IMPACT! Wrestling
August 26th, 2021
Skyway Studios in Nashville, Tennessee
Commentary: Matt Striker & D’Lo Brown
Before the IMPACT! – Steve Maclin def. TJP by disqualification at 7:38 after Petey Williams interferes.
Chris Sabin vs. Sami Callihan
Sabin attacks before the bell rings by diving outside onto Callihan, Callihan throws Sabin back inside and hits a powerbomb as the match officially starts. They fight a bit on the apron with Sabin punt kicking and then diving onto Callihan before Callihan grabs Sabin and powerbombs him onto the ring post. They start fighting on the outside with Callihan chopping Sabin against the barricade. Back inside, Callihan kicks Sabin off the top rope then starts mocking Sabin’s theme song before applying a modified Indian Death Lock but Sabin crawls over for the rope break. They both start fighting on the top rope with both raking each other’s eyes until Sabin hits a missile drop kick and a tornado DDT for a two count. They both start attacking each other with the same moves at the same time and end up both falling from a kick with Callihan showing some color from his nose. They slowly start to get up fighting from the kneeling position with headbutts, but Sabin hits a quick kick, but Callihan is able to catch him, hitting a curb stomp and a spiked piledriver for a two count. Callihan goes for package piledriver, but Sabin reverses and rolls up for a very close two count. Sabin follows that for a Cradle Shock for the pin.
Winner: Chris Sabin by pinfall at 7:52
After the match, Moose comes out and knocks Sabin out of the ring followed by a Lights Out spear on Callihan. Moose grabs a chair and a bat and places the chair over Callihan’s face but before he can hit it with the chair, Eddie Edwards comes out with a Kendo Stick and chases Moose out of the ring.
One On Three
Gia Miller is backstage with Taylor Wilde and says that tonight she will be in a 3 on 1 handicap match, and reveals Wilde is the one who requested it. Wilde says she might as well take them all on and it’s time for Barbie (Tenille) to go down under and Madison’s reign as the queen bee has ended. And Kaleb With a K doesn’t know if he wants to FaceTime or fight her.
Have We Become Best Friends?
Gia stops Eddie Edwards backstage and asks why he would help Sami Callihan. Callihan stops in and says ‘have we become best friends’, Edwards tells him to shut his mouth and he’s just repaying the favor for Callihan helping him and that’s it. And from now on, they don’t need to help each other, and they are done.
Making Herstory
Mickie James comes to the ring and says that the IMPACT Zone loves Hardcore Country, and they are two nights away from making ‘Herstory’ with NWA EmPowerrr and she has a team of advisors for it with Gail Kim, Madusa and Jazz. Mickie starts talking about the IMPACT Knockouts Championship match between Deonna Purrazzo and Melina and says the match will be great and amazing and throws to a video package hyping up the match. Just as it finishes up, Deonna makes her way to the ring with Matthew Rehwoldt. Deonna says she has one question for Mickie; ‘how does it feel to have your spotlight stolen from you?’ and says Mickie wants to create buzz for NWA EmPowerrr as it’s groundbreaking and she’s just as excited to celebrate women’s wrestling. Deonna thinks Mickie is being a bit dishonest and that delusional about her match against Melina is actually going to be competitive, as nobody wants to see a movie if they already know the ending and said she purposely left out Deonna beating Melina at Emergence. Mickie says she watched Emergence and didn’t see Deonna beat Melina, she saw Rehwoldt beat Melina. And the difference between Emergence and EmPowerrr is that Rehwoldt won’t be there. Mickie asks since Rehwoldt isn’t going to be there, just how confident does Deonna feel now, and Mickie knows firsthand how it feels to have a title lost to Melina. Deonna says we have to wait for Saturday, but don’t have to wait to see her kick Mickie’s ass, as she starts attacking her. Trey Miguel runs out and takes out Rehwoldt while Mickie and Deonna continue fighting. Melina runs out and takes out Deonna.
Siino Vision: Nice segment that creates a good buzz for EmPowerrr this weekend. Since they got involved with the ‘Forbidden Door’, IMPACT has been a great ‘go-home’ type show for other promotions, two weeks ago it was NJPW and this week it was NWA. Only downside is sometimes it feels like they are promoting other companies more than their own, regardless Mickie James is really being presented as an integral part of EmPowerrr.
Gear Customization
We go to another episode of How to Be a Professional Wrestler with Chapter 31: Gear Customization. Brian Myers says to Sam Beale to be professional he has to look the part. Beale thought today’s episode would be how to react after losing a world title match, Myers ignores that and tells Beale to start cutting off the sleeves of shirts, and Beale says they already sell shirts without sleeves. Myers tells Beale to put the cut part up as a headband and Beale says he looks like Big Stevie Cool, just not as cool. Myers says we need ‘more of him’, and says we need an open casting call.
