Impact Wrestling Hard To Kill Results
January 12, 2020
Dallas, Texas (The Bomb Factory)
Results by: Josh Boutwell of Wrestleview.com
Impact’s “Hard To Kill” PPV – probably the most fitting PPV name in wrestling history – opens up with a terrific intro video package that features comments from Tessa Blanchard’s step-father, the legendary Magnum TA, and her mother along with an excellent heel promo from Sami Callihan.
The PPV set is very minimalistic but really nice at the same time.
“The World’s Most Dangerous Man” Ken Shamrock vs. Madman Fulton w/OVE
Fulton is gigantic and Shamrock is probably the most ridiculously ripped 50+-year old not named Hershel Walker ever. Madman immediately goes for a Big Boot at the bell but Shamrock sidesteps him. Shamrock goes to work on the bigger Fulton’s legs with some leg kicks.
Shamrock connects with a number of kicks capped off with a big Roundhouse Kick to the head. Fulton comes right back with a takedown but Shamrock immediately locks him in a Cross Armbar. Fulton uses his strength to deadlift Shamrock and grab the ropes with his free arm.
Shamrock connects with some more strikes but Fulton takes him down again only for Shamrock to catch him in a Heel Hook. Fulton uses his length to get to the ropes quickly and break the hold. Fulton takes Shamrock down again and puts him in a modified Sleeper/choke, but Shamrock snapmares him over.
Fulton goes for another Big Boot but Shamrock ducks and Fulton crotches himself in the ropes. Shamrock connects with more strikes but Fulton hooks Shamrock’s arm and drops back hanging in the ropes with an armbar.
Shamrock kicks free and then goes for a Plancha over the top, but Fulton catches him in midair! Fulton tries to toss Shamrock into the ring post, but Shamrock counters and hits a Gut Wrench Suplex on the floor. Shamrock follows up with a series of knees and then lays out Jake Crist.
Shamrock slams Fulton into the ring post and rolls him back into the ring where he goes back to work with more strikes. Shamrock hits another Roundhouse Kick and Dave Crist gets on the apron to distract Shamrock only to eat a big right hand.
The referee ejects OVE from ringside but this distracts Shamrock long enough for Fulton to hit a Sidewalk Slam. Fulton starts working on Shamrock’s arm with stomps. Fulton hits a Chokeslam and then attempts a second one but Shamrock blocks it with a series of strikes. Fulton goes for it again but Shamrock counters into a Hanging Kimura Lock!
Fulton manages to roll Shamrock forward and get a nearfall but as Shamrock kicks out he snatches the arm of Fulton. Fulton sells it like he’s dislocated his shoulder and Shamrock warns the referee that he should stop the match, but Fulton refuses and swings his good arm at Shamrock. Shamrock goes for a Roundhouse Kick but Fulton blocks it and hits a sloppy one-armed Powerbomb for a nearfall.
Shamrock goes right into an Armbar on the injured shoulder as he kicks out and gets the submission win.
Winner: Shamrock via submission (Armbar)
That match sucked. That's about as plain as I can be. There was a ton of sloppiness, some botches and it was very slow and plodding. Lot of MMA stuff mixed in (obviously) but it just didn't work for me. #HardToKill
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) January 13, 2020
Footage of Rich Swann suffering an injury at an Impact event on Friday is shown.
Impact X-Division Championship
“The Ace of Spades” Ace Austin (c) vs. “The Fresh Prince of Mid-Air” Trey Miguel
Trey Miguel’s mom is shown at ringside as he makes his entrance. Austin has been trolling Miguel for weeks about his mom; hitting on her and talking about her incessantly. He blows Miguel’s mom a kiss as he walks past her.
The X-Division title – as do all of the titles – have new red lettering and shading that looks nice. Miguel jumps Austin at the bell and nals him with rights and lefts. Austin escapes to the floor and then gets back in the ring and leapfrogs a charging Trey, but Trey Spears him. Miguel hits a big kick followed by a Leaping Neckbreaker.
Austin rolls to the floor and Miguel tries to follow with a dive only for Austin to catch him with a kick in midair. Miguel catches his foot, though, and then lays him out. Miguel goes for a dive again but Austin moves and Trey lands on his feet only to eat a series of knees from Austin.
