IMPACT Wrestling
December 8th, 2020
Skyway Studios, Nashville, Tennessee
Commentary by: Josh Matthews and Madison Rayne
The show opens with highlights from last Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite Main Event between Jon Moxley and Kenny Omega, which sees IMPACT Wrestling’s Executive Vice President, Don Callis helping Omega win the AEW World Heavyweight Championship and announcing that they will tell the world all about it on this week’s IMPACT. We see a tour bus approaching Skyway Studios and Josh Matthews announces that later tonight he will be holding an exclusive interview with Kenny Omega and Don Callis.
Josh Alexander vs Chris Sabin
The match starts with some classic chain wrestling as Chris Sabin continues to use his speed to escape holds from Josh Alexander. The advantage shifts to Alexander as he delivers multiple Knee strikes to the ribs, followed up by a couple of Backbreakers. Throughout the match, Josh Alexander and Madison Rayne continue to bring up the events that took place on last week’s AEW Dynamite. Sabin makes a comeback with a Dragon Screw Leg Whip and multiple pin attempts before hitting a Tope Suicida to Alexander on the outside. Sabin attempts to hit a Hurricanrana, however, Alexander counters it with a Powerbomb across his knee. Alexander follows up with a big Overhead Belly To Belly Suplex but Sabin comes back immediately with a Missile Dropkick to the back followed by a Standing Shining Wizard. The action is incredibly back and forth as Alexander hits a Ripchord Elbow. Alexander goes to deliver another Elbow but Ethan Page yells at him to “drop him on his head” instead. Alexander looks angry and yells back telling Page “I know what I’m doing” but Sabin is able to capitalize on the distraction by rolling up Alexander for the win.
Chris Sabin defeats Josh Alexander via Pinfall in 9 mins 17 secs
Davie’s thoughts: I thought that this was a pretty strong back and forth bout between Sabin and Alexander. The combination of Alexander’s power versus Sabin’s speed matched together really nicely. I like that we are seeing dissension between The North as I feel that they have run their course as a Tag Team in IMPACT and both have the potential to break out as singles stars. Josh Alexander plays his frustration really well and I can see this story continuing at Saturday’s Final Resolution.
Moose’s Fists Do The Talking
Moose is sat in his dressing room looking pensive as Chris Bey approaches to go over a game plan ahead of their tag match tonight. Bey gets annoyed as Moose isn’t talking to him, so Moose tells him that his fists talk for him. Bey says that Moose might want to be a bit nicer to him as after Final Resolution he will be IMPACT World Heavyweight Champion and then he’ll want to talk to him. Moose, still looking at his fists says “well I guess we’ll talk to you after this Saturday” before walking off.
The Following Is A Paid Advertisement From AEW
Tony Schiavone presents an advertisement paid for by All Elite Wrestling before handing over to AEW President, Tony Khan. Tony Khan says that as Kenny Omega is going to be on the show tonight, he thought he would too. He says that he could file an injunction against Omega for breach of contract but he feels it would be a good way to promote AEW. The only thing he doesn’t like was the way Kenny Omega won the Championship. He calls it disgraceful and says the “greatest Champion in Pro Wrestling” didn’t deserve that. Khan says that he helped arrange Omega’s bus to take him to IMPACT tonight and he would like to invite Don Callis to tomorrow night’s Dynamite. Khan then promotes tomorrow’s card including MJF vs Orange Cassidy for the Dynamite Diamond Ring, Lance Archer & Lucha Brothers vs Eddie Kingston, Butcher & Blade. Khan mentions that he’s heard there are some great tag teams in IMPACT Wrestling but tomorrow you can see the “greatest tag team in the world”, The Young Bucks take on The Hybrid2. Khan says that he is interested in checking out some of the tag teams in IMPACT Wrestling and that he has some investments here in Nashville. Khan says that there are rumors that he might be interested in buying IMPACT Wrestling before saying that Tony Schiavone was actually at IMPACT for a moment. Schiavone says that he worked one night at IMPACT and then quit the business for eighteen years. Khan then tells Schiavone that he loves him and promotes that tomorrow night Schiavone will be talking with Sting for the first time in twenty-five years. Khan finishes by saying that he can’t wait to see Kenny tomorrow and hear what he has to say tonight and once again invites Don Callis to come along as well.
