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Welcome to the preview of this week's episode of IMPACT Wrestling. The company is laser-focused on building exciting storylines heading into its first special event in August, Emergence.
Despite bringing in megastars from AEW and NJPW, the show has been languishing to draw decent viewership every week. However, management will continue to look for loopholes and produce an eventful episode this time around.
The upcoming episode will be crucial for top-tier stars as they collide in a Battle Royale to determine the new No. 1 Contender for the IMPACT Wrestling World Championship. Aside from this highly-anticipated match, several other exciting singles and tag team bouts have already been announced.
That said, let's take a look at what to expect this Thursday.
#5 Jay White and Chris Bey faces FinJuice on IMPACT Wrestling
NJPW star Jay White has been the center of attraction since making his IMPACT Wrestling debut at Slammiversary. The NEVER Openweight Champion is more focused on hyping up his match against David Finlay.
The equation prompted him to recruit an IMPACT Wrestling star to the Bullet Club in the form of Chris Bey. On Thursday, White and Bey will team up to face David Finlay and Juice Robinson. Last week, Chris Bey got the upper hand over Juice Robinson in a singles bout.
Although the victory came through an assist from Jay White, the IMPACT Wrestling star made quite an impression on his new leader.
The duo didn't have a great record the last time they teamed up together. IMPACT World Tag Team Champions, The Good Brothers defeated them comprehensively.
Following this, Jay White doubted Bey's ability to be in his faction. Another loss could bring back those doubts once again.
Meanwhile, FinJuice has been on the receiving end of a beatdown from their opponents in recent times. Both teams will leave no stone unturned in putting each other down. Fans will also get a preview of what they can expect from White and Finlay at NJPW Resurgence.
#4 Josh Alexander squares off with Daivari on IMPACT Wrestling
IMPACT Wrestling star and X-Division Champion Josh Alexander will collide with Daivari in a singles bout. Last week, after coming up short for an opportunity to become the No.1 contender for the X-Division title, Daivari confronted Alexander and asked him to defend his title.
The Walking Weapon stated that if Daivari beats him in a singles match, he'll get a future shot at his X-Division Championship. Given that stakes have been raised for this one, we can expect the former X-Division Champion to give Alexander a run for his money.
Josh Alexander's recent booking will make him the favorite to walk out victorious this week. The No.1 contender, Jake Something, could play a decisive role in the outcome of this match.
#3 Tenille Dashwood faces Taylor Wilde on IMPACT Wrestling
The spotlight will also be on the Knockouts division as Taylor Wilde faces Tenille Dashwood. Since returning to IMPACT Wrestling, Wilde has found herself involved in a storyline with Dashwood. The latter was hell-bent on trying to get the former Knockouts Champion by her side, but it quickly turned into a heated rivalry.
Taylor Wilde justified her recent absence by blaming it on Kaleb with a K, stating that he reported her as a "suspicious" person and Dashwood is the mastermind behind this foul play.
IMPACT Wrestling star Taylor Wilde then went on to defeat Kaleb a few weeks ago.
With momentum by her side, the former Knockouts Champion will be looking to settle her beef with Tenille Dashwood once and for all on Thursday night.
#2 What's next for Deonna Purrazzo on IMPACT Wrestling?
Since the IMPACT Wrestling Slammiversary, current Knockouts Champion Deonna Purrazzo had been without a challenger for her title. That issue was solved last week when she was confronted by Mickie James who announced that The Virtuosa will defend her Knockouts Championship against Melina Perez.
While this is a marquee bout, fans expect Purrazzo to come out victorious. They also want her to face off against someone from IMPACT Wrestling. At the Homecoming event, we saw the company tease a feud between The Virtuosa and Chelsea Green.
The former WWE superstar recently ended her feud with Tenille Dashwood and could be gunning for the top prize moving forward. IMPACT Wrestling could plant the seeds for this feud which could likely culminate at Bound For Glory 2021.
#1 No.1 Contenders Battle Royale to determine the challenger for the IMPACT Wrestling World Title
The Battle Royale will be the most intriguing match on this week's episode of IMPACT Wrestling. Stars like Sami Callihan, Moose, and Chris Sabin will be appearing in the bout.
The company hasn't unveiled the rest of the participants, to keep the fans on the edge of their seats. Given Sami Callihan's current momentum, the company could book him to become Kenny Omega's next challenger once again.
Both men are currently embroiled in a heated rivalry. It would be easier to capitalize on a long-running feud than to bring in a fresh opponent.
With the announcement being made that Omega will defend the IMPACT Wrestling World Title against Cristian Cage on the debut episode of AEW Rampage, we can expect the winner of the Battle Royale to make his presence felt on Friday.