Austin tries to toss Austin back in the ring but Miguel spins around with a modified 619 and then an Asai Moonsault! Back in the ring, Trey hits a big elbow followed by a series of clotheslines. Trey hits the ropes but eats a clothesline from Austin that sends him to the floor. Austin follows up with a gorgeous Fossburry Flop onto Miguel on the floor!
Austin and Miguel exchange strikes on the floor capped off by a Vertical Suplex from Austin. Austin tries to whip Miguel into the ring steps but Miguel leaps up onto the steps only for Austin to shove him into the guardrail right in front of his mom.
Austin hangs Miguel up on that same guardrail and starts chopping him as Trey’s mom looks on. Austin rolls Miguel back in the ring and gets a nearfall. Austin and Miguel exchange more strikes and Miguel does a matrix spot to avoid a clothesline but then eats a nasty Superkick for another nearfall.
Austin lifts Trey up in a Waistlock and hits a series of Side Suplexes but Miguel counters a third attempt into a German Suplex attempt. Austin blocks it but Miguel comes back with a Ghetto Stomp attempt only for Austin to avoid it and then chop block the knee of Miguel.
Austin hangs Miguel’s leg up in the ropes and wrenches on it as he’s identified an injury. Austin hits a series of leg kicks to Miguel’s knee and then connects with a Spinning Enziguri. Austin hits the Bangarama for another nearfall.
Austin puts Miguel in a modified Boston Crab and then grabs his “ace” card out of his sleeve and paper cuts Miguel with it. Austin goes for a Full Nelson Suplex but Miguel blocks it and counters with a dropkick to the back of the head.
Miguel follows up with a series of Lariats and then a Pele Kick as he ducked a Roundhouse attempt from Austin. Miguel sweeps Austin’s legs and then goes to the floor and hits a modified 619 around the ring post. Miguel climbs to the top but sells his leg as he slowly climbs to the top. Miguel dives but Austin moves and Miguel lands on his feet and hits a Reverse Brainbuster and floats over into a Dragon Sleeper!
Austin breaks the hold and lays Trey out with a Superman Forearm. Miguel sweeps his legs again and then hits a Slingshot Flatliner for a close nearfall. Miguel charges Austin in the corner but he sidesteps him and hits a Springboard Enziguri for a big nearfall.
Austin lifts Miguel up to the top rope and climbs up with him but Miguel escapes and hits a Cheeky Nandos Kick followed by another modified 619. Trey goes back up top but Austin crotches him in the ropes. Austin then hits a Leaping Headscissors Takeover off the top followed by The Fold for the pin.
Winner & STILL X-Division Champ: Austin via pinfall (The Fold)
Austin tries to get a kiss from Trey’s mom at ringside which causes Trey to freak out and attack him until referee’s run out to break it up.
That was a great match. Austin is really evolving into an excellent, asshole heel. #HardToKill
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) January 13, 2020
Backstage ODB says as tough as 2019 was to her, 2020 is going to be her year.
Impact Knockouts Championship
“La Wera Loca” Taya Valkyrie (c) w/John E. Bravo vs. “Thicc Mama Pump” Jordynne Grace vs. ODB
Footage of Grace’s recent pin on Taya recently is shown as they make their way to the ring. ODB won this shot in a Gauntlet Match a few weeks back.
Grace gets right in Taya’s face at the bell and both tell ODB to leave them along which causes ODB to slam them into each other. ODB hits a series of Chest Bumps on both women followed by Spalshes. ODB then hits a Facebuster on Taya and a Knee Lift on Grace.
ODB hits a Fall Away Slam on Taya and whips Grace into the corner. ODB kicks Grace as she tried to escape onto the apron. ODB and Grace exchange strikes on the apron until ODB attempts a Piledriver, but Taya hits a dropkick to ODB sending her crashing to the floor. Grace hits a shoulder block on Taya and then trips her up.
Grace hits a Pounce on Taya and then goes for a Sliding Clothesline only for Taya to catch her with a Crucifix Pin for a nearfall. Grace comes right back with a big Powerslam and Taya retreats to the floor where she is NOT safe! Grace hits a Suicide Dive onto Taya on the floor but ODB grabs Grace and hits her with a Fall Away Slam onto the ramp.
