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IMPACT Wrestling presents its first major event of 2022 with its third annual "Hard to Kill" show. Despite years of poor creative decisions and lackluster management of top-tier talent, the company has managed to survive. The majority of fans will tell you that when the company sticks to pure wrestling, it's an exceptional show.
When looking at the "Hard to Kill" card, the match outcomes appear to be fairly straightforward. It doesn't look like IMPACT is looking to spring any major surprises (unless there is a free-agent signing that has flown under the radar). The company appears to be following a straight path while building its current roster. Below are previews of each match along with possible outcomes.
1. Moose Retains the IMPACT World Championship over Matt Cardona and W. Morrissey
IMPACT has told a good story with all three competitors. The creative team has taken time to establish Moose as a credible champion. A match against Matt Cardona wouldn't be overly exciting in normal conditions. However, IMPACT has done well to show him as a talented star who doesn't have the credentials he deserves. W. Morrissey has done a great job overcoming his past demons and finding a place with a major wrestling company. He plays the heel role well and it has been interesting to watch his alliance with Moose unfold over the last several months. Normally, it's best when championship matches are one-on-one, but in this case, the rationale for the triple threat has been built nicely.
2. Deonna Purrazzo Wins the IMPACT Knockouts Championship over Mickie James in a Texas Death Match
The decision to move the IMPACT Knockouts Championship off Deonna Purrazzo last year was questionable. Purrazzo is one of the best performers in the industry and Mickie James is at a stage where she doesn't need a championship. However, it turned out to be the right move in hindsight.
IMPACT has made this match feel fresh with the way the story has been told. The "Texas Death Match" stipulation will generate a level of interest and intrigue. New talent has also been brought into the Knockouts Division, so if Purrazzo regains the title, she will have some fresh opponents to work with.
3. Chelsea Green wins the Ultimate X Match over Jordynne Grace, Lady Frost, Rachael Ellering, Rosemary and Tasha Steelz
IMPACT has one of the strongest women's rosters in all of wrestling. The Ultimate X match is a great way to show off the talent outside of the championship match. In reality, any of these women would be fine contenders for the championship. However, Chelsea Green is new to the company and would receive a significant boost off of a title shot.
Should Deonna Purrazzo win the IMPACT Knockouts Championship over Mickie James, Green would be the perfect babyface challenger. Green and Purrazzo are reportedly friends outside the ring and this would make the storyline even more intriguing.
4. Jonah Defeats Josh Alexander
Jonah, formerly known as Bronson Reed in NXT, was a great signing for IMPACT Wrestling in 2021. By matching him with Josh Alexander in his first high-profile match for the company, it is clear that they have big plans for him. He is clearly a potential contender for the IMPACT World Championship. Alexander should still be in the championship picture, so expect him to have a strong showing despite taking a loss. The victory would establish Jonah as a threat in his own right.
5. Eddie Edwards, Heath, Rhino, Willie Mack and Rich Swann Defeat The Good Brothers (IMPACT World Tag Team Champions) and Violent by Design
This type of match is traditionally used to get multiple talents on to the show. While this will be a fun match, it's taking Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson away from defending the IMPACT World Tag Team Championship. Once the match is over, moving some of the participants into singles competition would be the way to go.
6. The IInspiration Retain the IMPACT Knockouts Tag Team Championship over The Influence
This isn't the strongest title match the IMPACT creative team have come up with for this show. This is due in particular to both teams being heels. The match should be entertaining, with Madison Rayne being the best participant from a work-rate standpoint.
Hopefully moving forward there are additional teams for the IInspiration to work with, which can provide a more traditional heel-babyface dynamic.
7. Steve Maclin Defeats Trey Miguel for the IMPACT X Division Championship
Since being released by WWE, Steve Maclin and IMPACT have done an excellent job re-inventing his character and making him a top-level heel. His feud with Trey Miguel has been entertaining and this match will likely be the launching point for Maclin's run with the X Division Title. Miguel is a good enough performer to stay relevant in defeat, while Maclin would greatly benefit from the victory.
8. Jonathan Gresham Defeats Chris Sabin
For fans that enjoy pure wrestling, this is a must-see match. Both are top performers and if this opens the show, it will set the tone for the entire night. There's no reason to think that Gresham will not go over here.
