Impact Wrestling
Date: April 16, 2026
Location: Upstate Medical University Arena At The Oncenter War Memorial, Syracuse, New York
Commentators: Tom Hannifan, Matthew Rehwoldt

We’re done with Rebellion and that means we should be in for a big time fallout. Mike Santana is still the World Champion after dispatching Eddie Edwards and the Hardys FINALLY lost the Tag Team Titles, oddly to the System. There is a lot of fallout to cover here, including a heck of a return to the ring so let’s get to it.

Here is Rebellion if you need a recap.

We open with a long Rebellion recap, covering pretty much everything.

Opening sequence.

Here is Nic Nemeth, who stumbles down the ram, to join commentary on the opening match.

KC Navarro vs. AJ Francis

The much bigger Francis shoves him down to start but it’s too early for the Down Payment. Navarro knocks him outside but a dropkick is countered into a faceplant onto the apron. Francis posts him and then fires Navarro into the corner back inside. For some reason Navarro tries an Angle Slam and is promptly LAUNCHED with an AA.

A jawbreaker and dropkick work a bit better for Navarro and he hits some running dropkicks in the corner. They go up top and a super Angle Slam actually connects to give Navarro two. Francis Pounces him though, which lets Francis yell at Nemeth. That’s enough for Nemeth to get up, which allows Navarro to grab a rollup for the pin at 7:04.

Rating: C+. Navarro is back with a quick win and that’s a good thing to see. At the same time you have Francis ticked off at Nemeth, which should work out well for both of them. It’s certainly a step up for Francis to go after a star like Nemeth, though I’m wonder what is next for Navarro as well. He’s been gone for so long and was never a singles star, though he might just be lost in the shuffle again.

EC3 talks about carrying the company through its darkest time and then leaving for a long time. Now he’s back, and has to deal with Eric Young. What a great way to start.

Here is the System, once again with Alisha Edwards, for a chat. They’re happy to have the Tag Team Titles but Eddie Edwards blames Moose for not being the World Champion. Alisha mocks Moose for being stupid (even though he knew she was doing) and Cedric Alexander wants the X-Division Title.

Cue Leon Slater, who asks when Alexander will shut up. Moose comes in to insult all of them, who he finds to be b******. Slater wants a match right now but here is Daria Rae to say no but Slater says Santino Marella would do it. That’s enough for Rae to make the 4-2 handicap match for later.

We look at Frankie Kazarian cheating to beat Elijah at Rebellion.

Elijah comes in to see Daria Rae, who wants to face Kazarian again. Rae calls Kazarian, who says no. End of discussion.

Tasha Steelz vs. Jada Stone

The rest of Order 4 is here with Steelz and Mustafa Ali brags about his win at Rebellion. He’s a champion who doesn’t need a second chance so he’s GIVING a second chance, in the form of an open challenge for his newly won International Title. Stone storms the ring and we’re ready to go. They slug it out at the bell with Stone headscissoring her into the corner. Steelz bails to the floor and manages to post Stone to take over. That means some posing from Steelz and we take a break.

We come back with Steelz suplexing her for two and grabbing a camel clutch. That doesn’t last long so Steelz stomps away in the corner instead. Stone fights up and scores with a middle rope Meteora into a split legged moonsault. Steelz is right back with a neckbreaker and a German suplex but Stone gets in a facebuster. Ali offers a distraction though and Steelz grabs a middle rope cutter for two. The referee tosses Order 4 so Stone superkicks her into the Spark Stunner for the pin at 13:17.

Rating: B-. They had a good back and forth match here and it got some time. The other good thing is you can see Stone being treated as someone who could become a star. That is something that is always welcome, as the division needs some fresh blood. I don’t know if that’s going to be Stone but at least she’s getting some attention.

We go to the Undead Realm where Rosemary finds Joseph Park. He’s looking for his brother (“You know”) Abyss but is so happy to see Rosemary that he gives her a hug. Park is going to do something for her (she seems pleased) and is off to work on it. We cut to Tessa Blanchard trying to find her way out and beating up some women before running off. To be continued.

Nic Nemeth and KC Navarro are happy with his win but the System comes in for some mocking. Nemeth is ready to fight Bear Bronson any time.

Here is Mike Santana for a chat. He’s put down every former World Champion he’s faced so now he wants to issue a challenge of his own. There is someone else back there who has turned his life around so he wants Rich Swann out here. Swann asks if this is a good idea because he’s in the best shape of his career and is ready to fight all night long. Santana says the people have spoken and he’s ready for the title match next week. It seems to be on.

Lei Ying Lee talks about falling in love with wrestling and gaining a friend in Xia Brookside. She doesn’t know why Brookside abandoned her.

Brookside has nothing to say.

EC3 vs. Eric Young

Young jumps him from behind to start fast and the brawl is on, with EC3 getting beaten up on the floor and inside. EC3 fights up and runs over Young and the referee, which is enough for the no contest at 2:31. Well that’s odd.

Post match Young wraps a chair around EC3’s neck and sends it into the post.

Back in the Undead Realm, Rosemary runs into a masked man named Frank, who is holding an ax. They have a chat about his mother and he goes on his way. Mara Sade and Allie discuss vegan options and run into a woman who teleports around them. They aren’t impressed and move on.

Tessa Blanchard finds Rosemary and wants out so the fight is on, with Blanchard beating her up and tying her to a chair. Allie and Sade come in and untie her, with Rosemary finding it funny. Allie gives chase and we cut to Blanchard and her friends escaping, as James Mitchell lets them out. The teleporting woman comes in and Mitchell introduces himself to her. Hannifan: “What the h*** is going on?”

In the arena, Blanchard, Mila Moore and Victoria Crawford crawl out from underneath the ring…but the lights go out and Rosemary and Mara Sade are here for the brawl. Sade is beaten down but Rosemary isn’t worried. The lights go out again and Allie is back to quit the reaction.

The Hardys swear vengeance on the Righteous. Brokenness is teased.

The System vs. Moose/Leon Slater

Alisha Edwards is here with the System. Slater and Alexander start things off but the numbers game lets Alexander get in a shot from behind. Moose (who played college football here) comes in for a backsplash and sends Bronson outside. Myers spears Bronson by mistake and Moose powerbombs Alexander onto the two of them. Slater busts out the big dive and Moose spears Alexander back inside.

Myers makes the save and Edwards hits a Boston Knee Party to put Moose down. Bronson sits on Moose’s chest for two and Edwards ties up his leg. Moose fights out and drops Edwards, allowing the tag off to Slater. Some running boots in the corner connect but Edwards pokes Slater in the eye. Alexander frog splashes Slater for two and Moose accidentally takes out a security guard on the floor. Back in and Alexander reverses a rollup into a Lumbar Check to pin Slater at 7:50.

Rating: B-. This was pretty much what you would have expected here, as there was no reason for Slater and Moose, as great as they are, to overcome these odds. The ending is a fine way to give Alexander another shot, as Slater is less than a month from the longest reign in history. It’s a star studded main event, which went exactly as you probably thought it would have.

Commentary gives us a recap of the night (not a bad idea) to end the show.

Overall Rating: B-. There was a lot to like here, as they set up something with Slater vs. Alexander II, plus Nic Nemeth possibly getting in on the battle against the System. Throw in the women getting out of the Undead Realm and things are looking up. I liked this show a good deal and it’s nice to see them hitting the ground running after a pay per view for a change.

Results
KC Navarro b. AJ Francis – Rollup
Jada Stone b. Tasha Steelz – Spark Stunner
EC3 vs. Eric Young went to a no contest
The System b. Moose/Leon Slater – Lumbar Check to Slater

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

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

Impact Wrestling
Date: April 9, 2026
Location: Alario Center, Westwego, Louisiana
Commentators: Tom Hannifan, Matthew Rehwoldt

It’s the last show before Rebellion and since we’re on a pretty compact schedule, it’s time for the contract signing for the show’s World Title match. That would mean Mike Santana and Eddie Edwards, who can hopefully have a bit of a more emotional standoff than last week. Other than that, it’s the Hardys vs. the Righteous in a tables match so let’s get to it.

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

Here are Santino Marella and Daria Rae in the ring for the contract signing. Rae handles the introduction for Eddie Edwards and Mike Santana, much to Marella’s annoyance. Edwards isn’t impressed with Santana and talks about how they’ve had similar paths around here. They both started as tag wrestlers who were fighting for every scrap they could find. Both of them wound up becoming two time TNA World Champion but that’s the end of the similarities.

Edwards stayed while Santana left when things were going badly. He carried this company on his back while Santana found out that the grass isn’t always greener in the Inner Circle. Edwards signs and we get a SANTANA chant. Santana takes his glasses off so Edwards can look him in the eyes for this. It’s true that Edwards stayed while Santana left so he could test himself against the best in the world. Then he came back to prove what he can do around here.

Two years ago he took a sledgehammer and cracked the foundation, including Edwards. At Rebellion, Edwards is losing to a man who bets on himself every single night. Santana is doing this for the fans and signs, but Edwards says the fans won’t be there to help him at Rebellion. The fight is teased and Edwards brings up Santana’s family.

Santana says that Edwards lost part of his family when his wife teamed up with Moose. Cue Cedric Alexander for the brawl but Leon Slater runs in for the save. House is quickly cleaned and Slater hits his big flip dive over the post. Santana is trying so hard here but this doesn’t feel like a big time World Title match.

AJ Francis insults the Cleveland Browns on the way to Rebellion, which is in Cleveland. He doesn’t like Nic Nemeth either, as he’s from Cleveland (close enough), which is why he took something away from him. Now it’s time to take out Ryan Nemeth at Rebellion.

