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We're a little over a week away from IMPACT Wrestling Hardcore Justice, the final pitstop before Rebellion where Kenny Omega will battle Rich Swann in a Title vs Title match. Tonight, Omega and Swann would come to blows again, leading to another IMPACT faithful coming to his aid.
Tonight's main event was a spectacular match-up between two of the fathers of IMPACT Wrestling, James Storm and Eric Young. In what would be Storm's 1000th match for IMPACT Wrestling, he'd look to take on the leader of Violent By Design. Though the numbers weren't in their favor, a familiar face from his past would show up to even the odds.
Tommy Dreamer also tightened up Hardcore Justice, giving us several matches regarding the Knockouts. We'd find out who would challenge Deonna Purrazzo for the IMPACT Wrestling Knockouts Championship as well as a match that would determine a new No. 1 contender.
All that and much more on an action packed episode of IMPACT Wrestling. We kicked off with a rematch between Havok and Nevaeh and Fire 'N Flava.
Havok and Nevaeh vs Fire 'N Flava on IMPACT Wrestling
The former IMPACT Wrestling Knockouts Champion faced off against Kiera Hogan in the opening contest. Jessika Havok dominated Hogan, snapping her down with a backbreaker and clothesline combination.
Nevaeh came in, and their backbreaker/running clothesline combination turned Hogan inside out. Hogan finally managed to get to her partner after minutes of torture, allowing the IMPACT Wrestling Knockout Tag Team Champions to send Havok face first into the turnbuckle.
From there, Fire 'N Flava had full control. In-and-out stick-and-move offense left Havok struggling to keep up with Hogan and Tasha Steelz. It was a crossbody attempt off the second rope from Steelz, though, that allowed Havok to get back in the match, countering with a fallaway slam. Nevaeh tagged in, spiking Steelz with an STO and German suplex.
Though Steelz managed to stun Nevaeh with a codeebreaker, she never saw Havok tag in. The Kaiju Queen of IMPACT Wrestlnig nearly drove her through the mat with a sit-out powerbomb, with Hogan being the only reason the match moved on.
Hogan tagged in and countered a pop-up powerbomb with a DDT. Nevaeh ran in for the wheelbarrow facebuster, and was dropped with Tasha's cutter. Fire 'N Flava dropped Havok with the fisherman's neckbreaker (Hogan) and a Frog Splash (Hogan) for a big win over their rivals.
Results: Fire 'N Flava defeated Havok and Nevaeh via pinfall on IMPACT Wrestling.
Grade: B
Havok and Nevaeh were both frustrated after this loss. It seemed that the two had worked things out, though, but Nevaeh blindsided Havok as she attempted to leave the ring. A spear cut Havok down and Nevaeh followed up by spiking her long-time friend with the reverse STO DDT.
James Storm cut a promo about his 1000th match on IMPACT Wrestling tonight. He'd be facing Eric Young in the main event. Storm thanked the late Bob Ryder, a man near and dear to TNA and IMPACT Wrestling who passed away back in November. Ryder was one of the founders of TNA, and Storm stated that it was his belief in both Chris Harris and himself that allowed America's Most Wanted to tear it down all those years ago.
Speaking of Harris, Chris Sabin and Cousin Jake surprised Storm with his former tag team partner. One of TNA/IMPACT Wrestling's greatest tag teams, America's Most Wanted, reunited for Storm's 1000th match. It was a great moment, and one that longtime fans of the promotion would love.
The IMPACT Wrestling Knockouts Champion Deonna Purrazzo bragged about her victory over Jazz last week. Susan piped in, stating that Jazz deserved more than she got last week, leading to the legend running in and laying her out. Jazz cracked her in the head with a trash can to end the beat down.
Last week on IMPACT Wrestling, Sami Callihan saved his rival Trey Miguel from a beatdown from XXXL. Tonight, Larry D looked to send a message to the former IMPACT Wrestling World Champion.
Sami Callihan vs Larry D w/Acey Romero on IMPACT Wrestling
Larry D battered Sami Callihan early, but was sent to the lfoor. Callihan caught him climbing on the apron, hitting a springboard clothesline on the big man. He followed up with a suicide dive, but Larry D caught him and drove his spine into the apron.
