As the last month of the year approaches, Impact Wrestling looks to show who they have
Tonight’s Impact Wrestling show followed the Halloween special from last week. As Bound for Glory is close to a month behind, new feuds continue to develop. Tonight’s show was more about showcasing in ring talent than even building on story lines. There were many debuting or newer wrestlers to the Impact roster who were able to show their skills in matches that they were unlikely to win.
Newer stars like Tyson Dux, Hakim Zayn, and Kaci Spinelli were able to take control of their matches throughout the night. Although, none of them were victorious, it was a solid showing to the fanbase of some of Impact’s future talent. It seems like Impact Wrestling is returning to the formula that gave them recognition in their prior years.
The rivalry between Johnny Impact and Alberto El Patron has reached personal levels. After the two found themselves in a violent brawl backstage a few week ago, they were able to try and settle issues tonight in the ring. They battled in the main event which we know the Impact Grand Champion would be far from as he was watching.
The Knockout’s Championship Tournament is underway to crown a new Undisputed Knockout’s Champion. Hakim Zayn had his wrestling skill tested against Taiji Ishimori. Also, America Top Team still has their eyes on take down Impact Wrestling. The Six Sides of Steel match at Bound for Glory wasn’t enough as Dan Lambert has entered himself even more into the fray. Tonight’s show felt more like a wrestling show than even as Impact Wrestling continues to give time to their talent.
5. The Knockouts are Showcased in the Semifinals of Knockout’s Championship Tournament
Laurel Van Ness, Kaci Spinelli, and Madison Rayne battle in a triple threat match to open the show. This is one of the two semifinal matches in a tournament to determine the Undisputed Knockout’s Champion. Gail Kim relinquished the Knockout’s Title shortly after winning it at Bound for Glory as she enters retirement.
All three women in this match went for pins in the early going. Every one had a chance to gain offensive momentum but Van Ness had the most momentum. Whether it was her unusual ways of attack or the confusion on the faces of her competitors, Laurel looked to be in control. The triple threat aspect of the match allowed Madison Rayne to take control of Van Ness. Laurel Van Ness was able to regain control in the exact same way when Rayne was focused on Spinelli. Kaci Spinelli may seem like the most inexperienced but she was able to take out both women at the same time. Laurel Van Ness capitalizes with her Unprettier finishing move on Kaci Spinelli.
This was a match that showed the talent that the Knockout’s Division has. Both matches will surely be solid showcases of what the Knockout’s Division has to offer. There may not be the veteran mainstream talent that everyone knows of but this is the way you build a division. Sometimes, you have to build by signing some of the best in the world who have seen their fair share on the independent scene. Things are looking up for the Knockout’s division as Laurel Van Ness advances to the finals.
4. Hakim Zayn looks to Earn His Stripes against Ishimori
Hakim Zayn was the winner of Global Forged; a short version of Tough Enough in Impact. Fans are unsure of who exactly Zayn is. He has his work cut out for him against Taiji Ishimori who is a former GHC Light Heavyweight Champion.
The winner of Global Forged came into the this match looking to gain some momentum. He started this match fast and furious. For the most part, he had the majority of the offensive momentum in his favor. Zayn showed an aggression that he needs to be successful and showed that he can compete with one of the best from Japan. Ishimori reversed Zayn’s offense with his gutbuster then ended the match was his signature 450 splash. After the match, Caleb Konley and Trevor Lee leave Ishimori laying in the middle of the ring after attacking him from behind.
Hakim Zayn looked very good in this match. It was an amazing way to showcase what Zayn can do. No one expected him to win but at the same time, I’m not sure if anyone thought he’d look this solid in the match. He had Ishimori on the ropes for a large part of this match but the veteran savvy of the former GHC Light Heavyweight Champion allowed him to fight his way back into the match.
3. Unlikely Match of the Night in the X-Division: Matt Sydal vs Tyson Dux
Tyson Dux steps into the ring with Matt Sydal. Fans may remember Dux as one of the competitors in the Cruiserweight Classic. Dux also is a member of the Border City Wrestling roster from Canada. Ethan Carter III was on commentary as he has found himself as Sydal’s biggest critic. Carter claims that Sydal doesn’t have a killer instinct and can’t win his marque matches.
This had a very techinical start but everyone expected to tempo to increase. Dux played fantastic defense in this match reversing many of Sydal’s typical moves. Tyson Dux showcases his strength and submission abilites against Sydal. Sydal fights his way back into the match using defense of his own. Even with plenty of fight from Tyson Dux, Matt Sydal uses his opportunities wisely and wins the match with his Shooting Star Press.
Another amazing showcase of the X-Division which fans are able to see more consistently on weekly Impact Wrestling shows. Matt Sydal has become a mainstay in the X-Division and should be in route to becoming the champion of that division. Tyson Dux is still finding his way in Impact but had an impressive showing tonight. Much like other newcomers, Hakim Zayn and Kaci Spinelli, Dux also was able to make great use of his time with an experienced competitor.
2. Is Impact Putting More of an Emphasis on Wrestling?
This was a show that was highly wrestling based. The only true in depth feud that was majorly featured focused on the MMA versus Pro Wrestling battle. Even Alberto El Patron and Johnny Impact has been built in the ring or in backstage brawls.
Most of the time in mainstream wrestling, companies are trying to appeal to the casual fan. The casual fan is more entertained by storylines but this show was more wrestling based. A showcase of the X-Division that shows off two guys in different periods of their careers. Also, a huge match for Hakim Zayn battling a world renown champion with no backstory on why the match occurred.
The show had promos of course but then again that is a part of wrestling. It has become difficult to please fans because at times it is like they only want wrestling and no build to it. Impact took a chance with this show as just a way to showcase some of their talent. I’d say it was a half and half show. Half of the matches were based on previously running story lines while the others were basically a talent showcase.
1. Johnny Impact and Alberto El Patron Continues to Get Heated
Johnny Impact and Alberto El Patron were in one of the most intriguing brawls a few weeks ago. This caused the two to be thrown out of the building for a week. After some thought, Impact management felt that the best idea was for the two to settle in in the ring.
This match started in a smash mouth fashion as it has become about more than just wrestling. Alberto El Patron feels disrespected by Impact management which has causes disrespect and foul play with Johnny Impact’s title opportunities. El Patron takes control as the match goes to the outside of the ring. It’s a tale of where this match takes place as to who will gain control halfway in the early going.
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As expected, this match has been a cold blooded fight between the two bitter rivals. As the tempo increases, Impact finds his way back into the match. I am surprised that Alberto El Patron didn’t focus on Impact’s injured arm more in this match. Johnny Impact uses one of El Patron’s signatures moves to try and set up his inverted 450 splash but the referee is taken out due to El Patron. Alberto El Patron is firmly in control but Eli Drake comes out and is taken out by El Patron. The distraction allows Johnny Impact to be victorious in this match. After the match, Petey Willams comes to the aid of Johnny Impact as they are the last two standing after a number of physical encounters.