Dani Luna vs. Jada Stone

Tasha Steelz is on commentary. Luna works on the arm to start but gets taken down with a headscissors. Stone sends her outside for a big dive but Steelz offers a distraction. Luna apron bombs Stone and we take a break. We come back with Luna forearming her in the back of the head but missing a big boot.

That lets Stone hit a quick dropkick and a hurricanrana out of the corner takes Luna down again. A slingshot Fameasser sets up a split legged moonsault to give Stone two but Luna is back up with another hard shot. Stone backflips into an anklescissors, setting up a nasty looking corkscrew moonsault (landing on Luna’s head) for the pin at 10:47.

Rating: C+. That’s a good result as Luna is still one of the bigger forces in the Knockouts division. Stone is someone who could turn into something and TNA seems to be treating her as a project. The Knockouts division could use some fresh blood so putting Stone in that spot isn’t a bad idea at all.

Post match Steelz lays Stone out.

Elijah walks through a cemetery and talks about how you just walk. A boy comes up, saying he and his dad were big fans. He asks Elijah to come to his dad’s grave and pray with him. That’s fine with Elijah but it’s a ruse so Frankie Kazarian can jump Elijah from behind. Kazarian gives the kid $20, but it was supposed to be $100. Kazarian: “Yeah I lied. Life sucks. Get used to it.” He throws in a Bible verse about revenge and leaves Elijah laying to end one of the more bizarre segments I’ve seen from TNA in awhile.

Here is Taryn Terrell for a chat. She’s glad to be in her hometown but she never got to say goodbye because her career was wrapped up early. Over the last few weeks, she’s seen what the Elegance Brand has been saying to various legends, which brings out the Brand to interrupt. M mocks Terrell, who wants nothing to do with the Brand. We see ODB and Mickie James down in the back so Terrell is on her own, with the group beatdown ensuing. Mr. Elegance even gives her a slam and Nip & Tuck leaves her laying.

Santino Marella yells at Arianna grace and Stacks, the latter of whom tells him that there is no one to protect him. Marella punches Stacks, who runs into the women’s locker room. Indi Hartwell pops up to make sure it’s clear and Marella goes in for the off screen brawl. Hartwell and Marella come back out, with Hartwell having retrieved the Cobra. Which is still just a sock.

Frankie Kazarian vs. BDE

Ryan Nemeth is on commentary and says he’s been carrying Nic for his whole life. Kazarian takes him down to start and hits the springboard spinning legdrop. A slingshot backbreaker has BDE in more trouble but he manages a quick neckbreaker for two. The chickenwing is loaded up but BDE slips out and hits a running knee. BDE’s springboard is countered into a Backstabber and the chickenwing finishes for Kazarian at 3:43.

Rating: C. They only had so much time here and it’s not like a recent World Champion like Kazarian is going to lose to BDE without some major shenanigans. There was a possibility that Elijah could interfere to cost Kazarian the match but BDE’s first singles win should be a better moment than that. Not much to see here, but Kazarian getting a win is a smart enough idea.

Post match Nemeth goes after BDE but the lights go out. Elijah shows up to chase Kazarian off.

Elayna Black vs. Myla Grace

Harley Hudson is here with Grace, who takes Black into the corner to start. A takedown has Black in more trouble but she’s right back up with a stomp to the back. Grace suplexes her down for two and goes up, where Black catches her with a running knee. The Blackout finishes for Black at 3:23.

Rating: C. Black’s time in TNA has been…not the most thrilling. She’s not bad, but there is just nothing to her that makes her stand out. Granted it didn’t help when her debut was so nothing and she hasn’t gotten much of a chance to do anything. There’s something to her, but she needs something to make her stand out.

Daria Rae tells Santino Marella that he is suspended indefinitely for his actions earlier. Indi Hartwell comes in to say that’s not how it went and gets suspended for “assaulting” Rae (she barely grazed her) as well. Rae is just so nothing in this role.

Here is Ricky Sosa for a chat. He’s here to show the world what the Young Savage is like but here is Eric Young to call him a wannabe. Sosa isn’t impressed and wants to fight but gets hit in the face. The brawl is on and Young leaves him laying.

Tessa Blanchard is still in the Undead Realm with James Mitchell, who tells her to enjoy her stay and then laughs a lot.

Mara Sade is with Rosemary in a cave, where Rosemary tells her to be on her guard. That’s fine with Sade, but Allie pop up. Yes she died (and we see a clip of it) but she’s kind of sick of being dead. Rosemary talks to the two of them and says they need to change a bit. They’re off to find new clothes and we cut to Victoria Crawford looking rather lost in the Undead Realm.

We cut back to Rosemary, who sees a bunch of ads from Shudder for some horror movies. Then Havok kidnaps Mila Moore and we cut to Mitchell singing My Way. Rosemary praises him but he thinks she’s up to something. Like a deep dive into the seven deadly sins. She needs some help from Mitchell….and they go to find Abyss. To Be Continued. This stuff is certainly unique, but my goodness how many years do you need to have been watching TNA to know what’s going on?

Here is Order 4, with Mustafa Ali calling out Trey Miguel. Cue Miguel, with Ali apologizing for what happened to Jada Stone. Ali mocks Miguel’s criminal history and says that he’s not a champion because he’s too good for TNA. Miguel says Ali isn’t a champion because he’s a scumbag or a coward.

Yes Miguel needed a second chance but maybe that’s why the fans accepted him. Ali is just so perfect but TNA treats him like family. That has Ali laughing, because Order 4 is the only family here since there are no Rascalz. Miguel mocks Order 4 and says Ali has nothing, including testicles. Ali is ready to fight one on one but Order 4 jumps Miguel. The beatdown is on so here is Moose for the save, including a big spear to Ali.

Rebellion rundown.

Tag Team Titles: Righteous vs. Hardys

The Hardys are defending in a tables match (both members have to go through tables). It’s a brawl on the floor to start with the Hardys taking over and setting up a table at ringside. Vincent gets caught in the ropes for a legdrop from Jeff before Dutch is sent into the steps. Matt’s top rope elbow misses Vincent and Matt crashes through the table (doesn’t count), leaving Jeff to get stomped down in the corner.

We take a break and come back with Dutch in trouble on the floor. Jeff whips out a broom to hit Vincent and it’s time to climb a ladder. Vincent breaks that up and DDTs Jeff on the floor before breaking up the ladder with a chair. Dutch is back up and puts Jeff on a table and goes up, only for Matt to cut him off. Matt knocks Dutch through a table but Vincent does the same to Matt to tie it up. Back in and Vincent misses a Swanton so Jeff does the same thing. The Twist Of Fate drops Vincent on the floor, setting up Jeff’s Swanton through the table to retain at 13:40.

Rating: B-. This was the expected violent brawl, though I did like that they avoided the other weapons for the most part. Vincent breaking the ladder was a bit of a sigh of relief as there was no need to go there. In theory this is it for the Hardys vs. the Righteous and if so, it’s quite the weak ending to a pretty long story.

Post match Dutch drives the Hardys through the table in the corner to end the show.

Overall Rating: C. All in all, this was not the strongest show and certainly not a great way to get me to want to watch Rebellion. Other than the good opening segment, a lot of this felt like it was just thrown out there to fill in time. Some of the midcard stuff got attention, but then there’s the big deal with the Undead Realm and all of the battling bosses stuff. It’s not a horrible show, but this was a pretty big misfire right before one of their biggest nights of the year.

Results
Jada Stone b. Dani Luna – Corkscrew
Frankie Kazarian b. BDE – Chickenwing
Elayna Black b. Myla Grace – Blackout
Hardys b. Righteous – Swanton to Vincent through a table

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

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Sacrifice 2026
Date: March 27, 2026
Location: Alario Center, Westwego, Louisiana
Commentators: Tom Hannifan, Matthew Rehwoldt

We’re back with another big show that isn’t quite a pay per view but it’s close enough. The main event certainly feels like it belongs on one of the bigger shows as Mike Santana is defending the World Title against Steve Maclin. That should be enough to carry things but we also have Moose finally getting his hands on Eddie Edwards. Let’s get to it.

Kickoff Show: Ryan Nemeth vs. BDE

Before the match, Nemeth says he wants BDE to play a real game. Like Duck Hunt. Nemeth wrestles him down to start but BDE is up with a springboard crossbody. BDE grabs his phone and records himself doing a dive before sending Nemeth outside. Nemeth gets in a running forearm to the head and sends him into the post, followed by a chinlock. BDE fights up so Nemeth takes him down for the chinlock sequel, only for BDE to fight up again. A reverse layout DDT gives BDE two, followed by the springboard cutter. The frog splash hits raised knees though and Nemeth grabs the tights for the pin at 6:26.

Rating: C. Pretty run of the mill match for BDE here, meaning it was a nice enough collection of spots before he lost to a better star. That’s just kind of what you expect here and it’s not a bad idea. Nemeth is little more than a goof and that’s a good spot for him, even if he isn’t going anywhere else.

Kickoff Show: Jody Threat vs. Tessa Blanchard

Harley Hudson, Myla Grace, Mila Moore and Victoria Crawford are here too. Threat starts fast but a suplex is broken up, allowing Blanchard to start in on her knee. Some elbows to the knee set up some cranking but Threat is back up with some running knees. The running kick to the head sets up a German suplex but the knee is banged up.

A Backstabber out of the corner gives Blanchard two but Threat is back up with a toss powerbomb. Moore puts the foot on the rope though and the seconds get in a fight on the floor. The distraction lets Moore come in with….I believe a shoe to Threat, allowing Blanchard to hit the Buzzsaw DDT for the pin at 6:20.

