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This week's episode of Impact Wrestling actually reminded me a bit of AEW Double or Nothing, because it was completely bottom heavy. The show did not start off all that strong but by the end, it was a pretty stacked episode of wrestling.
I know that through the years, Impact has traditionally been described as WWE Lite, because of the presentation. I do think that over time, it's attained a distinct identity of its own, to be honest.
In any case, I think that there were enough good things that happened this week, counterbalanced by enough 'worsts' as well. And it is with this prelude that I bring you the best and worst of Impact Wrestling, this week.
In any case, gear up for this week's episode of Impact Wrestling's 'Best and Worst'.
#1 Best: The return of the Impact World Champion
It's a testament to Impact Wrestling's booking that they were able to put on such great shows without a world champion. However, I'm extremely glad to report that Brian Cage is back in action and that he took the fight to Michael Elgin right away. Now, I couldn't be any more kicked to see the two bulls battle it out at Slammiversary. Also, the 'age of Cage' will finally get underway at long last.
In a way, I think the fact that Cage has been away from the action for so long has made his feud with Michael Elgin seem even more special. When the two men finally squared off in the middle of the ring, the place went absolutely bonkers. I personally think that we're in for quite a clash, between the two top guys in Impact Wrestling.
This wouldn't be the only return for this week's episode of Impact. There was another one, as well!
#1 Worst: Tommy Dreamer
Honestly, I think it is great that Tommy Dreamer is pursuing his passion at his age, but you can tell that he slows his opponent down significantly. Moose and Tommy Dreamer had an okay match, but we're used to seeing matches of a much higher caliber from the former, honestly.
Sure, RVD is pretty a veteran of the business too, but you can tell that he's kept himself fit and primed for action over time, unlike Dreamer. Dreamer does wrestle in the independents regularly but in a non-hardcore match, some of his weaknesses are often highlighted.
That said, I commend Mr. Dreamer for stepping into the ring at his age even now. It would have been all too easy for him to call it quits, and step away from the squared circle at this stage.
Sadly, passion does not often translate into a good performance, does it?
#2 Best: Eddie Edwards snaps
Josh Mathews has often said that where Impact Wrestling stands apart is with regard to being able to create movie-like segments, in a professional wrestling show. Such was the case this week when the Eddie Edwards vs. Madman Fulton match was interrupted by a video of Killer Kross claiming that he'd kidnapped The Sandman. Eddie Edwards stepped out to rescue his dear friend.
Along the way, he met his wife Alicia who urged him to control his urges for violence and retribution. Of course, Edwards did not heed her words and stepped right into a trap set up by Killer Kross. But Edwards showcased his unhinged side as he bit upon Kross, emerging with a bloody mouth.
This was incredible character development from Impact Wrestling, showcasing Eddie Edwards as a true psychopath. Compare this to say, what the WWE main roster has done to someone like Nikki Cross.
#2 Worst: The big problem with inter-gender matches
I'm all for men and women taking each other on in believable matches. The only issue I have with these matches, especially the ones that Impact Wrestling puts on is that we always know the results beforehand.
The women always win and the men never do, making all of these contests a very by-the-numbers affair, and this needs to change because it is the result that keeps the audience invested in the contest. Tessa Blanchard and Jake Crist put on a fantastic contest this week, but I knew before the opening bell that Blanchard would come out on top.
This was the case even with Scarlett's matches as well. I liked Lucha Underground where they mixed up the results, where anyone could win at any given time giving the matches an air of uncertainty, almost always.
That said, I think Blanchard vs. Callihan will be a good match.
#3 Best: TJP returns to Impact Wrestling following his WWE run
We all thought that big things were in store for TJP when he won the Cruiserweight Classic tournament, but then he just fizzled out altogether. Well, he's back to the company where he first made his name- Impact Wrestling.
I think that this is honestly the right fit for him, especially because he's a household name now that he's back in Impact Wrestling after a WWE run. He can potentially take the X-Division to the next level and for all you know, could also potentially challenge the heavyweights down the line.
After Rich Swann and Austin Aries, TJP becomes the third 205 Live Superstar to come over to Impact Wrestling from WWE. Maybe we could even see Enzo Amore come to the company down the line.
Do you think the men of 205 Live could thrive even better in the X Division?
#3 Worst: Botch during the commercial
So, there was no Melissa Santos during the commercial break this week. Instead, we were treated to a barrage of flashback segments from TNA's classic historical archive.
One of the matches that we were shown was the classic between Pentagon Jr. and Sami Callihan that many fans consider as the best match from the new Impact Wrestling regime. Only the caption that accompanied it was incorrect as it advertised Brian Cage vs. Matt Sydal instead of the actual match in progress.
Don Callis would join us later during the broadcast but even his segment would be full of glitches. I don't think it was a good day at the office for the men who were providing us with commercial break entertainment.
Oh well, at least the show was good, even though very few people tuned in to watch it.
#4 Best/worst: Two uneasy alliances
I just didn't like how the Knockouts match this week ended with Havok costing Su Yung her Championship and then both women getting on the same page again when Father James Mitchell commanded them to do so. I also did not see the logic of Taya Valkyrie asking Rosemary for assistance. I mean these two women have been feuding for a while now.
But that said, it brings up interesting possibilities and I trust Impact Wrestling to tell compelling stories going forward. And the idea of a Monster's Ball match between the four women should be great. I wonder if Impact Wrestling will put the title around Rosemary's waist because of just how over she is right now.
Do you guys watch Impact Wrestling? If not, what makes you not follow the product?
Let us know the reasons in the comments section right below!