Chris Bey vs. David Finlay
Bey’s entrance video and music is a bit modified to be more ‘Bullet Club’ like. Finlay immediately goes to the attack with chops and strikes, but Bey fights back. Finlay comes back with a nice dropkick that knocks Bey to the outside, but he quickly gets tossed back inside. Bey plays possum and grabs Finlay’s tights knocking him against the ropes as they go to commercial.
When we come back, Bey is still in control hitting a swinging neckbreaker on Finlay for a two count. Bey keeps Finlay grounded with multiple kicks, but this angers Finlay who comes back with a European uppercut. Bey keeps Finlay down in the middle of the mat with a cravat but turns it into an incredible looking suplex for a two count. Bey calls for the Art of Finesse but gets pushed onto the outside where Finlay launches onto him. They fight a bit on the outside with Finlay dropping Bey on the apron with a backdrop, throws him back inside and hits a jumping European uppercut off the second rope for a two. They go back and forth with Finlay hitting a backbreaker for a two count. Finlay tries a couple suplexes, but Bey keeps reversing out. Finlay calls for the finish, but Bey kicks him off, rolls up Finlay and puts his feet on the rope for the pin.
Winner: Chris Bey by pinfall at 12:24
Real Soldiers
We go to Willie Mack and Rich Swann where they are talking about their loss at Emergence, but said they weren’t the ones who got pinned so they are sending a challenge to the Good Brothers tonight so they can ‘step into the ring with some real soldiers of IMPACT Wrestling’.
Ex X-Division Champion Open Challenge
Gia Miller is backstage with Josh Alexander and congratulates him on retaining the X-Division Championship against Jake Something and asks if he has anybody next in mind to wrestle. Alexander says he does and next week he is going to issue an open challenge to any ex-X Division Champion to challenge him.
Christian, Dreamer & The Inevitable
IMPACT World Champion Christian Cage makes his way down to the IMPACT Zone to a pretty good reaction. Cage says Emergence has come and gone and he beat Brian Myers like he said he would but when you’re the champion there’s a target on your back at all times, and he has a new contender in Ace Austin. Someone in the crowd said Austin sucks, but Cage said he must be pretty good if he’s number one contender. Cage stops and pauses and looks at the title dramatically and then comedically says Ace Austin isn’t going to beat him for the title to a laughter from the crowd.
Tommy Dreamer makes his way to the ring and Christian asks a question that’s on everybody’s mind; ‘What the hell is going on with your hair?’. Dreamer says he came out for a specific reason, for the longest time he was against the whole Kenny Omega/Don Callis relationship but says if there is one person who does everything for the business and cares for everybody in the back it’s Christian Cage. And it’s sad that we almost lost one of the greatest wrestlers of all time and were missing Christian for 7 years, and we almost didn’t get a chance to say goodbye. Dreamer says Christian has found the fountain of youth and hasn’t missed a beat and he does all this for the right reasons as he loves this business and performs for every person no matter where he is. And as someone who loves him, he just wants to thank Cage for all the years and everything he’s done and representing IMPACT Wrestling like a true champion should as they hug. Dreamer says one last thing and even though he hasn’t earned it, he would love one opportunity to wrestle Cage no matter where or what stipulation, but he will go and earn it first. As he goes to leave, Ace Austin’s music comes out and he comes out with Madman Fulton.
Austin introduces himself to Christian and says he will make history and become the youngest man to ever hold the IMPACT World Title. Austin starts talking about Dreamer and says even on his best day, Dreamer will never be a champion again. Austin says Cage has a busy schedule and is ‘making all the towns, just like the old days’, but after Victory Road, Cage’s schedule and bag are both going to get lighter as he will meet ‘The Inevitable’. Cage says there is no doubt Austin is talented and he might think he’s the guy, but he will never be the man as long as Cage is there and gives Austin some advice; if you want these people to hold on to his words, maybe he should step on his tippy toes so they can see his face over the top rope. All four men start brawling but Dreamer and Christian stand tall to end the segment.
Siino Vision: Nice segment here that had Christian with a great mix of comedy and seriousness, not only did it hype the upcoming Victory Road match, but also planted seeds between Christian and Dreamer and with their history in WWE as well their ECW history, it makes sense. The only negative I would say is Christian used the cheap shot of Austin being much smaller and already has made his competitor look weak going into it. I hope this leads to a tag team match where Austin and Fulton stand tall and look strong.
The Holy Waters of Change
We go to Violent by Design backstage where Eric Young says ‘weakness is a direct symptom of sickness’ and starts blaming Rhino for losing the championships and the rematch and won’t allow him to drag them down any further and says Rhino knows what has to happen and there’s only one answer to the sickness and that’s violence and Rhino knows he needs to be washed and cleansed in the holy waters of change.
Dreamer Three-Way
Gia backstage stops Ace Austin and Madman Fulton but stops Scott D’Amore from a conversation with John E. Bravo and says he knows he saw what just happened and asks nicely for a match with Tommy Dreamer next week. D’Amore says if he wants the match, no problem, but sometimes to get something you have to give something, but if Dreamer beats Austin, then that championship match at Victory Road becomes a three-way with Dreamer in it.
