat and then the corner with neither getting much control. An exchange of rollups gets two two each until Ash powers her down…and here is Masha Slamovich to jump Ash for the DQ at 1:56.

Post match Jayne jumps Slamovich and Fatal Influence runs in for the beatdown, with the Elegance Brand making the save. Xia Brookside and Lei Ying Lee, plus the IInspiration run in to get in on things as well, with Slamovich, Brookside, Lee and the IInspiration clearing the ring.

The Hardys talk about defending not just their titles, but also their legacies.

Here is Santino Marella to announce some matches for Emergence. First up, Steve Maclin is defending the International Title against Jake Something, no DQ and no countout. Next, Mike Santana vs. Sami Callihan. For the Knockouts Tag Team Titles, the Elegance Brand is defending against the IInspiration, Xia Brookside/Lei Ying Lee and Fatal Influence in a four way.

Before he gets any further though, Marella wants the Nemeths out here right now. Nic says they get a rematch for their titles, but after last week’s attack on the Hometown Man, Nic is suspended for Emergence. On the other hand though, Ryan is facing the Hometown Man one on one.

Mustafa Ali vs. Joe Hendry

Order 4 is with Ali. The fans are behind Hendry to start, even as Ali backs him into the corner. Hendry is back out with a wristlock and takes him down a few times to amp up the frustration. The delayed suplex gives Hendry two as commentary rapid fires through the Emergence card.

Ali is knocked outside and we take an early break. We come back with Hendry firing off some uppercuts but getting dropped with a pair of neckbreakers for two. The standing corkscrew moonsault misses for Ali though and Hendry snaps off a DDT. The fall away slam drops Ali again but it’s time to go outside, where Hendry has to take out the Great Hands. Back in and the Hands are pulled inside, only to be clotheslined right back out.

Ali’s rolling neckbreaker is countered with a cutter and the Standing Ovation connects but Tasha Steelz pulls the referee. The Great Hands hit their Samoan drop/Blockbuster combination but Ali misses a charge in the corner. A pop up powerbomb and AA give Hendry two, only for Steelz to break up another Standing Ovation. Agent Zero gets in a big boot and Ali’s 450 is good for the pin at 14:50.

Rating: B. This was about Hendry not being able to overcome the odds on his own as his bad luck continues. That’s not the brightest sign for his future, but when you’re on NXT most of the time these days, things seem to be going fairly well. The match did feel big, and Ali getting into the World Title picture is a rather promising concept.

Overall Rating: B-. I can always go for a show where things keep moving and that was the situation this week. We had good action, matches were set up for Emergence and stories were moved forward. That’s the kind of show that they needed with only a week to go before the pay per view, so this was a nice night. Emergence isn’t the biggest show, but it needed some attention, which was taken care of here.

Results
Steve Maclin vs. Jake Something went to a double countout
Xia Brookside/Lei Ying Lee b. Elegance Brand – TKO to M
Mara Sade b. Vicious Vicki – Finish Her
Ash By Elegance b. Jacy Jayne via DQ when Masha Slamovich interfered
Mustafa Ali b. Joe Hendry – 450

 

 

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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Impact Wrestling – July 31, 2025: That Second Step

Impact Wrestling
Date: July 31, 2025
Location: Thomas M. Ryan Center, Kingston, Rhode Island
Commentators: Tom Hannifan, Matthew Rehwoldt

We’re continuing to see the rise of Mike Santana, who beat Joe Hendry last week in probably the biggest win of his career. Other than that, we’re getting ready for Emergence, which is one of the last stops on the way to Bound For Glory. The shows are going to need some work and we might find out some of those developments this week. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Opening recap.

Opening sequence.

X-Division Title: Cedric Alexander vs. Jason Hotch vs. Leon Slater

Slater is defending and Hotch has Order 4 with him. Alexander wrestles them both down at the same time (that’s impressive) but Slater kicks him in the head. Back up and Alexander drops both of them, including a running kick to Hotch’s head. A Falcon Arrow gets two on Slater but Hotch German suplexes both of them. Hotch drops both of them with a middle rope moonsault to the floor, only for Slater to come back with a hanging Twist Of Fate. The Swanton 450 finishes Hotch at 4:05.

Rating: C+. Good, fast paced opener here with Slater getting to show what he can do in a more traditional X-Division match. Slater got his big moment and Slammiversary and it’s probably going to be a big before he had a next major challenger. This was a nice filler on the way to whatever that happens to be.

