Impact Wrestling Live Results (9/23): Victory Road Fallout, Josh Alexander Vs. Ace Austin
Welcome to Wrestling Inc's live coverage of Impact Wrestling, which airs every Thursday on AXS TV at 8 pm EST and on Impact's YouTube membership page [which will put the live episode up at 8:30 PM ET]! Be sure to chime in on your thoughts about tonight's show in the comments section below. Additionally, share our live coverage through social media. Make sure to click the REFRESH button to continue to get the most current up-to-date coverage. Above and below is what's on tonight's agenda for Impact:
Tonight's episode is the fallout from Victory Road. Full results from last Saturday's show is available here
TONIGHT at 8/7c on @AXSTV🇺🇸 and @fightnet🇨🇦/8:30pm ET on IMPACT Insider💻!@Walking_Weapon kicks off IMPACT @MickieJames will be in the IMPACT Zone @Hiku_Leo vs. @THEdavidfinlay
@HakimZane vs. @ImChelseaGreen pic.twitter.com/BCeaKlKoQF
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) September 23, 2021
#IMPACTin60 features the Best of Ultimate X TONIGHT at 10/9c immediately following IMPACT on @AXSTV! pic.twitter.com/6ypaGFwBQ7
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) September 23, 2021
** Before tonight's show, Laredo Kid and John Skyler completed their epic rivalry when Kid defeated Skyler on Before The Impact! Kid ends this with a 2-1 tally over Skyler. **
.@Laredokidpro1 beats @TheJohnSkyler in the rubber match on #BTIonAXSTV! pic.twitter.com/kS8mRikwOq
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) September 23, 2021
D'Lo Brown and Matt Striker welcome fans to Impact Wrestling! We kick things off with the former X-Division Champion Josh Alexander.
Josh Alexander Officially Relinquishes The X-Division Championship:
Executive Vice President Scott D'Amore is standing in the ring, recapping what Josh Alexander told Impact World Champion Christian Cage. Tonight, Alexander will officially drop his title to face Cage at Bound For Glory on Saturday, October 23.
"The Walking Weapon" approaches the ring. Before he lets go of his X-Division title, D'Amore wants to make sure he wants to do this. If he does, an X-Division Tournament will begin next week to crown a new champion.
Alexander says if there's one thing he has learned in his career is not to regret his choices. His goal is to become the face of this company. To do that, he needs the Impact World Championship. Seconds after making that statement, Christian Cage makes his way down to the ring.
Cage states that after being on the shelf for seven years, he wants to continue his redemption story by holding on to the World Championship for as long as he can. Cage asks Alexander how can he be so sure he'll be the next champion? The champion warns Alexander he'll just be another face in the crowd if he were to lose. Alexander is all for taking a gamble on himself, so he hands over his former X-Division Championship. Just when he does that, Ace Austin stumbles into this segment.
IT'S OFFICIAL! @Walking_Weapon has handed over the X-Division Championship and will challenge @Christian4Peeps at #BoundForGlory! #IMPACTonAXSTV pic.twitter.com/kVhaqncoyI
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) September 24, 2021
Austin criticizes Alexander's choice to let go of his championship. Alexander reminds him he took the title off of him at Rebellion this past April. Cage, Alexander, Austin and Madman Fulton start swinging at each other. Austin and Fulton gain the upper hand in and retreat to the stage.
.@The_Ace_Austin smashed @Christian4Peeps in the eye with his cane. #IMPACTonAXSTV @FultonWorld @Walking_Weapon pic.twitter.com/e6CHuzXXj4
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) September 24, 2021
Backstage: Rich Swann and Willie Mack have two big announcements to make. Mack goes first. He says wants to enter the X-Division Championship Tournament. Swann then announces his entry in the Call Your Shot Gauntlet at Bound For Glory. Brian Myers steps into the frame and tells Swann he'll be in the gauntlet, too. With Myers' cockiness towards Swann, Swann issues a challenge to Myers and one of his trainees to come and face him and Mack tonight.