Rating: C. Another quick and to the point match with the villains cheating to win. That’s kind of the point, though the ending would suggest that the feud isn’t over. At the same time though, Blanchard should be on her way up the card, as she’s more than enough of a star to not be around a title.

Post match the beatdown stays on, with Threat getting choked with some cables.

And now, the show proper.

The opening video is a pretty standard look at the bigger matches on the card.

IMG Credit: TNA Wrestling

X-Division Title: Eric Young vs. Leon Slater

Slater is defending. Young jumps Slater during the entrance and beats him down as the fight heads to ringside. Young pulls Slater’s hood off…and that’s not Slater. Instead here is Slater in the ring for a running flip and they keep brawling on the floor with Slater in control. Back in and the bell rings, with Slater’s Swanton (not the 450 version) connecting for two.

Slater knocks him into the corner and shrugs off a comeback attempt, setting up the handspring elbow for two. They go outside with Slater being sent into the steps but he comes back in with a Styles Clash attempt. That’s broken up with a bite to the leg of all things, leaving Young to hit his own Styles Clash for a near fall. What looks like it was supposed to be a wheelbarrow neckbreaker from the top winds up being more of a belly to back slam for two as Slater is in trouble.

Slater fights up with some forearms but gets dropped with a hard clothesline for two. A neckbreaker gives Young two but he can’t hit the piledriver. Slater is back up with a twisting neckbreaker for two but the Swanton 450 takes too long. Young catches him out of the corner with a Death Valley Driver for two before knocking Slater off the top.

The top rope elbow gives Young two so Slater strikes away, setting up a release Blue Thunder Bomb. Young bails out to the apron so Slater kicks him back inside. A rake to the eyes cuts Slater off though and Young piledrives him on the apron. That’s good for a very close two back inside and (the bleeding) Young can’t believe the kickout. A super piledriver is broken up though and it’s a Styles Clash into the Swanton 450 to retain the title at 15:16.

Rating: B+. Oh that was a sigh of relief as I was worried that they would try something crazy like pushing Young again. Slater continues to look like an absolute star and I can’t imagine him staying out of the World Title scene for the rest of the year. The good thing is they had a heck of a match, with Slater surviving to beat yet another former World Champion. Awesome opener.

The One Man Gang of all people is here.

We run down the rest of the card.

Mike Santana is ready to defend the World Title against Steve Maclin face to face. The title represents the sacrifices that he has made over the years, like missing with his baby girl, to get here as the World Champion. Yes he got Maclin his job back, and as payment, he’s eating Santana’s heart. Santana was fired up here and that worked, as usual.

Home Town Man/Elijah vs. Frankie Kazarian/AJ Francis

Man has quite the entrance, complete with people handing out beads. Elijah works on Kazarian’s arm to start and it’s off to Man for a string of right hands. A middle rope ax handle to the ribs has Kazarian in more trouble and everything breaks down, with the good guys hitting stereo Old Schools. Elijah hits a big running dive to the floor but Francis trips Man down, setting up the Flux Capacitor from Kazarian.

A stomp to the hand has Man down again but he fights out of the corner, allowing the tag back to Elijah to clean house. Kazarian is kicked out of the corner and Francis is sent into it, setting up a spinning electric chair powerbomb to give Elijah two. The rope walk Canadian Destroyer is blocked though and Francis plants Elijah for two more. Francis goes to get the guitar but Elijah takes it away, with Kazarian taking it away from him. Kazarian breaks the guitar on the floor and it’s Down Payment to the Man. Francis is cut off and Fade To Black finishes Man at 11:18.

Rating: C+. Perfectly fine midcard tag match here, with Francis getting to do something different than be his usual bullying self. It was a nice way to mix a pair of feuds into one match and the results were good enough. None of them have a hot feud going at the moment so this is as good of an idea as they had.

The System is ready for Jeff Hardy and Vincent.

Here are Tommy Dreamer and Carlos Silva for a chat. Dreamer talks about his history in this city and everything that it means to him to be here. He wants to bring out someone who is an inspiration to this company, which brings out Chris Bey. That’s quite the nice moment, with Bey talking about the success he has had and the future of this place. With that, he brings out the newest signee: Ricky Sosa, who debuted a few weeks ago. Sosa is happy to be here tonight and this is the moment he’s been working towards for five years. He hits his catchphrases and signs.

We look back at Tessa Blanchard cheating to win on the Kickoff show.

After the match, Mila Moore followed the white rabbit when Havok popped up behind her. Screaming ensued and this is To Be Continued.

IMG Credit: TNA Wrestling

Women’s Title: Arianna Grace vs. Lei Ying Lee vs. Dani Luna

Grace, with Stacks, is defending, Lee (with Xia Brookside) is the former champion and Luna never got a title shot she earned. Luna jumps Lee during the Big Match Intros and Grace tries a quick rollup, which has Luna even angrier. Grace is sent to the floor so Lee dropkicks Luna into the corner. Stacks’ interference doesn’t work and Luna is knocked down on the floor.

Back in and Lee kicks away at Grace but Luna suplexes both of them. Stacks low bridges Luna out to the floor though, with Grace getting two on Lee as Luna dives in for the save. A big boot gives Luna two on Lee but she catches another boot, only for Grace to come back in with a cravate. Grace fisherman’s neckbreakers Luna for two but Lee is back with the Warrior’s Way. Luna makes another save though and everyone is down. Lee Thunderstrucks Grace to the floor but gets caught with a Blue Thunder Bomb for two.

Luna loads Grace up with a super Samoan drop, drawing Stacks up for a distraction. Lee comes back in and German superplexes both of them for two each. Stacks saves Grace from the Warrior’s Way so Brookside cuts him off. Lee dives onto Stacks and Grace before heading back inside for the showdown with Luna. They slug it out until Lee kicks her in the head. Warrior’s Way connects but Stacks breaks it up, allowing Grace to steal the retaining pin at 13:43.

Rating: B-. That’s about the ending I was expecting and that’s not a terrible thing. Ultimately, Grace stealing the pin against what felt like insurmountable odds was a good way to go as there is a long line of people coming after the title. I’m curious to see who comes after the title next, but Grace as the annoying, beatable champion isn’t a bad way to go for her.

Allie gets Mara Sade to follow the White Rabbit until she meets Rosemary. Sade wants her to make Michael B. Jordan appear but is told to let the man have his privacy. Rosemary isn’t about to stab her or send her to something like Wrestle House is she? Rosemary: “RD Evans is rolling over in his grave.” They’ll have a talk after Sade’s match. Again, To Be Continued.

Order 4 vs. Trey Miguel/Jada Stone

Mustafa Ali/Tasha Steelz for Order 4 here. Miguel and Ali start things off with Ali working on the arm. They trade some flips for an early standoff and it’s off to the women. Stone snaps off a quick headscissors to take Steelz down but the men have to break up a brawl. Ali seems impressed with Steelz and we settle down to Ali vs. Stone. This has Ali laughing as he grabs a lockup and swings her around with ease.

Stone is back up with a heck of a DDT to plant Ali, followed by a super hurricanrana to send a bewildered Ali outside. The Great Hands break up a dive so Miguel takes them down with a step up flip dive. Steelz is back up to feed Stone into a hanging DDT onto the floor and the villains take Stone into the corner. Stone fights out though and brings Miguel back in to clean house. Miguel rolls the dice on Ali so it’s back to Steelz to slap him in the face.

Ali kicks Stone down by mistake but Miguel avoids a charge into the corner. Dance With The Devil drops Miguel again so Steelz drops a frog splash for two. Back up and Ali pulls Miguel into a cutter off the top, only for Miguel to come back with a top rope Meteora. Stone comes back in to pick up the pace with a split legged moonsault getting two on Steelz.

Stone’s tornado DDT plants Ali and a Canadian Destroyer sends Ali crashing out to the floor. Ali gets planted again and a corkscrew moonsault gives Stone two. With nothing else working, the Great Hands zip tie Miguel to the ropes so Dancing With The Devil can plant Stone. Ali pulls her up at two and the 450 finishes for Ali at 15:15.

Rating: B-. The idea here was to push Stone as a star but I was having a bit of an issue suspending my disbelief that she was regularly beating up someone of Ali’s size and success. It might work every once in awhile but it was going too long here. That’s especially the case with Ali getting a title shot at Miguel in just over two weeks. It wasn’t a bad match at all and the action was good, but it went too long and that hurt things.

Arianna Grace and Stacks laugh at Lei Ying Lee, with Xia Brookside defending her friend. They argue over their fathers so Santino Marella comes in to make a title match for Impact. Stacks calls Marella a terrible father.

We recap Moose vs. Eddie Edwards. Moose started the System but then got thrown out, prompting him to go after each member of the team. Edwards is the final one to go.

Moose vs. Eddie Edwards

Alisha Edwards is here too and Eddie yells at her before we get started. Alisha takes the kendo stick away from him before the bell so Moose kicks Eddie down. Cue Order 4’s Special Agent Zero to jump Moose for the DQ at 30 seconds. Apparently this is a result of a meeting between Order 4 and the System on the Kickoff Show.

Post match the big beatdown is on, with Alisha yelling at Eddie and Zero.

Mara Sade vs. Elayna Black

No DQ. Sade brings a bedazzled bat with her but Black takes it away to jump start things. They fight to the floor with Sade taking over but Black gets in a kendo stick shot. Black grabs a stop sign, which is kicked into her face. Black winds up crawling underneath the ring but comes back with a chair shot to take over. A stomp gives Black two and it’s already time for a table.

