‘Impact Wrestling’ Review (May 25th 2023)
Welcome to this week’s review of Impact Wrestling, which this week opens with a Before the Impact match that saw Sami Callihan defeat Shogun. Let’s get into the review…
Match #1: Chris Sabin def. Mike Bailey
The following is courtesy of impactwrestling.com:
Before he challenges Trey Miguel for the X-Division Title tomorrow night at Under Siege, Chris Sabin looks to build momentum as he battles Mike Bailey! Sabin ties up Bailey in the ropes, then delivers a running dropkick. Bailey turns the tide with a handspring, followed by a single leg dropkick of his own. Bailey hits a running Shooting Star but Sabin cuts off his momentum. Sabin flies with a missile dropkick off the top, followed by a running boot. Sabin spikes him with a tornado DDT for two. Bailey drives his knees into the chest of Sabin. Sabin hits a flurry of knees but can’t put Bailey away with the follow-up powerbomb. Bailey soars with a springboard Moonsault to the outside. Sabin hits a Sunset Flip powerbomb as Bailey’s back collides with the floor. In the ring, Sabin launches him off the top with a German suplex. Bailey bounces back with a standing Spanish Fly for a very close near fall. Bailey successfully hits the Tornado Kick but Sabin evades Ultima Weapon. Sabin hits a Muscle Buster, followed by the Cradle Shock to win.
My Score: 4 out of 5
Match #2: Kenny King & Sheldon Jean def. Decay (Black Taurus & Crazzy Steve)
The following is courtesy of impactwrestling.com:
Nick Aldis joins Tom Hannifan and Matthew Rehwoldt on commentary as he prepares to face Kenny King for the first time ever at Under Siege! Taurus takes King off his feet with a running shoulder tackle. Taurus then sends him spilling to the outside before targeting the arm of Jean. Moments later, Jean gains control with a dropkick to Taurus. King taunts the bull before delivering a powerslam for two. Steve hits a running cannonball, colliding with King in the corner. Taurus then suplexes his own partner onto the body of King. Taurus flies over the top while Steve gets a two-count on King. Steve bites King but he counters into the Royal Flush for three.
My Score: 3 out of 5
Match #3: Taylor Wilde def. Jessicka
The following is courtesy of impactwrestling.com:
Jessicka must go it alone against one half of the Knockouts World Tag Team Champions, Taylor Wilde! Jessicka quickly falls victim to the numbers game as King provides a distraction on the apron. Wilde capitalizes with the Witch’s Wrath to score the quick victory. After the match, The Coven continue the assault on Jessicka until someone emerges from the Undead Realm – it’s Courtney Rush. Rush clears the ring of The Coven and stands tall with Jessicka.
My Score: 1 out of 5
Match #4: Rich Swann def. Angels
The following is courtesy of impactwrestling.com:
At Under Siege, it’s The Design vs Sami Callihan, Rich Swann and a mystery partner but first, Swann goes one-on-one with Angels! Angels uses the apron to his advantage as he trips up Swann and catapults him into the steel ring post. Angels remains in control with a half-and-half suplex. Swann fights out of the corner and creates separation with a neckbreaker. Swann launches himself off the apron with a senton to the floor. Swann hits a handspring cutter for two. Angels spikes Swann with draping DDT for a near fall of his own. Angels counters another handspring cutter into another half-and-half suplex. Angels soars with a Moonsault to the outside, followed by a top rope splash in the ring. Swann picks him off the top, then successfully hits the 450 Splash to win.
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #5: Jordynne Grace def. Alisha Edwards
The following is courtesy of impactwrestling.com:
Grace makes quick work of Alisha as she spikes her with the Grace Drive to score the dominant victory.
My Score: 1 out of 5
Match #6: Chris Bey def. John Skyler
The following is courtesy of impactwrestling.com:
Following the upset victory for Jason Hotch over Ace Austin last week, Chris Bey looks to even the score as he battles John Skyler! Skyler retreats to the outside but Bey follows him with a dropkick through the ropes. Skyler avoids a slingshot crossbody, then drives him face-first into the steel ring post. Back in the ring, Bey hits a slingshot DDT to regain control. Bey misses an elbow drop, allowing Skyler to capitalize with a spear from the apron. Hotch gets up on the apron but Austin neutralizes him at ringside. Bey takes out Myers with a dropkick then transitions into The Art of Finesse on Skyler to win.
My Score: 3 out of 5
News of the Night:
- Courtney Rush made her Impact Wrestling debut.
Final Verdict: 3.5/5
Once again Impact deliver a great show but once again one that would be an AMAZING show if they could curb the excessive promos and talking heads segments and tell more stories in the ring. This week’s episode opened strong with a superb match between Chris Sabin and Mike Bailey and closed with a great match between Chris Bey and John Skyler. In between we got a couple of OK matches and a couple of squash matches PLUS the introduction of Courtney Rush to the Impact roster… And all-around great episode this week!
