Hello everyone and welcome wrestling fan’s to Kyle’s Korner. Today’s article will discuss the Thursday March 22nd episode of Impact Wrestling. Let’s review the action and synopsis of the show.
The show featured only 4 matches over the course of the two-hour duration. Quite frankly, it is a “wrestling” show of just matches & in a taped atmosphere.
However, ideally, 4 matches is not enough “wrestling” for the traditionalists and diehards. Much credit does go to keeping alive, maybe reviving the brand- the credit going to Don Callis (F.K.A., Cyrus) and ally Scott Da’More. The good news is that this brand is still alive, but for how much longer? The new influx of talent is one thing, and it is good to have Impact still open. Being a brand means another flavor of wrestling to watch, and more talent has a place to work if they so choose.
On the contrary, here is the problem (and if others are not aware at this point).
According to Showbuzz.com, Impact had ranked in terms of viewership at 116 out of 150 shows that made the list. The show was available to 362,000 homes. However, is this the actual total of those who actively watched the show? Or did fans click on and click off to just see the finishes? Or perhaps, is the advent of technology such as a DVR used when the sweep was made, to detect who is “following” the show?
Second problem, once again: it is a taped show.
The event here was the big reveal of the Feast or Fired Briefcases. The issue with this, is: prior spoilers revealed EC3 was fired. Furthermore, this taped show is two months behind and because wrestling fans have seen EC3 debut in NXT Takeover: Philadelphia back on January 27th.
Thirdly, the crowd was dull and a dead one: of which they only cheered for the in-ring high spots. What about the other drama? There is “wrestling” on the show, but no balance. Balance meaning, there are no real stories or a hook & drag element to keep people watching. There is no vignettes or “emotional investment” in the characters or personas.
All due respect, and nothing against the talent themselves, but creative needs some help; and to be live on Thursday would be better. This show, and as-is, “just” wrestlers, wrestling in the ring.
We saw the primary combatants of Feast or Fired enter the arena with Josh Mathews on commentary. The combatants are Moose, EC3, Petey Williams, and Eli Drake as just walk-ins. How about featuring these talents on the show, outside of why they are initially there? Perhaps someone could interfere in a given match, to add drama; or steal a briefcase- SOMETHING!
The show itself opened up with an in-ring promo featuring Alberto El Patron; and how he is looking for competition and a fight. Sadly though, he would not appear in a “actual” main event or match on this show. Instead, he is interrupted by Impact Wrestling Heavyweight Champion Austin Aries. Their banter and showmanship ensued, and led to a match at Redemption. The Redemption show is on April 22nd.
However, what drama or elements will keep this feud hot, and want fans salivating enough to a can’t miss bout LEADING up to build, to promote Redemption on April 22nd? Yes, their is planning and progression to future shows, but where is the hype to drum up for tonight’s show? How about more “excitement” rather than stating matches and commercial ads for upcoming events?
Second elements of the show lead to a run-down promos and show lineup with Josh Mathews and Sonjay Dutt. This screams studio and taped, because this segment was not backstage at the arena or at ringside. The former Evan Bourne, now known as Matt Sydal defeated Morhito Ragu of the Desi Hit Squad. Trevor Lee, accompanied by Caleb Konley defeated Fallah Bahh in the opening bout. Konley ran interference to help Lee in this bout. However, one may ask, where is the storyline here? Or is it just a “match” and in-ring action? Sprinkled in between the matches was respective promos and “prediction” style of feast or fired futures from Moose, Eli Drake and EC3.
Promos are one thing, but they stated the obvious…and where is the drama and spontaneity moving forward? Honestly, there was neither of which.
Then we were treated to a carbon copy “story” if you can call it that. OVE cameras filmed the hotel arrival of Alisha, who is Eddie Edwards‘ wife. Edwards is in a feud with Sami Callahan, fresh off the heels of the “baseball bat” incident. However, the approach and execution of this segment came across circa 2001 when DDP stalked the then-Undertaker’s wife, Sara. Where is the originality? In reality, given the intensity of this feud, what man “in reality” would not keep a closer watch on his wife, given the capabilities of his adversary?
In other events, “Diet-Bayley” known as Allie defeated Sienna to retain the Impact (former GFW) Women’s title. Again, where is the originality in persona concepts, or even with the title; as an example?
Kongo Kong, managed by Jimmy Jacobs defeated Abyss, with James Mitchell on his respective side. This bout was the main event and known as Monster’s Ball. Kong choke-slammed Abyss through a barbed wire table, then compressing him further in the wire; as Kong hit a top rope frog-splash.
In conclusion, due credit to the talent and they have to work with what “creative” gives them (or doesn’t give them, to be fair). However, the show comes off as bland; and especially being taped and with a dull crowd doesn’t help the appeal visually as a not much happening show.
Sadly, this episode comes across as a blow-over and they are going through the motions. This show comes across as them just “waiting” for better things to come. We can hope that perhaps, Redemption on April 22 and the Impact vs. Lucha Underground showdown on April 6th, found on Twitch can lead to a better, brighter future.