5 most surprising IMPACT signings in 2020

#4 IMPACT signs a total "Knockout" in Deonna Purrazzo

While most people believed Purrazzo would land in AEW, she signed with IMPACT instead.

Even during the company's down period a few years ago, one thing could never be taken away from IMPACT Wrestling, and that is their fantastic Knockouts division. Many of the IMPACT faithful would be quick to point out that the "Women's Evolution" in professional wrestling started in IMPACT well before WWE even thought about doing something substantial with their women's division. IMPACT has never been hurting for talent when it comes to their Knockouts.

So when Deonna Purrazzo was shockingly released from the WWE NXT system earlier on this year a lot of people assumed that she would land in All Elite Wrestling as their women's division could have used the help. But in a move that surprised many, Purrazzo instead appeared on IMPACT in May of 2020, immediately finding herself in a feud with then-IMPACT Knockouts Champion, Jordynne Grace.

I’ve been waiting to be able to talk about this publicly!!! I’m happy to confirm and so excited about what the future holds @IMPACTWRESTLING ❤️ https://t.co/IyYOwV68bx

— The Virtuosa (@DeonnaPurrazzo) October 21, 2020

Purrazzo would go on to defeat Grace for the Championship at Slammiversary and she hasn't looked back. Since she arrived in IMPACT, The Virtuosa has gone out of her way to prove other companies like WWE wrong and show the world that they missed the boat on her.

This quest seems to have proven successful for all involved as IMPACT announced this week that they signed the champion to a long-term contract with the company. Purrazzo defends her Knockouts title against Kylie Rae at Bound For Glory.