And never mind as Black sends it back underneath the table rather than let the fans be happy. Sade gets up and grabs the bat to swing away but Black enziguris her back down. Black gets a bag of thumbtacks but the Blackout is countered, with Sade sending her into the tacks instead. A slam plants Black onto the tacks and Sade’s moonsault finishes at 9:28.

Rating: C. This didn’t do much for me, as not only was the thumbtacks spot not something I needed to see, but the whole thing didn’t feel like it needed the No DQ at thing. At the same time, I’m not seeing much of the upside in Black. She’s not the worst, but she doesn’t feel like the most natural in the ring. Maybe this just wasn’t their stipulation, as it really didn’t click.

We talk about the World Title match.

We recap Jeff Hardy/Vincent vs. the System. The System are the #1 contenders and took out Matt Hardy so Jeff is out for revenge, with the Righteous’ Vincent stepping up as a replacement partner.

IMG Credit: TNA Wrestling

The System vs. Vincent/Jeff Hardy

It’s Cedric Alexander/Brian Myers for the System here. Hardy and Myers start things off and everything breaks down in a hurry, with the System being cleared out. Back in and Myers takes Vincent into the corner, with the villains getting to take over. Alexander comes in and knocks Vincent into another corner for the chops and it’s back to Myers. A Russian legsweep gets Vincent out of trouble though and it’s back to Hardy to clean house.

An elbow gives Hardy two but Alexander is back up with a Michinoku Driver for two. Everything breaks down and Alexander gets Twisting Stunnered into a spinning DDT to give Vincent two. Another Twisting Stunner connects and Hardy goes up but we see a rather bloody Matt Hardy on the Titantron. Dutch is standing over him and seems rather pleased, leaving the distracted Jeff to get hit by the Roster Cut. The Lumbar Check gives Alexander the pin at 8:42.

Rating: B-. This was a means to an end more than anything else, as I don’t think it was any secret that the Righteous were going to turn on the Hardys at some point. The question was much more “when” than anything else and the answer was apparently here, which isn’t a bad thing. This sets up their big showdown, though the System is likely to get a title shot first.

We run down some upcoming cards.

Here is the Elegance Brand (minus Ash, who is still recovering after being called a mark) to threaten ODB to not show up again, as she needs to stay in her dirty food truck. Cue ODB, who thinks a little two on one sounds fun tonight, but she’s a married woman now. She has a lot of friends wherever she goes though, like New Orleans’ own Taryn Terrell, who doesn’t like all the garbage these b****** have been saying. So let’s have them say it to her face.

Mr. Elegance threatens to beat up ODB so ODB brings out Mickie James to even things up. Mr. Elegance tries to cut her off but James calls him “Pickle Dick”, which apparently isn’t kosher. The brawl is on and Mr. Elegance gets beaten up rather painfully. This went on for a long time and we’ve covered the “Knockouts legends beat up the Elegance Brand” deal.

Santino Marella and Daria Rae argue over the main event, with Rae not liking Marella picking sides.

We recap Steve Maclin vs. Mike Santana for the latter’s World Title. Maclin lost his job via Feast Or Fired but he attacked Santana, which got him his job back as Santana wanted revenge.

IMG Credit: TNA Wrestling

TNA World Title: Mike Santana vs. Steve Maclin

Santana is defending. They take their time to start and Santana works on a headlock. That’s broken up so Santana kicks him down with the fans rather approving of the champion. Hold on though as something happens and we need the medical staff to check on Maclin. Santana plays to the crowd a bit as Maclin stands up but then drops back down to a knee. Cue Eddie Edwards in street clothes to go after Santana as Maclin is taken out. I think we can call the Maclin match off, as they only had about a minute and a half of action before the injury.

Santana fights back and loads up a table before dropping Edwards with Spin The Block. A top rope splash puts Edwards through the table on the floor and Santana is declared the winner by no contest. I don’t believe Edwards’ portion was him cashing in his title shot as that was little more than a brawl. There was no bell for them either. I’m guessing that was a legitimate injury from Maclin as the show ends with Santana celebrating. Dang I hope it’s not serious.

Overall Rating: C. The show was just decent enough to get by, but DANG that was some horrible luck at the end. I won’t hold it against them as they took care of someone who was hurt, but it could not have come at a worse time. The opener was very good, though unfortunately that was about it. The Moose vs. Edwards match was an angle advancer and the Elegance Brand stuff was just long.

It’s not a bad show, but it’s pretty much totally uneventful and felt designed to set up Rebellion more than anything else. Hopefully Maclin is ok though, as that was a nasty looking superkick that took him out. It’s a terrible ending, but that part isn’t TNA’s fault. The rest of the show not being very interesting certainly was though and that’s a rough way to go.

Results
Ryan Nemeth b. BDE – Rollup with tights
Tessa Blanchard b. Jody Threat – Buzzsaw DDT
Leon Slater b. Eric Young – Swanton 450
Frankie Kazarian/AJ Francis b. Home Town Man/Elijah – Fade To Black to Man
Arianna Grace b. Lei Ying Lee and Dani Luna – Warrior’s Way to Luna
Order 4 b. Trey Miguel and Jada Stone – 450 to Stone
Moose b. Eddie Edwards via DQ when Agent Zero interfered
Mara Sade b. Elayna Black – Moonsault
The System b. Jeff Hardy/Vincent – Lumbar Check to Hardy
Mike Santana b. Steve Maclin via injury stoppage

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

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Impact Wrestling
Date: February 26, 2026
Location: The Pinnacle, Nashville, Tennessee
Commentators: Tom Hannifan, Matthew Rehwoldt

World Champion Mike Santana seems to have a big target on his back at the moment, with a variety of people wanting the title. This doesn’t even include the recently fired Steve Maclin, who will be here tonight to explain why he has been all angry and aggressive recently. In addition to being fired I’m guessing. Let’s get to it.

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

Opening recap.

IMG Credit: TNA Wrestling

Mike Santana/Leon Slater vs. Nemeths

Frankie Kazarian is on commentary. Slater and Nic start things off with Slater winning a battle over wrist control. The handspring elbow puts Nic down again and the Nemeths go outside, where Slater hits a slingshot dive as we take a break. We come back with Santana fighting out of Ryan’s chinlock and grabbing the Rolling Buck Fifty.

Slater comes back in with a high crossbody for two on Nic but the Nemeths cut off another Rolling Buck Fifty to put Santana down. Slater avoids Nic’s superkick but walks into the Fameasser for a quick two. Nic takes him up top but gets shoved off, only for Eric Young to come out and distract Slater. That’s enough for Nic to block the Swanton 450 and roll Slater up for the pin at 13:58.

Rating: B-. This certainly felt like a bit match and that’s rather nice to see to open the show, especially with it getting some time. The Young stuff does make sense due to his Feast Or Fired case, though hopefully Nic gets a title shot of his own out of this. That would be the kind of win that could really push Slater up another level and it might be where we’re heading, which is a good sign.

The Righteous don’t get why the Hardys don’t trust them because the four of them should be like brothers.

IMG Credit: TNA Wrestling

Dani Luna vs. Lei Ying Lee

Luna takes her down and hammers away but Lee flips over her and starts striking away. That’s cut off as Luna catapults her throat first into the top rope and we hit the neck crank. Lee tries to fight up and gets tossed backwards without much trouble. Some rollups give Lee two each but her guillotine is countered with a suplex. Luna grabs her chain and wraps it around the turnbuckle but Lee is back up to strike away.

A superkick puts Luna down and a t-bone suplex gives Lee two. Lee’s charge into the corner misses though and something like a slingshot Blue Thunder Bomb gives Luna a near fall of her own. They both miss running kicks so Luna kicks her into the corner where the chains are supposed to be (wrong buckle, so Lee doesn’t quite hit the chains). That and the Lunar Landing finish Lee at 10:17.

Rating: B-. Not so great finish aside due to missing the chain, it was nice to see Luna pick up a win like this. She’s the monster charging through the division at the moment and it’s hard to imagine that she doesn’t wind up as champion sooner or later. That’s a good thing too, as she has risen up the ranks and become a player, which should be paid off with some singles gold.

Alisha Edwards talks to Tommy Dreamer and Carlos Silva and declines a new contract. Moose comes in to say he’s going to take care of the System and thinks Edwards should be there with him. She’s in and signs.

IMG Credit: TNA Wrestling

AJ Francis vs. Mance Warner

Steph de Lander is here with Francis. They start fast with Warner sending him outside, where Francis is rammed into the steps. Francis is fine enough to slam him off the steps and a running knee in the corner rocks Warner again. Back up and Warner fights back with some elbows to the head but s spear gives Francis two. Francis goes for a chair but de Lander cuts it off, allowing Warner to grab it instead. A shot to the ribs gives Francis the DQ win at 4:26.

Rating: C. I’ve always preferred Warner as a good guy and that was the case again here. Yes he’s still brawling for the most part but that’s always been his style. Throw in some of those Tennessee style southern promos and he should be fine. Not much of a match here, but I’m intrigued by what this version of Warner could do.

Here is Mickie James for a face to face showdown with Ash By Elegance. James calls Ash out and cuts off the Personal Concierge’s entrance, which does bring out Ash. James talks about helping Ash get a job here but Ash says that she was already the hottest free agent and was getting signed anyway. That doesn’t work for James, who calls Ash out for calling out former Knockouts Champions online, “LIKE A MARK!”.

Ash makes it clear that she is NOT a mark because she only cares about being the champion. That brings James to having to leave the title in the ring due to her injuries. She has thought about that every day and Ash isn’t going to disrespect the title by mocking it.

