January 9, 2022.
Credit: Impact Wrestling.
The title of the first pay-per-view of the new year was Hard To Kill, and it featured a three-way dance between world champion Moose, Matt Cardona and W. Morrissey.
In the first-ever women's Ultimate X match, 10 top stars waged Hardcore War, and in the Texas Death match, Mickie James and Deonna Purrazzo battled for the Knockouts Championship.
Who wore gold by night's end and enjoyed the bragging rights?
This recap of the January 8 event is for you.
The Impact World Championship Match is between Matt Cardona and W. Morrissey.
Mickie James will face Deonna Purrazzo in the Texas Death Match for the Knockouts Championship.
The Ring of Honor World Championship match is between Jonathan and Chris.
The X-Division Championship Match is between Steve and Trey.
Willie Mack, Rich Swann, Eddie Edwards, Rhino, and Heath are in a hardcore war.
The first-ever Women's Ultimate X match will feature a winner getting a future title shot.
Chris Bey vs. Laredo Kid. Mike Bailey is known as "Speedball".
Credit: Impact Wrestling.
The new play-by-play commentator Tom Hanifan welcomed the viewing audience as the show began with a battle between Madman Fulton and Jake Something.
Fulton worked his opponent with his fury. Something fought back with a pair of throat thrusts. He got a near-fall and then clotheslined.
The heel added another chokeslam. Something put Fulton away with the Black Hole Slam after an attempt at a third failed.
Result.
Something defeated Fulton.
A grade.
C.
The analysis was done.
Something won the battle of the big men because he has all of the physical tools to be a world champion. He is missing a chance to prove himself in a big spot. One can hope that the opportunity will come around the corner after his two tough showings against Jonah.
A good way to start the night's festivities and set the stage for the rest of the event.
Credit: Impact Wrestling.
Mike Bailey waited five years for the chance to compete in Impact Wrestling. He was able to compete in a four-way X-Division match against former champion Chris Bey and Ace Austin, along with the world-famous Laredo Kid.
He would win.
A wild, chaotic match featuring the high-risk moves and jaw-dropping arsenals one comes to expect from the division, it would climax with Bey and Kid on the outside of the ring, allowing the newcomer to delivered a 450 double knees to the back of Austin for the upset win.
Result.
Bailey beat Austin, Bey and Kid.
A grade.
B-
The analysis was done.
This was a great introduction to Bailey, in a match that suits his offense. It would have meant more on the main card, where more would have been made of it than it was here.
It's disappointing that a match of this caliber was not included in the pre-show. There is only so much room on the main card, but it could have been used for a sprint match like this one.
Bailey earned the spotlight and paid off management's belief in him by shining in his first major in-ring exposure in a major North American promotion.
Credit: Impact Wrestling.
Six women competed in an Ultimate X match in order to win the knockouts championship. A field that also included Rosemary, and others, was led by Texas' own, Jordynne Grace.
The only way to win a match of this type was to scale the cables and get the red X above the ring.
The presence of Steelz's partner and Rosemary's partner was felt early, but they were wiped out by the field.
Rosemary and Grace both caught Steelz with a powerbomb from up high. The competitors were wiped out by a moonsault from the rigging.
The first woman to win a match of its type, Steelz and Green raced to grab the X but it was the former that fell to the mat below with the prize in her possession, earning her the title and etching her name in the history books.
Result.
Steelz beat Green,Edwards, Frost, Rosemary and Grace.
A grade.
C+.
The analysis was done.
There was a lot of pressure on these six women to do well in a match that even the best to ever lace a pair of boots have struggled in. They showed guts, creativity and a balls-to-the-wall mentality as they executed some jaw-dropping spots.
Was the match perfect? Absolutely not. There were a few scary spots that were more a reflection of nerves than anything else. This was a great way to start the show. Steelz was elevated as a singles performer, something fans have been waiting for since the break up of Fire N Flava.
She is a star in the making, as is Frost, and both showed up in a strong first effort by the Knockouts division in a high-profile match.
Credit: Impact Wrestling.
During his entrance, Steve Maclin wiped X-Division champion Trey Miguel out with a missile under the bottom rope. The champ threw his opponent down the ramp.
Maclin was 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 800-273-3217 He added a side suplex on the apron to punish his opponent.
The separation was created by a double stomp to the chest by Miguel. Maclin hung Miguel up on the ropes. He added the Crosshairs, a spear through the ropes, to his opponent.
The champion recovered and delivered Metera off the ropes and to the floor, driving the back of Maclin's head into the guardrail at ringside. Maclin showed incredible strength as he earned a two-count.
He was not prepared for a third Meteora as he was unable to prepare himself for the Impact match as he was unable to pin Maclin.
Result.
Maclin was defeated by Miguel.
A grade.
A.
The analysis was done.
The early Match of the Night paid off with one of the best rivalries entering this pay-per-view.