Back in the ring, Taya Snake Eyes a charging ODB onto the top turnbuckle. Taya chokes her in the ropes and then slams her into the turnbuckles before hitting a series of Face Washes in the corner. Taya hits Flying Knees in the corner on ODB and covers her for a nearfall.
Taya puts ODB in a Mexican Surfboard and then Curb Stomps her! Taya locks ODB in a modified STF/Death Lock combo but Grace slides in and breaks up the hold. Grace lays into Taya with a series of Forearm Smashes and attempts a whip, but Taya counters with a Knee Strike. Taya bites Grace’s arm blatantly and then connects with a series of strikes.
Taya stands on Grace’s chest before attempting to whip her into the corner. Grace reverses the whip but charges right into a boot from Taya. Taya puts Grace in an Armlock but Grace deadlifts her up into the air as ODB dives off the top with a Bulldog!
All three women are down for a few seconds before all three get back to their feet. They exchange strikes with each other until Grace hits a series of Scoop Slams on Taya. Taya blocks the third but then eats a Double-A Spinebsuter for a nearfall.
Grace hits a Bridging German Suplex but ODB breaks the hold and puts Taya in a Knee Lock. Grace jumps on ODB’s back and puts her in a Sleeper but ODB drops back to break it. Taya quickly puts Grace in a Jackknife but Grace counters with a rollup for a nearfall.
Grace hits the ropes but runs right into a Pop-Up Knee from Taya for a nearfall that was broken up by ODB. ODB slams Taya into the turnbuckles and then slams Grace’s head into the opposite turnbuckles before Grace slams her to the top. Grace dives off the top with a Senton Splash! 1…2…NO Taya breaks it up!
Taya goes for the Road to Valhalla on Grace but she blocks it only to eat another Knee Strike that sends her falling to he apron. ODB goes for a TKO but Taya counters into a Road To Valhalla attempt. ODB blocks it and hits the TKO! 1…2…NO Grace breaks it up with a Vader Bomb!
Grace covers ODB and gets another nearfall. Grace goes for the Grace Driver on ODB but she blocks it and goes for another TKO but Grace counters into the Grace Driver! Bravo distracts the referee and as Grace comes over to argue, Taya covers ODB and Bravo pulls Grace ot the floor as Taya gets the pin!
Winner & STILL Knockouts Champ: Taya via pinfall (Grace Driver)
Backstage Rob Van Dam and Katie Forbes make out and then RVD mocks a guy walking by.
Another excellent match. All three women killed it but I think Grace may be one of my favorite wrestlers right now. #HardToKill
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) January 13, 2020
“Whole F’N Show” Rob Van Dam w/Katie Forbes vs. “The F’N Machine” Brian Cage
RVD has been for months accusing a lot of modern wrestlers of stealing his moves and style for years and he accused Cage of being one of the biggest perpetrators.
RVD’s “other” girlfriend grabs Cage as he makes his entrance and holds onto him from the crowd allowing RVD to dive off the top onto him! RVD then slams Cage into the ring post repeatedly before the match officially even starts. RVD rolls Cage into the ring and then hits a Flying Side Kick off the top.
Cage grabs RVD as he taunts him and slams him into the corner before hitting a series of clotheslines. Cage goes for a Fireman’s Carry but RVD blocks it only for Cage to come right back with a Knee Strike and then a big Superkick. Cage has been selling his shoulder throughout all of this.
Forbes throws a chair into the ring but Cage intercepts it only to eat a Van-Daminator. RVD then chokes Cage in the corner as it looks like Cage’s nose is busted open. RVD hits a Van-Terminator as Callis says this a ECW Rules Match but the referee stops the match due to injury to Cage.
Winner: NO CONTEST
Daga runs out to stop RVD from attacking Cage further but eats a series of kicks of his own and RVD says that since he wants to come out they can face each other!
“Whole F’N Show” Rob Van Dam vs. Daga
RVD hits a Running Spin Kick to Daga in the corner. RVD sets up to go for his Rolling Monkey Flip but Daga kills him with a dropkick in midair. Daga hits a series of kicks capped off by an Enziguri and then a dropkick sending RVD flying through the ropes to the floor.
