Impact review May 22, 2025

Greetings. I am saherrin (feel free to call me Scott) and I will be reviewing Impact. A little bit about me, I enjoy long walks on the beach, sunrises and…sorry, wrong profile. As everyone else has, I want to say a most generous thanks to Thomas Hall for all he did and laying the path he did in reviews, hopefully, I can fill a fraction of your capacious footprints. Subsequently, a huge thanks to our fearless leader, Scott Keith. Thank you for this opportunity, I hope I can justify your trust. Lastly, if there is any feedback, criticisms, recipes, etc.. you want to give or impart, please do not hesitate and let me know. I thank you all for your time and efforts. (Note: I have not come up with a star or ratings system, help is appreciated.)

Now, let’s engage in some Impactful discourse, shall we? We shall.

We get a recap of last week with Ace Austin’s confronting Ali after his match. The Great Hands jump Austin, giving time to Ali to club Austin in the knee and needing security and medical help. We also get shots of the Nemeth and Hardy’s main event. Last week. In 2025, seems odd to write that but here we are.
And, we are here in beautiful Irvine, CA (home of the UC Irvine Anteaters) and the go-home show for Under Siege. Our announcers are Tom Hannifan and Matthew Rewholdt

Mustafa Ali vs. Ace Austin (appropriately enough)

Ali enters the ring with Order 4 and extra secret service. Ali has a great scowling, derisive look as he heads to the ring. Austin is introduced. Both combatants are taped, Ali’s left arm is taped from his match with Santana at the PLE and Austin’s left knee is taped from last week.

Ali starts the action with a solid right. Austin recovers and sends Ali to the ropes and hits a (wobbly) tilt-a-whirl slam. Austin gets a leg sweep, followed by a back kick and drop kick for two. Austin climbs to the top rope but Ali stops him and lands a nice leg DDT that staggers Austin. I’ve bever seen a leg DDT, very inventive. Ali follows suit with a leg sweep and a nice dragon leg screw.

Ali continues to work the leg with a drop kick and drapes Austin into a tree of woe. Ali lands an abdomen kick but misses a slide and provides a self-vasectomy in the corner. Austin tries to take advantage but misses a Vader bomb. Ali smartly applies a sharpshooter but Austin claws his way to the ropes to break the hold. Ali drags Austin to the middle of the ring but Austin small packages him twice for two but gets caught with a clothesline.

Ali attempts a 450 but rolls out of it but gets caught with an overhead suplex into the corner by Austin. Tasha Steelz attempts to help Ali but Ali does some old school heel work and drags her into the ring in front of her. Ali pushes Steelz into Austin who catches and moves her out of the way. This gives Ali enough time to land another chop block and lock in a leg submission (called a submission by Rewholdt) for the victory. Ali continues to scowl at the audience and goes after the announcers, only to be restrained by the order 4) Rewholdt did point out that it was interesting that Ali let the submission go that quickly after the bell.

Ali did a great job on the psychology of attacking the leg, Austin was a little more hit or miss on selling it but the longer the match, the better he sold it.

After the break, Rosemary calls out Xia Brookside in the red lit catacombs of the arena. She wants Brookside to embrace the darkness; if not, she will drag her there kicking and screaming. As further proof, she points down and we see and unconscious Lei Ying Lee

Northern Armory vs. the Aztec Warriors

Speaking of the odd and macabre (or macabre adjacent) Travis and Icarus make their way to the ring, wearing the blood-soaked shirts they got last week in the Eric Young vs. Steve Maclin match. Young, by the way, is in tow with his charges. Their opponents, the Aztec Warriors come to the ring. As a San Diego State alum, it is good to see fellow Aztecs doing well in the world…oh wait, they are repping actual Aztec lineage…sorry. As they make their way to the ring, they are getting the crowd to mueven los manos de un lado a orto (wave their hands from side to side.)

Travis starts with the Laredo Kid and Laredo is serenaded with the “ole” chant from the crowd. Laredo to the ropes and hits a top rope hurricanrana and flying head scissors. Icarus is tagged and gets double chopped for his efforts. Octagon landed more chops and kicks.

The lucha action continues as Octagon lands twisting body press and a backflip headscissors. Laredo comes into the ring and lands a double team catch, slam and kick. Travis distracts the referee and Icarus takes a bite of Laredo Kid’s..mask (can’t be tasty.) Travis continues to kick away at Laredo Kid and slows the pace down. Icarus lands a flying forearm to the head. However, Young and Travis decide to jaw with the fans. Icarus desperately screams for his partner to come back. This is the ample opportunity the Warriors need to make a rally. Both teams go outside and Octagon baaaarrely lands a top rope tope (in fact, he grazed his head on the apron.) Laredo Kid had much more success landing a moonsault from the top of the corner to the floor on the Armory. A flying forearm by Laredo leads to a Michinoku Driver and Octagon hits a (semi) split-legged moonsault for the victory.

One wonders if the lack of focus will play out later. For now, Young goes after the crowd while the Northern Armory staggers up the rampway.