This was a great contest that elevated the performers and title because of its hard-hitting, physical and dramatic nature. Maclin was ruthless in his attack of the champ while he was also smart and determined to get the win.
The X-Division match stole the show from The IInspiration when it was pulled from the card due to COVID-19 protocols.
Maclin is no longer a forgotten son.
Credit: Impact Wrestling.
Ian and Bobby Cruise of Ring of Honor joined the broadcast team as Jonathan Gresham defended against Chris Sabin in a match that had been delayed two-and-a-half years.
The Ring of Honor competitors were able to impress the fans in Texas with their mat-based battle because of Ring of Honor Pure rules. At one point, Sabin delivered Cradle Shock for three, only to find out that Gresham had slid his foot under the bottom rope for the break.
The crowd was brought to their feet by a volley of chest-rattling chops. A series of pins and reversals gave way to a hard-fought victory for Gresham.
Result.
The team from Gresham defeated the team from Sabin.
A grade.
B+.
The analysis was done.
Impact could have done a better job of preparing the audience for the difference in rules, but they did a great job of laying them out as the match went on.
One of the best wrestlers in the company's two-decade history is Sabin, who has been in his fair share of high-profile bouts. In his first chance to make a name for himself in front of Impact fans, Gresham earned their respect with his tenacity and mat game matched only by his opponent.
The title was retained fairly and squarely by Gresham after he came back to win the match. This was the second great match in a row as Impact set the table for a great show.
Credit: Impact Wrestling.
After arriving in Impact Wrestling at Turning Point, he made an example of Josh Alexander, who was a world champion. He left The Walking Weapon lying on AXS TV after he drove him through a table with a big splash.
He continued his dominance, controlling the early portion of the match by targeting his opponent's injured ribs. Alexander created an opportunity for separation, but Jonah countered an attempt at the C4 spike and added a running senton to the ribs.
Alexander dared Jonah to fight him. A series of clothesline attempts finally took the big man over the top rope and to the floor, where he brought his weight down on the ankle his opponent was targeting earlier.
Alexander jumped off the top rope and into the stands on his opponent's side. The fight was stopped when Alexander was hit with a huge suplex by Jonah, who then sent him into the ring post.
After turning Alexander inside out with a clothesline for two, he delivered a brainbuster. He missed a moonsault, allowing the former world champ to hit him with a rolling elbow, followed by a German suplex, and then powerbomb for two. He stomped and applied an ankle lock on Jonah as he tried to get the submission win. The big man tapped, awarding the match to Alexander.
Result.
Alexander defeated Jonah.
A grade.
A.
The analysis was done.
Two hated foes are fighting in a physical battle.
Alexander took advantage of the missed opportunities in the match, which was an incredible wrestling match.
The growth and evolution of The Walking Weapon over the last year has been extraordinary. He has overcome all doubts that he could succeed at the top level of competition as a singles competitor and is now the man in the company, another run with the top prize awaiting him sooner rather than later.
There is nothing lost here. He can argue that he lived to see another day rather than risk a serious ankle injury. If he makes another appearance for the company, he should get rave reviews for helping drag Alexander into a fight that was a key win in his journey back to the world title.
Credit: Impact Wrestling.
The rules were simple, think War Games without the double rings and steel cages. Two men started, another entered from the team. The winner would not be determined until all the men entered. The only way to win was by submission. There would be no disqualifications.
Karl Anderson joined the heel side of things and his team held the man advantage until Machine Gun's victory Thursday night on AXS TV. Mack hit the ring with an ax handle. When did this become Anchorman 2? Hanifan asked about commentary.
Gallows drove a golf club into the nether regions of Mack and broke Swann over the head with a piece of the door. As he unloaded on the heels, the former world champion brought Kenny the Kendo stick with him.
Young rekindling his rivalry with both of them. Anderson and Young were blinded by powder and then downed by a lead pipe. The action spilled to the floor before Doering entered.
As the clock counted down, Rhino hit the ring, looking to avenge the many beat downs and mental torment he was dealt by Young and VBD over the last year.
Blood flowed as the 10 competitors came face-to-face, then exchanged blows, neither holding a distinct advantage. A violent exchange of trash can lid shots to the face was won by Edwards, who added a kendo stick shot to the head of Young. The heart and soul of Impact splintered his weapon of choice as he took out his frustration on the heels.
After lighting it on fire and hitting Gallows with the weapon, he fell prey to a piledriver through a table at ringside by Young. Mack put a board of barbed wire in the middle of the field.
Anderson flattened Mack with the Stun Gun after Doering drove Swann through it. Anderson was pinned by the Gore and Heath.
Ring of Honor's Matt Taven, Mike Bennett,Vincent and PCO laid waste to the babyfaces after the match. Maria Kanellis stood tall to close out the shocking segment.