Davie’s thoughts: I thought this segment was fantastic. Tony Khan played his part perfectly as someone who is clearly annoyed by what Omega and Callis had done but is trying to shrug it off as if it is nothing. He took a lot of sly shots at IMPACT taking digs at their champion, tag team division, and how IMPACT was so bad that it made Schiavone leave the business for eighteen years. He delivered it all in such a nice and friendly way that it made it very funny. It definitely makes me believe that there is more to it than just the Omega storyline.
Brian Myers vs TJP
The match starts with Myers shoving TJP to the mat and talking trash. The two lock up again and TJP is able to escape and hit a Dropkick which causes Myers to bail to the outside to compose himself. TJP continues to use his speed to escape Myers and catches him with a Sharpshooter. TJP Headstands in the corner to annoy Myers and catches him with a Legscissors. TJP then hits a Springboard Crossbody followed by the Three Amigos. He goes up for the Mamba Splash however, Myers moves out the way. Myers then hits the Flatliner for a near fall. Myers charges at TJP but is caught with the Kneebar. TJP goes for the Mamba Splash again but this time Myers gets the knees up and transitions to a pin attempt for a two count. TJP applies the Kneebar again but Myers throws the referee on top of TJP to break the hold. Myers then hits the Clothesline to TJP for the win.
Brian Myers defeats TJP via Pinfall in 7 mins 8 secs (Plus commercials)
Davie’s thoughts: I thought this was one of Myers’ better matches since coming to IMPACT. TJP is very good and makes every transition seem so effortless. The way he moves from submission to submission is really great to watch. I do think Brian Myers needs a new finisher. Clotheslines are used too often in wrestling that if you’re going to use it as a finisher it has to look devastating. Unfortunately, Myers’ Clothesline just looks like a regular Clothesline and not a devastating Lariat.
Cody Deaner Wants To Prove Himself
Cody Deaner is backstage looking focused as Cousin Jake comes in and asks if he’s ready. Jake says “we got this” but Deaner says that he’s got to do this on his own. Jake reminds him that Joe Doering will be out there too. Cody says that he can be at ringside but Jake needs to promise him that whatever happens he doesn’t get involved as he needs to prove that he isn’t a nobody.
Rohit Raju Mocks TJP
Rohit Raju sees TJP backstage and mocks him for his loss against Brian Myers. Raju says that 2020 is not TJP’s year but it is his year and he is the greatest X Division Champion in history. Rohit says that at Final Resolution it will be the final Defeat Rohit Challenge of the year and it is open to everyone except TJP. TJP warningly wishes Rohit luck for the final Defeat Rohit Challenge perhaps indicating that he knows who the challenger will be.
Eric Young w/ Joe Doering vs Cody Deaner w/ Cousin Jake
Cody Deaner charges at Eric Young as soon as the bell rings but is met with an elbow to the face. Deaner is relentless and charges back at Young, taking him to the mat and delivering Punches. Deaner takes Young to the corner and delivers Stomps before yelling “I’m not a nobody”. Deaner attempts a Spear in the corner but Young moves to send him shoulder-first into the ring post. This allows Young to take the advantage and hit a great looking Death Valley Driver for a two count. Young starts to deliver some strikes to Deaner but Cody begs him to bring more. Deaner fires back with Clotheslines and Back Elbows and hits a Scoop Slam. Deaner climbs to the top rope however, Joe Doering approaches him causing Deaner to pause. Cousin Jake and Joe Doering stare each other down as Deaner leaps off the top rope with a Flying Headbutt, however, the pause gave Young enough time to move out of the way. Young follows up with the Piledriver to secure the win.
