Category: Impact

Former ROH Champion PCO Reportedly Signs Impact Wrestling Deal

According to a recent report, former Ring Of Honor World Champion PCO (Pierre Carl Ouellet) has signed a contract with Impact Wrestling.

Impact Wrestling has reportedly expanded its roster with the addition of veteran wrestler and former Ring Of Honor World Champion PCO (Pierre Carl Ouellet).

According to Pat Laprade of TVASports, PCO has signed a contract with Impact that will also allow him to work indie dates. However, PCO will have to prioritize Impact commitments over indie bookings whenever necessary. At the time of writing, there’s been no official announcement from either party and no word on the contract’s length.

The 54-year-old Québécois recently parted ways with Ring Of Honor following a three-year stint during which he won the promotion’s top prize on one occasion, the ROH Six-Man Tag Titles on one occasion (with former Villain Enterprises teammates Marty Scurll & Brody King), and the ROH Tag Titles on one occasion (with Brody King).

PCO had a brief stint with Impact back in the mid-2000s when the company was still known as TNA. He made his Impact Wrestling re-debut at the company’s Hard To Kill pay-per-view on January 8, 2022, alongside several of his now-former ROH colleagues (Matt Taven, Vincent, Maria Kanellis Bennett, and Mike Bennett) in what appeared to be the beginning of an invasion storyline.

The invasion story line continued on last night’s Impact.

As we previously reported, Ring Of Honor recently released its entire roster and is now on an indefinite hiatus. The plan is for ROH to relaunch later this year, although whether that comes to fruition remains to be seen. The company’s final pre-hiatus pay-per-view, Final Battle, took place on Saturday, December 11, 2021, at the Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena in Baltimore, Maryland.

Under the name Quebecer Pierre, PCO worked for WWE between 1993 – 1995 as one-half of The Quebecers alongside Quebecer Jacques (Jacques Rougeau). PCO and Rougeau won the WWF Tag Team Championship on three occasions.

Source: TheSportster

Impact Wrestling Preview 1/13/22

Following an unforgettable Hard To Kill pay-per-view that sent shockwaves throughout the wrestling world, the fallout begins on an all-new IMPACT!, this Thursday at 8/7c on AXS TV and 8:30pm ET on YouTube for IMPACT Insiders.

* Fallout from Hard To Kill

* Title vs. Title: AAA Reina de Reinas Champion Deonna Purrazzo vs. ROH Women’s World Champion Rok-C 

* “Speedball” Mike Bailey vs. Jake Something

* Chris Bey vs. Laredo Kidd

* The action begins Before the IMPACT this Thursday at 7/6c on AXS TV and 7:30pm ET on YouTube, featuring an exclusive singles match between Decay’s Black Taurus and the “Drama King”, Matthew Rehwoldt!

Charlie Haas Reportedly Stretchered Out During Impact Wrestling Tapings

Former WWE Superstar Charlie Haas made his Impact Wrestling debut at Sunday night’s tapings in Dallas, TX, where he confronted Josh Alexander.

Later in the tapings, Haas wrestled Alexander and that led to a storyline with several former ROH wrestlers coming out to attack both Haas and Alexander.

It’s unclear what exactly happened but Haas was reportedly hurt during the brawl, and subsequently stretchered out of the building.

According to WrestlingNews.Co, Tommy Dreamer confirmed to the fans in attendance that Haas was legitimately hurt.

Earlier during the tapings, Alexander turned down Haas’ challenge, stating that he was focused on the IMPACT World Championship. This led to Haas attacking Alexander, setting up the match for the main event of the show.

Haas, the current the SWE Heavyweight Champion, has held the WWE Tag Team titles on three separate occasions.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Knockouts Tag Team Champions The IInspiration Was Pulled From Impact Hard To Kill Due To COVID-19

Knockouts Tag Team Champions The IInspiration have been pulled from Saturday’s Impact Wrestling Hard To Kill pay-per-view.

Jessica McKay and Cassie Lee were scheduled to defend their titles against The Influence’s Madison Rayne and Tenille Dashwood at Saturday’s pay-per-view, but Impact announced today that they are self-isolating after exposure to COVID-19.

The IInspiration informed Impact officials that they were in close contact with an individual who shortly thereafter tested positive for COVID-19, and out of an abundance of caution and with the health of others in mind, they have decided to self-isolate over the weekend instead of working Hard To Kill.

Impact Executive Vice President Scott D’Amore noted in a press release, “Impact’s COVID protocols are in place to keep our talent roster, staff and fans safe.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Impact Wrestling Hard To Kill Results 1/8/2022

PRE-SHOW
Jake Something def. Madman Fulton

PRE-SHOW
Mike Bailey def. Chris Bey, Ace Austin & Laredo Kid in a Fatal 4-Way Match

KNOCKOUTS ULTIMATE X
Tasha Steelz defeated Chelsea Green, Lady Frost, Rosemary, Alisha Edwards, & Impact Digital Media Champion Jordynne Grace
Winner receives a future title shot.