Result.
The Good Brothers and Violent By Design were defeated.
A grade.
B.
The analysis was done.
The ring was too packed with talent at one point, but the brawl was a nice change of pace after three killer wrestling matches. It was a sign that Impact does well, it put Rhino and Heath over as the next challengers to The Good Brothers' tag titles.
The stars of Ring of Honor were introduced.
Matt Taven, Mike Bennett,Vincent and PCO immediately injected a sense of uncertainty into the company. Is Impact in the middle of a full-blown ROH invasion? Maybe this is the beginning of a partnership between the company and the "forbidden door"?
Scott D'Amore put over having no knowledge of what happened and vowed to call it "Baltimore", which strengthens the mystery and will keep fans interested.
Credit: Impact Wrestling.
The opening minutes of the Impact World Championship match were action packed.
The defending champion Moose and his challengers enjoyed spurts of offense but it was a big Tower of Doom spot from him that finally gave him some confidence. He was halted by an appearance by Green and a crossbody from the world champion.
At ringside, Morrissey flattened Cardona. Morrssey was sent to the floor by the Long Island Broski. The challenger sent the world champion off the top rope and through the timekeeper's table after an exchange with Cardona.
The babyface delivered Radio Silence for a strong near-fall after a leg made its way into the ring from the crowd. Cardona came within a second of winning the world title, but his dreams were dashed when Moose interrupted the count.
Cardona flattened the referee with Radio Silence after he accidentally wiped out the referee with a spear. The world champion did not see the powerbomb that Morrissey delivered but his fall went uncounted.
The two men accidentally hit Green with a steel chair. The champ powerbombed Cardona into both green and the referee. The Lights Out spear was delivered by Moose.
Result.
Moose defeated Cardona and Morrissey.
A grade.
A.
The analysis was done.
If you liked the main events of the Attitude Era, you loved this.
This was a story-heavy brawl that used referee bumps to protect Cardona and Morrissey, was interrupted by Green to payoff the chair shot angle from earlier in the program, and provided a successful title defense for Moose.
This probably could have spared one of the ref bumps, but that is nitpicking.
The top of the Impact card is strong, healthy and deep after a match that exceeded expectations, and was a result of a feud that arrived at the pay-per-view riding a solid storyline.
When you consider Josh Alexander and the other newcomers, it's even more important.
Credit: Impact Wrestling.
In a Texas Death Match, Mickie James had until the count of 10 to get back to her feet if she lost the match.
James scored a quick pinfall. The champion was knocked out by the challenger, but James came back to her feet. James was sent into the ring post by Purrazzo, who was watching from the front row.
The Virtuosa ran her opponent over with an anvil case on the stage. James narrowly avoided a loss after a pinfall, but was beaten back down the entrance ramp. James hit her opponent with a dropkick, sending her off the apron and to the floor.
James used her knee brace to hit Purrazzo. Purrazzo attacked the champion after she retrieved a table from under the ring. Purrazzo kicked the champion into a bag of thumbtacks after a few teases.
Hardcore Country was in danger of losing her title reign. James was Choked by her own men. Purrazzo took her back down as she struggled to her feet.
Purrazzo grabbed a chair and teed off on the injured knee of her opponent as the champ rolled around in the tacks. James knocked her off the ropes and to the floor when he hit her with a steel chair.
The champion delivered a Thesz Press and pinned her opponent. Matthew lifted Purrazzo to her feet in time for James to wipe them out.
Purrazzo earned another pinfall by delivering the Queen's Gambit off the ropes and through a table. James made it up and as she built her strength, Purrazzo went low.
James hit Purrazzo with a Mick Kick and delivered the Mick-DT for the pinfall after he shook it off. James retained her title after burying Purrazzo.
Result.
James defeated Purrazzo.
A grade.
A.
The analysis was done.
Impact Wrestling put an emphasis on women's wrestling Saturday night, booking historic matches featuring its immensely talented Knockouts division.
The effort by James and Purrazzo was off the charts here as they brought the appropriate physical and emotional violence to the feud that has been the hottest in the company for three months now. The use of weaponry was on point and in the context of the story heading into the show, it made sense that Rehwoldt interfered.
Purrazzo tried to play mind games by trying to retain her title, but she was defeated by James, who fought off a body puncture by thumbtacks and a failed attempt to play mind games.
Was everything perfect? No. Did the bounce-back chair shot by Purrazzo have an impact on the finish? That is where the charm is. It wasn't as good as we get elsewhere. Any emotionally intense battle would make it feel natural and blemished. It helped elevate the quality.
It will be interesting to see who takes over from James next, with Ring of Honor champ Rok-C also making her presence felt in the main event, and Ultimate X winner Tasha Steelz. Strong television is fueled by mystery.
The coming weeks on Impact should be great for fans of women's wrestling.
B/Rs recommend.
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