Daga hits a Springboard Plancha onto RVD on the floor. Daga tosses RVD back in the ring and then goes up top and attempts a Ghetto Stomp, but RVD moves and rolls him up with a Bodyscissors for a nearfall. Daga gets back to his feet and hits a Fireman’s Carry into a Gutbuster followed by a Vertical Suplex for a nearfall.
Daga hits the ropes but Forbes grabs his ankle allowing RVD to hit a Spinning Heel Kick. RVD follows up with a Corkscrew Leg Drop and then he goes to the top and hits the 5-Star Frog Splash for the pin.
Winner: RVD via pinfall (5-Star Frog Splash)
That match was fine but way too short to be anything. Heel RVD is excellent but that was just an absolute mess. They never made it clear what the rules were other than an off-hand comment from Callis and it was just bizarre overall. #HardToKill
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) January 13, 2020
Call Your Shot Trophy
“Unbreakable” Michael Elgin vs. “Die Hard” Eddie Edwards (c)
Edwards won the Call Your Shot Trophy – a trophy giving the holder a shot at the World Title at any time – a couple of months ago and Elgin wanted to face him for a shot at it. After Edwards refused, Elgin stole it and the two faced off in a singles match last week with Elgin winning to get this shot.
Eddie lights Elgin up with chops and kicks to start the match but then eats a big Forearm Smash. Elgin whips Eddie into the corner and connects with a boot. Elgin then hits the ropes but Eddie leapfrogs him and hits an Atomic Drop as Elgin went for a leapfrog of his own.
Edwards tosses Elgin to the floor and hits a Slingshot Plancha onto Elgin on the floor. Eddie and Elgin exchange chops and slaps with Elgin winning the exchange with a nasty Forearm Smash. Elgin removes the mats from ringside and attempts a Piledriver but Eddie blocks it only to eat a Superkick.
Elgin rolls Eddie back in the ring but Eddie catches him with a Mafia Kick knocking him back to the floor. Eddie goes for a Suicide Dive but eats a Forearm Smash in midair! Eddie hits a Rolling Neckbreaker onto the exposed concrete.
Back in the ring, Elgin gets a nearfall on Edwards. Elgin goes for another Neckbreaker but Edwards blocks it only to eat a clothesline. Elgin hits a Reverse Jawbreaker followed by a Swinging Fisherman’s Suplex for another nearfall. Elgin hits a series of clotheslines in the corner and then whips Eddie hard into the opposite corner causing a whiplash effect.
Elgin puts Edwards in a chinlock and then connects with an Enziguri. Elgin goes for a suplex but Eddie counters with a Vertical Suplex over the top rope causing both men to go crashing to the floor. Elgin charges at Eddie but eats an Overhead Belly-to-Belly Suplex on the floor.
Eddie climbs back in and hits the Suicide Dive onto Elgin sending him crashing into the guardrail. Edwards rolls Elgin in the ring and then hits him with an Enziguri as Elgin climbed to the top. Eddie grabs Elgin and hits the Backpack Stunner! 1…2…NO Elgin kicks out!
Edwards goes for a Butterfly Suplex but Elgin blocks it and kills Eddie with a Spinning Forearm Smash. Elgin hits a Snapmare Takeover and then a German Suplex, but Eddie lands on his feet and hits the Blue Thunder Bomb for another nearfall.
Eddie goes for the Boston Knee Party but Elgin catches him in midair and hits a Spinebuster. Elgin connects with a series of Corner Clotheslines and then goes for a third, but Eddie counters with a Rolling German Suplex. Elgin rolls through and hits a series of knees and clotheslines followed by a Brainbuster! 1…2…NO Edwards kicks out!
Elgin trash talks Edwards and goads him into hitting a forearm but Elgin answers with a nasty Forearm Smash. Elgin continues to trash talk Edwards and dare him to hit him and every time he does he drops Edwards with a big forearm.
Finally, Eddie ducks a forearm and hits a series of chops and forearms of his own. Edwards then blocks another one and then two crash into each other with clotheslines. They exchange more strikes until Eddie kills him with a Running Lariat! Eddie hits the Tiger Bomb! 1…2…NO Elgin kicks out!
