Just one week out from Victory Road, anything can happen on tonight’s Impact Wrestling on AXSTV.
* Bunkhouse Brawl: Rich Swann vs. Karl Anderson
* Moose vs. Eddie Edwards
* Steve Maclin vs. Petey Williams II
* Chris Bey vs. David Finlay
* Knockouts Tag Team Champion Rosemary vs. Tasha Steelz
* Laredo Kid makes his return to Impact against John Skyler on Before The Impact at 7 PM ET!
Kenny Omega has topped the PWI 500 for the second time in his career, beating Roman Reigns to number one.
Kenny Omega has topped the PWI 500 for only the second time in his career, knocking Jon Moxley off the top spot and all the way down to number six.
Pro Wrestling Illustrated has been ranking the 500 best male wrestlers in the business since 1991. Who deserves to be number one each year is heavily debated, with the likes of Hulk Hogan, Stone Cole, CM Punk, and AJ Styles all having clinched the top spot in the past. This year’s top ten has been revealed, and PWI has declared Kenny Omega 2021’s best male wrestler.
This is actually the second time Omega has topped the PWI 500. The Cleaner was named the publication’s best wrestler in 2018 as well. It was hard to argue with the decision to place him first then, and maybe even more difficult to make a case against him in 2021. During PWI’s assessment period, Omega won World Titles in three different promotions, holding them simultaneously.
The rest of the top ten has been revealed too, with Universal Champion Roman Reigns claiming the number two spot. That’s the highest Reigns has placed since he took the number one spot in 2016, bouncing back from dropping out of the top ten completely in 2020 when he missed a chunk of the year due to the pandemic.
Bobby Lashley, Drew McIntyre, and Finn Balor also make the top ten, as does Will Ospreay. However, the New Japan star appears to be a little miffed with only making it as high as seventh. It’s actually the highest Ospreay has ever placed, only cracking the top ten one time before this in 2019. The British star tweeted that he could beat Omega any night of the week in response to the top ten being posted on Twitter.
SouOmega responded that New Japan has been “ice cold” since he left, to which Ospreay replied by pointing to a sold-out MSG show and the best-selling Tokyo Dome show in the promotion’s history. Ospreay closes by challenging Omega to a match. The forbidden door between AEW and New Japan is wide open right now, so it could happen. Just last night on Dynamite Moxley defeated Minoru Suzuki.
Source: TheSportster
On Wednesday, former WCW and IMPACT star Shannon “Daffney” Spruill was on IG live threatening to harm herself and it has been learned she has passed away.
On Wednesday evening, there was real concern about the health and safety of former WCW and IMPACT Wrestling star Daffney Unger. After an Instagram Live post where she seemed emotionally distraught and was threatening harm to herself, the stream ended in a way that had many concerned. Multiple parties, friends and former co-workers including WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley reached out on Twitter asking, “If anyone has a way of reaching Daffney Unger, or knows her address, please help out. She’s in a bad personal place and is threatening to harm herself.”
Updates suggested authorities had been sent to her known address to check on her well being. Unfortunately, we are saddened to report that Daffney has died.
A spokesperson for the Gwinnett County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the death to TMZ Sports, but did not reveal a cause or manner. Shimmer Pro Wrestling tweeted out an update after people were frantically trying to get to Daffney (real name Shannon Spruill) saying: “We are very sad to have to announce the passing of Shannon Spruill aka Daffney Unger @screamqueendaff. We are posting this at the request of her family. Please respect their privacy at this trying time. I will miss you my logical sister from another mister.”
Daffney’s mother, Jean Tookey Spruill, announced her passing on Facebook and confirmed that the date of her passing was Wednesday night.
“It is with great sadness I have to let you know that my daughter Shannon Spruill… Scream Queen Daff, passed away suddenly last night. Absolutely heartbroken,” she wrote.
Wrestlers and friends have taken to social media on Thursday offering support and their condolences in the loss. Foley wrote: “I’m so very sorry to learn of Daffney’s passing. A terrible loss for her family, friends and wrestling. She was far ahead if her time in our business. #RIPDaffney” He also tweeted out a phone number and contact information for a help line for those who might be struggling mentally or emotionally.
Gail Kim wrote: “So incredibly sad to hear the news about Daffney/Shannon. Heartbreaking to know that she felt so alone and in that dark space. If you are feeling this way, please reach out to others. You’re never alone.”
Big E of WWE wrote: “I’m so sorry to everyone who knew and loved Daffney Unger. If you’re struggling with your mental health, please don’t be afraid to be a burden. Reach out for help. It saved my life.”
Tegan Nox wrote, “My thoughts and love are with Daffney’s friends and family! She was such an amazing influence in the wrestling community, a true pioneer for us women. RIP Daffney.
“Velvet Sky wrote: “Rest in eternal peace my sweet, sweet, Angel friend. You were such an amazing, funny, loving, caring person, and I’ll never ever forget you. I love you always, @screamqueendaff My deepest condolences to the family, friends and fans of this beautiful soul.”