Post match Alexander and Slater have a staredown.

Masha Slamovich is ready to get the Knockouts Title back.

Cedric Alexander comes up to Leon Slater and a singles match is teased.

Indi Hartwell/Dani Luna vs. Arianna Grace/Jody Threat

Grace and Luna start things off with Grace spinning around and posing. That means a headlock takeover from Luna as Victoria Crawford, who apparently put the match together, comes out to watch. Grace fights up and brings Luna into the corner for the tag to Threat. A running crossbody puts Luna down and she misses a charge out to the floor. Back in and Grace stomps Luna down but the tag brings in Hartwell to stomp away. It’s quickly back to Threat, who walks into the Lunar Landing to give Luna the pin at 6:24.

Rating: C. While I hope that Hartwell and Luna aren’t slotted into a team, I’m not sure what any of these four have going on at the moment. Hartwell is coming off a big win at Slammiversary, but I can’t quite picture her as anything more than a challenger of the month for the Knockouts Title. The other three are just kind of there, which isn’t the brightest sign for their futures.

Jake Something wants the International Title. Steve Maclin comes in for the staredown.

Rascalz vs. Nemeths

The Nemeths try to jump them from behind but get cut off and sent to the floor. We settle down to the Nemeths taking over on Reed with Ryan elbowing him down for two. Nic’s chinlock doesn’t last long so he grabs a neckbreaker instead. Reed manages a Stundog Millionaire to escape and it’s off to Wentz to pick up the pace. Nic sneaks in a superkick from the floor to give Ryan two but Reed’s running diving cutter takes him down. Wentz Spiral Taps Ryan for the pin at 6:15.

Rating: C+. They didn’t have time to do much here but the Rascalz getting into the title picture isn’t a bad idea. The Hardys need someone to come after the belts before they face Team 3D at Bound For Glory (because that’s a thing) and the Rascalz could work well. It’s not like the Nemeths felt like they were a long term option as a top team anyway.

Post match the Nemeths say they didn’t get pinned to lose the titles so they want their rematch. Ryan mocks Rhode Island and that brings out the Home Town Man, who says these people are beautiful. The Nemeths try to say he’s really….and Home Town Man turns it into his theme song. The brawl is on and the mask is ripped off, but security covers his face with a towel. Eventually the Rascalz make the save.

Frankie Kazarian is tired of the lack of respect around here and wants to talk to company president Carlos Silva.

Here is Mike Santana for a chat. Standing in the crowd, Santana says that with everyone watching, he lost at Slammiversary. He has lost before and it makes him fight even harder. Santana walks to the ring and talks about seeing his daughter crying after his loss. As upset as he was, he had to be a dad and tell her it would be ok. Mark his words: he will be World Champion. Dang this is working and he needs to win the title.

Knockouts Title: Jacy Jayne vs. Masha Slamovich

Jayne, with Fatal Influence, is defending. They trade some fast rollups for two each to start and it goes so well that they keep going until Slamovich hits a running clothesline. Fatal Influence gets in a cheap shot though and Jayne adds a running knee from the apron. A running neckbreaker gives Jayne two and she grabs a chinlock. Slamovich fights up….and here is Ash By Elegance to jump her from behind for the DQ at 3:30.

Rating: C-. This didn’t have time to do anything but the point was to get rid of the contractually obligated rematch and set up something new for the future. As usual, Jayne doesn’t really have much of a chance in a one on one fight, but that’s the point of her run. It’s going to make her eventual loss feel that much more important and it could happen anytime she is in the ring, which is a nice twist.

The rest of the Elegance Brand gets in to argue with Fatal Influence. Lei Ying Lee and Xia Brookside run in to clear the ring.

KC Navarro is still injured and AJ Francis is NOT happy with him.

Ash By Elegance and Masha Slamovich have to be held apart. Santino Marella gives Ash a Knockouts Title shot next week, with the winner defending against Slamovich. Marella says these women drive him crazy.

Video on Mara Sade, who has an athletic background and wants to mix it up with looking fabulous. This is more individual attention than she got in her time in NXT.

Here is Order 4 for their victory rally. Mustafa Ali complains about the outsiders coming here to take their titles and now it is time to change. He introduces the new monster security guard as Agent Zero but the fans do not want to see Ali as the World Champion. Ali makes the mistake of insulting Joe Hendry, who is immediately there to interrupt.