Throughout the break, Larry hammered The Draw of IMPACT Wrestling with big rights and forearms. Back in the ring, a running discus clothesline nearly took Callihan's head clean off. Larry D followed up with a big running splash for a two-count. Callihan responded with a big right that send Larry into the corner.
Callihan brought his opponent off the top for a big death valley driver, getting a near fall. Larry looked for the same thing on the apron, but Callihan was able to escape. After gouging his eyes, Callihan hit the Cradle Killer in the ropes for the win.
Results: Sami Callihan defeated Larry D via pinfall on IMPACT Wrestling.
Grade: B+
Sami Callihan was attacked by Acey Romero, and we all expected to see Trey Miguel make the save. Instead, XXXL were allowed to finish off Sami Callihan and walk away. Callihan grinned right into the camera, letting us know that it was all a part of his plan.
IMPACT Wrestling Co-EVP Don Callis, AEW World Champion Kenny Omega, and The Good Brothers were backstage looking at some highlights showing off FinJuice's work in NJPW. Omega and Callis gave Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows some instructions, but they made sure that the camera and mic didn't pick it up.
On IMPACT Wrestling last week, Sami Callihan saved Trey Miguel. He ran into The Rascal and reminded him of that very fact, and Callihan said that he'd been going after Miguel because he expected more out of him. Trey Miguel should be at the next level, and he could be if he allowed Callihan to mentor him. Next week, they'll face XXXL in a tag match. Miguel outright refused, but Callihan seemed adamant.
Brian Myers vs Suicide on IMPACT Wrestling
The Most Professional Wrestler in IMPACT Wrestling struggled early on against Suicide. Myers was wrapped up in an octopus stretch, but was just able to get to the ropes. A shotgun dropkick sent Myers across the ring.
Myers avoided the Suicide Solution though, and planted IMPACT Wrestling's mysterious masked star with a Michinoku Driver. The Roster Cut laid him out, giving Myers another victory in a long line of wins in IMPACT.
Results: Brian Myers defeated Suicide via pinfall on IMPACT Wrestling.
Grade: C-
After the match, Myers addressed Matt Cardona, who challenged him to a match recently. Myers claimed that the was the franchise of IMPACT Wrestling and had nothing to prove, declining the challenge.
Jazz ran into Tommy Dreamer backstage, demanding Deonna Purrazzo's head. Dreamer had a great idea for Hardcore Justice. Ultimate Jeopardy, an ECW classic. Both competitors had to put something up, losing it if they lost the match. Purrazzo would put up the IMPACT Wrestling Knockouts Championship. What about Jazz?
Well, the living legend decided to go all in, putting her career on the line.
At Swinger's Palace, Johnny Swinger checked with John E. Bravo about the bets regarding bets on IMPACT Wrestling matches. Specifically, the Title vs Title match at IMPACT Wrestling Rebellion. According to Swinger, the odds were even at 1:1.
Don Callis and Kenny Omega entered the establishment, against their better judgement, showing the footage of Omega's One Winged Angel. Swinger claimed that it was enough to alter the odds. Callis then made a $20,000 wager, putting it all on The Best Bout Machine to best Rich Swann.
TJP and Josh Alexander vs Ace Austin and Madman Fulton on IMPACT Wrestling
Madman Fulton kicked things off with IMPACT Wrestling's Walking Weapon. As powerful as Josh Alexander was, he couldn't compete with the overwhelming strength of Fulton.
Alexander managed to lock in a headlock, though, and refused to let go despite a nasty back suplex. Fulton finally shook him off, but was taken down by a splash from the top rope. Alexander launched Fulton at high speed into the turnbuckle, leaving him out in the corner.
The IMPACT Wrestling X-Division Champion tagged in, but couldn't stand the united front of Alexander and TJP. Well, until they both wanted the spotlight. Fulton interfered, allowing Ace Austin to rock TJP with a kick to the teeth. Fulton then came in, dragging TJP to the top rope with a hanging choke.
