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Impact Wrestling went to Canada for their biggest pay-per-view of the year, Bound For Glory. Even before the event commenced, we received a word that the Taya Valkyrie vs. Rosemary match was off as the former was facing visa issues.
In any case, Bound for Glory was a mixed bag overall. As thumbs in the middle as a pay-per-view can be, really. It was a disappointment after Slammiversay 2017, which was a solid show.
Whatever your opinion on the show may be qualitatively, one must admit that this was a noteworthy show, in a lot of ways indeed. We will list five things that particularly caught our attention and their long-term implications.
Here are five points to note from Bound for Glory in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
#5 Former WWE Superstar in the audience
Perhaps the biggest talking point coming out of Bound for Glory was the fact that Anthony Carelli, better known as Santino Marella from his time in WWE, was in the audience at Bound for Glory 2017.
The former WWE Superstar had retired a few years prior, owing to a string of serious neck injuries. He came out of retirement for one night only in 2017 for a match in Destiny World Wrestling. However, shortly after the match, Carelli retired from the ring for good.
We wonder if this was a one-night-only special appearance by Carelli, or if he will be brought on board as an on-screen Authority figure, if he chooses not to wrestle for Impact Wrestling, going forward. It is to be noted that their previous Authority Figure, Jim Cornette is no longer with the company.
The funny thing is that Carelli and Cornette got into a verbal spat only a few days ago, so if the former replaced the latter, it would be very strange.
#4 Gail Kim retired as Knockouts Champion
Ten years ago, at Bound for Glory, Gail Kim became the first ever Knockouts Champion. Ten years later, again at Bound For Glory, she became the Knockouts Champion. Only this time, she retired as the champion. She defeated Allie and Sienna, to go out on top.
In many ways, this was poetic justice as Gail Kim is a native of Canada, at this moment. She won the championship in front of her home crowd and retired with the Championship that she holds so dearly.
Longtime fans of Gail Kim will miss her in the ring, but we understand that she will be moving on to a backstage role, very soon indeed. The Knockouts Division is very dear to this incredibly gifted woman, and she won't sever her association with the division, even after her retirement.
One can question the decision to not put the belt on Allie, in her hometown of Canada, but few people can dispute that the feel-good factor made everything worth it.
#3 Alberto El Patron made a huge impact!
Alberto El Patron seemed a little unhinged as he made his way back to Impact Wrestling. He was upset at the fact that he was unjustly stripped of the Championship that he once held, even though he was not in the wrong.
He cut a borderline shoot promo, and even threatened violence on announcer, Jeremy Borash, before letting him go. It would not be the final time we would see El Patron during the night. The man would interfere in the main event of the evening, costing Johnny Impact the top prize in Impact Wrestling.
The crowd seems very divided about Alberto El Patron, as of right now. Because of his reputation, they're unsure whether to cheer for him or boo him.
His character seems like that of a Tweener, at this point in time. We're certain he'll be a central character in the Canada tapings. Let's wait and see how this particular angle plays out.
#2 Released NXT Star came to Impact Wrestling
Some of you may remember Sami Callihan from his stint in NXT. The popular independent superstar made his Impact Wrestling debut this week, aligning himself with oVe. oVe battled LAX in a 5150 Street Fight for the Impact Wrestling Tag Team Championships.
Thanks to Callihan, oVe retained their tag team championships after what was possibly, the match of the night. Check out this brutal spot from during the match. Not for the weak of heart.
We wonder if this feud has the legs to continue, considering the kind of chemistry that OVE and LAX really share. Some of the spots in this match were a delight to behold. Callihan's addition can add new fuel to this feud.
#1 Jimmy Jacobs in Impact Wrestling?
Jimmy Jacobs was allegedly fired from WWE for posting a selfie with The Young Bucks. Since then, he's become an underground celebrity source, even making his return to wrestling at a WrestleCircus event, quite recently.
The Zombie Princess made his way to the announce table, where Jeremy Borash asked him what he was doing at Bound for Glory, considering that Jacobs did not work at Impact Wrestling. Jacobs scoffed and said that that's what they think.
Even if Bound for Glory may not have been as strong a show as Slammiversary XV was, the events that transpired could potentially have major long-term implications for the company. We cannot wait to see how it plays out.
How did you like the show? Let us know in the comments below. We'd love to hear from you!
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