Hendry mentions Ali having a secret service, but there are no secrets around here. This includes some footage of John Skyler, whose face is shown on a Wrestling Buddy. “Skyler” ate pizza, bought a Joe Hendry shirt, and used a Mustafa Ali shirt to clean himself off. Ali vs. Hendry is set for next week. I can absolutely go with Ali getting a bigger, more prominent role.

Earlier this week, Sami Callihan was asked about his future. Moose was right when he said Callihan wasn’t the same man he once was. Callihan needs to prove himself, so he wants a match with Mike Santana. If he can’t win there, he might be done for good.

Here’s what’s coming next week.

The System vs. Trick Williams/AJ Francis

Alisha Edwards and the still injured KC Navarro are here too. Francis kicks at Edwards to start but Moose comes in to send Williams and Francis to the floor. We take a break and come back with Francis hitting Moose with a running knee. Moose suplexes his way out of trouble though and it’s off to Edwards for a hard suicide dive.

Williams takes over on the floor though and Edwards gets taken into the wrong corner. The chinlock doesn’t last long and Edwards fights out of the corner, setting up a Blue Thunder Bomb to Francis. Moose comes back in to clean house as everything breaks down. Navarro crutches Williams by mistake and Moose spears Williams for the pin at 9:30.

Rating: C+. That’s a nice way to set up the title match at Emergence, despite it being strange to see the System as good guys for a change. I’m not sure if they’re full on heroes yet, but Moose going after the title for the sake of TNA isn’t a bad way to go. I can’t imagine it’s the title change, but it works as a stepping stone from Emergence until Bound For Glory.

Overall Rating: C+. This show started getting things ready for Emergence and now we have a few weeks left to fill in the rest of the gaps. The action was good enough for some nice matches, though that wasn’t exactly the point this week. While we have a long way to go before Bound For Glory, this was a good step on the way there.

Results
Leon Slater b. Jason Hotch and Cedric Alexander – Swanton 450 to Hotch
Indi Hartwell/Dani Luna b. Arianna Grace/Jody Threat – Lunar Landing to Threat
Rascalz b. Nemeths – Spiral Tap to Ryan
Masha Slamovich b. Jacy Jayne via DQ when Ash By Elegance interfered
The System b. AJ Francis/Trick Williams – Spear to Williams

 

 

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Impact Wrestling – July 24, 2025: From This Far Out?

Impact Wrestling
Date: July 24, 2025
Location: Ryan Center, Kingston, Rhode Island
Commentators: Tom Hannifan, Matthew Rehwoldt

We’re done with Slammiversary and that means we should be in for something interesting. The big story coming out of the show was that Trick Williams retained the World Title against Joe Hendry and Mike Santana. As a result, Hendry and Santana are going to be facing each other in a singles match this week. Let’s get to it.

Here is Slammiversary if you need a recap.

We open with an In Memory graphic for Hulk Hogan.

Long Slammiversary recap.

Opening sequence.

Here is Santino Marella, who wants the TNA World Title back. He’s coming for the NXT North American Title but here is Masha Slamovich to interrupt. She wants her rematch for the Knockouts Title next week so Marella signs off on the request. Cue the System to interrupt as Slamovich leaves. Eddie Edwards talks about getting rid of Darkstate and he’s not going to let outsiders coming in to take over. They’re willing to go to war for TNA and be the soldiers.

Moose talks about facing Leon Slater, who made him remember why he loves this place as he earned the X-Division Title. They all want to take out Trick Williams, who comes out to interrupt, along with First Class. Williams thinks Moose must be stupid because Williams took out Average Joe Hendry and Mike Santana. Moose is ready to fight but here is Order 4 to interrupt instead. Mustafa Ali says they’re the real best faction in TNA and that’s enough to start the brawl with the System as we take a break. That set up a few things at once, with the System wanting to fight the NXT stars being a fine way to go.

In the back, Santino Marella makes Brian Myers and Matt Cardona against the Great Hands for later tonight.

Here is the Personal Concierge to mock Rhode Island and then introduce the Elegance Brand.

Elegance Brand vs. Iinspiration/Mara Sade

Sade is formerly known as Jakara Jackson in NXT. Heather and McKay start things off but Heather wants to stand on M’s back to even the heights. Instead everything breaks down and the Elegance Brand is sent outside for some dives. We take a break and come back with Lee in trouble and getting sent into the wrong corner.

