‘Impact Wrestling’ Review (Jan 12th 2023)
Welcome to this week’s review of Impact Wrestling, which this week opens with a Before the Impact match that saw Raj Singh & Shera defeat Johnny Swinger & Zicky Dice. Let’s get into the review…
Match #1: Heath def. Brian Myers
The following is courtesy of impactwrestling.com:
Who will gain momentum heading into the Four-Way Elimination match for the IMPACT World Tag Team Titles at Hard To Kill? Heath pummels Myers with a series of shots in the corner. There’s a commotion at ringside, leading to the referee ejecting both Rhino and Cardona to the back. Heath launches himself off the apron, colliding with Myers on the floor. Myers hits a running forearm on the outside to gain control. Myers begins to fight back with a neckbreaker for two. Myers counters the Wake Up Call into the Implant DDT for a near fall of his own. Myers hits the spear but it’s still not enough to put Heath away. Myers delivers a thumb to the eye, followed by the top rope elbow drop. Myers complains to the referee, allowing Heath to blindside him with the Wake Up Call for three.
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #2: Savannah Evans def. Rosemary
The following is courtesy of impactwrestling.com:
An enraged Rosemary charges Evans at the opening bell and bites her in the corner. Evans throws a series of haymakers but Rosemary shuts her down with a step-up forearm. Rosemary takes out both Evans and Vidal with a top rope crossbody to the floor. Rosemary takes her Upside Down but Evans’ allies provide a distraction from ringside. Evans occupies the referee’s attention, allowing Shaw to choke Rosemary on the ropes. Rosemary creates separation with a reverse neckbreaker, then builds momentum with a Slingblade. Rosemary hits a T-Bone suplex for two. Rosemary has her beat following the spear but Vidal distracts the referee. The match begins to break down as everyone gets involved. Rosemary knocks Shaw off the apron but that opens the door for a Full Nelson Slam from Evans to win.
My Score: 3 out of 5
Match #3: Mike Bailey def. Anthony Greene
The following is courtesy of impactwrestling.com:
Before Mike Bailey battles Kenny King in a no-ropes Pit Fight next week, he faces off against Anthony Greene here tonight. The fight spills to the outside where Greene sends him shoulder-first into the steel steps, followed by a dive through the ropes. Greene hits a top rope crossbody for two. Greene locks in a Half Boston Crab but Bailey breaks the hold. Bailey soars with a springboard Moonsault to the outside, followed by a missile dropkick. Back in the ring, Bailey hits a twisting Shooting Star Press. Greene almost puts Bailey away with a sit-down powerbomb. Bailey connects with his signature running kick in the corner, followed by Ultima Weapon to win.
My Score: 3.5 out of 5
Match #4: Eddie Edwards, Moose & Steve Maclin def. Jonathan Gresham, Joe Hendry & Rich Swann
The following is courtesy of impactwrestling.com:
In a preview of what’s to come at Hard To Kill, it’s an all-star six-man tag team main event on IMPACT. Tensions explode as all six opponents face off in the middle of the ring. Swann is the only man standing following a flurry of kicks. Swann launches himself off the apron, colliding with Moose and Edwards on the outside. Maclin takes out Swann with a running boot on the floor. Edwards chokes Swann with his wrist tape as his team cuts off the ring and employs quick tags. Moose continues the assault by driving Swann into the steel ring post. Swann finally creates separation with an Enzuigiri to Edwards, allowing him to make the tag to Gresham. The pace quickens as Gresham goes on the attack. Gresham hits a double top rope dropkick to Edwards and Maclin. Moose throws Gresham into a Blue Thunder Bomb from Edwards. Moose hits Gresham with a strong Irish whip into the corner. Now it’s Gresham who breaks free and tags in Hendry. The Digital Media Champion puts his strength on display as he hits a Trust Fall on Maclin. It’s total chaos as everyone gets a piece of the action. Moose blindsides Hendry with the spear to score the victory for his team.
My Score: 3.5 out of 5
Final Verdict: 3/5
Another week, another solid episode of Impact. This started a little weak but steadily built to the final two matches which cemented the quality of the show this week. There was plenty of build towards this week’s Hard to Kill pay-per-view. As usual Mike Bailey stole the show, with a great match against Anthony Greene; whilst the 6-man tag main event was interesting and again teased what’s to come tonight. The big question is whether Sami Callihan really IS going to be a member of The Design or whether it’s complete subterfuge… We’ll wait and see.