Fulton took full advantage of the five-count before bringing his partner in. Austin and Fulton smashed the former IMPACT Wrestling X-Division Champion with a series of running strikes, giving Austin another close call.
TJP finally got to Alexander after nearly locking Austin in the octopus stretch. A boot from Madman Fulton, though, nearly took the two-time IMPACT Wreslting Tag Team Champion's head off. A suplex/splash combo was countered when TJP sent Austin down to the mat. With TJP and Alexander sending Fulton to the floor, they focused in on Ace.
Fulton found himself in the corner, holding TJP in place while Alexander squashed them both. Austin hit the double leg stomping facebuster (no clue what to call that) but couldn't get the win. Alexander blocked The Fold, allowing TJP to hit the Mamba Splash.
IMPACT Wrestling's Inevitable One took advantage of another argument between his two opponents, rolling up TJP for a win.
Results: Ace Austin defeated TJP via pinfall on IMPACT Wrestling.
Grade: A-
Don Callis found Willie Mack backstage, attempting to show the One Winged Angel video to him. IMPACT Wrestling World Champion Rich Swann came in, claiming that if he wasn't his boss, he'd slap the shades off of Callis's face. Callis baited Swann in, allowing Kenny Omega and The Good Brothers to take them out. Eddie Edwards made the save, though, allowing three of IMPACT Wrestling's best to send the invaders packing.
We got a preview of a new team coming to IMPACT Wrestling. Maybe? It was incredibly vague, yet incredibly intriguing. Who would be coming to IMPACT? Any ideas?
Tommy Dreamer spoke to the Knockouts Division, making a huge announcement regarding IMPACT Wrestling Hardcore Justice. There would be a No. 1 Contender's Weapons Match. The winner would go onto face either Jazz or Deonna Purrazzo at Rebellion.
Eric Young spoke about James Storm ahead of their IMPACT Wrestling main event match-up. As the leader of Violent By Design, Young vowed to show everyone the way. He already cleansed the soul of Rhino, baptizing him much like he did to Deaner.
IMPACT Wrestling was built on the backs of men like Storm and Young, but tonight he'd show The Cowboy and the rest why the world belongs to Violent By Design.
During the match, IMPACT revealed that Kenny Omega and Rich Swann would face off next week in a tag team match. That's right, Kenny Omega will make his in-ring debut for IMPACT next week.
Eric Young w/Violent By Design vs James Storm w/Chris Sabin, Jake Something, and Chris Harris on IMPACT Wrestling
The two former IMPACT Wrestling World Champions locked up with one another, with James Storm getting the better of Eric Young. EY escaped over the ropes, but ran back into a forearm smash. A knee drop/leg drop combination got Storm a quick two-count.
A distraction from Deaner, though, allowed Young to send Storm into the ring post. He followed up with a diving axe handle as we cut to the final commercial of the night.
Storm set up for a spinning reverse DDT, but Young blocked it. A tornado DDT off the second rope was stopped as well, and Young sent Storm into the turnbuckle with a northern lights suplex. A hangman's neckbreaker snapped Storm's head back for a two-count.
Storm responded with an inverted atomic drop and running neckbreaker. The Last Call superkick was blocked, but Young couldn't escape The Eye of the Storm. IMPACT Wrestling's World Class Maniac kicked out and brought Storm down with a neckbreaker before hitting a diving elbow drop from across the ring.
Young just could not put the multi-time IMPACT Wrestling tag Team Champion away. They traded rights, and Storm caught Young with a lungblower. Deaner distracted the ref, preventing the pin. EY sent him to the floor, bringing both groups close and bringing about a major brawl. As the ref tried to break things up, Young went for his mask.
Chris Harris stopped it, allowing Storm to hit the Last Call and win his 1000th match under the IMPACT Wrestling banner.
Results: James Storm defeated Eric Young via pinfall on IMPACT Wrestling.
Grade: B+
James Storm's 1000th match in IMPACT ended with a major win over the leader of Violent By Design. What's next for these two groups going forward?