Edwards goes for the Boston Knee Party again but Elgin catches him and goes for an Elgin Bomb. Edwards counters with a Hurricanrana that sends Elgin into the corner. Edwards charges right into a series of boots from Elgin and then Elgin lifts Edwards up to the top rope.
Elgin climbs up top with Edwards and hits him with a series of forearms. Elgin then hits a German Superplex! 1…2…NO Edwards kicks out and Elgin freaks out! Elgin hits a huge Lariat followed by the Elgin Bomb! 1…2…NO Edwards kicks out and Elgin cannot believe it!
Elgin goes for another Elgin Bomb but Edwards trips him and connects with a Dragonscrew Leg Whip! Eddie goes for the Half Crab but Elgin fights him off with kicks. Eddie goes for the Boston Knee Party again but Elgin blocks it and counters into a Crossface! Eddie still manages to get to the ropes to break the hold and Elgin argues with the referee.
Elgin hits another nasty Lariat and then hits the Buckle Bomb and attempts the Elgin Bomb but Edwards counters into a Sunset Flip for the pin!
Winner: Edwards via pinfall (Sunset Flip)
Lots of no-selling in that match but it fits with both guys, especially Eddie's "Die Hard" gimmick, and it was awesome stuff. They killed each other with strikes and just some fantastic wrestling. Thank God Eddie is moving away from the brawling/hardcore stuff again. #HardToKill
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) January 13, 2020
No DQ Match
“Mr. Impact Wrestling” Moose vs. “The War Machine” Rhino
Moose is wearing Randy Savage inspired gear and a robe to the ring. Moose and Rhino exchange strikes to start off but Moose immediately hits the No Jackhammer Needed only for Rhino to roll to the floor, so he can’t be pinned.
Moose rolls Rhino back in the ring and charges at Rhino only for him to sidestep Moose and send him crashing to the floor. Moose hits Rhino with a series of chair shots as the two brawl up the ramp. Moose attempts a Suplex on the stage but Rhino blocks it. Moose bites Rhino and then charges at him only to get backdropped onto the ramp.
Rhino gives Moose a receipt in the form of a few chair shots and then tries to whip him into the ring post, but Moose reverses it sending him crashing into the post. Moose pulls out a super flimsy and gimmicked looking table and sets it up at ringside. Moose attempts to Powerbomb Rhino off the apron through that table, but Rhino blocks it and pulls Moose off the apron slamming his face into it.
Moose charges at Rhino but Rhino catches him and Powerbombs him through the table as an “ECW” chant starts up. Rhino rolls Moose into the ring and covers him for a nearfall. Rhino rolls back out and tosses a bunch of plunder into the ring!
Rhino tries to hit Moose with a trashcan lid but Moose kicks him and starts hitting Rhino with it. Moose hits a Senton Backsplash and climbs to the top. Moose hits a Savage Flying Elbow Drop! 1…2…NO Rhino kicks out!
Moose lays a chair on top of Rhino and goes back up top but Rhino slams the chair into Moose repeatedly. Rhino stacks a bunch of chairs up in the ring and then climbs up top with Moose. Rhino Superplexes Moose onto all the chairs for another nearfall!
Rhino sets up another – less flimsy – table in a corner. Rhino goes for the Gore but Moose kicks him in the face and follows it up with a series of Running Dropkicks in the corner. Moose goes for a third but Rhino explodes out of the corner with a Lariat for a nearfall.
Rhino goes for the Gore again but Moose pulls the referee in between them and Rhino Gore’s both of them into the table! Rhino covers Moose but the referee is out. Finally, another referee runs out and makes the count but Moose kicks out before the three!
Rhino weirdly flips off some fans and then eats a low blow from Moose. Moose hits the No Jackhammer Needed for the pin!
Winner: Moose via pinfall (No Jackhammer Needed)
Good brawling/hardcore style match. I really like Moose and this was good use of a veteran. #HardToKill
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) January 13, 2020
A doctor tells Swann that he cannot let him compete tonight and he won’t even let him at ringside because he knows what will happen if he lets him. Mack says he’ll win the titles no his own but he needs Swann to do what’s best for his career and stay backstage.