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Shannon ‘Daffney’ Spruill. We offer our sincere condolences to her friends and family,” Impact Wrestling said in a statement issued on social media. Daffney spent three years with Impact back when it was still known as TNA. She parted ways with the company in 2011. Impact also dedicated that evening’s edition of their weekly TV show to Daffney’s memory.
NXT star Dakota Kai recalled her first time visiting the United States to tour as an independent wrestler and spoke highly of her first encounter with Daffney. “During my first tour of the states, I was terrified. Daffney made everyone feel loved, welcomed and was such a truly beautiful soul [broken heart emoji] To anyone struggling, you are not alone. You are loved. Check in with your loved ones,” Kai tweeted.
Zelina Vega took to Instagram to share a screenshot of a text message she had received from Daffney in which The Scream Queen thanked Zelina for encouraging her. Daffney also told Zelina that she was proud of her. “She was such a kind soul,” Zelina captioned a series of photographs of Daffney. “Always wanted to help others and smile. She genuinely cared. She used to send me videos of her singing Aaliyah songs because we both loved her. I’ll miss you always.“
SmackDown’s Shotzi Blackheart tweeted about how much Daffney inspired her. “RIP Daffney thank you for being my spooky inspiration,” she wrote. “I had the biggest crush on you. I will never forget meeting you and telling you how cool I thought you were and how sweet you were to me. I scream for Daffney!”
Billy Corgan’s NWA also sent its condolences, stating that Daffney was “a truly special soul in this business.”
ROH recalled how Daffney managed CM Punk, Colt Cabana and Ace Steel during the early days of the company, and then made a special appearance in 2018. They issued the following statement on her passing:
ROH Mourns The Passing Of Shannon ‘Daffney’ Spruill
Ring of Honor is saddened to learn that Daffney (Shannon Spruill) has died. She was 46.
Spruill worked as a wrestler, manager and valet in WCW, ROH, TNA and various independent promotions during a 16-year career that began in 1999.
Performing under the name Lucy, Spruill managed The Second City Saints (CM Punk, Colt Cabana and Ace Steel) during the early days of ROH.
Spruill made an appearance at Supercard of Honor in 2018 for the finals of the Women of Honor Title Tournament. After Sumie Sakai won the match, Spruill celebrated in the ring with her.
ROH extends its deepest condolences to Spruill’s family, friends and fans.
WWE paid tribute to Daffney with a post on Instagram, seen below, and also issued the following statement:
Shannon “Daffney” Spruill passes away
WWE is saddened to learn that former WCW star Shannon Spruill, known to sports-entertainment fans as Daffney, passed away at the age of 46.
Spruill gained worldwide recognition when she first arrived in WCW in November 1999 as Daffney, aligning herself with David Flair and Crowbar. Shortly after making a name for herself, Daffney made history in May of 2000 when she became only the second woman to hold the WCW Cruiserweight Championship. With her signature scream and ever-changing style, Daffney would go onto become a mainstay of the independent scene for more than two decades.
WWE extends its condolences to Spruill’s family, friends and fans.
According to the World Health Organization, one person commits suicide every 40 seconds on average. Over 700,000 individuals take their own lives each year — more than twice the number of people who die as a result of homicide. If you, or someone you know, is suffering from a mental health crisis, seek assistance immediately via one of the phone numbers listed below:
Sources: TheSportster, and Wrestling Inc.
Who will gain momentum en route to Victory Road? The action continues on an all-new IMPACT! this Thursday at 8/7c on AXS TV.
* Ace Austin vs. Tommy Dreamer (If Dreamer wins he will be added to the World title Match at Victory Road)
* Josh Alexander issued an open challenge to any former X-Division Champion this Thursday! Who will answer the call for a shot at the coveted X-Division Title
* The Influence vs. Taylor Wilde, Jordynne Grace and Rachael Ellering
* Rohit Raju and Shera vs. Matt Cardona and Chelsea Green
* Decay vs. Fallah Bahh and No Way
* John Skyler vs. Jake Something – Before the IMPACT, this Thursday at 7/6c on AXS TV as IMPACT
Two big tag teams will reunite on Saturday, October 30 for The Wrestling Revolver’s “Tales From The Ring” event in Clive, Iowa.
Jon Moxley and Sami Callihan will reunite as The Switchblades to face Eddie Edwards and Davey Richards of The Wolves. This is being billed as a Dream Tag Team Match.
The event will be hosted by Sami’s Wrestling Revolver promotion, on Saturday, October 30 at the Horizon Events Center in Clive, IA. Tickets go on sale this Friday at 8pm ET. The show will air live on FITE.TV.
Moxley filed to trademark “The Switchblades” and “The Switchblade Conspiracy” earlier this month.
This looks to be the first time Moxley and Callihan have teamed since the CZW Tournament of Death IX event in June 2010. This will be the first time The Wolves have teamed since a Beyond Wrestling event in March 2017. They split in February of that year on Impact Wrestling TV. Richards returned to the ring earlier this year after being away since July 2017. The Wolves are former two-time ROH World Tag Team Champions and former five-time TNA World Tag Team Champions.
Moxley and Callihan, then-wXw World Tag Team Champions, defeated The Wolves back on March 13, 2010 at the former ECW Arena.
