Impact Wrestling preview (Oct. 11, 2018): Last Stop

Impact Wrestling returns tonight (Oct. 11) from Fronton Mexico in Mexico City. It is the final episode from the most recent set of tapings and is the go home episode for the Bound for Glory pay-per-view (PPV) this Sunday.

Here’s what’s advertised for tonight:

• Austin Aries, Killer Kross, & Moose vs. Johnny Impact, Eddie Edwards, & Fallah Bahh
• Tessa Blanchard vs. Keyra
• Jack Evans vs. Petey Williams vs. Puma King vs. Trevor Lee
• LAX/OGz summit

As per usual, here are our five questions about Impact tonight:

1) Will they mention any of the Aries/Johnny twitter battle?

Last week on TV, Austin Aries and Johnny Impact had a good promo segment building their championship match. It was based on Aries telling Johnny that the challenger is all flash and no substance. It was a strong promo from the champ that finally gave the match some substance.

They continued last weekend on Twitter when things got personal (and depending on who you ask, maybe went too far).

The main tweets were since deleted (though screen caps are likely out there), but it started when Johnny Impact made a height joke about Aries. The champ escalated it greatly, complaining that he’s not allowed “fat shame” Johnny’s “husky wife” or “joke (about) race, retards, or your gay look.” Johnny retorted in anger but by the next day, all the tweets were deleted. (Aries did go on to tweet about how society is too sensitive, but that has nothing to do with the build so I’m stopping before that.)

I highly doubt this was at all personal but instead the two of them trying to add “shoot” heat. It’s not part of the match story, but if people think there’s a legit issue between the men, it could add to the match. The tweets were probably deleted to either help sell the idea “this is real,” but it’s always possible Impact (the promotion) thought Aries’ tweets were too much.

While all these shows were taped over a month ago, sometimes they’ll add in audio addressing more recent events. I’m curious if Josh Mathews mentions a nasty war of words during the main event match or if they’ll just leave it be.

Either way, those who follow on Twitter have an extra layer to the feud, and probably another reason to dislike the champ. That’s not a bad thing when it comes to the match.

2) Will this episode add anything to Bound for Glory?

If you’ve read my recaps of the Impacts headed into Bound for Glory (BFG) this Sunday, you know I’m underwhelmed with the actual build to the PPV.

Part of that is because they had to juggle entertaining the Mexican crowd by using local wrestlers who likely won’t have any part at BFG with building the show itself. Another part is some of the matches aren’t too far removed from the matches they had at their Slammiversary PPV three months ago, so less exciting. Part of it is that some of the matches are just underwhelming.

Given all that, is tonight really going to add anything to their big show on Sunday?

My guess is probably not. We’ll probably have another match or two added. (I assume Allie will have some sort of match with Su Yung.) But I don’t think any real stakes are going to be added to the rest of the show.

The 6-man tag main event could surely be entertaining, but likely won’t be essential. The challenger for the Knockouts championship, Taya, was not at this taping so that was all built via social media and video packages. There’s only so many meeting LAX and the OGz can have before they finally fight again. It doesn’t mean the show can’t be good (though personally I think they need to switch up venues for Impact TV to turn around), but I can’t imagine it’ll be essential for those looking to watch the PPV on Sunday.

3) What is Allie’s final recourse against Su Yung?

Last week, Allie watched yet another friend get closed into Su Yung’s coffin. This time, it was her ally in the fight, Kiera Hogan.

Afterwards, a despondent Allie said there was only one thing she could do, but she didn’t say what. We should find out tonight.

This is looking like we’re headed towards a match between the two at Bound for Glory. But it surely won’t be a standard one on one match. That ship has sailed. They’ve already had a casket match, so it’d be surprising to see them go back to that well.

This is one where I actually don’t have a guess to venture. I’m just hoping that in the end, it leads to a Rosemary return.

4) Will we get any hint of Rich Swann’s tag partner?

Matt Sydal and his new student Ethan Page will team up against Rich Swann and partner of his choosing at Bound for Glory.

I’m not expecting to learn who his tag partner is tonight. They’ll likely save the full reveal for the PPV. Why not? Mystery partners are a great hook to get people to pay attention. But maybe we get a hint to whet the appetite.

Even though he has some commitments to Dragon Gate, I’m still holding out hope that it will be Neville.

5) Do any of those dudes have a chance to be Scarlett Bordeaux’s client?

The reason Jack Evans, Puma King, Petey Williams, & Trevor Lee are fighting tonight is they all want Scarlett Bordeaux to manage them. Or maybe just notice them. Do they have a chance?

Nah.

Impact Wrestling airs tonight at 8 ET on Pop TV. Who’s watching?