Impact World Tag Team Championships
The North (c) vs. Willie Mack & Rich Swann
Josh Alexander and Ethan Page taunt Mack by tagging each other repeatedly after the bell, pointing that Mack can’t do that. Finally, The North attack Mack together and beat him down in his own corner. They whip Mack into the ropes only for Mack to connect with a Double Clothesline.
Mack hits a Swinging Scoop Slam on Alexander followed by a Knee Drop. Mack connects with an Enziguri sending Alexander crashing to the floor and then sets up for a dive but Page stops him. Alexander lays Mack out from behind and tosses him into the heel corner. Page tags in and Alexander shoves Mack into a Shoulder Block from Page.
Page tosses Mack back into the corner and tags Alexander. Alexander goes for a Brainbuster but Mack blocks it and goes for one of his own. Page blocks it from the apron by grabbing Alexander’s feet. Alexander counters it into a DDT for a nearfall before Alexander starts to wear him down with a headlock.
Page tags back in and he whips Mack into the corner but Mack leapfrogs him and hits a DDT. Alexander tags himself in but eats a series of clotheslines from Mack. Mack hits a Running Clothesline on each of The North in the corner and then hits a Cannonball on Page.
Mack hits a Samoan Drop on Alexander and goes for a Standing Moonsault, but Page pulls Alexander out of the way. The North tries to whip Mack into the ropes but he pulls them into each other and then connects with a Sitout Spinebuster for a nearfall. Page broke it up before the three count.
Mack tosses Page to the floor and whips Alexander into the corner. Mack hits a Running Forearm Smash followed by a Pump Kick. Mack runs into a boot from Alexander but comes right back with an Exploder Suplex for a nearfall.
Mack goes to the top for a 6-Star Frog Splash but Page grabs his leg only to get kicked off. That allowed Alexander to crotch him and then hit a Running DVD into the turnbuckle. The North hits a Double Bomb and then a Double Pancake. 1…2…NO Mack kicks out!
The North lifts Mack up to the top rope and attempt a Double Superplex but Mack shoves Page off and then shoves Alexander onto his partner’s shoulders! Mack dives off the top with a Flying American Destroyer on Alexander off Page’s shoulders! WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?!
Mack tosses Page to the floor and then hits a Somersault Plancha! Mack hits the 6-Star Frog Splash on Alexander! 1…2…NO Page pulls the referee out! Page tries to get the referee to DQ The North but he refuses.
Mack hits Page with a Stunner and then goes for one on Alexander but he blocks it and The North kills him with forearms. They connect with a Fireman’s Carry/Powerbomb combo for the pin.
Winners & STILL Tag Champs: The North via pinfall (Fireman’s Carry Bomb)
You won't see very man better Handicap Matches than that. They took a really crappy situation with Swann's injury and Mack had a superstar-making performance (in my opinion). That guy is incredible. #HardToKill
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) January 13, 2020
The next Impact PPV was announced as “Rebellion” in New York City in April.
As Tessa was making her entrance it was announced online that Brian Cage has signed a contract with All Elite Wrestling, which is a massive blow to Impact’s roster.
Main Event
Impact World Heavyweight Championship
“The Death Machine” Sami Callihan (c) vs. “Undeniable” Tessa Blanchard
The Main Event gets the boxing-style intros, which has always been a great staple of Impact/TNA all the way back n the Asylum days. As Sami is introduced he immediately kicks Tessa in the head and hits a Spike Piledriver! 1…2…NO Tessa barely kicks out!
Callihan is not letting up as he immediately picks her up and lifts her to the top rope. Callihan goes up with her but she bites him and knocks him off. Tessa dives off and hits the Magnum off the top! 1…2…NO Callihan kicks out!
Blanchard and Callihan come face-to-face and flip each other off. They exchange forearms and then Tessa catches Sami with a Spinning Headscissors that sends Callihan falling to the floor. Tessa sets up for a dive but Sami leaps to the apron and eats a dropkick from Blanchard. Blanchard follows up with a series of Suicide Dives, but as she went for the third one he catches her.