Ash says it’s none of James’ business what happened to her that made her vacate the title because she’s better than James anyway. The fight is on but we cut to the back where the Concierge is with James’ son. James sprints to the back but gets jumped by the Elegance Brand. Ash gives her a MickDT on the stage and James is left laying.

Post break Santino Marella comes in to check on a laid out Jody Threat, who was attacked by the Elegance Brand (seemingly in the same room where James’ son was). Daria Rae comes in to yell at Marella for letting everything fall apart.

Tasha Steelz vs. Jada Stone

Steelz jumps her to start fast and hammers away in the corner but Stone manages a kick to the head. The Great Hands cut off Stone’s dive but Steelz takes them out by mistake. A kick to the head puts Stone back in trouble and a running kick to the face gives Steelz two back inside. They trade some rapid fire rollups for one each until Steelz grabs a German suplex. Stone handstands her way out of a cutter though and a crucifix gives Stone the pin at 5:45.

Rating: C. Stone is another case where TNA feels like they want her to be something and that has to start somewhere. Pinning a former Knockouts Champion is a good start and I’m curious to see where she goes. Stone has talent and hopefully she can turn that into something else.

Post match Steelz lays Stone out.

Tom Hannifan brings out Steve Maclin for a chance to tell his side of the story. The fans tell Maclin that he doesn’t work here and Hannifan tells us that he and Maclin have been friends for a long time. Maclin says that for once, this is about him rather than Mike Santana. The fans say they don’t care as Maclin says that everything changed when he saw the briefcase that said he was fired.

That night, Santana came up to him and said he was sorry. Hannifan, seemingly realizing that the fans are derailing this, asks if that was enough to validate Maclin attacking Santana twice. Maclin brings up Santana not appearing for their tag match after he lost the World Title. Santana said he was “going through something” and that’s really being selfish.

Maclin could come out here and talk about his drinking problem or his PTSD or his survivor’s guilt. The fans get on Maclin again before he says that he got Hannifan his job. Hannifan says that’s true but they should have talked about this over a beer instead of on television.

The reality is that Maclin has been fined by the company over and over for internal actions because he won’t take responsibility for his actions. That’s enough for Maclin to deck Hannifan until security and Santana run in to chase him off. Maclin even shoves down Matthew Rehwoldt as he leaves. This was a good segment that the fans dragged back down, because it’s an interesting story that should set up a heck of a match.

Post break, Gia Miller has taken Hannifan’s place for the main event.

The System vs. Righteous/Hardys

Edwards hammers on Jeff to start but Jeff grabs a reverse full nelson. Everything breaks down and the System is cleared out as we take an early break. We come back with Bronson and Dutch slugging it out until Dutch grabs an exploder suplex. Vincent comes in and gets chokebombed for two, allowing Bronson to take him into the System corner.

Bronson goes up and does the Hardy dance before dropping a middle rope elbow (Miller: “Egad!”) for two. Vincent fights out of trouble and brings Matt in to clean a lot of the house. Everything breaks down and we get the parade of knockdowns, with a bunch of them fighting outside. Edwards loads up the Boston Knee Party but Vincent shoves Matt out of the way and takes the bullet, and the pin, instead at 11:34.

Rating: B-. This was about the moment at the end and that’s perfectly fine. Not every match needs to be some big epic showdown and it worked well enough here, with the Righteous continuing to make the Hardys believe that everything is ok. I’m curious to see where that goes, while on the other hand you have the System, who will have to deal with Moose. Good enough main event here.

Post match Moose comes in to go after the System but they beat him down until Alisha Edwards comes out to protect him, much to Eddie’s dismay, to end the show.

Overall Rating: B-. TNA has found its groove in recent weeks since their not so great debut on AMC and that is great to see. What matters the most is that you can tell what’s going on with just about everyone involved, which is a great way to bring in new viewers. I like what I’m seeing here most of the time and that should be a good sign for their near future. If they can deliver on some of their potential, it will be even better.

Results
Nemeths b. Mike Santana/Leon Slater – Rollup to Slater
Dani Luna b. Lei Ying Lee – Lunar Landing
AJ Francis b. Mance Warner via DQ when Warner used a chair
Jada Stone b. Tasha Steelz – Crucifix
The System b. The Hardys/Righteous – Boston Knee Party to Vincent

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

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Impact Wrestling
Date: October 2, 2025
Location: Edmonton Expo Centre, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Commentators: Tom Hannifan, Matthew Rehwoldt

We’re done with Victory Road and that means a few new champions, including Frankie Kazarian as the new International Champion. The biggest news is that we have a new Knockouts Champion in the form of NXT’s Kelani Jordan as Ash By Elegance was forced to vacate the title. Let’s get to it.

Here is Victory Road if you need a recap.

Long Victory Road recap.

Santino Marella tells Mike Santana that he can’t touch Trick Williams outside of being physically provoked.

Opening sequence.

Here is Frankie Kazarian for the King’s Speech. There are a bunch of people coming for his title so he’s ready to fight. First though, he’s ready to wait here for his standing ovation. Kazarian talks down about various other champions before bringing out new Knockouts Champion Kelani Jordan.

Kazarian tells her about how evil the other Knockouts can be and suggests that Jordan is a fluke. Jordan lists off what she’s done but Kazarian says he doesn’t like the NXT stars as champions. That includes Trick Williams, who wouldn’t have beaten Kazarian. Cue Williams, who wants some respect on his name.

Williams brings up Mike Santana, but gets interrupted by Matt Hardy, who talks about why this company is on fire. Kazarian brings up how Jeff Hardy isn’t allowed in Canada but here is Leon Slater to defend his mentors. Jordan talks about herself instead so here is Indi Hartwell, to say she’s a different kind of challenger. Cue Santino Marella to try and calm things down. And make a six person tag, with Santana on commentary.

Frankie Kazarian/Trick Williams/Kelani Jordan vs. Indi Hartwell/Matt Hardy/Leon Slater

Mike Santana is on commentary. Hartwell and Jordan trade rollups for two each to start before Kazarian comes in. Hardy works on his arm and it’s off to Slater to hammer away in the corner. The women are already back in as we hear about TNA vs. NXT Showdown. Some knees to the back set up a bodyscissors on Hartwell, which doesn’t last long as Hartwell brings in Slater. Some running kicks in the corner put Williams down but he’s back with a full nelson as we take a break.

We come back with Kazarian hitting Williams by mistake, allowing the tag back to Hardy. The Side Effect gets two on Williams but Kazarian comes back in. Kazarian can’t get the chickenwing, instead having to settle for a slingshot cutter to Slater. Hartwell shoulders Kazarian down though and hits a top rope elbow as everything breaks down. Kazarian knocks Williams into Santana so the beatdown is on, with Slater hitting a big running flip dive to take Kazarian out. The Swanton 450 gives Slater the pin at 12:56.

Rating: B-. Slater’s rise continues and that is rather nice to see. The guy is one of the most talented stars in the company and he is holding up when it comes to the bigger challenges. You don’t see that very often, though I’m not quite sold on seeing the new champion take a fall less than a week after winning the title.

The TNA Showdown teams, plus some other stars, come out to the stage, with Tommy Dreamer getting to do the big pep talk.

Video on Mara Sade (Or “Kay…Mara Sade.” according to Kelani Jordan this week on NXT).

We look at the big TNA vs. NXT brawl earlier this week.

Angel Warriors vs. Kat Von Heez/Ava Lawless

Lawless pulls Lee by the hair to start and it’s already off to Brookside as everything breaks down. Stereo right hands in the corner have Heez and Lawless in trouble and it’s off to Heez for a big legdrop. Brookside fights out of Lawless’ chinlock as everything breaks down. Thunderstruck sets up an assisted Brooksie Bomb for the pin on Heez at 4:06.

Rating: C. Just a step above a squash here and that’s how you get a new team over. The Warriors aren’t anything revolutionary but I can go with actually building up a new team to come after the titles. Just let them do this again a few more times and they’ll be set, as it isn’t like there is much of a division in the first place.

Joe Hendry is happy with beating Eric Young when Santino Marella comes in to make Hendry vs. Young next week, No DQ.

We get another Mike Santana video as Amazing Red (TNA legend) talks about all of the people who have paved the way for him to get here. He has faced disappointment after disappointment and now Santana needs to succeed. Trick Williams has come into his house and it’s time for Santana to fight back for all of them.

Nic Nemeth vs. Hometown Man

Ryan Nemeth is here too and offers an early distraction so Nic can take over. Man fights back but gets neckbreakered down, allowing Nic to drop the elbows. Some choking on the ropes lets Nic go after the mask, which triggers a comeback. A dropkick and running elbow set up Sliced Bread #2 for two on Nic, with Ryan putting a boot on the rope. Man dives onto Ryan and gets his mask back from Victory Road but he walks into a superkick. The Danger Zone gives Nic the pin at 4:19.

Rating: C. That’s Man’s first loss and it’s not exactly a terrible moment to lose to one of the biggest stars in the company. The same thing has happened to a bunch of people on the roster and there is a good chance that this continues for a few more weeks. Man’s deal isn’t exactly high concept stuff, but it’s working well enough.

Post match the beatdown is on but Matt Cardona makes the save. Where was he five minutes ago?

Gia Miller has allowed Tessa Blanchard’s suspension to be lifted and now they’re fighting at Bound For Glory. Miller doesn’t even care if she wins or loses, as long as she gets to beat Blanchard up. That’s the best they have for Blanchard at the biggest show of the year?