Eric Young defeats Cody Deaner via Pinfall in 3 mins 44 secs
After the match, Joe Doering attempts to beat down Cody Deaner but Cousin Jake comes for the save. Doering then beats down on Jake by delivering a Death Valley Driver and Short Arm Lariat. Doering and Young pick up both Deaner and Jake and go to deliver tandem Piledriver’s however, Rhino runs out with a lead pipe and chases them away.
Davie’s thoughts: This was a really entertaining sprint of a match. Cody Deaner is great at comedy but it’s really refreshing to see him play a more serious role. I felt his intensity and urgency really worked telling the story of this match. I would love to see The Deaners start to be more serious and be a credible act in the Tag Division.
Dreamer vs Larry D Set For Final Resolution
Tommy Dreamer is backstage with John E. Bravo who is furious that Larry D has not been arrested for shooting him. Dreamer tells Bravo that he needs to calm down, relax, and trust him that he has this. Dreamer (holding a kendo stick) then approaches Larry D and tells him he is taking him to the police station. Larry D maintains that he was set up and suggests a wrestling match between himself and Dreamer at Final Resolution. If Dreamer wins, Larry D will go to the police station and hand himself in however, if Larry D wins he gets to walk free. Dreamer accepts.
Dreamer is Concerned About Kenny Omega
Tommy Dreamer is in Scott D’Amore’s office. D’Amore tells Dreamer that he saw him making the match with Larry D and that he hates wrestlers making matches but it will be for the best of the show. Dreamer tells D’Amore that he feels very uncomfortable about Kenny Omega being here and that Don Callis is only ever out for himself. D’Amore tells Dreamer that having Kenny Omega on their show is a good thing and that even Lance Storm thinks it’s a good thing and he is never happy about anything. D’Amore tells Dreamer to go back to the locker room and keep them happy but assures him that this is a good thing for IMPACT.
Knockouts Tag Team Tournament First Round
Deonna Purrazzo & Kimber Lee vs Taya Valkyrie & Rosemary
As the bell rings Deonna Purrazzo immediately goes for the arm of Rosemary to set up for her Fujiwara Armbar. Purrazzo is able to apply the hold, however, Rosemary escapes and makes the tag to Taya. Purrazzo and Kimber Lee isolate Taya in their corner and make quick tags back and forth. Taya eventually knocks down Kimber Lee and makes the tag back to Rosemary as Lee tags in Purrazzo. Rosemary hits the Slingblade followed by an Exploder Suplex for a two count. Purrazzo hits a Flatliner and makes the tag back to Kimber Lee. Purrazzo knocks Taya off of the apron and attempts to double team Rosemary, however, Taya runs back in with a Double Clothesline. The match breaks down as all four women brawl in the ring. Purrazzo goes for a Pump Kick to Taya but misses and accidentally hits Kimber Lee. Rosemary follows up with a Spear to Purrazzo followed by the Wing Clipper to Kimber Lee for the win.
Taya Valkyrie & Rosemary win via Pinfall in 6mins59secs
That concludes Round One of the Knockouts Tag Team Tournament. The Semi-Finals will see Havok & Nevaeh take on Jordynne Grace & Jazz and Kiera Hogan & Tasha Steelz take on Taya & Rosemary.
Davie’s thoughts: Really enjoyable tag match, once again proving that IMPACT Wrestling has one of the best women’s rosters in the world. With Deonna Purrazzo being Knockouts Champion it didn’t make much sense for her and Kimber Lee to advance. Kimber Lee taking the pinfall also protected Deonna. With the exception of Jordynne Grace & Jazz, I like that the Semi-Finals are made up of tag teams that have been established in IMPACT for a while. I really hope that we see one of the established teams win the whole thing and I’m rooting for Kiera Hogan & Tasha Steelz, who I feel have the best chemistry.
Alisha Is Out Of The Team
Tenille Dashwood and Kaleb With A K approach Alisha Edwards backstage to pitch ideas she has for their new team. Alisha says that she doesn’t have time for this as she is too concerned with the attack that happened on her husband a couple of weeks ago. Tenille and Kaleb kick Alisha out of the team and say that they are going to teach her a lesson. Alisha doesn’t seem to care and says that they can teach her a lesson later.