Xia finally catches up and helps Lee.Xia looks to the camera and tells Rosemary says if she wants her to be dragged to her world, she will realize Xia is stronger than Rosemary thinks. She is fighting for herself for 000 and for anyone who refuses to sell their soul.

Eddie Edwards vs. Jake Painter

Back to the ring and Cody Deaner has joined the announcers, to talk about his match with Eddie Edwards. Deaner is doing it for the people. Edwards comes to the ring with improved chryon and entrance graphics (I like the rings aspect.) In tow is Alicia Edwards and, after a quick check, is from New Bedford, MA. And she has pretty much the persona of South Boston. Their opponent is local talent Jake Painter, from Irvine. — and Rewholdt run down the resume of Edwards as Edwards attacks before the bell. Edwards throws painter to the turnbuckle and then clotheslines him. Painter tries to counter by running to Edwards but gets tossed over the top rope. Alicia goes full Dorchester, MA and runs down Deaner and the crowd.

Painter catches Edwards with some shots but is caught and is blue thunder bombed to the apron (say it with me the hardest part etc.…) Painter is tossed into the ring but Edwards continues to jaw with Deaner. Edwards is back in the ring but is met with a shock small package for two. Edwards kicked out and clotheslined. Edwards sets up for a slam but Painter escapes and lands a backstabber and reverse package for two. Edwards checks to make sure its two and sets up Painter by kicking him the chest. Edwards charges at Painter but gets kicked. Painter to the top and leaps at Edwards but get caught with a knee to the ribs. This is followed by the Boston Knee Party (shining wiz to end the wicked buttkicking.

Deaner, from the announcers’ desk, continues to talk to Edwards saying he has to beat Edwards. The Edwards continue to berate Deaner as we go to break.

Alicia is great in her role. As an ex-New Englander, I knew a few Alicias. She does the role well.

Mance Warner and Steph De Lander greet us from break from the Black Lodge on Twin Peaks (at least the red curtains and the checkerboard flooring. Nice touch.) Steph tell us that this is as real as it gets and Warner says whether we love them or hate them, we can look away from them (which in my case is true, since I am recapping it.) If we have a problem, DeLander concludes, tell someone who gives an excrement.

First Class vs. Mike Santana and Sami Callahan

(note the AXS/TNA feed got a little squirrely as it would repeat the previous two seconds from time to time.)

Now joining us at the announcing table is Oshea Jackson Jr (Ice Cube’s kid.) First class is first and is greeted with “Uncle Phil” chants (attribution to LA Knight, who actually did it first.)

It’s better than “DEATH MACHINE” screams as Callihan makes his way to the ring. Santana comes to the ring through the arena – with less “yeeting.” (I’m okay with that.)

Santana starts the action with an enziguri to Francis. Navarro holds Francis back to calm him. Navarro tags in but back walks into Santana who throws him into the ropes and chops him down after a series of slips and ducks. Santana back splashes Navarro who tags in Callahan who hits a pop up powerbomb for two. Navarro get tossed from corner and then thrown over the ropes but Francis catches him. Callihan tries to pull Navarro back into the ring but Navarro nails Callihan with the top rope and then sling blades him as he enters the ring. Navarro beats him down and tags Francis. First class lands an assisted body splash and back splash by Francis. Francis misses another back splash as Callihan hot tags Santana. Santana chops Navarro down and clothesline Francis. A rolling cutter by Santana gets two. A top rope plancha takes out Francis. Santana gets two with his outline in chalk on NAVARRO. Francis comes in but is clotheslined by Santana.

However, the denouement comes when Callihan gets tagged. Francis attempts a cactus driver but Callihan escapes. However, Navarro hits the Blessing In Disguise to get the win. Post match- Santana calls Francis into the ring. Francis makes his way and gets to the apron but discretion is the better of valor and Francis declines.

Post-break, we get a look at the main event segment between Joe Hendry and Trick Williams. Williams will be here with the announcers for the main event.

Now, we get the Lincoln/Douglass debate portion of show as Santino Marella and Robert Stone debate. They are flanked by Ariana Grace and Victoria Crawford respectfully. Gia Miller is your moderator and timekeeper (though no timepieces are visible.) Santino starts to this great dialogue

“Thank you, your honor,” Marella said.

“I am not a judge.” Miller responds.

Marella starts his opening statement with his history with TNA. Starting with the company in shaking footing but he wanted a taste of the business and got to be authority director.

Stone wants quiet and emphasizes it by PRONOUCING EVERY SYLLABLE. Santino doesn’t nothing to make this a better place as the crowd boos Stone. Stone threatens to leave but continues. Stone said Marella doesn’t belong to be in the wrestling business. When he is in charge is going to fire all the losers, create real superstars and give people want they want, for everyone to make more money whilst Santino will run it into the ground.

Santino called Stone stupid. He is proud of what has happened in the last three years. While Stone has all the business acumen, Marella has a sense of what people want, since he is one of them. All his education doesn’t beat heart and soul. He says this is family and the crowd is part of it and family sticks together. While Marella is pontificating, Tessa runs to the ring and attacks Grace and shoves Miller. Araina attacks but is subdued, Stone and Marella fight and Crawford.intimidates Miller. Sure. Stone grabs Marella’s badge. Masha Slamovich comes to even the odds and attacks Crawford. Tessa attacks Masha but Ariana aids Slamovich. Grace hits Blanchard and the tandem goes to double powerbomb Blanchard on the table but “I AM THE TABLE”. Masha tries a running Death Valley Driver on Blanchard but it is STILL THE TABLE. The faces stand victorious as Blanchard looks teary eyed. Stone shows off that he did, in fact, grab the badge. Remember that.