Tasha Steelz vs. Alisha Edwards

Their respective stables are here too. Edwards hammers away to start but Order 4 offers a distraction. Steelz chops her around and pounds Edwards down into the corner. A Falcon Arrow and superkick give Steelz two each and it’s time for everyone to argue on the floor. In the melee, Steelz gets a kendo stick but Edwards takes it away. One good shot and a Pedigree finish Steelz off at 4:23.

Rating: C. This was a good example of “it was exactly what it needed to be” as they gave us a nice preview of the Hardcore War at Bound For Glory. You don’t often see Edwards getting in the ring but she can handle herself in there and what little time she got here went well. They’re setting this story up well and that’s a promising sign.

Post match the brawl is on again.

Tessa Blanchard talks about helping Gia Miller, who stormed off and went to train with Mike Jackson. She’s fine with beating Miller up again.

Knockouts Tag Team Titles: IInspiration vs. Elegance Brand

The Brand is defending. McKay clotheslines Heather down to start and Lee quickly comes in for a double hiptoss. Heather sends her into the corner though and it’s off to M for a running boot to the face. Lee hurricanranas her way out of the corner and stomps away on Heather as everything breaks down.

Stereo corner clotheslines allow the IInspiration to pose but Heather sends Lee into the corner. It’s back to M to stomp away and a suplex gets two as we take a break. We come back with M’s running backsplash getting two but McKay breaks away. Thankfully M is right there to pull Lee off the apron, meaning there’s no tag just yet.

A big boot gets two on McKay and it’s off to the double arm crank. That’s broken up and the tag brings in Lee to clean house. Lee’s Blue Thunder Bomb gets two on Heather but M is there with a superkick to give Heather two of her own. The Personal Concierge gives Heather some champagne, which goes into M’s face by mistake. The Idolizer gives the IInspiration the titles back at 14:17.

Rating: B-. They didn’t have much of a choice here, as there was little reason to keep the Elegance Brand together after Ash went away. The IInspiration are a great example of a team who can give the titles some stability before they drop them down to another team. If nothing else, this shows that the IInspiration still has it rather than living off their past successes, which was rather needed.

Overall Rating: C+. In theory all sights should be set on Bound For Glory but that is only going to happen after Showdown next week. That makes for a bit of rushed build, though the stuff with NXT will give TNA even better exposure. They need to get to the Bound For Glory build exclusively though, which hopefully will be the case next week.

Results
Leon Slater/Matt Hardy/Indi Hartwell b. Frankie Kazarian/Trick Williams/Kelani Jordan – Swanton 450 to Kazarian
Angel Warriors b. Kat Von Heez/Ava Lawless – Heaven Sent to Heez
Nic Nemeth b. Hometown Man – Danger Zone
Alisha Edwards b. Tasha Steelz – Pedigree
IInspiration b. Elegance Brand – Idolizer to M

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

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

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

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
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
Date: July 10, 2025
Location: UMPC Events Center, Moon Township, Pennsylvania
Commentators: Tom Hannifan, Matthew Rehwoldt

We are about a week and a half away from Slammiversary and the show has mostly come together. The big match will see Mike Santana and Joe Hendry challenging for the TNA World Title and we’ll be getting the contract signing this weekend at NXT’s Great American Bash. The rest of the card could use some building and we should be getting some of that this week. Let’s get to it.

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

Opening recap.

Opening sequence.

Elegance Brand vs. Harley Hudson/Myla Grace

Non-title and the Personal Concierge is here with the Brand. Hudson and Grace are still out to prove themselves and it’s Grace dropkicking Heather down to start. Ash comes in for a test of strength with Hudson, who takes over on the arm. It’s back to Heather for some elbows in the corner and Ash’s Glam Slam into a basement dropkick gets two. Hudson fights out of trouble with ease and brings Grace back in as everything breaks down. The Concierge gets in a cheap shot on the floor, allowing Ash to hit a clothesline on Grace. Rarefied Air finishes for Ash at 6:20.

Rating: C. It feels like they’re building towards Hudson and Grace getting a big win for the titles down the line and that could make for a great moment. If nothing else, the newcomers are getting put into the mix rather quickly and that is now you could help revitalize the division. It’s going to take time, but at least they are off to a nice start.

The Hardys and the Rascalz are ready for their eight man tag tonight, even if the Rascalz seem a bit confused.

Cedric Alexander/Great Hands vs. Secret Service

Tasha Steelz and Mustafa Ali are here too. Skyler dropkicks one of them down start and hands it off to Hotch, who is taken into the wrong corner. That’s broken up and it’s off to Alexander for some quick house cleaning. The Lumbar Check finishes at 2:40.

Post match Ali goes after Alexander, who fights back but gets low blowed by Steelz. Ali chairs Alexander down and leaves with Steelz.

Lei Ying Lee/Masha Slamovich vs. Fatal Influence

Xia Brookside is here with the TNA team. Jayne starts with Lee and forearms Slamovich off the apron like a good villain. Slamovich comes in to drop Jayne and Lee adds a running forearm of her own. Lee gets two off a suplex but Jayne gets in a knee to the floor as we take an early break.

We come back with Jayne stomping on Lee in the corner, followed by the reverse chinlock. A double snap suplex gives Henley two and she grabs the armbar. That just fires Lee up and she breaks out of a cravate. Henley cuts that off with a World’s Strongest Slam but Lee fights out and brings Slamovich back in. Everything breaks down and a running knee into a neckbreaker gets two on Slamovich. Lee saves Slamovich from a double suplex and Slamovich’s spinning kick to the head into the Snowplow finishes Henley at 14:49.

Rating: C+. Slamovich feels like she’s going to run through Jayne if they face off at Slammiversary, but the idea of another Jordynne Grace vs. Slamovich match is interesting as well. For now though, it’s TNA getting to fend off a big enough NXT name and that’s a good sign. The crossover stuff is starting to feel more structured and that is a good sign, as it was lacking for such a long time.

Video on Moose vs. Leon Slater, looking back at the history of the X-Division.

Slater runs into Moose and the rest of the System. He still wants to take the title from Moose and become the youngest champion in history. Moose isn’t impressed and Slater leaves so here is Matt Cardona. He doesn’t like the team either but they walk away, with Brian Myers thinking about saying something before leaving too.

International Title: Jake Something vs. Mance Warner vs. Steve Maclin

Maclin is defending and Something charges in to jump Warner and start fast. With Warner on the floor, Something gives Maclin some running shoulders. Warner is back in with some chair shots though, with Steph de Lander giving him another one. That’s broken up as Something powerbombs Warner through the chairs, only to be sent outside by Maclin.

Back up and Maclin hits the running spear in the corner to hit Something, followed by the Tower Of Doom to leave everyone down. Back up and Maclin is dropped in the three way slugout so Warner takes Something out. The running knee gives Warner two but Maclin is right back with the KIA to Warner to retain at 7:35.

Rating: C+. Maclin is still looking for his big challenger/feud for the title and neither of these two exactly feel like it. At the same time though, it’s a good move to have Maclin out there building up some victories to start establishing the title. That’s one of the hardest things to do, but they’re making it work well enough here. They kept this one relatively short, but it was energetic while it lasted.

Tasha Steelz yells at the rest of Order 4 over their lack of championships. Steelz blames Ali for his loss to Mike Santana, which started tie team’s downward spiral. They’re going into Slammiversary as a team. Is that clear? Ali says Steelz lied to them but she said she had to. The System comes in to yell at them and a match seems to be made.

We get a video from 4th Rope Champion Real1, who implies that he’ll be going through the “forbidden door” because Slammiversary is in his neck of the woods. Can we please just not with this guy?

Video on Mike Santana, who talks about his father passing away. That made him a tougher man and he’s using the motivation to move forward.

Victoria Crawford vs. Indi Hartwell

Tessa Blanchard is on commentary. Crawford gets backed into the ropes to start and then bails to the apron a few times. Back in and Crawford manages a takedown but Hartwell hits a big boot for the pin at 2:40. It’s as sudden as it sounds.

Post match Blanchard yells about Hartwell being a horrible friend. Everything Hartwell has is because of her and Hartwell just backs off.

The Northern Armory yells at Santino Marella about Cody Deaner being the Home Town Man. Eric Young even admits that he was Super Eric, which has Marella confused.

We get a sitdown interview with Joe Hendry, who doesn’t like Trick Williams holding the TNA World Title hostage. Mike Santana has the fans believing in him as well, but Hendry thinks they believe in himself too. Hendry respects Santana, but it’s Hendry’s time to lead TNA.

First Class/Nemeths vs. Hardys/Rascalz

Trick Williams is on commentary. Nic and Reed start things off with Reed taking him down for an early legdrop. Wentz and Ryan come in, with the latter getting caught with a slingshot neckbreaker. Francis comes in and gets to face Jeff, with a Twisting Stunner staggering Francis into the ropes. Poetry In Motion connects and Wentz’s standing moonsault gets two. Some running splashes in the corner hit Wentz and we take an early break.

We come back with Ryan hammering on Wentz, with Nic dropkicking the knee out to keep him down. The villains keep taking turns on Wentz, including Nic going after the eyes. Wentz fights out of a chinlock and a double knockdown gives him a breather. It’s off to Matt to ram Nic into the corner over and over, followed by the Twist Of Fate to Ryan. Francis gets the turnbuckle treatment as well, but Williams offers a distraction. Francis chokeslams Matt down and steals the pin at 15:08.

Rating: B-. This got some time and wound up being a nice match, with the ending being more about making First Class feel like a bigger threat to win the titles. As usual, pinfalls mean nothing to set up a ladder match, because of course it’s a ladder match. For now though, we should be in for another wild match at Slammiversary, with this as a fine enough way to set it up.

