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Impact Wrestling returns tonight (Oct. 17) with their tenth episode from the last set of tapings.
Here’s what’s advertised for tonight:
- Rosemary vs. Taya Valkyrie
- Lashley and American Top Team address Impact
- Andrew Everett vs. Dezmond Xavier
As per usual, here are our five questions about Impact tonight.
1) How much of this episode will be filler?
I feel I have to lead off with this one. Last week’s episode featured less than 50% of material that was filmed inside the Impact Zone. It was video recap heavy. They played plenty of clips from their most recent trip to Japan (without any full matches). The Lashley story all took place via pre-taped videos.
All of this killed the flow of the episode. While the happenings inside the studio were all pretty fun, it really felt like we watched an hour show in two hours.
I wonder if this is because we’re on the tenth episode of shows that were taped this summer. Is it tough to gauge if they taped enough for 3 months at time of filming? Do they need to stretch what they have to get themselves to Bound for Glory? It’ll be intersting to see how much of tonight’s action is actually in the Impact Zone.
2) Is Taya vs. Rosemary going to have a finish?
I would be very surprised if this is not a match at the Bound for Glory pay-per-view (PPV). And if it is, it would be odd for one of these women to come out with a clean win. (It’s not unheard of, but I would guess it’s unlikely.)
Will this match lead to a stipulation at BFG? Perhaps they fight all over the arena so it’s turned into a cage match at BFG. Or a Falls Count Anywhere match. Or maybe the match doesn’t even get started because of a sneak attack by one to the other. While they have the best names for their finishers, the Red Wedding and Road to Valhalla, we may not get to see either of them.
However they do it, tonight is just a chapter in their story and certainly not the last one.
3) What’s the animus between Stephan Bonnar and King Mo?
Last week, Moose decided to get a modicum of revenge on Lashley and his American Top Team MMA crew. He recruited MMA fighter Stephan Bonnar to aid him in his quest. They rolled into the American Top Team facility late, parked in some handicapped spaces, and then vandalized the place with pipes.
Moose’s actions, while destructive, had motive. He was beaten down by American Top Team multiple times. But where does Stephan Bonnar fit in, outside the fact they want an MMA tag match at Bound for Glory?
Do they have heat in real life? Is that something that’s known amongst the MMA world? If so, it’s is something they’ll need to explain for the non-MMA fans watching. Lashley’s address tonight would be the perfect time to explain it.
4) Will there be any more explanation about Andrew Everett reuniting with Trevor Lee?
Last week, Andrew Everett was part of a 6-man tag, and he teamed with the villainous team alongside Trevor Lee and Caleb Konley. All three men have Carolina roots and Everett and Lee have teamed in the past. However, more recently, Andrew was feuding with Lee and they never made up. So when they teamed last week, it was out of nowhere.
It wasn’t just a one time thing since they’re doing it again tonight. Everett will be facing Dezmond Xavier (and that should be a great match if they get time) and this time, Lee is in Everett’s corner.
Will they give more of an explanation than Josh Mathew’s brief “He brainwashed him!” comment last week. My guess is no. We’re just going to have to accept that explanation. But we’ll see if there’s a promo or a backstage segment that sheds more light on it.
5) WHAT’S ON THE PIZZA?
OK, this isn’t about Impact tonight, but tomorrow, they’re unveiling the new IMPACT PIZZA!
What are the toppings? Will it be mainly meat based? Vegetable? A mixture? Will there be something a bit more out there like anchovies? Then there’s the beverage and the multitude of possibilities that brings.
Inquiring minds want, nay need, to know!
Impact Wrestling airs tonight at 8 EST on Pop TV. Who’s watching?