.@GottaGetSwann has declared his entry in the Call Your Shot Gauntlet at #BoundForGlory while @Willie_Mack plans to pursue the vacant X-Division Championship. #IMPACTonAXSTV @Myers_Wrestling @ZickyDice @sambeale23 @mannylemons pic.twitter.com/y6ktQ3y20g
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) September 24, 2021
Backstage: Scott D'Amore is giving Josh Alexander a match against Ace Austin tonight.
.@Walking_Weapon will take on @The_Ace_Austin later tonight! #IMPACTonAXSTV @Christian4Peeps @ScottDAmore pic.twitter.com/ho9zPiimc8
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) September 24, 2021
- D'Lo Brown and Matt Striker run through all the expected matches for tonight's show! We head back to the ring to get things started.
Hikuleo (w/Chris Bey) vs. David Finlay (w/Juice Robinson)
Both men tie up. Hikuleo pushes David Finlay up against the ropes. Finlay ducks under. Finlay holds Hikuleo in a waistlock. Hikuleo grabs Finlay, and hip tosses him to the corner. Hikuleo lays in a chop. Finlay goes for a crossbody from off the ropes. Hikuleo catches him in the air and plants him down on the mat with a heavy powerslam. Chris Bey distracts Finlay, helping Hikuleo slug Finlay back down on the mat just as we head into a commercial break.
.@Hiku_Leo drops @THEdavidfinlay with a boot following @DashingChrisBey's distraction. #IMPACTonAXSTV pic.twitter.com/2MwaLwAXcT
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) September 24, 2021
We are back from the break. Matt Striker informs us that Hikuleo was still on top of Finlay during the commercial break. We see that exact statement in full effect as Hikuleo scoops in with another slam on Finlay for a two-count. Hikuleo hoists Finlay up and sets him up with a delayed vertical suplex. He continues to ground Finlay with a firm side headlock.
Finlay evades chokeslam from Hikuleo and turns it into a Prima Nocta stunner . Finlay follows it up with a middle rope crossbody for a near-fall. Finlay applies a sleeper hold. Hikuleo looked like he was started to fade, but he found the corner and backed Finlay into it. Then, Hikuleo turns it around with a lariat that sends Finlay inside out. On the outside, Juice Robinson takes care of Chris By. He shoves him back-first into the guard rail.
.@THEdavidfinlay reverses the chokeslam into a Stunner! #IMPACTonAXSTV pic.twitter.com/527Z2GyMIv
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) September 24, 2021
Meanwhile, in the ring, Finlay stacks Hikuleo up for the pinfall victory!
Winner: David Finlay
Post-Match: All four men are in the ring. David Finlay sends Hikuleo out of the ring, while Robinson lands a cannonball on Bey in the corner. Just as FinJuice sets Bey up for the Doomsday Device, El Phantasmo returns to the Impact Zone and helps his fellow Bullet Club brothers out!
.@elpwrestling is BACK in IMPACT to help to reinforce The Bullet Club! #IMPACTonAXSTV @DashingChrisBey @Hiku_Leo pic.twitter.com/oKsIhk46TO
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) September 24, 2021
- Violent By Design reflect on their attack on Rhino. Eric Young believes Rhino can repent and go back to his "War Machine" ways. Young wants Rhino to decide if he wants to come back to them and continue their unruly ways. They want an answer, and they want it next week.
Violence is the only destination. @TheEricYoung and Violent By Design's act of violence toward @Rhyno313 was intended as an opportunity for learning. #IMPACTonAXSTV pic.twitter.com/TggsxQ717G
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) September 24, 2021
Backstage: Matt Cardona and Chelsea Green speak with Gia Miller before Green fights Rohit Raju tonight. Cardona is glad he was the one to take Shera out. But right now, Green wants her retribution against Raju.
- Kimber Lee and Brandi Lauren hand Su Yung a belt worn by one of the Swingerellas. It looks like another soul is in their grasp.
Rohit Raju vs. Chelsea Green (w/Matt Cardona)
The fans start to chant Chelsea's name moments after the bell rings. Both of them go into a collar and elbow lockup. Rohit Raju sends Green to the ground. They restart. Green sends Raju in the ring and whales him with flying slaps in the corner. Green hits a dropkick in the corner. Raju grabs Green by her hair and drags her down on the mat. Raju plants suplex for a two count. Green rises to her feet and jumps on top of Raju with a Lou Thesz press. She follows it up with a snap German suplex for two. Green looked like she was going for a sunset flip powerbomb. Raju finds a way out. All of a sudden, Raj Singh makes his return and knocks Cardona out. In the ring, Raju stacks Green up for the win.