Post match Williams gets in for the brawl but Mike Santana and Joe Hendry run in for the save. Hendry hits Santana by mistake though and they have to be held apart to end the show.

Overall Rating: C+. The best thing about this show is that a lot of things happened, with some of the matches being a bit shorter to keep things moving. It felt like a show with more matches than usual and that makes for a faster paced show. Nice stuff here, as the build to Slammiversary is coming together well enough.

Results
Elegance Brand b. Harley Hudson/Myla Grace – Rarefied Air to Grace
Cedric Alexander/Great Hands b. Secret Service – Lumbar Check
Lei Ying Lee/Masha Slamovich b. Fatal Influence – Snowplow to Henley
Steve Maclin b. Jake Something and Mance Warner – KIA to Warner
Indi Hartwell b. Victoria Crawford – Big boot
First Class/Nemeths b. Hardys/Rascalz – Chokeslam to Matt

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

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

Impact Wrestling
Date: June 26, 2025
Location: UMPC Events Center, Moon Township, Pennsylvania
Commentators: Tom Hannifan, Matthew Rehwoldt

We’re just under a month away from Slammiversary and the company is taking its time setting things up. That’s perfectly fine as they still have a few weeks, though the main event is officially set. Joe Hendry will get his chance to regain the TNA World Title from Trick Williams and bring the belt back from NXT. Let’s get to it.

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

Opening recap.

Opening sequence.

Here is Joe Hendry to get things going and….wow some of those camera shots show hundreds of empty seats. Get the tarp out already people. Anyway Hendry thanks the people for having his back and giving him such a great life. At the same time, he has to acknowledge that he lost the World Title to Trick Williams.

That kills him and he could walk out and go home but hearing these people cheering his name makes it all worth it. He was in the Royal Rumble and at Wrestlemania as TNA Champion and he owes the fans something as a thank you. Now he wants the fans to be part of his redemption and he will bring the title back to TNA at Slammiversary. We’re getting to the point where he has to win the title and while that’s a strong possibility, I wouldn’t say it’s a guarantee.

Killer Kelly doesn’t like Masha Slamovich forgetting their past together and teases a chain match. As for tonight, she’s becoming the new #1 contender in a battle royal.

Ryan Nemeth vs. Zachary Wentz

Their respective partners are here too because these teams (and the Hardys and First Class) are in a four way for the Tag Team Titles at Slammiversary. And say it with me: it’s a ladder match. Ryan works on a wristlock to start but Wentz flips out and wristdrags him to the rope. Nic cuts off a handspring though and Ryan sends Wentz outside for two.

We’re already in the chinlock but Wentz it out rather quickly, earning himself a whip into the corner. A neckbreaker takes too long and Wentz gets in a backslide for two, followed by a kick to the chest. The running shooting star press gives Wentz two but Ryan’s DDT gets the same, leaving his eyes bugging out of his head. Ryan tries to bring in a belt but gets kneed down, setting up the Spiral Tap to give Wentz the pin at 4:25.

Rating: C. They didn’t have time to do much and as usual, it’s one of the one off matches that has no impact on a ladder match. I like the idea of a four way title match but hearing the stipulation being added kills the interest. Wentz getting a win is nice to see, but it is only going to mean so much when it comes to climbing ladders. Did I mention I’m sick of ladder matches? Just wanted to make that clear.

We look at Joe Hendry showing up in NXT, setting up his match next week with Wes Lee.

Trick Williams is ready to beat Hendry at Slammiversary and he’s ready for AJ Francis to kick Mike Santana back to the block tonight.

Masha Slamovich is ready for the battle royal to crown a new #1 contender. As for Killer Kelly, they can have a chain match next week. Arianna grace runs in to say she has a surprise for Slamovich, but we can’t find out what that is yet.

Battle Royal

Lei Ying Lee, Ash By Elegance, Alisha Edwards, Cassie Lee, Dani Luna, Harley Hudson, Indi Hartwell, Jada Stone, Jessie McKay, Jody Threat, Katie Arquette, Mila Moore, Myla Grace, Rosemary, Tasha Steelz, Tessa Blanchard, Victoria Crawford, Xia Brookside

For a future Knockouts Title shot. By Elegance stops to pose early on, earning a beatdown from the IInspiration. Everyone else gets involved and the five of them are all dumped, leaving the others to brawl. Arquette (yes she’s related to David) is tossed out rather quickly and Stone follows her. There goes Luna as well and we take a break.

We come back with Moore and Hudson tossing Rosemary but getting eliminated just as fast. Steelz dumps Edwards and Crawford follows her out. Brookside, Steelz and Lee are out in a hurry and we’re down to Blanchard vs. Hartwell. They both fight over the top and out to the apron…but Ash By Elegance comes out from underneath the ring and throws them both out to win at 11:26. A replay shows that Elegance went underneath the ropes before being tossed out earlier (fair play as I didn’t catch it).

Rating: C. Usually I can’t stand these “oh wait someone is still in” finishes but they did a nice job of surprising me this time so points for a bonus. Ash getting the shot is interesting as she’s a big enough star to be a threat to take the title. The rest of the match was a standard battle royal, but at least they didn’t do anything too bad.

Post match Masha Slamovich comes out for the staredown but here is NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne as well. And there’s the surprise.

We look at Tommy Dreamer bringing Jake Something back last week to deal with Mance Warner.

Something is glad he’s back and he’s ready to fight Warner next week. Then he wants the International Title. Maclin comes in to welcome Something back.

Mustafa Ali vs. John Skyler

This is a Call To Arms match, where both of them start with one arm tied to the ropes. You untie yourself and then have a regular match, won by pinfall or submission. That’s quite the odd choice for a stipulation. The rest of Order 4 is here too. Ali gets smart by whipping out some scissors to cut himself free and kicks Skyler in the face.

Skyler fights back and manages a backdrop to the floor. Jason Hotch gets the scissors away and gives them to Skyler, which removes the ropes as a factor less than two minutes into the match. Skyler hits a rolling neckbreaker for two but gets sent into the post. Ali hits a quick 450 for the pin at 3:36.

Rating: D. I have no idea what the point of this thing was, as the arm deal was basically not a factor. In theory the idea was to have Ali get annoyed at Hotch for helping Skyler as Order 4 continues to fall apart. That being said, at some point Ali is going to need a serious challenger to come after him and Hotch and Skyler aren’t big enough.

Post match Ali beats up Hotch for helping Skyler but Tasha Steelz blocks a chair shot. Cedric Alexander, and a former rival of Ali’s, debuts and the rest of Order 4 gets behind him. Ali leaves on his own, despite Alexander trying to reason with him. That might not be the big name, but it’s a step in the right direction.

We recap the System beating down Matt Cardona and the Home Town Man last week.

The System is ready for Leon Slater at Slammiversary but Cardona interrupts and wants a fight. The team just leaves instead.

Hardys vs. Northern Armory

Eric Young is here with the Armory. Jeff takes over on Williams’ arm to start and it’s off to Matt to do more of the same. Young pulls Matt out to the floor for a cheap shot though and Icarus takes over in the corner. Young gets caught interfering again though and that’s good for an early ejection. Matt is able to bring Jeff back in to clean house and the Plot Twist sets up the Swanton to pin Icarus at 4:13.

Rating: C+. The Armory was only able to do so much without Young here and that isn’t a big surprise. The Hardys get a win here and get ready for their next title shot in their signature match. I’ll spare myself yet another rant about the ladder stipulation and go with saying it’s nice to see the Hardys looking a lot better in the ring than they did in recent years. They seem to be all together for once and that is great to see.

Post match the Hardys invite Leon Slater to the ring because they’re ready to see him win the X-Division Title at Slammiversary. Slater say that endorsement means so much to him and he promises to win the title for himself and his family and the fans. He’s ready for Moose and will be at ringside during Moose’s match.

Moose vs. Shane Sabre vs. Jake Painter

Non-title and Slater is on commentary. Moose wanted this to be a three way so he could show Slater what is coming for him at Slammiversary. Moose boots both of them in the face to start and hits a double clothesline. Sabre is sent outside and the spear finishes Painter at 2:03.

Post match Slater gets in the ring for the staredown but Moose bails.

Video on First Class helping Trick Williams, including against Mike Santana.

Mike Santana vs. AJ Francis

Street fight and KC Navarro is here with Francis. They go straight to the slugout to start with Santana knocking him to the floor. It’s already time for a table and Santana hits a running boot to send Francis over the barricade. Francis is sent into the barricade but manages to send him into the same barricade as we take a break.

Back with Francis choking with a chair, which he then sits in to talk trash. Santana slugs back but gets slammed onto the chair to cut him off. That doesn’t last long as Santana sends him outside for a flip dive and it’s time to set up the tables. An Asai moonsault cuts Francis down again and the rolling Buck Fifty gets two back inside.

Santana AA’s him through two chairs for two and then does it again through the tables. Cue Trick Williams but Joe Hendry runs out for the save, leaving Santana to hit a frog splash for two. Francis pulls him out of the air for a Styles Clash of all things though and it’s time to bring in the champagne bottle. Santana takes it away though and smashes it over Francis’ head. Spin The Block gives Santana the pin at 15:44.

Rating: B. This was a heck of a fight and I got far more into it than I was expecting. It’s a good example of a match that is made better by the crowd, as they wanted to see Santana beat this guy up. I had a great time with the whole thing and Santana looked like a star. He’s going to be in the World Title picture sooner than later and if TNA doesn’t pull the trigger on him eventually, I have no idea what they’re missing.