M puts Heather on her shoulders for a splash onto Lee’s back before choking her on the rope. Lee manages a clothesline though and it’s off to Sade to clean house. Heather gets flipped off the ropes onto Sade for two but a quick Idolizer gives McKay the pin on Heather at 11:07.

Rating: C+. This could have been worse and keeps the IInspiration as the likely challengers to the titles. They’re about as good as any option that TNA has at the moment so I’ll take it over nothing. Sade came in and did well enough and it’s not like there isn’t room for her as another name in the Knockouts division.

Mike Santana has nothing to say about Slammiversary.

Indi Hartwell is happy with her win at Slammiversary when Dani Luna interrupts. Victoria Crawford comes in to voice her displeasure with both of them and a match seems to be made. Hartwell and Luna are more than a bit confused.

Eric Young, with the Northern Armory, says he is the only one who can see the truth.

Here is Leon Slater for a chat. Slater thinks it’s crazy that he won the title and is now the youngest X-Division Champion in history. He puts over Moose for showing him respect, but he wants to talk about AJ Styles. Slater wants to bring the title back to its roots of speed, but for now, he wants the Hardys out here.

Matt is very happy with Slater and Jeff says this is the Hardy Soul Train. Cue Steve Maclin to interrupt, who isn’t happy with the invaders coming in and taking their titles. You have all of these champions here, plus him, and it is up to them to hold the line against outsiders. Works for the champs. Again, simple and to the point here.

Mance Warner vs. Jake Something

No DQ and Steph de Lander is here with Warner. Something charges to the ring to start fast but gets hit in the face with a trashcan lid. Warner starts swinging various weapons but gets knocked to the floor, where he cuts off Something’s dive. Back in and Warner sets up four open chairs but gets powerbombed down for a quick near fall.

De Lander offers a distraction though and Warner superplexes Something through the chairs. The sledgehammer is brought in but only hits chair, allowing Something to knock him down. The thumbtacks are poured out on the floor and a suplex drops Warner onto them. Into The Void finishes for Something at 6:11.

Rating: C+. Not a bad match here, though it was kind of a short way to go for something with that many weapons. In theory it’s for the sake of keeping Warner in her comfort zone, but hopefully it lets Something feel like a bigger deal. He’s needed the chance to do so for a long time, but it won’t matter if there is no follow up to the match.

We look at Santino Marella challenging Ethan Page for the NXT North American Title for next week.

Here are Jacy Jayne and Fatal Influence for a chat. Jayne is proud of her win and she is ready for you to think of her when you think of the Knockouts Title. She insults most of the roster and promises to be champion for a long time because she always gets the last laugh.

Great Hands vs. Matt Cardona/Brian Myers

Cardona shoves Hotch down to start and it’s a Russian legsweep/STO combination to give Myers two. Hotch bails from the threat of the Roster Cut so Myers takes both of them down at once. Cardona is in with an Unprettier for two so Tasha Steelz offers a distraction. Alisha Edwards cuts her off but a member of the Secret Service comes in to chokebomb Cardona, giving Skyler the win at 3:05.

Rating: C. They barely had enough time to get going here but this was all about whomever the new monster is going to be. It makes sense to add someone of that size to the team, especially if they’re going to be fighting the System in the near future. Not much of a match here, but it served a purpose.

Joe Hendry vs. Mike Santana

Frankie Kazarian tries to sit in on commentary but Matthew Rehwoldt has him thrown out. We do get a handshake to start before Hendry powers him into the corner. They fight over a wristlock but neither can get very far so it’s time for a standoff. An exchange of headlocks leaves them staring at each other again until Santana elbows him down. A backsplash connects for Santana and we take a break.

We come back with Hendry winning a slugout but having to block the rolling Buck Fifty. Santana gets in a knockdown, only to walk into the fall away slam. The Standing Ovation is blocked so Hendry settles for an Angle Slam for two instead. Back up and the rolling Buck Fifty sets up a top rope splash to give Santana two of his own. They get into an exchange of rollups until Santana gets the pin at 13:55.

Rating: B-. This felt like something of a passing of the torch match and that’s what Santana needs. I’m still hoping that Santana walks out of Bound For Glory with the World Title, which would be the right way to go. Hendry losing clean is a big deal, but if he is going to be starting to wrap up his time in TNA, it might be something you see more frequently.