.@TrueRajSingh makes his SHOCKING return to IMPACT to help @HakimZane defeat @ImChelseaGreen. #IMPACTonAXSTV pic.twitter.com/jYj6YhUeHJ
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) September 24, 2021
Winner: Rohit Raju
Backstage: Sami Callihan and Eddie Edwards are going to make Moose and W. Morrissey pay for their unexplainable actions to Eddie's wife, Alisha.
- After the break, Edwards and Callihan are laying the beatdown on Moose. Once they find out from Moose where Morrissey is, they go looking for him next.
.@TheSamiCallihan and @TheEddieEdwards are on the hunt for revenge on @TheMooseNation. #IMPACTonAXSTV pic.twitter.com/jLUFLVRWVp
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) September 24, 2021
Rich Swann & Willie Mack vs. Brian Myers & VSK (w/The Learning Tree – Sam Beale & Zicky Dice)
.@Myers_Wrestling has welcomed @isThatVsK under The Learning Tree for this tag team match. #IMPACTonAXSTV @mannylemons @ZickyDice @sambeale23 pic.twitter.com/Oxx9XfEJnp
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) September 24, 2021
Rich Swann and VSK have a nice back-and-forth sequence. VSK breaks it up with a dropkick. Swann returns the favor before tagging Willie Mack in. Mack and Swann hit a flapjack/bulldog combo on VSK. VSK immediately makes a tag to Brian Myers. Mack is all over Myers, which gives him a moment for a pin coverage. Myers kicks out. VSK slides in with a low powerbomb on Mack while he's sitting on the ropes! VSK steps back in and wears Mack down for Myers. Once Myers arrives back, he eats a mega forearm from Mack!
Mack and Myers tag in their partners. Swann evades with an enziguri and superkick on VSK. Swann hooks the leg on VSK. Myers slides in and makes the save. Myers and Mack spill to the outside again. VSK drives his thumbs into Swann, helping him connect an elevated DDT. VSK flies off the top. Swann makes him eat a superkick coming off the landing. The Learning Tree gets involved, thinking they're helping VSK out. Well, they were wrong. Instead, Sam Beale helps Swann land a splash for the win!
.@sambeale23's attempted interference BACKFIRES giving @GottaGetSwann and @Willie_Mack the win. #IMPACTonAXSTV @isThatVsK @Myers_Wrestling pic.twitter.com/T6QOx31AT2
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) September 24, 2021
Winners: Rich Swann & Willie Mack
At Swinger's Palace: Johnny Swinger is starting to have doubts about hosting his casino at Bound For Glory in Las Vegas. Swinger writes a sound letter to D'Amore and invites him to come to his palace next week.
- The Impact World Tag Team Champions, The Good Brothers, are enjoying a well-earned vacation, especially after defeating Rich Swann and Willie Mack at Victory Road. They are celebrating all the teams they have conquered.
.@MachineGunKA and @The_BigLG are taking a hard earned vacation after their string of Tag Team Title victories. #IMPACTonAXSTV pic.twitter.com/jddvsoGnG6
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) September 24, 2021
Up next, we hear from Mickie James!
Mickie James Calls Out Deonna Purrazzo
Mickie James comes out to the ring and revisits her rivalry with Deonna Purrazzo. James asks the Knockouts Champion to come and talk to her face-to-face. Purrazzo thinks James has a lot of nerve to call her down to the ring after assaulting her last week. James doesn't care. In fact, she says she can see right through her. James puts an offer on the table: she wants a shot at the Knockouts Championship at Bound For Glory. The fans are thrilled with this proposal!
.@MickieJames has asked @DeonnaPurrazzo to come to the ring after Hardcore Country issued a receipt last week for what the champ did at #NWA73. #IMPACTonAXSTV pic.twitter.com/vQobRtghkI
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) September 24, 2021
.@MickieJames has challenged @DeonnaPurrazzo for the Knockouts Championship at #BoundForGlory! #IMPACTonAXSTV pic.twitter.com/Wa1oT4SM02
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) September 24, 2021
Purrazzo knows she's untouchable, and everyone wants a piece of her. She rejects this offer, saying she earned her respect to the top. Whereas James hasn't yet. Both women drop their mics and fire out shots. Security comes out to split these two up.
