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Impact Wrestling returns tonight (Nov. 15) from Sam’s Town in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is the first episode form the most recent set of tapings.
Advertised for tonight:
- Johnny Impact vs. Matt Sydal
- Brian Cage (c) vs. Sami Callihan for the X Division championship
- Tessa Blanchard in action
- LAX in Vegas
- Eli Drake requests time
As per usual, here are our five questions about Impact tonight:
1) Is this the end of the Callihan/Cage feud?
Last week, Cage defended his X Division title against Sami Callihan at Sami’s home promotion in Ohio. It ended in DQ when half the locker room attacked Cage, leaving the champion more vulnerable than he’s ever been.
This week, Cage has to defend that title again (though he probably wants to after that). This one will be in the more neutral Las Vegas. The playing field is level, though you could probably argue an even playing field heavily favors Brian Cage.
With two title matches in a row, will this be the finish of their feud?
It certainly can be. There are other challengers who could step up such as Willie Mack. But Impact often stretches out their feuds (sometimes longer than they should) to make up for a roster that isn’t too deep.
2) Is Matt Sydal going to get a title opportunity?
Johnny Impact has already defended his title twice since winning. He defended it against Fenix and Killer Kross was successful both times.
Tonight, he’s in another match but for a change, it’s non-title. For now at least.
No matter the wrestling promotion, beat the champ to get a title shot is a common trope. And Matt Sydal won’t be coming to the ring alone. Ethan Page is enlightened due to the teachings of Sydal and will surely have his sensei’s back. That could even the odds and open up the possibility for a Sydal win.
I don’t expect it though. Even though Sydal had a pretty good run as X Division champion earlier this year, he’s been on a bit of a losing skid. A win against the champion surely could shift momentum, but if I had to guess, I don’t think it happens tonight.
3) Does Joseph Park know he’s Abyss or what?
Before Eli Drake viciously attacked Joseph Park last week, Park referred to “his brother Abyss.” Obviously, Abyss is Park’s alter ego. The reason that Drake attacked Park was because Abyss put Drake through at table at Bound for Glory.
I was taken aback when Park referred to Abyss as his brother. While that’s been the narrative of his broken psyche for awhile, last year, he admitted to Grado that he finally understood that he and Abyss were same person. So why the shift back?
Granted, that realization was before Scott D’Amore and Don Callis took over. Perhaps the new creative team prefers the old mythos of Park/Abyss. It just wasn’t where we left things with him.
4) How will the venue look?
This is on my mind specifically because Sam’s Town is a venue that Ring of Honor has frequently run. And I recall it being a rather bland looking set up.
Impact is going to be there for at least a month and a half. Was the bland design secondary to the venue itself or a lack of creativity from Ring of Honor? Hopefully they’re able to jazz it up a bit since we’ll be looking at it for awhile.
5) What exactly are LAX doing in Vegas?
Impact isn’t advertising that LAX are in action. Just that they’re “in Vegas.” You know, like everyone else on the roster.
Knowing LAX, they’ll probably be drinking or going to a strip joint or doing anything like that. Seems right up their alley. Konnan loves that shizz.
Impact Wrestling airs tonight at 10 PM ET on Pop TV. Who’s watching?