IMPACT X DIVISION TITLE MATCH
Trey Miguel (c) defeated Steve Maclin
Maclin can no longer challenge for the title as long as Miguel is champion.

ROH WORLD TITLE MATCH
Jonathan Gresham (c) defeated Chris Sabin

Josh Alexander defeated Jonah

HARDCORE WAR
Heath, Rhino, Eddie Edwards, Rich Swann and Willie Mack defeated Violence By Design (Eric Young, Deaner, Joe Doering) and Impact World Tag Team Champions The Good Brothers (Doc Gallows, Karl Anderson)

Matt Taven, Vincent, Mike Bennett, & PCO accompanied by Maria Kanellis made their presence known following the hardcore war match between Eddie Edwards, Rich Swann, Willie Mack, Heath and Rhino vs. The Good Brothers (Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson) and Violent By Design (Eric Young, Deaner, and Joe Doering). They first focused their attack on Heath and Rhino but as Willie Mack and Rich Swann attempted to help, they were also beat down.

All five of the ROH stars then posed in the ring in celebration as the commentary team suggested that it was an ROH invasion.

https://twitter.com/IMPACTWRESTLING/status/1480019855155904516

– Backstage, Scott D’Amore says he has just found about what just happened like everyone else. Scott says it’s about time he calls Baltimore to find out.

TRIPLE THREAT FOR THE IMPACT WORLD TITLE
Moose (c) defeated Matt Cardona & W. Morrissey

TEXAS DEATH MATCH FOR THE KNOCKOUTS TITLE
Mickie James (c) defeated Deonna Purrazzo

Former WWE Announcer Joins Impact’s Announce Team

Renee Paquette took to Twitter earlier today and revealed that her friend and former WWE announcer, Tom Hannifan (Tom Phillips), will be joining Impact for commentary during tonight’s Hard To Kill event.

Paquette writes, “Huge news!! @TomHannifan joins @IMPACTWRESTLING as their newest play-by-play announcer at Hard To Kill! What a pick-up for them! I have Tom’s first interview this coming Tuesday on The Sessions!! @TheVolumeSports.”

Hannifan was also spotted in Dallas this morning, leading to some speculation prior to the announcement, according to PWInsider. He replaces Matt Striker on the announce team who, as we noted, revealed earlier this week that he is done with Impact Wrestling.

“I am disappointed that my time with #ImpactonAXSTV is done,” Striker wrote on Twitter. “I REALLY enjoyed that locker room. Thanks for allowing me to tell your story. Thanks, everyone. Stay safe.”

D’Lo Brown, however, will remain on the commentary team and will be beside Hannifan to call the play-by-play for Hard To Kill. The duo will be the new team going forward on Impact on AXS TV as of this Thursday’s episode.

Hannifan, age 32, was a part of WWE’s staff from 2012 through May 2021 when he was released by the company along with multiple other employees. At that time, his roles included producing and managing announcers as Senior Manager of On-Air Talent under Michael Cole.

After his departure from WWE, Tom Hannifan transitioned into the world of college football when he became a host for Paydirt: A Penn State Football Podcast.

https://twitter.com/ReneePaquette/status/1479877753382096899

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Impact Wrestling Knockouts Champion Mickie James Announced For WWE’s Royal Rumble

Impact Wrestling Knockouts Champion Mickie James will compete in the upcoming 2022 WWE women’s Royal Rumble match.

Mickie James is about to walk through the forbidden door … and straight into the 2022 women’s Royal Rumble match.

During this week’s edition of WWE SmackDown Charlotte Flair revealed the names of several women who are set to compete in this year’s women’s Royal Rumble match — including Impact Knockouts Champion Mickie James, who was released by WWE in April of last year.

But it gets weirder … on top of announcing that Mickie would be in the Rumble, Impact Wrestling was actually mentioned on air. At one point, SmackDown color commentator Pat McAfee referred to Mickie as “the Impact Knockouts Champion.”

Soon after, both WWE and Impact referenced one another in tweets announcing Mickie’s participation in the Rumble, while Impact’s EVP Scott D’Amore congratulated WWE for finally walking through the forbidden door.

The other participants announced for the women’s Royal Rumble match are as follows:

Charlotte Flair, Rhea Ripley, Nikki A.S.H., Nikki Bella, Brie Bella, Shotzi, Natalya, Michelle McCool, Dana Brooke, Carmella, Queen Zelina Vega, Tamina Snuka, Kelly Kelly, Aliyah, Summer Rae, Naomi, Shayna Baszler, and Lita. The match will feature 30 competitors in total meaning there are still 11 more participants to be announced.