Respect is shown again to end the show.

Overall Rating: B-. The best thing about this show is that it felt like we were starting some new stories which had been planned out. They’re leaning into the idea of TNA wanting to fight off the intruders and that is a fine way to go. It very well could be leading to a big blowoff at Bound For Glory which would be a good way to wrap up the biggest show of the year. We’re still a long way off from there, but it does seem like they’ve got an idea this far out.

Results
IInspiration/Mara Sade b. Elegance Brand – Idolizer to Heather
Jake Something b. Mance Warner – Into The Void
Great Hands b. Matt Cardona/Brian Myers – Chokebomb to Cardona
Mike Santana b. Joe Hendry – Rollup

 

 

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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Impact Wrestling – July 17, 2025: Raiders Of The Lost Return

Impact Wrestling
Date: July 17, 2025
Location: UMPC Events Center, Moon Township, Pennsylvania
Commentators: Tom Hannifan, Matthew Rehwoldt

We’re at the final show before Slammiversary and that means we should be in for the final push towards the show. That should mean a good deal of talking, but there is always the chance of seeing some quality action on the way there. Odds are NXT’s Trick Williams will be here too so let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Opening recap.

Opening sequence.

Moose vs. Sami Callihan

Non-title and Alisha Edwards is here with Moose, who whips Callihan into the corner to start fast. A Stunner gives Callihan a quick near fall but the spear sends him outside. Back in and another spear finishes Callihan at 2:44. That’s quite the squash of a former World Champion.

Post match Moose promises to retain the title on Sunday before telling Callihan that he doesn’t have it anymore. The Death Machine is now just a fat piece of garbage. Callihan needs to take his boots off and get out, so Callihan unlaces a boot…and rolls outside. Cue the rest of the System as Callihan leaves.

The System vs. Order 4

Hold on though as here is NXT’s Darkstate to jump the System (who went after them on NXT). No match.

Dani Luna is ready to face Tessa Blanchard and knows what she (as in Luna) can do.

Tessa Blanchard vs. Dani Luna

Victoria Crawford is here with Blanchard. Luna powers her into the corner to start and hits a basement clothesline before cranking on the arm. A dropkick sends Blanchard into the corner but she knocks Luna down and chokes on the rope. Blanchard’s slingshot elbow gets two and she hammers away.

A DDT to the leg has Luna in more trouble and Blanchard grabs a guillotine choke. That’s reversed into a suplex and Luna kicks her in the face a few times. Luna’s powerbomb gets two but Blanchard is back with a Codebreaker out of the corner for the same. A Blue Thunder Bomb gives Luna two more but Crawford offers a quick distraction, allowing Magnum to finish for Blanchard at 9:21.

Rating: C+. Luna is still in a weird spot after the Spitfire split, as she doesn’t really have anything to do. At the end of the day, she was only so interesting in the first place (as was Spitfire) so now she’s just kind of floating. Blanchard at least feels like a star, and there is a good chance that she’ll get a nice win at Slammiversary and then move on to something bigger.

Post match the beatdown is on but Indi Hartwell runs in for the save. Hartwell says she and Blanchard have known each other for years but at Slammiversary, Blanchard will get to know her, b****.

The Elegance Brand messed with the IInspiration at an autograph signing.

The IInspiration is going to win the Knockouts Tag Team Titles.

We look at Masha Slamovich pinning NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne on NXT.

Here is the Elegance Brand for a chat. Ash complains about being fined for her actions against the IInspiration and is being forced to make an apology. Everyone is talking about Masha Slamovich vs. Jacy Jayne but the reality is you should be talking about her. Ash goes on a rant about how she should be the #1 contender but here is NXT’s Fatal Influence to interrupt.

Jacy Jayne doesn’t dislike the Elegance Brand, though that changed when Ash said they were the most dominant faction in women’s wrestling. Cue Masha Slamovich to interrupt as the Elegance Brand leaves. Slamovich talks about growing up in Russia and coming to New York, where she fought for her life. If Jayne wants to take the title from her, Jayne will have to stop her heart from beating. Good stuff here, and it still feels like Jayne is winning.

Killer Kelly and Indi Hartwell check on Dani Luna, who is getting checked by the medics.

We look at the TNA World Title contract signing from NXT’s Great American Bash, with Darkstate attacking Joe Hendry and Mike Santana. This led to a six man on NXT, with the System running in to attack Darkstate.

