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Since returning to Impact Wrestling, TJ Perkins has been on an absolute roll. Formerly known as Suicide and Manik, TJP has done something even some of the greatest X-Division stars in TNA's history have failed to do; defeat Ace Austin.Not once, but twice, TJP has stood tall over the Ace of Spades.
Their first go-round saw Austin left out cold following a brutal Detonation Kick. The second match, taking place on last night's Impact, ended when Austin was forced to tap out to the TJP Clutch.
With Austin seemingly in his rear view mirror, TJP has decided to issue an open challenge to any member of the X-Division. That leaves a pretty massive pool of talent. Not only that, but Slammiversary is an event known for special one-off appearances and in-ring returns. Knowing this, the possibilities are nearly limitless.
When it comes to talents who are either already signed with Impact or, at the very least, not with the WWE, there's a long list of dream opponents for the former X-Division Champion. However, there's one incredible X-Division legend still lurking in Impact, and one that is sure to get an incredible match out of TJP.
But, first...
#5 Petey Williams
When you think of X-Division stars, anyone's top five list is going to include the Canadian Destroyer himself, Petey Williams.
A staple in the division from 2004-2009, he defeated some of the greatest high flyers of the past generation. Men like AJ Styles, Christopher Daniels, Chris Sabin, Sonjay Dutt, and Jay Lethal all fell to Maple Leaf Muscle one by one. Even in his latest run, he's come out on top against guys like Trey Miguel, Matt Sydal, Trevor Lee, and even current X-Division Champion Rich Swann.
With his return to Impact's Slammiversary event, there aren't many possible opponents better for TJP to face than the X-Division icon Petey Williams. And, if there's someone that can keep up with the speed and technical prowess of Perkins, Williams is at the top of the list.
#4 Matt Sydal
Speaking of possible returns, another incredible cruiserweight star floating around the pro wrestling circuit is another former X-Division Champion, Matt Sydal. The Reborn-One had to step away for a while back in 2018 due to an injury.
After his contract expired with Impact in January this year, he had knee surgery to repair torn cartilage. He returned to the pro wrestling scene back in April but has yet to sign with a major promotion. It was revealed that WWE, AEW, and other companies were heavily interested in bringing Sydal on. Still, he's yet to make that decision.
If Impact Wrestling wanted to add another top name back to their X-Division, they'd be hard pressed to find someone of the caliber of Sydal. And, if Impact is determined to push TJP to the top, a win over a former champion is definitely a step in the right direction.
Not only that, but this is also essentially a dream match. With both of these men working at their peak performance, they could put on a show-stealer that would have the world talking the next day.
#3 Ace Austin
Yes, we've seen this match twice already, but considering how their last match went, it's hard to believe that this feud is over.
Austin's more aggressive side came out in their latest contest, and though he was forced to tap out, Austin seemed to have TJP's number several times throughout the match. While he had a hard time keeping up with TJP when they went one-on-one the first time around, their match on the July 5th edition of Impact saw him predict many of TJP's spots. His ability to counter the veteran allowed him to stop any momentum he was building, allowing Austin to stay in the match longer.
In fact, he was one move away from the win this time around. The Fold nearly connected, but TJP was able to duck down and trap him in the TJP Clutch. With that, Austin has to be frustrated and has to know that he was thisclose to pulling off the victory. It's possible that, with one more shot, Ace Austin could finally put away TJP, and that's something that is sure to drive him crazy, leading to him taking the opportunity during TJP's open challenge.
#2 Trey Miguel
While Dez and Wentz of the Rascalz have their hands full at Slammiversary, challenging for the Impact Tag Team Championship, the third member of the trio is left with nothing to do.
On the latest edition of Impact Wrestling, Trey Miguel lost a three-way match featuring his other Rascalz partners, meaning he was out of the title match on Sunday. Add that with the fact that he's the reason the Rascalz lost their first tag team title shot against LAX last month, and it's pretty easy to make the assumption that Trey feels he needs to step his game up.
What better way for Trey to prove himself than to pull off a win against a veteran like TJP? The former X-Division competitor is currently on a hot streak, besting Ace Austin twice, and looking to advance his winning streak to 3-0. If Trey were to ruin his plans, he'd be able to prove his abilities in the ring.
In fact, if Slammiversary works in favor of the Rascalz, we could see Dez and Wentz hold the Impact Tag Team Titles while Trey got into the X-Division title scene, setting up a scenario where all three members of the group are holding gold.
#1 Suicide
We've seen TJP plagued by an imposter before. Years ago, Suicide won the X-Division Championship from Chris Sabin, but it was immediately revealed that the man under the mask wasn't the real Suicide. TJ Perkins was.
Later on, it was revealed that Austin Aries was the culprit, attacking Perkins before the event. A few years back, Suicide made his return to Impact Wrestling, competing in a four-way match for the X-Division Championship. Again, this was not Perkins, as he was currently signed to the WWE. Suicide is even listed as a current member of Impact Wrestling's roster.
The mask has been shared by several wrestlers over the years. Christopher Daniels, Kazarian, and more. The last man to don the red and black gear was Caleb Konley, who left Impact back in March. So if we were to see a Suicide appearance, it would be a brand new portrayal.
With all that said , we may just see Perkins face his own personal demons at Slammiversary. And if that does happen, who will be the one under the mask?
Who do you think will answer the challenge at Slammiversary? Post your predictions in the comments section below!
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