Impact Wrestling 5 Takeaways: OVE vs LAX Barbed Wire Massacre
By Dj Beal
5. Taiji Ishimori and Dezmond Xavier Renew Their Rivalry
The Dezmond Xavier vs Taiji Ishimori rivalry continues as the X-Division Championship is on the line. These two men battled in the Super X Cup a few months back where Xavier was the winner on that occasion. Now with the championship on the line there is even more to this rivalry.
Xavier and Ishimori start the match with a staredown as they tried to feel each other out. Ishimori took the early advantage but Xavier fought his way back in. An incredible dive over the top rope and the guard rail put the challenger, Xavier firmly in control. Even when Ishimori tried to fight back as the match went back into the ring, Xavier had him scouted with a driving cutter.
Dezmond Xavier has the champion reeling after a potential match of the year defense two weeks ago. It’s the strength of Taiji Ishimori that allows the X-Division Champion to fight back. The offensive momentum of Ishimori doesn’t last long as Xavier almost puts it away with the Final Flash. That move has put away many of Xavier’s opponents but on this night, Ishimori will not be denied as he kicks out at two. The two begin to exchange moves late in the match and it shows the history between the two men. An exchange like this would signal the end for Dezmond Xavier as Taiji Ishimori retains his X-Division Championship.