During Saturday night’s NWA EmPowerrr pay-per-view, Awesome Kong announced that she is retiring from pro wrestling.
She made a surprise appearance at the event during a Gail Kim promo. Awesome Kong saved Gail Kim before an attack by Taryn Terrell, Jennacide, and Paola Blaze.
After that according to F4Wonline, she grabbed a microphone and told Gail Kim that she was her greatest foe and there was no other way to end her career than being in the ring with Kim. She then announced that she was done.
Awesome Kong is a former NWA Women’s Champion and a two-time Impact Knockouts Champion. She’s wrestled in several promotions such as Impact Wrestling, AEW, WWE, ROH, Shimmer, and All Japan Women’s Pro Wrestling.
Source: Wrestling Inc.
Less than one week after an unforgettable Emergence, the stars and Knockouts of IMPACT Wrestling turn their attention towards Victory Road on an all-new IMPACT!, this Thursday at 8/7c on AXS TV.
* Impact World Champion Christian Cage will be in the Impact Zone
* Impact World Tag Team Champions The Good Brothers vs. Rich Swann and Willie Mack
* Chris Sabin vs. Sami Callihan
* Chris Bey vs. David Finlay
* 1 on 3 Handicap Match: Taylor Wilde vs. The Influence (Madison Rayne, Tenille Dashwood and Kaleb With a K
* Steve Maclin open challenge on BTI at 7/6c on AXS TV.
According to a report, Impact Wrestling is set to make a push for Bray Wyatt, who was released from his WWE contract on July 31.
Bray Wyatt’s 90-day non-compete clause doesn’t expire until late October, so wrestling promotions still have ample time to negotiate with the former Universal Champion.
Wyatt was unexpectedly released from his WWE contract on July 31, abruptly ending his 12-year run with the company. Wyatt was reportedly told by John Laurinaitis that he was being let go due to budget cuts.
It was previously reported that Wyatt is bound for AEW, but that apparently isn’t a lock to happen (you can read more about that here). Not only that, but it looks like AEW will have serious competition for Wyatt’s services.
On the Sunday Night’s Main Event podcast (h/t Wrestling.com), Dave Meltzer reported that Impact Wrestling is “really after” Wyatt. At this time, however, it’s unclear if Wyatt is interested in joining them.
Impact Wrestling Executive Vice President Scott D’Amore recently hinted that former WWE superstars Buddy Matthews (Murphy in WWE) and Braun Strowman will soon join the company. Matthews and Strowman were released from their WWE contracts on June 2.
It should be noted that if Wyatt were to sign with Impact or AEW, he would be able to appear in both companies since the two promotions have a working partnership. AEW wrestler Kenny Omega held the Impact World Championship for 10 days. So Wyatt could theoretically be used as a top main event star in both Impact AEW.
WWE somehow missed so many great opportunities with Wyatt. His release may actually end up being a blessing long-term, since Wyatt’s next employer will most certainly maximize his wrestling creativity, uniqueness and skill set.
There will be no shortage of options for Wyatt when it comes to choosing the next chapter of his wrestling career. Former Universal and WWE Champions don’t hit the open market very often, and he would be an ultra-valuable addition to AEW or Impact Wrestling.
Source: TheSportster
* Matt Cardona w/Chelsea Green defeated Rohit Raju
* The Decay (Crazzy Steve, Black Taurus, Rosemary, Havok) defeated Tasha Steelz, Savannah Evans, Fallah Bah and No Way
* Steve Maclin defeated Petey Williams
* Madison Rayne w/Tenille Dashwood and Kaleb defeated Taylor Wilde
* Ace Austin became the new #1 contender to the Impact World Title by defeating Moose, Chris Sabin and Sami Callihan in a Fatal 4 Way
* Impact X Division Champion Josh Alexander retained over Jake Something
* Knockouts Champion Deonna Purrazzo and “Drama King” Matthew Rehwoldt defeated Melina and Trey Miguel
* Impact World Tag Team Champions The Good Brothers retained over Violent By Design and Rich Swann and Willie Mack in a Triple Threat
* Impact World Champion Christian Cage retained over Brian Myers
Impact Wrestling Emergence airs tonight at 8 pm ET from Skyway Studios in Nashville Tennessee.
Emergence streams exclusively on Impact Plus.
* Christian Cage (c) vs. Brian Myers (Impact World Championship)
* The Good Brothers (c) vs. Rich Swann and Willie Mack vs. Violent By Design (Impact World Tag Team Championship)
* Josh Alexander (c) vs. Jake Something (Impact X Division Championship)
* Chris Sabin vs. Moose vs. Sami Callihan vs. Ace Austin (Four-Way Match to determine number one contender for Impact World Championship)
* Petey Williams vs. Steve Maclin
* Impact Knockouts Champion Deonna Purrazzo and Matthew Rehwoldt vs. Melina and Trey Miguel
* Decay vs. Tasha Steelz, Savannah Evans, Fallah Bahh and No Way
* Matt Cardona vs. Rohit Raju
* Madison Rayne vs. Taylor Wilde