Callihan attempts to Powerbomb Tessa but she counters into a Hurricanrana. Blanchard dives off the top with a Somersault Plancha onto Callihan on the floor! Callihan throws a beer at Blanchard and then slams her knees into the guardrail before blowing snot on her.
Blanchard manages to roll back in the ring before the 10-count is finished, so Sami grabs her leg and wraps it around the ring post repeatedly. Callihan pulls Blanchard’s knee pad down and punches it repeatedly. Callihan drags her back in the ring and puts her in a Reverse Figure Four.
Blanchard refuses to tap out so Callihan releases the hold just so he can slap her repeatedly. Callihan dares Tessa to punch her and then drops her with a big Forearm Smash. Callihan hits a Knee Buster but she kicks out again.
Callihan continues to taunt both Tessa and the crowd. Callihan stands on Blanchard’s knee and then Cannonballs down on top of it as it’s draped on the bottom rope repeatedly. Eventually Blanchard is able to kick Callihan away and then avoid a dropkick attempt.
Blanchard hits a series of strikes but Callihan just shrugs them off and slaps her hard. Callihan tosses Blanchard to the floor and tries to Powerbomb her through the timekeeper’s table, but Blanchard grabs the ropes to block it and connects with a Superkick. Blanchard goes for a Somersault Senton off the apron but Callihan catches her and Powerbombs her through the table.
Blanchard manages to roll back in the ring at the nine on the referee’s 10-count. Callihan removes the padding at ringside and then attempts to Piledrive Blanchard off the apron onto it, but she shoves him away and rakes his eyes. Tessa kicks him and then dives off the top with a Magnum onto the apron!
Both are able to roll into the ring before the 10-count finishes. Callihan dares Tessa to give him her best shot and she obliges with a Forearm Smash. He responds with a big Knife Edged Chop. She dares him to hit her again and he obliges. He screams at her to stay down but she gets back to her feet and dares him to hit her again.
This time he hits a Kneebreaker and hits the ropes only for Blanchard to surprise her with a Samoan Drop! Blanchard charges at him in the corner but he gets a boot up. Callihan climbs up top but she kicks his legs out from under him and hits a Hanging Magnum! 1…2…NO Callihan kicks out!
Blanchard climbs to the top dives off top for Magnum again but Callihan sidesteps her and hits the Get Out of Here for another nearfall. Callihan and Blanchard exchange strikes and then Callihan hits a German Suplex. Blanchard gets back to her feet and hits a Superkick followed by a Tessa Cutter for a nearfall!
Callihan kicks Tessa and hits a Sitout Powerbomb and immediately floats over into a Brock Lock. Callihan almost reaches the ropes but Callihan pulls her back to the center and transitions into a Half Crab. Blanchard again crawls towards the ropes but this time he turns it into an STF. As she reaches out for the rope, Callihan grabs her hand and stops her only for her to use her free leg to get it to the ropes and break the hold.
Callihan grabs the World Title and attempts to hit Blanchard with it but the referee pulls it away from him. Callihan pulls out brass knuckles as the referee turns around to dispose of the title but Blanchard kicks him in the balls! Blanchard dives off the top with Magnum! 1…2…NO Callihan kicks out but Blanchard immediately locks in a Crossface!
Callihan fights up to his feet and breaks the hold by biting her hand. Callihan hits the Cactus Special ’97! 1…2…NO and Tessa kicks out again! Callis points out that Callihan tried to pin her with one arm showboating and it may have just cost him.
Callihan goes for the Cactus Special again but she trips her legs and rolls him up with a Jackknife for another nearfall. Tessa hits a series of forearms but he just shrugs them off and spits on her. She hits more strikes and eats a Pump Kick. Blanchard comes back with the American Destroyer! Tessa follows up with a Super American Destroyer off the top and then the Buzzsaw DDT for the pin!
Winner & NEW World Champ: Blanchard via pinfall (Buzzsaw DDT)
Regardless of how I feel about her or the controversy, that was an unbelievable match. Tessa Blanchard has been the hottest star in Impact Wrestling for at least a year and they have been building this for about that long. They decided to stay the course here. #HardToKill
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) January 13, 2020