Scott D'Amore comes out and says James does deserve a title shot. Therefore, he will allow this contest to occur at Bound For Glory!
IT'S ON! @ScottDAmore has made @MickieJames vs. @DeonnaPurrazzo for the Knockouts Championship at #BoundForGlory OFFICIAL! #IMPACTonAXSTV pic.twitter.com/D6DASsRIxo
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) September 24, 2021
Next is the Impact Plus Moment of the Week. It's Mickie James vs. Velvet Sky for the TNA Knockouts Championship in 2013.
Backstage: D'Amore stops Sami Callihan and Eddie Edwards from taking out W. Morrissey. D'Amore will allow these guys to have a Street Fight next week to put this feud to rest.
.@TheEddieEdwards and @TheCaZXL will settle things next week in a STREET FIGHT! #IMPACTonAXSTV @TheSamiCallihan @ScottDAmore pic.twitter.com/f38EAZntxl
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) September 24, 2021
- Christian Cage/Josh Alexander's first title match ad for Bound For Glory is shown.
Backstage: Gail Kim is giving The Influence (Madison Rayne & Tenille Dashwood) and Jordynne Grace & Rachael Ellering a number one contenders match next week. Whoever wins will face Decay (Havok & Rosemary) for the Knockouts Tag Team Championship at Knockouts Knockdown on Saturday, October 9!
.@gailkimITSME has made @RachaelEllering and @JordynneGrace vs. @TenilleDashwood and @MadisonRayne for next week with the winning team challenging Decay at #KnockoutsKnockdown! #IMPACTonAXSTV pic.twitter.com/sGC0IplKRX
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) September 24, 2021
Next Week:
The X-Division Championship Tournament begins. These will all be triple threat matches and will conclude at Bound For Glory. The first match will have Trey Miguel vs. Laredo Kid vs. the debut of Alex Zayne!
And now, the main event!
Ace Austin (w/Madman Fulton) vs. Josh Alexander
Josh Alexander chases Ace Austin across the ring. Austin puts himself in between the ropes. Stepping away from the ropes, Austin goes for a wild roundhouse kick and misses. Alexander plants a textbook T-Bone suplex that sends Austin to the outside. Alexander puts Austin in an ankle lock right on top of the apron. Back in the ring, Alexander hits a scoop and slam. He continues the onslaught with a delayed vertical suplex for a two count. Madman Fulton inserts himself just as Alexander plants himself on the top rope. Austin pushes Alexander off. Austin slams Alexander's face into the mat with a bulldog. He goes for a pin. Alexander pops out just before the commercial break.
.@The_Ace_Austin closes the distance to strike with kicks and a bulldog. #IMPACTonAXSTV pic.twitter.com/Tgy3kMHtYU
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) September 24, 2021
We are back from the final break. Ace Austin looks for another pin on Josh Alexander, who kicks out again. Alexander reverses a body scissors takeover into an ankle lock. Alexander catches Austin with a German Suplex, then a flying knee drop on Austin's spine for a near-fall! The Walking Weapon connects four fantastic suplexes. Austin grips the rope and eats a straight right hand when he turns around. Austin drops Alexander on his fact with a spiked DDT for another two-count!
Alexander wipes Austin out on the outside. Austin retreats to the ring. Alexander is up on the apron. Alexander gets a roundhouse kick to the face. Fulton is down below and catches Alexander, thinking it would be Austin instead. Alexander sends Austin nighty-night with his C-4 Spike for main event victory.
Winner: Josh Alexander
Post-Match: Madman Fulton storms in and starts fighting with Josh Alexander. Christian Cage runs out to make the same. Cage and Alexander take their eyes off of Austin and Fulton for one second, and both men come charging back in. Then, TNA legend and current AEW star, Christopher Daniels, makes his shocking return to help Cage and Alexander even the odds! Daniels can't get Angels Wins on Fulton because Austin grabs him from out of the ring.
That concludes this week's episode. Thanks for watching!