Back from break is Matt Cardona talking about the contract with Maclin for the International title. Maclin is not ready for the match due to the dog collar match last week. Cardona respects Maclin but if Maclin isn’t ready for the match, TNA needs to do something. Cardona attempts to call TNA executives but Marella shows up – with badge. Maclin said next week we get Maclin vs. Cardona.

Spitfire vs. Vipress and Maserati

We go to a pre-taped segment with Spitfire talking about not regaining the titles from By Elegance. Dani Luna said what needs to happen is a “do or die” match, indicating the team breaks up if they do not win the titles. “It’s do or die, there is no try.” Threat isn’t so sure but warms to the idea.

Threat Clotheslines Vipress to get the action going whilst the announcers run down the accomplishments of Spitfire. Luna gets a sliding clothesline. They attempt a double suplex but Maserati escapes. Vipress gets an advantage as Spitfire seems to be off their game. Vipress kicks down Threat and gets a leg trip and a kick. Maserati tags in and knee lifts Threat twice. Maserati follows it up with a back kick and a ground kick which gets two. Threat recovers and lands some punches. Maserati lands a forum, but Threat fights through it and lands a stunner to Vipress for good measure. Luna tags in and hits a drop kick to Maserati. Vipress and Luna trade punches. Luna lands a hard back suplex to Maserati and one to Vipress. Luna kicks Vipress in the head and then deadlifts Vipress while standing on the ropes for a back suplex. Threat gets tagged in and the Pressure Drop gets the win for Spitfire.

Whilst celebrating, By Elegance runs to the ring to attack Spitfire with their belts. However, they missed and Spitfire drops them. They grab the titles but leave them at By Elegance Feet as we scramble to break.

Back from break, we see Matt Hardy consult – Slater and teach him the finer point of tag team wrestling, particularly versus the Nemeths. Hardy says Slater has amazing athleticism and hardy has the mind and experience. He specifies that Slater should not let the Nemeths out of his focus. Hardy said he has won tag titles with other people aside from his brother (name dropping MVP and Bray Wyatt) and wants to be tag champs with Slater. Hmm……

We get a full Under Siege rundown from Brampton, Ontario, Canada (home of the Brampton Battalion of the OHL.) There are two oof matches (Tessa Blanchard vs Ariana Grace and Masha Slamovich vs Victoria Crawford.) We also have the four versus indi Hartwell, Rascalz and a mystery opponent.

Trick Williams makes his way to the ring, meaning we made it to the main event. My second favorite moment of the night occurs as Rewholdt imitates Booker T during Williams’ theme. Rewholdt apologizes to Booker.

The System (Moose and Brian Myers) vs. Joe Hendry and Elijah

The System enters first with JDC in tow. Elijah gets a big pop for his entrance and well, SAY HIS NAME and Hendry follows. – makes a good point to Williams saying his theme or rap never went to number one on iTunes. Myers and Elijah start. Elijah gets the advantage with an arm drag and a forearm. Williams states his motives are not born of jealousy. Myers throws Elijah into the ropes and hits a flying clothesline. Moose is tagged but wants Hendry, so Elijah obliges.

A test of strength between the two ends with Hendry trying to rally but gets kicked for his efforts. Myers is back in the ring but quickly tags out and chops Hendry. Moose attempts to suplex Hendry thrice but fails. He does connect with a big boot. Moose tries another suplex but Hendry reverses it and lands a delayed suplex. Williams called for Hendry to be drug tested (he did a few times during the bout.) Elijah does the top rope walk spots and lands a DDT on Moose. Myers is tagged but Elijah gets the upper hand and tries the same top rope spot only to be distracted by JDC and is crotched on the ropes. Myers trips Elijah on the floor.

Back from break, the System is till beating down on Elijah, who struggles to his feet. A hope crawl spot falls short as he is dragged back by Myers. Elijah does get the momentum and a flying knee drops Myers and makes the tag to Hendry.

Hendry drops Moose and lands a fallaway slam. JDC is back on the apron to distract Hendry. Moose takes the opportunity to kick Hendry and goes to the top rope. However, a reverse body press hits air. Hendry tries for a Standing Ovation but is reversed as both men crash to the canvas after a double clothesline. Myers comes into the ring but is met with a pop up powerbomb by Hendry. Elijah hits a high body press of the top turnbuckle on Moose. Hendry throws Myers to Elijah and a tombstone finishes the bout.

Frankie Kazaarian hits the ring to attack Hendry and calls for Williams to help. Williams says this is not his battle and declines. Hendry grabs Kazarian and Kazarian gets “El Kabonged” by Elijah. Williams stands up and stares daggers at Hendry who glares back at Williams as we go off the air.

Keep fighting the good fight.