Post match Santana thanks the fans and says he wants in the main event for the World Title at Slammiversary to end the show. Well that would be a game changer to the match.

Overall Rating: B-. That main event pulled this one way up and that’s nice to see. Santana continues his incredible rise and very well might be added to the World Title match at Slammiversary. The rest of the show only did so much for me, but Santana vs. Francis was more than enough to boost things up.

Results
Zachary Wentz b. Ryan Nemeth – Spiral Tap
Ash By Elegance won a battle royal last eliminating Tessa Blanchard and Indi Hartwell
Mustafa Ali b. John Skyler – 450
Hardys b. Northern Armory – Swanton to Icarus
Moose b. Shane Sabre and Jake Painter – Spear to Painter
Mike Santana b. AJ Francis – Spin The Block

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

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

Impact Wrestling
Date: June 12, 2025
Location: Mullett Arena, Tempe, Arizona
Commentators: Matthew Rehwoldt, Tom Hannifan

Against All Odds has come and gone and not much happened, with the biggest story possibly being the return of the IInspiration. We’re still on the road to Slammiversary and that could go in a few different directions. For one thing, we need some new contenders to the titles, including the one mostly likely to take the title from Trick Williams. We have a little over a month to go before the pay per view and that means it is time to get ready for the show. Let’s get to it.

Here is Against All Odds if you need a recap.

Against All Odds recap.

Earlier today, Santino Marella wouldn’t let Mike Santana in the building, saying he could be back in two weeks. Marella also had security throw Robert Stone out of the building.

Opening sequence.

Here is Santino Marella to get things going. He’s happy to be done with Robert Stone but he has business to cover. First up, Moose will officially be defending the X-Division Title against Leon Slater at Slammiversary. Second, next week it’s the Champions Challenge, with the champions teaming up against an all-star team. As for tonight, it’s the 8-4-1 match, with eight Knockouts in a four on four tag. The winning team then has a four way with the winner receiving a Knockouts Title shot. The next few weeks will be inspirational, so that brings out some returning stars.

IInspiration vs. Missa Kate/Brittnie Brooks

McKay won’t shake Kate’s hand to start but will run her over with a shoulder. It’s off to Lee to take Brooks down and some double kicks to the back have her in more trouble. IInspiration does their double pose but Kate gets in a cheap shot from the apron. Brooks takes over but it’s back to Lee to clean house. A fisherman’s suplex gets two on Kate with Brooks making the save, followed by the Idolizer to finish Kate at 4:38.

Rating: C. The IInspiration has never exactly been known for their in-ring work so this was all about getting them back out there for an official match. They beat up these two without much effort and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them getting a title shot rather soon. It’s not like there are many teams to beat to get there.

The Hardys are ready to get back to the Tag Team Titles and that starts tonight by beating First Class.

We look at First Class appearing this week on NXT, setting up a six man between First Class/Trick Williams vs. Elijah/Josh Briggs/Yoshiki Inamura.

It’s time for the First Class Penthouse and it’s looking like a first class summer. AJ Francis is looking to give away some money and has a kid come on stage to do his best MONEY MONEY MONEY. And that’s not good enough for Francis, who tells the kid to get lost. Therefore it’s time to bring out the guest, Trick Williams. He likes First Class, with Francis thinking they need their own gold. Once they beat the Hardys tonight, it’s time to get a Tag Team Title shot. And that’s it.

We look at Jason Hotch coming close to beating Mustafa Ali at Against All Odds. Several minutes of the match are aired.

The System comes up to Hotch in the back and says if he takes out Leon Slater tonight, there might be a spot on the team for him. Order 4 comes in and Mustafa Ali isn’t impressed. The System moves on to Matt Cardona, telling him to find a partner for a tag match next week.

Leon Slater vs. Jason Hotch

John Skyler is here with Hotch while Slater talks about coming after the X-Division Title at Slammiversary. Slater takes him down to start but gets flipped over into the corner, setting up a slingshot backbreaker for two. The seated abdominal stretch goes on twice in a row but Slater gets up for a suplex neckbreaker. A handspring elbow gives Slater two so Hotch hits a Mustafa Ali rolling neckbreaker for the same. Back up and Slater hits a quick Blue Thunder Bomb and a jumping knee sets up the Swanton 450 for the pin on Hotch at 7:40.

Rating: B-. Slater is already locked in for the title shot at Slammiversary so now it is time to hammer home the fact that he is ready for Moose. There was no need for this to get a lot of time and while Hotch isn’t a top level opponent, he’s not going to slow Slater down. Nice stuff here and it did what it was supposed to do.

Tessa Blanchard doesn’t care what kind of a match she’s in because the end result is her winning. And she doesn’t like Gia Miller very much.

Rosemary/Dani Luna/Tessa Blanchard/Xia Brookside vs. Jody Threat/Tasha Steelz/Killer Kelly/Indi Hartwell

The winning team moves on to a four way. Steelz quickly hands it off to Threat, who has to face her former partner Luna. They trade some rollups for two each and it’s off to Steelz vs. Brookside. A hurricanrana out of the corner and a crossbody put Steelz down and Rosemary comes in. Rosemary goes after Brookside, whom she still doesn’t like, and gets into a slugout with Kelly as the two bounce back and forth.

Blanchard comes in and sends Kelly to the apron to stomp away before getting in a cheap shot on Hartwell. It’s back to Rosemary, who misses a charge into the corner, allowing the tag off to Hartwell. Everything breaks down and it’s the parade of finishers, with Hartwell hitting the Hurts Donut for the pin on Rosemary at 7:43.

Rating: C+. This was a tricky match to put together as the teams were basically drawn at random. You had some moments like Luna vs. Threat, but the majority was stuff taking place without much in the way of a backstory. The title is the big thing, but when half of the people are going to be gone in the #1 contenders match, it’s kind of hard to make the whole thing work.

Jody Threat vs. Tasha Steelz vs. Killer Kelly vs. Indi Hartwell

For a future Knockouts Title shot. Kelly and Hartwell knock the other two outside, leaving Kelly to get two off a northern lights suplex. Threat is sent into the steps and it’s Steelz coming back in to go after Hartwell. Kelly headbutts Steelz down and a faceplant gives Kelly two. Threat comes in with a high crossbody but gets clotheslined down by Hartwell. Steelz’s springboard bulldog is broken up and Hartwell hits the Hurts Donut on Steelz….but Kelly steals the pin at 5:22.

Rating: C. I’m not sure if it was due to having back to back matches or what, but this was rather disappointing. You would expect a #1 contenders match to get a bit of time but here they were, wrapping this up in just over five minutes. Kelly getting the shot makes sense given her history with Slamovich, but that doesn’t feel like a Slammiversary title match. Granted they never said when the title match will take place, but hopefully it takes place elsewhere.

Masha Slamovich is ready for Killer Kelly because this is where it would always go. She’ll put Kelly in her place.

We look at Steve Maclin retaining the International Title over Mance Warner at Against All Odds.

Maclin praises Warner for hitting him hard, but now it’s on to the Champions Challenge. He’s ready to take out Trick Williams, but if anyone wants to come at him, know what you’re doing.

Here are Mance Warner and Steph de Lander, with the latter claiming that Warner was cheated. Warner has to be held back from attacking a production assistant and takes his aggression out on Tommy Dreamer.

Sami Callihan isn’t happy that an outsider has the TNA World Title so here are Eric Young and the Northern Armory. They aren’t happy about it either and an alliance is teased, but Young decks Callihan instead.

First Class vs. Hardys

Francis tries a cheap shot to start fast but gets knocked outside, leaving Navarro and Jeff to officially get things going. Matt comes in to go after the arm and it’s Francis coming back in, only to get knocked right back out. We take a break and come back with a double suplex getting two on Navarro, followed by a catapult into a legdrop. Rehwoldt: “Egad!”

Jeff armbars Navarro but Francis grabs the hair. The distraction lets Navarro take Jeff down and it’s time for Francis to finally take over. The chinlock doesn’t last long as Jeff fights up and hits the Twisting Stunner. Another Twisting Stunner allows the tag off to Matt to pick up the pace in a hurry. A Side Effect gets two on Francis but Trick Williams runs in for the DQ at 7:32.

Rating: C+. The ending was designed to set up something else later on and that’s not a bad way to go. The Hardys are a team who can be put into a title match at the drop of a hat with no questions asked and First Class is in the biggest story they’ve ever had. Let them stay strong here, with a six man being likely.

Post match the beatdown is on but Joe Hendry and Elijah run in for the save. Cue the System and Leon Slater as well but the good guys clear the ring. Slater hits his big running flip dive onto the pile on the floor to end the show.

Overall Rating: C. I wasn’t feeling this one all that much, as they did a few things, but a good bit of the show was spent setting up the Knockouts Title match. Other than that. Slater was all but guaranteed the title shot at Slammiversary so there wasn’t much to be done there. It’s not an awful show or even bad, but it felt like they weren’t putting a ton of content into this one. Maybe that’s due to the taping schedule, but this was only ok at best.

Results
IInspiration b. Missa Kate/Brittnie Brooks – Idolizer to Kate
Leon Slater b. Jason Hotch – Swanton 450
Jody Threat/Tasha Steelz/Killer Kelly/Indi Hartwell b. Rosemary/Dani Luna/Tessa Blanchard/Xia Brookside – Hurts Donut to Rosemary
Killer Kelly b. Jody Threat, Tasha Steelz and Indi Hartwell – Hurts Donut to Steelz
Hardys b. First Class via DQ when Trick Williams interfered

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