Deonna Purrazzo vs Rosemary Set For Final Resolution
Deonna Purrazzo and Kimber Lee go up to Scott D’Amore and question how she is meant to juggle dealing with undead brides, defending the Knockouts Championship, and competing in the Knockouts Tag Tournament all at the same time. D’Amore says that as she is no longer in the tournament she can focus on defending the Knockouts Championship starting with defending against Rosemary at Final Resolution.
Eddie Edwards Returns
Sami Callihan is in the ring and asks who is the highest-rated IMPACT wrestler of all time and obviously says it is him. He calls himself the best in the ring, best on the mic, and most must-see wrestler on the planet. Sami says that he dragged IMPACT out of the trenches and made it what it is today. Callihan says that because of this he is able to get away with the things that he does including hitting Eddie Edwards in the face with a baseball bat. They then replay the scene from the March 1st, 2018 edition of IMPACT. Sami says that Eddie Edwards doesn’t learn and keeps sticking his nose in his business, so he decided to hit him in the face with a baseball bat again and make the ratings go up. This time, however, it caused Ken Shamrock to get suspended. Sami goes to roll the footage from two weeks ago but instead, Alisha Edwards comes out. Callihan says that if Alisha steps in the ring he will break her neck. Alisha says that this time she didn’t come alone and Eddie Edwards jumps Callihan from behind. Edwards grabs the baseball bat and swings at Callihan however he is able to escape.
After the segment, Eddie Edwards is backstage celebrating his return. Alisha tells him that now that she’s helped him with his problem, he has to help her with her problem.
Davie’s thoughts: This was a solid promo from Callihan but I can’t say that I’m particularly interested in seeing another feud with Eddie Edwards.
Chris Bey & Moose vs Rich Swann & Willie Mack
As Moose and Swann are about to square off, Chris Bey blind tags himself in. Bey and Swann have a really entertaining exchange both showcasing their speed and athleticism. After the commercial break, Moose and Mack are going at it. Moose delivers two huge Urinage’s before tagging in Bey and powerbombing him on top of Mack for a two count. Moose and Bey continue to make quick tags to attack Mack but every time Moose tags Bey he does so aggressively. Moose starts to talk some trash to Swann, which allows Mack to hit two Stunners to Moose before making the tag. Swann delivers three Spin Kicks and goes for a Hurricanrana but gets countered into a Powerbomb. Swann hits a Top Rope Hurricanrana on Bey who lands on top of Moose. Swann tags Mack back in who goes for the Six Star Frog Splash but misses. Mack hits a Pop Up Uppercut to Bey but gets hit by the Spear from Moose. Moose continues to beat down Mack but gets hit by an Axe Kick from Swann. Swann and Moose then brawl to the floor as Bey crawls over and picks up the pinfall on Mack.
Chris Bey & Moose defeat Rich Swann & Willie Mack via Pinfall in 7 mins 34 secs (Plus commercials)
Davie’s thoughts: This was a really enjoyable main event match. The exchanges between Swann and Bey were very entertaining and gave a great preview of what to expect from Saturday’s PPV. I’m expecting a really strong match between these two. I also really liked the storytelling between Moose and Bey with Moose clearly having his sights on who wins the title match at Final Resolution. Bey picking up the win after Moose did the majority of the work was a nice little touch.
Swann’s Not On The List
Rich Swann tries to go to the parking lot, however is stopped by security who says his name isn’t on the list. The security guard tells Swann that the “Champion” has blocked off the entire parking lot and you can only go there if your name is on the list. Swann thinks security is referring to Moose, as he has been claiming that he is the true Champion but the guard says that he is talking about Kenny Omega. Josh Matthews then walks past and says that he is here to interview Kenny Omega and Don Callis. Security checks his name off the list and lets him through.
