Welcome to the second edition of POINTS OF IMPACT—a breakdown of the top moments of this week's edition of Impact Wrestling.
This segment will fill you in on the most important parts of the show worth checking out or keeping up to date with, in case you missed this episode of Impact Wrestling.
Without further ado, let's inspect the biggest takeaways of the week!
IMPACT WRESTLING: JANUARY 5, 2023 RESULTS
#5 - A Wilde Opener
Whatever this new Taylor Wilde gimmick is, I like it.
Wilde's new look, the black attire, the new theme music and trons, and most importantly, the ring presence, and her moveset. Such a step up.
Wilde faced Masha Slamovich this week, as an buildup to her, Masha and Deonna being in a Number One Contender's match at Hard to Kill. Deonna was on commentary, throughout, and would prove integral to the finish. First, however, the match.
Wilde got far more offence in than I thought she would. As I mentioned, she's really stepped up her moveset, with moves such as the Curse Stomp (look that up on Instagram, what a beauty that was,) lending credibility to her new presentation. And then, we come to Masha.
Masha stayed strong in defeat here, not loosing because of any lack of skill, but rather through her own arrogance and anger. She spotted Deonna at ringside, and spat at Deonna, before rolling into the ring, where Wilde caught her with a small package to finish the match. This, in my opinion, was an effective bit of booking. Masha got to hit a security guard with the Snow Plow after the match and therefore stayed looking strong, Deonna got to scout her opponents, and Wilde got a win. Everyone benefits.
#4 - World Title Excellence
The Impact World Champion, Josh Alexander, did not appear in person this week. Ordered by Scott D'Amore to stay home, we got only two glimpses of the World Champ. One was in a video package paying tribute to the late, great Don West (R.I.P.) and one in a video package marking a momentous occasion in Impact history.
As of January 4th, Alexander is the longest reigning Impact World Champion, surpassing Bobby Roode's record. His challenger, Bully Ray, closed the show, walking to ringside and threatening the ring crew, before calling out the champ. In his place, however, came Scott D'Amore.
Scott cut an amazing promo on Bully, talking about wanting to give Bully a second chance like Impact gave Scott a second chance, and how Bully's legendary tag partner can't stand to be in the same room as him. D'Amore didn't win this battle physically, being attacked by Bully after this verbal tirade. But he won it mentally. The hurt on Bully Ray's face was clear to see, and it added to an already great storyline.
Good job by all around.
#3 - Hail Sabin
The Motor City Machine Guns are like a well oiled machine. Twenty years in to their respective careers, and the two can still churn out good match after good match, even when no one would care if they didn't.
Sabin was facing Matt Cardona this week, one of the MCMG's challengers at Hard to Kill. It's standard tag build fare, and yet Sabin still tried, dazzling with amazing arm drags early on, selling beautifully for Cardona. Cardona and Myers, for their part, have to be one of the best recent heel acts around. Seeing the MCMGs foil Myers' attempts at interference was so damn satisfying.
A CradleShock put this one away. I'll be damn shocked if this tag elimination match doesn't absolutely rock at the PPV.
#2 - Sign This Woman
KiLynn King should be signed to a major promotion by now. She's put in great showings for AEW, NWA and now Impact, facing Giselle Shaw on this week's edition of BTI.
A battle of athletic powerhouses, this match ran 10 minutes and could have happily gone 15. Shaw and King clearly have chemistry, and struggled against arrogant yet capable heels like Shaw is exactly what King needs to build more of a presence.
This wasn't Shaw's only appearance this week, as she also appeared to form a stable with Tasha Steelz and Savannah Evans, which on paper has potential. But as for her best work of the week, seek this out. It's free to watch.
#1 - The Alternative Path
Anthony Greene is a great example of a jobber done right. Going into his match with Black Taurus this week, the result was never really in question. But Greene managed to hold his own, and do so convincingly. He nailed crossbodies, he tipped Taurus over the top rope, and into the ring post.
His opponent was ushered to the ring after an excellent promo from fellow Decay member Crazzy Steve, and kept pace with Greene throughout. Taurus is deceptively quick, as well as being powerful and intense. Pair that with heel work from Greene, such as mockingly pretending to be a matador trying to get Taurus at him, and Greene managing to counter offence and stun the big man, and you have a recipe for match of the week.
What did you think of this week's episode of Impact Wrestling?
Do you think any other moments stood out on this show?
Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
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