Powell’s Impact Wrestling Hit List: Johnny Impact vs. Killer Kross for the Impact World Championship, Pentagon Jr. and Fenix vs. The OGz, Moose vs. Eddie Edwards, Jordynne Grace vs. Katarina

By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)

Impact Wrestling Hits

Eddie Edwards vs. Moose: A pay-per-view worthy match. I went from fearing for the fans in the front row when Edwards’ suicide dives drove the guardrail toward them to getting a kick out of how much fun they were having seeing him work over Moose up close and personal. The friendship between Edwards and Moose was never that well established and thus this feud never felt all that personal or meaningful as it was played up to be. Perhaps this match will change that if they plan to continue the feud. Moose continues to shine since turning heel.

Pentagon Jr. and Fenix vs. The OGz: A really fun show opening match with nonstop action and flashy moves. I’m not complaining about Pentagon Jr. and Fenix wining this match, but have Homicide and Hernandez won a meaningful match since returning as the OGz? It’s actually impressive that they always lose to high end teams and yet the continue to be over. Here’s hoping this paves the way for Pentagon Jr. and Fenix to challenge LAX in what would be a hell of a tag title match. I assume that’s the plan given the brief meeting the teams had in the hallway with Konnan as the middleman.

Brian Cage vs. Sami Callihan for the X Division Championship: Last week’s angle in Ohio didn’t feel good enough to justify airing with the poor production values, but the same venue made for a great setting this time around. Josh Mathews did a good job of explaining that Cage was in enemy territory and that Callihan is a cult-like figure in his home state. Where Mathews came up short was in expressing concern for Cage, who ended up being worked over by OVE and various independent wrestlers. Even so, this week’s angle recaptured the cult-like feel that Callihan generated in the same venue on a past show.

Johnny Impact vs. Killer Kross for the Impact World Championship: A minor Hit. The bulk of the match was entertaining, but it was a bit clunky late, particularly with Impact’s Starship Pain finisher missing. I was hoping to see Kross protected in defeat. Fortunately, he continues to impress, particularly with his facial expressions and the intensity he displays for his sociopathic character. Does Impact defend against Moose next or is Austin Aries returning? The company is light on top heels, and Moose is the only one with momentum now that he defeated Edwards.

Jordynne Grace vs. Katarina: A solid debut for Grace. She has a unique look and style and I’m looking forward to seeing her going forward based on her strong reputation.

Impact Wrestling Misses

Taya Valkyrie promo: A minor Miss for her latest promo because she once again spent all her time talking about Tessa Blanchard. The promo was well delivered and all, but we need to know more about Valkyrie’s babyface persona beyond just that she doesn’t like Blanchard.

Eli Drake and Joseph Park: So Drake’s lawsuit against Impact was all a ruse so he could attack Park to get to Abyss? I guess it’s an upgrade over Drake clowning around with the Cult of Lee, but Drake continues to be criminally wasted by Impact’s creative team. Hopefully the feud with Abyss is quick and designed to elevate Drake back into a key role.

Allie and the Undead Realm: Make it stop. Pull Rosemary out of the Undead Realm, get back to normal, and move on from this wannabe Broken Universe ratings stunt that hasn’t paid off.

Check below for the latest Pro Wrestling Boom Podcast with Jason Powell and guest Salina de la Renta from Major League Wrestling.