IMPACT Wrestling on AXS TV: Results, Highlights and Grades for Nov. 5

Madison Rayne vs. Taya Valkyrie (w/ Johnny Bravo)

Madison Rayne motions to her butt to show off her “Locker Room Leader” gear, but she is not wearing such gear. After pointing it out, Taya confuses Madison long enough to kick her in the butt. Taya chokes Rayne in the corner with a boot to the neck. Pins her afterwards for a two count. Taya goes on to kick and work Madison’s leg for a bit before forearming her in the face.

Taya stinkfaces Rayne in the corner. Odd. Then plays with her manager’s fake dog. Even odder.

She continues strongarming Rayne in the ring, walking around with Rayne around the ring like she’s a child in her arms. Taya attempts a running hip attack but Madison drop toe holds her into the turnbuckle. Madison stinkfaces Taya for payback. Rayne knees Taya in the face before sending us into a commercial break.

Back from the break, Madison hits a running clothesline for a two count. Madison hits the ropes, but manager Bravo sweeps the leg to get Taya back into this match.

Madison catches Taya with an octopus stretch. Cool transition before Taya turns it into a Celtic Cross. Both women down. Back to their feet, forearm exchange. Madison runs at Taya but Taya hits a spinning spinebuster. Madison eventually recovers with a tornado DDT. Taya reverses a ripcord cutter to get back into this.

Taya attempts Road to Valhalla, but Madison turns it into a victory roll. Back to their feet, Madison finally hits a ripcord cutter. She goes for the pin, but ref is distracted when Bravo throws his dog into the ring. Madison throws the dog into the crowd and Bravo runs after it. Distracted, Madison gets school girl pinned, into a knee, into a Valhalla for the win.

Afterwards, Jordynne Grace confronts Taya at the ramp and lays out her manager to send a message.

Winner: Taya

Grade: B-

Just an odd, odd match for the first half, but it gets much, much better in the second half. Bit of an odd finish as well, but it worked and I liked how it turned out. Appreciate the fact this was heel vs. heel, though. That’s different. Don’t see that dynamic every day.

Desi Hit Squad get berated by their manager for losing their tag match last week and the battle royal at Bound for Glory.

Before the commercial, we see Ace Austin arrive to Alisha Edwards’ hotel for their “date.”

Backstage, “Suzie” introduces herself to all of Su Yung’s old foes, Havok and Rosemary, who are just as confused at the transformation as everyone else.