As you might recall, Mickie James was released by WWE back in April, allegedly due to budget cuts necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mickie James returned to Impact after a six-year absence during the company’s Slammiversary pay-per-view back in July. Her relationship with the company first began way back in 2002 when it was called TNA. She signed for WWE in 2003 but returned to Impact in 2010. The legend kicked off her fourth reign as Impact Wrestling Knockouts Champion with a win over Deonna Purrazzo at Bound For Glory last October.

The 2022 Royal Rumble Premium Live Event will take place on Saturday, January 29, 2022, at The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis, Missouri.

Source: TheSportster

Matt Striker Reportedly Done With Impact Wrestling

Matt Striker is reportedly done with Impact Wrestling.

In a now-deleted post, Striker tweeted that he was finished with the company and that he was disappointed that his run was over.

“I am disappointed that my time with #ImpactonAXSTV is done,” Striker wrote. “I REALLY enjoyed that locker room. Thanks for allowing me to tell your story. Thanks, everyone. Stay safe.”

PWInsider confirmed with Impact Wrestling sources that Striker is no longer with the company.

Since leaving WWE in 2013, Striker has worked commentary for various promotions, including Lucha Underground. He joined the Impact announce team in January of 2021 along with D’Lo Brown, replacing Josh Mathews and Madison Rayne. PWInsider noted that Brown will remain on the broadcast team.

It appears that Striker’s release from Impact was performance related, according to RingsideNews. Striker has a lot of experience as a wrestling commentator in several companies including WWE, AAA, and Lucha Underground. That experience wasn’t enough to please the folks in charge at Impact.

In this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer talked about Matt Striker’s release from Impact Wrestling. The move has been in the work for months. The company will now have to scramble to find a replacement as the Hard to Kill pay-per-view is Saturday.

Source: Wrestling Inc. and RingsideNews

Impact Wrestling Hard To Kill 1/8/2022

DATE: January 8, 2022 8:00 pm
LOCATION: , The Factory in Deep Ellum, Dallas, Texas

CARD

3-WAY MATCH FOR THE IMPACT WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Moose (c) vs. Matt Cardona vs. W. Morrissey

TEXAS DEATHMATCH FOR THE IMPACT KNOCKOUTS CHAMPIONSHIP
Mickie James (c) vs. Deonna Purrazzo

INAUGURAL KNOCKOUTS ULTIMATE X MATCH (WINNER BECOMES #1 CONTENDER TO THE KNOCKOUTS CHAMPIONSHIP)
Chelsea Green vs. Jordynne Grace vs. Lady Frost vs. Alisha Edwards vs. Rosemary vs. Tasha Steelz

10-MAN HARDCORE WAR MATCH
Eddie Edwards, Rich Swann, Willie Mack, Heath and Rhino vs. The Good Brothers (Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson) and Violent By Design (Eric Young, Cody Deaner, and Joe Doering)

IMPACT KNOCKOUTS TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS
The IInspiration (Cassie Lee and Jessie McKay) (c) vs. The Influence (Madison Rayne and Tenille Dashwood) (with Kaleb with a K)

ROH WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Jonathan Gresham (c) vs. Chris Sabin

IMPACT X-DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP
Trey Miguel (c) vs. Steve Maclin ( If Maclin fails to win, he will no longer be able to challenge for the title as long as Miguel is champion.)

Josh Alexander vs. Jonah

PRE-SHOW (Countdown to Hard To Kill)
Chris Bey vs. “Speedball” Mike Bailey vs. Ace Austin vs. Laredo Kid

Impact Wrestling Preview 1/6/22

It’s the last stop before Hard To Kill on an all-new, jam-packed edition of IMPACT! this Thursday at 8/7c on AXS TV and 8:30pm ET on YouTube for IMPACT Insiders!

* Deonna Purrazzo vs. Mercedes Martinez

* Jonah vs. Jake Something

* The Knockouts Division will make history once again when they compete in the high-flying, high-wire spectacle known as Ultimate X for the very first time at Hard To Kill. But who will gain momentum heading into this Saturday’s monumental matchup? Find out when Tasha Steelz, Lady Frost and Chelsea Green battle IMPACT Digital Media Champion Jordynne Grace, Rachael Ellering and Rosemary in 6-Knockout tag team action

* With Hardcore War on the horizon at Hard To Kill, a match to determine the all-important numbers advantage will take place this Thursday on IMPACT! when IMPACT World Tag Team Champion Karl Anderson battles Heath. 

* Masha Slamovich makes her highly-anticipated arrival

* Ace Austin and Madman Fulton vs. Johnny Swinger and Hernandez

* Your night begins Before the IMPACT this Thursday at 7/6c on AXS TV and 7:30pm ET on YouTube, featuring an exclusive singles match between Raj Singh and Juice Robinson of FinJuice!