Josh Matthews Interviews Kenny Omega & Don Callis
Josh enters the tour bus and takes a seat. Don Callis and Kenny Omega both enter, wearing sunglasses. Callis cuts off Josh Matthews and asks if he wants to witness history. As a “gift” to IMPACT Wrestling, Don Callis changes the nameplate on the AEW Championship from Jon Moxley to Kenny Omega. Matthews asks Callis how long this has been in the works but instead of answering, Callis shows off the new nameplate. Kenny says that Matthews was close to “Ambrose” and was in Tough Enough Season 1 and Callis calls him a “Stamford Stooge”. Omega offers Moxley’s nameplate to Matthews before throwing it away and claiming “we don’t need this”. Callis says that this has been in the works for twenty-seven years when Callis was trained to be a wrestler by Kenny Omega’s Uncle, The Golden Sheik. Callis says that as a favor to The Golden Sheik he has been looking out for Kenny like the Sheikh looked out for him. Callis says that it was all part of the plan to come back to wrestling as a color commentator for NJPW so that he could be there for Kenny when he won the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. It was all part of the plan to come to IMPACT Wrestling and it was all part of the plan when Tony Khan invited him to call Kenny’s matches on AEW. He says they changed history when he booked Kenny Omega vs Chris Jericho at the Tokyo Dome, which Tony Khan said gave birth to AEW. Callis says that they’ve set the course of wrestling right as now they have the greatest wrestler in the business as AEW World Heavyweight Champion. Callis says that he and Kenny Omega make history.
Josh Matthews then asks if Kenny thinks the way he won the AEW World Championship tarnishes his legacy. Kenny is offended by this question and says that he wanted to honor the gentleman’s agreement but when Moxley put his hands on Callis it pissed him off and he had to do something about it. Kenny doesn’t think it tarnished his legacy as everyone wanted to be the champion. Kenny says that when people talk about the greatest matches of all time, he is in them. He doesn’t just have the best singles matches but the best tag team matches, hardcore matches, cinematic matches, best matches in AEW, Mexico, Japan, UK, Zimbabwe, etc. Kenny says that with him coming to IMPACT, Josh Matthews should start treating him with some more respect.
Kenny addresses why he’s at IMPACT and says it’s because he can. Kenny says that as a kid he saw himself as a hobbyist and collector. He used to collect comic books but has to quit as no matter how many rare comics he collected he could never get the rarest. Kenny says that he now has a new hobby, has the most valuable prize of them all, and compares the AEW Championship to Action Comics #1 (the debut of Superman). Kenny says that he doesn’t mind if he has X-Men #1 or Spider-man #1 in his collection and says that he loves traveling and wouldn’t mind having some fun and adding to his collection. Kenny says that if we think Kenny and Don arriving in style tonight was cool, tomorrow night is going to be even cooler. As a clue, Kenny says “Lex Luger” alluding to the Lex Express Championship Tour from 1993. Omega closes by saying he’s going to do “the thing” and bids us “adieu, goodbye and goodnight bang”.
Davie’s thoughts: I thought that this was an excellent promo from both Don Callis and Kenny Omega and looks like we’re in store for a very entertaining title run. I loved Don Callis bringing up the history between him and Kenny’s Uncle and that he has always been there for him. The disrespect Kenny showed to Moxley by calling him “Ambrose” as well as making out the IMPACT Championship is second rate was excellent. From the way they spoke and the Tony Khan segment earlier, it definitely seems that IMPACT is going to continue being involved with AEW and I am excited to see it. I love the idea of Kenny Omega attempting to collect titles from different companies and it makes me wonder if we will eventually see him show up on NWA, MLW, or ROH as well.
Overall, I thought it was a very entertaining show with some solid matches. They did a good job of promoting the Kenny Omega segment and made the smart choice of having it at the end of the show to have you stay tuned right the way through. Although I enjoyed the matches I do feel they should have tried to have done a bigger angle involving their own talent and put on a higher caliber main event. This could just be down to the show already being taped and this Kenny story being last minute. Regardless, this is a really exciting time to be a wrestling fan and has definitely given the business the shot in the arm it needs. I hope IMPACT is able to capitalize on the extra attention they’re going to get over the next few weeks and grow their fanbase. I’m very excited to see where this partnership goes next.
7.5 Lex Expresses Out Of 10