Taylor Wilde vs. The Influence (Madison Rayne, Tenille Dashwood & Kaleb with a K)
Wilde attacks before the bell by diving on all three on the outside, before throwing Kaleb inside and starting the match. As she goes to pin Kaleb, Madison and Tenille jump in and start attacking Wilde. Wilde fights back but gets tripped up by Kaleb on the ropes as The Influence go back on the attack. Wilde starts to fight back and has Madison and Tenille down on the ropes then hits a springboard DDT on Kaleb, she puts all three opponents down on the corner and stomps on them. Wilde knocks Kaleb to the outside, rolls up Rayne but gets a spotlight kick from Tenille as she gets the pin.
Winners: The Influence (Madison Rayne, Tenille Dashwood & Kaleb with a K) by pinfall at 3:17
After the match, The Influence kept attacking Wilde, but Jordynne Grace and Rachael Ellering ran out for the save as The Influence escaped.
The Soul of Brandi Lauren
Gia Miller is backstage with Brandi Lauren and asks since she fought Melina last week what her chances against Deonna Purrazzo are like. Before she can even answer, the lights start to flicker, and Kimber Lee shows up and chases Brandi into a room, but as she opens the door Su Yung is there to greet her. Brandi turns around and Kimber sticks her fingers down Brandi’s throat and her and Su drag her into the dark room possibly killing her off (most likely, she will become an ‘undead bride’)
You’re Welcome
Gia Miller is with TJP and says his match with Steve Maclin at Before the IMPACT didn’t go the way he planned it and was upset with Petey Williams and says Petey isn’t his partner, his partner is Fallah Bahh. Petey comes in and says Fallah found a new partner with No Way and maybe he should be looking at a new partner. TJP said he’s not going to thank him for something he didn’t ask for, Petey says ‘you’re welcome’ and he will stay out of his way, if TJP stays out of his. TJP says that’s fine by him.
Alwayz Ready Together
Matt Cardona and Chelsea Green are backstage and say that him and Rohit Raju should be over, but now he is going to beat both him and Shera. Chelsea says now he isn’t alone, and she has no problem smacking Shera and proposes next week her and Matt Cardona vs. Rohit Raju and Shera. Cardona asks her if she’s sure, and she points to her shirt and says, ‘I’m always ready’, Cardona says ‘that’s why I love you’.
Are We Gucci?
Gia is backstage with Tasha Steelz and Savannah Evans and says where do they go after their tough loss to Decay. Tasha says they didn’t lose, it was Fallah Bahh who lost their only opportunity to become Knockouts Tag Team Champions. Fallah and No Way interrupt and Fallah says they aren’t good anymore and how they can make it up to them. Tasha says there is no making up, Fallah says they owe them so next week they will take out Black Taurus and Crazzy Steve, while they handle their business. Tasha says, ‘we’ll see’.
Next Week on IMPACT
· Before the IMPACT: John Skyler vs. Jake Something
· The Influence (Madison Rayne, Tenille Dashwood & Kaleb with a K) vs. Taylor Wilde, Jordynne Grace & Rachael Ellering
· Matt Cardona & Chelsea Green vs. Rohit Raju & Shera
· Josh Alexander’s X-Division Championship Open Challenge (Former champions only)
· Tommy Dreamer vs. Ace Austin (If Dreamer wins, he gets added to Victory Road’s IMPACT World Title Match with Christian Cage & Ace Austin)
The Good Brothers (Doc Gallows & Karl Anderson) vs. Rich Swann & Willie Mack
Rich Swann and Karl Anderson start the match with Anderson in control telling both Swann and Mack that they suck. Swann comes back with a hurricanrana, tags Mack in and they hit a leg drop/splash combo as Mack gets a two count. Gallows comes in and starts whipping Mack against the corners, but Mack fights back targeting the left arm of Gallows before tagging Swann in who hits a double ax handle on the same arm. The Good Brothers keep Swann in their corner, but Swann fights his way back and tags in Mack. Gallows comes back with a big kick to Mack for a two count and tags in Anderson, but he rushes to Mack who pops him up and hits an uppercut. Swann gets the hot tag and goes on an offensive rampage but only gets a two on Anderson. Andersons stops Swann’s momentum and hits a spinebuster for a two count. Gallows knocks Mack off the apron and starts fighting outside, while Anderson goes for the Gun Stun but Swann counters with a roll-up for the pin.
Winners: Rich Swann & Willie Mack by pinfall at 6:39
After the match, The Good Brothers keep attacking Swann and go for the Magic Killer, but Mack runs back in for the save. The Good Brothers stop him and grab a chair and set it up wedged between the ropes. They grab Swann and whip him face first into the chair. They then hit the Magic Killer on Mack. They go outside and grab Swann and throw him face first against another chair. The Good Brothers grab a table from under the ring and Gallows hits a powerbomb to Mack through the table to end the show.
