Zachary Wentz made a surprise return to IMPACT Wrestling on Thursday night.
Wentz came to the aid of his former Rascalz partner, Trey Miguel, just as Miguel was about to face defeat at the hands of Chris Sabin in an X-Division showdown.
The intervention led to a disqualification loss for Miguel. Sabin was then subjected to a double-team assault.
.@ZacharyWentz is BACK in IMPACT!!#IMPACTonAXSTV pic.twitter.com/o7wPOcXFxG
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) June 30, 2023
Backstage, Wentz declared his return was motivated by a desire to stand by his “brother” and promised that they were set to reclaim what was rightfully theirs.
Wentz (Nash Carter in NXT) was released by WWE in April 2022. He had faced allegations of domestic violence by his spouse, Kimber Lee.
Next, Trinity extended her unbeaten streak as she emerged victorious over Jai Vidal.
It's a WIN for @TheTrinity_Fatu on #IMPACTonAXSTV! pic.twitter.com/aJfVJA6H4Z
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) June 30, 2023
Moose had a conversation with Brian Myers and The Good Hands where he advised Myers to shed the “dead weight.”
Zicky Dice & Johnny Swinger were in a triumphant mood after Swinger’s victory over Bhupinder Gujjar until the head of IMPACT’s Referee Commission intervened to invalidate Swinger’s win.
Lio Rush dominated his match against Jack Price in his return to the promotion.
The Final Hour CONNECTS! @IamLioRush wins his #IMPACTonAXSTV debut!#IMPACTonAXSTV pic.twitter.com/SxtrsW0BZk
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) June 30, 2023
Meanwhile, Frankie Kazarian and Eddie Edwards agreed to switch from partners to adversaries after a heated backstage confrontation.
In a women’s faceoff, Masha Slamovich defeated KiLynn King, who was accompanied by Taylor Wilde. Following the match, Killer Kelly and Masha Slamovich united as a tag team, symbolized by a shared dog collar.
.@mashaslamovich and @Kelly_WP went from rivals to allies!#IMPACTonAXSTV pic.twitter.com/r1xDcD5DzM
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) June 30, 2023
Elsewhere, Kenny King, with Sheldon Jean by his side, triumphed over Yuya Uemura. IMPACT Digital Media Champion Joe Hendry presented a song called “Stripper Kenny” to King.
STRIPPER KENNY!? @joehendry @KennyKingPb2 #IMPACTonAXSTV pic.twitter.com/T8JqGvudr3
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) June 30, 2023
To cap things off, Nick Aldis accused the Motor City Machine Guns, particularly Alex Shelley, of attempting to devalue his standing. He talked about being mentored by Harley Race and Dory Funk, and accused Shelley of steering wrestling into a dark era.
Aldis vowed to humiliate Shelley at Slammiversary, only to be interrupted by his rival. The confrontation escalated into a brawl that also roped in Chris Sabin and Lio Rush, with Rush and Aldis standing tall as the show went off-air.
The unexpected assault by @IamLioRush on @SuperChrisSabin made a statement! #IMPACTonAXSTV pic.twitter.com/m8TTcBlIR8
— IMPACT (@IMPACTWRESTLING) June 30, 2023
Set for IMPACT Wrestling, July 6th
- Alan Angels vs. Jonathan Gresham
- Eddie Edwards vs. Frankie Kazarian
Set for IMPACT Slammiversary, July 15th
- IMPACT X-Division Title: Chris Sabin (c) vs. Lio Rush
- Ultimate X Match: “Speedball” Mike Bailey vs. Jonathan Gresham vs. KUSHIDA vs. Kevin Knight vs. Alan Angels