Video on Mike Santana, with what is I believe a voicemail from his father, talking about how proud is he is of Santana and wishing him the best.

Home Town Man vs. Judas Icarus

Travis Williams is here with Icarus. Man slugs away to start and hammers away in the corner, setting up a very spinning TKO for two. Icarus bites the hand though and hits a running knee for two of his own. Back up and Man hits a spinning slam, followed by a suicide dive to Williams. Sliced Bread gives Man the pin at 3:34. I hate to admit it but Man’s theme song is catchy.

Rating: C. See, now this is far better than what we were watching with Cody Deaner. The Home Town Man at least feels like something fun, and more importantly, he getting on Eric Young’s nerves, which makes him a national treasure. I’ll take that over Deaner looking all sad for months despite meaning pretty much nothing.

Post match Eric Young comes in to go after Man’s mask but Man bails into the crowd.

Real1 says he’s coming to Slammiversary and he’s bringing people with him. Please…..no.

Steve Maclin wants competition for his International Title.

Matt Cardona vs. Jake Paydirt

I think that’s his name at least. Before the match, Cardona (I’m more sure on his name) calls out Darkstate, saying he is always ready. The bell rings and the lights go out so here is Darkstate for the big beatdown. Brian Myers runs in for the save and the rest of the System comes in to clear the ring. Call it a no contest at 15 seconds.

Here are the Hardys for a chat. They thank the fans for allowing them to live their dream for thirty three years. That earns a THANK YOU HARDY chant before Matt talks about how they never wanted to be a shell of what they once were. Fans: “YOU STILL GOT IT!” Jeff reminds Matt that he recently got beat by AJ Francis, with Matt thanking him for the reminder.

They think it might be time to hang it up if they don’t win the titles back at Slammiversary. Cue Leon Slater to interrupt, saying he’s struggled to keep up with the Hardys in the ring for the last six months. They have changed his life in the last few months and wants to thank them. Matt appreciates that but wants Slater to focus on winning the X-Division Title.

Slater wants them to get back to being the Hardys but here is First Class to interrupt. They mock the Hardys, with Matt telling Slater that this is their fight. Cue the Nemeths to interrupt and brag about their success, with Ryan saying they have been in more ladder matches than anyone. Ryan has never actually been in one but here are the Rascalz to interrupt as well. The Hardys clear the ring with a ladder, which they then climb for a pose.

Slammiversary rundown.

Frankie Kazarian/Trick Williams vs. Joe Hendry/Mike Santana

Santana and Hendry aren’t sure about who should start so Williams jumps them from behind. We take a break ten seconds in and come back with Santana hitting the Rolling Buck Fifty to drop Kazarian. The Death Valley Driver is blocked though and Kazarian knocks him down so Williams can come back in.

A Samoan driver plants Santana for two and the front facelock keeps him down. Kazarian comes back in and stomps away a bit, only for Santana to springboard moonsault onto both of them. That’s enough for the tag back to Hendry, who cleans house with back to back fall away slams. Santana tags himself in though and Spin The Block finishes Kazarian at 9:37.

Rating: B-. Totally run of the mill tag match here, with the only question being which of the two good guys would beat Kazarian. Hendry still feels like something of a third wheel here, but that’s mainly because Santana has been presented so well. It feels like his time, and there is almost no way he doesn’t win the title either at Slammiversary or at Bound For Glory.

Everyone glares at each other.

We cut to what looks like a warehouse where a box is opened. Inside: a P1 vest, as in the one worn by AJ Styles. Someone blows dust off of it to end the show. Yeah that would be a big deal for a special show.

Overall Rating: B-. The best thing I can say about this show is that it made me want to see Slammiversary more than I did coming in. The Styles push at the end is a good idea, but it might have been better to announce it earlier. Other than that, I’m more interested to see the show than I was coming in so they’re doing something right. Slammiversary could be quite good and if they can live up to the hype, it could be their best show in a long time.

Results
Moose b. Sami Callihan – Spear
Tessa Blanchard b. Dani Luna – Magnum
Home Town Man b. Judas Icarus – Sliced Bread #2
Matt Cardona vs. Jake Paydirt went to a no contest at 15 seconds when Darkstate interfered
Joe Hendry/Mike Santana b. Trick Williams/Frankie Kazarian – Spin The Block to Kazarian

 

 

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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