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2. Mickie James defeats Deonna Purrazzo to win the IMPACT Knockouts Championship at Bound For Glory
Mickie James returned to IMPACT Wrestling at Slammiversary and immediately confronted the Knockouts Champion Deonna Purrazzo. Although she meant no harm and invited The Virtuosa to compete at NWA Empowerrr, this sparked a feud that would take up much of their 2021.
After Deonna attacked Mickie at NWA's 73rd Anniversary Show, the two ladies couldn't keep their hands off each other, brawling in the ring and even at Mickie's barn. This gave their Bound For Glory showdown a bitter animosity that made fans want to see the clash.
At the pay-per-view, Purrazzo and James gave a spirited brawl that fit the tone of their rivalry. They fought all over ringside and had a level of intensity that matched the buildup. It was a great encounter that told a simple yet effective story. Mickie defeated Deonna to win the IMPACT Knockouts Championship at Bound For Glory.
1. Kenny Omega defeats Rich Swann to retain the AEW World Title & win the IMPACT World Championship at Rebellion
Kenny Omega arrived in IMPACT Wrestling at the end of 2020 and staked his claim to become the belt collector. With the AEW World Championship and AAA Mega Championship in his possession, The Cleaner looked to hold the top prize in the promotion sooner rather than later.
After his pinfall victory over Rich Swann in a six-man tag team match at Hard To Kill, the inevitable Champion vs. Champion clash was set for Rebellion. It was billed to be the biggest IMPACT World Title bout in the company's history.
They delivered a thrilling main event with enjoyable action and marvelous storytelling. Omega hit his signature moves at will while Swann was fantastic with perfectly timed comebacks. The Best Bout Machine fulfilled his proclamation by defeating Swann with The One-Winged Angel to win the IMPACT World Championship. The title win signified Omega becoming a top star in a third promotion.
IMPACT Wrestling's 2021 will be remembered for their partnership with AEW that put new eyes on the product and produced in-ring quality, as this very match. That's why Kenny Omega defeating Rich Swann for the world title was IMPACT Wrestling's defining moment in 2021.
