IMPACT Wrestling Hard to Kill 2020: Full card preview and predictions

Ace Austin (c) vs. Trey – X-Division Championship

Last month, one-third of The Rascalz won a number one contender’s match to face Ace Austin for the latter’s newly won X-Division Championship at the Hard to Kill PPV. Sensing game competition from a determined Trey, Austin opted to do what he has always done in big feuds like this – mind games.

Austin’s mind games called for Austin to flirt with Trey’s mom, who just happened to be at ringside for the last few shows. This has led to constant warnings and attacks from Trey. But the mind games seem to have worked, as they also led to Trey getting attacked by Austin’s Reno Scum buddies and cost him and The Rascalz a tag team match during one week.

I have a sneaking suspicion that the mind games may play a factor in this title match. No, it is unlikely that Trey’s mom will play a part either at ringside or in some major Russo-lite swerve, but expect Trey to be so driven by anger and revenge that he loses focus of the actual objective: win the title.

Austin will find an opening, attack when the iron is hot, and find a way to retain his belt in the ultimate trump card of a win. Plus, beyond the storyline, Austin won this belt just under a month ago, so it is a little too early for him to lose it yet.

Prediction: Austin retains